2022 Tahbilk Shiraz, Nagambie Lakes

Following on from a stellar '21 vintage comes another good year and another fine example of an uber-friendly and delicious shiraz. The depth of ripe fruit is apparent, so too a sturdy, fine tannin structure to take the wine further should cellaring be your plan. Holds a tight core of ripe, sweet black fruits, cacao, earth, dried herbs and spices laid out against a smooth palate. Immediate and engaging appeal at a great price. Drink to 2030.

94 points Jeni Port for Halliday Wine Companion (Special Value), March 2025

Tahbilk is Victoria's oldest family-owned winery, with vineyards to 1860 farmed since 1925 by the Purbrick family. Fifth generation Hayley Purbrick continues that work today with General Manager Joanne Nash.

Located within Nagambie Lakes wine region, the 300ha estate vineyards are planted in iron oxide rich soils and surrounded by the Tabilk-Tabilk wetlands. These are an integral part of the estate and believed to have a significant moderating effect to the warmth of the surrounding Goulburn Valley.

The 2022 vintage was a favourable one for Victoria for white and red varieties alike but did require a steady hand in the vineyard due to late season rains. This Shiraz was fermented in Tahbilk’s original 150+ year old open vats and matured largely in well-seasoned large oak vessels that preserve fruit character without adding oak influence. A small portion was matured in a mixture of French and American barriques and blended back with the rest ahead of filtering and bottling.

Shiraz on full display here with aromas of violets, black fruits, cocoa and spice. The palate is harmonious, with earthy and herbal notes among ripe black fruit, fine tannins and a long finish.

Drinking well now, and great with earthy and charred flavours: barbecued mushrooms and lentils, charred celeriac with Cafe de Paris butter and crispy capers, or grilled lamb cutlets with rosemary and garlic.