2023 Hay Shed Hill Shiraz Tempranillo, Margaret River

Deep-ish red-purple with a smoky oak and earthy bouquet, bold and plummy, a bit plain, with a gutsy palate which finishes with a slightly aggressive grip of tannin and some alcohol warmth. Drink to 2033.

87 points Huon Hooke for The Real Review, November 2025

The Hay Shed Hill vineyard sits in the heart of the Willyabrup subregion on a property with origins as a dairy farm. The vineyard sits just five kilometres from the Indian Ocean, with a pronounced afternoon sea breeze moderating the climate well beyond what the latitude would suggest. Vines were first planted here in the early 1970s. These are predominantly dry grown across the hilly terrain, with each aspect matched to the variety it suits best. Winemaker Michael Kerrigan has led the estate since 2006 with a clear focus on wines that reflect the quality of the site.

This is a 80/20 blend of Shiraz and Tempranillo, the two varieties were de-stemmed and fermented separately in open stainless steel with extensive pumping over of the caps before being brought together after fifteen months in mostly well-seasoned French oak that was used to refine rather than define the wine.

In the glass it's a deep, vibrant red. Violets and black pepper lead the nose, with dark plum and a thread of liquorice from the Tempranillo adding savoury depth. The palate is generous and fleshy, ripe dark fruit with a peppery edge, and that characteristic Tempranillo structure giving the finish grip and complexity.

Open it tonight to a Korean BBQ spread or something else off the grill. The peppery Shiraz note and the Tempranillo's savoury edge make good company for anything with a bit of char and spice to it.