2023 Scotchmans Hill Shiraz, Bellarine Peninsula

15% whole bunches and matured in French barriques (30% new). Scotchmans never miss a beat with wine, and this delivers the goods, and then some. Lifted with aromas of raspberries and dark cherries together with some freshly cracked black pepper and clove. A little star anise, too. Medium bodied, the palate is succulent, balanced and long. Delicious now and over the next five to seven years, if not longer. Nice one. Drink 2024 to 2032.

96 points Philip Rich for Halliday Wine Companion, Special Value, August 2025

Refreshing and perfumed, with lifted aromas of red and black berries, potpourri, crushed stones, spices and plum skins. The palate is plush and rounded, with a mid-weighted mouthfeel, fine line of acidity, finely tuned tannins and a juicy, spice-driven finish. Really nicely done, with an earthy undertone. Drink or hold.

95 points James Suckling, August 2025

Established in 1982, Scotchmans Hill is the Bellarine Peninsula's oldest winery and one of the region's most consistent producers. Chief winemaker Robin Brockett — a Halliday Hall of Fame inductee with over 35 years at the estate — has been instrumental in establishing the Bellarine as a serious cool-climate wine region. Halliday Five Red Stars.

The Shiraz is grown on the estate's deep and rich volcanic clay soils that retain moisture well through the growing season, keeping the vines healthy in the dry Bellarine summers. Combined with the cooling influence of Port Phillip Bay, the result is fruit of natural concentration and freshness.

The 2023 was cold soaked for five days before wild fermentation with 15% whole bunch inclusion, then pressed to French oak barriques for malolactic fermentation and sixteen months of maturation.

Lifted and fragrant — raspberry, dark cherry and plum on the nose, with cracked black pepper, clove and a hint of star anise. The palate is medium-bodied and succulent, with fine integrated tannins, bright acidity and a long, spice-driven finish. Balanced and precise, this is cool-climate Shiraz with real personality and genuine cellaring potential.

Pour alongside a slow-roasted duck with cherry and spice. The wine's pepper and dark fruit will meet it perfectly.

Open well ahead of serving. Drink now through 2032.