2024 Heirloom Vineyards Shiraz, McLaren Vale

From the McMurtrie family’s vineyard near the Salopian Inn; some new oak, but predominantly mid-aged French and Bulgarian barrels. This always has classic McLaren Vale allusions. Not so much the making, which is fine-tuned and geared for approachability, but the darkly hued fruit, with earth, leather, dark chocolate and ferrous accents. It feels of place, of rugged earth and old vines, of the high summer sun and bush scrub. Drink to 2032.

93 points Marcus Ellis for Halliday Wine Companion, March 2026 

This bottle lands right in the sweet spot of Australian entertaining: an effortless, high-quality red for a Friday night unwind, a casual weekend barbecue with friends, or a cozy Sunday roast with family.

It’s a classic, earth-and-iron-driven McLaren Vale Shiraz that thrives alongside dishes that have savory depth, charred crusts, or rich, warming spicing. Try with Argentinian-style Asado and a bold, herb-heavy chimichurri, or a slow-roasted lamb shoulder rubbed with a baharat mix, served over a bed of warm, spiced bulgur and toasted almonds.

More about this wine

Sourced from a single vineyard in the McLaren Vale Flat subregion. Fermented with indigenous yeasts in open fermenters with regular pump overs. Matured for 16 months in a combination of American and French oak barrels most of which were three- to four-year-old.

About Heirloom Vineyards

Heirloom Vineyards is a venture of winemaker Elena Brooks and her husband, Zar. Established in 2000, their goal is to preserve the best of tradition, the unique old vineyards of South Australia, and to champion the best clones of each variety, embracing organic and biodynamic farming. Fruit is sourced from growers across the state, from Coonawarra up to Barossa’s Eden Valley.