2025 Mount Pleasant Mount Henry Shiraz Pinot Noir, Hunter Valley

Another early rising for Hunter Valley vintage crew, but no surprise the team at Mount Pleasant were ready and roaring to go. The 2025 Mount Henry delivers its charming and inviting bouquet of pomegranate and Gala apple, redcurrant and tulip florals. A touch Moroccan in spice with sumac and paprika, with the Shiraz portion unfurling on the palate early. Pinot Noir here acts as a booster to the florals and uplifting the line of acidity, sandy tannins evenly filter down the palate.  There is a savoury moment, long after you put the glass down back, some cassia and tea stained paper. It always gets me how moreish this wine is, a moment on the lips and never enough sips. This wine can handle almost anything you throw at it, snags, pizza, lamb shank or slices of wagyu bresola. There is so much length and grace, it will cellar well another 6-10 years but who in the world can be that patient.

95 points Wine Pilot

Long before Australian winemakers embraced unconventional blends, Mount Pleasant was proving that Shiraz and Pinot Noir could produce something uniquely Australian and utterly delicious. Originally championed by the legendary Maurice O'Shea, Mount Henry has become one of the Hunter Valley's most enduring and distinctive wines. The blend remains a tribute to O'Shea's willingness to challenge convention and his belief that elegance and drinkability mattered just as much as power and concentration.

The 2025 release continues that tradition, bringing together the savoury spice and structure of Shiraz with the fragrance and brightness of Pinot Noir. The Hunter Valley's warm days and cool nights during the growing season delivered fruit of excellent balance and aromatic purity, allowing both varieties to contribute their personalities without one dominating the other. Careful winemaking preserves freshness and harmony, remaining true to the wine's historic style.

Bright ruby crimson in colour, the bouquet is wonderfully expressive, revealing aromas of red cherry, plum and raspberry layered with violet, baking spice and subtle earthiness. The palate is medium bodied and beautifully poised, combining juicy red fruits with gentle spice and fine tannins. Pinot Noir contributes perfume and lift, while Shiraz provides shape and savoury depth. The result is a wine that feels energetic, silky and remarkably food friendly, finishing with freshness and charm rather than weight.

This is a superb companion for roast duck, pork loin with fennel, mushroom and thyme tart, grilled salmon or a simple roast chicken shared among friends. Approachable from release and immensely enjoyable, it remains one of Australia's great examples of thoughtful, understated winemaking.