2019 De Iuliis Lovedale Road LDR Shiraz Touriga Nacional, Hunter Valley

75/25% shiraz/touriga, the latter imparting firecracker aromas of cinder, mulberry, wakame and pepper grind; the former, a density to the mid palate and a bouncy textural feel. Reductive approach. This has a lighter, inherently natural and fresher feel to it than other reds in the swag. Good drinking.

91 points Ned Goodwin MW winecompanion.com.au

This unique blend of shiraz gives the wine floral fruit character with savoury Hunter regional structure, and touriga Nacional adds structure to the aroma.

Originating from Italy the De Iuliis family have made the Hunter region their home since 1960. After a long successful career in the Hunter mining industry, Joss and Anna De Iuliis were inspired to follow their family passion for wine and chose a property in the Lovedale Road region of the Lower Hunter Valley, converting a grazing property into a 20ha vineyard with the first vines planted in 1990. For the first decade they provided fruit for some of the Hunter Valley’s biggest names.

It wasn't until their son Michael finished his postgraduate studies in Oenology at the world renowned Roseworthy campus (Adelaide University) in 1999 with remarkable results that dynamic of the business changed from grape growing to wine production. A new state of the art winery and a modern airy cellar door was built, designed by architect Lionel Glendenning, and completed just in time for vintage 2001.

Today, De Iuliis wines are known for their trademark Hunter regionality and commitment to showcasing the very best the Hunter Valley has to offer. The Australian Wine Companion by James Halliday has been rating De Iuliis Wines a 5 star winery since 2010. The family’s vision is to continue producing wines of excellence and outstanding quality from individual paddocks, wines of distinction which they are proud to have their name on.