2022 Mount Pleasant Philip Shiraz, Hunter Valley

Ferrous earth aromas, along with violets, dried herbs, cherry and spice. Mid-weight, soft, fleshy and mouth-filling. There's a lovely core of red and blue fruits, along with textured tannins and snappy acidity. Not much oak evident here, which allows the fruit to really be front and square 15 May 2025 Drink 2025–2035

90 points therealreview.com

 Sourced entirely fromr own vineyards, Philip Shiraz comes exclusively from the Old Hill, Old Paddock, and Rosehill vineyards. This wine is a perfect example of Mount Pleasant and the season that was. Rich in tannin, brilliant in colour and flavour, all displaying that classical Hunter Valley medium body and wonderful length. Vinification And Maturation Crushed into open top fermenters where it underwent a 3-day cold soak. The must was inoculated with and Colour & tannin were extracted from the skins by plunging for a period of up to 9 days. After pressing the wines were transferred to a combination of stainless steel and oak barrels for a maturation period of 12 months.

Tasting Notes: Deep purple. Fresh blue and black berries coupled with spice. An intense palate of fresh fruits with a lovely tannin structure. Classically medium bodied, exhibiting true Hunter regionality with its perfectly balanced acidity and impeccable length.

Mount Pleasant Philip Shiraz from the Hunter Valley is a classic expression of this historic region’s signature red, offering medium-bodied elegance, savoury depth and a strong sense of place. Named in honour of legendary winemaker Maurice O’Shea’s father, Philip, this wine represents the approachable, drink-now style of Shiraz for which the Hunter is renowned, while still delivering structure and authenticity.

Sourced from estate vineyards and selected growers in the Lower Hunter, the wine is fermented in stainless steel and matured in older French oak, allowing the pure fruit and regional character to shine without heavy oak influence. It’s a wine that speaks more of refinement and heritage than of power or showiness.

The nose opens with red plum, mulberry, pepper and a touch of clove, with underlying notes of earth and dried herbs. On the palate, it is medium bodied with fine tannins and bright acidity, offering flavours of blackberry, black cherry, savoury spice and a hint of graphite. There’s a long, clean finish with just enough grip to add structure without heaviness.

Food pairing: ideal with lamb chops, mushroom pie, grilled sausages, roast duck or chargrilled eggplant. Also pairs beautifully with hard cheeses or a traditional beef stew.

Cellar potential: enjoyable now for its freshness and charm, but will reward 5 to 8 years in the cellar with added complexity and softness.