PENNY’S HILL CRACKING BLACK SHIRAZ 2023

Winery notes (2023 Vintage)
"Our Malpas Road Vineyard, established in 1991 on land known as the 'Bay of Biscay', produces high-quality Shiraz with the help of our careful vineyard management. The grey-black soil, prone to cracking, improves grape quality by reducing superfluous roots and naturally controlling vigour. We also source fruit from the more elevated Penny's Hill Vineyard at McMurtrie Road East, producing exceptional Shiraz with more fragrance and a finer tannin profile.

Ripe plum, dark chocolate, olive and tar notes introduce this rich McLaren Vale Shiraz, with aromatics that carry an enticing savoury edge. The palate follows with brooding layers of dark plum flesh, olive tapenade, briary red fruits and a touch of sweetness from French oak. There is a regal feel throughout, with plush fruit and mid palate depth that reflect the cracking black vineyard soils surrounding the Penny’s Hill Estate. Balanced savoury tannins and juicy, mouth-watering acidity complete the wine, making it a perfect match for slow-cooked Sri Lankan beef curry or eggplant caponata on toasted sourdough."

5 Stars & 94/100 Sam Kim, Wine Orbit (2023 Vintage)
"Upfront and generously expressed, the inviting bouquet shows black and blueberry intensity with toasted spice, game, and elegant oak nuances. The palate displays excellent weight, fleshy texture, and finely polished tannins, finishing persistent and velvety. At its best: now to 2035."

90/100 Christina Pickard, Wine Enthusiast, February 2026 (2023 Vintage)
"Rich with plump dark berry fruit, spice and a lick of polished oak, this is (well made) old school South Aussie Shiraz with all the ripeness and muscular tannins you could shake a vine, at but with enough acidity to retain freshness. Sip with rare protein at hand."