2023 Shiraz
The fruit for the Hedonist Shiraz is sourced primarily from our estate grown certified organic and biodynamic vineyard in the Willunga foothills, supported by select certified organic and biodynamic vineyards from the Sellicks Foothills and Blewitt Springs.
- Mostly estate Willunga foothills fruit, with certified vineyards in Sellicks Foothills and Blewitt Springs.
- Mostly whole berries plus a small whole-bunch parcel; 16 months in foudre and hogsheads, bottled unfined.
- Red and black cherry, violet and cracked pepper over powdery tannins; 94 points, Tony Love.
- Variety
- Shiraz 100%
- Harvest dates
- Mid-March to mid-April 2023
- Alc
- 14% vol
- pH
- 3.53
- TA
- 6.1g/L
- GF
- 0.6g/L
Winemaking
Vintage
Our third La Niña event in a row brought with it our wettest November in 30 years, as well as our latest vintage start to date. This meant higher than average disease pressure which was somewhat mitigated by significant winds from spring through to autumn, as well as utilising an onboard berry sorting harvester. Yields were down across the district, but quality prevailed.
Vinification
The Shiraz was harvested in multiple passes from mid-March to mid-April and de-stemmed before fermentation. Fruit was transferred directly from the vineyard to open-top fermenters, with a high proportion retained as whole berries, alongside a small hand-picked parcel fermented as whole bunches. Malolactic fermentation, then maturation took place over 16 months in a combination of French oak, including 40% seasoned foudre (4,500 L) and 300 L hogsheads (10% new, 40% seasoned), with the remaining 10% in seasoned American oak hogsheads. Bottled unfined.
Tasting Notes
Colour: Deep red with purple hues
Bouquet: Vibrant and expressive, opening with red and black cherry and mulberry. Subtle hints of violet and anise weave through the aromatics, supported by warm spice, cocoa nib and a gentle savoury edge of cracked pepper and roasted hazelnut.
Palate: Plush, juicy fruit glides across the palate, framed by fine, powdery tannins that create definition and shape. The mid-palate unfolds with rich dark berries and a hint of mocha, balanced by a fresh line of acidity that maintains vibrancy and harmony. The finish is long, composed and persistent.
Critics
94 points, Tony Love
94 points, Sam Kim
92 points, International Wine Challenge
91 points, Decanter World Wine Awards 2026
Distributed in Australia by Principal Wine.