Duke's Magpie Hill Reserve Shiraz 2021

Duke's Vineyard, located in the Porongurup subregion of Western Australia, is known for its high-quality, cool-climate wines. The Duke's Magpie Hill Reserve Shiraz 2021 is a standout, showcasing the finesse and elegance that Shiraz can achieve in cooler regions. Porongurup’s granite soils and elevated vineyards provide ideal conditions for growing Shiraz, resulting in a wine with intense fruit flavours, vibrant acidity, and a distinctive mineral edge. The Magpie Hill Reserve range is known for its premium quality, with careful vineyard management and minimal intervention in the winery to allow the terroir to shine.

The 2021 vintage benefitted from cooler temperatures, allowing the grapes to ripen slowly, preserving freshness while developing depth and complexity in the wine.

Appearance: Deep ruby red with a purple tint, showing vibrancy and concentration in the glass.

Aroma: The nose is rich and expressive, with aromas of blackberry, plum, and dark cherry, intertwined with notes of black pepper, clove, and a touch of vanilla from oak aging. Subtle earthy undertones add complexity.

Taste: On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied, with ripe flavours of dark berries such as blackberry, plum, and mulberry, balanced by notes of spice, black pepper, and a hint of savoury herbs. The tannins are fine and well-structured, providing a smooth texture, while the fresh acidity keeps the wine lively and balanced.

Finish: The finish is long and lingering, with dark fruit, spice, and a touch of earthy minerality, showcasing the wine’s depth and aging potential.

Food pairing: This Shiraz pairs beautifully with grilled lamb or beef, where the wine’s bold fruit and spice complement the rich, smoky flavours of the meat. It also works well with slow-cooked dishes like beef stew or roasted vegetables, as the wine’s structure and complexity enhance the hearty, savoury elements of the dish.