Eloquesta Wines, MV2 Special Reserve Shiraz

Eloquesta Wines, based in New South Wales, Australia, is known for producing bold, expressive wines with a strong sense of place. Winemaker Stuart Olsen takes an artisanal approach, focusing on small-batch production and minimal intervention to create wines that showcase the unique terroir of the region. The MV2 Special Reserve Shiraz is a standout expression, blending rich fruit intensity with refined structure and complexity.

Sourced from premium vineyards in the Mudgee region, the grapes benefit from warm days and cool nights, which allow for slow, even ripening. The soils, a mix of ironstone and clay, contribute to the wine’s depth and mineral character. Traditional winemaking techniques, including open fermentation and extended maceration, help develop complexity, while maturation in a combination of French and American oak barrels enhances the wine’s richness and spice.

Appearance: Deep, intense ruby-purple colour with striking depth, subtly fading to garnet at the edges, reflecting its multi-vintage composition. The wine displays remarkable clarity and a luscious, velvety viscosity, leaving slow, elegant legs cascading down the glass.

Aroma: Bold and aromatic, with an explosion of dark berries, ripe plum, and black cherry. Layers of dark chocolate, vanilla, and toasted oak emerge, complemented by hints of black pepper, liquorice, and a touch of eucalyptus, adding an unmistakable Australian character.

Taste: Full-bodied and rich, offering intense dark fruit flavours balanced by well-integrated oak and fine tannins. Blackberry, mulberry, and dark cherry take centre stage, followed by notes of mocha, cinnamon, and a hint of smoky char. The mouthfeel is plush yet structured, with a velvety texture that carries through to a lingering spice-driven finish.

Finish: Long and warming, with persistent dark fruit, spice, and a touch of dark cocoa. The tannins are firm yet polished, providing a well-balanced structure that suggests great ageing potential. A subtle minerality lingers, adding depth and finesse.

Food Pairing: Slow-cooked beef brisket with a smoky barbecue glaze enhances the wine’s rich fruit and spice, while the tenderness of the meat matches its velvety tannins. Aged cheddar with fig paste creates a bold contrast, with the sharpness of the cheese complementing the wine’s dark fruit and oak complexity.