Bec Hardy McLaren Vale Shiraz 2023

Region: McLaren Vale

Story: This Bec Hardy Shiraz is sourced from McLaren Vale, one of the most 
renowned regions in Australia when it comes to Shiraz. This fantastic Shiraz is the 
perfect example of why this is the case!

Vineyard: This Shiraz is a blend of two different vineyards; the Lower Tintara 
vineyard, originally planted by Thomas Hardy in the 1880s, located on Kays Road in 
the Blewitt Springs sub-region of McLaren Vale - this block of Shiraz was planted 6 
years ago. The second block is Rayner's 30 year old Heritage Block in McLaren Flat. 
The Rayner 'Heritage' block is named as the block was planted using cuttings from 
some of the best local Shiraz blocks of the time - we think it's a wonderful tribute to 
the influential grape growers of the region including Bob Hardy and Don Oliver.

Soils: The Lower Tintara vineyard is on sandy loam soils called Maslin Sands, which 
are between 34 and 56 million years old. The Rayner 'Heritage' Block is planted on 
clay, the dominant soil type in McLaren Flat.

Harvest Date: 22 March 2023 (Lower Tintara), 28 March 2023 (Heritage Block)

Winemaking: Parcels were harvested and fermented separately in static stainless 
steel fermenters for 9 days on skins before pressing directly to oak. This wine was 
matured for 10months is a combination of both French and American hogsheads 
before blending and bottling.

Nose: This Shiraz has a rich chocolate nose with dark plum fruits.

Palate: The palate is a plush balance of dark red fruit flavours and generous soft 
mocha oak. Supple tannins give length and generosity. 

Cellaring: Drink now to 2030

Tasting Notes: 2022 | 2020 | 2019

94 points - Wine Pilot, 2024
"An utterly delicious McLaren Vale Shiraz. The colour is a vibrant dark purple. The nose is full of notes of chocolate biscuits, rich mocha and coffee grinds, with blackberries and mulberries. There is grip, length and good intensity. Real length here. Enjoy this now, but it will continue to provide pleasure for the next decade. Absolutely stonking value. Love it!"

92 points - Wine Orbit, 2024
"Upfront and instantly appealing with black/blueberry, roasted nut, olive and violet aromas, leading to a richly textured palate offering succulent fruit intensity with silky tannins. Splendidly flavoursome and fabulously drinkable.

92 points - Wine Showcase Magazine, 2024