2023 Ox Hardy Upper Tintara Shiraz

93 POINTS

Marcus Ellis - Halliday Wine Companion

The label now has Blewitt Springs on it, though it’s still all the same Upper Tintara fruit from 1990s blocks of the family vineyard. A minimal amount of whole bunch, 2–3%, with daily plunging, then 15 months in oak, 10% new. There’s an engaging lightness to this, while being suitably intense and layered. It’s also fruit-pure yet savoury. Cherry juice and damson, Sichuan pepper, star anise, violet and iris, Earl Grey tea, iron and blueberry. Decidedly medium weighted, and with superfine tannins and a harmoniously fresh finish. This is engagingly of place and just so enjoyably drinkable. And the value? Exceptional.