The De Iuliis 2019 Limited Release Shiraz isn’t just a wine; it’s a profound statement from the Hunter Valley, Australia’s oldest wine region. It stands as a shining example of what modern Hunter Valley Shiraz can truly achieve, setting a new standard for quality and regional expression while honoring a legacy almost two centuries old.
The story of Hunter Valley Shiraz began in the 1830s, when viticultural pioneer James Busby brought Syrah cuttings from France’s Rhône Valley to Australian shores. Soon after, visionary figures like George Wyndham and Dr. Henry Lindeman were establishing vineyards, laying the groundwork for the region’s enduring reputation. Over the decades, Hunter Shiraz developed its unique identity: a medium-bodied style, often savoury and earthy, with remarkable longevity. Legendary winemakers such as Maurice O’Shea of Mount Pleasant, in the mid-20th century, championed these table wines when fortifieds ruled, crafting exceptional, age-worthy Shiraz that defined the Hunter style and set a benchmark for future generations.
At De Iuliis Wines, we meticulously craft the 2019 Limited Release Shiraz from the finest blocks across our top vineyards—Steven, Talga Road, and Lovedale Road. This isn’t merely about grape selection; it’s a masterclass in blending and restraint, ensuring every bottle embodies precision and passion, carrying forward the spirit of the Hunter’s pioneers. Our meticulous process results in a wine that captures the Hunter Valley’s classic medium-bodied style, but with an added layer of depth, drive, and polish that truly sets it apart.
This commitment to excellence has not gone unnoticed. Esteemed critics consistently laud the 2019 Limited Release Shiraz, with Gary Walsh (The Wine Front), Ned Goodwin MW (Halliday Wine Companion), and Stuart Knox (The Real Review) each awarding this vintage a remarkable 95 points. What truly elevates this Limited Release Shiraz is its proven ability to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the region’s most iconic wines. In comparative tastings, it confidently holds its own against Hunter Valley legends such as Thomas Wines Kiss Shiraz, Tyrrell’s Vat 9, and Brokenwood Graveyard—a true testament to its exceptional quality and distinguished pedigree. This is the Hunter Valley Shiraz you need to experience, a wine that respects its past while confidently stepping into the future.
