The release of the annual Halliday Wine Companion is always a momentous occasion on the Australian wine calendar. It’s a time to reflect on the hard work, passion, and dedication that goes into every vintage. This year, we are absolutely thrilled to announce that in the 2027 Halliday Wine Companion, De Iuliis Wines has retained our prestigious 5 Red Star Underlined rating!

This rating is the highest accolade awarded by the Halliday team, reserved for wineries that consistently produce wines of outstanding quality. For us, this isn’t just a win for the current vintage; it is a testament to our enduring commitment to excellence. We are incredibly proud to celebrate our 20th consecutive year as a five-star brand, and our 13th year holding the elite five red stars.

This sustained success would not be possible without our incredible vineyard and winery team, who pour their hearts into every bottle, and our loyal customers who continue to support and champion Hunter Valley wine.

Outstanding Accolades from Toni Paterson MW

In addition to our winery rating, we are delighted to share some phenomenal individual wine scores. Esteemed wine critic and Master of Wine, Toni Paterson, reviewed our portfolio for the 2027 Companion, and her tasting notes capture exactly what we strive to achieve in the glass.

Here are some of the standout highlights from our latest releases (as seen in image_45b250.png):

• 2025 Wilderness Road Vineyard Semillon – 96 Points Toni described this as, “An outstanding, refined semillon with a citrus-scented aroma…” A true testament to the pedigree of the Wilderness Road site.

• 2025 The Garden Vineyard Semillon – 95 Points “Sourced from the sandy creek flats of the 1.1 ha Garden vineyard…” This single-vineyard Semillon continues to show immense character and regional typicity.

• 2023 Limited Release Shiraz – 95 Points “Sourced from two vineyards, with the hand-picked fruit vinified…” to perfection, resulting in a Shiraz of remarkable depth and elegance.

• 2023 LDR Vineyard Chardonnay – 94 Points “Sourced from a 2.9ha plot planted in ’90 on Lovedale Road…” This Chardonnay remains a beautiful expression of premium Hunter Valley fruit.

• 2024 Special Release Montepulciano – 94 Points A milestone for our region, noted as being “Made from the first plantings of montepulciano in the Hunter…” We are thrilled to see our alternative varietals scoring so highly.

• 2024 Special Release Sangiovese – 93 Points Praised as “An on-trend, fragrant, contemporary red with immense flavour…” it is the perfect food-friendly wine for any occasion.

• 2025 Estate Semillon – 93 Points Highlighting our commitment to quality across all tiers, Toni called this, “One of the great bargains of the ’25 vintage. Extremely well…” crafted and balanced.

Taste the Stars

There is no better time to explore the wines that have kept De Iuliis at the pinnacle of Australian winemaking for two decades. Whether you’re a long-time collector of our Semillon and Shiraz, or looking to try our trailblazing alternative varietals, we invite you to raise a glass with us.

We woke up this morning still completely buzzing from the 54th PKF Hunter Valley Wine Show, and the very first thing we wanted to do was share our huge news with the people who make what we do possible.

For an unbelievable fifth time this decade, adding to our 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2024 wins, we have been awarded Best Red Wine of Show.

When we spend those late nights checking barrels in the winery or freezing mornings out in the vineyard, it is not the trophies we are thinking about. We are thinking about the moments our wines will be part of at your dinner tables. Today, however, we are incredibly stoked and proud to share this milestone with you all.

The Trophy Winner is Now Available

The absolute star of the show was our 2023 Limited Release Shiraz, which completely swept the awards to take home three major trophies:

• Doug Seabrook Memorial Trophy for Best Red Wine of Show

• Hector Tulloch Memorial Trophy for Best Shiraz

• James Busby Memorial Trophy for Best Three-Year-Old Shiraz and Older

We always knew this vintage had a special kind of magic about it, and we are absolutely thrilled to announce that the 2023 Limited Release Shiraz is officially available to purchase right now.

Our Golden Lineup

It was a truly humbling day across the board, with so many of the wines we pour our hearts into taking home Gold Medals. From our vibrant new releases to carefully aged museum stock, here are our top scorers:

• Gold: 2026 Single Vineyard LDR Semillon

• Gold: 2025 LDR Vineyard Shiraz

• Gold: 2024 Single Vineyard LDR Shiraz, Touriga Nacional

• Gold: 2024 Limited Release Shiraz

• Gold: 2023 Limited Release Shiraz

• Gold: 2018 Talga Road Vineyard Shiraz

• Gold: 2014 Talga Road Shiraz

• Gold: 2014 Limited Release Shiraz

From world-class cellar doors to long lunches and fireside feasts, the Hunter Valley has perfected the art of indulgence. Here’s how to make the most of 48 delicious hours.

By Olivia Jay, Halliday Wine Companion

Want to squeeze a whole Hunter Valley vineyard escape into two glorious days? Perfect. Buckle up (wine glass in hand) and let’s roll through the best way to spend a (quite packed) 48 hours in NSW’s Hunter Valley.

 

Getting there

If you’re coming from interstate, your best gateway to the Hunter Valley is Newcastle Airport. Recent renovations to the airport include larger, stylish arrival halls, better signage and enhanced pick-up zones, meaning that you can be in and out smoothly and on your way in no time. The airport is less than an hour’s drive from Pokolbin, so once you’re on the road it’s all rolling hills, gum trees and a sense that good things are ahead.

Day 1: The perfect introduction

Morning

Once you’ve settled in for your drive, the first item on the agenda is finding a good coffee. I’d recommend stopping by Cafe Enzo on Broke Road, Pokolbin; the courtyard of the Tuscan-inspired cafe is glorious on a sunny day, and it’s also right next door to the Charteris Wines cellar door. Owned by Kiwi-born winemaker PJ Charteris and his wife, Chrissi, Charteris produces elegant wines from Central Otago and the Hunter Valley. If you’ve got time, why not stop in for a tasting and sample your first semillon of the trip?

Lunch

Your next stop of the day is Bistro Molines in Mount View. With linen-draped alfresco tables, rustic charm and sweeping valley views, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’ve wound up in France, not Australia. Lead by Robert and Sally Molines and head chef Garreth Robbs, the menu features French provincial dishes perfect for sharing and savouring over a long, long lunch. Order the crumbed zucchini flowers, a glass of chardonnay and settle in.

Afternoon

Once you’ve finished your long lunch, it’s time to check in at your base for the next 48 hours: The Lane Retreat. Nestled on 15 hectares of vineyard and natural bushland, The Lane Retreat features 60 premium suites dotted across the property, each with a private deck for you to enjoy the view and the fresh vine air.

If you’ve got time before dinner, go for a stroll around the lake, take a dip in the pool or (if you’re like me) sleep off your post-lunch food coma with a quick nap. You’ll want to be refreshed and with an appetite for the evening ahead.

Dinner

As night falls, head to EXP. Restaurant – recipient of two Hats and Regional Restaurant of the Year in the 2026 SMH Good Food Guide. Founded in 2015 by husband and wife duo Emma and Frank Fawkner, EXP. champions creativity and local ingredients, so come expecting creative plates and an immersive dining experience (and a few ‘wow’ moments). I’m still thinking about the buttery sourdough crumpet topped with salmon caviar, sour cream and finger lime.

Day 2: Food, wine and a final farewell

Morning

Start slow – you’re on Hunter time now. As part of your stay at The Lane Retreat, you’ll receive a complimentary selection of gourmet breakfast provisions ready for you to enjoy, so can start your morning at your leisure. Grap a coffee from The Lane Pantry, just a few minutes’ stroll from your room, or enjoy a juice on your private deck. Don’t sleep in too long though, because you’ve got another busy day ahead.

After breakfast, start your day the right way with a tasting flight at one of the Hunter’s many standout cellar doors. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to visit them all, so here’s a shortlist for you to choose from:

• Thomas Wines – Come for a deep dive into the region’s defining varieties. Andrew Thomas is one of the Hunter’s leading champions of semillon and shiraz (two of his wines made this year’s Top 100 Wines list), and his single-vineyard tastings show just how expressive these classics can be.

• First Creek Wines – This 5-Red Star Halliday winery is the family business of Greg Silkman, son Shaun Silkman and Shaun’s wife, Liz, Halliday’s 2025 Winemaker of the Year. First Creek Wines encompasses a range of classic and emerging varieties, with something for every palate and pricepoint, so it’s a great spot to pick up a bottle for your suitcase, too.

• Scarborough Wine Co – This homely cellar door feels like stepping into your favourite family lunch, only with better chardonnay. Expect warm hospitality, killer views and wines that always overdeliver.

• Bimbadgen – Bimbadgen is your go-to for big Hunter energy: striking architecture, sweeping vineyard vistas and a lineup of wines that shine just as brightly. It’s the kind of place where one tasting can easily turn into an entire afternoon.

• De Iuliis – De Iuliis is where serious quality meets zero pretension. Think award-winning drops served with a generous side of fun. Come for the standout semillon and shiraz; stay because the vibes (and the wines) are just that good.

Lunch

Make your way out to Broke for lunch at Margan Wines & Restaurant, where ‘estate to plate’ isn’t a catchphrase. It’s slightly out of the main hub, but it’s well worth the trip. Almost every ingredient comes from the on-site kitchen garden or surrounding farmland, and the wines are crafted just metres away.

Established by Andrew and Lisa Margan, and now incorporating two of the second generation, Alessa and Ollie, in viticulture and winemaking respectively, Margan crafts wines from Hunter classics as well as new and exciting varieties. If, like me, you love riesling, make sure you try the Huesgen & Margan Riesling – a collaboration between Andrew Margan of the Hunter Valley and Ado Huesgen of the Mosel.

Afternoon

It’s hard to squeeze everything into 48 hours, so we’ve got a couple of options for you here. Drop by Yellow Billy Restaurant for a pre-dinner drink or small plate by the firepit. This Pokolbin gem centres around open-flame cooking – think fire-roasted meats and vegetables – and makes for a perfect in-between stop to graze, sip and recharge. Or, if you couldn’t eat a thing more, swing by specialty butcher Hungerford Meat Co. in Branxton. Their premium cuts, heritage-breed meats and house-made charcuterie are perfect souvenirs for the trip home – or the next time you’re cooking with a glass of semillon in hand.

Dinner

As if you haven’t eaten and drunk enough already, it’s time for one last (spectacular) hurrah. Round off your Hunter adventure with dinner at Muse Restaurant, located at Hungerford Hill. With a five-course set menu for dinner Tuesday–Friday, and a seven-course menu on Saturday, Muse is contemporary Australian fine dining done right. The menu is seasonal, with many of the ingredients coming from owner and chef Troy Rhoades-Brown’s personal idyllic kitchen garden.

Confession time: I’d never had a scotch egg before visiting Muse, and I’m pretty sure it’s ruined all other scotch eggs for me for life – I can’t imagine anything could top this. Perfectly paired to Hungerford Hill wines, this dining experience is a fitting finale to your 48-hour feast.

Read the entire article over at Halliday Wine Companion here. 

For an unprecedented third consecutive year, De Iuliis Wines is thrilled to announce we have been named a Top Winery for 2026 by The Real Review! This prestigious recognition from one of Australia’s most respected independent wine review sites solidifies our position as a leading Hunter Valley winery and a consistent producer of award-winning wines.

Four Years Running: A Testament to Quality and Dedication

Being acknowledged as a “Top Winery” once is an honour; achieving it for four years in a row is a testament to the unwavering dedication and passion of the entire De Iuliis team. This consistent recognition by The Real Review, led by the esteemed Huon Hooke, reflects our commitment to crafting premium Hunter Valley Semillon, Shiraz, and Chardonnay that truly express the unique terroir of our region.

“We are incredibly proud to receive this honour for the fourth year running,” says Mike De Iuliis, Owner and Winemaker at De Iuliis Wines. “It’s a fantastic validation of our viticultural practices, winemaking philosophy, and the hard work of everyone involved, from the vineyard to the cellar door. We strive for excellence in every bottle, and this recognition reinforces that we’re on the right track.”

What Does “Top Winery” Mean for Wine Lovers?

The Real Review’s “Top Wineries of Australia” list is highly regarded for its rigorous and independent assessment. Wineries are judged on the quality and consistency of their wines reviewed over the past two years, making this accolade a true indicator of sustained excellence. For you, the wine lover, it means that when you choose a De Iuliis wine, you’re selecting a bottle from a winery consistently producing high-quality, critically acclaimed wines that are sure to impress.

Discover De Iuliis: Your Go-To Hunter Valley Wine Experience

Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the world of Hunter Valley wine, we invite you to experience the De Iuliis difference. Our cellar door in Pokolbin offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere where you can taste our range of boutique wines, including our highly celebrated Hunter Valley Semillon (often described as the benchmark for the region) and our powerful yet elegant Hunter Valley Shiraz.

Looking for:

• Best wineries in Hunter Valley?
• Hunter Valley cellar door experiences?
• Award-winning Semillon and Shiraz?
• Hunter Valley wine tasting?

De Iuliis Wines should be at the top of your list!

Plan Your Visit to Our Hunter Valley Cellar Door

Come and celebrate this incredible achievement with us! Visit our cellar door in the heart of the Hunter Valley and discover why The Real Review has named us a Top Winery for 2025. Our friendly team is ready to guide you through a memorable tasting experience.

Wine enthusiasts, rejoice! The De Iuliis Long Weekend Sale returns in full swing this June Long Weekend, 6th to 8th, offering a chance to snag cases on your favourites at unbeatable prices. This year’s sale is about making way for exciting new releases that will soon hit the shelves. That translates to deep discounts on a selection of De Iuliis wines – we’re talking some are a whopping 50% off by the dozen!

The beauty of this sale? You can shop from anywhere!

Visiting the Cellar Door 6-8 June: Drop by 1616 Broke Road, Pokolbin to stock up on cases and sample the wines on offer. Bring an empty boot; you’ll need it!

Shop until you drop online from 5-10 June: Shop conveniently from the comfort of your own home, our June Wine Sale is just a click away. It’s time to treat yourself and do a little wine math. 50% off your favourite selection means it’s basically free. Right?!

Don’t call us; we will call you: If we’ve got your deets, our members and mailing list will receive the first dibs as we call you on 02 4036 3467 in the comfort of your home. There are a couple of extra bonus offers, especially for you, our most loyal wine lovers!

Whether you prefer browsing in-store, navigating the online store from the comfort of your couch, or having us call you directly, De Iuliis makes it easy to grab these incredible deals. Stock up on your treasured De Iuliis wines at a fraction of the price, perfect for indulging over the long weekend or building a well-rounded cellar for future enjoyment. Don’t miss this limited-time opportunity to discover (or rediscover) De Iuliis gems at wallet-friendly prices!

Dozens starting from $200 per case.

There is a reason Hunter Valley Semillon is world-renowned, and our latest release just received a glowing endorsement from one of the industry’s most respected voices. We are thrilled to share that the De Iuliis 2025 Semillon has been featured as The Real Review’s “Wine of the Week.”

In his review, acclaimed critic Aaron Brasher describes Mike De Iuliis as being within the “inner sanctum” of the variety. It’s a proud moment for our team, especially as we continue to push the boundaries of what this unique grape can do in our region.

The Verdict: “Tooth-Crackingly Fresh”

The 2025 vintage was a rapid and remarkable success for us. The hot, dry conditions resulted in pristine fruit with incredible concentration. Aaron Brasher’s tasting notes perfectly capture the energy of this wine:

“Pale in the glass, bright and lively. Lifted aromas of waxy lemon, lemon grass, mineral and a sappy, green, woodsy lift. Tangy, pithy and snappy in flavour, with lashings of lemony crunch and crackle.” — Aaron Brasher, The Real Review

With a Score of 91 Points, this wine is a testament to the “drink now” appeal of modern Semillon while staying true to the variety’s legendary longevity.

Why You’ll Love the 2025 Vintage

If you are looking for a sophisticated, refreshing white wine, here is why the 2025 Semillon belongs in your glass:

• Low Alcohol, High Impact: At just 10.5% ABV, it is one of the original “low-cal” options by default—refreshing without being heavy.

• Cellaring Potential: While it’s “one for the acid hounds now,” Aaron suggests it will “really sing” if tucked away for 7–10 years.

• The Perfect Pairing: The Real Review recommends pairing this zesty drop with whitebait fritters, though we also love it with freshly shucked Sydney Rock oysters.

Shop the Award-Winning 2025 Semillon

As a Real Review Top Winery for 2025, we are committed to consistency and excellence. Whether you’re stocking up for a summer BBQ or looking for a special bottle to cellar until 2035, the 2025 Semillon is a quintessential Hunter Valley experience.

Nine wine scholarship recipients had the opportunity to participate in one of Australia’s oldest and most prestigious wine shows recently, as part of the RAS Foundation Sydney Royal Wine Scholarship program and we are delighted that our Direct Sales Manager, Allanna Wigley is one of those lucky recipients!

Funded by the Sydney Royal Wine Show, the Sydney Royal Wine Scholarships support wine professionals undertaking advanced training and assist in their professional development by inviting them to serve as stewards or associate judges at the 2025 Sydney Royal Wine Show.

One of the largest national wine shows in Australia, this year saw over 1,500 wines be assessed by 30 of the country’s finest judges, with exhibits recognised by a gold, silver, or bronze medal, depending on their score. Top performers in each category then competed for one of the prestigious champion trophies up for grabs.

During judging, scholarship recipients were able to meet these esteemed judges and train under the guidance of Sydney Royal Wine Show Chair of Judges and Owner of Hunter Valley Winery, De Iuliis Wines, Mike De Iuliis.

Royal Agricultural Society of NSW Sydney Royal Wine Committee Chair, Angus Barnes, said it is a privilege to support education and professional development within the Australian Wine Industry.

“It was such a pleasure to welcome such a talented and diverse group of wine professionals and students to this year’s Sydney Royal Wine Show,” Barnes said.

“As an organisation committed to advancing Australian agriculture through excellence and competition, we know how important it is to invest in the next generation, and we are honoured that we can take this even further by providing the opportunity for our scholars to gain practical experience alongside our expert judging panel.

“Congratulations to all of our outstanding scholars; I look forward to supporting them as they continue to develop their careers in the Australian wine industry.”

The nine wine scholars from across Australia have received up to $6000 to help advance their careers or support their studies in a wine-related field thanks to the Sydney Royal Wine Professional Development Scholarship or Sydney Royal Wine Study Scholarship.

Photo: Hugh Spinaze at the 2025 Sydney Royal Wine Show. Image courtesy of RAS NSW

The recipients of the 2025 Sydney Royal Wine Study and Sydney Royal Professional Development Scholarships are:

• Allana Wigley – Hunter Valley, NSW
• Keshnee Mudaly – Hunter Valley, NSW
• Samuel Rumpit – Hunter Valley, NSW
• Luke Steele – Hunter Valley, NSW
• Mitch McKenzie – Nuriootpa, SA
• Tim Castle – Macedon Ranges, VIC
• Markus Patz – Sydney, NSW
• Jacob Testoni – Griffith, NSW
• Hugh Spinaze – Maitland, NSW

Hugh Spinaze was also awarded the prestigious Peter Doyle Trophy as the best Associate Judge at the Sydney Royal Wine Show.

Applications for the 2026 Sydney Royal Wine Study and Sydney Royal Wine Professional Development Scholarship are currently open and will close on Monday, 8 September 2025.

More information about RAS Foundation scholarship programs and grants, can be found here.

Results from the 2025 Sydney Royal Wine Show, can be found here.

The Royal Agricultural Society of NSW has unveiled the winners of its prestigious Sydney Royal Wine Show at a celebratory lunch today, with this year’s winners highlighting that premium quality wines don’t always come with a premium price tag. Taking home The Tucker Seabrook Perpetual Trophy for Best Wine of Show, was Abbey Vale Wines’ 2023 Abbey Vale Premium RSV Cabernet Sauvignon – a wine whose exceptional quality is matched by its remarkable consumer-friendly price point, retailing for just $27 a bottle.

“Australian wineries are producing world-class wines for every budget, and the Abbey Vale Premium RSV Cabernet Sauvignon is a great reflection of that,” said Chair of Judges, Mike De Iuliis. “It’s a fantastic result for consumers, particularly in the current economic climate.”

This year’s top prize winners ranged from a $150 plus 2013 Semillon to a young $25 Riesling, suggesting that affordability doesn’t always mean compromise in quality if you know what you are looking for.

“The 2025 Sydney Royal Wine Show results were a testament to the incredible variety of outstanding wines that are on offer to consumers right now, whether you are looking for something to drink tonight or that special bottle that will reward you after years in the cellar”, said De Iuliis. “Just look for that Sydney Royal medal and you’ll know that what you are getting is the best of the best and has undergone rigorous assessment.”

This year’s Show saw over 1500 wines assessed, with 103 gold medals awarded across five states and 23 wine regions, highlighting the exceptional calibre of wine being produced nationwide.

The Albert Chan Memorial Prize for Best White was won by the 2023 Evans & Tate Ellens Estate Chardonnay, with this year marking the third consecutive year that an Evans & Tate Chardonnay has claimed this prestigious award. Chardonnay has maintained its reputation for excellence, emerging as the standout varietal in 2025, earning more gold medals than any other varietal.

South Australia emerged victorious as the state with the highest gold medal count, narrowly beating out Western Australia; however, Margaret River stole the crown as the most decorated individual wine region, taking home almost half of the trophies awarded this year.

“It was great to see the major awards being spread across the different Australian regions, showcasing the depth and diversity of wine quality throughout the country. The healthy competition between these areas continues to elevate standards and drive excellence”, said De Iuliis.

“Some regions continue to demonstrate their strength in key varietals. The Hunter Valley’s renowned Semillons were once again a standout in their category, while South Australia dominated Grenache with an impressive eight gold medals. A particularly exciting area of this year’s Show were the “red blend” classes, where we’re seeing some fantastic new blends being made with purpose and precision. It’s a dynamic area of the Australian wine market at the moment, and we’re seeing a rise of new and innovative players”.

One standout success story is that of Orange region’s, Byrne Farm, who only began their wine journey in 2020 with the planting of their first vineyard block. Their remarkable rise within the industry saw them take home this year’s Arthur Kelman Perpetual Trophy for Best Shiraz Dominant Blend – an extraordinary achievement in just their second year entering the competition.

Other notable highlights this year include De Bortoli Wines, Jim Barry Wines, and Stella Bella, each earning trophies for two different wines. De Bortoli Wines impressed in the Other Red Varietal and Other Red Blend categories with its Sangiovese and Tempranillo Touriga. At the same time, Stella Bella claimed top honours for Best White Blend and Best Rose. Jim Barry Wines took out the prize for Best Shiraz, while its Riesling was recognised with the Best Value Wine award.

Three wineries managed to produce an outstanding vintage with Evans & Tate’s 2023 Ellens Estate Chardonnay, Tyrrell’s 2013 Vat 1 Semillon, and Abbey Vale Wines’ 2023 Premium RSV Cabernet Sauvignon, each earning 3 trophies.

“We were extremely happy with the standard of wines showcased this year. We awarded 1067 medals, which means that approximately two-thirds of entries received a medal of some colour”, said De Iuliis.

“It’s a strong reflection of the industry’s momentum as we look ahead to next year and the milestone celebration of 200 years of the Sydney Royal Wine Show in 2026”.

The public will have the exciting opportunity to taste wines from the Sydney Royal Wine Show, including medal and trophy winners, at the Grape, Grain & Graze Festival, held at Sydney Showground on Saturday, 20 September.

Shiraz is Australia’s most widely-planted variety, and we produce millions of litres of wine from it every year. While much of this wine is designed to be consumed relatively young and fresh, Australian producers also make shiraz-based wines of impressive structure that have the ability to agree gracefully in the cellar for years – and in some cases decades – slowly gaining layers of complexity and earthiness while losing some of their tannic grip. The good news is that you don’t have to inherit a cellar or jostle for wines at online auction sites to experience the beauty of aged shiraz – many producers hold back portions of their stock to sell as a ‘museum release’ when the wines reach maturity. As Australian shiraz approaches a crossroads, with too many vines in the ground and not enough buyers, can these museum programs help reignite our love affair with this quintessentially Australian variety? We felt that a Deep Dive was in order to find out.

We gathered every example of museum-release Australian shiraz that we could find – that is, aged stock that is available for purchase directly from the winery in some form – and set our expert panel the task of finding the wines that compelled the most. All wines were tasted blind, and each panellist named their top six wines. Below are the wines that made the panellists’ top-six selections from the tasting.

Our panel: Rory Lane, winemaker, The Story Wines; Andrea Roberts-Davison, lecturer in viticulture and winemaking, Melbourne Polytechnic; Mitchell Tiller, sommelier, Circl Wine House; Tully Mauritzen, wine buyer, Vinomofo; Tom Robertson, general manager, Alimentaria; James Scarcebrook, winemaker, Vino Intrepido; Stuart Dudine, winemaker, Alkimi; Alec Gribble, sommelier, Marion and Cutler & Co.

2014 De Iuliis Shiraz, Hunter Valley $175 RRP

Chosen in their top six from the blind tasting by Lane, Mauritzen and Roberts-Davison, this was a wine that Lane described as “such a hit of spice! Milk chocolate and eucalypt, nutmeg and five-spice, cherry-red fruit driven by fresh cooling acidity, all resonating and building to a bell-clear finish,” noting its lighter weight but harmonious maturity, “like best friends singing classic songs.” For Mauritzen, it was “completely different to what I was expecting,” perhaps not instantly identifiable as shiraz, but all the more captivating for it, with “burnt sugar and maraschino cherry notes” layered with raspberry, violet, rose and aniseed – a wine that “feels like one you want to eat rather than drink,” terroir-driven, concentrated and youthful, “a shining star … with concentration for days.” Roberts-Davison admitted it made her “do a double take,” picking up black pepper, raspberry, cedar and chocolate, with savoury spice leading into juicy fruit, “plush, youthful, and totally addictive … vibrant acidity, silky tannins, and just enough chocolate and tobacco to suggest it’s only just starting to think about ageing. Long, luscious, and definitely worth hoarding.”

The backstory

Shiraz is Australia’s most widely-planted variety, and we produce millions of litres of wine from it every year. While much of this wine is designed to be consumed relatively young and fresh, Australian producers also make shiraz-based wines of impressive structure that have the ability to agree gracefully in the cellar for years – and in some cases decades – slowly gaining layers of complexity and earthiness while losing some of their tannic grip. The good news is that you don’t have to inherit a cellar or jostle for wines at online auction sites to experience the beauty of aged shiraz – many producers hold back portions of their stock to sell as a ‘museum release’ when the wines reach maturity. As Australian shiraz approaches a crossroads, with too many vines in the ground and not enough buyers, can these museum programs help reignite our love affair with this quintessentially Australian variety?

It’s practically impossible to overstate just how important shiraz is to Australian wine culture. Despite the growth of so-called ‘alternative’ varieties over the last decade, shiraz was the most-harvested wine grape variety by weight in Australia for nine out of the past ten years, with chardonnay briefly snatching its crown in the 2024 vintage. Four out of five Australian wineries currently makes shiraz, and the variety represents nearly half of all of our planted red-wine grapes, and nearly a quarter of the country’s total wine production. We’re also number two in the global production league table for the variety, behind only its homeland of France. Shiraz is therefore practically synonymous with Australian wine – and not just because most of the rest of the world calls it ‘syrah’. (Some producers in South Africa also call the variety shiraz – but only because it first arrived there from Australia, rather than from France.)

The 2025 PKF Hunter Valley Wine Show was judged at the Lone Pine Barracks at the Singleton Army Base from Monday, 11th to Wednesday, 13th August, with the trophy winners’ luncheon celebrated today at Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort, with Johanna Griggs AM as Master of Ceremonies.

The 53rd Hunter Valley Wine Show attracted 68 exhibitors, with 679 entries, a strong number of entries reflecting the depth of the current and aged wines in the Hunter Valley. Chaired by Toni Paterson, Master of Wine, this year’s show included an outstanding judging panel of experts from across Australia assessing close to 4000 bottles of Hunter Valley wine and awarding 80 Gold medals.

Dr Edward Ragg MW, as International Judge, brought extensive global experience. Based in Beijing, he co-founded Dragon Phoenix Wine Consulting with his wife, fellow Master of Wine Fongyee Walker MW, and is one of mainland China’s most experienced WSET Diploma tutors. A Robert Mondavi Award and Quinta do Noval Award winner, Edward has judged at leading shows in Australia and the Decanter World Wine Awards. He is also a respected wine writer and educator, making him a highly respected voice in the global wine community.

In Toni’s first year as Chair of the Hunter Valley Wine Show, she commented ‘Across all classes, there is great diversity in the Hunter Valley beyond with great vineyards and winemaking talent. Wines that have integrity, personality, harmony and length are the hallmarks of good wines, and many wines in this region have these hallmarks. There is an enormous number of quality wines, and the Hunter Valley should be incredibly proud of that. We saw beauty in the wines everywhere we looked’.

The Petrie-Drinan Trophy for Best White Wine of Show was awarded to Tinklers Wines for their 2017 Reserve Semillon, which also won the Drayton Family Trophy for Best Semillon of Show as well as the Kaloudah Trophy for Best Table Wine from a Small Producer. The Best Current Semillon was awarded to Brokenwood for their 2025 Oakey Creek Vineyard #2 Semillon and Best One-Year-Old Semillon to Bimbadgen for its 2024 Palmers Lane Single Vineyard Semillon.

Commenting on the 2024 and 2025 Semillon classes, Toni said ‘The 2025 Semillon Class was incredibly strong, and the strength of the vintage was on display. The Hunter Valley produces a range of relevant and contrasting styles of Semillon, which show how the region has matured and that winemakers are very comfortable working with the style their vineyard produces naturally.

The 2024 Semillon class was a surprise. I was thrilled with the quality given the year had its challenges, which just shows, despite the vintage, there is always the potential for some fantastic wines. Edward added ‘The 2025 vintage allowed the winemakers to express the best of what they can do’.

The Len Evans Trophy for Best Single Vineyard White was awarded to Colvin Wines for their 2013 Semillon. The Tyrrell Family Trophy for Best Museum White Wine was awarded to Tyrrell’s for their 2006 Vat 1 Semillon. The judges noted that ‘One of the highlights of the show are the older Semillons. These classes were simply magnificent’.

Audrey Wilkinson were awarded the Iain Riggs Wine of Provenance Trophy for their 2017, 2014 and 2006 The Ridge Semillon. “The Provenance class was a highlight and to see the strength in the span of vintages was exciting. The class showed that Hunter Valley wines can be beautiful when they are young, in their mid-years and when they are older – and not all regions can do that’, commented Toni.

The Doug Seabrook Memorial Trophy for Best Red Wine of Show was awarded to Sweetwater Wines for their 2023 Shiraz, which also received the Len Evans Trophy for Best Single Vineyard Red and the Hector Tulloch Memorial Trophy for Best Shiraz. The De Iuliis Wines 2014 Talga Road Shiraz was awarded the John Lewis Trophy for Best Museum Red. Best One-Year-Old and Three-Year-Old Shiraz was awarded to Thomas Wines for their 2024 Sweetwater Ridge Shiraz and 2021 Kiss Shiraz.

Reflecting on the red wines on show, Edward remarked, “Hunter Valley Shiraz is truly a unique style with its range of darker fruits, spice and black pepper – they are predominantly medium bodied with a restrained use of new oak and lower alcohols. What excites me most is that winemakers want to express different styles, characteristic of their specific sites. The 2023 vintage is clearly very strong, but the experienced winemakers crafted some very compelling wines in the more challenging 2024 vintage too’.

Toni added: ‘The 2023 Shiraz was a highlight. These are a modern style of Shiraz that is very relevant for today’s market with fragrance, energy and some lovely intensity. It was an absolute treat to judge and there were some stunning wines in the mix’.

The 2025 Hunter Valley Winemaker of the year, Liz Silkman, of First Creek Wines and Silkman Wines, cemented her reputation as ‘Chardonnay Queen’ winning the George Wyndham Memorial Trophy for the Silkman Wines 2024 SILK Chardonnay and their 2023 Reserve Chardonnay taking the Murray Tyrrell Trophy for Best Chardonnay and Henry John Lindeman Memorial Trophy for the Best Two–Year-Old and Older Chardonnay. Toni commented that ‘Hunter Valley chardonnay is amongst the best in the country and people are really experimenting with their winemaking giving us a lot of different styles’.

Commenting on the breadth of quality on show, Edward commented that ‘What was notable was the alternate varieties for which the Hunter Valley is not necessarily renown, but the development of these varieties showed, with winemakers making fantastic wines which speaks to the pedigree of their skills’. Trophies were awarded to Pepper Tree Wines for Best Verdelho for their 25 Limited Release “Home Block” Verdelho, to First Creek Wines for Best Other White Varietal for their 2025 Limited Release Vermentino, to Mercer Wines for Best Other Red Varietal for their 2024 Limited Release Shiraz Pinot Noir and to Glandore Wines for Best Sparkling for their 2022 Chloe Blanc de Blancs Chardonnay, winning the Ed Jouault Memorial Trophy – the awarding of this trophy for only the second time in 32 years and the first time since 1999. 

Gunpowder Wines was awarded the Lone Pine Barracks Officers Mess Silver Bullet for their 2024 Fiano.