In 2000, our Lovedale Road (LDR) vineyard began its life, with Merlot being one of the pioneering varieties planted on the former cattle grazing land that Joss and Anna De Iuliis had so thoughtfully regenerated. This Merlot, a particular favourite of Joss, is crafted by Mike – a son’s way of bringing his dad joy.

96 Points – 2025 Halliday Wine Companion

Excellent bright crimson-purple colour heralds a most attractive wine from the estate-owned Steven vineyard. Red cherry is the cornerstone of the bouquet and palate alike. Typical Hunter shiraz, only medium bodied, but with decades to run for those able to keep their hands off it. – James Halliday

The historic Steven vineyard was planted in 1968. Ever since the red volcanic soils have produced some of the Hunter Valley’s most outstanding wines. This 2021 vintage is a classic Hunter Valley shiraz, with great fruit, spice and elegance. A medium bodied shiraz that will drink well as a young wine but will reward those patient enough to stash it away for another 10-15 years.

Following an unusually wet start to the season, the clouds parted for a mild, steady summer that allowed our old vines to flourish. Blocks of shiraz from our Steven, Talga Road and LDR vineyards were individually picked, processed and vinified. Stylistically, each of these vineyards produces a key component that we blend to create this outstanding wine.

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Trophy for Best Red Wine of Show – 2026 Hunter Valley Wine Show
Trophy for Best Shiraz – 2026 Hunter Valley Wine Show
Trophy for Best Three-Year-Old Shiraz & Older – 2026 Hunter Valley Wine Show
95 Points – 2027 Halliday Wine Companion
Trophy for Best Shiraz 2021 or Older – 2024 NSW Small Winemakers Wine Show
Trophy for Best Red Wine of Show – 2024 Hunter Valley Wine Show
Trophy for Best Shiraz – 2024 Hunter Wine Show
Trophy for Best Current Vintage & One-Year-Old Shiraz – 2024 Hunter Wine Show

This luscious style of dessert wine has always been a family favourite. It signifies the end to a family feast where good laughs and good times have been shared around the table.

We pick the chardonnay at lower baume & high acidity to encourage bright & crisp green apple notes. A second fermentation in the bottle creates the fine bead & creamy texture. We leave the chardonnay on lees for 12 months to build complexity & add those toasty, brioche notes.