Magpie Hill Shiraz 2021

Accolades 🏆

• 97 Points, James Halliday, Weekend Australian Magazine
  “Superb colour; hand-picked fruit from the highest and most central point of the vineyard. A magnificent Shiraz with seemingly endless layers of blackberries, plums fresh and stewed, and rounded, plush tannins. A standout.”
• 95 Points, Wine Pilot
  “Ripe and generous with opulent, rich fruit. This is a step up from the very good Single Vineyard Shiraz, loaded with juicy plummy fruit underpinned by chalky tannin precision. The smooth and seamless palate is a joy, complemented by a sprinkle of spices and dried herbs.”
• 94 Points, Robert Parker Wine Advocate
  “The cool growing area of the Porongurup range is an incredibly beautiful, evocative place. This 2021 Magpie Hill Reserve Shiraz showcases notes of blueberry, blackberry, cassis, raspberry, squid ink, nutmeg, white pepper, and blood plum. It offers purity and beauty, with a finish that elongates gracefully.”
• 93 Points, The Real Review
  “Deep purple-red colour with a fresh, bright bouquet of spices, dark-plum, coconut, and chocolate. The palate is medium-full, with plenty of soft, fluffy tannins and richness, teamed with elegance. Oak is very much in the background. A classic Great Southern Shiraz.”

Tasting Notes:

The Magpie Hill Shiraz 2021 has a deep crimson appearance with dark cherry edges, signalling its depth. The nose is an intricate mix of dark forest berries—mulberry, blackberry, and blood plum—complemented by hoisin sauce, roasted cardamom, peppercorns, and a touch of cedar smoke and dark chocolate.

On the palate, the wine bursts with vibrant flavours of mulberry, blackberry, and salted plum, enveloped in elegant, smooth tannins. A fresh acid core enhances the wine’s vibrancy and provides impressive length. The finish is seamless, with nuances of salted licorice, smoked charcuterie, and a persistent, mouth-coating quality that invites you to take another sip.

Food Pairing Suggestions:

• Grilled Meats: Pair with rich, grilled meats such as lamb or beef for a perfect balance of flavours.
• Hearty Dishes: Enjoy with hearty meals like beef stew, rich mushroom risotto, or a slow-braised meat dish.
• Cheese: This Shiraz also pairs wonderfully with robust cheeses such as aged cheddar, gouda, or blue cheese, enhancing the wine’s rich fruit and spice notes.
• Charcuterie: A charcuterie platter with smoked meats and rich pâtés will complement the wine’s smoky and earthy elements.

Best Serving Temp:

Serve the Magpie Hill Shiraz 2021 at 16°C to 18°C to fully appreciate its rich fruit and fine tannin structure.

• If storing at room temperature (22°C): Place the bottle in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving.

Additional Information:

• Grape Variety: 100% Shiraz
• Region: Great Southern, Western Australia
• Sub-region: Porongurup
• Alcohol: 14.2% by Vol | 8.5 Standard Drinks
• Closure: Screwcap
• Vintage: 2021
• Volume: 750ml

FAQ Wine Terms 🤔

• Cold Soak: A winemaking process where the fruit is left to soak in its own juices at a low temperature before fermentation begins, which helps extract colour and flavour without extracting harsh tannins.
• French Oak Aging: Aging the wine in barrels made from French oak imparts subtle flavours and complexity to the wine, with the oak contributing a silky texture and gentle spice nuances.
• Fine Lees Aging: The wine is aged on its lees (the dead yeast cells) to enhance the texture, complexity, and mouthfeel of the wine.

Learn About Duke’s Vineyard

Dukes Vineyard is nestled between the picture-perfect Stirling & Porongurup ranges of Western Australia, in the Great Southern Wine Region. Duke’s wines is a family-owned, boutique winery that has achieved many outstanding accolades over a 20 plus year history including being awarded Best Australian Wine of the Year in 2019 James Halliday’s Wine Companion.

Dukes Winery has an award-winning collection of dry Rieslings, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz which thrive in the opulent surroundings of one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world, the Porongurups.

When founders Duke and Hilde Ranson retired in 2022, Ben Cane and his partner Sarah Date stepped in to acquire Duke’s Vineyard. Ben, formerly the chief winemaker at esteemed labels in Australia and California, felt deeply privileged to take the reins of this family-owned enterprise. Duke’s Vineyard, celebrated for its role in elevating Great Southern Rieslings to prominence, entrusted Ben to carry forward its legacy of excellence, and he has done just that!

Read the latest Dukes Wine Reviews Here

Planning a trip to the Porongurup area? Make sure to visit the official Porongurup Wine Association page HERE