2022 Dalwhinnie The Eagle Shiraz

The growing season was ideal: warm but not hot, with ample rainfall throughout, allowing the fruit to be picked at what could be described as perfect ripeness. Seasons like this produce ripe yet exceptionally fine tannin structures, and this is the most exciting Eagle Shiraz produced to date. The Eagle Shiraz is made only in the most exceptional vintages.

Sourced solely from the 1977 Eagle Block directly in front of the winery. The fruit was handpicked and fermented in two batches: one parcel was 100% whole-bunch, and the other 100% destemmed. The combination of these parcels has created a unique and remarkably complex wine. Following a cold soak and wild fermentation, the destemmed parcel remained on skins for 10 days, while its counterpart underwent seven days of carbonic maceration before being gently foot-stomped and left on skins for a further four days. The resulting wine was pressed and transferred to French oak puncheons (500-litre), 25% new, with the balance comprising one- and two-year-old barrels, where it matured for 14 months. Careful barrel selection was then undertaken to showcase this outstanding single-vineyard icon at its best.

Deep purple with flashes of crimson. Distinct aromas of dark ripe berries mingle with baking spices, sandalwood, pepper and bramble. Slinky and modern, medium-bodied yet rich in flavour, the palate exhibits ultra-fine tannins that unfold layer upon layer with notes of dark fruits, cedar, black plum, forest floor and truffle, leading to an exquisitely elegant and persistent finish. – Julian Langworthy, Dalwhinnie

Sourced exclusively from the 1977 Eagle Block, planted just in front of the winery. Bold and full-bodied with structural depth and weighty dark fruit, heady vanilla tones and savoury oak. Wild blackberry and boysenberry fruit dominate the mid-palate, expanding into a burst of warming, succulent flavours with impressive persistence. It is a youthful wine with firm tannins and one for the long haul, needing time to bed down, evolve and mellow. 96 points. Toni Paterson, Halliday Wine Companion Aug 2025

Impenetrable core with a plush ruby rim. Dried blueberry, plum preserve and beef stock aromatics. The palate leans savoury, with ample ripe purple fruit at the core, but layers of iodine, anise, nori and graphite steal the show. Velvety tannins belie their power, carrying the wine very long. The finish allows tannins to rise, with heady floral and spice notes lingering and hinting at cool-climate origins. 95 points. Stuart Knox, The Real Review Dec 2025

A well-crafted, precise and peppery shiraz with dark berries, roasted peppercorns and some smoke. Medium-bodied with finely grained tannins. It’s vivid, with pulpy, blue-fruit flavours at the centre and a vibrant touch of black pepper. Focused and textural, with a flavourful, persistent finish. Drink or hold. Screw cap. 94 points. Ryan Montgomery, jamessuckling.com Jan 2025