Five Vineyard Estate Shiraz 2023 is a harmonious blend of dark fruit and savoury complexity — single vineyard, hand harvested, and grown on the Five Vineyard estate in the Plenty Region. Black cherry leads the medium-bodied palate, complemented by notes of bay leaf, tomato leaf, and a distinct herbaceous edge. A touch of peppery spice adds another layer, while fine tannins and a savoury finish create a lasting presence. 92 Points, Ken Garrett, Wine Pilot. Drink now or cellar for six to ten years.
Tasting Notes
Appearance
Purple and maroon — the deep, vibrant colour of a single vineyard, hand-harvested estate Shiraz from the Plenty Region, with the clarity and depth that cool-climate growing conditions and careful winemaking deliver.
Aroma
Gentle, warm, and approachable — raspberries and cranberries with dried herbs, bay leaves, coffee grinds, a hint of undergrowth, and darker berries that come to the fore on the palate. The expressive, layered bouquet of an estate Shiraz grown in a cool-climate region with the herbaceous edge and peppery spice that the Plenty Region’s elevation and soils consistently deliver.
Palate
Medium-bodied with black cherry at the core — complemented by notes of bay leaf, tomato leaf, and a distinct herbaceous edge, with a touch of peppery spice adding another layer of complexity. Fine tannins and a savoury finish create a lasting presence, with good length and impressive balance.
Pairs With
Slow-roasted lamb, char-grilled beef, duck, herb-crusted pork, and aged hard cheeses — the fine tannins, dark cherry fruit, and savoury herbaceous finish make Five Vineyard Estate Shiraz a deeply satisfying and natural partner for the finest food at the table. Drink now or cellar to 2033.
Reviews
“A purple/maroon hue, this is a gentle, warm and most approachable wine, dominated by pleasing red fruit notes. Raspberries and cranberries but also dried herbs, bay leaves, coffee grinds, a hint of undergrowth and some darker berries as well, which do come to the fore on the palate. Good length here and impressive balance, there is also room for improvement. Will drink very well over the next six to ten years.”
— 92 Points, Ken Garrett, Wine Pilot
“A challenging, cool, wet vintage is reflected in an equally edgy and slightly austere young shiraz. Black cherry, cranberry, redcurrant fruits and the gentlest of spices gather against a sinewy-tannined background. With some tangy acidity and red fruits in place, it’s a taut, lively, fresh palate that ensues.”
— 89 Points, Jeni Port, Halliday Wine Companion, published 30 June 2025
Who Should Drink This?
Five Vineyard Estate Shiraz 2023 is ideal for lovers of cool-climate Shiraz who appreciate savoury complexity, fine tannins, and the herbaceous, peppery character that distinguishes this style from warmer-climate expressions. It’s a wine for the table rather than the glass — built for food, for conversation, and for those who enjoy watching a wine evolve over time. Equally compelling now and over the next decade.
Is It Worth Ageing?
Absolutely — both critics agree this wine has genuine cellaring potential. The fine tannins, tangy acidity, and cool-climate structure provide a solid framework for development over six to ten years. Drink now for its vibrant, fresh fruit character, or cellar to 2033 for added complexity and integration. Store on its side in a cool, dark environment.
What’s Similar?
Fans of Five Vineyard Estate Shiraz may also enjoy cool-climate Shiraz from the Yarra Valley and Macedon Ranges for a comparable savoury, peppery style, or explore Northern Rhône Syrah for the European benchmark of this elegant, fine-tannined expression. Within the Five Vineyard range, the Estate Rosé offers a lighter expression of the estate’s Sangiovese and the same commitment to cool-climate precision.
What Vintage Differences Exist?
The 2023 vintage in the Plenty Region was cool and wet — a challenging season that produced a Shiraz of genuine character and restraint. Both critics note the edgy, slightly austere quality of the young wine, with the tangy acidity and fine tannins that cool, wet vintages consistently deliver. This is a wine that will reward patience — the structure is there, and the fruit is compelling.
Why Do Critics Love It?
Two strong critical scores from Wine Pilot and Halliday Wine Companion highlight the genuine quality and cellaring potential of this estate Shiraz. Ken Garrett’s 92-point score praises the balance, length, and approachability of the wine, while Jeni Port’s 89-point review captures the taut, lively freshness of the vintage. Together, they paint a picture of a wine with real depth, real character, and a genuinely exciting future.
