Tahbilk Estate Shiraz 2022 is a cool-climate Nagambie Lakes Shiraz crafted using one of Australia's most distinctive and historically significant winemaking traditions — fermentation in original open oak vats over 150 years old, followed by maturation in large aged French oak. The result is a fruit-driven Shiraz of genuine character and concentration: ripe plum, blackberry, and lifted violet aromas; bold wild berry and plum fruits on the palate; supple, savoury tannins and a tight core of sweet black fruits, cacao, earth, and dried herbs. Awarded 94 points by Jeni Port in Halliday's Wine Companion. Drink now to 2039.
Tasting Notes
Appearance
Deep ruby red with brilliant clarity — the concentrated, vibrant colour of a cool-climate Nagambie Lakes Shiraz crafted in 150-year-old open oak vats.
Aroma
Ripe plum, blackberry, and lifted violet aromas lead, with white pepper and boysenberry rounding out the nose. Spice and clove add further aromatic complexity — a sophisticated profile that reflects Tahbilk's traditional winemaking values.
Palate
A surprising initial softness, with tannins that glide across the back palate. A tart cranberry acidity adds crunch in youth — this is very much a cool-climate style Shiraz that rewards patience. Bold and bright with wild berry and plum fruits, finishing with supple and savoury tannins. A tight core of ripe sweet black fruits, cacao, earth, dried herbs, and spices laid out against a smooth palate. Drink now over the next two years, rest for three to five, then enjoy through to 2039.
Pairs With
When young, pairs beautifully with robust meat-based stews, grilled or roast beef, and strong hard cheeses — especially cheddar. With age, look to game dishes of roast duck, venison, or kangaroo, and the delicate flavours of veal. The wine's supple savoury tannins make it an excellent choice for hearty dining at any stage of its development.
Wine Sellers Direct Verdict
Tahbilk Estate Shiraz is one of the most consistently reliable value Shiraz wines in the Victorian catalogue — and the 2022 is a particularly strong example. The 150-year-old open oak vats are not a marketing story; they are the winery, and they produce a Shiraz style that is genuinely distinctive: cool-climate aromatics, fine tannin structure, and a cellaring potential that far exceeds the price point. At under $20, a 94-point Nagambie Lakes Shiraz with proven ageing credentials is a benchmark value proposition. Compared to other Victorian Shiraz at this price, Tahbilk offers more historical depth, more aromatic complexity, and more cellaring ambition. Compared to Heathcote Shiraz at a similar tier, it is lighter and more elegant — a style for those who prefer finesse over power.
Best for: Value hunters and everyday drinkers who want a 94-point Victorian Shiraz under $20.
Style: Cool-climate Nagambie Lakes Shiraz with lifted aromatics, fine tannins, and genuine cellaring potential.
Occasion: Weeknight, casual dining, gift, cellar starter.
Who Should Drink This?
This is for the wine drinker who wants quality and history at an everyday price — a 94-point Victorian Shiraz from one of Australia's oldest continuously operating wineries, available for under $20. It is equally compelling for beginners discovering cool-climate Victorian Shiraz, for everyday drinkers who want a reliable, food-friendly red, and for those building a modest cellar who want a wine with genuine ageing credentials at a low entry price. Drink now with decanting, or rest for three to five years for the full expression of Tahbilk's traditional winemaking philosophy.
Reviews
“Following on from a stellar '21 vintage comes another good year and another fine example of an uber-friendly and delicious shiraz. The depth of ripe fruit is apparent, so too a sturdy, fine tannin structure to take the wine further should cellaring be your plan. Holds a tight core of ripe, sweet black fruits, cacao, earth, dried herbs and spices laid out against a smooth palate. Immediate and engaging appeal at a great price.”
94 Points — Jeni Port, Halliday Wine Companion, 20 March 2025
“Satisfying release of shiraz from Tahbilk. Plush plums, some vanilla, mint, gum leaf, earth and boot polish, though it's the drive of plum-like fruit that defines it. Mouthwatering acidity is part of the show too, and tannin is modest at most. Enjoyable wine.”
90 Points — Campbell Mattinson, The Wine Front, September 2025
Winemaking Notes
Tahbilk's traditional red winemaking practices of open oak vat fermentation followed by maturation in a mix of large aged and smaller new oak barrels are honoured with this release. Fermentation takes place in original open vats well over 150 years old, with maturation in similarly aged large French oak prior to bottling. Smaller French and American oak barrels are also used, with the wine from these blended back during final filtering and bottling. Further cellaring develops earthy, leather, and cedary cigar box qualities, with tannins softening over time. 14% ABV.
Vintage Conditions
The season started slowly — a cool summer and low rainfall in the lead-up created high expectations, but a windy spring disrupted fruit set, reducing yields by as much as 40% in some blocks. Reds ripened simultaneously, creating intense winery pressure during harvest. The low yields and concentration of fruit produced wines of exceptional varietal character and depth — a challenging vintage that delivered a compelling result.
What's Similar?
Within the Tahbilk range, the Tahbilk 1927 Vines Marsanne and Eric Stevens Purbrick Shiraz represent the next tier of ambition and rarity. For a comparable cool-climate Victorian Shiraz at a similar price point, Mitchelton Shiraz or Tabilk's own 2021 vintage offer a useful comparison. For those who prefer a warmer-climate, more powerful Shiraz style, Heathcote producers such as Jasper Hill or Sanguine Estate offer a contrasting regional expression at a higher price point.
