Founded in 1921 by the legendary Maurice O’Shea, whose contribution to Australian wine cannot be understated. Widely recognised for setting the standard for modern Australian winemaking, his ‘fanatical perfectionism’ saw him create Mount Pleasant’s signature style of elegance, balance and exceptional longevity. For 100 years, Mount Pleasant has produced iconic, elegant and expressive wines championing the fruit and individual character of our four vineyard sites. The rare ancestral vines include some of the oldest clone plantings in the country. This makes the Old Hill vineyard, while best known for Shiraz, the oldest Pinot Noir vineyard in Australia.

Maurice O'Shea first used the Mountain A (light bodied), Mountain B (medium bodied) and Mountain C (full bodied) terminology in 1937. The overarching assumption was wines of great quality and longevity – as here, starting with its perfumed bouquet, reflecting a five-day cold soak and 10 days on skins with a combination of plunging and pumping over. Matured for 12 months in new French barriques and hogsheads, the quality of the dark fruits absorbing the oak, the tannins silky. A great wine, even if more medium than full bodied. Drink to: 2055; Alcohol: 14%; Rating: 97 Points & Special Value Star; James Halliday; Wine Companion

Deep red-purple colour; sweet cherry/plum aromas with subtle vegetal and smoked charcuterie touches, a suggestion of root-vegetable, graphite building with time in the glass, while the palate is full-bodied and fleshy, rich and deep with lovely texture and harmony. The finish is tremendously long and satisfying. Excellent, and should age superbly. Alcohol: 14%; Drink to: 2041; Rating: 96 Points; Huon Hooke; The Real Review