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.

The Old Paddock vineyard enjoys an elevated easterly aspect overlooking Mount Pleasant estate and some of the oldest shiraz vines in the world. Fruit from these low-yielding vines is blended with shiraz from the nearby old hill vineyard, first planted in 1880, to deliver a complex, brooding wine, rich in character and steeped in heritage. This distinguished partnership between these two highly celebrated vineyard sites, the Old Paddock and Old Hill vineyards deliver a small parcel of just 10 hectares of old gnarly shiraz vines. Planted in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, these vines have buried their roots deep into the ancient volcanic soil of the site.

In every sip of this glorious wine, one can see the rich history of the iconic Hunter vineyards Old Paddock and Old Hill. The intensity of its character sets this wine apart from others, as does the crescendo of flavour that steadily builds right to the finish. Alongside the rich fruit is a gorgeous savoury seam, including a little nutty oak, which hooks and holds one's interest. The melange of plum, including blood and satsuma, is accented by star anise and licorice notes. It is a powerful, assertive, stunning wine with mesmerising length that gets better the longer it is open. Drink to: 2042; Price: $60.00; Alcohol: 13.5%; Rating: 97 Points & Special Value Star; James Halliday Wine Companion