That proved extremely hard to do with the recent new-release shirazes from long-time Hunter Valley standout Mount Pleasant, which has not missed a beat since changing ownership.
Winemaker Adrian Sparks says more changes are on the way and Mount Pleasant is now a 100% estate grown and 100% Hunter Valley winery, having ceased buying grapes from other vineyards or regions.
"We have recently reduced our vineyard land holdings from 88 hectares to 49 hectares, removing young vines that had been neglected due to the final years of McWilliams financial woes and the 18 months [the company spent] in administration," Sparks says.
"This has allowed us to focus on our key blocks and to do what we do best; old vines and blends. The addition of an optical sorter has ensured we only are working with the best fruit. Prior to 2022, we had no sorting capability at all."
And the vineyards are also getting care and attention under the Medich family, who have also completely revitalised the cellar door.
"While not classified as organic or biodynamic, we use a pragmatic approach to farming for each vintage and are registered with Sustainable Winegrowing Australia as we continually improve our impact on the environment," says Sparks.
So forward march then.
The new releases are: 2023 Mountain A Medium Bodied Dry Red ($100); 2023 Rosehill 1946 Vines Shiraz ($175); 2023 Rosehill Shiraz ($65), 2023 OP&OH Shiraz ($65), 2023 Mothervine Pinot Noir ($65) and the peculiarly Hunter blend 2023 Mount Henry Shiraz Pinot Noir ($45).
If I'm put on the spot as to what to drink now, then I'd probably go the exquisite OP&OH over the younger vines Rosehill Shiraz.
The Mountain A and the 1946 vines are probably the best cellaring candidates. All the wines are worth a look. I'm sure Mount Pleasant visionaries the late Maurice O'Shea and Phil Ryan would be content.
See https://www.mountpleasantwines.com.au/
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