2022 Mayford Shiraz

Eleana and Bryan don’t make a lot of wine, but what they do make is exceptional. Their tiny, meticulous vineyard in Porepunkah - tucked beneath the Victorian Alps - delivers some of the most distinctive, small-batch Shiraz in the state.

The 2022 vintage was shaped by patience. A long, cool season meant a later harvest, giving the fruit time to build deep, layered complexity. With 14 different Shiraz clones in the vineyard - some rare heritage selections, others chosen for perfume and spice - Eleana had an incredible palette to work with.

Pink peppercorn, anise, and Christmas spice leap from the glass, followed by blood plum, violets, and raspberry. There’s a savoury streak of fresh leather and soy, adding depth to the finely structured palate. Aged 18 months in French oak (30% new), it’s silky, mineral-driven, and built to evolve.

It's a brilliant example of Victorian Shiraz that has been perfectly realised by Eleana. Kudos.

96 points
"Is it time to take Alpine Valleys shiraz seriously? It is! Year after year this maker releases a quality shiraz of all class. This vintage, it is from the Nicholson vineyard. A cool-climate-style spiciness inhabits the wine in combo with a medium-bodied, supple palate that is a ready palette of colours – black, red and blue fruits – and mixed woodsy spices, earth and peppery intrigue. Fragrant, elegant and supple in tannins, it goes long and impresses mightily."
- Jeni Port (Halliday Wine Companion)