Oakvale Limited Release Reserve Shiraz 2011 (Hunter Valley, NSW)
13.4%, Cork, $85

I’m not sure how this red slipped through the sample pile cracks (it was released some time ago), but I’m certainly not complaining – more mid-weight Hunter Shiraz like this please.

On the topic, I’ve lost the piece of paper that came with this Shiraz so I can’t quite work out whether it is called ‘Limited Release’ or ‘Reserve’ or both. As a result, I’m going with both – let’s cover all bases (though the winery website calls it Reserve).

Anyways this is Oakvale’s top dog Shiraz and in fine and quite modern form here. It needs some time for everything to come together, but there is promise to be had – the recent takeover of Oakvale by the Becker family is already paying dividends, clearly.

Immediately you can’t help noticing the bright purple colours – very attractive. It jumps up out of the glass too, with luscious fruit and loads of oak. Maybe too much oak initially but everything settles down in the glass. It is sexy oak mind you, so sure to keep most people happy…


Juicy, generous, yet still mid-weight, finishing fine and full of life – Hunter Burgundy at it’s best.

Like muchly.

Source: Sample
Tasted: February 2014
www.oakvalewines.com.au
Drink: 2014-2024
Score: 17.7/20, 92/100+
Would I buy it? Price is right up there so I’d have to settle for just a glass.