Review: Stonehaven Limited Vineyard Release Padthaway Shiraz 2021 – Stonehaven is back

While the frosted glass bottles are long gone, Stonehaven is back. Once, this Limestone Coast brand was synonymous with well-priced wines, but it ended up as a forgotten part of what was then BRL Hardy (now Accolade).

For anyone with a long memory you might remember how much flavour the old Stonehaven wines packed at affordable prices, and no difference now. Reborn under the CW Wines umbrella, the new Stonehaven lobs up with a brace of Limestone Coast wines that proudly show some local character.

There are three Shiraz that I’ve tried in this Vineyard Release range now, and I like them all, though the picks for me are the less obvious Padthaway & Robe wines. As a group, they’re all deep purple-maroon coloured and luscious, but a bit of Padthaway mint makes this convincing. Blue fruits and mint. I love the Padthaway charisma, and there is a contained roundness here that is rather delicious. The oak plays a big part, and it’s just a bit warm and pointy to finish, but otherwise a proper velvety palate and easy appeal. Good drinking.

THE VERDICT

• Best drinking: Over the next decade (and more).
• Score (out of 20): 17.7
• Score (out of 100): 92
• Alcohol %: 14.5
• RRP (in $AUD): 30
• Winery website: https://www.stonehavenwines.com.au/
• Would I buy it?: Worth a few glasses at least