Hartenberg Estate The Stork Shiraz 2015

75cl bottle.

75cl bottle.

Vegan.

Voluptuous aromas of ripe dark and red fruit combine with spicy notes on the bouquet. The palate shows an abundance of berry flavours, smooth, silky tannins and a bold finish.

Winner of the `Best Shiraz in the World` (Syrah du Monde 2012), the Stork Shiraz has truly earned its title. Expressive yet restrained, this wine features decadent black fruit, black cherry and violets on the nose with a luxurious, rich palate and a pinch of white pepper. Superbly well-balanced with fine tannins and a long, long finish which ends with a (still lingering!) note of mocha.

The Stork Shiraz is named after Ken MacKenzie who overhauled winemaking at Hartenberg from 1986; World War Two Spitfire pilot, he was nicknamed “The Stork” by his fighter pilot friends because of his long legs! Aged for 18 months in 90% new French oak barrels, The Stork is a perfect match for Shiraz-lovers – rich and decadent with silky smooth, velvety tannins and violet, cherry fruit.

After being overwhelmed at the quality of these wines back in 2007, I have been keeping a close eye on this estate. We hold at least one full Hartenberg wine tasting each year and are planning our second visit to the estate in 2026.