Hartenberg Estate The Stork Shiraz 2020

75cl bottle.

Vegan.

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; he was nicknamed “The Stork” by his World War Two fighter pilot friends because of his long legs! Aged for 21 months in 100% 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.