2022 Alexander Vineyard Watervale Shiraz, Mount Horrocks

• Style: Medium-bodied, cool-climate Shiraz
• Taste: Red cherry, blackberry, toasted spice, tobacco-leaf grip
• Food: BBQ, grilled beef, stews, roast dinners, game
• Occasion: Sunday lunch, date night, cellar-worthy
• Serve: 14% ABV, screwcap, 12–16°C

In the Glass — Tasting Notes

At 450 metres elevation in Watervale's isolated northern corner, this Shiraz emerges from one of Clare Valley's coolest sites. Rather than the cooked-fruit density typical of warmer Australian Shiraz, you'll find vibrant red cherry and blackberry fruit shot through with toasted spice and tobacco-leaf grip. The palate is deep and succulent without heaviness; acidity remains crisp enough to keep earthy tannins honest. At 14% ABV, this wine balances power with restraint, drinking beautifully now or cellaring confidently for years ahead.

The Winery — Mount Horrocks

Stephanie Toole acquired Mount Horrocks in 1993 and spent three decades matching grape varieties to individual vineyard sites with obsessive precision. The Alexander vineyard was planted solely with Shiraz in 2002, and this wine's freshness owes much to her uncompromising philosophy: a blend of foot-crushed whole-bunch fruit (18%) aged in burgundy barrels alongside traditional French oak barriques (40% new), finished without fining. The 2022 vintage was delayed by cool springs and a cool summer but rewarded with ripe, naturally balanced fruit. Mount Horrocks holds organic and biodynamic certification, reflecting a commitment to meticulous vineyard management and no-compromise winemaking.

At Your Table — Food Pairing & Serving

Serve this alongside grilled beef, barbecued meats, stews, roasts, game, and aged hard cheese — the savoury spice and structured tannins cut through richness beautifully. Screwcap closure keeps the wine fresh; vegan and vegetarian friendly. Whether you're enjoying a relaxed Sunday lunch or a date night centrepiece, this Shiraz rewards both immediate pleasure and patient cellaring. Explore the depth possible in cooler-climate Shiraz by browsing our full Syrah & Shiraz selection, where this wine sits among peers that share its precision and balance.