In 1980, Geoff Hardy left the then family company, Thomas Hardy & Sons, to make his own way in the Australian wine world. The same year, he established Pertaringa and since then the Pertaringa vineyards in the foothills behind McLaren Vale have continued to produce some of the region's finest wines. The soils are enriched from the hills above and the cooler climate, further tempered by the sea breezes off St Vincent's Gulf, sets the scene for high quality wine grapes.

A mix of hand and machine-picking from four blocks (20-130yo), whole berries small batch open-fermented, kept separate until final blending. Deep crimson-purple; a full-bodied shiraz, neither variety or region in doubt. The exceptionally youthful colour affirms all that follows on the bouquet and lusty palate, replete with ripe tannins, black cherries and berries, dark chocolate the calling card of McLaren Vale. The finish and aftertaste gained it an extra point. Drink to: 2056; Price: $250.00; Date Tasted: Jan 2019; Alcohol: 15%; Rating: 97 Points; James Halliday; Wine Companion

A profound offering; the bouquet is mesmerising and totally seductive, exhibiting blackberry, dark plum, cocoa, black olive, cake spice and cedar characters, leading to a sumptuous palate that offers stunning fruit richness and depth of flavour, wonderfully enhanced by velvety texture and silky tannins. This is majestic and symphonic; substantial and lavish; and graceful and sophisticated. At its best: 2024 to 2040. Price: $250.00; Rating: 97 Points; Sam Kim; Wine Orbit

96 Points - Wine Showcase Magazine
Top 100 - Matthew Jukes