What we have here is the StarDozen: Critic's Choice Shiraz Collection featuring 3 bottles each from 4 different regions of Australia which not only scored 95 Points or better from Australia's leading Wine Critics but also shows the diversity of this variety with an example from the Hunter Valley, McLaren Vale, Yarra Valley and the Barossa Valley. 

The StarDozen consists of the following:

3 bottles       Tyrrells Estate Grown Hunter Valley Shiraz 2023
3 bottles       Dune Blewitt Springs Shiraz 2023
3 bottles       Medhurst Yarra Valley Syrah 2023
3 bottles       Jim Barry Barry Bros Shiraz 2021

Tyrrells Estate Grown Hunter Valley Shiraz 2023
This classy Tyrrell's shiraz will bowl you over with its fragrance, brightness and length of flavour. The quality of the fruit is undeniable, being sourced from the Tyrrell's Black Ridge, Weinkeller and Baulkham vineyards, the latter planted in the '60s. A chiffon-like layer of fragrant oak drapes over the gorgeous fruit, adding nutty interest and intrigue. This is a serious wine with impressive layers and vitality, offering subtle richness and juiciness at the front and satisfying succulence on the close. Date: Nov 2024; Alcohol: 13.8%; Price: $40.00; Drink by: 2028; Rating: 96 Points & Special Value Star; James Halliday Wine Companion

Dune Blewitt Springs Shiraz 2023
Fermented with whole bunches, whole berries and crushed fruit, with 12 months in seasoned foudre (75%) and hogsheads (25%). Darkly wrought fruit, spicy and savoury, though not cresting out of medium weight, with a refined array of red fruits emerging with air. Powdered spices – star anise, allspice, clove, cassia – black cherry, dark-roast coffee bean, lavender, violet and nori. Delicious and, like all the Dune wines, truly exceptional value. Date Tasted: Feb 2025; Drink to: 2033; Price: $28.00; Alcohol: 14.2%; Rating: 95 Points & Special Value Star; James Halliday Wine Companion

Medhurst Yarra Valley Syrah 2023
All estate-grown fruit from a single block; 10% whole bunches and matured in puncheons and hogsheads (35% new). A new and incredibly well-priced syrah from the team at Medhurst. A brilliant, bright purple, you'll find aromas of raspberries, boysenberries and violets together with a touch of spice. Light- to medium-bodied, the fruit is pure and delicious, the tannins silky and fine. Both the wine and the price are spot on. Drink to: 2034; Price: $30.00; Alcohol: 13.5%; Rating: 96 Points & Special Value Star; James Halliday Wine Companion

Jim Barry Barry Bros Shiraz 2021
Trophy: Best Red of Show - Royal Perth Wine Show 2024
Trophy: Best Shiraz of Show - Royal Perth Wine Show 2024
Gold Medal & 96 Points - Royal Queensland Wine Show 2024
Gold Medal & 95 Points - Royal Adelaide Wine Show 2024
Gold Medal - Royal Perth Wine Show 2024