Ulithorne produces small quantities of red wines from selected parcels of grapes from its estate vineyard in McLaren Vale, planted in 1950 by Bob Whiting. These rare and high-quality wines are crafted to always consider the fruit first – ensuring that the final wine celebrates all that is unique in the flavours and structure of the fruit taste, as it ripens in the vineyard.

The Shiraz was sourced primarily from Ulithorne's 65 year old dry-grown vineyard in Blewitt Springs, handpicked, cooled overnight, open-fermented, basket-pressed to 20% new and 80% used French oak for 15-18 months. Both black and blue fruits join hands with a touch of regional chocolate, the tannins fine in best Blewitt Springs style, oak no more than a conveyance. 

A prestige release which enjoys more time in the cellar than most and it reveals the benefits of that. Under diam. Deep maroon hue, the nose promises us a wine that will be big and bold. There are aromas of cassis, blueberries, mocha, coffee beans and more – it is beautifully aromatic. The oak is deftly handled. Supple, juicy, crowd-pleasing and ever-so-delicious, this has impressive length and very fine silky tannins. Love it. Price: $175.00; Rating: 96 Points; Ken Gargett

From 65-year-old vines in Blewitt Springs; Deeply coloured, almost impenetrable in the glass, this is a powerful expression from a district oft known for elegance, yet there is composure, too. Familiar blue floral and blue fruit notes simply feel more compressed, more concentrated. Boysenberry, blueberry, crème de violette, ripe plums, soft licorice, fresh coffee grounds and blackberry pastille. Tannins are polished, the balance keenly judged. It’s very good (and it would be just as impressive in a lighter bottle). Drink to: 2034; Date Tasted: July 2026; Alcohol: 14.5%; Price: $175.00; Rating: 95+ Points; James Halliday Wine Companion