Dark cherries, subtle oak, white pepper spice. Bright red and black fruits with savoury spice.

Leogate Estate was established in 2009 by Bill and Vicki Widin, however, their vines are much older. The winery has maintained a 5 Red Star rating for well over a decade now, and their Western Slope has rarely fallen below 95pts in that same period, such is the impressive consistency of this Reserve Shiraz. The 2017 vintage presented a smaller yield vintage for Hunter reds, which means concentration of flavour has been high. This is well deserving of a place in your cellar. “It puts on a classy display based on a core of cherry-plum flavour though it's also appropriately adorned in smoky, cedary oak. Earth and spice notes strut throughout and the texture is silken. It doesn't put a foot wrong, and it's impressive... 95pts” (Halliday Wine Companion, Campbell Mattinson).

Classical elegant Hunter shiraz, crafted from 50-year-old vines. Plums and violets on the nose, with touches of lavender and licorice. Savoury nuances mingle with juicy fruits on the palate, framed by smooth tannins. "A welcome confluence of 50yo vines, 12 months in (1st to 3rd pass) French barriques, volcanic loams and plenty of destemmed whole berries to impart a pulpy, lively jubiness to the fruit, all accentuated by a violet lift. Licorice straps and lavender notes, too. This is a benchmark medium-bodied Hunter red, drinking akin to a luncheon claret. Just what the region does well... 93pts" (Ned Goodwin MW, Halliday Wine Companion).

The first and only Barbera planted in the Hunter. This juicy red has become the biggest seller at Margan's cellar door and the former 2019 vintage took out a Trophy. Rhubarb, cherry and spice on the nose, typical of this Italian varietal. Bright red fruits and savoury spice on the palate, enlivened with a crunchy acidity. Partners with tomato-based dishes and lamb. Medium bodied.

Andrew Margan grew up in Sydney but his parents planted a vineyard in Pokolbin, Hunter Valley in 1965, next door to the Tyrrell’s winey HeI was lucky to have legendary wine grower Murray Tyrrell mentor him. After working for a while at Tyrrell's, and in France, Andrew Margan and wife Lisa established Margan Vineyards in 1996. Today it incorporates 2 of the 2nd generation, Alessa and Ollie, as viticulturist and winemaker respectively. Andrew continues to oversee the viticultural and winemaking side; Lisa, the tourism and restaurant. The quality of the estate's output is extremely high, both with traditional Hunter varieties, Shiraz, Chardonnay and Semillon, and with the new and pioneering, such as Albabrino and Barbera. The Hunter has several sub-regions and Broke Fordwich, where the estate lies, is one of them. It was designated, registered and protected as a GI (Geographic Indication) region in 2003, the second in Australia to do so. This is an excellently balanced Single Vineyard Shiraz.

A beautifully juicy and spicy modern Hunter Valley Shiraz with fruit taking centre stage rather than oak.