Deep red in colour with vibrant crimson hues. A dark and brooding nose, bitumen and tar, fennel, chocolate with hints of wood smoke and charcuterie superbly interwoven. Opulently textured but offering surprising balance and poise, the primary flavours of dark chocolate, cherry plums and licorice impressively arrive then seamlessly lead into a long finish wrapped in smoked meats, finely positioned tannins and positive acid structure. A wine to enjoy now, but with further cellaring, a wine to celebrate the ages with.

98 Point Rated - Ray Jordan Wine Pilot

"The Attunga vineyard was planted in 1865 near the famous town of Auburn on the road to Clare. It’s a low yielding vineyard producing concentrated velvety plush fruit which translates into this excellent wine. It was also bottled unfined and unfiltered. Has a juicy plush mouth feel with supple tannin working into the palate with a nice touch of oak. Dry and chalky with a very long finish. Love it."

97 Point Rated - Ken Gargett Wine Pilot

"Planted in 1865, so this ancient Clare Valley vineyard provides fruit from some of the oldest Shiraz vines on the planet. The crop is usually around one tonne per acre from a vineyard located just to the north of Auburn, for those who know the Clare. This wine is not released every year, but a superb vintage such as 2018 was a certainty. Deep maroon in colour, the nose is concentrated and powerful, and yet utterly alluring. Imagine a handful of rich, fertile soil, dark chocolate, delicatessen notes, dried herbs, cassis and leather. Plums, soy notes, licorice and beef stock too – the hits just keep coming! The texture is supple and seamless and the wine is finely balanced. Good fresh acidity runs the length and there are delightfully silky tannins. Intensity is maintained throughout so feel free to drink any time over the next two decades."

95 Point Rated - Erin Larkin Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

"The fruit for this 2018 Attunga 1865 Shiraz was sourced from original plantings (circa 800 vines) in the Attunga vineyard, planted in 1865. The depth and concentration of the fruit here attests to the years that those dry-grown vines have been driving their roots deeper and deeper into the terra rossa dirt of that place in Watervale in the Clare Valley. This is evolving past its primary stage and morphing into the complex, layered and savory wine that it will become. The core of fruit remains red and pure and drives across the palate long into the finish. All things are in balance here, and the wine has opened up immeasurably in the glass, meaning a decant is a must."

94 Point Rated - Gabrielle Poy The Real Review

"Aromas of Christmas cake, wet earth and rosemary take their time to emerge. With more air, maraschino cherries and fresh tobacco appear. An intensely rich core with great flavour and depth follows. There's a lovely play between light and shade on the palate. Fine chewy tannins frame the core. This is one for the hedonists."

93 Point Rated - Jane Faulkner James Halliday WIne Companion

"While any wine made from vines planted in 1865 commands a certain respect, that alone is not enough. Floral, menthol with a green walnut, sappy note disrupting. And yet it's a powerhouse, concentrated with black plums doused in Pontifract licorice, plus the oak is dominating. However, there is a freshness within, pulsing along and more cellar time should soften out some edges."

This revered vineyard was planted in 1865 and it celebrates an incredible legacy and history of Australian Shiraz. Located just north of Auburn, the Attunga Vineyard is still producing fruit commercially today and in certain years is released as a single vineyard wine of widespread acclaim.