Oliver’s Taranga HJ Reserve Shiraz 2021 from McLaren Vale is the estate’s powerhouse old‑vine flagship, drawn primarily from the 1948 “Old Block” and crafted by Corrina Wright as a deep, age‑worthy tribute to HJ Oliver. It is 100% Shiraz, wild‑fermented and matured in high‑quality French oak, with a significant new‑oak component for extra polish.

Aromatically it is all mulberry, blackberry and baked cherry compote, layered with fruit‑cake spice, anise, mocha, dark cocoa, coffee crema and a savoury, dusty earth and river‑stone edge. The palate is full‑bodied and plush yet controlled – dense black and blue fruits, crème de mûre, cacao nibs and spice wrapped in beautifully fine, cleansing tannins and perfectly matched oak, finishing long, savoury and impeccably balanced.

This HJ Reserve Shiraz 2021 begs for slow‑cooked lamb shoulder, beef rib, venison pie or rich ragù, and will comfortably cellar to around 2050, evolving into an even more complex, gamey and tertiary McLaren Vale classic.