Mount Pleasant, founded in 1921 by legendary winemaker Maurice O’Shea, stands as a cornerstone of Australian fine wine history. O’Shea’s visionary blending of French technique with Hunter Valley terroir helped define modern Australian Shiraz. The Maurice O’Shea Shiraz—the estate’s flagship wine—is named in his honour and remains one of the most important and age-worthy expressions of Hunter Valley Shiraz, crafted only in exceptional vintages.
Vineyard
Fruit for the 2004 Maurice O’Shea Shiraz was sourced primarily from Mount Pleasant’s historic Old Hill and Old Paddock vineyards in Pokolbin, some of which date back to the 1880s. These low-yielding, dry-grown vines on volcanic loam over limestone soils produce Shiraz of immense concentration and savoury complexity. The wine was matured for 18 months in a combination of new and seasoned French oak puncheons, striking a perfect balance between fruit expression and oak finesse.
Vintage
The 2004 vintage was one of the Hunter Valley’s great years of the early 2000s. A warm, dry growing season yielded small, intensely flavoured berries with remarkable structure and purity. The wines from this vintage display the classic Hunter balance of ripe fruit, earth, and spice—built for longevity and graceful evolution.
Tasting Notes
The 2004 Maurice O’Shea Shiraz presents a deep garnet colour with an aromatic bouquet of blackberry, mulberry, dark chocolate, earth, and subtle oak spice. On the palate, it’s medium to full-bodied, rich and layered, offering black cherry, plum, and cocoa flavours framed by fine-grained tannins. The texture is supple yet structured, with a long, savoury finish marked by notes of leather and spice. At nearly two decades old, this wine is entering its prime drinking window, showing both the power and elegance that define Hunter Valley greatness.
Critics’ Acclaim
-
97 points – James Halliday
-
95 points – Huon Hooke (The Real Review)
-
Langton’s Classification: “Exceptional”
Regarded as one of the standout Hunter Valley Shiraz vintages of the decade—deep, poised, and profoundly cellar-worthy.
Technical Information
-
Region: Hunter Valley, New South Wales
-
Variety: 100% Shiraz
-
Alcohol: ~13.5%
-
Maturation: 18 months in French oak puncheons (new and seasoned)
-
Closure: Cork
-
Drinking Window: 2015–2045+
A Collectible Gem
The 2004 Mount Pleasant Maurice O’Shea Shiraz is a commanding yet graceful expression of old-vine Hunter Valley Shiraz. With its depth, balance, and longevity, this vintage pays perfect tribute to Maurice O’Shea’s pioneering legacy and remains a true icon of Australian winemaking.
