Mount Pleasant, established in 1921 by legendary winemaker Maurice O’Shea, is one of Australia’s most historic and revered producers. The Maurice O’Shea Shiraz stands as the Hunter Valley’s most iconic red, named in honour of the man who pioneered the region’s modern winemaking identity. Made only in exceptional years, this flagship cuvée represents the ultimate expression of Mount Pleasant’s old-vine Shiraz vineyards and its refined, timeless style.
Vineyard
The fruit for the 2006 vintage was sourced predominantly from Mount Pleasant’s oldest and finest Shiraz sites—Old Hill (planted 1880) and Old Paddock (planted 1921)—in Pokolbin. These dry-grown vines, rooted in volcanic loam over limestone, yield minuscule quantities of fruit with extraordinary depth, minerality, and concentration. The wine was matured for 18 months in French oak puncheons (approximately 40% new), achieving a seamless balance between fruit richness and savoury complexity.
Vintage
The 2006 vintage was an outstanding year in the Hunter Valley, marked by a warm and dry growing season that produced small, intensely flavoured berries. The wines from this harvest display superb concentration and ripe tannin structure, with the 2006 Maurice O’Shea Shiraz hailed as one of the estate’s most complete and age-worthy modern releases.
Tasting Notes
The 2006 Maurice O’Shea Shiraz shows a deep crimson core with garnet reflections. Aromas of blackberry, dark cherry, cedar, cocoa, and black pepper are layered with earthy undertones and fine oak spice. The palate is medium to full-bodied, combining ripe fruit generosity with savoury restraint—silky tannins and balanced acidity carry through to a long, graceful finish. This vintage offers both immediate pleasure and exceptional ageing potential, reflecting the hallmark elegance and structure of great Hunter Shiraz.
Critics’ Acclaim
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98 points – James Halliday Wine Companion
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96 points – Huon Hooke, The Real Review
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Langton’s Classification: “Exceptional”
Celebrated as one of the finest vintages of the decade—poised, powerful, and perfectly proportioned.
Technical Information
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Region: Hunter Valley, New South Wales
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Variety: 100% Shiraz
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Alcohol: ~13.5%
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Maturation: 18 months in French oak puncheons (approx. 40% new)
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Closure: Cork
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Drinking Window: 2018–2050+
A Collectible Gem
The 2006 Mount Pleasant Maurice O’Shea Shiraz is a majestic and finely tuned expression of old-vine Hunter Valley Shiraz. Deep, complex, and endlessly refined, it stands among the most profound modern vintages of this Australian icon—an essential addition to any serious cellar.
