Established in 1984, Fox Creek Wines has long been one of McLaren Vale’s most acclaimed boutique producers. The Reserve Shiraz is its flagship release — a powerful yet refined expression of the region’s old-vine Shiraz and a benchmark for contemporary McLaren Vale craftsmanship. Produced only in outstanding vintages, this wine represents the pinnacle of Fox Creek’s dedication to balance, intensity, and longevity.
Vineyard
Sourced from low-yielding old vines rooted in the red clay and loam soils of McLaren Vale, the 2019 Reserve Shiraz captures the region’s signature richness and depth. These vineyards benefit from cooling afternoon sea breezes from the nearby Gulf St Vincent, which temper ripening and preserve natural acidity. The wine was matured for 20 months in a mix of fine-grained French (70%) and American (30%) oak, imparting structure, polish, and complexity.
Vintage
The 2019 growing season was warm and dry, with small yields of intensely flavoured, thick-skinned berries. While challenging, the vintage produced exceptional quality fruit, yielding Shiraz of great concentration, dark fruit purity, and finely textured tannins. The 2019 Reserve Shiraz is a deeply expressive and cellar-worthy vintage, combining power with remarkable balance.
Tasting Notes
Deep purple-crimson in colour, the 2019 Reserve Shiraz opens with aromas of blackberry, plum, dark chocolate, and violet, underpinned by notes of espresso, licorice, and sweet spice. The palate is full-bodied and opulent yet impeccably balanced, offering layers of ripe black fruit, cocoa, and savoury oak wrapped in velvety tannins. The finish is long, concentrated, and elegant, showing both intensity and refinement — a hallmark of Fox Creek’s best vintages.
Critics’ Acclaim
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96 points – James Halliday Wine Companion
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95 points – The Real Review (Huon Hooke)
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Langton’s Classification: “Excellent”
Praised for its fruit depth, balance, and luxurious texture — one of the standout McLaren Vale Shiraz releases of the decade.
Technical Information
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Region: McLaren Vale, South Australia
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Variety: 100% Shiraz
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Alcohol: ~15%
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Maturation: 20 months in French & American oak (approx. 60% new)
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Closure: Cork
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Drinking Window: 2024–2045+
A Collectible Gem
The 2019 Fox Creek Reserve Shiraz is a stunning example of McLaren Vale’s power and polish. Rich, structured, and seamlessly integrated, it captures the essence of the region’s finest terroir and stands as one of Fox Creek’s most complete and age-worthy modern vintages.
