Craiglee Shiraz 2010 750ml

"A beautifully mature Sunbury Shiraz with savoury spice, dark fruit and an outstanding 96 point rating."

Craiglee Shiraz 2010 is a seriously impressive back vintage from one of Victoria's most historic and respected wineries. Made by the legendary Pat Carmody in Sunbury, this is a wonderful example of Australian Shiraz with refinement, character and genuine ageing potential. Forget the big, jammy style of Shiraz, Craiglee is all about balance, peppery spice, savoury complexity and beautifully structured fruit. Now 16 years from vintage, the 2010 offers a terrific opportunity to enjoy a mature Victorian classic. And with an outstanding 96 points from respected wine critic Jeremy Oliver, there's plenty of reason to get excited about this one.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Dark cherry, blackcurrant and ripe plum, with layers of cracked black pepper, earthy spice, chocolate and developing savoury notes.

Palate: Rich yet beautifully balanced, with dark berries, plum and pomegranate complemented by peppery spice, gentle chocolate notes and savoury complexity. Supple tannins and refreshing acidity provide structure, while the years in bottle have had time to bring additional depth and harmony.

Finish: Long, refined and beautifully persistent, with lingering dark fruit, gentle spice and an earthy savoury character.

Halliday Wine Companion - 95 Points

Clear red-purple; an archetypal fragrant Craiglee bouquet, with a panoply of spicy peppery red and black cherry fruits precisely reflected in the light- to medium-bodied palate; it has perfect balance and length, and will surprise those who don't know the prior history of this proud label. Jeni Port

Serving Suggestions

A wonderful match for slow roasted lamb shoulder, grilled venison, beef Wellington or a beautifully cooked ribeye steak. The wine's developing savoury complexity also makes it a terrific partner for wild mushroom risotto, roast duck and aged cheeses.

For a special dinner, pair it with roast lamb and rosemary or slow cooked beef cheeks.

As a mature wine, handle the bottle gently and consider carefully decanting to separate any natural sediment. Avoid prolonged aeration until you've had a chance to see how the wine is showing.

About The Winery

Craiglee is one of Victoria's most historic wine estates, located in Sunbury, just northwest of Melbourne.

The property's winemaking history dates back to the 1860s, when it was established by James Stewart Johnston. Craiglee quickly earned a reputation for producing exceptional Australian wines, particularly Shiraz, with some of its earliest bottles demonstrating remarkable longevity.

After a lengthy period without wine production, the vineyard was revived in 1976 by Pat Carmody, who has since become one of the most respected figures in Victorian winemaking.

Craiglee Shiraz has developed something of a cult following among Australian wine enthusiasts, celebrated for its distinctive peppery character, refined structure and impressive ability to age.

Unlike the richer, more powerful Shiraz styles associated with warmer Australian regions, Sunbury produces wines with vibrant acidity, savoury spice and a more restrained expression of fruit.

The 2010 vintage is a particularly impressive example, combining generous dark fruit with the structure, balance and longevity that have made Craiglee one of Australia's most respected Shiraz producers.

Cellaring Potential

At 16 years from vintage, Craiglee Shiraz 2010 is entering a particularly interesting stage of its development.

The wine has the structure and balance to reward careful ageing, with Jeremy Oliver identifying a drinking window of 2022 to 2030 and potentially beyond.

For those who enjoy mature Shiraz, this is a wonderful time to open a bottle and appreciate the developing savoury complexity, softened tannins and beautifully integrated fruit.

Well stored bottles may continue to develop over the next several years, although individual bottle condition and storage history will play an important role.

Collector's Note

Craiglee Shiraz holds a special place in Australian wine history, with the estate's remarkable heritage and Pat Carmody's distinctive winemaking style earning it a loyal following among collectors.

The 2010 vintage is particularly noteworthy, receiving an outstanding 96 points from Jeremy Oliver, who has identified it as one of his favourite Australian wines.

With 16 years of bottle age, this is a terrific opportunity to experience a mature example of one of Victoria's most distinctive Shiraz labels.

A wonderful addition to a collection of Australian back vintage wines, or a special bottle to open with someone who appreciates the character and history of great Victorian Shiraz.

Recommended Drinking Window 2022 to 2030 and potentially beyond.

Details

Producer: Craiglee
Winemaker: Pat Carmody
Vintage: 2010
Variety: Shiraz
Region: Sunbury, Victoria
Country: Australia
Bottle Size: 750ml
Wine Body: Medium to Full Bodied
Wine Sweetness: Dry
Wine Style: Mature & Savoury Red
Critic Rating: 96 Points, Jeremy Oliver
Cellaring: Drinking beautifully now, with potential through 2030 and beyond