95 points
Dry grown, 1 tonne/acre, 20% whole bunch. Great synergy between the region and variety. Hunter terroir coming through strongly, with the red fruits and pepper of shiraz given an extra layer of complexity by the whole bunch component. Densely flavoured but only medium-bodied; supple, but structured, founded more on acidity than tannin. A long life ahead
92 points
Lustrous black-red colour same with the fruit within dark cherries and plums. Very spicy, charry, with wafts of Middle Eastern spices, medium-bodied, some suppleness, then grip when tannins kick in on the finish.
Breaking Ground Shiraz Mourvedre 2015
90 points
Vibrant purple-black hue; the mourvedre seems to be revealing itself more with savoury, earthy elements, a touch of leather with some spiced plums underneath. Firm tannins bolstered by the oak with decent acidity
90 points
While there's the incisive racy acidity essential to see this through into its next phase, it's also injected with flavour and texture with a sensation of sweetness on the finish. Plus white blossom, chamomile, kaffir lime leaves and lemongrass with chalk-like acidity.
90 points
Merlot in the Hunter is not one of the great varietal/regional combinations historically, but Margan generally make a pretty good fist of it. This release shows predominantly red fruit aromas and flavours, with some savoury, earthy characters adding a little more interest and complexity. It's an attractive, medium-bodied, easy drinking style.
Margan Shiraz 2015
90 points
Coming after the '14 vintage was always going to be challenging, vintage conditions simply underlining the challenge. This is a very good response, its light to medium-bodied palate with fresh red and black cherry fruit, and an easy going finish for early consumption.