97 POINTS
Toni Paterson MW - Halliday Wine Companion
Planted in 1946, the age of the vines is evident in this beautifully concentrated shiraz with only the best barrels selected. Individual in character, with a distinct floral lift. A mix of potpourri, roasted plum, aged vanilla, tonka bean, shiitake and baked red clay. Plunging depth of flavour, balanced by tensioned acidity.
96 POINTS
Toni Paterson MW - Halliday Wine Companion
A blend of the 1946 and 1965 vines at Rosehill. Twelve months in French oak (15% new). Still very primary and fully expressive of the warm vintage, with strawberry conserve and raspberry-drop aromas. The intensity of the sweet fruit is phenomenal, with a pleasing tart cherry note and underlying spice providing a counterbalance to the ripeness. Long and intense, with a warming alcohol presence. If drinking young, decanting is recommended to open the fruit and harmonise the elements.
96 POINTS
Shanteh Wale - Winepilot
Another remarkable moment for Maurice O’Shea was walking the Rosehill block and recognising its potential. Vines planted in 1946, Rosehill has its own adoring fans and sings to its own musical tune. Ah Rosehill you stunner you, there is something in the glance of this wine that knocks you sideways. Perhaps the twinkle of wild raspberries, the up turn of Rosella florals or the swanky way the wine moves on the palate. Its delicate white pepper spice and sandy tannins. There is power and a soft curve too, moderately weighted and a wine you can sit with for hours. A bit of plump this vintage, more moxie and I am mad for it. This is your date night red, some veal ragu and everyone is winning. Drink now or savour for each anniversary decades on.
95 POINTS
Shanteh Wale - Winepilot
Planted in 1946 and later plantings in 1965. This bottling takes fruit from the lower Northern aspect that makes the use of its slow ripening. There is a charm to this wine, with friendly affable ripe red fruits, rhubarb and blood plum. Some strawberry cream too, silky tannins and a pulp like consistency that nestle into the front of your palate. Perhaps a portion of new oak, some warm cocoa tones make themselves known. This cuddles into your soul and makes you feel right at home. Another wine for arresting your heart and falling into love with the sites of Mount Pleasant. Pair with lasagna the oozey gooey kind. Drink now or cellar mid term for 4-6 years.
95 POINTS
Mike Bennie - The Wine Front
From the original, O’Shea plantings of 1946. A dedicated, single site/plot wine. I like the vibrancy of this, and it pips the ‘standard’ Rosehill by some for me. It’s lifted and pure, shaped well with a lithe touch of silky tannin, moves with red berry fruit perfume doused in cinnamon and nutmeg, faint game meat, brambles and pepper. The palate is inlaid with tart, red plum, choc-raspberry-liquorice bullets, Italianate herbs, subtle sooty-woody notes, and touches of blood orange and Campari. It feels seamless, elegant, vibrant and long. Tannins could pull a little harder for shape and texture, but the pleasure in a pinosity, as such, should endear to many. Fine wine, for sure, and such a lovely, sleek expression of Hunter shiraz.
95 POINTS
Gary Walsh - The Wine Front
If I recall correctly, talking with winemaker/GM Adrian Sparks last year, they’ve ripped out a lot of vines on Rosehill, the ones that were not performing, and now pretty much only have the good stuff left in the ground. Packaging has changed again; the happy carousel of marketing people. Very nice. It smells like Rosehill with its rosy perfume, cherry and raspberry, a lick of spice and gentle earthiness. It’s medium-bodied, has a quiet succulence, a light grainy grip to tannin, a lovely mouth-perfume, with a slightly ferrous and ‘mineral’ finish of excellent length. It’s very stylish, kind of svelte in character, and very good. An excellent release.
