James Halliday 97 Points — A Benchmark McLaren Vale Reserve

My Wine Man on Oliver's Taranga

Oliver's Taranga is one of McLaren Vale's most storied estates, with the Hoffmann family farming the land since 1839 — making it one of South Australia's oldest continuously family-owned vineyards. The M53 Reserve Shiraz is their flagship statement: produced only in exceptional vintages, drawn from the Old Block (re-planted 1948).

Tasting Notes

Hand-picked from the Old Block, destemmed, crushed and given a three-day cold soak before wild yeast open fermentation. Matured in three new French hogsheads. Dark plum, blackberry and ironstone minerality lead, with layers of dark chocolate, dried herbs and perfectly integrated French oak spice. James Halliday 97 Points.

Style & Drinking Window

Full-bodied McLaren Vale Reserve Shiraz with exceptional structure and polish. Drinking beautifully now with decanting, and will continue through 2034–2040.

Food Pairing

A 97-point McLaren Vale Reserve of this stature deserves a serious cut. We love it with Australian Grass-Fed Cape Grim Rib-Eye Steak from My Meat Man — dry-aged and char-grilled medium-rare with bone-marrow butter, the rich marbling and beefy depth are a magnificent match for M53's dark plum, ironstone minerality and dark chocolate complexity. A pairing built for the most considered occasion.