2016 Ox Hardy Shiraz

Impenetrable midnight black colour with a deep dark red black tinged hue. Rising out of the glass are intense aromatics of liquorice, ripe blackberries and dark plums which meld into hints of dark chocolate, vanillin oak and spice. Medium to full bodied yet quite elegant in its feel the palate has supplely textured dark plum, blackberry and liquorice fruits which sit over smoky vanillin cedar, light earth, black olive and pepper elements. Sturdy tannins firm up the finish and provide good support to the rich fruit. Concludes medium to long.
Cellar 5-6 years.
Alc. 14.5%

Other Reviews…
100% shiraz from Blewitt Springs in McLaren Vale. All French oak for 18 months. Stand-out packaging. This is the new label of Andrew Hardy, ex-Petaluma and of course, a Hardy. There’s an old-vine release (with a $225 pricetag, and apparently too limited to be sent as samples) and this $38 release, which was grown on vines roughly 20 years old.
This is a ripping shiraz. It charges at you and let’s you have it, and it does so in such fine style. Maybe there are some floral notes but really it’s just drenched in dark, baked plum-like flavour, combined with asphalt and graphite, and then there’s that rich, dark chocolatey goodness too. It’s the tannin though that really lets rip. This shiraz is polished and modern and yet it doesn’t pussy-foot around. It’s been made by a Hardy in a hearty style, ha ha, but it doesn’t rest on its laurels, it goes straight for the jugular. Drink 2020-2035+
95 points
Campbell Mattinson – The Wine Front

While this is certainly made to appeal hedonists, its personality also suggests a deep grasp of sensitivity and finesse. Brambleberries and dark-plum and cherry liqueur are pitted against undergrowth, licorice and vanilla. Dense and intricately structured, this is an impressive red that takes off on the palate with fully fledged tannins and agile acidity. Full-bodied and long on the finish. Very well done. Drink now. Screw cap.
94 points
JamesSuckling.com