2021 De Iuliis Steven Vineyard Shiraz

96 pts
A standout Hunter Valley Shiraz from the trusted De Iuliis team, this wine combines old-vine depth with vibrant freshness, offering elegance and serious cellaring potential.

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Description

The De Iuliis Steven Vineyard Shiraz is a cracking example of Hunter Valley Shiraz done right, from one of the region’s most reliable and highly regarded producers. The vineyard’s been kicking around since 1968, and it shows in the depth of flavour you get here—those old vines know what they’re doing.

2021 was a cooler vintage, which has given this wine plenty of freshness and vibrant red fruit—think cherries and raspberries—with a bit of clove spice and that earthy touch you expect from the Hunter. It’s medium-bodied, with fine tannins and a finish that just keeps going.

Right now, it’s drinking beautifully—balanced, bright, and super approachable—but if you’ve got the patience, it’ll evolve nicely over the next 5–10 years.

This is the kind of wine you’d open with a slow-cooked lamb shoulder or maybe even just a good chat around the dinner table. It’s one to grab if you love Hunter Shiraz with a bit of polish.

96 points
"Red cherry is the cornerstone of the bouquet and palate alike. Typical Hunter shiraz, only medium bodied, but with decades to run for those able to keep their hands off it."
- James Halliday (2025 Halliday Wine Companion)

96 points - "Excellent bright crimson-purple colour heralds a most attractive wine from the estate-owned Steven Vineyard. Red cherry is the cornerstone of the bouquet and palate alike. Typical Hunter shiraz, only medium bodied, but with decades to run for those able to keep their hands off it." - James Halliday (2025 Halliday Wine Companion)

Hunter Valley Region

The Single Vineyard range reveals the unique character of the Hunter Valley’s finest vineyards. Produced in small quantities and only in exceptional vintages, the wines are crafted using modern viticultural and winemaking techniques.

The Story
The 2021 Steven Vineyard Shiraz is a complex wine that showcases its heritage vine origin. Planted in 1968 on rich red clay over lime soil, the vineyard produces concentrated flavors lifted by vibrant acidity. These old vines yield outstanding wines that embody the essence of the Hunter Valley.

The Wine
Aromas of rich red berry fruits and subtle sweet spices intertwine with earthy notes. On the palate, red cherries and raspberries are accented by clove, complemented by regional earthiness. Firm tannins and bright acidity offer a medium-bodied style with lingering length. This well-balanced wine epitomizes the iconic Hunter Valley Shiraz style.

The Vintage
A cooler ripening period in 2021 yielded elegant red wines with intricate fruit profiles. Breakthrough rainfall after a drought led to an outstanding growing season. A cool summer with timely heat spikes fostered stress-free ripening, ensuring optimal flavor development and high natural acidity.

The Potential
Currently drinking exceptionally well, this wine offers a delightful experience in every sip. Its true potential, however, shines in the years ahead. With the capacity to evolve gracefully over the next 5 to 10 years, expect refinement and complexity to develop, unlocking new layers of character and depth with each passing year.

The Match
Pair this exquisite wine with slow-roasted lamb shoulder seasoned with fragrant herbs and spices, echoing the wine’s nuanced flavors. The tender meat complements the wine’s depth, while the savory richness aligns with its structure, creating a culinary experience that enhances the enjoyment of both.

Price Bracket $41 to $50
Type Red
Body Full Bodied
Variety Shiraz
Country Australia
Region Hunter Valley
Australian State NSW
Reviewed By Halliday Wine Companion
Critic Score 96
Alcohol 13%
Size 750ml
Vintage 2021
Closure Screw Cap

De Iuliis

De Iuliis - pronounced [de uli ~ iss] - is one of the brightest stars from the Hunter Valley.

Owners Joss and Anna De luliis first planted vines on their estate in the famous Lovedale sub-region back in 1990, but it wasn’t until their son Mike got involved after graduating from the world-renowned Roseworthy campus (Adelaide University) in 1999 that things really took off.

Today Mike crafts an excellent array of site-specific wines that are a very good modern representation of what the Hunter Valley has to offer.

Mike De Iuliis - Hunter Valley, NSW De Iuliis

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