Accolades
2006 McWilliam’s Mount Pleasant Maurice O’Shea Shiraz
“An absolute crackerjack O’Shea...96 points.”
Houn Hooke, Sydeny Morning Herald, 25 May 2010
“...it’s an exquisitely soft, earthen, complex wine.”
Campbell Mattinson, Sunday Magazine, 20 September 2009
2005 McWilliam’s Mount Pleasant Lovedale Semillon
“...essay in elegance and poise.”
Sally Gudgeon, Qantas The Australian Way Magazine, May 2010
“Another marvellous Semillon under this famous label.”
Ray Jordan, West Australian, 23 January 2010
“The recently released Lovedale Semillon, available nationally, is simply spectactular...”
Toni Paterson MW, Qantas The Australian Way Magazine, October 2009
2006 McWilliam’s Mount Pleasant OP & OH Shiraz
“Very “old vine” complex, with cherry, raspberry and savoury spice aromas...5 stars.”
Ralph Kyte-Powell, The Age, 6 July 2010
2009 McWilliam’s Mount Pleasant Florence Semillon Sauvignon Blanc
“...you may be my white wine of the year.”
Phillip Stubbs, Geelong Advertiser, 21 November 2009
Friday, 2 July 2010
Two Sides of the Globe, Two Great Successes
Both international and Australian success came the way of McWilliam’s Wines this week, with the winery awarded the
Trophy for Best Australian White Wine at the International Wine Challenge in London and the prestigious Stodart Trophy
at the Royal Queensland Wine Show.
Both international and Australian success came the way of McWilliam’s Wines this week, with the winery awarded the Trophy
for Best Australian White Wine at the International Wine Challenge in London and the prestigious Stodart Trophy at the
Royal Queensland Wine Show.
Across the globe, the 2005 McWilliam’s Mount Pleasant Cellar Release
Elizabeth Semillon took home the Trophy for Best Australian White Wine at the International Wine Challenge after picking up
a gold medal at the show earlier this year. The wine will be the first vintage released as the new McWilliam’s Mount Pleasant
Cellar Release Elizabeth and will be available in the Australian and UK markets in October this year.
On home soil, Barwang was awarded the Stodart Trophy at the Royal Queensland Wine Show for its inaugural 2009 vintage flagship
Cabernet Sauvignon last night. The trophy is Queensland’s equivalent to Melbourne’s Jimmy Watson Trophy and the award is a very
promising start for a wine in its early development and which will be launched in 2012. This is the second year in a row McWilliam’s
Wines has taken home the Stodart Trophy, with the winery winning for its 2008 McWilliam’s 1877 last year.
The 2008 McWilliam’s Morning Light Botrytis Semillon (to be released in 2011) was awarded The Wine Guild of Australian Inc Trophy
for the Best Gold Medal Winning Sweet White Wine while the McWilliam’s Chairman’s Reserve Brandy won the Maldwyn and Ian Davies Trophy.
Our regional wines also performed well, with the currently available 2007 Barwang 842 Tumbarumba Chardonnay,
2005 McWilliam’s Mount Pleasant Lovedale and 2009 Catching Thieves Cabernet Merlot
winning gold at the 2010 Royal Queensland Wine Show. The future vintage of Barwang 842 Chardonnay, the 2008, also won gold, a strong
endorsement for the quality of this flagship wine with two consecutive vintages winning gold at the one show.
It has been an incredible year for the McWilliam’s brand and the company this year. In June, McWilliam’s was awarded Winery of
the Year in the Big Red Wine Book 2010/11 with the 2007 McWilliam’s Mount Pleasant Maurice O’Shea Shiraz named Shiraz of the Year.
“We’re always excited to be recognised at Australian wine shows and it is particularly humbling to receive international recognition
from a show with such high acclaim,” McWilliam’s Wines Production Director, Jim Brayne said.
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Wednesday, 1 June 2010
Hunter Valley red wine outscores Penfolds Grange to take top shiraz spot!
The 2007 McWilliam’s Mount Pleasant Maurice O’Shea Shiraz has outscored Penfolds Grange and Henschke Hill of Grace to become
the highest rated Shiraz in the newly released Big Red Wine Book 2010/11.
Leading wine critics and authors of the book, Campbell Mattinson and Gary Walsh rated the 2007 McWilliam’s Mount Pleasant Maurice
O’Shea Shiraz (RRP$65) an incredible 97 points out of a possible 100 and named the wine Shiraz of the Year (2005 Penfolds Grange
and 2005 Henschke Hill of Grace and scored 95 and 94 points respectively).
In the book, Mattinson and Walsh describe the 2007 McWilliam’s Mount Pleasant Maurice O’Shea Shiraz as “a great gift to the wine
loving community.”
McWilliam’s Mount Pleasant Chief Winemaker Phil Ryan said two critical factors, the age of the vines and the sensational conditions
of the 2007 vintage, played an integral part in creating the 2007 McWilliam’s Mount Pleasant Maurice O’Shea Shiraz.
“The 2007 vintage in the Hunter was simply marvelous and combined with the complexity and quality old vines impart, the wine was destined
for greatness,” Mr Ryan said.
The wine was made from 130-year-old vines grown on heavy, rich, volcanic soils on McWilliam’s Mount Pleasant’s Old Hill Vineyard, located
in the foothills of the Brokenback Range. The vineyard was established in 1880 by the King family, and was purchased by legendary winemaker,
the late Maurice O’Shea in 1921. A small portion of fruit was also sourced from Maurice O’Shea’s 1921 plantings from the Old Paddock Vineyard.
In a further display of the quality and depth from the family winery’s stable, McWilliam’s was named Winery of the Year in the same book.
In awarding McWilliam’s the accolade, the authors wrote:
“It’s the award we deliberate over the most. We’re not looking for a one-trick pony; we want a winery that offers it all ... the 2007 releases
(Maurice O’Shea Shiraz, 97pts, OP & OH Shiraz, 95pts, Rosehill Shiraz, 94pts) stopped us in our tracks. They are outstanding wines ... the
sensational value of the Hanwood Estate reds, the epic 1877 Cabernet Shiraz ... you can only conclude that McWilliam’s is a winery firing on
all cylinders.”
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Tuesday, 1 June 2010
Australian family named ‘2010/11 Winery of the Year’
Sixth generation family winery, McWilliam’s, has been named Winery of the Year by respected wine critics and authors
Campbell Mattinson and Gary Walsh in their just released 2010/11 Big Red Wine Book. In a further showing of the strength
of McWilliam’s, the 2007 McWilliam’s Mount Pleasant Maurice O’Shea Shiraz has
been named Shiraz of the Year.
In awarding McWilliam’s Winery of the Year, the authors wrote:
“It’s the award we deliberate over the most. We’re not looking for a one-trick pony; we want a winery that offers it all ... the 2007
releases (Maurice O’Shea Shiraz, 97pts, OP & OH Shiraz, 95pts, Rosehill Shiraz, 94pts) stopped us in our tracks. They are outstanding
wines ... the sensational value of the Hanwood Estate reds, the epic 1877 Cabernet Shiraz ... you can only conclude that McWilliam’s is
a winery firing on all cylinders.”
The accolade follows McWilliam’s recently becoming one of 15 inaugural members of influential UK wine critic Matthew Jukes’ Hall of Fame.
To receive the accolade, wineries needed to have featured in every one of Matthew’s 100 Best Australian Wines list since the initiative’s
inception in 2004.
McWilliam’s Production Director, Jim Brayne said, “This success is a celebration of more than 130 years of unending commitment to quality,
as well as the depth of our vineyards, some dating back to 1880, and the dynamic team behind the wines.”
In naming the 2007 McWilliam’s Mount Pleasant Maurice O’Shea Shiraz as Shiraz of the Year, Mattinson and Walsh described the wine as
“a great gift to the wine loving community.”
Other highlights within the 2010/11 Big Red Wine Book include:
- 2007 McWilliam’s Mount Pleasant Old Paddock & Old Hill Shiraz, 95 points “Will age in lovely style”
- 2007 McWilliam’s Mount Pleasant Rosehill Shiraz, 94 points “An easy wine to recommend, because it’s earthern and
regional and delicious”
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June 2010
Shiraz and historic single vineyards: an enduring partnership
The release of two of Mount Pleasant’s most prized single vineyard wines represent the learnings from founding winemaker Maurice
O’Shea that carry through to every wine created under the Mount Pleasant label. O’Shea’s wines are remembered for their excellence
and longevity and the distinction he gave to Shiraz. This latest release of Mount Pleasant Rosehill Shiraz and Mount Pleasant Old
Paddock & Old Hill Shiraz sees two exceptional examples from the 2006 vintage, showing the unique character and powerful flavour
of Hunter Valley single vineyard wines.
2006 Mount Pleasant Old Paddock & Old Hill Shiraz – RRP $39.99
Mount Pleasant’s Old Paddock and Old Hill Shiraz takes its fruit from the original Shiraz vines grown on the famous Old Hill Vineyard
(planted in 1880) and the nearby Old Paddock Vineyard, which was established by the late Maurice O’Shea in 1921. Both vineyards are
positioned on prime, volcanic soils. These prized vineyard sites have contributed to producing richly flavoured, memorable Mount Pleasant
Old Paddock & Old Hill Shiraz since the very first vintage in 1967.
“Vintage in 2006 was characterised by hot and windy conditions,” says Mount Pleasant winemaker Phil Ryan. “While yields were reduced,
the conditions allowed excellent colour development in all red varieties and particularly fruit from our old vines, which developed thick,
dark coloured skins in the early heat.”
Fruit for the 2006 Mount Pleasant Old Paddock & Old Hill Shiraz was handpicked from low yielding vines and the wine completed fermentation
in fine quality French oak barrels. The resulting wine shows sweet red and black berry fruits on the intense palate, while vanillin oak
supports chocolate fruit tannin and superb length of flavour.
“This wine offers a lovely, youthful drink now while still having the capacity to live for much longer,” adds Phil.
2006 Mount Pleasant Rosehill Shiraz – RRP $33.99
In 1945 Maurice O’Shea identified that Shiraz vines flourished in rich, volcanic soils and sought a similar site to that of the
Old Hill for his Rosehill Vineyard.
Once the home of volcanic activity, Rosehill Vineyard is at one of Pokolbin’s highest elevations and is defined by a soil of rich,
heavy loam with patches of limestone and eroded basalt. This fertile soil is ideal for producing full-flavoured red grapes and O’Shea
sensibly devoted it solely to Shiraz plantings. While Lovedale is regarded as a premier Hunter Valley vineyard for Semillon, Rosehill
shares this title for Shiraz.
“We’re really pleased that following a very successful 2005 Mount Pleasant Rosehill Shiraz, our 2006 vintage has begun its show career
with a gold medal at the Hunter Valley Wine Show,” says Mount Pleasant winemaker Phil Ryan. “There is something quite captivating about
single vineyard wines. They’re an expression of a particular site that is completely unique to them and it’s exciting to see what our
Rosehill vineyard will produce each year.”
Ripe, sweet fruit flavours of plum and raspberry are supported by a fine but dense tannin structure and generous, high quality, oak nuances.
This wine shows a medium weight structure with good length and balance, finishing with flavours of dark chocolate and raspberry. With immense
potential for ageing, the 2006 Mount Pleasant Rosehill Shiraz is the definition of a classic Hunter Valley Shiraz.
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June 2010
Elizabeth and Philip: classic Mount Pleasant pair released
Mount Pleasant welcomes the new release vintages of two of its classic wines: Mount Pleasant Elizabeth Semillon and Mount Pleasant Philip Shiraz.
2008 Mount Pleasant Philip Shiraz – RRP $17.99
Due to the challenging Hunter Valley conditions of the 2008 vintage, the fruit sourcing for this wine was widened to also include premium
fruit parcels from other well-regarded Shiraz regions, including Heathcote, Hilltops and McLaren Vale to achieve the quality and softer,
approachable style for which Philip is known.
The very first Mount Pleasant Philip Shiraz was released in 1968 as a 1965 vintage. Incidentally, the year 1965 was also Mount Pleasant
winemaker Phil Ryan’s first year with the winery and Phil now has led the winemaking of this esteemed Shiraz for well over 30 years. Phil
says the decision to broaden the appellation of the Mount Pleasant Philip Shiraz was necessary for the 2008 vintage.
“Mount Pleasant Philip Shiraz will be our only red from the 2008 vintage,” says Phil. “We had some really good parcels from our famous
old vine Shiraz vineyards including Old Hill and Old Paddock and decided to blend this fruit with other great regions to achieve the Philip
style. Some of our vines date back to 1880 so there’s a lot of depth and history in this wine.”
Displaying spicy fresh plum and cherry with rhubarb vanilla notes, Mount Pleasant Philip Shiraz is a medium bodied wine of fresh fruit sweetness
coupled with spicy, nutty oak aromas. With velvety tannins and soft acidity the palate has a rich and smooth finish. Mount Pleasant Philip Shiraz
is a wine that will cellar well for ten years or more.
2006 Mount Pleasant Elizabeth Semillon – RRP $21.99
A winner of double gold, the 2006 Mount Pleasant Elizabeth Semillon is now set for release.
“We had a great vintage for Semillon in 2006 with fruit showing excellent depth and length of flavour, ideal acidity at harvest and delightful
green colour,” comments Phil. “The 2006 Mount Pleasant Elizabeth Semillon carries all the attributes of young Hunter Semillon with fresh and
lively citrus characters. Yet along with the flavours of youth, the unique bottle age characters in this wine are emerging. You might say that
the lights are starting to come on.”
While the palate is fine, delicate and persistent with fine acidity and a juicy, fleshy mid-palate, Mount Pleasant Elizabeth Semillon can be
cellared further to experience the classic bottle aged characters of Hunter Valley Semillon.
“The transformation of this wine is far from over,” says Phil. “Distinctive bottle aged Hunter Semillon traits of honey, vanilla and
toastiness await those who cellar the wine further but whether it is enjoyed in its youth or with extended age, the pairing of Hunter Valley
and Semillon will always be one of winemaking’s classic partnerships.”
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Friday, 25 September, 2009
Flood of trophies and gold at Rutherglen Wine Show
McWilliam’s Wines has today been awarded three trophies and 23 gold medals at the 2009 Rutherglen Wine Show - Australia’s second largest wine show.
The depth of the McWilliam’s Wines portfolio was on show with five of its brands – McWilliam’s, Mount Pleasant, Evans & Tate, Brand’s Laira
Coonawarra and Barwang – receiving gold medals.
Current releases led the charge with the following wines winning gold:
- 2009 McWilliam’s Hanwood Estate Crisp Chardonnay
- 2009 Mount Pleasant Florence Semillon Sauvignon Blanc
- 2006 Barwang 842 Tumbarumba Chardonnay
- 2007 Barwang Hilltops Shiraz
- 2005 Evans & Tate The Reserve Chardonnay
- 2008 Evans & Tate Gnangara Sauvignon Blanc
- 2008 Brand’s Laira Cabernet Merlot
- 2006 Brand’s Laira Blockers Cabernet Sauvignon
Among the trophy winners was the 2008 Brands Laira 'The Patron' Cabernet Sauvignon for Best Australian Dry Red Wine – another strong endorsement
for this wine following its impressive show history.
The gold medal-winning 2009 McWilliam’s Hanwood Estate Crisp Chardonnay and 2009 Mount Pleasant Florence Semillon Sauvignon Blanc
have been relatively recent additions to the McWilliam’s Wines portfolio.
“These two wines are really starting to cement their place as benchmark examples of the style,” commented McWilliam’s Wines Production Director,
Jim Brayne. “The 2009 McWilliam’s Hanwood Estate Crisp Chardonnay is a unique take on Chardonnay, blended with the best parcels to make a fruit-focused
wine that is light and zesty, while the 2009 Mount Pleasant Florence Semillon Sauvignon Blanc is a tremendous young style of wine. It has a
fresh, fruit-driven palate with intense fruit aromas and crisp acidity.”
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Friday, 10 July, 2009
Trophy and gold medal haul in Brisbane
Last night’s Royal Queensland Wine Show saw McWilliam’s Wines again exert its show dominance with an impressive five trophy and 17 gold medal performance.
The current release 2003 Mount Pleasant Lovedale Semillon was the highlight of the success winning the Gold Coast Wine Press Trophy for the
Best Dry White in Commercial Classes, followed by the Courier Mail Trophy for the Best Wine of Show.
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January, 2009
Mount Pleasant’s Lovedale released to international acclaim
The highly-anticipated release of Mount Pleasant Lovedale Hunter Valley Semillon 2003 coincides with its recent international
success at the invitation only, 2008 Tri Nations Wine Challenge, contested by Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.
The 2003 vintage of Mount Pleasant’s flagship Lovedale Semillon won the coveted Best Wine of Show Trophy, the Best Other White Trophy
and the Best White Wine Trophy at the Tri Nations Wine Challenge.
Made solely from Semillon fruit grown in the sandy loam soils of Mount Pleasant Lovedale vineyard, the wine is produced only in exceptional
vintages. “This is a style unique to Australia and the Hunter Valley,” commented winemaker Phil Ryan. “It is fantastic to see
it held in such high esteem at an international wine show. It has a great history in Australia, and is one of only a few Australian white wines
that can be cellared for up to 30 years.”
Phil, who is one of just three chief winemakers to make Mount Pleasant wine in its 89 year history, is particularly pleased about the
on-going success of this single vineyard wine. “It’s fantastic to see the international recognition for this vineyard, style and region.”
It is praise that the Mount Pleasant Lovedale vineyard has grown accustomed to since it was planted in 1946 by founder, the visionary Maurice O’Shea.
During World War II, the vineyard was commandeered by the Government and converted to an emergency landing field. Once the area was released to
McWilliam’s, Maurice O’Shea planted it to Semillon. The inaugural 1950 Lovedale saw great success on the wine show circuit, winning 19 awards
throughout its show career.
Mount Pleasant Lovedale Semillon is a classic; refined and delicate, and showing subtle lemon and lime flavours with a touch of grapefruit.
With age, the wine transforms and becomes more and more complex with lovely honey and toast flavours.
“The fruit was handpicked in the early stages of ripeness, in order to create and maintain the Mount Pleasant Lovedale style,” explains Phil
of the 2003 vintage. ““We take the bright crystal clear free run juice and limit skin contact prior to fermenting with a neutral yeast. The ferment
is slow and cold. This is undertaken in order to capture the essence of the vineyard.”
As one of the few Australian winemakers that hold back their wines to release with a number of years on the bottle age, Mount Pleasant has
sustained its reputation for long term aging and exceptional quality. “We ensure the Lovedale has around five year’s bottle age upon release,”
explains Phil. “This is a time when the wine is really starting to shine, and will continue to do so for the next few decades.”
Awards:
Trophy ‘Best Wine of Show’, 2008 Tri Nations Wine Challenge
Trophy ‘Best White Wine of Show’, 2008 Tri Nations Wine Challenge
Trophy ‘Best Other White of Show’, 2008 Tri Nations Wine Challenge
Gold Medal 2008 Royal Melbourne Wine Show
Gold Medal 2008 International Wine and Spirit Competition, London
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