Shepherd’s Hut: Value drinking for the summer months.
Barry Weinman: 8th February 2022
Shepherd’s Hut wines started as a diversification opportunity for the Wishart family, during one of the many agricultural downturns that farmers have had to deal with. The first vines were planted in 1996 and, in 2020, management of the property and vineyards was handed on to Laura Wishart, Michael’s granddaughter.
Since then, Laura has almost single handedly managed the 18 hectares of vines, as well as looking after sales, marketing and distribution.
The majority of the fruit from the vineyard goes to other Great Southern producers, with a portion retained for the Shepherd’s Hut wines which are made by Rob Dilletti at Castle Rock.
The current release of Shepherd’s Hut wines are excellent value. The 2013 Shiraz for example, is a nine-year-old wine that is brilliant drinking and is currently available from the winery for just $22 (The full price is $30).
The pick of the current range is the 2021 Riesling, and if you get the opportunity, try the crunchy and refreshing SB. A delicious wine for the warmer months.
Given the value on offer, these wines are worth trying.
https://shepherdshutwines.com.au/shop-wine/
Reviewed
Shepherd’s Hut – Porongurup – Riesling – 2021. Silky, fresh, floral. This is everything that is good about Riesling in a refined, and elegant package. Great minerality and a steely backbone makes this age worthy, but personally I think this is already at its best. Lovely. Another cracking wine from this under-the-radar producer. 94pts – $22.
Shepherd’s Hut – Porongurup – Pinot Noir – 2020. Cherry and spice to the fore. This is not overly dense or complicated, but is delicious current drinking. Not frivolous, but very user friendly. The finish is defined by texturing tannins and souring cherry acidity. 91pts – $27.
Shepherd’s Hut – Shiraz – 2013. This banger of a wine is amazing value. The bottle age has rounded out the fruit on the palate, with supple texture, excellent balance and decent length. Not the most serious Shiraz on the market, but great drinking now and they are almost giving it away. 92pts – $22
Shepherd’s Hut – Shiraz – 2015. A fine, elegant and supple wine with medium fruit weight and excellent texture. This is great short-term drinking as the fruit is so approachable. 91pts – $25