Silkman Hunter Valley Shiraz 2023: Boutique Power with 95-Point Prestige
There’s Shiraz, and then there’s Silkman Hunter Valley Shiraz 2023—a wine that commands attention from its first swirling plum-garnet hues to its lingering, savoury finish. Awarded 95 points by the James Halliday Wine Companion and crafted by Liz Silkman—2025 Halliday Winemaker of the Year—this small-batch marvel speaks with effortless confidence. In this guide, we’ll explore the vineyard roots, Hunter Valley’s unique terroir, winemaking mastery, tasting profile, food pairings, regional events, and exactly how to buy this Shiraz online and have it delivered directly to your door.
History & Heritage
Silkman Wines burst onto Australia’s boutique scene in 2018, founded by winemaker Liz Silkman and partner Nick Spencer. From the start, their mission was clear: produce ultra-premium Hunter Valley Shiraz that marries tradition with modern precision. Drawing on Hunter Valley’s long Shiraz pedigree—dating back to the 19th century—Silkman sources fruit from select vineyard sites, honoring the region’s heritage while pushing stylistic boundaries. Liz’s crowning as 2025 Halliday Winemaker of the Year underscores this passionate pursuit of excellence.
Climate & Terroir of Hunter Valley
Hunter Valley’s warm, humid summers and long ripening season yield Shiraz grapes with intense, ripe fruit flavors balanced by fresh acidity. Vineyards planted on well-draining, gravelly loam soils encourage moderate vine stress, concentrating flavors. Silkman’s sources—predominantly from Pokolbin and Mount View subregions—benefit from afternoon breezes off the coast that temper heat spikes, preserving colour and aromatics. This unique terroir is at the heart of Silkman’s Shiraz’s plush texture and remarkable depth.
Grape Varietal: Shiraz
Shiraz is Australia’s signature red grape, celebrated for its bold fruit, spice, and adaptability to warm climates. Silkman’s approach emphasizes purity: hand-harvested fruit is sorted berry by berry, ensuring only prime clusters enter the cellar. The result is a Shiraz that showcases varietal hallmarks—blackberry, dark cherry, pepper—while reflecting the Hunter Valley’s coastal-influenced nuances.
Winemaking & Awards
Silkman’s winemaking blends art and science: native-yeast fermentations in small stainless-steel and open-top vats extract colour and flavour gently. Post-fermentation maceration and basket pressing preserve finesse. The wine then matures 14 months in 50% new French oak puncheons—imparting subtle spice without overshadowing fruit purity. The 2023 Shiraz earned 95 points from James Halliday Wine Companion, cementing its status as a leading Hunter Valley expression.
Tasting Profile & Structure
- Colour: Deep plum-garnet with ruby rim.
- Aromas: Blackberries, dark cherries, cocoa nib, and clove spice.
- Palate: Plush blackberry and plum fruit woven with mocha, aniseed, and a hint of violet.
- Structure: Elegant tannins offer firm support; vibrant acidity drives a long, savoury finish.
Food Pairings & Serving Tips
Silkman Shiraz’s polished power pairs brilliantly with flavourful fare:
- Grilled lamb cutlets with rosemary and garlic
- Beef bourguignon or slow-braised beef cheeks
- Smoky barbecue ribs or brisket
- Dark chocolate-dusted carpaccio or aged cheddar
Serve at 16–18 °C in large, wide-bowl glasses to highlight its complex aromatics.
Events & Festivals in Hunter Valley
Experience Silkman in person at Hunter Valley’s annual Cellar Door Festival (October) and the Hunter Valley Wine & Food Festival (June). Silkman often hosts intimate barrel tastings and vertical flights, offering early glimpses of upcoming vintages alongside library pours.
How to Buy Silkman Shiraz Online
Adding this 95-point Hunter Valley Shiraz to your cellar is simple:
- Visit the product page: Silkman Hunter Valley Shiraz 2023 .
- Select quantity and click “Add to Cart.”
- Proceed to checkout, choose standard (3–7 days) or express (1–3 days) delivery.
- Complete secure SSL checkout and await your “wine delivered” notification.
Delivery & Storage Best Practices
- Store at a consistent 12–16 °C away from direct sunlight.
- Keep bottles on their side to maintain cork moisture.
- Maintain ~70% humidity to prevent corks drying out.
Conclusion & Next Steps
Silkman Hunter Valley Shiraz 2023 is a testament to small-batch craftsmanship and the allure of Hunter Valley Shiraz. With its 95-point acclaim and Liz Silkman’s winemaker-of-the-year pedigree, this is a must-have for your cellar. Ready to experience boutique Hunter magic? Buy Silkman Hunter Valley Shiraz 2023 online now and enjoy effortless Australia-wide delivery.
