Murphy Vineyards, Shiraz, 2023
Murphy Vineyards, Shiraz, 2023
- 75cl
- 13.7%
- Red Still
- Shiraz
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Optimal drinking window: 2026 - 2029
Anthony Murphy has been making excellent-value Australian wine under the Trentham Estate banner for decades, and this Big Rivers Shiraz is a reliable expression of everything that style does well. It comes from the Murray Darling's warm inland reaches, where long sunny days coax generous, deeply coloured fruit from the vine without sacrificing freshness.
Classic in the best sense: ripe blackcurrant and dark berry fruit up front, a nudge of spice through the mid-palate, soft tannins, and a structure that keeps it from ever feeling heavy.
At three years old, this 2023 is already drinking very well and there is no compelling reason to wait. The primary fruit is bright and expressive now, which is very much the point. Over the next year or two the dark berry fruit will soften a little and integrate with the spice, perhaps adding a touch of earthiness.
Tasting Notes
AppearanceDeep ruby-purple with a youthful, almost inky core and clean, bright edges.
NoseUpfront and inviting: ripe blackcurrant and dark plum lead, with a background warmth of cracked pepper and a faint vanilla character from light oak. It is generous without being overblown.
PalateJuicy and smooth from the first sip, with soft tannins that never get in the way of the fruit. Dark berries carry through the mid-palate alongside a gentle spice note, and the balance is good: enough acidity to keep things lively, enough body to feel satisfying.
FinishClean and moderately long, with the fruit fading gracefully and a faint peppery warmth at the end.
Overall impressionA thoroughly enjoyable, unpretentious Shiraz that delivers exactly what it promises.
Food Pairings
In the Murray Darling region, a wine like this would naturally find its way to the barbecue. Think thick lamb chops charred over hardwood coals, or a proper Sunday roast with a leg of lamb and rosemary. Beef is another natural partner: a well-seasoned ribeye or a slow-cooked beef and red wine pie would be ideal. Locally, hearty pub food is the norm, and this Shiraz handles a good burger or a plate of sausages with equal ease. It also works surprisingly well alongside mild hard cheeses when the occasion calls for something more relaxed.
We think this wine would go well with
Serve at around 16-17°C, slightly below room temperature in a warm kitchen. There is no need to decant this wine, though giving it 15-20 minutes in the glass will open it up nicely. A standard large-bowled red wine glass is all it needs to show its best.
The Big Rivers zone covers the broad inland river systems of New South Wales, including the Murray Darling region. Soils here tend to be sandy loam over clay, free-draining and low in fertility, which helps to concentrate flavour in the berries without encouraging excessive vigour. The climate is continental and warm, with very little rainfall during the growing season, meaning irrigation from the Murray River is essential but also allows vintners to manage the vines with precision. The result is reliably ripe, deeply coloured fruit year after year.
Big Rivers is a large geographic indication within New South Wales, encompassing the Murray Darling, Swan Hill, Perricoota, and Riverina zones. It is not a prestige appellation in the way Barossa or Margaret River might be, but it is enormously productive and the source of a huge proportion of Australia's everyday drinking wine. The warm climate and reliable sunshine make it ideal for producing fruit-forward, approachable reds at scale, and winemakers like Anthony Murphy have shown that quality is absolutely achievable here when the focus is right.
FAQs
What does this wine taste like?
Bold and fruit-forward, with ripe blackcurrant and dark plum upfront, a nudge of pepper and spice through the middle, and soft tannins that keep everything smooth and easy-drinking.
When is the best time to drink this?
Right now. This is a wine built for pleasure, not patience. It is drinking beautifully through 2028, with 2029 as a reasonable outer limit. Open it tonight with dinner and enjoy.
What food should I pair with it?
It loves red meat of almost any kind: lamb chops, a ribeye steak, slow-cooked beef, or a proper pub-style burger. It also handles a well-seasoned lamb roast with ease. If you are going cheese, try a mild to medium hard variety rather than anything too pungent.
How should I serve it?
Serve at around 16-17°C, which is slightly cool. If your kitchen is warm, give it 15 minutes in the fridge before opening. No need to decant, though letting it breathe in the glass for 15 minutes does help. A standard large red wine glass works perfectly well.
OUR GROWERS
Murphy Vineyards
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