Tahbilk Shiraz is crafted with a commitment to traditional wine-making values. Fermentation takes place in original open vats over 155 years old, with maturation then in similarly aged large French oak prior to bottling. Smaller French and American oak barrels are also used, with the wine from these blended back during the final filtering and bottling. The resultant releases are noted as being fruit-driven wines of much flavour and substance, proven over the years to develop added character when cellared.
HISTORY
Tahbilk boasts a rich history of Shiraz production that dates back to its establishment in 1860. The winery is home to some of the oldest Shiraz vines in the world, with original plantings from 1860 still in production today . The winery's flagship Shiraz, the '1860 Vines Shiraz', is crafted from a small parcel of these original vines, covering just over half an acre. This wine is renowned for its depth, complexity, and longevity, reflecting the unique terroir and heritage of the vineyard . Tahbilk's dedication to preserving its historic vines and traditional methods has solidified its reputation as a custodian of Australian winemaking heritage, offering wines that are both a nod to the past and a testament to enduring quality.
Tahbilk’s 1860 Vines Shiraz is crafted from some of the oldest, still-producing Shiraz vines in the world—planted by hand on our Estate in the heart of Victoria during the 1860s. These precious, ungrafted vines have survived drought, flood, and time itself, delivering fruit of remarkable intensity and finesse. Produced only in exceptional vintages and in very limited quantities, this flagship wine is the purest expression of our legacy—a bold, complex Shiraz with exceptional cellaring potential. Each bottle honours the past, while continuing to shape Tahbilk’s future.
Named in honour of Tahbilk’s legendary third-generation custodian, the Eric Stevens Purbrick Shiraz is a benchmark wine that reflects both the spirit of its namesake and the finest expression of Shiraz from the Estate. Crafted from premium parcels selected for their depth, structure and age-worthiness, this wine is released with bottle maturity, offering layered complexity, refined elegance, and a true sense of place. It stands as both a tribute to Eric’s pioneering influence on Tahbilk and a celebration of our enduring commitment to excellence in winemaking.
"Eric Purbrick set in place the winemaking traditions at Tahbilk from the 1930s onwards. He was all class; so, too, this shiraz named in his honour. Delivers aromas of ripe black fruits, plum, chocolate, earth and Aussie bush. The palate is mapped out in firm, fine tannins, nicely balanced with a light leathery, woodsy savouriness. As always, warm and complex."
Jeni Port
2018 Eric Stevens Purbrick Shiraz
Published August 2022
This Estate Shiraz sets a high bar for richness and complexity. Bright and expressive spice and savoury notes swirl deliciously through a deeply flavoured dark plum and berry fruits palate supported by supple, chewy tannins.
A delicious bottle-aged Tahbilk Shiraz ... opulent and full of plum and raspberry fruits . Time in the bottle has also bought characters reminiscent of old world leather, cocoa nib, salami, clove and nutmeg to the fore. A bright acidity and supportive tannins on the finish suggesting this this wine has still got a lot more to give
Tahbilk Shiraz opens with bold flavours of dark berries, plum, and peppery spice—vibrant and structured in its youth. As it matures, the wine develops earthy, savoury layers, with softened tannins and a silky texture, revealing the elegance and depth that only time can bring.
Taste:
Vibrant and full-bodied, showing ripe blackberry, plum, and black cherry with hints of pepper and spice.
Pairing:
Perfect with grilled meats, barbecued dishes, and hearty pastas like beef ragu or lamb cutlets.
Taste:
Smooth and complex, revealing earthy notes, leather, tobacco, and softened tannins with a long, elegant finish.
Pairing:
Best enjoyed with slow-cooked lamb, mushroom risotto, or aged cheeses that complements its savoury depth.
WINE MAKING TRADITION
Our wines are made so they retain their iconic quality and have a style that cannot be matched in the new world way of making wine. A light touch approach which focuses on the importance of terroir. The terroir relates to ensuring the specific qualities of the land our grapes are grown is enriched and shines through in all of our wines.