The 2015 Ox Hardy 1891 Ancestor Vines Shiraz Gift Box is a remarkable McLaren Vale Shiraz sourced from the historic Upper Tintara Vineyard, where the original vines were planted in 1891. Crafted by Andrew “Ox” Hardy from a small selection of these ancestor vines, this museum-release wine reflects both the pedigree of the vineyard and the exceptional longevity of old-vine Shiraz. Extended maturation and careful cellaring have allowed the wine to develop impressive depth while maintaining balance and finesse.
On the palate, it is elegant and beautifully composed, showing layers of blackberry, dark plum and red berry fruit alongside notes of dark chocolate, liquorice, dried herbs and mocha spice. Fine-grained tannins provide structure and length, while nearly two years in French oak adds subtle char, spice and texture. Despite its concentration, the wine remains poised and refined, finishing long with savoury complexity and remarkable persistence.
Ben’s Recommendation: At Wine More Cellars, this is an outstanding choice for collectors and lovers of mature Australian Shiraz. Produced from some of McLaren Vale’s oldest surviving vines and presented in an elegant gift box, it offers a rare combination of old-vine intensity, bottle-aged complexity and regional character. Drinking beautifully now, it will continue to evolve gracefully over the next 10–15 years. Pair with slow-roasted lamb, beef Wellington, braised short ribs or aged hard cheeses.
