The M53 Shiraz takes its name from the original brand that was used to mark the finest Taranga herd back in 1880 and now, more than 140 years later, it marks Oliver’s Taranga’s finest Shiraz wine.
Where did M53 begin?
In 1879 second generation Archibald Oliver transferred the “M53” brand from the family property in Wandearah (near Port Pirie) into his name for five shillings. At the time the Oliver family grew not only grapes but cattle, horses, fruit trees and crops in the Seaview sub region of McLaren Vale. M53 then became the Oliver family horse and cattle brand on the Taranga property.
Now we are pretty much 100% vineyards on the Taranga property, apart from a few dorper sheep that mow our vineyards, the horses and cattle are long gone. However, back in 2010, we started thinking about bringing back the M53 brand as our icon Shiraz. The 2010 vintage in McLaren Vale is simply the greatest vintage I have had the privilege to witness and craft wines from over my 30 year career. What if we used the M53 brand to mark our finest wine, instead of marking our finest herd? Brioni and I particularly liked the funny shaped M, and once we found an old wooden brand hidden in all the historical documents, it felt fitting to bring the M53 brand back to life and the 2010 M53 Shiraz was born.
Only in exceptional vintages…
We only had two rules. We would only make the M53 Shiraz in years where one particular block or parcel or barrel group of shiraz showed the pinnacle of quality to the point of demanding to be bottled on its own and would only be released in exceptional vintages where the Taranga vineyard is truly showing off. We also decided that we would bottle no matter how tiny the volume. If only one barrel was deemed to be the best of the best, then we would still bottle it. This means that we can truly ensure that only the absolute best of the Shiraz from the vineyard and the vintage is given the M53 brand.
This makes the M53 Shiraz the ultimate for the Oliver’s Taranga collector, and those who really want to experience the best of a vintage and a place with our rarest wine. A place with a long and interesting history, and hopefully an even longer and more exciting future. This wine has a long shelf life, as James Halliday suggests…
2010 VINTAGE – 96PTS, Halliday Wine Companion
“Two hogsheads of new French Oak, the total make. Wow. The colour is inky deep, yet vibrant on the rim, and the expressive bouquet is swamped by the tsunami of luscious blackberry fruit that retains shape and balance against the odds, and has flourished with the aid of the oak. The screwcap make this a 50 year wine.”
The 2021 vintage makes it even better
The M53 Shiraz has only be made in 2010, 2014, 2016, 2018 and now, 2021.
2014 VINTAGE – 97PTS, Halliday Wine Companion
“Hand-picked from the Old Block (re-)planted ’48, destemmed, crushed, 3 days cold soak, wild yeast open-fermented, matured in (three) new French hogsheads. Only made in exceptional years, this the second release (’10). Pre-fermentation maceration is one of the keys to a beautifully cadenced wine, almost polished so supple is the fruit and tannin profile. There’s no sense of alcohol intrusion, seemingly less than 14.5%. The French oak has paid its way many times over.”
2016 VINTAGE – 95PTS, Halliday Wine Companion
“Made only in exceptional vintages from Old Block fruit, just a few scant barrels. A deep crimson. A waft of quintessential warm-climate shiraz scents: freshly polished leather, varnish, dark-fruit aspersions, coffee grind, cedar and blueberry and cream. Avuncular. Like sinking into a worn armchair. The new French hogsheads are buried by the sheer depth of fruit and extract. Powerful, sure. But not too heavy. The natural tannins, massaged. A smooth ride with a long road ahead.”
2021 was one of the best vintages we have ever had in McLaren Vale. After two years of very low crops and drought, 2021 was perfect in almost every way – apart from a global pandemic that is! Perfect ripening conditions, incredible fruit and one that we will remember for many years to come.
The 2021 M53 Shiraz was handpicked from our precious 1948 planted ‘Old Block’. Vinified in small open fermenters with indigenous yeast, then aged for 18 months in 100% new French oak hogsheads, the 2021 M53 is a rare but delicious beast – only 2 barrels (600L) were bottled representing the very best Shiraz from our Taranga vineyard.
TASTING NOTES
AROMA
Lush blackberry preserves layered with a hint of creamy buttered toast, complemented by caramelized quince and delicate sweet oak. Floral notes of violet, rose, and sage add elegance, while the bright zing of candied orange peel brings a touch of freshness. Subtle spices and dried herbs round out the profile. A beautifully expressive wine, understated yet captivating, offering a truly remarkable sensory experience.
PALATE
On the palate, it’s a rich tapestry of mulberry pie, dark chocolate, sweet cola, and spices, framed by smooth vanillin oak and a creamy, textured mouthfeel that continues to deliver. Fiery, earthy black fruits, blood plums, and hints of blood orange intertwine, all wrapped in seamless layers of vibrant elegance. The tannins are impeccably integrated, offering a supple, polished profile. This is a wine built to last, with sublime length, richness, and complexity, promising decades of enjoyment, all thanks to its carefully crafted maceration and the oak’s influence. Simply stunning.
Cheers
Cheers, Corrina, Brioni, Sam & the OT Team
