Provenance

Producer

Critics Ratings

Hartenberg The Stork 2004
'Memorialises late Ken Mackenzie (nicknamed 'Stork' for his height & thin legs!), who loved the estate's shiraz. This version is from vyds with clay soils, to give a contrasting style to Gravel Hill. Awesome depth & concentration in 04 (»); nothing skinny here: opulent liquorice toned plums, black cherries; velvety texture, irresistibly delicious, but don't underestimate underlying structure, ageability. All new Fr oak, 18 mths. Only 550 cs. Generous 03 deeply rich, easily accommodates hefty 15.5% alc. All keepers, 7+ yrs.' - Platter's SA Wine Guide, 5*

'This is maturing, but still shows good depth and flesh, with roasted sage, coffee, plum and dark currant notes gliding through the nicely polished, well-toasted finish.' - James Molesworth, Wine Spectator, 90/100 (2009)

Hartenberg The Stork 2005
'From clay soils, more accessible than Gravel Hill. Gorgeous 05 no sharp edges: pepper-dusted cranberries, exuberant red fruits reined in by polished tannins, deliciously smooth & opulent. New Fr oak, 19 mths. 04 as irresistible.' - Platter's SA Wine Guide, 5*

'Maturing, but still very fresh, with a delicious core of damson plum, fig and boysenberry fruit laced with tangy iron and spice hints. The long finish lets a charred mesquite note check in. There's nice mouthfeel as well. Shiraz.' - James Molesworth, Wine Spectator, 92/100 (Apr 2010)

Hartenberg The Stork 2006
Mint and sage up front, followed by crushed plum, grilled herb, tobacco and iron notes that all mesh through the toast-tinged finish. Shows excellent range and length.' Wine Spectator, 91/100

Hartenberg The Stork 2007
'Most immediate of the shiraz 'Royal Flush', from clay soils. 2007 'big' in all respects; ripe red pimento fruits, sturdy oak vanilla (26 mths new Fr) & opulent 15.4% alc in a Zin-lookalike package. 2006 elegant after gorgeous 2005 (5 stars).' - Platter's SA Wine Guide, 4.5*

'Sourced from terra rossa soils on southeast slopes, 2007 The Stork was raised for 27 months entirely in French oak. It has a decadent, almost ostentatious bouquet of macerated dark cherries, creme de cassis, plum and glycerine. The palate is full-bodied with silky smooth, seamless tannins and layers of luscious red fruits. The alcohol at 15.54% is well controlled although it lends the finish warmth rather than precision. For hedonists, this is the perfect Shiraz! Drink 2012-2018.' - Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, 91/100 (Aug 2011)

'Ripe and focused, with a beam of crushed damson plum, linzer torte, loganberry and succulent black cherry fruit, laced with licorice and spice on the rock-solid finish. Shiraz.' - James Molesworth, Wine Spectator, 90/100 (Jun 2011)

Hartenberg The Stork 2008
'From heavier clay soil, & a marked contrast to Gravel Hill: this an Aussie-style extrovert, with upfront vanilla-oak, open almost gulpable texture - though pimento-toned 2008 is shade more elegant, less opulent than previous, reflecting vintage.' - Platter's SA Wine Guide, 4.5*

'Mature, with mint, sage and bay leaf notes emerging from the core of crushed plum, steeped boysenberry and blackberry fruit. A hefty dose of melted licorice hangs on the finish.' - James Molesworth, Wine Spectator, 91/100 (Jun 2013)

- Platter's SA Wine Guide, 4.5*