Why We’re Reviving a Classic Hunter Blend
If you’ve visited our cellar door and spotted the Limited Release Shiraz Pinot Noir, you might have asked the question we hear most often: “Why?”
Why take the king of the Hunter Valley, Shiraz, and blend it with a delicate variety like Pinot Noir? Wouldn’t the bold Shiraz simply overpower the Pinot? The answer lies in a story that is uniquely Australian, deeply rooted in the Hunter Valley, and one we are incredibly proud to share with our community.
A Nod to the Legend: Maurice O’Shea
While blending these two might seem “modern” or “experimental” today, it is actually a tribute to our local history. In the 1940s and ’50s, the legendary Maurice O’Shea of Mount Pleasant created some of Australia’s most enduring and iconic wines using this exact combination.
Back then, these wines were often referred to as “Hunter River Burgundy.” O’Shea knew that while the Shiraz provided the “bones” (the structure and the spice), the Pinot Noir acted as the “perfume,” adding a silky lift, bright red fruit, and an ethereal lightness. It wasn’t about making a heavy, powerful wine; it was about creating something elegant, medium-bodied, and incredibly food-friendly.
At Mercer, we love that our Hunter Valley Shiraz has an inherent grace that allows the Pinot Noir to really sing. We aren’t trying to make a heavyweight here. Instead, we’re trying to share a wine that captures that historic “Light Dry Red” energy: refreshing, complex, and perfect for the Australian table.
What the experts had to say
You may remember our 2024 Limited Release Shiraz Pinot picked up two trophies at the Hunter Valley Wine Show and the Hunter Valley Boutique Wine Show in 2025 for best red blend, but the Hunter Valley are not the only experts to shine some light on these wines. This blend is a team favourite in the cellar door, so we’re super excited to see both our 2024 and 2025 vintages recognised in Young Gun of Wine’s recent “Deep Dive” into Australia’s best Shiraz Pinot Noir blends. To be mentioned alongside the country’s best is a moment of real pride for our whole team. Read the full Young Gun of Wine story HERE
2025 Limited Release Shiraz Pinot Noir
“Vibrant and Joyful” The 2025 vintage was celebrated for its energy. Panellist Robert Aitken described it as a “mouth-watering, vibrant and joyful number,” calling it an “absolute ripper of a bistro wine” that hits the palate with “high-definition red plums and mulberries.” Michelle Brice also noted its “impressively seamless structure that flows elegantly”
2024 Limited Release Shiraz Pinot Noir
“Full of Charm” Our 2024 vintage was highlighted for its finesse. Isabella Greco found it to be an “amiable, inviting and loveable wine… full of charm.” She noted the “beautiful and delicate lift of fresh strawberry” and suggested it’s a wine that leans into gentleness rather than heavy structure, making it perfect for pairing with a simple grilled fish or tortellini.
Continuing the Legacy
Whether you call it a “Light Dry Red,” a “Hunter River Burgundy,” or simply a “Shiraz Pinot,” this wine is all about celebrating the versatility of our region. It’s a style that honours the pioneers like O’Shea while fitting perfectly into how we drink wine today: outside on a warm afternoon or shared over a casual meal with friends.
We are so excited to see this classic Australian style finding its way back into the glasses (and hearts) of wine lovers across the country. We can’t wait to hear what you think of it at your next Sunday lunch. Find all our Limited Release Range HERE or at our Cellar Door in Pokolbin.