Shepherd’s Hut’s 2025 New Releases
“Shepherd’s Hut wines is named after an 1850s stone hut found in ruins on an adjacent property to the vineyard. In the mid-90s, founder Dr Michael Wishart (and family) restored the hut, which still features honey-coloured Mount Barker stone, all the while establishing riesling, chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, shiraz and cabernet sauvignon. Most of the grapes are sold to other makers in the region, but those retained make high quality wine at mouth-watering prices thanks to the skill of winemaker Rob Diletti.”
- JAMES HALLIDAY
“Take this insider's tip: If Rob Diletti has anything to do with the winemaking, they are going to be very, very good. As these are.”
- ERIN LARKIN
Sunday, June 14
Hosted by Laura Wishart | Owner & Manager
Lunch: 12–3pm, 10 wines and 4 courses, $145
Masterclass: 4–6pm, 10 wines & canapes, $75
Dinner: 6.30–9.30pm, 10 wines and 4 courses, $145
A snippet from Erin Larkin’s article on the Great Southern:
Porongurup, to the northeast (broadly speaking) of Denmark, is a region better known for Riesling (and with good reason, I believe that the best of the Porongurup Rieslings rate amongst the very best in the country), however the pinot vines are still gaining age and with it, reputation.
The best examples come from Castle Rock, Shepherd’s Hut (both featured in the below tasting, however the Shepherds Hut coming out just on top by a whisker) and others.
Erin Larkin, erinlarkin.com
The Wine List and Menu
First Course
2025 Heritage Series ‘The Hut’ Riesling
Gold medal at the 2025 Wine Show of WA.
Fine-boned and delicious, this riesling is characterised by supreme length and delicate acidity. A pure, classy bouquet of lemon, limes and green apple. Bone dry, the palate is youthful, tight and beautifully weighted with a well structured backbone supporting rich lemon, citrus and subtle melon fruit flavours.
Winemaker Tasting Notes
Second Course
2025 Heritage Series ‘Valerie Ann’ Chardonnay
2024 Heritage Series ‘Valerie Ann’ Chardonnay
2023 Heritage Series ‘Valerie Ann’ Chardonnay
2024 Wine Show of WA Bronze medal (Chardonnay class)
Third Course
2025 Pinot Noir
An enticing nose of red cherries and spice. The palate is jubilant red fruit; strawberries and cherries. A hint of blackcurrant and a subtle smokiness adds depth and complexity, whilst tight acidity balances with the tannins to deliver length.
Winemaker Tasting Notes
2025 Heritage Series ‘Michael Mayo’ Pinot Noir
2024 Heritage Series ‘Michael Mayo’ Pinot Noir
Bright cherry and rhubarb, with some treated leather and desirable stalky notes on the nose. The palate is youthful, tight and lean with bright red fruits and soft grainy tannins alongside subtle astringency. A beautifully crafted wine with lovely weight, balance and length.
Winemaker Tasting Notes
There are no awards, points, or reviews available on the 2024 release… But, JJ (John Jens), believe this is Shepherd’s Hut greatest vintage to date, for both the Estate Pinot Noir and Heritage Series - The Michael Mayo!
2023 Heritage Series ‘Michael Mayo’ Pinot Noir
Gold medal at the 2024 Wine Show of WA.
Trophy for Best Pinot Noir at 2024 Wine Show of WA.
Fourth Course
2024 ‘Pannoo’ Shiraz
2023 Heritage Series ‘Pannoo’ Shiraz
Bronze medal at the 2024 Wine Show of WA
A powerful, supple cool climate shiraz. The nose is cracked pepper and dark plums. The palate is spices, oak and complex dark fruits. The depth of the fruit characters, along with the tannin structure and a fine acid backbone give this Shiraz exquisite length and elegance.
(Winemaker Notes)