2024 Shiraz, McLaren Vale, South Australia
Our flagship limited release EJ Shiraz made from Shiraz vines planted in 1887 – one of the five McLaren Vale LIVING ICONS wines, from Shiraz vines planted in the 1800s. Delicate front exploding with a concentration of savoury fruit, supported by full, silky tannins unique to old vine wine.
Our flagship wine, the EJ Shiraz is named after David Paxton’s mother and family matriarch Elizabeth Jean, and one of the five McLaren Vale ICONS OF WINE.
A limited release wine, the EJ Shiraz is sourced from vines originally planted in 1887 from our Thomas Block vineyard, which is renowned for producing fruit of exceptional flavour and natural balance. The Shiraz vines are amongst the oldest in McLaren Vale – and indeed the world –and are carefully hand pruned and thinned to ensure the low and uniform yields required for super premium Shiraz.
Although still very young, the wine shows classic McLaren Vale Shiraz characteristics, with an elegant, delicate front exploding with a concentration of savoury fruit, supported by full, silky tannins unique to old vine wine.
An exemplary Shiraz not to be missed!
Organic | Biodynamic
The 2024 vintage was marked by dramatic contrasts, beginning with an unusually wet and cool early season followed by a burst of intense summer heat. Despite the early challenges, including heavy rainfall and a heatwave during harvest, the late summer and early autumn weather allowed the remaining varieties to develop exceptional flavour concentration. Careful vineyard management, including bunch and shoot thinning, helped the grapes to thrive despite the hurdles. The resulting wines boast impressive flavour depth, refreshing natural acidity, and a well-structured tannin profile. Overall, 2024 promises a vintage of notable quality and character, with Sangiovese particularly standing out. The year's trials and triumphs have set the stage for wines with a remarkable balance of freshness and complexity.
139 year old vines from Thomas Block, Sand Road McLaren Vale
Deep magenta
Fragrant, toasty oak frames an incredibly complex nose of fresh purple fruit — mulberry and wild raspberry — dusted with pepper and star anise, and lifted by a waft of purple floral notes.
Succulent and layered, delicate yet powerful, with remarkable intensity of flavour. A deeply flavoured core is supported by fine tannin structure, drawn from both fruit and quality French oak. Medium-bodied, with dark, vibrant fruit interwoven seamlessly through the oak. Complex and moreish, the tightly woven profile draws the drinker in, while a sense of balance and freshness belies the age of the vines. Fruit and tannin carry through to a long, lingering finish.
GOOD: Christmas 2025 - BETTER: Winter 2026-2030 - BEST: 2031-2040
Char-grilled aged sirloin or slow-braised short rib
Joni Mitchell — Both Sides, Now
Ashleigh Seymour
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OPENING HOURS:
7 days a week, 10am – 5pm
Tastings available daily –
bookings preferred
Phone: (08) 8323 9131
Email: wine@paxtonwines.com
68 Wheaton Road, McLaren Vale
South Australia 5171
PAXTON SOCIAL WINE CLUB
Phone: 0400 863 400
Email: janet@paxtonwines.com