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
Monday June 30
Hosted by Laura Wishart | Owner & Manager
Masterclass: 5.30-7.30pm, 14 Wines with Nibbles, $75
Dinner: 7.30pm, 14 Wines & 5 Courses, $125
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 Estate Riesling
2023 Heritage Series ‘The Hut’ Riesling
Gold medal at the 2024 Wine Show of WA
Trophy for Best Great Southern Single Vineyard Wine at 2024 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 Notes)
2025 Heritage Series ‘The Hut’ Riesling
Pancetta wrapped scallops, kaffir lime
Second Course
2023 Estate Chardonnay
2024 Estate Chardonnay
2023 Heritage Series ‘Valerie Ann’ Chardonnay
2024 Wine Show of WA Bronze medal (Chardonnay class)
2024 Heritage Series ‘Valerie Ann’ Chardonnay
Seared salmon, miso butter, shiitake
Third Course
2023 Estate Pinot Noir
2024 Estate Pinot Noir
This is placid, long and seamless. It has very low or very light tannins that provide a gentle textural mouthfeel and it has seriously length for a reasonably priced Pinot Noir. The marvelous finish and aftertaste drift away easily. There are no edges, corners or even lightly aggressive or structuring tannins. This is delicious now but will drink wonderfully for the next 5 to 10 years - and only improve during that time.
18.6/20 points & “ Yes, yes, yes!” - JJ (John Jens)
2022 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.
sheperdshutwine.com.au
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.
2024 Heritage Series ‘Michael Mayo’ Pinot Noir
Confit duck, kipflers, baby cos, feta, candied walnuts
Fourth Course
2023 Estate Shiraz
2024 Estate 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)