2023 Billy Button ‘The Beloved’ Shiraz
Sourced from the Con Mara vineyard in Whorouly South, Bob and Helen McNamara are specialist Shiraz growers, with a range of clones and trellising types available, they have been growing top quality Shiraz for over 20 years and are currently adding to the clonal diversity of their vineyard. Being the western edge of the region, this fruit provides density, structure, and juicy plum and blueberry characters.
Shiraz is the most widely planted grape variety in Australia, with flavour profiles dependant on the region, climate and winemaking techniques. This wine is a classic cool climate style, displaying dark fruits and pepper balanced by an intense and structured palate.
Say 'shih-rahz'
Production Notes
The individual handpicked parcels of fruit were predominantly destemmed but not crushed with a small portion left in whole bunches. Fruit was cold soaked for a period of up to a week prior to a combination of natural and inoculated fermentation in open vessels. The caps were gently plunged twice per day during ferment and pressed a few days after the completion of primary ferment. Parcels were then filled to barrel and matured for 15 months in a combination of new and seasoned French oak - 20% new. Blended, filtered and bottled in September 2024.
Tasting Notes
Bright ruby red with a crimson hue. Fruit aromas of blueberries and plums, teamed with attractive spice and a touch of fennel seed. The palate is vibrant and layered, with savoury elements and fine tannins providing great length.
Optimal Drinking Window - 2024 - 2034
Technical Details
Vineyards: Con Mara Vineyard, Whorouly South
Souter Vineyard, Happy Valley
Region: Alpine Valleys
Alcohol: 14%
Winemaker: Glenn James and Jo Marsh
Reviews
95 Gold 2024 North East Victorian Wine Challenge
Jo Marsh’s wines are always so well made and presented. This shiraz has drinkability written all over it, but it also has enough tannin and all-round structure to lend it a gentle seriousness. It tastes of red cherry and roasted plums, saltbush, cloves and bay leaves, with musk-vanilla notes adding both perfume and a subtle creaminess. Everything feels pitched to perfection. A smoky-meaty character to the aftertaste just adds that extra little piece of engagement. Awarded 93 points, The Winefront, Campbell Mattinson - Posted on 9 December 2025
"15 months' maturation in French oak (20% new). A cooler, challenging vintage brings less obvious generosity than the previous year and a little more spice and structure, which isn't a bad thing. It's a finer expression all round in blueberry, black cherry, bramble, spice and sage with warm vanillin oak. Fine tannins guide and deliver one easy-to-love, elegant shiraz." Awarded 92 points, Halliday Wine Companion, Jeni Port - Published 11 February 2025