Pepper Tree Wines Coquun Shiraz 2018

Winemaking and Drinking

The Coquun Shiraz is not just another red from Pepper Tree Wines it’s a tribute. Named after the traditional Indigenous name for the Hunter River, Coquun carries both story and spirit in every drop. It’s a wine that blends the deep history of the Hunter Valley with the bold yet graceful expression that only a seasoned winemaking hand can craft.

A Taste of the Hunter, Elevated

Pour this wine into your glass and it announces itself with confidence. The colour sits somewhere between dark garnet and inky crimson, glimmering with that subtle violet edge that hints at its cool, elegant core. From the very first swirl, the nose bursts open with dark plum, black cherry, and a thread of cracked black pepper. But what sets it apart is the whisper of savoury earth and smoked spice a nod to the Hunter Valley’s signature terroir.

Tasting

On the palate, the Coquun Shiraz strikes a near perfect balance between richness and restraint. There’s generous fruit, but it’s tempered by a fine, taut structure and that telltale Hunter Valley freshness. Think ripe blackberry and mulberry laced with hints of cedar, star anise, and subtle oak warmth. Each layer reveals itself in time: first the fruit, then spice, then a slow, savoury echo that lingers like a well played final note in a song.

This is a wine that moves with rhythm. It’s not just flavour it’s texture, energy, and precision. The tannins are polished yet persistent, wrapping around the palate without crowding it. The acidity lifts everything, keeping the wine bright and alive.

Winemaking

Behind the scenes, the Coquun Shiraz benefits from meticulous vineyard management and thoughtful winemaking. The fruit is harvested from mature vines that have learned to yield quality over quantity, grown on soils that carry just enough struggle to build character. The grapes are handled with care, fermented in small batches, allowed extended skin contact for depth, and matured in French oak that adds spice and finesse without smothering the fruit.

Awards and Distinction

Coquun Shiraz consistently earns admiration for its poise. It embodies everything that makes Pepper Tree a benchmark producer: bold yet elegant winemaking, grounded in place. Each vintage seems to find that perfect sweet spot between fruit expression and savoury complexity, earning it quiet reverence among those who appreciate subtlety in power.

Pairing

If the Cool Climate Shiraz is the poet of the Pepper Tree family, Coquun Shiraz is the philosopher measured, layered, and quietly profound. It’s a wine that speaks not in volume but in nuance. There’s wisdom in its restraint and depth in its calm confidence.

Pair it with dishes that share its balance of richness and finesse slow braised beef cheek, venison with juniper, or even roasted eggplant with harissa and tahini. It loves earthy, umami flavours and responds beautifully to a little char from the grill. Served slightly below room temperature, it’s a wine that evolves with time in the glass—revealing new corners of spice, warmth, and minerality with every sip.

The Final Impression

The Pepper Tree Coquun Shiraz is a masterclass in how a single variety can express both place and philosophy. It’s about power harnessed with grace, tradition guided by precision, and a deep respect for the landscape that gives it life.