Andrew Hardy Little Ox Shiraz 2014 | Inky, Dense, and Velvety | Exclusive
A mere 8 barrels of Andrew Hardy Little Ox Shiraz 2014 were produced. Rather yielding only 200 cases and we have 100 of them, exclusively. This is pure hedonism in a bottle, boasting a deep and inky purple, glass-staining color. While displaying a densely fruity nose of blackberry, black raspberry, and blueberry pie filling with undercurrents of dark chocolate and vanillin. Yet equally dense on the palate, with mouth-filling richness and velvety tannin, with a lingering fruitiness on the finish. Drink now – 2028.
Although Hardy may not be a household name in the United States, he is well-known Down Under. Robert Parker has called Hardy’s “The Ox”—upon which his Wine Advocate has bestowed a near-perfect 99-point score—quite simply “one of the greatest Shiraz produced in South Australia.” From that lineage has risen Hardy’s “Little Ox,” a worthy successor to “The Ox” and “one of the finest values” in South Australia according to Parker.
Ox and the Little Ox
So the winemaking acumen that has earned Hardy such lofty status is on full display in Andrew Hardy Little Ox Shiraz 2014. And he treats this powerful red to a patient upbringing. While aging it for 24 months in older French barriques before bottling unfined and unfiltered. As a result producing a dense, rich, and energetic wine that is harmonious now. And has the legs to go for another decade.
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Sir Thomas Hardy planted Shiraz at Nottage Hill nearly 130 years ago, and his great-great-grandson Andrew still produces “The Ox” Shiraz from the nine original rows that remain. But decades ago, as those centenarian vines started to produce less and less fruit, Andrew Hardy set about replanting Nottage Hill with their cuttings, revitalizing the vineyard with what are essentially clones of some of McLaren Vale’s most regal Shiraz.
Andrew Hardy Wines
Although Hardy may not be a household name in the United States, he is well-known Down Under. First, as the man hand-picked to succeed legend Brian Croser at famed Australian winery Petaluma. And critics from all corners of the globe have taken notice of his expertise: While Robert Parker has called Hardy’s “The Ox”—upon which his Wine Advocate has bestowed a near-perfect 99-point score—quite simply “one of the greatest Shiraz produced in South Australia.
Although named after what is thought of as Hardy’s flagship wine, “Little Ox” is anything but an afterthought to Andrew Hardy. As a result, this world-renowned winemaker’s small-production Shiraz is one of the Southern Hemisphere’s greatest wine buys. We got all we could, but with a mere 200 cases in existence, the writing is on the wall.