Descendants of Arthur Organic Shiraz 2023: Tasting Notes

WINE STYLE → Plum & mulberry comfort

This is the kind of Shiraz that makes life easy: ripe, spicy plum and mulberry, a gentle vanillin-oak note, and a soft, round palate that feels instantly welcoming. It’s dry, medium-bodied and nicely balanced — more “juicy and smooth” than heavy — with a soft tannin finish that keeps it very drinkable and seriously weeknight-friendly.

Highlights

• Certified organic and vegan-suitable
• Top Value Award – Real Review (May 2025)
• Ripe spicy plum and mulberry with gentle vanillin oak
• Soft, round palate with good fruit weight and a soft tannin finish
• Dry style (residual sugar ≈ 2 g/L)
• 14% ABV

Tasting Notes

Ripe spicy plum and mulberry aromas and flavours, with a gentle vanillin-oak note in the background. The palate is soft and round with good fruit weight, finishing dry with soft, easy tannins.

Winemaking

Made in an approachable Shiraz style, with oak used for a subtle vanilla-like lift rather than heavy toast. The focus is ripe fruit, balance and a smooth finish that works across everyday meals.

Vineyard & Vintage

Certified organic Shiraz from South Australia. The Descendants of Arthur range celebrates the Macaw Creek property’s early settlers (Samuel and Jane Arthur) and the many generations that followed — including artist Jack Hooper (Artmazing Jacky), whose label art adds heart and humour to the story.

Why We Love It

Because it’s genuinely easy to pour: generous fruit, a soft palate, and tannins that don’t get in the way. It’s one of those “open it and dinner is sorted” reds — perfect when you want comfort, not complexity.

Food Pairing

This Shiraz loves smoky, grilled and slow-cooked flavours, plus anything with spice (pepper, paprika, cumin) that echoes its plum-and-spice profile. It’s also forgiving with richer vegetarian dishes where texture matters.

Try matching this wine with →

• Sticky pork ribs — Find a Recipe
• Moroccan lamb tagine — Find a Recipe
• Smoky eggplant parmigiana — Find a Recipe

Mood or occasion to match this wine…

A cosy Friday-night reset: music on, something slow-cooked (or takeaway) on the table, and a red that feels like a warm blanket.

Cellaring

Best for drinking now while the fruit is plush and the finish stays silky. It will also hold for 2–3 years if you like a slightly more mellow, savoury edge.

Producer

Macaw Creek is a South Australian producer focused on certified organic viticulture and clean, approachable styles. The Descendants of Arthur range is all about value and drinkability — wines that are easy to love, reliably food-friendly, and made with care.

Related Wines To Try →

If you love this style, these are worth a spot in your next mixed dozen:

• Dark-fruited, juicy “vino joven” Shiraz (no added preservative) — Battle of Bosworth Puritan Shiraz
• Preservative-free Shiraz option — Raw Vine Preservative Free Shiraz
• Plush preservative-free Shiraz value — Organic Vines Preservative Free Shiraz

FAQ

What does Descendants of Arthur Organic Shiraz 2023 taste like?

Ripe spicy plum and mulberry flavours with a gentle vanillin-oak note. It’s dry, medium-bodied, soft and round, finishing with smooth tannins that keep it very easy to drink.

Is this Shiraz dry or sweet?

Dry. It has a plush, ripe-fruit feel, but the residual sugar is around 2 g/L (so it won’t taste sweet). The finish stays clean and savoury.

Is it heavily oaked?

No — the oak reads more like a subtle vanilla lift than toasty, smoky wood. The fruit stays front and centre.

What should I eat with it?

Go for smoky/grilled flavours (BBQ meats, burgers), slow-cooked lamb, or spicy comfort food. For vegetarian options, it’s great with smoky eggplant dishes, lentil pies, or mushroom-based mains.

Should I decant it?

Not essential. If you have time, 10–15 minutes of air (or a quick swirl in a big glass) helps the spice and plum aromas open up.

Who will love Descendants of Arthur Organic Shiraz 2023?

If you like ripe, plush Shiraz with soft tannins — the kind you can open midweek without overthinking — this one’s for you. It’s also a lovely pick if you prefer certified organic and vegan-friendly reds.

(SKU: MC_ARSh_CV)