All Wines

Shiraz, known as Syrah in some parts of the world, is celebrated for its rich and robust character, and when transformed into a sparkling wine, it offers a delightful and effervescent twist.

The climate and terroir of the Hunter Valley play a significant role in shaping the characteristics of the Shiraz grapes grown there. The region's warm climate, combined with its unique soil composition, contributes to the development of ripe and concentrated flavours in the grapes.

In terms of tasting notes, our Cardinal exhibits the following characteristics:

1. Colour: Deep, intense ruby red with vibrant hues.
2. Aromas: Aromas of dark berries such as blackberries and mulberries, along with notes of black cherries and plums. Subtle undertones of pepper, and a hint of oak are present.
3. Palate: The palate showcases a balance between the ripe fruit flavours and the lively effervescence. Juicy black fruits, accompanied by a touch of dark chocolate and a subtle earthy undertone. The characteristic spiciness of Shiraz is softened in this wine’s profile.
4. Body and Structure: A medium bodied with well-integrated tannins that provide a smooth texture. The sparkling nature of the wine adds a refreshing and invigorating quality to the mouthfeel.
5. Finish: The finish is medium, leaving behind a lingering impression of dark fruit flavours and a hint of spice and sweetness.
6. Food Pairing: Cardinal can pair wonderfully with a range of dishes. Its bold flavours and effervescence make it a versatile choice that can complement hearty fare such as barbecued meats, game, roasted vegetables, and charcuterie. The wine's acidity and bubbles can help cut through rich and savory flavours.

Overall, Cardinal is made from Shiraz grapes grown in the Hunter Valley and offers a captivating fusion of the region's terroir-driven characteristics and the exuberance of sparkling wine production techniques. It's a wine that can make any occasion feel festive and memorable.

A dark amber colour. Has intense raisined muscat fruit characters with considerable complexity. Displays rich luscious muscat fruit flavours typical of this classic fortified dessert style.

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Hungerford Hill Liqueur Tawny is made from very ripe red grapes and carefully selected brandy spirit. It has matured in small oak barrels in our cellar to develop the characteristic ‘rancio’ character of aged Tawny, with a complex, luscious palate and intense fruitcake flavour.

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Awards Won

95 points Halliday wine companion 

91 points the wine Front

The 2007 vintage enjoyed warm summer conditions, perfect for maturing rich ripe Shiraz. The end result is generous blackberry & plum with "Hunter" savoury characters of spice and earth, balanced carefully with 60% American & 40% French oak management.

This wine has luscious primary fruit and a great tannin structure to ensure it will age gracefully and reward the patient few.

A refreshing wine that combines the aromatic and fruity qualities of Moscato with a touch of effervescence and a charming pink hue.

Here's how our 2025 Moscato presents:

Appearance: The wine does exhibit a delicate and attractive pink petal colour. Its effervescence adds a lively and celebratory aspect to its appearance.

Aromas: The wine's aromatic profile is captivating, with pronounced floral and fruity aromas. Expect fragrant notes of rose petals, orange blossoms, and subtle hints of jasmine. The Moscato grape's signature aroma of ripe, juicy grapes does also be present, along with hints of fresh berries like strawberries and raspberries.

Palate: On the palate, the sparkling pink Moscato is a sweet experience. The sweetness is balanced by a lively acidity and the wine's effervescence, creating a harmonious interplay of flavours. Expect flavours of ripe summer fruits like red berries, peaches, and musk sticks.

Effervescence: The gentle and persistent bubbles would provide a playful and refreshing texture on the palate, enhancing the wine's overall enjoyment.

Food Pairing: This style of wine is often enjoyed as an aperitif or dessert wine. Consider pairing it with light and fresh dishes, such as fruit salads, bruschetta with tomato and basil, or delicate seafood appetizers. It can also be a delightful complement to desserts like fruit tarts, sorbets, and light pastries.

Youthful Enjoyment: The vibrant and fruity qualities of a sparkling pink Moscato make it ideal for immediate consumption, while its effervescence adds a festive touch to celebrations.

Seasonal Appeal: This type of wine is particularly popular during warm months and festive occasions, when its light and refreshing character is well-suited to outdoor gatherings and joyful events.

Overall Impression: The 2025 sparkling Moscato from New South Wales does offer a charming and lively wine experience. Its aromatic bouquet, semi-sweet palate, and playful effervescence make it an inviting choice for those seeking a wine that exudes vibrancy, aromatic richness, and a touch of sweetness.

Awards won:

Silver Small Winemakers show      Silver NSW wine awards

Silver Royal QLD Wine show

Appearance: The wine has a deep, intense colour with vibrant ruby to purple hues. This richness in colour is often a hallmark of Malbec wines.

Aroma: On the nose, you find a delightful bouquet of dark fruit aromas such as blackberry, plum, and black cherry. There is also be hints of floral notes, such as violets, as well as subtle spice undertones like black pepper or a touch of vanilla from oak aging.

Taste: When tasting the wine, you experience a medium to full-bodied palate, with a smooth and velvety texture. The prominent flavours revolve around dark fruits accompanied by a mix of blueberry and mulberry. There are some oak-driven flavours, such as cedar or toasty elements.

Tannins: This wine has moderate to firm tannins, which can add structure and complexity to the wine. In a 2022 Hilltops Malbec, the tannins are well-integrated, providing a balanced mouthfeel.

Acidity: Given the Hilltops region's cooler climate, the wine displays a refreshing acidity that contributes to its overall brightness and age-worthiness.

Finish: The finish is satisfyingly long, with the fruit and spice notes lingering on the palate.

Overall, a 2022 Malbec from the Hilltops region of Australia is a flavourful and expressive wine, reflecting the unique terroir and climate of the area. It should be enjoyed in its youth, but with its structural components and quality, it has the potential to age gracefully over several years.

Hunter Valley Semillon is celebrated for its vibrant acidity, citrusy flavours, and potential for graceful aging. Fermented and matured in stainless steel tanks, this wine style places a strong emphasis on preserving the grape's inherent qualities.

Colour: Pale straw to light lemon, with a clear and youthful appearance.

Aromas: The wine shows intense and aromatic citrus notes. Expect lively aromas of freshly squeezed lemon, lime zest, and perhaps hints of green apple. 

Palate: On the palate, the Semillon showcases its hallmark high acidity and light to medium body. The citrus flavours from the nose translate to the palate, along with a refreshing minerality. The wine's mouthwatering acidity provides a crisp and zesty sensation on the palate.

Ageability: Hunter Valley Semillon is renowned for its ability to age gracefully. While delightful in its youth, the absence of oak and the wine's high acidity can contribute to its potential for further development over the years. 

Food Pairing: The bright acidity and clean fruit profile of Hunter Valley Semillon make it a versatile pairing partner. It can work well with a variety of seafood dishes, such as oysters, grilled fish, and shrimp. Additionally, its acidity can cut through rich and creamy sauces, making it suitable for dishes like chicken piccata or light pasta dishes.

Its vibrant acidity, citrusy character, and potential for graceful aging make it a standout example of the Hunter Valley's winemaking tradition and the enduring appeal of Semillon.

With some of the finest fruit, grown just outside of Young & Boorowa in the Hilltops region, our classic Cabernet Malbec blend is a classic varietal example of these two flavour powerhouses. This 2022 was a cooler year in a cool climate region and presents as...

Appearance: The wine would likely display a deep, rich ruby color with purple hues, indicating its youthfulness. Its viscosity might be moderate to high, suggesting a certain richness and concentration.

Aroma: On the nose you'll encounter a complex array of aromas. The Cabernet component could contribute notes of blackcurrant, and capsicum or mint. The Malbec, on the other hand, might add layers of ripe plum, blueberry, and floral nuances. The integration of French oak imparts additional complexities, such as subtle vanilla, cedar, and spice undertones.

Taste: As it hits your palate, the wine showcases a harmonious balance between its varietal components and oak influence. The Cabernet's firm tannins provide structure and grip, while the Malbec's softer, silkier tannins contribute to a plush mouthfeel. Expect a medium to full-bodied wine with a generous fruit expression, featuring flavours of dark berries, and a touch of blackcurrant leaf. The acidity is vibrant, providing freshness and ensuring a good aging potential.

Finish: The wine's finish is long and lingering, with the fruit flavors slowly tapering off, leaving a pleasant sensation of dark chocolate or espresso on the palate. The tannins, while present, are be well-integrated, contributing to a structured finish without overpowering the fruit.

Overall Impression: Our 2022 Cabernet Malbec from the Hilltops, is a fine example of the region's viticultural prowess harnessed by our winemaking skills. It offers a compelling combination of varietal expression, terroir influence, and skilled oak integration, making it a wine worthy of both immediate enjoyment and potential cellar aging.

A brilliant interpretation of this classic Italian grape variety, influenced by the terroir of the Hilltops region and the specific characteristics of that growing season.

Here's how a Sangiovese wine from the Hilltops region in 2023 presents thusly:

Colour: A medium to deep ruby red, with hints of garnet at the rim, indicating its youth and potential for aging.

Aromas: The wine does present a complex and enticing aromatic profile. Expect vibrant red fruit aromas, such as ripe cherries and red currants, along with subtle notes of raspberry and possibly even cranberry. Herbal nuances come forward, including hints of dried oregano or thyme, which are characteristic of Sangiovese.

Palate: On the palate, the Sangiovese does exhibit a medium body with moderate acidity. The red fruit flavours noted on the nose translate to the palate, accompanied by a touch of tartness and a pleasant juiciness. The wine's structure does include fine tannins that provide a smooth yet firm texture.

Earthiness: Sangiovese carries an earthy quality, and the Hilltops terroir does enhance this aspect. You might detect notes of dried leaves, that adds depth to the wine.

Ageability: Our 2023 vintage of Sangiovese from the Hilltops region does have the potential to age well over the next 6 years, allowing its flavours and structure to evolve.

Food Pairing: Sangiovese's versatility with food makes it a great choice for pairing with a variety of dishes. Consider pairing it with Italian cuisine such as pasta with tomato-based sauces, roasted meats, and aged cheeses. Its acidity and moderate tannins make it suitable for both lighter and heartier dishes.

Limited Production: Sangiovese is less common in the Hilltops region, resulting in limited production quantities and adding to the wine's exclusivity.

Overall Impression: The 2023 Sangiovese from the Hilltops region does offer a unique and exciting glimpse into how this traditional Italian grape thrives in Australian terroir. Its balance of fruit, structure, and earthy nuances does make it a captivating wine that showcases the fusion of Old World charm and New World innovation.

A wine that emphasizes the freshness of the grape and the minimal intervention winemaking approach. “Nouveau-style” wines are typically released shortly after harvest to showcase the primary fruit characteristics of the grape variety.

Here’s how our surprising Shiraz presents:

Colour: Deep ruby red with purple undertones, reflecting its youthful and intense appearance.

Aromas: The wine's aromatic profile is focused on the primary fruit characteristics of the Shiraz grape. Expect aromas of ripe blackberries, and hints of plum. The absence of sulfur does allow the grape's natural aromatic intensity to shine, possibly with a touch of earthiness or subtle floral notes.

Palate: On the palate, the Shiraz does offer a medium to medium-full body with an immediate burst of fruit flavours. The dark berry notes from the nose might transition smoothly to the palate, accompanied by a lively acidity that contributes to a fresh and lively mouthfeel.

Minimal Intervention: The absence of added sulfur underscores a minimal intervention winemaking philosophy, allowing the grape's natural attributes and the vintage conditions to be the main contributors to the wine's character.

Food Pairing: This style of this Shiraz makes it versatile for pairing with a variety of dishes. Consider enjoying it with grilled meats, charcuterie, pizza, or even slightly spicy dishes.

Overall Impression: The 2021 Preservative Free Shiraz from the Hunter Valley, made without the use of sulfur, does offer a vibrant and joyful wine experience. Its focus on immediate fruit expression, minimal intervention, and the unique attributes of the vintage make it an appealing choice for those seeking a red wine that captures the true essence of the Shiraz grape in a lively and uncomplicated form.

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Fiano is known for producing aromatic and texturally rich wines, often characterised by a combination of floral, citrus, and herbal notes. 

Expect vibrant citrus notes, such as lemon and tangerine, intermingled with floral scents like white blossoms and hints of honeysuckle. Herbal undertones, reminiscent of fresh herbs like thyme or mint, might also be present.

The wine's light body carries flavours of ripe stone fruits like peach and apricot, supported by tangy citrus flavours. Herbal nuances translate into a refreshing savoury quality, enhancing the wine's overall complexity.

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A fresh and vibrant expression of this white grape variety. Verdelho is known for its aromatic qualities and lively acidity, and the minimal intervention approach would aim to preserve these characteristics.

Here what you can expect from our Verdelho:

Colour: Pale straw to light lemon, showcasing its youthful and crisp appearance.

Aromas: The wine does present an aromatic bouquet bursting with fresh and fruity aromas. Expect vibrant citrus notes like lemon and lime zest, along with hints of tropical fruits such as pineapple and a touch of passion fruit. Floral elements, such as white blossoms or hints of honeysuckle, might also be present.

Palate: On the palate, the Verdelho does exhibit a light to medium body with a focus on bright and zesty flavours. The citrus and tropical fruit notes from the nose might translate seamlessly to the palate, offering a refreshing and lively sensation. The wine's acidity is the driving force, providing a crisp and invigorating mouthfeel.

Texture: Without skin contact or barrel maturation, the wine's texture is clean and lean, emphasizing its pure fruit character and acidity.

Mineral Notes: Verdelho wines from the Hunter Valley often showcase a distinctive mineral undertone, possibly contributing a flinty or stony quality to the overall profile.

Finish: The finish is brisk and refreshing, with the wine's citrusy and tropical fruit flavours lingering on the palate.

Food Pairing: The wine's bright acidity and clean fruitiness make it an excellent match for a variety of dishes. Consider pairing it with seafood, such as grilled prawns or scallops, light salads, ceviche, or even sushi.

Youthful Enjoyment: Verdelho wines are often intended to be enjoyed in their youth when their vibrant fruit and refreshing qualities are at their peak. They are perfect for warm weather and outdoor gatherings.

Minimal Intervention: The stainless steel fermentation and lack of barrel maturation aim to highlight the Verdelho grape's inherent characteristics without introducing external influences.

Overall Impression: A Verdelho wine from the Hunter Valley, made with minimal intervention, offers an unadulterated representation of the grape's freshness and aromatic nature. Its lively acidity, tropical fruit notes, and clean palate make it an ideal choice for those seeking a crisp and invigorating white wine that captures the essence of the grape and the region.

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The sparkling wine crafted from Chardonnay grapes at Dalwood Estate in the Hunter Valley is a sparkling gem that exudes elegance and reflects the unique character of both the grape variety and the estate's terroir. Produced using the Charmat method, this sparkling wine offers a delightful and refreshing experience.

The Hunter Valley is Australia’s premium Shiraz region.  Sweetwater Estate shiraz grapes are hand-picked on land that has been the setting since 1844, for one of the oldest known vineyard sites in the Lower Hunter Valley.

Grown in ancient red soils, nourished by local clear waters and blessed by Australia’s abundant and constant sunshine.

Latest Wine Show Results

4x Trophies l 1x Gold Medal - Hunter Valley Wine Show 2025

• The Doug Seabrook Memorial Trophy for Best Red Wine of Show
• Len Evans Trophy for Best Single Vineyard Red
• Hector Tulloch Memorial Trophy for Best Shiraz
• Stibbard- Hulin Trophy for Best Two-Year-Old Shiraz

96 Points

"An aromatic, robust yet classically styled shiraz with outstanding fruit concentration and class. Deeply coloured, it holds its cards close to its chest at first but, with air, it becomes magnificent. Plush, inky blood plums are wrapped in a matrix of complex tannins that build from the mid-palate. Adding intrigue is a faint sanguine note, along with fragrant potpourri and dried dark cherry. It is a dark and serious wine of character and depth destined to evolve beautifully with time. Decant vigorously if drinking young."

Halliday Wine Companion, Toni Paterson

Published 19 June 2025

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The harmonious marriage of these two iconic grape varieties, from two iconic regions of New South Wales.

Here's how this vintage of our Cabernet Shiraz blends presents:

Colour: Deep ruby red with crimson highlights, reflecting the wine's concentration and youthfulness.

Aromas: The wine does offer an enticing and complex aromatic profile. Ripe blackberries and dark cherries dominate, courtesy of the Shiraz, while Cabernet Sauvignon does contribute hints of cassis and subtle green bell pepper notes. The interplay of the two varieties does create an aromatic tapestry that includes nuances of tobacco, dried herbs, and possibly a touch of mint.

Palate: On the palate, the blend might present a medium-full body with a rich and balanced expression. The dark fruit flavours from the nose does transition smoothly to the palate, supported by well-integrated tannins. The Hunter Valley's signature acidity does provide a lively backbone, enhancing the wine's structure.

Finish: The finish is lengthy and satisfying, with the wine's dark fruit flavours and oak nuances lingering on the palate.

Food Pairing: The wine's balanced structure and blend of fruitiness and complexity make it versatile for pairing. Consider matching it with hearty dishes like grilled steak, roasted lamb, or rich stews. The blend's tannins and acidity does also complement dishes featuring mushrooms or aged cheeses.

Ageability: Depending on the winemaking decisions and the vintage's characteristics, this blend does have potential for modest aging, allowing its flavours to evolve and integrate over time.

Overall Impression: The 2022 Heavy Metal blend from our Sweetwater Vineyard, offers a captivating and layered wine experience. Its interplay of dark fruit, structure, and the influence of terroir does create a wine that appeals to those seeking a well-rounded red blend that reflects both the grape varieties and the unique qualities of the Hunter Valley's terroir.

Our Pinot Grigio style is a light-bodied, often lean wine that is light in colour with bright flavours that are crisp and fresh. The small dark skinned berries produce a refreshing white wine of nashi pear and red apple; the palate is delicately textured and bright. A refreshing and expressive white wine that showcases the unique characteristics of both the grape variety and the terroir of the Hilltops region.

Here's how a Pinot Grigio from the Hilltops region presents:

1. Colour: Pale straw to light gold, with a hint of green, reflecting its youthful and vibrant nature.
2. Aromas: The wine does offer a bouquet of delicate and inviting aromas. Expect fresh notes of green apple, pear, and citrus fruits like lemon and lime. Floral scents, such as white blossoms or hints of honeysuckle, might also be present, adding a touch of elegance to the aromatic profile.
3. Palate: On the palate, the Pinot Grigio showcases crisp acidity and a light to medium body. The primary fruit flavours from the aromas, such as green apple and citrus, does translate to the palate, offering a lively and refreshing sensation. The wine's texture is smooth and slightly silky, contributing to its overall drinkability.
4. Finish: The finish is clean, zesty, and relatively short, leaving a crisp and invigorating impression on the palate.
5. Food Pairing: Pinot Grigio is known for its versatility when it comes to food pairing. The wine's bright acidity and fresh fruitiness make it an excellent companion for a variety of dishes. It does pair well with light and fresh fare such as seafood salads, grilled white fish, sushi, and dishes with lemon-based sauces. It's also a great choice for appetizers and light cheeses.
6. Youthful Enjoyment: Pinot Grigio wines are often intended to be enjoyed in their youth when their vibrant fruit and refreshing qualities are at their peak.
7. Overall Impression: Our Pinot Grigio from the Hilltops region does embody the characteristics of a classic and well-made example of the variety. Its approachable nature, balanced acidity, and straightforward flavours does make it a delightful option for casual sipping, outdoor gatherings, or pairing with a range of light and fresh dishes.

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Inspired by the original plantings, the Tempranillo & Touriga are now back, reviving the property of this rich history. 2022 is the second harvest in the this recent chapter for the vineyard producing a savoury and medium bodied dry red.

The Tempranillo's characteristics contribute dark fruit notes, possibly blackberries and cherries, with a hint of subtle spice. Meanwhile, the Touriga grape brings its own aromatic contribution, with hints of floral and perhaps violet nuances that enhance the overall aromatic profile. This combination creates a bouquet that is both inviting and intriguing, inviting you to explore further.

A Semillon wine from the 2019 vintage that has been made with no oak, wild yeast fermentation, and no added sulfur in its production showcases the pure and unadulterated characteristics of the grape variety and the winemaking process. This type of winemaking approach often results in a wine that highlights the grape's natural flavours and expressions.

Here's how our creative take on a Hunter classic presents:

Colour: Dried straw with lemon rind accents.

Aromas: The wine's aromatic profile is focused on the grape's inherent qualities. Expect bright and vibrant citrus notes, such as lemon zest and grapefruit, along with hints of green apple and perhaps a touch of white flowers. The absence of oak influence and the use of wild yeast does add an extra layer of complexity, offering subtle nuances of fresh herbs.

Palate: On the palate, the Semillon does present a light to medium body with a crisp and refreshing character. The citrus flavours from the nose might translate smoothly to the palate, accompanied by a lively acidity that contributes to a zesty mouthfeel. The absence of oak maturation does emphasize the purity of the fruit.

Minimal Intervention: The absence of added sulfur and oak maturation showcases a minimal intervention winemaking approach, allowing the grape and terroir to be the primary influencers of the wine's character.

Food Pairing: The wine's bright acidity and clean fruit profile make it versatile for pairing with a range of dishes. Consider matching it with fresh seafood, light salads, grilled vegetables, and dishes with subtle herbal components, including pork belly.

Natural Expressiveness: This style of Semillon highlights the grape's natural qualities and the specific characteristics of the vintage and terroir.

Overall Impression: The 2019 Semillon made with no oak, wild yeast, and no added sulfur does offer a pure and authentic expression of the grape variety and the winemaking philosophy. Its focus on freshness, acidity, and the grape's inherent aromas make it an intriguing choice for those seeking a wine that embodies the true essence of the Semillon grape and the unique conditions of its origin.

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Nurtured in healthy red soils, is a wine that beautifully encapsulates the essence of its terroir and the characteristics of its vintage. The healthy red soils, known for their fertility and ability to provide excellent drainage, have contributed to the wine's distinctive profile.

A deep and vibrant crimson colour, hinting at the richness and concentration that the healthy red soils can bring to the grapes. The 2021 vintage, was marked by its own climatic conditions, superior to 2020. This has contributed to the wine's color intensity and overall structure.

On the nose, this Cabernet Sauvignon offer an inviting bouquet of aromas that are emblematic of the grape variety. Expect to find blackcurrant, dark cherry, and possibly plum notes, reflecting the ripe fruit that the healthy red soils have helped nurture. Alongside the fruit, there are subtle spices, and cedar adding layers of complexity to the aromatic profile.

The healthy red soils' influence on the grapes would likely translate into a wine with well-defined tannins, providing a firm but not overpowering backbone. The 2021 vintage's conditions have allowed the grapes to achieve optimal ripeness, resulting in a seamless integration of fruit flavours and acidity.

The fruit-forward nature of the wine shines through on the palate, with the blackcurrant and dark cherry notes taking centre stage. The richness and depth of the healthy red soils lends a certain weight to the wine's body, contributing to a satisfying mouthfeel.

A captivating and harmonious fusion of two iconic grape varieties, combined with the influence of both the specific vineyard site and the winemaker's expertise.

In appearance, the wine would likely showcase a deep, rich colour that hints at the concentration and potential complexity within. The 2021 vintage, marked by its own climatic conditions, would have shaped the wine's hue and overall character.

On the nose, this blend offers a symphony of aromas that balance the characteristics of Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. The Shiraz component contributes intense dark fruit notes, possibly blackberries and plums, along with hints of pepper and spice. The Cabernet Sauvignon, on the other hand, brings to the blend cassis, dark cherry, and possibly even subtle herbal nuances. These aromatic elements are enhanced by the French oak, offering additional layers of vanilla, toast, and a touch of smokiness.

As the wine graces the palate its complexity and structure would shine. The skin tannins and the aging in French oak, provide a balanced framework, offering both grip and finesse. The dark fruit flavours observed on the nose might carry over to the palate, alongside the added dimension of the oak's influence.

The French oak barrels contribute to the wine's texture and complexity, integrating seamlessly with the fruit characteristics. The vanilla and toasty notes from the oak could enhance the wine's overall profile without overpowering the varietal flavours.

The finish of the wine is both lingering and satisfying. The blend's balance and structure, combined with the French oak's influence, creates a finish that resonates with a harmonious interplay of flavours and textures.

A unique blend and intriguing expression light sweet wines produced in the Hunter Valley. The strong bouquet of the Gewurtztraminer binds with the Vermentino's natural freshness, resulting in a wine that balances both sweetness and acidity.

Here’s how our special little 2025 St Vernay presents:

Colour: Straw and melon flesh. Rich vibrant energy exudes this wine into the eye.

Aromas: The wine does present a captivating bouquet of aromatic qualities. Expect aromas of ripe tropical fruits such as pineapple, mango, and possibly a touch of apricot. These fruity notes is accompanied by floral hints and subtle citrus undertones.

Palate: On the palate, it does showcase a medium body with a focus on a luscious and balanced sweetness. The ripe tropical fruit flavours from the nose transition seamlessly to the palate, accompanied by a vibrant acidity that keeps the wine fresh and lively. The sweetness does provide a smooth and mouth-filling texture.

Sweetness Balance: The sweetness level is balanced by the Vermentino's inherent acidity, creating a harmonious and pleasant contrast.

Food Pairing:  Consider serving it alongside spicy dishes, Asian cuisine, or even as an accompaniment to light desserts like fruit tarts or poached pears.

Aromatic Complexity: The St Vernay's aromatic profile is enhanced by the sweeter style, offering a more intense and expressive bouquet.

Youthful Enjoyment: This style of wine is often best enjoyed while it's young to fully appreciate its vibrant fruitiness and sweetness.

Overall Impression: The 2025 St Vernay is a wonderful white field blend that brings the sweet flavours but in a light and nuanced way.

An exceptional and complex wine that embodies the meticulous winemaking process and the unique qualities of the region. Made from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir fruit sourced from the Tumbarumba wine region, from the 2022 vintage and left on tirage for almost 3 full years before disgorgement.

Here's how our 2022 Dalliance presents:

1. Region Terroir: Tumbarumba is known for its cool climate, the terroir in this region imparts notes of freshness, minerality, and a crisp acidity to the wine.

2. Grapes: The blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir is a classic combination for sparkling wine production. Chardonnay contributes elegance, acidity, and a hint of green apple and citrus, while Pinot Noir adds body, subtle red fruit notes, and complexity along the finish. 

3. Tirage Aging: Aging the wine on tirage (lees) for almost 3 years is a significant step in traditional method sparkling wine production. During this time, the wine undergoes a secondary fermentation in the bottle, which can result in greater complexity, creaminess, and a subtle brioche-like aroma due to autolysis, the breakdown of yeast cells.

4. Flavour Profile: Given the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir blend and the tirage aging, you can expect a well-balanced acidity, crispness, and light body but with full effervescence. The flavour profile includes notes of green apple, citrus, red berries, and possibly hints of toast or brioche from the lees aging.

5. Aroma: Hints of fresh fruits, floral notes, and the brioche or toasted bread notes. 

6. Mouthfeel: The extended lees aging imparts a creamy and velvety texture to the wine, with a persistent mousse (bubbles) that carries the flavours and aromas through the palate.

Overall, our Dalliance from Tumbarumba, made from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes from the 2022 vintage offers a harmonious balance of fruitiness, acidity, and complexity, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate the nuances of well-crafted sparkling wines.

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A wine that beautifully captures the elegance and character of both the Pinot Noir grape and the unique terroir of Tumbarumba. The use of French oak for a brief period imparts subtle oak influences while allowing the grape's natural characteristics to shine through.

Colour: A light ruby red with shades of garnet at the rim, reflecting the youthful vibrancy of the wine and the potential for aging.

Aromas: The wine does showcase an alluring bouquet of red and dark fruit aromas. Look for notes of ripe red cherries, wild berries, and possibly even hints of blackberry. These fruit aromas is intertwined with delicate floral scents like violets and a touch of spice.

French Oak Influence: The brief maturation in French oak barrels does add complexity and depth to the wine. Expect subtle vanilla, toasty, and smoky aromas from the oak, enhancing the overall aromatic profile without overpowering the delicate fruit notes.

Palate: On the palate, the Pinot Noir does showcase a medium body with a silky and refined texture. The red and dark fruit flavours noted on the nose does translate to the palate, accompanied by a touch of cranberry and a hint of forest floor or earthiness. The wine's acidity would provide freshness, and the fine tannins does contribute to a pleasing structure.

Food Pairing: Pinot Noir's versatility makes it an excellent choice for pairing with a variety of dishes. Its lighter body and balanced acidity does complement dishes such as roasted poultry, grilled salmon, mushroom-based dishes, and charcuterie boards.

Overall our Classic Pinot Noir from Tumbarumba in 2023 provides a delightful and nuanced experience. Its combination of expressive fruit, subtle oak influences, and the distinct qualities of the Tumbarumba region does create a wine that is both elegant and memorable, suitable for special occasions or for savouring the essence of this vintage and terroir.

A lively and nuanced expression of this style. Fumé Blanc is essentially a Sauvignon Blanc wine that has undergone barrel fermentation and aging, which imparts additional layers of complexity and texture to the wine. Tumbarumba, a cool-climate region in New South Wales, is known for producing high-quality grapes that can contribute distinctive characteristics to the wine.

Here's how a Fumé Blanc made from Tumbarumba grapes and fermented in French oak presents:

1. Colour: Pale to medium gold with hints of green, indicating its youthful nature and potential for aging.
2. Aromas: The wine displays a captivating array of aromas. Expect vibrant citrus notes like grapefruit and lemon zest, combined with ripe tropical fruit aromas such as passion fruit and pineapple. Alongside the fruit, there are herbal elements reminiscent of freshly cut grass and a subtle minerality.
3. Oak Influence: The French oak fermentation and aging imparts additional layers of complexity. Look for hints of vanilla, toasted oak, and a delicate smokiness, often referred to as "fumé" (which means "smoke" in French). The oak enhances the wine's overall structure and contribute to its texture.
4. Palate: On the palate, the Fumé Blanc has a balanced interplay between bright acidity and a light creamy, rounded mouthfeel from the oak. Ripe citrus and tropical fruit flavours are complemented by subtle notes of baking spices and toasted nuts, characteristic of well-integrated oak aging.
5. Mineral Notes: Tumbarumba's cool-climate terroir might contribute a distinct mineral character to the wine, adding a touch of flinty or stony complexity.
6. Finish: The finish has a lengthy and lingering, with a harmonious blend of fruit, oak, and acidity. A final zesty note might leave a refreshing sensation on the palate.
7. Ageability: Fumé Blanc wines crafted with oak aging often have the potential to age gracefully. The oak and acidity can provide a framework for development, allowing the wine to evolve over a few years, gaining complexity and depth.
8. Food Pairing: This style of Fumé Blanc can be versatile when it comes to food pairing. Its bright acidity and oak-influenced richness make it an excellent partner for a range of dishes. Try it with seafood like grilled shrimp or scallops, roasted chicken with herbs, creamy pasta dishes, or even mildly spicy Asian cuisine.

Overall our Fumé Blanc, made from Tumbarumba grapes and fermented in French oak, is a captivating combination of vibrant fruit, oak-driven complexity, and a sense of place influenced by the cool-climate terroir. The result is a wine that balances freshness and richness, making it a delightful choice for both casual sipping and pairing with a variety of dishes.

Our Pinot Gris from Hilltops presents as follows:

Appearance: The wine has a pale straw to light golden colour, typical of Pinot Gris wines, which tend to be lighter in hue.

Aroma: The nose is delicate and expressive, with notes of white flowers, pear, apple, and citrus. There may be hints of green apple, honeysuckle, and a subtle minerality that is characteristic of wines from cooler climates.

Taste: On the palate, this Pinot Gris is fresh and lively, displaying a crisp acidity that is a hallmark of wines from cold climate regions. The flavours of green pear, apple, and lemon are prominent, with a refreshing zing that balances the fruitiness.

Texture: The wine has a silky and slightly oily texture, which is a common trait of Pinot Gris. This texture contributes to the wine's mouthfeel, making it feel round and well-structured.

Finish: The finish is clean and medium, with a refreshing acidity that lingers. It leaves a crisp, citrusy note on the palate, making it a delightful wine for pairing with a variety of dishes.

Terroir Influence: The Hilltops' cool climate, with its cool nights and relatively high altitude, contributes to the wine's natural acidity and freshness. The region's unique terroir also imparts subtle mineral undertones and a sense of purity to the wine.

Grown along the banks of the Hunter River this Semillon hails from the oldest continually operating vineyard in Australia, Dalwood. First planted by George Wyndham in 1828 this vineyard is a piece of living history that continues in this wine.

Our Semillon grows in alluvial sandy loam on the southern bank of the Hunter River. 2019 was a dry vintage across the Hunter Valley. Mellow and soft lemon flavours and subtle melon fruits follow on to a broadening palate. It is coming out of it's adolescence and while it still can age for many years to come it makes for a delightful drop right now.

Our 2019 Single Vineyard Semillon is made in stainless steel tanks with no oak influences, is a tour de force with a bright and zesty focus.  Pure citrus and herbal notes, showcasing the region's distinct characteristics and the freshness of the grape variety.

Fermenting the wine in stainless steel tanks is a winemaking choice that preserves the purity of the fruit and allows the wine to showcase the primary characteristics of the Semillon grape without any influence from oak. This results in a wine that is crisp and refreshing.

You can expect bright and fresh aromas of citrus fruits, such as lemon, lime, and sometimes green apple. The dominant flavours could include lemon and lime zest, with a pronounced citrusy acidity that makes the wine exceptionally refreshing. Without oak influences, the wine has a clean and pure fruit character, with a slight herbal note.

For those looking to pair with food this type of Semillon is an excellent match for a wide range of dishes, including seafood, salads, and light poultry dishes. Its high acidity can cut through rich and creamy sauces, making it a versatile choice for pairing with various cuisines.

Our Shiraz wine from Dalwood Estate, crafted from grapes grown in rich red soils, showcases a unique and captivating character. The climatic conditions of this vintage, characterized by cooler temperatures and abundant rainfall, have left an indelible mark on the wine's profile.

In appearance, the wine is a deep and alluring hue, hinting at its concentration and depth. The rich red soils have imparted a remarkable intensity to the colour, inviting the eye to explore further.

On the nose, the wine unfolds with a delightful aromatic journey. Ripe red fruits dominate the forefront, their lusciousness a testament to the optimal ripening achieved despite the cooler weather. The abundance of rainfall has nurtured these fruits, enhancing their sweetness and aromatic complexity. Intertwined with the fruit notes is an enchanting medley of spices, lending a layer of intrigue and depth to the aromatic profile. This harmonious interplay of red fruits and spices creates an inviting anticipation of what's to come.

The palate, a seamless continuation of the aromatic experience, reflects the skilled craftsmanship that has gone into this wine. The ripened fruit flavours observed on the nose translate brilliantly onto the palate, where they unfold with a silky and velvety texture. The early February harvest decision has resulted in a wonderful balance between fruit ripeness and vibrant acidity, contributing to a refined and elegant structure.

One of the standout features of this Shiraz is its well-integrated oak presence. The winemaker has artfully used french oak barrels to enhance the wine's complexity without overpowering its inherent characteristics. The oak imparts subtle nuances of vanilla, and toasted spices, contributing to the wine's overall depth and sophistication.

In summary, the 2023 Shiraz from the Hunter Valley, nurtured by the rich red soils and influenced by a cooler vintage with ample rainfall, is a wine that encapsulates the essence of its origin and the conditions of its growth. With its deep colour, red fruit and spice aromatics, seamlessly integrated oak, and a palate that strikes the balance between opulence and structure, this wine is a testament to the artistry of winemaking and the terroir it hails from.

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