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Another fine example of the wine that can be made from the cold climate region of Tumbarumba. We have been making Chardonnay from this region for over 30 years.

Aromas are delicate and refined, featuring notes of green apple, citrus, and pear, with a subtle mineral undertone. The cool climate of Tumbarumba enhances the retention of natural acidity, providing a zesty backdrop to the aromatics.

The French oak fermentation and aging impart a creamy, buttery texture, along with nuances of vanilla, toasted nuts, and a touch of spice. This combination of flavors creates a well-balanced and complex profile.

Awards & Reviews

93 Points - The Real Review, Aaron Brasher

"Complex and lifted aromas of struck match, grapefruit pith, just-ripe white stone fruit and a nutty mealiness. There's lovey drive and poise here, with citrus, nectarine, oak and lively acidity all working very nicely together. Long, textured and with real presence"

Dalwood Estate Chardonnay grows in sandy loam soil on the south bank of the Hunter River. The fruit was picked in late January and is exotic, with ripe flavours of peach and melon, and a creamy palate with well-integrated oak. 

Awards & Reviews:

93 Points - The Real Review, Huon Hooke

"Medium straw yellow colour. Nougat, pineapple and hint of seaspray on the nose. Lovely focus and tension across the palate, green apple and just ripe nectarine fruits are well matched to sea shell minerality and a hint of smoky nut complexity. Good length, crisp and zippy to the finish."

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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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Awards won

Bronze Medal at the Royal Sydney Wine Show 2025, 86 points.

Grown along the banks of the Hunter River this Chardonnay 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 2024 SV Hunter Valley Chardonnay is a well-balanced and complex wine that showcases the characteristics of both the region and the winemaking process. Its flavour profile offers a delightful combination of fruitiness and oak-driven nuances.

Given the Hunter Valley's climate and terroir, our Chardonnay has flavours of ripe citrus fruits like lemon and grapefruit, along with peach and apricot. The influence of French oak brings further complexity. Notes of toasted oak, vanilla, and butterscotch. The acidity strikes a balance between crispness and richness. For this wine we chose to use French oak barrels for fermentation. This imparts specific flavours and textures to the wine. These include notes of vanilla, butter, spice, and a creamy mouthfeel.

For those looking to pair this Chardonnay with food you’ll be happy to know it is versatile when it comes to food pairing. It can complement a wide range of dishes, including seafood, poultry, creamy pasta dishes, and even some lighter meats. The wine's acidity and oak influence can make it a great match for dishes with buttery or creamy sauces.