Classic Series

Awards won

Bronze Tumbarumba wine show 

Bronze nsw wine awards 

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.

For a limited time only we’re offering FREE SHIPPING on our recent award winners including the Trophy winning Hilltops Tempranillo. 

Awards Won

Trophy royal Qld wine show.               Hilltops Wine of the year

Top Gold Qld Wine Show                    Bronze National wine show  

Gold Small Winemakers Show            Bronze Royal Adelaide wine show 

Bronze Nsw Wine Awards 

A harmonious marriage of the grape's varietal character, the distinctive influence of the Hilltops terroir, and the complexities introduced by oak aging.

Here's how our trophy winning Tempranillo presents:

Colour: Intense ruby red with vibrant crimson hues, indicating its youthfulness and depth.

Aromas: The wine does present a captivating aromatic profile that showcases both the grape's characteristics and the terroir. Expect ripe red fruit aromas such as cherry, raspberry, and plum. Hints of dark berries emerge, offering layers of complexity. The French oak aging does contribute elegant vanilla, toasty notes, and a touch of warm spice, enriching the aromatic bouquet.

Palate: On the palate, the Tempranillo does deliver a medium to medium-full body with a rich and balanced expression. The red fruit flavours from the nose continue to shine, accompanied by a harmonious blend of sweet and savoury elements. The oak maturation does enhance the wine's texture, contributing velvety tannins and a refined structure.

Oak Influence: The oak aging does play a significant role in adding depth and complexity to the wine. Look for integrated notes of vanilla, toasted oak, and subtle hints of cloves or nutmeg that complement the fruit-driven core.

Terroir Expression: The red soils of the Hilltops region does lend an additional layer of complexity to the wine. Expect a subtle minerality and a touch of earthiness that intertwine with the fruit and oak nuances.

Finish: The finish is lengthy and satisfying, with the wine's ripe fruit flavours and oak-influenced elements lingering on the palate.

Food Pairing: The wine's medium to full body and balanced character make it suitable for a range of food pairings. Consider matching it with grilled meats, Spanish-inspired dishes like chorizo and paella, or roasted vegetable dishes.

Ageability: The combined influence of the grape's structure, the Hilltops terroir, and the French oak does give this Tempranillo the potential to age well. It might develop added complexity and tertiary aromas over a few years.

Overall Impression: The 2022 Tempranillo does offer a captivating and nuanced wine experience. Its blend of varietal fruitiness, terroir expression, and oak complexity does create a wine that appeals to those seeking a balanced and well-rounded red wine that reflects the unique qualities of both the grape variety and the region.

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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 impart subtle oak influences while allowing the grape's natural characteristics to shine through.

Here's how such a wine presents as follows:

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.

Balance: The use of French oak for a brief period would aim to achieve a delicate balance between the oak's influences and the grape's natural characteristics, preserving the wine's varietal identity.

Finish: The finish is elegant and lingering, with the wine's fruitiness and subtle oak notes leaving a graceful impression on the palate.

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.

Ageability: This Pinot Noir does have the potential to age gracefully for a few years, allowing its flavours to evolve and integrate further.

Overall our Classic Pinot Noir from Tumbarumba in 2022 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.

Awards won

Silver Australian Italian Varieties wine show

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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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 unique and intriguing expression of this lesser-known grape variety. Pinot Meunier is one of the three main grape varieties used in Champagne production, and when crafted as a single vineyard wine, it can showcase the distinct characteristics of both the grape and the terroir.

Here's how a single vineyard Pinot Meunier from Tumbarumba in 2023 presents:

Colour: A translucent ruby hue, with hints of purple, reflecting the grape's inherent lighter Colour and potential for elegance.

Aromas: The wine does offer a captivating bouquet of red fruit aromas. Look for vibrant notes of red cherries, wild strawberries, and raspberry. Floral undertones, reminiscent of rose petals or violets, might also be present, adding a layer of fragrance to the aroma profile.

Palate: On the palate, the Pinot Meunier does exhibit a medium body with balanced acidity. The red fruit flavours noted on the nose does carry over to the palate, accompanied by subtle hints of cranberry and pomegranate. The wine's texture is smooth and silky, enhancing its overall elegance.

Earthiness: Tumbarumba's terroir contributes an subtle earthy component to the wine's profile. Look for hints of forest floor, dried leaves, or a subtle minerality that adds complexity to the fruit-driven character.

Structure: Depending on the winemaking techniques, the wine's structure might include fine-grained tannins that contribute to a pleasing mouthfeel and potential for aging.

Finish: The finish is medium in length, with the wine's vibrant fruitiness and earthy undertones lingering on the palate.

Food Pairing: Pinot Meunier's delicate nature and versatility make it a great companion for a variety of dishes. It does pair well with dishes that incorporate poultry, particularly duck, as well as roasted game birds. Its acidity and fruitiness does also complement dishes with earthy components, such as mushroom-based dishes or truffle-infused creations.

Overall, a single vineyard Pinot Meunier is a captivating exploration of this grape's potential outside of the Champagne region. Its delicate yet expressive nature, combined with the influence of the Tumbarumba terroir, does create a wine that offers both elegance and depth, making it a compelling choice for enthusiasts of nuanced and intriguing wines to drink now.

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 2024 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 Gewurztraminer'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 2024 St Vernay is a wonderful white field blend that brings the sweet flavours but in a light and nuanced way.

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.

Another year and another strong vintage from the cold climate region of Tumbarumba. For many years our Sauvignon Blanc has been a bright star of the aromatic varietal in many a restaurant in Australia. This vintage continues that trend. It's a wine that presents as follows...

Appearance: Pale straw to light lime in colour

Aroma: Intensely aromatic with pronounced herbal notes and freshly cut grass, green bell pepper. Hints of tropical fruits like passionfruit and guava persist.

Palate: Crisp and refreshing acidity that gives the wine a lively and zesty character. Flavors of green apple, gooseberry, and a subtle minerality. Herbal notes from the aroma carry through to the palate, along with a hint of lemongrass or basil.

Finish: Clean and lingering, with a refreshing acidity that leaves a mouthwatering sensation.

Overall Impression: Tumbarumba Sauvignon Blanc is elegant and expressive. It showcases a balance between herbaceous and fruity elements. The cool climate of the region allows the grapes to retain acidity while developing complex flavors, making it a refreshing and versatile wine.

This description captures the essence of a Sauvignon Blanc from Tumbarumba, highlighting its unique attributes shaped by the region's specific terroir and climate.

Exemplifying the pure and pristine character of this iconic Australian white wine variety. Hunter Valley Semillon is celebrated for its vibrant acidity, citrusy flavors, 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.

Color: 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.

Texture: Without oak aging, the wine's texture is notably crisp and clean, with a focus on the purity of the fruit and the acidity.

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.

Refreshing Quality: The tank fermentation and absence of oak contributes to the wine's overall sense of refreshment and focus on the purity of the Semillon grape's expression.

Limited Intervention: The use of stainless-steel tanks and a lack of oak influence allow the wine to be a pure reflection of the grape and the region, with minimal winemaking intervention.

Overall, a Hunter Valley Semillon from the 2024 vintage that has been tank fermented and has not seen oak offers a compelling representation of this classic style. 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.

Awards won:

Gold | Small Winemaker Show 
Silver | Riverina Wine Show 2024

A medium-bodied Shiraz wine from the Hilltops region of Australia in the 2023 vintage is described as follows:

Colour: Deep ruby red with purple tinges, indicating youth and vibrancy.

Aromas: The wine might present a complex bouquet of red and dark fruit aromas. Look for notes of ripe blackberries, dark cherries, and plums. Spicy elements such as black pepper and a hint of clove is intertwined with subtle hints of dried herbs and a touch of smokiness.

Palate: On the palate, the medium-bodied Shiraz does offer a harmonious balance of flavours and textures. Ripe fruit flavours from the nose might carry over, accompanied by nuances of dark chocolate and possibly a touch of espresso. The wine's texture is velvety and smooth, with moderate tannins providing structure without overwhelming the palate.

Oak Influence: There is a moderate oak influence. Look for delicate notes of vanilla and hints of toasty oak that enhance the wine's complexity and depth.

Spice and Complexity: The Hilltops terroir does contribute a layer of spice and complexity to the wine, adding to its overall character and appeal.

Finish: The finish is medium to long, with the wine's dark fruit flavours and gentle spice lingering on the palate. Balanced acidity would provide a satisfying conclusion.

Food Pairing: The medium body and balanced characteristics of this Shiraz make it suitable for a variety of food pairings. It is a great match for grilled meats such as lamb or pork, as well as roasted poultry dishes. Dishes with earthy components like mushroom risotto does also complement the wine's profile.

Ageability: This Shiraz does have the potential to age gracefully over a few years, allowing its flavours to evolve and integrate further.

Overall Impression: The 2023 medium-bodied Shiraz from the Hilltops region does represent a classic style that is well-balanced and versatile. Its combination of fruit, spice, and structure does make it an attractive choice for those seeking a red wine that is both approachable and complex, showcasing the intersection of the grape's character and the unique attributes of the Hilltops terroir.

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