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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.

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.

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.

From the cool climates of southern New South Wales comes this fresh, new offering from Tumbarumba. Made with carbonic fermentation and whole berry Pinot Noir this is a juicy and fragrant pinot with strawberries liqueur cherry and soft seamless palette.

The Underground Project is a new range of wines where our winemakers can stretch their palates and wine making skills. Showing off not only their skills but the versatility of the high quality fruit they work with. These wines are not made in large quantities so be sure to keep an eye out for them and always give them a go!

Pinot Noir wine from Tumbarumba, made using carbonic fermentation and whole berry techniques, has a distinct and unique profile.

Appearance: Exhibiting bright, translucent ruby-red hue. This style of winemaking results in a lighter and more delicate color compared to traditional Pinot Noirs.

Aroma: Vibrant and aromatic. You can expect a bouquet of red fruit notes such as ripe cherries, strawberries, and raspberries. The carbonic fermentation process tends to preserve the freshness of the fruit and impart intense floral and fruity scents.

Flavor: A showcase of lively and juicy characters. The whole berry and carbonic fermentation methods tend to produce a wine with a soft, approachable palate. Flavours of red berries, especially red cherries, with a touch of cranberry and pomegranate. The wine's freshness may be accompanied by a hint of herbaceous notes and subtle spice.

Texture: Thanks to carbonic maceration, this Pinot Noir has a silky-smooth and slightly lighter mouthfeel. It should be very drinkable and easy on the palate, with supple tannins.

Finish: The finish of this wine is clean and refreshing, leaving a lingering taste of red fruits and perhaps a touch of minerality. The finish will be relatively short to medium in length, in line with the lighter style of Pinot Noir produced using these methods.

Overall our first vintage of the Underground Project's Pinot Noir is a charming and approachable wine. It's characterized by its vivid red fruit aromas and flavors, soft tannins, and an overall freshness that makes it a delightful choice for those who prefer a lighter, more fruit-forward style of Pinot Noir. It's a great wine for casual sipping and pairing with a variety of dishes, especially those that won't overpower its delicate characteristics.

Awards Won        

96 points Halliday Wine Companion

96 points The Real Review

Trophy small wine makers show                    

Gold Hunter Valley wine show   

Top Gold small wine makers show               

Bronze Royal Adelaide wine show 

 Bronze NSW wine Awards

Crafted from the finest parcels of our iconic Sweetwater Vineyard, our 2022 Epic Shiraz pays tribute to the Hunter Valley's rich terroir and generations of winemaking expertise.

Hand-plunged twice daily during fermentation, our fruit undergoes meticulous extraction, resulting in a wine of unparalleled depth and character. Aged for 16-18 months in French oak barriques, Epic Shiraz showcases our commitment to quality.

Since 2017, our chief winemaker has focused on sourcing the finest fruit from premium NSW regions, ensuring only the best for Epic. With soils akin to terra rossa, our vineyard offers gentle morning sun exposure for concentrated flavours.

Experience the epitome of excellence with Epic Shiraz – a celebration of our winemaking heritage and unwavering commitment to quality.

Become a Wine Club member and receive 30% off all purchases

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.

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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Crafted from the finest parcels of our iconic Sweetwater Vineyard, our 2023 Epic Shiraz pays tribute to the Hunter Valley's rich terroir and generations of winemaking expertise.

Hand-plunged twice daily during fermentation, our fruit undergoes meticulous extraction, resulting in a wine of unparalleled depth and character. Aged for 16-18 months in French oak barriques, Epic Shiraz showcases our commitment to quality.

Since 2017, our chief winemaker has focused on sourcing the finest fruit from premium NSW regions, ensuring only the best for Epic. With soils akin to terra rossa, our vineyard offers gentle morning sun exposure for concentrated flavours.

Experience the epitome of excellence with Epic Shiraz – a celebration of our winemaking heritage and unwavering commitment to quality.

Become a Wine Club member and receive 30% off all purchases

Grown and harvested in the cold climate heights of Tumbarumba, this sparkling wine is a testament to the nuances of great Australian wine making. Made with a small amount of Pinot Noir Red wine, this Chardonnay Pinot base build on the success and heritage of our iconic Dalliance Sparkling.

This sparkling challenges the concepts and designs of what we call a modern rose. The desire for a pale, dry rose is stripped back to its finest levels. Resting on triage for three years, this method style sparkling features a fine creamy bead and gentle citrus flavours perfect for celebrations.

From the cool climates of southern New South Wales comes this fresh, new offering from Tumbarumba. Made with carbonic fermentation and whole berry Pinot Noir this is a juicy and fragrant pinot with strawberries liqueur cherry and soft seamless palette.

The Underground Project is a new range of wines where our winemakers can stretch their palates and wine making skills. Showing off not only their skills but the versatility of the high quality fruit they work with. These wines are not made in large quantities so be sure to keep an eye out for them and always give them a go!

Pinot Noir wine from Tumbarumba, made using carbonic fermentation and whole berry techniques, has a distinct and unique profile.

Appearance: Exhibiting bright, translucent ruby-red hue. This style of winemaking results in a lighter and more delicate color compared to traditional Pinot Noirs.

Aroma: Vibrant and aromatic. You can expect a bouquet of red fruit notes such as ripe cherries, strawberries, and raspberries. The carbonic fermentation process tends to preserve the freshness of the fruit and impart intense floral and fruity scents.

Flavor: A showcase of lively and juicy characters. The whole berry and carbonic fermentation methods tend to produce a wine with a soft, approachable palate. Flavours of red berries, especially red cherries, with a touch of cranberry and pomegranate. The wine's freshness may be accompanied by a hint of herbaceous notes and subtle spice.

Texture: Thanks to carbonic maceration, this Pinot Noir has a silky-smooth and slightly lighter mouthfeel. It should be very drinkable and easy on the palate, with supple tannins.

Finish: The finish of this wine is clean and refreshing, leaving a lingering taste of red fruits and perhaps a touch of minerality. The finish will be relatively short to medium in length, in line with the lighter style of Pinot Noir produced using these methods.

The Underground Project's Pinot Noir is a charming and approachable wine. It's characterized by its vivid red fruit aromas and flavors, soft tannins, and an overall freshness that makes it a delightful choice for those who prefer a lighter, more fruit-forward style of Pinot Noir. It's a great wine for casual sipping and pairing with a variety of dishes, especially those that won't overpower its delicate characteristics.