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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.

Delightfully sweet and refreshingly vibrant, it’s bursting with flavours of ripe summer fruits — think red berries, juicy peaches, and a hint of musk stick sweetness. A lively acidity keeps everything beautifully balanced, while fine, persistent bubbles add a light, playful texture.

The result is a beautifully easy-drinking sparkling that feels celebratory from the very first sip — ideal for gatherings, gifting, or simply enjoying while it’s at exceptional EOFY value.

The 2022 Hilltops Malbec has earned widespread recognition on the Australian wine show circuit, receiving Silver Medals at the Small Winemakers Show, NSW Wine Awards and the Royal Queensland Wine Show. Showcasing the richness and vibrancy of the Hilltops region, this expressive Malbec displays a deep ruby-purple colour and an inviting bouquet of blackberry, plum and black cherry, complemented by delicate violet florals and subtle hints of spice, cedar and toasted oak.

On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied with a smooth, velvety texture and beautifully integrated tannins that provide both balance and structure. Layers of dark fruit, blueberry and mulberry are enhanced by refreshing natural acidity, giving the wine brightness, elegance and excellent ageing potential. The finish is long and satisfying, with lingering fruit and spice notes that make this Malbec equally enjoyable in its youth or after careful cellaring over the coming years.

A classic blend bringing together the elegance of Shiraz and the richness of Cabernet from Australia's oldest wine region, The Hunter Valley.

Deep ruby red with vibrant crimson hues, this wine opens with aromas of ripe blackberry, dark cherry and cassis, layered with subtle hints of tobacco and fresh mint.

The palate is medium to full-bodied, offering generous dark fruit flavours balanced by fine tannins and bright natural acidity. Gentle oak influence adds depth and complexity, leading to a smooth, lingering finish.

Versatile and food-friendly, this blend pairs beautifully with grilled steak, roasted lamb, hearty stews, mushroom dishes and aged cheeses. Enjoy now or cellar for a few years as the flavours continue to evolve and integrate.

The current vintage Tasting Note can be found Here.

An elegant and expressive sparkling wine, is crafted from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir sourced from the cool-climate Tumbarumba region.

This 2022 vintage was matured on tirage for almost three years before disgorgement, building complexity and finesse.

Fresh acidity and minerality reflect the region’s terroir, while extended lees ageing delivers creamy texture, persistent fine bubbles and subtle brioche notes. Flavours of green apple, citrus and red berries are balanced by toast and floral aromatics, creating a harmonious, refined and beautifully structured sparkling wine.

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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 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.

Awards & Reviews:

Gold - Hunter Valley Wine Show 

Gold - NSW Wine Awards

Silver -  Rutherglen Wine Show

Silver  - Royal Melbourne Wine Show

96 Points - Halliday Wine Companion by Toni Paterson

"This beautiful wine, from the Sweetwater vineyard, offers a perfect balance of a sweeter fruit profile and the grace for which Hungerford Hill wines are known. Mellow notes of raspberry sorbet and cherry compote glide effortlessly across the palate, while impressive weight lends the wine an opulent, luxurious feel. The tannins are fine and there is excellent length and balance. It is drinking beautifully now, yet it has the potential to evolve further with cellaring."

96 Points - Wine Pilot by Shanteh Wale

"Fruit is from the Sweetwater vineyard and walks the line of dynamic intensity and sophistication. It’s filled to the brim with blackberries, plums, nigella and juniper spice. Volcanic rock and black truffle savouriness. Its agile acidity is melted into the heart of the wine with slippery tannins and an effortless grace. Oak nuances capture the beauty of the fruit, aiding its pretty florals and lifted line of berries. A beautiful wine with delicacy, poised for long term cellaring or equally enjoyed now. A wine for slivers of top grade wagyu seared for mere moments before popping in the mouth." 

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.

Awards and Reviews: 

95 Points - Halliday Wine Companion, Toni Paterson

"A golden-hued rosé with a faint pink tinge from the addition of a small amount of pinot noir table wine. Beautifully fresh and fragrant, with subtle strawberry and sherbet tones. The palate is quite rich and layered, with excellent intensity and vibrancy, and the sweeter fruit profile is balanced by a cleansing frame of acidity. A wine of integrity, beautifully made."

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 colour 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.

Flavour: 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 characterised by its vivid red fruit aromas and flavours, 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.

Rich, vibrant and beautifully expressive, this Malbec showcases the depth and character that make the variety so compelling.

The palate is medium to full-bodied with a smooth, velvety texture and generous dark fruit flavours of mulberry, blueberry and ripe plum. Fine tannins and fresh acidity provide structure and balance, while savoury spice and toasty oak notes add complexity and length to the finish.

Awarded 92 Points by The Real Review, this is a vibrant and stylish Malbec that delivers richness, freshness and immediate drinkability.

92 Points - The Real Review, Aaron Brasher

"Inky, plummy red in the glass, really youthful. Opulent aromas of pot-pourri, satsuma plum, mulberry, anise, dried herbs and iodine. Firm, bright and vibrant in flavour, with a drive of dark fruits and spice. The tannins are granular and shapely and the acidity is perky and fresh. Smart drinking"