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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.

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.

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." 

Deep purple red with a nose of chocolate, earthy spice and blood plum, this follows with an incredibly smooth creamy palate with blackberry and plum fruit and dense supple tannins and a long fruit dominated finish.

“Medium to deep red colour with a good tint of purple. The bouquet shows some graphite, coal-dust and char-oak, while the palate is rich and soft, the flavour deliciously detailed and long-lasting, with superb harmony and seamlessness. A stunning shiraz that drinks wonderfully well now but has plenty up its sleeve. Wow!” – Huon Hooke

Awards
2019 Gourmet Traveller WINE Hunter Valley Shiraz Awards 94 points
2018 Australian Single Vineyard Wine Show GOLD + TROPHY
2018 Hunter Valley Wine Show GOLD
2018 NSW Wine Awards GOLD

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Crafted from the finest parcels of our iconic Sweetwater Vineyard, our 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.

Awards & Reviews

95 Points - The Real Review, Stuart Knox

"Deep ruby with a rich purple rim. Mulberry, violets and musk aromas. Powerful and intense, with mulberry fruit underpinning violet, black pepper and dry aged beef notes. Gravelly tannins build tension while acidity lifts the mid palate. Very long, bone dry finish. Built for long term cellaring and serious food"