Sparkling, Whites & Rosé

The sparkling wine crafted from Chardonnay grapes at Dalwood Estate in the Hunter Valley is a sparkling gem that exudes elegance and reflects the unique character of both the grape variety and the estate's terroir. Produced using the Charmat method, this sparkling wine offers a delightful and refreshing experience.

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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Awards Won

Trophy Winner, Best Sparkling Wine, 2025 Tumbarumba Wine Show

Gold Medal at the Tumbarumba Wine Show 2025

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."

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 2025 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 St Vernay'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 2025 St Vernay is a wonderful white field blend that brings the sweet flavours but in a light and nuanced way.

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.

Bright, fresh and beautifully balanced, our Hilltops Pinot Gris showcases the elegance of this cool-climate region. Pale straw in colour, it opens with delicate aromas of pear, crisp apple, citrus and white blossom, complemented by subtle hints of honeysuckle and minerality.

The palate is lively and refreshing, with flavours of green pear, apple and lemon carried by vibrant natural acidity. A silky texture adds richness and balance, leading to a clean, crisp finish with lingering citrus notes.

Grown in the elevated cool climate of Hilltops, this Pinot Gris reflects the region’s purity and freshness, making it a perfect match for seafood, light pasta dishes and fresh salads.

From the Hunter Valley, a warm vintage shaped by gentle ripening and well-timed rainfall has produced a wine with both intensity and finesse. Aromatic and lifted, it opens with lemon, tangerine, and white blossom, layered with soft herbal and honeysuckle notes.

The palate is bright and finely textured, showing citrus and stone fruit with a savoury edge. Crisp acidity and a mineral finish keep it clean, long, and incredibly food-friendly.

A beautifully expressive Fiano — and even better value while it’s in the EOFY sale.

The current vintage Tasting Note can be found Here.

Awards & Reviews

95 Points - Wine Pilot by Shanteh Wale

"The kind of wine you’ll enjoy smelling for long moments. This is bursting with Jasmine, custard apple and guava. There are fragrant Finger limes and Thai basil herb. A margarita salt lick and some sandy phenolics makes this quite the textural sensation. There is real fruit purity here. This brings together tropical, orchard and ocean breeze into the glass, a joy to drink and ideal with a beautifully made salad with poached prawns, fresh herbs and mango. A wine that will add sunshine to your day. Drink now and often, your friends will adore this."

Grown along the banks of the Hunter River this Semillon 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 Semillon grows in alluvial sandy loam on the southern bank of the Hunter River. 2019 was a dry vintage across the Hunter Valley. Mellow and soft lemon flavours and subtle melon fruits follow on to a broadening palate. It is coming out of it's adolescence and while it still can age for many years to come it makes for a delightful drop right now.

Our 2019 Single Vineyard Semillon is made in stainless steel tanks with no oak influences, is a tour de force with a bright and zesty focus.  Pure citrus and herbal notes, showcasing the region's distinct characteristics and the freshness of the grape variety.

Fermenting the wine in stainless steel tanks is a winemaking choice that preserves the purity of the fruit and allows the wine to showcase the primary characteristics of the Semillon grape without any influence from oak. This results in a wine that is crisp and refreshing.

You can expect bright and fresh aromas of citrus fruits, such as lemon, lime, and sometimes green apple. The dominant flavours could include lemon and lime zest, with a pronounced citrusy acidity that makes the wine exceptionally refreshing. Without oak influences, the wine has a clean and pure fruit character, with a slight herbal note.

For those looking to pair with food this type of Semillon is an excellent match for a wide range of dishes, including seafood, salads, and light poultry dishes. Its high acidity can cut through rich and creamy sauces, making it a versatile choice for pairing with various cuisines.

A Semillon wine from the 2019 vintage that has been made with no oak, wild yeast fermentation, and no added sulfur in its production showcases the pure and unadulterated characteristics of the grape variety and the winemaking process. This type of winemaking approach often results in a wine that highlights the grape's natural flavours and expressions.

Here's how our creative take on a Hunter classic presents:

Colour: Dried straw with lemon rind accents.

Aromas: The wine's aromatic profile is focused on the grape's inherent qualities. Expect bright and vibrant citrus notes, such as lemon zest and grapefruit, along with hints of green apple and perhaps a touch of white flowers. The absence of oak influence and the use of wild yeast does add an extra layer of complexity, offering subtle nuances of fresh herbs.

Palate: On the palate, the Semillon does present a light to medium body with a crisp and refreshing character. The citrus flavours from the nose might translate smoothly to the palate, accompanied by a lively acidity that contributes to a zesty mouthfeel. The absence of oak maturation does emphasize the purity of the fruit.

Minimal Intervention: The absence of added sulfur and oak maturation showcases a minimal intervention winemaking approach, allowing the grape and terroir to be the primary influencers of the wine's character.

Food Pairing: The wine's bright acidity and clean fruit profile make it versatile for pairing with a range of dishes. Consider matching it with fresh seafood, light salads, grilled vegetables, and dishes with subtle herbal components, including pork belly.

Natural Expressiveness: This style of Semillon highlights the grape's natural qualities and the specific characteristics of the vintage and terroir.

Overall Impression: The 2019 Semillon made with no oak, wild yeast, and no added sulfur does offer a pure and authentic expression of the grape variety and the winemaking philosophy. Its focus on freshness, acidity, and the grape's inherent aromas make it an intriguing choice for those seeking a wine that embodies the true essence of the Semillon grape and the unique conditions of its origin.

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Sweetwater Estate vineyard grapes are hand-picked on land that has been the setting since 1844, for one of the oldest known vineyard sites in the Lower Hunter Valley.

The small Semillon vineyard at Sweetwater Estate is located on the gentle slopes beneath the main building on clay loam soils giving the Sweetwater semillon a unique florally, citrus profile.  It is much more approachable while young than its sandy river, flat grown siblings.

Grown in ancient soils, nourished by local clear waters and blessed by Australia’s abundant and constant sunshine, this Sweetwater Estate Semillon is produced in typical Hunter Valley style without oak influence.

Harvested in the cool of early morning, before sunrise, the juice was quickly pressed and fermented using wild yeast populations .

Nestled in the embrace of sandy loam soils, this Semillon showcases the influence of its surroundings in its every facet. 

The aroma of this Semillon is a testament to its environment. The lemon pith and lime zest notes on the nose are vivid and refreshing, evoking images of freshly zested citrus peels. These fragrant citrus elements are a direct reflection of the sandy loam soil's ability to infuse the grapes with vibrant, zesty flavors. The ample rainfall during the growing season has provided the necessary hydration for the vines to produce such aromatic fruit.

As the wine dances on the palate, its elegance shines through. The purity of the flavors is striking; it's as if the essence of the citrus fruits has been distilled into the wine. The cool climate and ample rainfall have preserved the wine's natural acidity, lending it a lively and invigorating quality. This purity and freshness contribute to the wine's elegance, allowing it to glide gracefully across the palate.

The harmony between the fruit expression and the elegant palate is a hallmark of this Semillon. The combination of the sandy loam soil's influence and the climatic conditions has given rise to a wine that is both refined and expressive. The lemon pith and lime zest notes remain prominent throughout the tasting experience, enhancing the wine's overall vibrancy.

In summary, the 2023 Semillon from the south bank of the Hunter River, nurtured by sandy loam soils and shaped by a cooler, rainfall-abundant vintage, is a wine that encapsulates the essence of its origin. With its fragrant citrus aromas, pure and elegant palate, and the interplay of terroir and climate, this Semillon is a delightful example of how nature's elements can be harmoniously translated into a bottle of wine.

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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.

Fiano is known for producing aromatic and texturally rich wines, often characterised by a combination of floral, citrus, and herbal notes. 

Expect vibrant citrus notes, such as lemon and tangerine, intermingled with floral scents like white blossoms and hints of honeysuckle. Herbal undertones, reminiscent of fresh herbs like thyme or mint, might also be present.

The wine's light body carries flavours of ripe stone fruits like peach and apricot, supported by tangy citrus flavours. Herbal nuances translate into a refreshing savoury quality, enhancing the wine's overall complexity.

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Sourced from fruit grown in the western foothills of the Snowy Mountains, it benefits from a long, steady ripening season that builds depth and intensity. The result is lifted aromatics of passionfruit and pawpaw, leading into a bright, expressive palate of grapefruit.

Natural acidity drives a crisp, clean finish, making this a refreshing, food-friendly style that’s as easy to enjoy on its own as it is alongside a meal — especially at this limited-time EOFY value.

Awards and Reviews:

95 Points - Halliday Wine Companion, Toni Paterson

"An exceptional sauvignon blanc with simply fabulous varietal integrity. Focused blackcurrant top notes mingle with green mango, Granny Smith apple and ripe gooseberry. The palate is super fresh, crunchy and mouthwatering, with a lovely line of acidity that elongates the flavours. Fabulous viticulture and winemaking on display."

Bronze Medal - Royal Queensland Wine Show 

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."

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.

Awards & Reviews

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

96 Points - Wine Pilot by Shanteh Wale

"Fruit is sourced from the oldest continually operating vineyard in Australia, named Dalwood on the banks of the Hunter River. It’s chiseled to show its many facets of fruit, some meyer lemon, yellow pineapple and peach cheeks. It then swiftly turns to show its savoury side with  cumin, fenugreek and sesame. There is a brown clay earthiness with stripped bark and dried leaf. Oak is a touch more sweet spiced on the palate and acidity climbs high and mighty. A lovely representation of the region and its rewarding style. Some churned butter and maple candy on the finish. This is detailed and balanced with plenty of flavour. It’s a historical site that has bottled to be savoured, maybe with a cheese burek."

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 flavours creates a well-balanced and complex profile.

Awards & Reviews          

96 Points - Halliday Wine Companion by Toni Paterson

" A spectacularly impressive, detailed single-vineyard chardonnay with waxy green almond and flinty notes overlaying a core of textured, expansive, citrusy fruit. The steely core of acidity draws you in and commands your attention. It is wildly complex, mesmerising and utterly gorgeous. Serve in a large glass to allow the layers to expand and grow. A light chill is all that's required. Incredible quality for the price."

93 Points - The Real Review by 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."

 96 Points - Wine Pilot by Shanteh Wale

"A sultry sulfite note opens swiftly making way for sparkler dust on lemon cream icing. There is pomelo and candied lemon skin, nectarines and white peach. Zesty with linear and laser focused acidity that feels well embedded into the body of the wine, not forced but innate. A stony, pumice like minerality and a spray of tea rose florals. This is the kind of energetic Tumbarumba and modern Australian chardonnay that you could drink everyday. This will also age slowly and continue to show you more detail over the next 5-8 years. A wondrous wine. Pair with salt and pepper squid or a Fritto Misto di Mare platter."

Silver - Riverina Wine Show

Bronze - Royal QLD Wine Show

You can find the Latest Tasting Note for this wine Here.

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This Hunter Valley Rose is made from fruit picked at our Dalwood vineyard, on the banks of the Hunter River. It is fragrant and elegant, with ripe red berry aromas. The palate is smooth with a long savoury texture and a crisp refreshing finish.

Varietal: Rosé

Vintage: 2025

Region: Hunter Valley

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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.

Nestled in the embrace of sandy loam soils, this Semillon showcases the influence of its surroundings in its every facet. 

The aroma of this Semillon is a testament to its environment. The lemon pith and lime zest notes on the nose are vivid and refreshing, evoking images of freshly zested citrus peels. These fragrant citrus elements are a direct reflection of the sandy loam soil's ability to infuse the grapes with vibrant, zesty flavors. The ample rainfall during the growing season has provided the necessary hydration for the vines to produce such aromatic fruit.

As the wine dances on the palate, its elegance shines through. The purity of the flavors is striking; it's as if the essence of the citrus fruits has been distilled into the wine. The cool climate and ample rainfall have preserved the wine's natural acidity, lending it a lively and invigorating quality. This purity and freshness contribute to the wine's elegance, allowing it to glide gracefully across the palate.

The harmony between the fruit expression and the elegant palate is a hallmark of this Semillon. The combination of the sandy loam soil's influence and the climatic conditions has given rise to a wine that is both refined and expressive. The lemon pith and lime zest notes remain prominent throughout the tasting experience, enhancing the wine's overall vibrancy.

In summary, the 2025 Semillon from the south bank of the Hunter River, nurtured by sandy loam soils and shaped by a cooler, rainfall-abundant vintage, is a wine that encapsulates the essence of its origin. With its fragrant citrus aromas, pure and elegant palate, and the interplay of terroir and climate, this Semillon is a delightful example of how nature's elements can be harmoniously translated into a bottle of wine.

The current vintage Tasting Note can be found Here

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A fresh and vibrant expression of this white grape variety. Verdelho is known for its aromatic qualities and lively acidity, and the minimal intervention approach would aim to preserve these characteristics.

Here what you can expect from our Verdelho:

Colour: Pale straw to light lemon, showcasing its youthful and crisp appearance.

Aromas: The wine does present an aromatic bouquet bursting with fresh and fruity aromas. Expect vibrant citrus notes like lemon and lime zest, along with hints of tropical fruits such as pineapple and a touch of passion fruit. Floral elements, such as white blossoms or hints of honeysuckle, might also be present.

Palate: On the palate, the Verdelho does exhibit a light to medium body with a focus on bright and zesty flavours. The citrus and tropical fruit notes from the nose might translate seamlessly to the palate, offering a refreshing and lively sensation. The wine's acidity is the driving force, providing a crisp and invigorating mouthfeel.

Texture: Without skin contact or barrel maturation, the wine's texture is clean and lean, emphasizing its pure fruit character and acidity.

Mineral Notes: Verdelho wines from the Hunter Valley often showcase a distinctive mineral undertone, possibly contributing a flinty or stony quality to the overall profile.

Finish: The finish is brisk and refreshing, with the wine's citrusy and tropical fruit flavours lingering on the palate.

Food Pairing: The wine's bright acidity and clean fruitiness make it an excellent match for a variety of dishes. Consider pairing it with seafood, such as grilled prawns or scallops, light salads, ceviche, or even sushi.

Youthful Enjoyment: Verdelho wines are often intended to be enjoyed in their youth when their vibrant fruit and refreshing qualities are at their peak. They are perfect for warm weather and outdoor gatherings.

Minimal Intervention: The stainless steel fermentation and lack of barrel maturation aim to highlight the Verdelho grape's inherent characteristics without introducing external influences.

Overall Impression: A Verdelho wine from the Hunter Valley, made with minimal intervention, offers an unadulterated representation of the grape's freshness and aromatic nature. Its lively acidity, tropical fruit notes, and clean palate make it an ideal choice for those seeking a crisp and invigorating white wine that captures the essence of the grape and the region.

The current vintage Tasting Note can be found Here.

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