Alternative Red Varietals

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 brilliant interpretation of this classic Italian grape variety, influenced by the terroir of the Hilltops region and the specific characteristics of that growing season.

Here's how a Sangiovese wine from the Hilltops region in 2023 presents thusly:

Colour: A medium to deep ruby red, with hints of garnet at the rim, indicating its youth and potential for aging.

Aromas: The wine does present a complex and enticing aromatic profile. Expect vibrant red fruit aromas, such as ripe cherries and red currants, along with subtle notes of raspberry and possibly even cranberry. Herbal nuances come forward, including hints of dried oregano or thyme, which are characteristic of Sangiovese.

Palate: On the palate, the Sangiovese does exhibit a medium body with moderate acidity. The red fruit flavours noted on the nose translate to the palate, accompanied by a touch of tartness and a pleasant juiciness. The wine's structure does include fine tannins that provide a smooth yet firm texture.

Earthiness: Sangiovese carries an earthy quality, and the Hilltops terroir does enhance this aspect. You might detect notes of dried leaves, that adds depth to the wine.

Ageability: Our 2023 vintage of Sangiovese from the Hilltops region does have the potential to age well over the next 6 years, allowing its flavours and structure to evolve.

Food Pairing: Sangiovese's versatility with food makes it a great choice for pairing with a variety of dishes. Consider pairing it with Italian cuisine such as pasta with tomato-based sauces, roasted meats, and aged cheeses. Its acidity and moderate tannins make it suitable for both lighter and heartier dishes.

Limited Production: Sangiovese is less common in the Hilltops region, resulting in limited production quantities and adding to the wine's exclusivity.

Overall Impression: The 2023 Sangiovese from the Hilltops region does offer a unique and exciting glimpse into how this traditional Italian grape thrives in Australian terroir. Its balance of fruit, structure, and earthy nuances does make it a captivating wine that showcases the fusion of Old World charm and New World innovation.

Awards won

Gold Medal at the Royal Sydney Wine Show 2025, 95 points.

A captivating fusion of two Spanish grape varieties, influenced by the unique terroir of the Hilltops and the complexities of oak maturation.

Here's how such a blend presents:

Colour: Deep garnet with hints of violet at the rim, suggesting youthfulness and vibrancy.

Aromas: The wine does offer a complex and aromatic bouquet that combines the attributes of both Tempranillo and Graciano. Look for ripe red fruit aromas like cherry and raspberry from the Tempranillo, along with a touch of black fruit complexity from the Graciano. Subtle floral notes and a hint of dried herbs might also emerge. The French oak aging does add layers of vanilla, toasted spices, and a touch of smokiness.

Palate: On the palate, the blend might showcase a medium to medium-full body with a rich yet balanced character. The red and black fruit flavours from the nose does transition seamlessly to the palate, accompanied by a harmonious interplay of sweet and savoury elements. The oak aging does contribute a velvety texture and well-integrated tannins.

Oak Influence: French oak maturation does introduce layers of complexity, seamlessly melding with the grape characteristics. Expect elegant vanilla, subtle toasted notes, and a gentle spice that enhances the wine's profile without overshadowing the fruit.

Structure: The wine's structure is supported by the natural acidity of the grapes and the textural contributions of both Tempranillo and Graciano. The balanced tannins does provide a sturdy yet supple framework.

Finish: The finish is long and lingering, with the wine's ripe fruit flavours and oak-driven nuances continuing to evolve on the palate.

Food Pairing: The blend's versatility makes it well-suited for a range of dishes. Consider pairing it with Spanish-inspired cuisine, such as paella with chorizo and seafood, or grilled meats with smoky spices. It does also complement Mediterranean dishes, roasted vegetables, and aged cheeses.

Ageability: The balance between fruit, oak, and structure does give this blend the potential for aging. It might evolve over the years, gaining additional complexity and depth.

Overall Impression: Our 2023 Tempranillo Graciano offers a captivating and intriguing wine that marries the unique characteristics of two distinct grape varieties with the influence of terroir and oak maturation. The result is a wine that embodies the best of both worlds, delivering complexity, depth, and a touch of elegance to those seeking a unique and memorable experience.

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Awards Won

Bronze Medal at the Royal Sydney Wine Show 2025, 89 points.
Gold Medal at the Royal Adelaide Wine Show 2025

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 2024 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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