White/Rosé

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.

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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 2024 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 Gewurztraminer'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 2024 St Vernay is a wonderful white field blend that brings the sweet flavours but in a light and nuanced way.

Grown on the fertile grounds of the Dalwood vineyard, these Shiraz grapes have been carefully cultivated in an environment that carries the essence of the Hunter River. The resulting rosé is a reflection of the unique terroir, where the interplay of soil, climate, and river influence imparts a distinct character.

The aroma of this rosé wine is both inviting and evocative. The fragrance carries a bouquet of ripe red berries that waft gently from the glass. The red berry aromas are a direct expression of the Shiraz grapes, a harmonious synthesis of the rich soils and the nurturing riverbank surroundings. This fragrant introduction sets the stage for the sensory experience that follows.

On the palate, the wine unveils its true nature. The smoothness of the texture envelopes the taste buds, offering a luxurious and seamless transition across the palate. The wine's inherent elegance is apparent as the ripe red berry flavours continue to unfold, lending an enjoyable depth to every sip. This elegance is underpinned by a delicate savoury texture, enhancing the overall complexity of the wine and adding a touch of sophistication.

As the tasting journey nears its end, the wine leaves a lasting impression with its crisp and refreshing finish. The wine's character has been carefully crafted to embrace its natural acidity, resulting in a conclusion that revitalises the palate and beckons for another sip. This refreshing finale encapsulates the wine's balance and finesse, leaving a lingering memory of the journey through its flavours. 

In summary, the rosé wine produced from Shiraz grapes at the Dalwood vineyard on the banks of the Hunter River is a harmonious blend of terroir and winemaking artistry. With its fragrant elegance, ripe red berry aromas, smooth and savoury texture, and a crisp, invigorating finish, this rosé captures the essence of its surroundings and offers a sensory experience that celebrates the beauty of the Hunter River landscape.

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Our Pinot Gris from Hilltops presents as follows:

Appearance: The wine has a pale straw to light golden colour, typical of Pinot Gris wines, which tend to be lighter in hue.

Aroma: The nose is delicate and expressive, with notes of white flowers, pear, apple, and citrus. There may be hints of green apple, honeysuckle, and a subtle minerality that is characteristic of wines from cooler climates.

Taste: On the palate, this Pinot Gris is fresh and lively, displaying a crisp acidity that is a hallmark of wines from cold climate regions. The flavours of green pear, apple, and lemon are prominent, with a refreshing zing that balances the fruitiness.

Texture: The wine has a silky and slightly oily texture, which is a common trait of Pinot Gris. This texture contributes to the wine's mouthfeel, making it feel round and well-structured.

Finish: The finish is clean and medium, with a refreshing acidity that lingers. It leaves a crisp, citrusy note on the palate, making it a delightful wine for pairing with a variety of dishes.

Terroir Influence: The Hilltops' cool climate, with its cool nights and relatively high altitude, contributes to the wine's natural acidity and freshness. The region's unique terroir also imparts subtle mineral undertones and a sense of purity to the wine.

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 has a light and semi-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.