Description

Established in 1991 but with a history back to the 1850’s in the Hunter area. Certainly Shiraz and Semillon are the specialties here and a run through the individual vineyard wines shows why, especially if they open the cellar releases.

Named for the great-great-grandfather that planted vines in the 1850’s. The fruit comes from the Ivanhoe vineyard. Dark, smokey/flint, aromatic herbs and floral – all classic flavours of great Hunter Shiraz. Black and white pepper, currants and a savoury edge. Plums, currants and blueberries greet your tongue supported by liquorice and a fleshy but restrained mouthfeel. Dry tannins that coat your mouth and hint of acid create the scene. This wine needs a lot of time, wait 10 years and see where it goes. Match it with roast lamb, fetta and olives.

Hunter Valley – Although it is historically very important to Australia. If you were planting Australia today from scratch you’d never even visit the Hunter. Rain almost every harvest and excessive heat mean hard work. But the results in the bottle show each year. Shiraz and Semillon are particular highlights.

Shiraz/Syrah – A bit of a chameleon, Shiraz can change how it looks depending on terroir and/or wine maker influence. The Syrah based wines of Northern Rhone are dry and austere while the Shiraz of Barossa is rich and fleshy. A variety that lends itself to long aging but can be drunk at any time of its evolution.