- Your Hunter Valley Magazine
Big Red Issue | Top Drops
TOP RED WINES FROM AROUND THE HUNTER VALLEY.
Petersons Wines
2018 Mt View Shiraz, Hunter Valley
Situated on Petersons Flagship back block these grapes are harvested from the bottom few rows and the wine is only made if the fruit has made the grade.
TASTING Colour: Vibrant ruby red in colour with bright crimson and cerise hues. Nose: Wonderfully lifted, floral, ripe and soft. The upfront fruit aromas are of lifted and stewed red fruits of raspberry and cherry. This is supported by floral and herbal nuances of potpourri and mixed dried herbs. There are also gamey and savoury nuances and an underlying earthiness. Palate: The palate is mid weight, elegant, savoury, soft and dry. The upfront fruit flavours are of plum and juicy red apple. The mid palate is broad with spicy flavours and a slight smokiness. The back palate is elegant and clean with persistent natural acidity.
FOOD MATCH Slow cooked Cajun beef ribs, barbequed pork belly, aged Gouda cheese.
CELLARING 3 to 8 years.
PRICE $75
The Garden Cellars
Garden Cellars Shiraz
The Garden Cellars Shiraz is a rich smooth red, perfectly paired with red meats, a strong cheese or just to have a nice relaxed afternoon with a glass of red and a few good friends.
TASTING Big fruity flavours of blackberry and blackcurrant with overtones of oak and spice.
FOOD MATCH Pairs well with most red meats, strong hard cheese and dark chocolate.
CELLARING Ready to drink now.
PRICE $25
Horner Wines
2021 Ablington Shiraz Viognier
Horner Wines are daring to do things differently – it’s goodbye wine-snob attitude and hello small batch gratitude. We’re talking unique, organic, high-quality vino made from the best grapes picked from their ideal regions.
TASTING Locally grown and made in Pokolbin, this Shiraz Viognier is co-fermented and matured in new and old French oak barrels. It is elegant and beautifully floral on the nose. The palate has subtle savoury notes balanced with red fruit character and finishes with soft tannins.
FOOD MATCH We recently paired this wine with a Roast Duck Breast along side a lentil and mushroom ragout. Delicious!
CELLARING Cellar for 8 years.
PRICE RRP $55
Hungerford Hill
Heavy Metal Shiraz Cabernet 2020
The Heavy Metal is a quintessential Australian blend of Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon, sure to satisfy those always on the hunt for bigger styles of red. The 2020 vintage was a memorable one, producing fruit with powerful red berries flavours and earthy aromas, all wrapped up in fine-grained tannins.
TASTING Alluring bright dark garnet hues. Gentle pine needles accented with earthy tones and cassis on the nose. Powerful blackcurrant fruit pops on the palate revealing fine tannins integrated with vibrant sustained fruits.
FOOD MATCH With a Shiraz Cabernet blend, it's tough to go past a classic pairing of barbecued meats. Whether it's beef steak, lamb sausages or kangaroo, the wine's powerful fruit will complement the bold flavours and smokey char perfectly.
PRICE RRP $55
Wandin Valley Estate
2018 Reserve Shiraz - Hunter Valley
Hailing from low yielding, single vineyard vines, this wine displays all the characteristics you would expect from a warm, dry vintage like 2018. Showing bold dark fruit and robust structure, this Shiraz is sure to impress even the most discerning wine lover.
TASTING Dark cherry and plum, peppery mid palate, full bodied with deep tannic structure
FOOD MATCH Wandin Kitchen’s 250g seared sirloin, w/ muscat jus, kipfler fried potatoes and rosemary salt.
CELLARING In ideal conditions, cellar for up to 12 years.
PRICE $45
Parched Crow Wines
2017 Hunter Shiraz
Surrounded by fields of cattle and rows of vineyards, Parched Crow Wines is a new hidden gem in the heart of Pokolbin, rich with Hunter history and personality.
TASTING Medium-bodied Shiraz from notably the best year the Hunter Valley has seen in over a decade. Dried fruits and herbs carry through with a hint of earthiness. 6 years young and drinking flawlessly.
FOOD MATCH A side of beef stroganoff or a rack of lamb. This wine has character and versatility.
CELLARING It’s in its prime, so why wait?
PRICE RRP $40
Savannah Estate
2021 McLaren Vale Shiraz
Savannah Estate Wines are produced from small select parcels of premium fruit grown in renowned viticulture regions throughout Australia. McLaren Vale is renowned for producing rich, full-bodied red wines with intense fruit flavours and a distinct spicy character, showcasing the unique terroir.
TASTING The 2021 McLaren Vale Shiraz has a very generous palate with rich flavours of blueberry and blackberries with an almost jammy quality, shortcrust pastry on the mid-palate, subtle hints of cocoa and coconut, full-bodied with supple tannins and a lingering finish, this wine is a true pleasure to drink and will fly out of the cellar door! Bold yet smooth, this is a perfect red for winter’s heartier dishes.
FOOD MATCH The wine's rich fruit flavours and spicy notes complement the smoky and savoury flavours of grilled steaks, slow-cooked stews, pot roasts, and braised short ribs
CELLARING Cellar for 5 to 7 years.
PRICE $50
Tranquil Vale
2021 Shiraz
The 2021 Shiraz is made from the Estate Grown fruit and hand crafted by father and daughter winemaking team Phil and Connie Griffiths.
TASTING This Shiraz is rich and complex, displaying intense aromas of cherry and plum alongside black pepper, tossed toffee and a reassuring undertone of Hunter earthiness.
FOOD MATCH BBQ meats, rich ragù, lamb curry, moussaka or anything cooked over fire.
CELLARING Drinking beautifully now but this wine will cellar well for up to 10 years.
PRICE $35
Saddler's Creek Wines
2020 Alessandro Reserve Shiraz
The Alessandro Reserve Collection celebrates the importance of terroir and the art of winemaking. Pristine fruit, a gentle hand and the finest oak gives finesse, flavour and longevity.
TASTING Rich, exuberant and intensely flavoured. Deep blackberry, decadent red fruits and dark chocolate mocha. Full-bodied with concentrated flavours, enduring length and persistent tannins.
FOOD MATCH Goes well with richly flavoured dishes: think pepper, smokey bbq, spice or game meats. For example, slow-cooked venison stew with creamy polenta.
CELLARING Exceptional to enjoy now through to 2032.
PRICE RRP $75
Mercer Wines
2022 Montepulciano
Mercer Wines, based in the Hunter Valley, was founded by Aaron and Alison Mercer, known for their unwavering commitment to quality and sustainability. This 2022 Montepulciano won gold medals at both the Cowra and Royal Queensland Wine Shows - you’ll be impressed by the range of emerging varieties at Mercer Wines Pop-Up Cellar Door.
TASTING A rustic fruit bomb, this “Monty” is an emerging Italian variety destined for dinner tables. Dried herbs, intense boysenberry and rich cocoa into slippery tannins.
FOOD MATCH A perfect accompaniment to ragout, risotto or BBQ meat.
CELLARING Drink now.
PRICE RRP $34
Ernest Hill
2022 Andrew Watson Tempranillo
This estate grown Tempranillo is an outstanding example of what the Hunter can produce from this famous Spanish grape variety.
TASTING Medium bodied, displaying raspberry and cherry fruit palate with a hit of liquorice and spice. 12 months maturation in French oak barrels has aded some wonderful, subtle toasty characters.
FOOD MATCH Best matched with white bean and chorizo casserole or roast suckling pig.
CELLARING Drink now or cellar for up to 10 years.
PRICE $35
Tamburlaine Organic Wines
Wine Lovers Super T
A tantalizing blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet both play their part in creating a bright, rich and memorable red.
TASTING On the nose; a bouquet of black currant and crushed berries with a hint of dried Italian herbs. On the palate; Sangiovese gives bright cherries and a savoury finish, while Cabernet adds dark forest fruit and structured tannins. Balanced and poised with both varieties playing their part, like a true Italian stallion.
FOOD MATCH A cheeseboard of different varieties and some savoury crackers.
CELLARING Cellar for 5 to 7 years.
PRICE RRP $24
