- Your Hunter Valley Magazine
Blended Wines
TOP BLENDED WINES FROM AROUND THE HUNTER VALLEY.
Iron Gate Estate
2022 Primera Shiraz Tempranillo
A blend of Hilltops and Hunter Valley fruit, this wine shows off the best of the two varieties (70 % Shiraz, 30% Tempranillo).
TASTING The palate is medium weight in structure, with cherry and plum flavours, with a touch of pepper and bay leaf savouriness and finishing with soft tannin and oak. These aromas are melded on a bed of vanillin oak characters from time spent in one- and two-year-old barrels.
FOOD MATCH This wine would be a good accompaniment for stews, lamb shanks, pizza, and BBQ dishes.
CELLARING Cellar for 3 to 5 years.
PRICE $35
Tranquil Vale
Tranquil Vale Shiraz Cabernet
This wine is a bold blend of our Estate Grown Shiraz with a carefully selected parcel of Cabernet Sauvignon from the prestigious South Australian region of Langhorne Creek.
TASTING The nose is complex and full, showing notes of cassis, black cherry, earth, cigar box, capsicum, orange zest, cocoa and nutmeg. This richness continues on the palate with dark stone fruits, cassis, blood orange, spice and vanilla on the finish.
FOOD MATCH Moussaka, lamb or anything cooked over fire.
CELLARING The lovely fruit flavours in this wine make it delightful for drinking now, but it will continue to develop for the next 5 to 7 years.
PRICE $27
De Iullis Wines
2020 LDR Vineyard Shiraz Touriga
De Iuliis Wines were the first in the Hunter to plant Touriga in 2010, as it thrives under hot and dry conditions which suit the warm maritime climate of the Hunter.
TASTING This unique and iconic blend has savoury regional Hunter structure from the Shiraz and the Touriga adds an irresistible aromatic lift. The palate is rich and complex with ripe plums, blackberries and savoury spice. The finish is rounded out by soft and fine-grained tannins.
FOOD MATCH This 2020 LDR Vineyard Shiraz Touriga will pair well with any rich meat dish. But our favourite meal to enjoy with this wine would have to be slow-cooked lamb shoulder with salsa verde and pearl cous cous.
CELLARING The wine is in a great spot now, though this wine will develop gracefully over the next 5 years.
PRICE RRP $50
The Garden Cellars
Garden Cellars Cabernet Merlot
The Garden Cellars Cabernet Merlot is a delicious blended red wine perfect for any meal or just to have a nice relaxed afternoon with a beautiful glass of red with a few friends.
TASTING Mulberry and plum aromas with hints of chocolate and spicy oak. Jammy red berry fruit fills the palate.
FOOD MATCH Pairs well with roasted vegetables. You can even pair harder-to-match veggies such as tomatoes. The best proteins to match are in the middle-weight category. Think roast duck, turkey, and lean cuts of beef.
CELLARING Ready to drink now.
PRICE RRP $25
Savannah Estate
2021 McLaren Vale Shiraz Vlognier
Shiraz Viognier is a blend of two grape varieties. The Shiraz provides the backbone of the wine, with its bold, spicy, and dark fruit flavours, while the Viognier adds floral aromatics.
TASTING Aromas of blackberry, dark cherry, and plum, with hints of violet, black pepper, and baking spices. The pallet displays a full-bodied nature with rich, ripe fruit flavours of blackberry, blueberry, and black currant, balanced by savoury notes of black olives, smoked meat, and dark chocolate. The Viognier contributes a silky texture and a touch of acidity, making the wine smooth and well-rounded.
FOOD MATCH Hearty meat dishes, such as grilled lamb or beef, as well as rich, creamy cheeses.
CELLARING Cellar for 5 to 7 years.
PRICE $40
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
