- Your Hunter Valley Magazine
Signature Wines
SIGATURE WINES FROM AROUND THE HUNTER VALLEY FOR YOUR AUTUMN FESTIVITIES.
The term ’Signature’ or ‘Flagship’ wine does not have a specific definition within the wine industry, so there are no hard and fast rules dictating how a winery chooses its flagship wine or even if they have one. What is common to all flagship wines is that they are all wines of exceptional quality, are good examples of the style, and embody the grape variety and region in which it was grown. Click here to learn more about the significance of signature wines.
Ben Ean
Still House Wines Tempranillo
The Still House Tempranillo is sourced from a one and a half acre block on the Ben Ean Vineyard. This planting is believed to the be oldest planting of Tempranillo in the Hunter, planted in the mid 1990’s. Tempranillo is a variety that is wonderfully suited to the warm climate of the Hunter Valley.
TASTING With vibrant red hues balancing out the lifted, perfumed, floral and savoury nose with fruit aromas. Upfront flavours of blood plum and raspberry give a mid-weight and gamey mouth feel. The mid-palate is spicy with flavours of dried herbs.
FOOD MATCH BBQ lamb cutlets, cured meats and pickled vegetables.
CELLARING Now – 4 years
PRICE $38
RidgeView
"Little Gully" Pinot Gris 22
A Hunter Valley grown and made Pino Gris
TASTING Aromas of lemon, citrus, tropical fruits and a hint of spice. Full palate, with gentle lingering acidity and hints of stone fruit.
FOOD MATCH A perfect accompaniment with antipasto, cheese or charcuterie board or just enjoy on its own.
CELLARING Drink now or cellar up to 5 years
PRICE $25
Wandin Valley Estate
NV Sparkling Cuvee
Sourced only from premium parcels, this sparkling is vibrant and zesty. Using the Hunter Valley’s highest regarded white varietals, Semillon and Chardonnay, this wine is sure to impress.
TASTING Notes of lemon with hints of peach.
FOOD MATCH Freshly shucked oysters and barbequed king prawns.
CELLARING Made to drink and enjoy now.
PRICEÂ $30
Gartelmann Wines
2022 Gartelmann Lisa Reserve Chardonnay
Barrel fermented in new and one year old 500 litre puncheons and 300 litre hogsheads to achieve the more subtle oak characters. Kept in oak for ten months with monthly lees stirring. Freshness and vitality were preserved by inhibiting malolactic fermentation.
TASTING Lisa is a fine, elegant warm climate Chardonnay, exhibiting delightful citrus and flinty characters with a good dash of excellent French oak to add the vanilla and toasty bouquet we expect.
FOOD MATCH Enjoy now at room temperature with gentle flavours of poached chicken, scallops in cream or soft ripe cheeses.
CELLARING Drink from 2023 or cellar until 2028+
PRICE $50
Hungerford Hill
2021 Preservative Free Shiraz
Proof that when you've quality fruit you don't need sulphur to let wines age. 3 years young and still a delicious fruit-driven medium-bodied red. Versatile in every way you can enjoy.
TASTING Rich blackcurrant flavours surge across
your palate. The years have not worn down these
flavours. Earthy tones linger with a hint of spice.
FOOD MATCH Spicy chicken wings, or a lamb roast if you want a reliable cliche. Try it with a creamy tomato bacon orecchiette with garlic pangrattato and apple salad and discover a great mid-week comfort dinner pair.
CELLARING Drink now, or savour for a couple of years still to come.
PRICE $40
Bonvilla Estate
Arcachon Semillon 2022
An impressive and delicious wine. Awarded Gold at the NSW Small Winemaker Show 2023.
TASTING Pale lemon yellow with a silver-green hue. Very focused lemon and lime with citrus florals and a hint of lemonade ice-blocks. Some underlying mineral talc and lavender floral notes. Plush entry with lemon and lime across zesty yet supple acidity. There is power in the acid but a touch of the "fist in the velvet glove" here. Long, succulent, and
juicy making this wine a good contender for the cellar.
FOOD MATCH Spaghetti vongole.
CELLARING 5 years and another 5 beyond to see its best.
PRICE $48
Winmark Wines
Winmark Single Vineyard Reserve Chardonnay 2022
Meticulously crafted using the best fruit, handpicked at first light to ensure absolute freshness and fruit integrity. The wine is fermented in premium French Oak, maturing for 11 months with extended lees contact. As with all Winmark wines,
attention to detail is paramount.
TASTING Initially, brioche and toasty oak are evident, with an alluring aroma of grilled stone fruit, melon fig and barbecued citrus. This wine is sumptuous in flavour, warm and toasty, with excellent structure and a fine acid backbone, finishing strongly with persistent hints of cashew and toast.
FOOD MATCH Compliment the nutty, oaky Chardonnay with foods that have toasty flavours, such as toasted nuts, pastry crust, or when grilling or smoking.
CELLARING Will cellar superbly for 8-10 years.
PRICE $62
Blueberry Hill Vineyard
2022 Pinot Noir
Hunter Valley-grown Pinot Noir is a rare treat. A quirky, delicious take on classic Pinot Noir, our 2022 Vintage is sure to impress, perfect now or as an aged beauty.
TASTING Bright, fresh strawberry, raspberry and plum are accented by a rich earthiness through the finish.
FOOD MATCH Perfect for a pizza night at home with friends and family.
CELLARING Drink now, or age well for up to 15 years
PRICE $60
De Iuliis Wines
2018 Limited Release Shiraz
In 2018, we meticulously selected the finest barrels from prime Shiraz blocks across our family vineyards. Each vineyard contributes a distinct element, expertly blended to craft this exceptional wine. This wine has been awarded two trophies,
numerous gold medals, and a stellar 95-point rating from James Halliday himself.
TASTING Bright and fresh cherry, plums and red currants framed by silky smoked tobacco characters. The sweet spice and earthiness is exceptionally balanced with fine-grained, toasty tannin.
FOOD MATCH Dry-aged tomahawk steak with crispy Hasselback potatoes, green beans and a red wine jus.
CELLARING This wine has a big future ahead of it and it will continue to improve with 15 years further cellaring. Take a dozen to add to your cellar and open one each year to see the development
PRICE $85
Carillion Wines
Origins Fenestella 2019 Shiraz Hunter Valley
The ‘Origins’ Fenestella Shiraz displays quintessential Hunter characteristics with a complex palate of red and black fruits, while French oak imparts fine tannin weight
TASTING The red stands out with intense fruit, perfectly ripe tannins and finely balanced acidity.
FOOD MATCH Cheeses with creamy and soft texture that contrast with the sweet, fruit undertones of the red pair well with the Shiraz. Hence, their inherent richness complements the wine's fruity notes.
CELLARING It is drinking well now but will continually reward with mid to long term cellaring..
PRICEÂ $62
