The Red Renaissance Our Enduring Wine Legacy
- Your Hunter Valley Magazine
- Aug 15
- 8 min read
For nearly two centuries, the Hunter Valley has stood as Australia's most celebrated wine region, where tradition meets innovation in the pursuit of exceptional red wines. As we move through 2025, the region's reputation continues to flourish, built upon the foundation of distinctive terroir that combines warm climate, deep friable loam, and red duplex soils to create wines that are uniquely Australian yet globally acclaimed.
The Hunter Valley's red wine story is one of evolution and excellence. What began as a colonial experiment has evolved into a sophisticated wine industry, where over 150 vineyards produce a range of red wines that span the spectrum from approachable everyday wines to collectible masterpieces. This diversity reflects not only the region's adaptable growing conditions but also the winemakers' commitment to pushing boundaries while respecting time-honoured traditions.
Shiraz: The Crown Jewel
Leading the charge is Shiraz, the Hunter's premium red variety and arguably Australia's most distinctive wine. The region's distinctive interpretation of this global grape highlights the profound impact of terroir on winemaking. Young Hunter Valley Shiraz typically presents as a medium-bodied wine, bursting with red and dark berries, warming spices, and structured tannins. However, the magic truly happens with age.
Unlike their South Australian counterparts, Hunter Shiraz benefits from the region's humid climate and frequent summer rainfall, resulting in wines with softer tannins and more moderate alcohol levels. As these wines mature, they develop complex notes of leather and tobacco, evolving from vibrant, fruit-forward expressions to sophisticated, earthy wines that collectors treasure. Iconic examples, such as Mount Pleasant's Old Paddock & Old Hill Shiraz, or Petersons’ IHP Shiraz, demonstrate this remarkable aging potential. (FUN FACT: IHP stands for Ian Henderson Peterson in honour of the late Ian Peterson.)
The International Aristocrats
Cabernet Sauvignon, the world's most beloved red wine, finds exceptional expression in the Hunter Valley's warm embrace. These wines embody elegance and power, offering rich bouquets of black cherries and currants complemented by herby notes of peppers and olives. The variety's renowned aging ability reaches new heights here, with decades-old bottles continuing to reveal new layers of complexity.
Pinot Noir, often referred to as "the most romantic of wines," showcases the Hunter's versatility. Despite the warm climate, skilled winemakers craft light to medium-bodied expressions that capture the variety's signature aromatics of cherry, raspberry, and blackberry, while reflecting the unique terroir characteristics that make Hunter Pinot distinctive from its cooler climate cousins.
Merlot has experienced a renaissance in the Hunter Valley, with the summer heat providing ideal growing conditions for this Bordeaux native. The resulting wines offer wonderfully fruity, well-rounded characters with vibrant bouquets that have captured the attention of wine enthusiasts seeking approachable yet sophisticated reds.
Mediterranean Marvels
The Hunter Valley's warm climate has proven particularly welcoming to Mediterranean varieties, creating exciting opportunities for wine lovers seeking something different. Tempranillo, Spain's noble grape, thrives here, producing easy-drinking, medium to full-bodied wines with lower acidity and full fruit flavours that pair beautifully with diverse cuisines. The ruby-red wines offer enticing aromas and flavours of plum, cherry, strawberry, and herbs.
Grenache has found new life both as a component in the classic GSM (Grenache, Shiraz, Mourvèdre) blends found throughout Hunter tasting rooms and as an impressive single varietal. These medium to full-bodied wines layer red fruit flavours with peppery spice, supported by balanced tannins and acidity.
More exotic varieties, such as Nebbiolo, bring Italian prestige to Australian soil. This prestigious Piedmont grape produces complex, fullbodied wines with high acidity and strong tannins that reward patient cellaring. The resulting wines display the variety's characteristic pale brick-red colour while offering distinguished notes of cherry, raspberry, rose, tar, and truffle.
The Art of Winemaking
What sets Hunter Valley reds apart isn't just the grape varieties or climate, but the winemakers' savoir-faire – their skill and knowledge passed down through generations while embracing modern techniques. From boutique producers like Elbourne Wines and Latitude 32 (who also offer a white, red wine – The Enigma) to established names like De Iuliis, Tamburlaine, and Hungerford Hill, each winery brings its own unique philosophy to crafting exceptional red wines.
The region's winemakers understand that great wine begins in the vineyard and is refined in the winery. Whether fermenting in open-top vats, carefully selecting oak regimes, or timing harvests for optimal flavour development, every decision contributes to the final expression in the bottle.
A Future Built on Tradition
As the Hunter Valley moves forward, its red wine legacy continues to evolve. New plantings of Mediterranean varieties expand the region's repertoire, while traditional varieties like Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon reach new heights of expression. The combination of perfect growing conditions, winemaking expertise, and an unwavering commitment to quality ensures that Hunter Valley reds will continue to captivate wine lovers for generations to come.
Whether you're seeking a bold young Shiraz for tonight's barbecue or a collector-worthy Cabernet for your cellar, the Hunter Valley offers red wines that range from good to truly outstanding, each one a testament to the region's enduring passion for winemaking excellence.
Our Top Picks
The 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 $30.
Elbourne Wines
2019 “H.A.E” Shiraz
The carefully handpicked Shiraz fruit comes off Elbourne’s 40 year old “H.A.E” single vineyard of only 4 acres. 2019 proved to be a high-quality red vintage in the Hunter, with dry and hot growing conditions. Only 250 dozen produced and is affectionately named after Adam Elbourne's son Hugo Arthur Elbourne!
TASTING The intense blackberry fruit colour has a bold palate of dark cherry, plum, good spice and chocolate notes. High quality French oak barriques frame the tannins superbly (25% new French oak).
FOOD MATCH Medium rare tomahawk steak.
CELLARING Until 2033
PRICE $65.
De Iuliis Wines
2019 Limited Release Shiraz
This 2019 Limited Release Shiraz is recognised as one of the best Hunter Shiraz wines, with multiple trophies and medals, including the Best Red Wine of Show at the Hunter Valley Wine Show in 2021 and 2022.
TASTING Cherry, plums and red currants framed by silky smoked tobacco characters. The sweet spice and earthiness is exceptionally balanced with fine-grained, toasty tannin. A well-crafted wine that will develop beautifully with patience.
FOOD MATCH Dry-aged tomahawk steak, with pomme mousseline, green beans, and a rich jus.
CELLARING This wine possesses a significant ageing potential, and it will continue to evolve
beautifully in your cellar.
PRICE $150.
deCapel Wines
Gabriela 2021 Shiraz
The 2021 Gabriela is an elegant Shiraz with structure and finesse. Less about power, more about purity of fruit and regional character.
TASTING Medium-bodied and beautifully balanced, this Shiraz shows silky tannins and bright acidity. Flavours of ripe dark berries, red plum and spice glide across the palate, supported by fine oak integration and a long, savoury finish.
FOOD MATCH Perfect with lamb cutlets, duck breast or mushroom risotto.
CELLARING Drink now or cellar for 8–12 years to reveal complex secondary notes of leather and
spice.
PRICE $35.
Latitude 32 Wines
2023 Latitude 32 ‘The Bro’s’ Shiraz/Pinot Noir
The two grape varietals, Shiraz and Pinot Noir, combine to make this classic Hunter Valley traditional blend, previously known as “Hunter Burgundy”. When two brothers with different personalities unite, they make a formidable team...and an excellent wine!
TASTING Notes of sweet raspberries, soft cherries, and a hint of violets and vanilla. A wine with great harmony between brightness, freshness, and fragrant allure.
FOOD MATCH This wine pairs well with anything and everything roasted.
CELLARING Now to 2030.
PRICE $35.
Saddler's Creek Wines
2023 Winemaker’s Craft Shiraz Cabernet
At almost 30 years old, the Saddler’s Estate Vineyard has the ability to produce fruit of the highest quality. Thanks to both viticultural and oenological innovation, this is the first Saddler’s Estate blend in nearly a decade.
TASTING This blend opens with aromas of berries and a hint of violet. The palate is soft and supple, layered with juicy red and dark berry fruit supported by plush, velvety tannins. A subtle cranberry tartness emerges on the back palate.
FOOD MATCH Crusty sourdough topped with warm brie & fig compote.
CELLARING Drink now or cellar for 3-5 years.
PRICE $45.
Latitude 32 Wines
2021 ‘The Dux’ Shiraz
The Dux doesn’t follow. It leads. Crafted only in exceptional vintages, The Dux is a master blend of the finest Shiraz parcels across the Latitude 32 estate and selected grower vineyards. Meticulously matured in premium French oak and blended barrel by barrel, this wine is built to impress and made to last.
TASTING Deep crimson in hue, it opens with lifted aromas of cherry, plum and subtle violet, layered with hints of cedar, pepper and oak spice. The palate is silky yet firm, with black fruits, savoury earth, and graphite, with a whisper of cured meat.
FOOD MATCH Chargrilled meat or a hearty wild mushroom risotto with plenty of parmesan cheese.
CELLARING Drink now or cellar to 2040.
PRICE $80.
Hungerford Hill
2022 Heavy Metal
Heavy Metal is one of the best known Hungerford Hill wines. The 2022 vintage is a Shiraz Cabernet blend coming from the Sweetwater Vineyard. Due to the terroir of Sweetwater this wine will be captivating and layered.
TASTING With hints of ripe blackberries and dark cherries coming through from the Shiraz and the Cabernet bringing cassis notes. The two together include nuances of tobacco and dried herbs. Medium to full body, the dark fruits from the nose transition over to the palate with a well integrated tannin structure.
FOOD MATCH Meat, meat and more meat! A nice charred grilled steak or a juicy lamb roast.
CELLARING Drink now or cellar for up to 15 years!
PRICE $60.
Meerea Park
XYZ Shiraz
The XYZ brand wines constitute modern styles of Hunter Valley Semillon, Chardonnay and Shiraz. Sourced from the ‘Lochleven’ vineyard in Pokolbin, the handpicked and vineyard sorted parcel of Shiraz was crushed and then fermented in two tonne open fermenters with daily plunging and pumping over. Maturation was 18 months in French oak puncheons.
TASTING A bright dark crimson colour, aromas of dark fruits, plums and blueberry jam. The French oak adds spice and complexity. The tannins are silky and fine with an impressive length of flavour for an entry level wine, the end result of a great vintage.
FOOD MATCH Flavoursome beef and lamb dishes.
CELLARING Medium to long term. 10+ years.
PRICE $30.
Ben Ean
Still House Wines Tempranillo
The Still House Tempranillo is sourced from a one and 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.
Wandin Valley Estate
2023 Reserve Malbec
This is a fruit dominant, big, bold, and tannic red wine. With bags of berry and cherry notes up front, you will be forgiven for overlooking how big and hearty this wine is.
TASTING Blackcurrant, blueberry and dark cherry.
FOOD MATCH Slow cooked lamb shoulder with
Mediterranean Cous Cous and red wine jus.
CELLARING Cellar up to 10 years.
PRICE $55.
Bonvilla Estate
2021 Bastille Shiraz
Single vineyard and hand-picked. Sourced from 40-year-old vines, this powerful and structured Shiraz showcases the depth and intensity of Hunter Valley terroir. The vines produce rich, concentrated fruit, yielding a wine with bold character and remarkable ageing potential.
TASTING Dark berry fruit with spiced plum aromatics. Notes of black pepper and hints of native gum, reflecting the estate's unique environment. Fine yet assertive tannins, creating excellent structure.
FOOD MATCH Premium Wagyu steak.
CELLARING Drink now or cellar for up to 10 years.
PRICE $48.
