Rad Reds | Top Drops
Following on from our Red Wines of The Hunter Valley article (find it here), here are our top picks!
PETERSON WINES 2018 Mount View Shiraz This Shiraz is vibrant ruby red in colour with bright crimson and cerise hues. 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 pot pourri and mixed dried herbs. There are also gamey and savoury nuances and an underlying earthiness. TASTING 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 3-8 years
COST $75
MOUNT PLEASANT WINES OP&OH Shiraz Mount Pleasant is home to some of the Hunter Valley's oldest vineyards, made famous by Maurice O’Shea, Australia’s first great winemaker. This blend is from the Old Paddock, planted in 1921 and Old Hill, planted In 1880. A rich and robust style that provides exceptional cellaring potential. TASTING Intense blackberry, chocolate and spice on the nose. The palate is rich in fruit, with wonderful balance and exceptional length.
FOOD MATCH Steak frites
CELLARING 25 years plus
COST $55
LISA MCGUIGAN WINES (VAMP BY LISA MCGUIGAN) Lisa McGuigan Wines Spartacus Shiraz 2018 Spartacus, like all of the wines Lisa produces, is created the way she likes to drink the varietal. Like Spartacus the gladiator from around 70BC, this wine is rebellious and fresh, with spice and texture. It is full of surprises on the palate and medium in body, with great length and a soft, flavoursome finish. TASTING A medium bodied wine with aromas of ripe raspberries and a hint of spice. This wine has a good depth on the palate, lovely flavours of ripe red berries, and a smooth chocolaty finish.
FOOD MATCH Beef bourguignon
CELLARING Perfect for drinking now but with careful cellaring will be excellent for the next 10 years
COST $40
SADDLER'S CREEK WINES 2019 Alessandro Reserve Shiraz Rich in concentrated fruit flavours, this Shiraz is crafted in small batch. Handpicked, fermented in open vats, hand plunged and finally basket pressed prior to maturation, preserving the delicate essence of this regional hero. Pristine fruit, a gentle hand and the finest oak give finesse, flavour and longevity. TASTING Saddler's Creek winemakers mature this exceptional Hunter Valley Shiraz in French and American barrels for 18 months. The fine grain of French oak has subtle influence of dark chocolate, roasted coffee beans and exotic, savory spices with firm, but silky tannins to harmonious balance the elegant fruit flavours. The use of seasoned American oak barrels contributes additional texture and complexity to the wine.
FOOD MATCH Slow cooked duck Maryland, three texture pumpkin, baby spinach salad
CELLARING Cellar for 8–10 years
COST $75
ADINA VINEYARD Cabernet Franc 2021 Adina wines are made from grapes grown on their Lovedale vineyard. The Cabernet Franc 2021 has a smooth rounded palate with a juicy centre, finishing with a mineral acid freshness. TASTING Tasting of fruity red berries and pronounced aromas of red cherry, wild raspberries and fresh cut herbs, this is a magnificent single vineyard example of a Hunter grown Cabernet Franc.
FOOD MATCH Enjoy slightly chilled to accompany cold cured meats, chicken and soft cheeses.
CELLARING Drink now or cellar for at least 15 years
COST $45 - Mention code Your Hunter Valley for 10% off your purchases at the Adina Cellar Door
TAMBURLAINE ORGANIC WINES 2019 Wine Lovers Full House This cool climate, high altitude wine has aromas of rose petals and fresh lychee, with tropical fruits, citrus, and sweet spice on the palate. Gentle honeysuckle and spice characters perfectly balanced with crisp acidity, leaving a refreshingly long finish. TASTING Big, Brave, Bold. A complex wine worthy of a warrior, with the best elements of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Merlot in this classic red blend.
FOOD MATCH Something hearty, a Tomahawk steak or BBQed portobello mushrooms
CELLARING This wine is best enjoyed young! Can be cellared for up to 5 years, keep away from strong light, at a cool, constant temperature.
COST RRP $24 ($16/dozen, $14/two dozen +)
DE IULIIS 2019 Steven Vineyard Shiraz The historic Steven vineyard was planted in 1968 on red volcanic soil. Wines grown on rich, volcanic soil are concentrated and lifted with a bright acidity. These old Shiraz vines consistently produce some of the Hunter Valley’s most outstanding wines. TASTING On the nose, rich berry fruits, intense spice and pepper combine to enrich the aromatics. Black cherries framed with firm tannins and bright acidity provide a full-bodied style with great length on the palate. A well-balanced wine, consistent with iconic Hunter Valley Shiraz style.
FOOD MATCH Pair with chermoula rib-eye roast with crispy chats and broccolini.
CELLARING Careful cellaring will see this wine develop beautifully over the next 5 – 15 years.
COST $40
DRAYTON'S FAMILY WINES 2010 Museum Release Shiraz Exceptional wine, from a highly rated vintage. Made with specially selected premium grapes, sourced from vines more than 100 years old. Aged to perfection under cork, in the cool of their Hunter Valley Museum Cellar. TASTING Delicate aromas of plums and cherries, with a long, smooth yet complex palate. Luscious and rich, It has retained its structure and balance between fruit, alcohol and oak tannins. Drinking beautifully right now.
FOOD MATCH Braised beef cheeks, slow-cooked lamb shanks, steak, ribs, burgers. Amazing with aged cheddar, but it really goes off with dark chocolate!
CELLARING Enjoy now or carefully cellar for further 3-5 years.
COST $75
POLIN & POLIN 23 Sovereigns Shiraz 200 In 1872 John Rook was tried for the theft of 23 sovereigns from his step father. Based on conflicting testimonies and circumstantial evidence he was sentenced to death at the age of 22. As fortune would have it, he was instead sent to the new colony of Australia. TASTING Displays aromas of sweet red fruits and plums which lead to a smooth silky palate and a long finish.
FOOD MATCH This wine pairs beautifully with any red meats such as beef or lamb.
CELLARING Store in a cool dark place, ready to drink now.
COST $40 - Available at The Garden Cellars, Hunter Valley Gardens Shopping Village
HUNGERFORD HILL 2021 Classic Tempranillo Graciano Continuing our legacy of showcasing some of the finest fruit from New South Wales. This blend swaggers with personality and clarity of flavour. From the red soils of Hilltops, near Young, a small but powerful region for alternative varietals. TASTING A savoury and smooth Tempranillo is complimented by the spicy fruit and structure of Graciano. The resulting wine has greater intensity, depth and length.
FOOD MATCH On the cheese side of things, thick cut hot chips covered in grated parmesan or pecorino. For something more substantial a slow cooked lamb roast, chorizo hotpot, or Hungarian goulash.
CELLARING 3-5 years
COST $45
BLUEBERRY HILL VINEYARD 2018 Cabernet Merlot This Cabernet Merlot is one of the longest standing reds on offer at Blueberry Hill. Staying true to their history, this vintage is very fruit forward and easy drinking, proving itself time and time again to be a crowd favourite. TASTING Textured tannins of the Cabernet layered over succulent and soft fruit notes. Ripe plum flavours carry throughout, with a long and lingering finish & cedary oak tannins.
FOOD MATCH Smokehouse style meats, such as ribs, briskets etc.
CELLARING Up to 2028
COST $45
BRIAR RIDGE VINEYARD 2021 Stockhausen Shiraz
Crafted as a tribute to legendary Hunter Winemaker Karl Stockhausen, this wine is artfully created in the traditional style that made the Hunter Valley eminent. The Shiraz fruit was grown on their well-drained Terra Rossa over limestone soils from their estate parcels in Mount View, Hunter Valley approximately 500m behind the Cellar Door. TASTING Plush, full and supple with concentrated red berry fruits framed by super fine tannins building a long linear finish.
FOOD MATCH Lamb backstrap and grilled vegetables
CELLARING 5 - 8 years
COST $43
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