Signature Wines Top Drops
The Hunter Valley is the country's oldest and premier wine region, where the pleasures of eating and drinking wine are celebrated daily. This beautiful area has been built on more than 185 years of passion and dedication to the craft, resulting in the production of many world-class wines and, in particular, some of the world's best and most distinctive styles of Semillon and Shiraz, which are the hallmark of this region. Read more about the Significance of Signature Wines here.
HUNGERFORD HILL Heavy Metal Shiraz Cabernet 2019
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 2019 vintage produced fruit of excellent quality, so you can expect powerful blackcurrant alongside toasty vanilla oak, all wrapped up in fine-grained tannins.
TASTING Alluring bright ruby hues. Gentle pine needles accented with mint and cassis on the nose. Powerful blackcurrant fruit pops on the palate revealing fine tannins integrated with vibrant sustained fruits and a lingering vanilla finish. 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. CELLARING Cellar for between 5-10 years
RRP $55
ADINA VINEYARD
Cabernet Franc 2021
Adina wines are made from grapes grown on our 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
RRP $45
SADDLER’S CREEK WINES
Alessandro Reserve Shiraz Hunter Valley
This exceptional limited release Shiraz is featured in our Shiraz Masterclass held each Sunday throughout March and April. Join us for this food and wine pairing experience featuring six Shiraz matched with degustation tasting plate and guided by our wine expert.
TASTING Intensely rich yet elegant Shiraz. tannins. Decadent concentrated fruit flavours complement fine velvety tannins which linger long after each mouthful. Handpicked and crafted in a small batch. Fermented in open vats, hand plunged and finally basket pressed prior to maturation in French & American oak for 17 months. FOOD MATCH Pan seared duck breast, beetroot puree, baby garden vegetables and a black cherry jus CELLARING Long term 10 years +
RRP $75
TAMBURLAINE ORGANIC WINES
Point 65 Pinot Noir
Did somebody say Pinot Envy? A selection of our best Pinot Noir with some handpicked, whole bunch parcels grow in Central Ranges/Orange NSW at 860m
TASTING Bouquet of strawberry and maraschino cherry with a palate displaying ripe berries and earthy characters. FOOD MATCH Best suited to dishes with earthy, mushroom and herbal flavours. CELLARING Cellar for 5 years +
RRP $30
WINMARK WINES 2021 Winmark Chardonnay
For half a century, this site has grown exceptional fruit, with a proud history of producing highly acclaimed Chardonnay. The fruit was harvested in pristine condition in the cool night air. The Winmark Chardonnay series features James Ainslie’s painting ‘Far Folded Mist’ that hangs in Winmark Gallery, launching a new direction in Winmark’s labelling.
TASTING This wine has a striking pale lemon hue, bursting with elderflower and white peach aromas. The palate is juicy and intriguing, with stone fruits, ripe Meyer lemon notes supported with elegant spices.
FOOD MATCH The best way to enjoy 2021 Winmark Chardonnay is with good friends and good food. CELLARING Enjoy now or cellar with confidence for up to 5 years
RRP $37
THE GARDEN CELLARS The Garden Cellars Sauvignon Blanc
The Garden Cellars is home to Hunter Valley wineries Three Ponds and Polin & Polin. Tastings of these fantastic wines and many others are available daily. Here at The Garden Cellars we love to provide people with what they are looking for as far as wine, beer & fortifieds go. We are conveniently located in the Hunter Valley Gardens Shopping Village with plenty of parking. TASTING Notes of tropical fruit, passion fruit and white peach. Palate of fresh fruit and herbaceous flavours with acid balance. FOOD MATCH This wine pairs beautifully with grilled fish, especially oily fish such as sardines and mackerel, big garlicky prawns and chargrilled squid. This also pairs well with fried fish like goujons, whitebait and fish and chips and with simply grilled chicken or lamb. CELLARING Drink now
RRP $20 or 12 for $144
SAVANNAH ESTATE 2021 Denman Chardonnay
Savannah Estate Wines are produced from small select parcels of premium fruit grown in renowned viticulture regions throughout Australia. The Denman Chardonnay combines everything it means to be a Chardonnay with the balance of the fruit and oak. This wine can be aged however Savannah says “why wait?”
TASTING Wonderfully lifted, floral, ripe and generous. The upfront aromas are of citrus blossom and ripe green melon. There are also spiced aromas of cinnamon and clove with hints of freshly made custard and vanilla. The palate is ripe, fresh, complex and clean. The upfront fruit flavours are of nectarine, white peach, and ripe figs. The mid palate is broad with a bready, slightly cheesy complexity. The back palate is rounded, soft, dry, long and slightly nutty. FOOD MATCH Grandma's roast chicken with duck fat potatoes.
CELLARING Drink now or cellar for 3-6 years
RRP $35 | Members $29.75
GARTELMANN WINES 2016 Diedrich Shiraz
The Diedrich is our icon Shiraz, with fruit sourced from a single vineyard in the Orange wine region, full bodied and rich.
TASTING Aromas of florals, red berried fruits and dusting of spice. Medium-weighted with supple, sleek tannins, lean acidity and plenty of ripe fruit in between. FOOD MATCH A style that pairs well with rich red meats such as lamb shoulder or braised beef cheeks. CELLARING Drink now or cellar until 2025+
RRP $50
KELMAN VINEYARD Blanc de Blanc 2017
Made in the traditional method this 100% Chardonnay has spent 4 years on lees. A fine bead and a creamy textured palate add drive and length on this special wine . A wine to be enjoyed on all not just special occasions.
TASTING It is marked by grilled nut and toasty characteristics enhanced by citrus tones from early picked Chardonnay. FOOD MATCH A perfect accompaniment to seafood and cheeses or as an apertif. CELLARING Drink now or cellar for 5-10 years
RRP $36
PETERSONS WINE 2018 Petersons Block 2 Cabernet Sauvignon - Mudgee
Very dark, almost blackberry juice in colour with magenta and purple hues. Ripe and juicy with lifted fruit aromas of stewed black fruits. This is supported by herbaceous nuances of rosemary and dried basil. There are also hints of vanilla bean and a waft of freshly roasted coffee.
TASTING Full bodied, layered, complex and long. The upfront fruit flavours are of ripe and juicy blood plum and mulberry. The mid palate is multi layered with biscuit like flavour, a slight herbal flavour of fresh lavender and hints of aniseed. The back palate is dry and astringent, yet soft and approachable. FOOD MATCH Seared aged lamb rump with sweet potato mash and green beans, cassoulet, aged pecorino. CELLARING Wonderful now, or cellar for 3-8 years
RRP $50
MOUNT PLEASANT WINES 2014 Lovedale Semillon
The late Maurice O'Shea planted the Lovedale vineyard in 1946 with incredible foresight, recognising that the unique structure of the land and the surrounding environment would deliver the tightness and acidity for world-class Semillon. This wine provides exceptional drinking now or can be carefully cellared up to fifteen years or more from vintage.
TASTING Colour - pale straw. Aroma - intense citrus and lemongrass combine with bottle age characters of lanolin and toast. Palate - concentrated fruits of lemon and lime, beautiful acidity driving through the palate showcasing the amazing length of this wonderful aged style.
FOOD MATCH Fresh natural oysters. CELLARING Like all Lovedale Semillon, this will reward being in the cellar for over 25 years
RRP $70
IRON GATE ESTATE 2021 Chardonnay Hunter Valley
The 2021 season was the drought- breaking vintage with enough rain to test any vineyard management skills here in the Hunter Valley.
TASTING The wine is green straw in colour with alluring aromas of nectarine, citrus bud, melon and integrated perfumed oak. The palate is of medium weight, with creamy oatmeal, pear and citrus flavours and a hint of struck flint on the balanced acid-tuned finish. FOOD MATCH This wine will pair well with creamy vegetable soups, pasta, and seafood dishes. CELLARING Drink now or cellar for 5 years
RRP $35
