2016 Hunter Valley Semillon Museum Release

Variety:     100% Semillon

Region:      Hunter Valley

Vine Age:   Planted in 1968

Vineyard:  Keith Tulloch Hermitage Road

Tasting Notes:

A classic Hunter Semillon showing super-youthful hue of fine green-straw, flecked with pastel-green lime.

Aromatic elements swirl with Meyer lemon and fresh cut apple, lifting with accents of white flower and traces of lemon curd. The palate echoes the aroma, a primary fruit nucleus of juicy lemon and white honey with lifted supporting notes of mint fresh finger lime. Extremely long and delicious flavour persistence, quite remarkable and so youthful, with many years of potential in the cellar to see its ultimate peak.

Drink: Now to 2030

Technical Data

Alcohol: 11%

The Family Collection

2013 The Kester Shiraz Museum Release

Variety:    Shiraz 99% Viognier 1%

Region:    Hunter Valley, Single Heritage Listed Vineyard

Vine Age: Planted on own roots in 1923

Tasting Notes

This is a classic Hunter red just entering its peak, showcasing all the hallmarks of mid-bodied, savoury and complex Shiraz, relaxed and expressing all of its ‘Kester’ personality. The wine is powerful with astounding flavour length, whilst the frame of tannin has layers of savoury elegance. It delivers classic Hunter Valley mid-bodied power, standing tall.

 The main aromatic drive is dense black Shiraz fruit and a richly laden simmering potpourri of brown spices; this fuller ‘garrigue’ herbaceousness flows around it, with notes of sage, tarragon, and thyme. The palate follows: dark cherry with the energetic savoury flashes of black olive and liquorice. These core flavours are enveloped in spicy power, anchored to their fine tannin foundation. This savoury undertow is the siren-song, with a constant echo.

Drink : Now - 2030

Technical

Alcohol: 13.8%

Field of Mars Collection

2 x Field of Mars Semillon Block 2A 2021

2 x Field of Mars Chardonnay Block 4 2021

2 x Field of Mars Shiraz Block 1 2021

This Collection is presented in a timber box with Tasting Notes.

*Limited amounts of timber boxes available, first 30 orders only. 

Autumn 2024 Single Vineyard Premium Selection

1 x 2021 Field of Mars Semillon

1 x 2021 Field of Mars Chardonnay

1 x 2023 Field of Mars Viognier

1 x 2022 Norlana Shiraz

1 x 2021 Field of Mars Shiraz

1 x 2021 The Kester Shiraz

Autumn 2024 Vinum Cellarium Premium Selection

2 x 2021 Field of Mars Semillon

1 x 2021 Field of Mars Chardonnay

1 x 2023 Field of Mars Viognier

1 x 2022 Ewen Chardonnay

1 x 2022 McKelvey Chardonnay

2 x 2022 Norlana Shiraz

2 x 2019 Field of Mars Shiraz

2 x 2021 The Kester Shiraz

Single Vineyard Range

2021 Eagles Rest Vineyard Chardonnay

Variety:   Chardonnay 100%

Vineyard: Eagles Rest Vineyard

Region:    Pokolbin, Hunter Valley

Vine Age:  Vines planted in 1970's by Don Maxwell

Tasting Note

The Eagles Rest Vineyard is sited in central Pokolbin, nestled on the high slopes of the Pokolbin Mountain foothills and enjoys the benefits of cooler sea breeze air flow during Summer. It is also a protected site from both rainfall and the hot mid-Summer sun, close up under the shoulder of the Brokenback Mountain Range.

The Chardonnay vines growing here relish the deep red volcanic-basalt and decomposed sandstone soils. Rows are steeply terraced facing South in this section, with the unique steepness of the vineyard contributing to wonderfully intense flavours and consistent quality.

 The mild weather of 2021 has given this wine a special reserve, with crystal-clear fruit detail, poise and balance. Fruit aromas are nectarine, yellow apple and golden pear, quite highly focussed and tense, with soft notes of quince and vanilla yoghurt. Flavours show classy reserve too, yellow to gold stone fruits with linear brightness, plus a subtle cashew-like roundness from wild-ferment.

Drink Now to 2030

200 dozen made

Technical Data
Alcohol: 13%

FIELD OF MARS - Single Vineyard Range                            

Field of Mars  Block 2 Semillon  2021

Variety:   100% Semillon

Region:    Pokolbin, Hunter Valley

Vineyard: Field of Mars Vineyard

Vine age: Vines planted in 1968

Soil:         Fine, sandy alluvial 

Tasting Note 

Planted in 1968 the fine white sand of this vineyard generates lovely purity of fruit, very direct and positive, zesty and bright. Fine fruit-weight, elegant varietal character, and crisp acidity were natural hallmarks of the Vintage.

Dominant aromatic characters of Meyer lemon show yellow citrus juiciness and zest, hints of ripe orange-grapefruit and finer notes of apple and lime. These fill the glass with added notes of sweet floral frangipani and jasmine. Everything amplifies as the wine breathes, building and opening to show more energy and flair.

Citrus fruits expand onto the palate with bright vibrant energy, like freshly squeezed lime and lemon, a delicate extension of the fruit with the crunchiness of natural acids. There is a finer, satin-soft juiciness plus the sustained, powder-soft texture of mineral and chalk, almost transparent yet tangy. Finer notes of red-apple stay onto the finish with a gentle receding softness, sustaining a greater flavour length than usual.

Drink: now – 2045                                    95 points Halliday Wine Companion

Limited Edition - only 86 dozen made

Technical Data

Alc: 10.5

pH: 3.06

TA: 6.3

FIELD OF MARS - Single Vineyard Range                            

Field of Mars Block 4 Chardonnay 2021

Variety:   100% Chardonnay

Region:     Pokolbin, Hunter Valley

Vineyard:  Field of Mars Vineyard

Vine Age:  Vines planted in 2014

Soils:        Fine, sandy alluvial

Tasting Note                                              

Block 4 is a high-density planting in fine sandy alluvial soils, of Clone 548 Chardonnay vines, recently selected from Burgundy vineyards. This clone is ultra-low yielding, generating wines that are immediately powerful and complex.

 Opulent fruit aromas, running from yellow nectarine to golden peach, pine-lime and pineapple with wild ferment contributing a gentle wash of cashew and nougat as well as exotic sulphide-scents of flint, slate, and oyster-shell. Soft leesy notes of lemon-yogurt swirl in the background, with elegant traces of vanilla and soft brown spice.

 Palate flavours are impressive, yellow and golden fruits running through nectarine, peach and pineapple, to yellow-apple and soft-fig. Echoes of the bouquet elaborate the wild-ferment-and-lees highlights of lemon yoghurt and pistachio nougat with impressive flavour. Fine French oak softly supports the fruit, giving fine satiny-texture, while bright acids give lift and lasting freshness. The striking palate feature of this wine is the elaborate fruit expression, delivering concentration and complexity with superb length.

Drink: now –  2035

 96 points Halliday Wine Companion

Limited Edition - only 45 dozen made

Technical Data

Alcohol: 12.7

pH: 3.32

TA: 7.0

Single Vineyard Range

2022 Latara Vineyard Semillon                                           

Variety:      100% Semillon 

Vineyard:    Keith Tulloch Latara Vineyard

Region:       Pokolbin, Hunter Valley

Vine age:    Vines planted in 1978

Tasting Notes

In comparison to our other Semillon vineyards, this site has by far the darkest, richest clay soils. This results in a wine that has more body and power than our typical style but is truly expressive of the old vines on this unique site. Oriented East-West on a gently sloping block, these long rows of vines have plentiful sunlight, whilst the volcanic clay and limestone soils have good water-holding capacity that supports moderate shoot vigour. Therefore, the vines require minimal input for excellent quality and have consistently produced this single-vineyard wine since 2018.

The 2022 vintage was a cool year that delivered classically balanced and pure white wines, particularly for Semillon. The aromas of the wine are wonderfully primary and lifted, featuring lemonade-like ripe citrus fruit with complex traces of frangipani, chamomile and nashi pear. The palate is vivid and intense, umami roundness enveloping the central core of green apple, white pineapple and citrus. The extremely long persistence carries the flavour of grapefruit zest with a chalky, river-stone savouriness.

96pointsHallidayWineCompanion

Drink: Now - 2030. 
164 dozen made.                                                          

Technical Data
Alcohol   10.4%
pH           2.96
TA           7.2

Single Vineyard Range

2021 Tawarri Vineyard Shiraz

Variety:     100% Shiraz

Region:     Upper Hunter Valley

Vineyard:  Tawarri Vineyard 

Tasting Note

The Tawarri Vineyard near Merriwa is one of the most unique vineyard sites in the Hunter region, only 10km from the top of the Great Dividing Range, 27km north-northeast of Merriwa. Here the climate differs entirely from the growing conditions of Pokolbin, with the 460m altitude bringing cool summer nights and even a dusting of snow through the winter months. The soils here are also unique, the Merriwa plateau being home to the deepest, most fertile black earth that is highly sought after by farmers. Red varieties thrive here, with this 25-year-old vineyard planted north-south with the P23 clone Shiraz that produces fruit with ripe, black flavours of impressive density.

The Tawarri Vineyard delivered by far the most powerful and intense wine of our 2021 harvest. This wine embraces that depth and fruit weight, with a full spectrum of concentrated black fruit ranging from sweet blackberry through to liquorice, black cherry and blackcurrant. There are briar-like elements, black tea and white pepper highlights, whilst the central pillars of texture are espresso-like tannins supported by fine-grained French oak extract. This wine hardly needs cellaring; it’s already hitting the sweet spot, but will preserve in bottle beautifully for those willing to wait.

94pointsHallidayWineCompanion

Drink: Now to 2032

Technical Data

Alcohol: 13.9%

The Family Collection

2021 The Kester Shiraz Magnum

Variety:     Shiraz (99%)  Viognier (1%)
Region:     Hunter Valley, single heritage listed vineyard
Vine Age:  Planted on own roots in 1923

Bottle:      Magnum 1500ml

Tasting Notes

The Kester 2021 shows all of the hallmarks and typicity of a classic Hunter Valley red, medium-weight in body but remarkably focused and concentrated on the palate. The 2020-21 growing season was influenced by the change in Pacific Ocean currents from El Niño to La Niña, which brought mild conditions; the vineyard enjoyed replenishing rains that promoted healthy subsoil moisture and strong vegetative growth compared to the hot and dry 2017-2020 period.

The wines from this season have remarkable bright black and red fruit duality, where the cooler growing conditions have led to the retention of natural grape acidity and a more stable accumulation of grape sugar; this has resulted in fresher, brighter fruit characters with compelling harmony and plush balance.

Aromas are black and purple fruited, intertwined with violet-like floral aromas complimented by barrel perfumes of sandalwood and vanilla pod; the palate balances primary and savoury notes, with black chocolate tannins backed by cherry-cheesecake umami, black cherry and blackcurrant fruit power.

95pointsHallidayWineCompanion

Drink: Now to 2040+

Technical Data

Alcohol: 13.5%
pH: 3.43

Single Vineyard Range

2022 McKelvey Vineyard Chardonnay

Variety:     100% Chardonnay       

Vineyard:  McKelvey Vineyard

Region:     Pokolbin, Hunter Valley               

Vine age:  Vines planted in 1998                                                 

Tasting Note

Planted on a western-facing hillside on Deasys Road, Pokolbin, the McKelvey Vineyard was established in 1997/1998 by the viticulturalist and winemaker David Lowe; the property is proudly family-owned and operated, farmed by Peter McKelvey and his son James. The soils on this site are profound; rich red-brown clay loam with underlying chalky limestone, one of the most desirable soils for the growth of quality Chardonnay. The rows here wrap around the contours of the hills and valleys of a magnificent property, with Chardonnay running both NE-SW and NW-SE, balancing the exposure and shading of the fruit across the sunny days of the growing season. The quality vinestock here is also important, with Chardonnay clone I10V5 highly recognised for generating fruit with strong varietal distinction and wine quality.

The 2022 Chardonnay is a silky, sophisticated wine. There is fine frame and finesse, yet complexity grows in aromatic power as it breathes from an initial spark of flint and struck match to reveal cinnamon, ripe peach and autolysis. The palate follows through with ripe pineapple, super-smooth creamy softness and peach-skin crunch. These elements of fruit quality, ferment funk and barrel maturation beckon and entice as a young wine, but even more certainly as a wine that will reward those who cellar it.

95pointsHallidayWineCompanion

Drink: Now - 2030 
257 dozen made.

Technical Data

Alcohol:  13.6%
pH:          3.24
TA:          7.3        

2023 Hunter Valley Semillon

Variety:     100% Semillon
Region:     Pokolbin, Hunter Valley
Vine Age:  Planted in 1969

Vineyard : Keith Tulloch Hermitage Road 

Tasting Notes

Aromas of lemon and lime juice, lemongrass and tropical zest.

The cool spring and Summer with dry, stable weather brought about some striking Semillons; flavours are primary and bright, filled with bold citrus and apple flavours bringing crunchy energy to the palate.

Drink: Now to 2030.

Technical Data

Alcohol: 10.5%

2023 Hunter Valley Chardonnay

Variety:     100% Chardonnay
Region:     Hunter Valley
Vine Age:  20+ years old

Tasting Notes

A brilliant year for growing and making Chardonnay. There is the full spectrum of yellow and golden fruits on the nose and palate, intertwined with barrel, yeast and struck-match flint character - each layer of character with so much more to give as this wine sits in the glass, breathes and relaxes.

Drink: Now to 2030

Technical Data

Alcohol: 12.5%

2023 PERDIEM 'Pario' Pinot Gris

Variety:   100% Pinot Gris
Region:   Premium vineyard areas in New South Wales Australia

Tasting Notes

Pario ( Verb - Latin): ‘Bring forth’

The true varietal characters of musk and green apple offer bright, refreshing aromas lifting out of the glass. Nutty spice and the waxy textures of macadamia and barley carry through on the palate with the fruit flavours of white peach, pear and lime zest. A lovely balance of fruit and exotic spice that complements a wide variety of foods and appeals instantly. 

Pop it in the fridge or ice bucket immediately, and serve chilled.

Drink: Now.
Food Match: Most foods.

Technical Data

Alcohol: 12.4%
pH: 3.3

Single Vineyard Range

Ewen Vineyard Chardonnay

Variety:   Chardonnay 100%

Vineyard: Ewen Vineyard

Region:    Broke-Fordwich, Hunter Valley

Tasting Note

Close to the base of the Brokenback range in the Broke Fordwich subregion, this vineyard is sheltered during the growing season rainfall and has well-draining alluvial soils. This drainage and shelter contributes to the consistency of quality fruit from this site, as the proximity to the mountains also shades the fruit from the hot Western afternoon sun during hot days and seasons.

The vineyard was established with highly regarded ‘P58’ clone Chardonnay vines with high quality potential, aided by the fastidious attention to detail and care that the Ewen family put into their vineyard.

This is our most opulent and expressive Chardonnay from our 2022 release whites, with ripe stonefruit characters that we have come to expect from this site. There is the stamp of barrel-ferment with oak spices weaving in around struck-match sulfite aromas, with a flair of slate and brie skin. The palate has a velvet harmony of fruit, oak and lees; characters of pistachio nougat, vanilla cream biscuit and apricot dance onto the finish – each swirl of the glass revealing more of the winemaker's mojo.

95pointsHallidayWineCompanion

Drink Now to 2030

278 dozen made

Technical Data

Alcohol: 12.2%
pH:         3.36
TA:         7.1

Variety: 100% Shiraz

Region: Hunter Valley

Tasting Note

This is an elegant light dry red that embodies the historic 'HRB' style of the Hunter Valley wine region; this is a wine that is fresh and ready to enjoy, delightfully supple and juicy.

The nose fills with subtle cinnamon spice, lavender and rose petal, carrying onto the palate to add delicate layers over the lip-smacking red cherry flavour. Its deliciously approachable and easy to enjoy.

You can pour at room temperature or even chilled to enjoy with good food and company.

Drink: Now

Food Match: Pizza, BBQ, Pasta

2023 PERDIEM 'Recolo' Rose

Variety:   Shiraz, Viognier, Semillon
Region:   Hunter Valley

Tasting Notes

Recolo ( Verb - latin) : 'I remember'

This fresh, inviting Rosé is worth remembering. First, there are the aromas, like crushed raspberries and rosewater; the flavours that follow are racy blood orange zest, cherry, pomegranate and watermelon. To finish there's a bead of red-grape texture and crunchy pink lady apple, enough to remind you that you're drinking a crisp, dry Rosé. 

Pop in the fridge or ice bucket immediately and serve chilled. Drink tonight with good food and company.

Drink: Now.
Food Match: Chicken, pork belly, and salads.

Technical Data

Alcohol: 12.5%
pH: 3.3

The Family Collection

2021 The Kester Shiraz

Variety:     Shiraz (100%) 
Region:     Hunter Valley

Tasting Notes

The Kester 2021 shows all of the hallmarks and typicity of a classic Hunter Valley red, medium-weight in body but remarkably focused and concentrated on the palate. The 2020-21 growing season was influenced by the change in Pacific Ocean currents from El Niño to La Niña, which brought mild conditions; the vineyard enjoyed replenishing rains that promoted healthy subsoil moisture and strong vegetative growth compared to the hot and dry 2017-2020 period.

The wines from this season have remarkable bright black and red fruit duality, where the cooler growing conditions have led to the retention of natural grape acidity and a more stable accumulation of grape sugar; this has resulted in fresher, brighter fruit characters with compelling harmony and plush balance.

Aromas are black and purple fruited, intertwined with violet-like floral aromas complimented by barrel perfumes of sandalwood and vanilla pod; the palate balances primary and savoury notes, with black chocolate tannins backed by cherry-cheesecake umami, black cherry and blackcurrant fruit power.

95pointsHallidayWineCompanion

Drink: Now to 2040+

Technical Data

Alcohol: 13.5%
pH: 3.43

2021 Hunter Valley Shiraz Viognier

Variety:     Shiraz (95%) | Viognier (5%)
Region:     Hunter Valley
Vine Age:  40+ years old

Tasting Notes

This mild growing season created classically elegant Hunter Valley reds; soft and immediately attractive. The colour carries an intense red-blue with violet hue, the aromas are a melange of black cherry and orange blossom. On the palate the fruit carries blackberry, cola and Turkish delight underpinned by a velvet creaminess and chocolatey roundness - the magic of Shiraz-Viognier co-fermentation.

Drink: Now to 2030

Technical Data

Alcohol 13%

FIELD OF MARS - Single Vineyard Range                            

Field of Mars Block 1 Shiraz 2021

Variety:     100% Shiraz

Region:      Pokolbin Hunter Valley

Vineyard:   Field of Mars Vineyard

Vine Age:   Vines planted in 1968

Soils:         Dark cracking clay

Tasting note

Block 1 Shiraz on Hermitage Road was planted in 1968 on 0.75 hectares of dark, fertile cracking clay soil. This terroir delivers a balanced and concentrated Hunter Valley Shiraz, with a core of dense black fruit that will allow many years of cellaring.

The black-fruit aromas of firm black cherry over a cola-like darkness, herb tinged, with bright supporting notes of black olive and peppercorn plus a dusting of juniper. Deluxe oak aromas sit further in the background, bringing deeper fragrances of tobacco and fine black tea.

The palate follows with the same deep black-cherry and a vibrant dark-streak of cola, with subtle waves of liquorice, anise and black chocolate. Flavours of black olive and juniper unite on the mid-palate, building a fine-grainy dryness and savory lift. Tannins are inky yet gentle with subtle oak-spice from a single 1500litre foudre, generating lovely balance, harmony, and grip on the finish.

Decant if drinking before 2027.

Drink: Now – 2040+

 96pts Halliday Wine Companion

Limited edition - only 161 dozen made

Technical Data

Alc: 13.0

pH:  3.55

TA:  6.3

Single Vineyard Range

2022 Norlana Vineyard Shiraz

Variety:     100% Shiraz

Region:     Upper Hunter Valley

Vineyard:  Norlana Vineyard  

Tasting Note

This special bottling is dedicated to the vineyard owner and grape grower Geoff Oldman, who supplied great quality Shiraz to us from 2015 - 2023, but sadly passed away in September 2023, aged 82.

Norlana is an outstanding vineyard just outside Denman in the Upper Hunter Valley, on a gentle hillside overlooking the confluence of the Goulburn and Hunter Rivers. The soil is a rich black clay flecked with iron-stone and red gravel, generating a perfumed and elegant style of Hunter Shiraz.

The sweet red-cherry, raspberry perfumes with a fine touch of cranberry, deliver freshness and elegance. Smooth and finely floral, with powdery fragrances of violet and lavender, beautifully fresh, lithe and light in expression, yet opulent.

Soft-fruits run along the palate, showing powder-soft flavours of raspberry and strawberry sherbet. This remarkably glossy texture continues with delicious velvety persistence, juicy red plum and red apple, finishing with hints of white pepper and nutmeg. Tannins are soft and creamy due to the whole-bunch nature of the fermentation, and the large format 1500litre oak foudre used for 12 months of aging.

Drink: Now – 2040

Limited Edition - only 160 dozen made

 Technical Data

Alcohol: 13.5%

FIELD OF MARS - Single Vineyard Range                            

Field of Mars Viognier Block 1 2023

Variety:   100% Viognier

Region:     Pokolbin, Hunter Valley

Vineyard:  Keith Tulloch Field of Mars Vineyard

Soils:       Transitionary from rich clay, through to pebbly rocks and onto sandy alluvium

Tasting Note                                              

Planted close to the creek bed in a unique soil profile, transitioning from rich clay through to pebbly rocks and finally onto alluvial sand.

Viognier’s signature aromas are a wonderful mix of fruit and flower, voluptuous perfumes of apricot, tangerine and musk, hints of ginger-snap, jasmine and honey.

Flavours are opulent too, mouth-filling apricot and peach with a beeswax softness, plus delicate savoury hints of gingerbread and almond. Fine French oak for 10 months has integrated from the mid-palate to the finish, giving spicy hints of pine-lime, warm spice and vanilla-pod. Fresh acidity lifts this glossy and lush palate to a vibrant and tangy close.

Drink: now –  2030

Limited Edition - only 55 dozen made

Technical Data

Alcohol: 14.0

pH: 3.60        

TA: 5.4        

Autumn Mixed Dozen 2024

2 x 2023 Semillon

2 x 2023 PERDIEM 'Pario' Pinot Gris

2 x 2023 Chardonnay

1 x 2023 PERDIEM 'Recolo' Rose

2 x 2021 Shiraz Viognier

1 x 2022 Norlana Shiraz

2 x 2021 The Kester Shiraz

A beautiful mixed selection, for every occasion.

Autumn Red Dozen 2024

3 x 2021 Shiraz Viognier

2 x 2022 PERDIEM 'Rivus' Syrah

2 x 2022 Norlana Shiraz

2 x 2021 Field of Mars Shiraz 

3 x 2021 The Kester Shiraz

A beautiful selection, for every occassion or for your cellar

Autumn White Dozen 2024

3 x 2023 Semillon

1 x 2021 Field of Mars Semillon

1 x 2021 Field of Mars Semillon

3 x 2023 PERDIEM 'Pario' Pinot Gris

2 x 2023 Chardonnay

1 x 2022 Ewen Chardonnay

1 x 2022 McKelvey Chardonnay

A beautiful selection, for any occasion, for your cellar or simply for the fridge!