2018 'The Doctor' Shiraz

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.

Drink: Now - 2030 
257 dozen made.

95 points Wine Companion

Technical Data

Alcohol:  13.6%
pH:          3.24
TA:          7.3        

2022 Hunter Valley Shiraz Viognier

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

Tasting Notes

A  classically elegant Hunter Valley red; soft and immediately attractive with smooth tannins and glossy balance. Vibrant Shiraz aromatics full of black cherry and liquorice with the Viognier adding rose petal and  musk. Fruit flavours carry blackberry, cola and Turkish Delight underpinned by a velvet creaminess and chocolatey roundness - the magic of Shiraz-Viognier co-fermentation.  

92 points Halliday Wine Companion

Drink: Now to 2030

Technical Data

Alcohol 13%

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

The Family Collection Range

2023  The Wife Shiraz 

Varieties:   Shiraz 90 %,  Viognier 10 %

Region:      Hunter Valley

Vine Age:   Vines planted in 1978      
 

This wine is handmade for my wife Amanda, who loves aromatic and gentle reds.          

Tasting Notes  

Bright crimson-red with an almost opaque inky lustre, plus indigo-blue at the rim.

High levels of Viognier generate luxurious aromas, opening with refined and fragrances of  jasmine to fuller notes of honeysuckle.  With air these deepen to bolder scents of rose-petal and pot-pourri, together with  hints of fresh gingerbread.

The bouquet combines this top-note floral brightness with an equally impressive heart of black-fruits, with a lovely equilibrium of sweet ripe blackberry and glace cherry. Fine French-oak adds another dimension as the aromas develop, intertwining spice-notes of vanilla and cinnamon.

Flavours are rich with ripe black fruits that deliver luxurious texture, deliciously long and lavish with gentle chocolatey softness. This inky back-cherry Shiraz core is bold yet gentle, the high co-ferment proportion of Viognier delivering subtle power with reserve and elegance. Satin-soft tannins harmonise the palate with velvet notes of smooth vanilla and macadamia, elements of Viognier simmer with a heady exotic expression.

As always, the essence and character of ‘The Wife’ is about aromatic boldness with gentle textures. It possesses an aspect of refined power, delivering sophisticated grace and finesse.

Halliday Wine Companion 95 points

Drink : Now to 2040

Technical Data

Alcohol  13.8% 

pH 3.52