2019 Bainton Shiraz

2018 Hunter Valley Shiraz Viognier

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

Tasting Notes

Brilliant scarlet-red in colour and brim-full with ripeness, this S/V shows the luxuriant completeness of co-fermenting, combining the Shiraz aromatic richness of soft black-cherry (95%) with floral jasmine-like perfumes of Viognier (5%). This profusion of fruit combines on the palate with plush unity: dense yet satiny smooth, blackberry and cola-like with milk-chocolate softness, given extra sheen and depth from fine French oak, completing this opulent balance with a foundation of fine-spice vanilla and cinnamon.

The 2018 vintage gave us stellar harvesting conditions and fruit condition, this Shiraz-Viognier has appeal for immediate drinking or medium term cellaring.

Drink: Now to 2025 

Food Match: Slow cooked meats, pizza, or risotto.

Technical Data

Alcohol: 14%

2017 Forres Blend

Variety:    91% Cabernet Sauvignon 9% Cabernet Franc
Region:     Hilltops and Hunter Valley
Vineyard:  Freeman and Peter Drayton Vineyard

Tasting Notes     

Colour is dense red-crimson with a bright hue of blue-purple.

On the aroma, Cabernet Sauvignon is sovereign, an aromatic cascade of blackberry with cassis-like intensity and depth, brightened with the characteristic Cabernet Franc flair of raspberry and herb-like aromas of lavender and gun-smoke.  

Cabernet Sauvignon dominates the palate too with glossy back fruit richness of significant depth, contributing delicious tannins that deliver gravelly persistence and structure.

Cabernet Franc adds its distinguished flair from start to finish, lifting the palate as it does the aroma, gifting hints of raspberry and pomegranate and then herb fumé with its authentic bright lightness.

The 2017 Forres Bend is all about a perfect Cabernet partnership delivering true fruit harmony and expression, uniting the aristocratic richness of Cabernet Sauvignon with vibrant Cabernet Franc energy.

Drink: Now to 2029.
Food Match: Venison, gamey meats and lamb

Technical Data

Alcohol: 14.5%

MRV 2019

Variety: 47% Marsanne | 43%  Roussanne  | 10% Viognier
Region: Hunter Valley

Tasting Notes

This wine was previously known as Epogée

The boldness of this wine is obvious even in how it presents in the glass, with a strong lemon-yellow colour with flecks of green.

Aromatically, this wine is really in a class of its own. All three varieties contribute differently to the bouquet: Marsanne (47%) gifts the highlights of fresh citrus and pear, sweet lemon and fig. Roussanne (43%) fills out the fruit accents of ripe apple, honey, and fine herb tea. 

Finally, a dash of Viognier (10%) brings bright and floral distinction, with clear notes of honeysuckle and orange blossom plus hints of jasmine. 

The characteristics of each variety add a different character to the aroma and this complexity carries on throughout the palate of the wine. The Marsanne and Roussanne combine perfectly for pear, fig and macadamia flavours that are lush, layered and textured whilst viognier confers a nectarine tang with fine cardamom-like spiciness. These three varieties were fermented individually in French oak barrels before blending, which supports these layers of texure with subtle spice and creaminess onto the finish.

Drink:Now to 2025
Food Match: Gnocchi, pasta, or seafood

Technical Data

Alcohol: 12.6%
pH: 3.32 

Single Vineyard Range

2019 Tawarri Vineyard Shiraz

Variety:  100% Shiraz
Region:  Upper Hunter Valley

Tasting Notes

Sited at the top reaches of the Hunter Valley, high on the slopes of the Great Dividing Range at an altitude of 460m. This isolated site benefits from rich basalt soils and a cool, dry continental climate; the result is a Shiraz showcasing such wonderful depth of colour, fully saturated core of crimson and dark scarlet, plus vibrant purple and deep blue at the rim.

Florals of violet and jasmine float above deeper aromas of briar and eucalypt, ripe black cherry and raspberry fruits. Cool-climate accents are present too, adding spicy wisps of white pepper and sage – all building extra dimensions of vigour and freshness 

The palate shows the essence of its terroir – ripe black cherry and raspberry delivering beautifully concentrated fruits over velvet-soft tannins. Savoury flavours of red cherry and aniseed provide lift and vigour, combining with the subtle textural notes of oak-spice.

Wines like these have the structure to age for 10 years or more, yet the fine tannins are seductive already, and 5 years in bottle should be enough reward.

Drink: Now to 2030. 160 dozen made. 

Technical Data

Alcohol: 14.5%