2019 McKelvey Chardonnay

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%

2020 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

Single Vineyard Range

2019 Latara Vineyard Semillon                                           

Variety:      100% Semillon 

Vineyard:    Keith Tulloch Latara Vineyard

Region:       Pokolbin, Hunter Valley

Vine age:    Vines planted in 1978

Tasting Notes

This single vineyard on Deasys Road, Pokolbin was established in 1978 on volcanic, clay and limestone soils. The site has a gentle rise with a Western aspect, providing plentiful sunlight for consistently outstanding fruit. Latara Semillon posses a very striking personality: a pure clarity of colour, aroma and flavour, delivering extra radiance and volume with natural grace and power.

Colour : Extremely fine with flecks of lime and neon-green.

Aromas: The vineyard signature fruit characters are ripe lime-juice and lemongrass through to zesty tropical notes of Kaffir lime and pineapple. 

Palate: A bolder expressive palate full of juicy lime energy with the textural roundness of golden apple with zesty tropical fruit and pineapple. Flavours combine with an elegant sherbet-like balance: fresh and tangy, effortlessly long, with terrific focus and persistence. 

Cellaring: Showing beautiful harmony already, but in 5 years it will be sensational drinking, and in 10 years even better.

Drink: Now - 2030. 
165 dozen made.                                                          

Technical Data
Alcohol   10.5%
pH           2.74
TA           7.6

FIELD OF MARS - Single Vineyard Range                            

Field of Mars Chardonnay Block 6 2016

Variety:   100% Chardonnay

Region:     Pokolbin, Hunter Valley

Vineyard:  Keith Tulloch Field of Mars Vineyard

Vine Age:  Vines planted in 1968

Tasting Note                                              

Close planted in 1968, this dry farmed Chardonnay vineyard is a rarity, particularly planted with ‘Busby clone P58’, recognised amongst the strongest Chardonnay clones. This small 0.25 hectare plot is a very special resource, as it produces incredibly intense fruit character . Our vines are grown in the same deep sand as the Semillon 2a, and I’m sure that is key to this wine’s inherent quality. This wine proves again that country that is perfect of growing exceptional Hunter Semillon is also perfect for outstanding Chardonnay.

Colour: brilliant straw green with flecks of lime and pastel yellow.

Aroma: Strong elements of barrel ferment with perfumes of struck-flint and river-stone, lifting the bouquet with terrific fresh minerality. There’s excellent concentration of peach and nectarine, just in front of orange-blossom and pink grapefruit, but the magic of the aroma is much more than fruit. The complex fumé provides a unifying savouriness, accenting the fruit above the fine spices of oak.

Palate: Complex orange-blossom and pink grapefruit, along with hints of preserved lemon and golden apple. Elements of mineral and flint are strong too, supplying equally positive flavour length and distinction. Fermentation and maturation in French oak barrel provides a cashew-like creaminess beneath the fruit, which drives the long very tightly bound finish.

Cellaring potential: Keep it if you can, beyond 10 years.

128 dozen made

94 points James Halliday                                                                                                        

Technical Data

Alcohol: 12.7%

pH:         3.22

TA:          7.3