2023 Field of Mars Shiraz Block 1

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        

Single Vineyard Range

2023 Tawarri Vineyard Shiraz

Variety:     100% Shiraz

Region:     Upper Hunter Valley

Vineyard:  Tawarri Vineyard 

Tasting Note

A unique vineyard in the Hunter Valley at 460m above sea level, with fertile black earth soils and rich basalt, characterised by cool Summer nights and even a dusting of snow through the Winter months. The Shiraz vines are 28 years old producing fruit with ripe black flavours of impressive density.
A twinning of black and red fruits delivers aromas of lush blackberry with flashes of plum and raspberry. The cooler climate fresh eucalyptus and wild bramble notes of mint leaf and fresh aniseed add to the perfumed core of opulent black fruits.
The same concentration rules the palate from start to a very long finish: supple and velvety, energetic and fresh, with a combination of power and elegance. The abundant black fruits anchor the palate, blackberry and licorice, with a finer tannin foundation already satin soft and supple yet beautifully nuanced from 12 months in a large format French oak barrel, accenting notes of vanilla and cinnamon.

I recommend decanting, particularly until the 5th year in bottle, to amplify the Tawarri-site accents to their max.

Halliday Wine Companion 95 points

Drink: Now – 2035

Limited Edition – only 193 dozen made

Technical Data

Alcohol: 13.5%

pH: 3.5

TA: 6.3

Single Vineyard Range

2023 Norlana Vineyard Shiraz

Variety:     100% Shiraz

Region:     Upper Hunter Valley

Vineyard:  Norlana Vineyard  

Tasting Note

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 style of Hunter Shiraz.
A swirl of lovely aromas open with concentrated inky black cherry, a delicious mix of cassis, kirsch and mineral, richly scented with floral touches of mulberry and violets.
Glossy mouth-filling flavours, tightly wound with delicious intensity, dark stone-fruit combining beautifully with notes of briar, eucalypt and white pepper. Powerful yet gentle tannins, tongue staining and central, flow around the primary Shiraz core with the softness and density of dark chocolate.
12 months in a large format 1500 litre French oak barrel combines the fruit and oak to deliver a seamless harmony, intense and deep like fine espresso coffee, with lasting notes of sandalwood, bay leaf and peppery licorice.

It greatly rewards decanting, 1 hour before drinking. Afterwards, this wine is amazing.

Wine Companion 96 points

Drink: Now – 2035

Limited Edition – only 162 dozen made

 Technical Data

Alcohol: 13.0%

pH: 3.52

TA: 6.0

Single Vineyard Range

Ewen Vineyard Chardonnay 2024

Variety:   Chardonnay 100%

Vineyard: Ewen Vineyard

Region:    Broke-Fordwich, Hunter Valley

Tasting Note

This vineyard is owned and farmed by Stewart and Liz Ewen. Sited close to the base of the Brokenback range in the Broke-Fordwich subregion, planted to the high quality Chardonnay clone P58. The well drained alluvial soils are sheltered from afternoon Western heat by the lee of the mountains.

A powerful aromatic mélange of orchard fruits from a warm vintage highlighting nectarine through citrus and green melon, to the reductive undercurrent aromas of gun-flint and oyster-shell. Subtle aromas of barrel spice give a quieter aromatic undertow, with warm brown-spice and notes of nougat and almond.

The palate is long and plush with ripe stone-fruit, apple, and melon fruits combining with notes of pastry, cashew and butterscotch. Dynamic elements of flint and mineral give savoury brightness with exotic and appetising flair.

This young and expressive Chardonnay is an outstanding example ready for enjoyment now but will age superbly if you have the patience.

Drink Now to 2035

88 dozen made

91 points The Real Review

Technical Data

Alcohol: 12.8%
pH:         3.30
TA:          6.5