2024 THE KESTER Shiraz

Single Vineyard Range

2024 Celest Vineyard Chardonnay

Variety:   Chardonnay 100%

Vineyard: Celest Vineyard

Region:    Broke-Fordwich, Hunter Valley

Tasting Note

Planted in 1988 into alluvial soils washed down from the ancient sandstone hills bounding the southern wall of the vineyard, in the Broke valley.

Fresh and full perfumes of nectarine, peach-skin and mango yoghurt; brimming with tangy energy. Expressive accents of pistachio-nougat from sur-lees in barrel, finishing with the rich saline scents of oyster-shell and sea-spray.

Juicy, concentrated orchard and stone fruit flavours with the zesty vibe of mandarin / tangelo, plus the sweet-pithy focus of citron-tart; all in unison to give terrific line and length.

Very finely textured throughout, mixing pistachio and cream with a gentle touch of very fine barrel spice with a satin-like umami. The acidity shimmers with minerality, almost ethereal with terrific persistence onto the finish of the palate.

The detail is superb, and the refinement is world-class.

Limited Edition - only 151 dozen made

Halliday Wine Companion 95 pts

Drink: Now - 2036

Technical Data

Alcohol:12.8

pH: 3.3

2026 Hunter Valley Botrytis Semillon

Variety:     100% Semillon
Region:     Hunter Valley
Vine Age:  50+ years old

Vineyard:  Keith Tulloch Wine Hermitage Road

Tasting Notes

Limited edition – only 280 dozen made

This is an exceptionally concentrated late-harvest Semillon, shaped by the influence of Noble Rot and extended ripening in the warmth of late Summer. The result is a wine of remarkable intensity, complexity, and balance

Aromas rise to the top of the glass with powerful floral notes of candied citrus peel and honeysuckle. Simmering fruit notes display the maximum richness of peach-nectar, honeyed lemon, dried mango and marzipan.

These perfumes combine again on the palate, delivering the lusciously sweet richness of crystalised orchard fruits plus marmalade and honey. Glossy in texture with a rich bees-waxy viscosity, flowing with complex highlights of almond, ginger, caramel and sea-salt.

A wine of considerable character and sophistication, it is ideally suited to pairing with rich blue cheeses or a decadent dessert.

Drink: Now - 2034

Technical Data

Alcohol: 10.5%

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

Single Vineyard Range

2024 WCD Vineyard Shiraz

Variety:     Shiraz (100%) 
Region:     Hunter Valley

Vineyard:  WCD Vineyard

This vineyard is located less than 14km from our cellar door, on Wine Country Drive in Central Pokolbin. This site enjoys balanced weather influences, gifting the vineyard with slightly cooler summer days with slightly more Easterly breeze. Soils are deep brown clays with flecks of red ironstone.

Shiraz aromatics of rich black cherry with concentrated blackberry, plus fresh leaf-and-flower accents of sweet briar and wild rose. Deeper spice-notes of juniper and black-pepper chime in too, with fine French-oak contributing subtle, elegant, and complex notes of vanilla and cinnamon.

Inky black-fruits dominate the palate, from black cherry to sweet blackcurrant, fanning out gradually with soft velvety notes of glace-fruits and dark chocolate. From mid-palate to the finish these flavours retain their power and energy, gaining lasting accents of liquorice, integrating beautifully with the softness of toasty barrel-spice. Tannins are deep and spice-laden too, gently staining the tongue with hints of malty Assam tea and graphite.

2 or 3 years in the cellar would be ideal, or if drinking before then decant for early reward.

Drink: Now to 2035

Only 157 dozen made                                                                     95 points The Real Review

Technical Data

Alc 14.7%

pH  3.5

TA  6.5