Red

2016 Tawarri Vineyard Shiraz

Variety:  100% Shiraz
Region:  Upper Hunter Valley

Tasting Notes

The fruit for this wine is sourced from a very unique site, which at 550m above sea level is the highest altitude vineyard in the Hunter Valley. This elevation and continental climate lead to cooler-climate aromatics, expressing violet and bramble with hints of eucalypt. These dark, aromatically tantalising fragrances point to this wine's power. Indeed, Flavours are palate saturating with terrific clarity, texture and creamy depth; the richness is liquorice-like and richly packed with plush purplish fruits, plus
chocolatey soft tannins that glide invitingly along in tight and centered focus. There is a wisp of stalky freshness adding to the finish, complete with a final assertion of gentle powdery firmness. This wine is a real statement of the vineyard's pedigree, expressing beautiful balance and structure ideal for cellaring beyond 15 years.

Drink: 2019 to 2038.
Food Match: Beef, lamb or kangaroo.

Technical Data

Alcohol: 14.5%
pH: 3.46

2016 The Kester Shiraz

Variety: Shiraz (99%) | Viognier (1%)
Region: Hunter Valley, single heritage listed vineyard
Vine Age: Planted on own roots in 1923

Tasting Notes

A beautiful example of our flagship wine, showing all of the concentration, power and structure expected from such ancient vines.

Colour is brilliant red/black with fine purple freshness at the rim. the aromas show a wealth of fruit - jammy blackberry and inky cherry, plum and hints of fresh red raspberry, underscored by the classic Kester savoury notes of garrigue/ crushed herb and black olive.

Flavours are bright and direct, showing muscular structure with taut focus. Pristine fruits are packed in with sustained intensity spanning the flavour spectrum, from red cherry through to blackberry to black olive, moderated by supple mocha, spice and oak tannin. As it sits in the glass, the 'terroir' savouriness becomes even richer, adding deeper velvety notes of liquorice, herb, coffee, smoke and game.

Cellaring for at least 3 years is essential to allow the Kester to bloom, with at least a decade of development capacity to follow. Keep it even longer if you can for the best rewards.

Technical Data

Alcohol: 14.6%
pH: 3.35

2017 Hunter Valley Shiraz Viognier

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

Tasting Notes

Impressively deep colour, dense red/black, showing a vibrant crimson rim.

The nose is powerful with the commanding authority of black cherry Shiraz aromas (95%), as well as honeysuckle and floral perfumes of Viognier ( 5%). Deluxe French oak simmers softly in the background, contributing spicier accents of vanilla, cinnamon, and fine, bergamont-tinged black tea. Flavours are dense and smooth, with the magic of  Shiraz and Viognier co-fermentation; the black cherry and black raspberry core flavours are sublimely softened be chocolatey roundness, generating a plush unity of fruit and tannin. Fine oak provides gentle support throughout, a tightly packed foundation with lovely balance and depth.

This will be a vintage to remember, with stellar harvesting conditions and fruit condition, this Shiraz-Viognier already shows delightfully fresh expression and charm, appealing for immediate drinking or medium term cellaring.

Drink: Now to 2023.
Food Match: Slow cooked meats, pizza, or risotto.

Technical Data

Alcohol: 13.8%
pH: 3.46

2018 PERDIEM 'Recolo' Rose

Variety: 100% Shiraz
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