The Field of Mars

FIELD OF MARS - Single Vineyard Range                            

Field of Mars Block 1 Shiraz 2019

Variety:     100% Shiraz

Region:      Pokolbin Hunter Valley

Vineyard:   Keith Tulloch Field of Mars Vineyard

Vine Age:   Vines planted in 1968

Soils:         Dark cracking clay

Tasting note

Block 1 Shiraz on Hermitage Road was planted in 1968 on 0.75 hectares of dark, fertile cracking clay soil. This terroir delivers a balanced and concentrated Hunter Valley Shiraz, with a core of dense black fruit that will allow many years of cellaring.

The black-fruit power comes through on the nose with aromas of blackberry, black-cherry and blackcurrant supported by a forest of pine-needle, gorse and hints of juniper and sandalwood.

Palate flavours echo the dark fruit elements with a black-cherry crunch, over smooth tannins that flow like espresso crema mixed with black chocolate. The fruit astringency and oak tannins work seamlessly together, finely staining the tongue with a central line of focus, elegantly grainy and positive.

A wine of magnitude that will maintain vibrancy over the long haul, to evolve and reveal the savoury classic Hunter characters from this outstanding single-block release.

Drink: now to 2040+

Limited edition - Only 160 dozen made

95 points - Ned Goodwin, Halliday Wine Companion

Technical Data

Alc: 13.8

pH:  3.52

TA:  108

FIELD OF MARS - Single Vineyard Range                            

Field of Mars  Block 2 Semillon  2019

Variety:   100% Semillon

Region:    Pokolbin, Hunter Valley

Vineyard: Keith Tulloch Field of Mars Vineyard

Vine age: Vines planted in 1968

Soil:         Fine, sandy alluvial 

Tasting Note 

Block 2 was established in 1968 on fine, sandy soils on the flat behind the winery; these alluvial sands are known for creating the purest and finest expressions of Hunter Valley Semillon.

This wine shows focused varietal aromatics of meyer-lemon and lime, interwoven with finer botanical notes of lemongrass, lavender, and frangipanni.

The energetic and super-focussed palate delivers flavours of juicy lime and lemon sherbet of extraordinary length. Primary juiciness is balanced with elegant acidity from these pure sandy soils, delivering the crucial elements of satin-soft fruit texture and vibrant fruit lift. Fine herb-like hints of juniper, talc, and chalk dust give that swallowtail of beautiful minerality, inextricably and naturally linked to the fruit.

A diamond with fine flavour intensity, great potential for long term cellaring or young fresh drinking.

Drink: Now – 2040

Limited edition - Only 162 dozen made

94 points Ned Goodwin, Halliday Wine Companion

Technical Data

Alc: 10.5

pH: 2.97

TA: 6.9

Single Vineyard Range

2021 Eagles Rest Vineyard Chardonnay

Variety:   Chardonnay 100%

Vineyard: Eagles Rest Vineyard

Region:    Pokolbin, Hunter Valley

Vine Age:  Vines planted in 1970's by Don Maxwell

Tasting Note

The Eagles Rest Vineyard is sited in central Pokolbin, nestled on the high slopes of the Pokolbin Mountain foothills and enjoys the benefits of cooler sea breeze air flow during Summer. It is also a protected site from both rainfall and the hot mid-Summer sun, close up under the shoulder of the Brokenback Mountain Range.

The Chardonnay vines growing here relish the deep red volcanic-basalt and decomposed sandstone soils. Rows are steeply terraced facing South in this section, with the unique steepness of the vineyard contributing to wonderfully intense flavours and consistent quality.

 The mild weather of 2021 has given this wine a special reserve, with crystal-clear fruit detail, poise and balance. Fruit aromas are nectarine, yellow apple and golden pear, quite highly focussed and tense, with soft notes of quince and vanilla yoghurt. Flavours show classy reserve too, yellow to gold stone fruits with linear brightness, plus a subtle cashew-like roundness from wild-ferment.

Drink Now to 2030

200 dozen made

Technical Data
Alcohol: 13%