Silkman Shiraz Pinot Noir 2018

 

Brilliant. Just brilliant! And this is proof you don't have to spend up big to indulge in exceptional wines. I found this on the shelf at an independent wine store for $28.

Gundog Estate Rare Game Shiraz 2019

 

Pretty aromas hook you in. Give it some air and it sings. A wonderful Hunter Valley Shiraz.

Tyrrells Vat 1 Semillon 2015

As with all Tyrrell's aged Semillons, they show so much vitality and freshness. A brilliant Vat 1 release once again.

Gundog Estate Poacher's Blend Semillon 2013

A fabulous Hunter Valley aged Semillon. A museum release from Gundog Estate, this runs deep before asking some questions and then pulling you in closer. Superb!

Carillion Wines Origins Fenestella Shiraz 2018

A must-do on your next Hunter Valley excursion is to eat at Bistro Molines. Trust me. It is here you will also find the home of Tallavera Grove, one of the best vistas in the district, and the home of Carillion Wines. This Fenestella Shiraz is their flagship wine.

Meerea Park Black Shiraz 2018

 

Meerea Park's flagship. This was supposed to be a one off in 2011 but the good Hunter years keep coming. Now the fourth release of this label ('11,'14,'17,'18), the 2018 Hunter Valley vintage is said to be off the charts. Some suggest better than 2014.

Gundog Estate Marksman's Shiraz 2013

 

A 2013 Cellar Release and it's a beauty. Just wow. The more I see Matt Burton's wines the more I adore them. There's a meticulous touch which defines his work. 

Tyrrell's Vat 8 Shiraz Cabernet 2018

 

The beauty of medium bodied Shiraz and depth of Cabernet all parcelled up cleverly.

Tyrrell's Vat 9 Shiraz 2018

 

Stunning Hunter. Many of the locals suggest 2018 was one of the best on record and this Shiraz exemplifies that. A beauty!

Gundog Estate Smoking Barrel 2019

 

Pan fried chorizo and then some. Gloriously meaty. Prosciutto and pancetta too. Give me the meat board and a large glass. 

Tyrell's Winemaker's Selection Vat 47 Chardonnay 2018

Pure Hunter Valley Chardonnay. Complex and balanced, this is an absolute beauty. An excellent way to bring up my 600th wine review for 2020.

Gundog Estate Hunter's Shiraz 2019

 

Gundog Estate rarely misses a beat. Here's another terrific example of a medium bodied Hunter Valley Shiraz.

Dirt Candy The Pink Panther Pet Nat 2020

 

Pet Nat on the wild side in more ways than one. A blend of Chardonnay, Semillon, Verdelho and Shiraz.

Meerea Park Indie Vintage Brut Cuvee 2011

 

I was quite excited to see this sample come through the door. I can't recall the last time I saw a fizz from Meerea Park. If it's as bubbly as winemaker Rhys Eather's sideline commentary at the rugby, we're in for a treat.

James Estate Semillon 2020

 

Hunter Semillon calls for fresh seafood and sunshine.

James Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2020

 

Bursting with tropical fruit, energetic aromas fill the nasal cavity. 

James Estate Verdelho 2020

 

Oh Verdelho. So maligned and often one dimensional.

Gartelmann Wines Wilhelm Shiraz 2017

 

Give this some Hunter Shiraz some air to see it at its best.

Meerea Park Reserve Pinot Noir 2018

 

From a cracking Hunter Valley vintage comes this Reserve Pinot Noir release. 

Meerea Park Alexander Munro Shiraz 2018

Big and sturdy, this is a wine that needs to chill out and cool its heels. Still tight after three days of tasting, longevity will be its friend.