Gundog Estate Smoking Barrel Shiraz 2022

 

Such an approachable wine, it is no surprise that this Smoking Barrel is a popular choice in the Gundog Estate range. A 50/50 blend of Hunter Valley and Hilltops fruit, it's dense though it keeps its medium-bodied shape. 

Gundog Estate The Chase Semillon 2023

 

Clean, fresh and pure. The 2023 Hunter Valley vintage is said to be better for reds but this is a very tidy expression of Semillon.

Gundog Estate Wild Semillon 2023

 

For an off-dry Semillon, this hits the mark. The texture from skins is evident and the delish factor is high. A smart wine from Gundog Estate.

Gundog Estate Off-Dry Semillon 2023

 

One of two off-dry Semillons in the Gundog Estate range, this release needs some food beside it.

Gundog Estate Hunter's Semillon 2023

 

If you were going to introduce someone (or yourself) to Semillon, this Hunter's Semillon from Gundog Estate is an excellent starting point.

Gundog Estate Hunter's Shiraz 2021

 

A quality and reliable Hunter Valley Shiraz that demonstrates all those beautiful medium-bodied things that make such wines from the region so appealing.

Winmark Single Vineyard Reserve Chardonnay 2021

 

Deliciously attractive, this is Hunter Valley Chardonnay in peak form. A superb wine from Winmark that will only continue to develop with some bottle age.

Gundog Estate Rare Game Shiraz 2022

 

A wine to embrace, the moreish appeal is gravitating. Inspired by the Hunter Burgundy wines of years gone by, this Gundog Estate is gloriously medium-bodied and drawn from two vineyards lying in the shadow of the Broken Back Range.

Winmark Icon 72 Chardonnay 2021

 

Named after the vines planted in 1972, Winmark is quite a beautiful vineyard in the Hunter Valley sub-region of Broke. A brand entirely devoted to Chardonnay (rejoice!), it has certainly made its mark after a few years.

Winmark Wines Expressions Chardonnay 2021

 

The Winmark Wines Expressions Chardonnay is a blend of five blocks from a total of seven onsite. Each block is picked and fermented separately with French oak playing a small role. It's quite a beautiful drink.

Winmark Wines Rusty's Run 2022

 

Winmark Wines have landed with a bang since taking over the old Poole's Rock vineyard in 2016. After bottling their first wines in 2018, they just took out the award for Cellar Door of the Year at the Hunter Valley Legends Awards in 2023. Located in the Hunter Valley subregion of Broke Fordwich, they specialise in Chardonnay. This Rusty's Run is an expression of 'new world' Chardonnay and it hits the mark.

Mount Pleasant Cellar Aged Semillon 2018

 

The Hunter Valley has no peer when it comes to Semillon. Be it fresh and vibrant new releases or a cellar release with some time under its belt, these wines done well are 'semsational'. This pristine 2018 from Mount Pleasant is proof of that.

Glover Wines Oakey Creek Semillon 2022

 

Fresh and contemporary, this is a Semillon that you want to rip into right now. A most impressive debut release from Emily Glover.

Mount Pleasant Mount Henry Shiraz Pinot Noir 2022

 

In a word, wow! The balance and finesse are captivating. A classic Hunter Valley blend done with a contemporary sheen. 

Briar Ridge Albarino 2023

 

We have a lively one here! It was well away from my nose yet the aromas were exploding from the glass to get my attention. Clean, fresh and oh-so refreshing, fun in the sun awaits with this one. Bring on spring!

Mount Pleasant Fiano 2022

 

A wonderfully textured white for a cool winter's afternoon. I'm keen on a creamy pasta dish after making friends with this.

Mount Pleasant OP and OH Shiraz 2022

 

An energetic number on opening, this Old Paddock & Old Hill needs a lie down. After three days of tasting, the momentum it built was superb. One for the long haul with a proven track record for aging, tuck this away and be rewarded deluxe.

Briar Ridge Dairy Hill Semillon 2023

 

Three 2023 Semillon releases from Briar Ridge have come and they are three very different expressions. The racy Stockhausen to the purity of the Black Cluster and now the concentrated Dairy Hill. We're spoilt for choice here.

Briar Ridge Black Cluster Hunter Valley Semillon 2023

 

Brilliant. Classy. All that. A superb Hunter Valley Semillon from Briar Ridge.

Briar Ridge Stockhausen Semillon 2023

 

The first Hunter Valley Semillon hits the tasting bench for 2023. Full of energy and zip, find the seafood platter and a large pour of this.