Huntington Estate Special Reserve Grenache 2022

 

Tim Stevens has jumped on the Grenache bandwagon and found a comfy chair. A long time fan of the variety, he has planted a heap more vines in recent years. This is a juicy number and a damn fine take on the variety. 

Gundog Estate Smoking Barrel Red 2021

 

A blend of Hunter Valley and Hilltops Shiraz, I'm unsure why it's called a "Red" when Shiraz is actually what it is. It's a great drink by the way, make no mistake. 

Robert Stein Half Dry Riesling 2022

 

Half dry but 100% supreme awesomeness. I could have more than my fair share of this wonderful wine. Time and again it smashes it and the 2022 release is no different.

Robert Stein Dry Riesling 2022

 

John Mellencamp has the Cherry Bomb but Robert Stein has the citrus bomb. This Riesling is a belter.

Gundog Estate Indomitus Albus 2022

 

Something a little different - Hunter Semillon meets Canberra Riesling. Bang! The first whiff slices through you. A smart wine this.

Huntington Estate Special Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2009

 

In the groove. Silky and savoury, aged red wine bliss. I was fortunate enough to score a museum release sample of this wine. True to form, these Huntington Estate wines age well.

Huntington Estate Basket Pressed Shiraz 2019

 

Yet to be released, this Huntington Estate Basket Pressed Shiraz stood out at a recent lunch hosted by winemaker Tim Stevens. As with many of the reds from this stable, it will age gracefully although it's drinking superbly now.

Gundog Estate Rosé 2022

 

Sweltering summer afternoons can be sorted with an ice-cold glass of this Rosé from Gundog Estate.

Gundog Estate Indomitus Rosa 2022

 

Matt Burton sources fruit from a number of regions and it seems he has a habit of polishing a few gems. In short, this is delicious. A fabulous Rosé, I could neck the lot. Find this.

Keaton Pinot Grigio 2022

 

This is a really good drink. Keaton means where the hawks fly, so the back label tells me. Produced on the south coast of NSW, it was great to see this new label come across the Qwine tasting bench.

Scarborough Wines Keepers of the Flame Chardonnay 2021

 

Tasted at the Hunter Valley media famil back in May, this was one of the best Chardonnays in the line up showcasing the diversity of the region's quiet achiever. So underrated, Hunter Valley Chardonnay is a fabulous drink when done well. Get this on your radar.

Gundog Estate Indomitus Rutilus 2021

 

This is Matt Burton's take on Hunter River Burgundy, be it with a twist. Made with Hunter Shiraz but partnered with an out-of-towner - some Yarra Valley Pinot Noir from the George's Vineyard (20%). As Burton says, "This wine is less about place and more about variety and style." It's a fab wine, that's for sure.

Huntington Estate Nouveau 2022

 

A little something fresh and appealing from Huntington Estate - a drink now, think later blend of Grenache, Pinot Noir and Shiraz. Who says you can't drink red wine in summer?

Huntington Estate Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2021

 

Zippy and crispy, good gear this from Huntington Estate. 

Huntington Estate Pinot Noir Rosé 2022

 

Talk about dry. This is bone dry and damn delicious. A fab Rosé from Huntington Estate. 

Gundog Estate Hunter's Shiraz 2021

 

Line and length all the way and all day. A Glenn McGrath style Shiraz hurtling towards you. 

Gundog Estate The Chase Semillon 2022

 

Sizzling. Such a refreshing Semillon. There's a dab of texture to up the enjoyment factor too. You get the sense you are biting into a green apple. Yum!

Gundog Estate Off-Dry Semillon 2022

 

The last Off-Dry Semillon from Gundog Estate that came across the tasting bench was made with fruit from the Canberra district. This 2022 release heads back to its Hunter Valley roots.

Gundog Estate Wild Semillon 2022

 

Off-dry Semillon ready to be thrown at curry night or anything with a lick of spice for that matter.

Gundog Estate Rare Game Shiraz 2021

 

The Rare Game is winemaker Matt Burton's pursuit of Hunter Burgundy and his flagship Gundog Estate Shiraz. Made with fruit from the famed Ben Ean site, it sees French oak (25% new) for 16 months.