From Good To Outstanding… Red Wines of The Hunter Valley

WORDS QUENTIN VON ESSEN

Throughout the world, winemakers strive to make the best possible wine from the available resources. In Australia, for many wine aficionados, the quest for the "perfect" Aussie red starts in the Hunter Valley, where grapes have been grown for almost 200 years.

The world's classic premium red grape varieties are abundant in the Hunter Valley, where some of the oldest vines and most prominent names in Australian wine can be found. The warm climate, deep friable loam and red duplex soils of the Hunter Valley produce superb examples of Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Shiraz and Mediterranean varieties, including Tempranillo, Sangiovese, Barbera and Nebbiolo, to mention just a few.

The Hunter Valley is a mecca for lovers of quality wines renowned for their thoroughly unique, distinctive style and ageing ability. Here, over 150 vineyards offer a choice of red wines that range from good to outstanding – think Mount Pleasant Old Paddock and Old Hill Shiraz or Mount Pleasant Maurice O’Shea Shiraz, Tyrrell's Vat 9 Hunter Shiraz or Peterson's IHP Shiraz. And then there are De Iuliis Wines, Adina Vineyard, Briar Ridge, Hungerford Hill, Tamburlaine, Draytons, Blueberry Hill, Polin & Polin and Lisa McGuigan Wines – all producing exceptional red wines.

Whatever you're looking for, the Hunter Valley provides a diversity of red wines perfect for those looking for something different.

Shiraz is the Hunter's premium red variety. The typical young Hunter Valley Shiraz is a medium-bodied wine showing red and dark berries, spices and a great deal of tannin. However, its real character is seen in wines with longevity. With age, the wines become a far more complex, full-bodied, yet smooth and richly flavoured wine with some earthy tones.

Cabernet Sauvignon is the world's most loved red wine and is renowned for its ability to age for decades. These wines can be medium to full-bodied, elegant, aromatic and a rich bouquet with fruity notes of black cherries and currants and herby notes of peppers and olives.

Described as "the most romantic of wines,'' Pinot Noir tends to be light to medium in body with a broad range of textures and flavours, including a variety of complex aromas reminiscent of black or red cherry, raspberry, currant and blackberry. While widely considered to produce some of the finest wines in the world, it is also highly reflective of its terroir, with different wine-growing regions often producing very different wines.

Originating from Bordeaux in France, Merlot is renowned for its wonderfully fruity, well-rounded, even fleshy character and is grown in just about every wine-growing region of Australia. The summer heat of the Hunter is considered to provide the ideal growing conditions for this versatile grape variety. In recent years, Hunter Valley Merlot has experienced a surge in popularity, with a vibrant bouquet providing one of the most pleasurable wine experiences.

Originating in the Rioja region of Spain, where it is often blended with varieties such as Graciano, Grenache and to a lesser extent Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo wine is now being made in many wine regions throughout Australia - including the Hunter Valley. This variety is exciting because it is an easy-drinking, medium to full-bodied wine with lower acidity and full fruit flavours that match well with a wide range of foods. The wine is ruby red in colour, while the aroma and flavours can have plum, cherry, strawberry and herb characteristics.

Originally from the Bordeaux region of France, the bold-yet-floral expression of Petit Verdot is something that all red wine enthusiasts should have the opportunity to try. In Australia, Petit Verdot is planted in warmer climates such as the Hunter Valley, resulting in full-bodied wines with concentrated flavours and integrated tannins.

This Shiraz is vibrant ruby red in colour with bright crimson and cerise hues. Wonderfully lifted, floral, ripe and soft. The upfront fruit aromas are of lifted and stewed red fruits of raspberry and cherry. This is supported by floral and herbal nuances of pot pourri and mixed dried herbs. There are also gamey and savoury nuances and an underlying earthiness.

TASTING: The palate is mid weight, elegant, savoury, soft and dry. The upfront fruit flavours are of plum and juicy red apple. The mid palate is broad with spicy flavours and a slight smokiness. The back palate is elegant and clean with persistent natural acidity.

FOOD MATCH: Slow cooked cajun beef ribs, barbequed pork belly, aged Gouda cheese

PRICE: $75

CELLARING: 3-8 years

Mount Pleasant is home to some of the Hunter Valley's oldest vineyards, made famous by Maurice O’Shea, Australia’s first great winemaker. This blend is from the Old Paddock, planted in 1921 and Old Hill, planted In 1880. A rich and robust style that provides exceptional cellaring potential.

TASTING: Intense blackberry, chocolate and spice on the nose. The palate is rich in fruit, with wonderful balance and exceptional length.

FOOD MATCH: Steak frites

PRICE: $55

CELLARING: 25 years plus

Spartacus, like all of the wines Lisa produces, is created the way she likes to drink the varietal. Like Spartacus the gladiator from around 70BC, this wine is rebellious and fresh, with spice and texture. It is full of surprises on the palate and medium in body, with great length and a soft, flavoursome finish.

TASTING: A medium bodied wine with aromas of ripe raspberries and a hint of spice. This wine has a good depth on the palate, lovely flavours of ripe red berries, and a smooth chocolaty finish.

FOOD MATCH: Beef bourguignon

PRICE: $40

CELLARING: Perfect for drinking now but with careful cellaring will be excellent for the next 10 years

Rich in concentrated fruit flavours, this Shiraz is crafted in small batch. Handpicked, fermented in open vats, hand plunged and finally basket pressed prior to maturation, preserving the delicate essence of this regional hero. Pristine fruit, a gentle hand and the finest oak give finesse, flavour and longevity.

TASTING: Our winemakers mature this exceptional Hunter Valley Shiraz in French and American barrels for 18 months. The fine grain of French oak has subtle influence of dark chocolate, roasted coffee beans and exotic, savory spices with firm, but silky tannins to harmonious balance the elegant fruit flavours. The use of seasoned American oak barrels contributes additional texture and complexity to the wine.

FOOD MATCH: Slow cooked duck Maryland, three texture pumpkin, baby spinach salad

PRICE: $75

CELLARING: Cellar for 8–10 years

Adina wines are made from grapes grown on their Lovedale vineyard. The Cabernet Franc 2021 has a smooth rounded palate with a juicy centre, finishing with a mineral acid freshness.

TASTING: Tasting of fruity red berries and pronounced aromas of red cherry, wild raspberries and fresh cut herbs, this is a magnificent single vineyard example of a Hunter grown Cabernet Franc.

FOOD MATCH: Enjoy slightly chilled to accompany cold cured meats, chicken and soft cheeses.

PRICE: $45*

CELLARING: Drink now or cellar for at least 15 years. *Mention code Your Hunter Valley for 10% off your purchases at the Adina Cellar Door

This cool climate, high altitude wine has aromas of rose petals and fresh lychee, with tropical fruits, citrus, and sweet spice on the palate. Gentle honeysuckle and spice characters perfectly balanced with crisp acidity, leaving a refreshingly long finish.

TASTING: Big, Brave, Bold. A complex wine worthy of a warrior, with the best elements of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Merlot in this classic red blend.

FOOD MATCH: Something hearty, a Tomahawk steak or BBQed portobello mushrooms

PRICE: RRP $24 ($16/dozen, $14/two dozen +)

CELLARING: This wine is best enjoyed young! Can be cellared for up to 5 years, keep away from strong light, at a cool, constant temperature.

The historic Steven vineyard was planted in 1968 on red volcanic soil. Wines grown on rich, volcanic soil are concentrated and lifted with a bright acidity. These old Shiraz vines consistently produce some of the Hunter Valley’s most outstanding wines.

TASTING: On the nose, rich berry fruits, intense spice and pepper combine to enrich the aromatics. Black cherries framed with firm tannins and bright acidity provide a full-bodied style with great length on the palate. A well-balanced wine, consistent with iconic Hunter Valley Shiraz style.

FOOD MATCH: Pair with chermoula rib-eye roast with crispy chats and broccolini.

PRICE: $40

CELLARING: Careful cellaring will see this wine develop beautifully over the next 5 – 15 years.

Exceptional wine, from a highly rated vintage. Made with specially selected premium grapes, sourced from vines more than 100 years old. Aged to perfection under cork, in the cool of their Hunter Valley Museum Cellar.

TASTING: Delicate aromas of plums and cherries, with a long, smooth yet complex palate. Luscious and rich, It has retained its structure and balance between fruit, alcohol and oak tannins. Drinking beautifully right now.

FOOD MATCH: Braised beef cheeks, slow-cooked lamb shanks, steak, ribs, burgers. Amazing with aged cheddar, but it really goes off with dark chocolate!

PRICE: $75

CELLARING: Enjoy now or carefully cellar for further 3-5 years.

In 1872 John Rook was tried for the theft of 23 sovereigns from his step father. Based on conflicting testimonies and circumstantial evidence he was sentenced to death at the age of 22. As fortune would have it, he was instead sent to the new colony of Australia. TASTING Displays aromas of sweet red fruits and plums which lead to a smooth silky palate and a long finish.

FOOD MATCH: This wine pairs beautifully with any red meats such as beef or lamb.

PRICE: $40*

CELLARING: Store in a cool dark place, ready to drink now.

*Available at The Garden Cellars, Hunter Valley Gardens Shopping Village

Continuing our legacy of showcasing some of the finest fruit from New South Wales. This blend swaggers with personality and clarity of flavour. From the red soils of Hilltops, near Young, a small but powerful region for alternative varietals.

TASTING: A savoury and smooth Tempranillo is complimented by the spicy fruit and structure of Graciano. The resulting wine has greater intensity, depth and length.

FOOD MATCH: On the cheese side of things, thick cut hot chips covered in grated parmesan or pecorino. For something more substantial a slow cooked lamb roast, chorizo hotpot, or Hungarian goulash.

PRICE: $45

CELLARING: 3-5 years

This Cabernet Merlot is one of the longest standing reds on offer at Blueberry Hill. Staying true to their history, this vintage is very fruit forward and easy drinking, proving itself time and time again to be a crowd favourite. TASTING Textured tannins of the Cabernet layered over succulent and soft fruit notes. Ripe plum flavours carry throughout, with a long and lingering finish & cedary oak tannins.

FOOD MATCH: Smokehouse style meats, such as ribs, briskets etc.

PRICE: $45

CELLARING: Up to 2028

Crafted as a tribute to legendary Hunter Winemaker Karl Stockhausen, this wine is artfully created in the traditional style that made the Hunter Valley eminent. The Shiraz fruit was grown on their well-drained Terra Rossa over limestone soils from their estate parcels in Mount View, Hunter Valley approximately 500m behind the Cellar Door.

TASTING: Plush, full and supple with concentrated red berry fruits framed by super fine tannins building a long linear finish.

FOOD MATCH: Lamb backstrap and grilled vegetables

PRICE: $43

CELLARING: 5 - 8 years