93 points - "Patience is required with this unique blend of Hunter shiraz, Hilltops tempranillo and Orange pinot noir. Shy on opening, it blooms with air, transforming into a wine of interest and flair. Inherently medium weight with savoury, peppery tones and mid-palate tension, it unfurls in the glass to reveal notes of rose petals, turned earth, cherries, musk and pomegranate. A joyous, bright and unique blend that shines brightly with or without food." - Toni Paterson (Halliday Wine Companion)

Tasting Notes
A radiant crimson-purple glow sets the scene for an explosion of bright, fruit-focused aromatics. Ripe raspberry, blueberry, and inky blackcurrant fuse into an exotic amalgam—like nighttime on La Rambla in Barcelona. Hints of rosewood, wild woody herbs, pink peppercorns, and dark rose petals complete the heady lift of perfume.

The juxtaposition of acidity and tannin provides an instant tension of flavour and texture. Ripe, pippy blackberry and tangy red plum slide across the palate with a shimmering acid line, giving a resonant persistence. While this wine will easily sit alongside generously flavoured food, it would happily go with ambiance alone.

Vineyard Notes
For the second year running, NSW was impacted by a strong La Niña weather pattern, bringing a cooler, wetter growing season and summer than the long-term trend shows.

The key phenological development stages for vineyards across NSW were well behind the usual schedule, resulting in a very nervous period leading up to harvest. Ripening was very slow and prolonged across the high country, but this has given us great depth of flavour combined with excellent acidity—resulting in wines that are both flavoursome and vibrant.

Production Notes

Hunter Shiraz 35%, Hilltops Tempranillo 35%, Orange Pinot Noir 30%

6 months in old French oak barriques

Winemaker Notes
The evolution of this wine continues, while the driving inspiration remains. The addition of Shiraz to the Tempranillo and Pinot Noir makes a Mélange à Trois of bright fruit, ensuring approachability on an almost intoxicating level.

Six months in old barrels gives the wine just enough time to relax into its Iberian-like form. Once again, the target is enjoyment—needing no excuse. But slightly chilled on Christmas Day would be a good fit.