Category Archives: Hunter Valley

2005 Tyrrell’s Vat 47 Chardonnay

Purchased on release and cellared at Wine Ark, then brought to my humble abode and shared by a friend. Quite simply this is what wine is all about. I would have been grateful had it turned out to be a … Continue reading

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2013 Mount Pleasant Simone Chardonnay

Named after Maurice O’Shea’s daughter…and I’ll be honest; that predisposes me to it. Peach and melon balanced by a nutty trail mix savouriness. A shaft of acidity cuts through hints of buttery malo and subtle yet creamy oak. Somewhere around … Continue reading

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2013 Mount Pleasant B-Side Airport Block 3/46 Lovedale Vineyard Field Blend

I read about a Lovedale Vineyard field blend being made in secret by Gwyn Olsen during her tenure at Mount Pleasant. This is perhaps what came of that exploration. It’s a blend of Chardonnay, Verdelho and Semillon. The winemaker is … Continue reading

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2013 Mount Pleasant Eight Acres Hunter Valley Semillon

The Jim Chatto revival (sounds like a bluegrass band doesn’t it?) begins at Mount Pleasant. This is named after a section of the Lovedale Vineyard. It could make Hunter Semillon some new friends. Enjoyable young but little doubt over its … Continue reading

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2009 Meerea Park Alexander Munro Semillon

An aged release yet it remains focused and relatively youthful. Both Shiraz and Semillon fared well in the Hunter Valley in 2009. Grapes came from the sandy soils of the Braemore Vineyard, originally planted in 1969. Lemon extends into slightly … Continue reading

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2007 Mount Pleasant Elizabeth Cellar Aged Semillon

While you wait for your other Hunter Semillons to hit maturity it’s always good to be able to grab a Lizzy. I like this more than the 2006 release. It’s slightly less developed and has more focus and reach. Lanolin, … Continue reading

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2009 Meerea Park Alexander Munro Shiraz

The Alexander Munro is now released as a five year-old and a ten year-old wine. A pretty smart idea for those who don’t have a cellar or wine fridge…or for those who just want to tuck in straight away. Blackberry over … Continue reading

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2006 De Iuliis Aged Release Semillon

Why I don’t have more Hunter Semillon stashed in my cellar is beyond me. I love the better examples with age and the lower alcohol is a much-needed tonic for my health. Lanolin and buttered toast have entered the fray but … Continue reading

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2011 Meerea Park XYZ Shiraz

Fruit was sourced from a couple of “mature” vineyards in the Hunter Valley’s Pokolbin area. Some inclusion of whole bunches which work in the wine’s favour. Slightly confected red and black berries mingle with streaky bacon, pepper and regional earthiness. Some vanilla from … Continue reading

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2011 Mount Pleasant Phillip Hunter Valley Shiraz

More approachable than the OP&OH and Rosehill in its youth although best to thoroughly decant it right now. That’ll take the edginess away from the acidity. There’s less oak apparent but it still benefits from time to relax and feel at home … Continue reading

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