SUPPORTING ASSOCIATIONS Hunter Valley Wine Society Hunter Regional Tourism Hunter Valley Vineyards Association
APRIL 2009
THE NEW RELEASE McLEISH ESTATE 2008 MERLOT
This new wine is typically fruit driven so the 2008 Merlot displays a sumptuous mulberry, plum style and the emphasis is on immediate drinkability with generous but gentle fruit and barely noticeable oak. The deep blackberry colour portrays the richness you will taste. The palate is classically medium bodied with soft fruits of the forest balanced by soft tannins and light oak – 60% American Oak & 40% French Oak. This wine should be sipped and savoured with a prime roast lamb, cooked the way you like it, topped with your favourite sauce and resting on creamy mash. Cellaring potential is to 2017.
MARGAN FAMILY WINEGROWERS 2007 WHITE LABEL BARBERA
Margan Family Winegrowers “Barbera” was the first planted in the Hunter Valley and originates from Italian root stock. The wine shows lifted aromas of herbs, berries and earth and a great combination of Italian varietal definition with Hunter terroir influences and each vintage has won numerous awards. Here’s what Gary Walsh (formerly Winorama and now Winefront had to say about the 2007 White Label Barbera (Nov 2008)…“There’s a fair degree of oak, all cocoa, nutty toffeed, vanillin and delicious over blood plum, chocolate orange and asian spice, and an appropriately comfortable level of earthiness. Then a medium to full bodied palate with smooth suede-like tannins—love the thickness and weight it has in the mouth, and the aftertaste is long. It’s a yum wine and one with a point of difference.”The Limited Release 2007 White Label Barbera has just been released—see special offer above for free Limited Edition tastings throughout March and April!
Located in Lovedale, Warraroong is a boutique, family owned winery, famous for their Semillons and also Sparkling White —having won the Best Sparkling White in NSW for two years running and recently amassing 10 trophies plus 50 gold, silver and bronze medals in numerous wine shows. The 2008 Verdelho won Top Gold Medal and trophy at the NSW Small Winemakers Show.
Andrew Thomas (Hunter Valley Winemaker of the Year 2008) has put his stamp on this classic dry white—with grapes grown on the estate. The 2008 Verdelho displays light herbaceous characteristics with passionfruit flavours. Best consumed young and fresh, Verdelho is not normally intended for cellaring, however, a little TLC will ensure the Warraroong 2008 Verdelho ages well in the bottle. Best served chilled, this wine is perfect for those who enjoy a crisp and refreshing white wine and is GREAT with Thai!.
