What the Hunter Valley and David Hook does so very well - meduim bodied reds that have good savoury length and nice integrated tannins.

Excellent colour and mid-density. Being 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 29% Shiraz it is more of the classic Aussie blend Cabernet/Shiraz. Lifted dark fruit and cedar notes on the nose. A rich mouthfeel from the McLaren Vale Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. Fine tannins with the oak very much in the background ensuring great drinkability.

Recognised as one of the first vineyards in the Hunter Valley, Audrey Wilksonson has a long and storied history in the region. They continue today to produce wines of region character with fine craftsmanship. Their Hunter Valley Shiraz is a wine in perfect harmony. Majority French oak is used to mature a wine that has flavours of intense cherries and violets overlapping powerful mulberry and that traditional Hunter character of forest floor and earth.

David Hook's Shiraz is medium bodied, some vibrant characters of spicy red berries and soft rounding tannins with hints of vanilla oak on the palate. Ripe fruits richness with a lengthy finish. A great number to have handy when friends drop by.

The Maretti Langhe Rosso weaves rich and opulent Barbera (70%) with the haunting aromas and structure of Nebbiolo (30%) to create an inviting and rewarding wine with layers of complexity one that is truly expressive of this unique wine region.

In the glass: Vibrant pale yellow. On the nose: Ripe melon fruit and vanillin oak. On the palate: Shows clean stonefruit intensity with pineapple and tropical depth, lovely oak harmony, creamy flavour balance, juicy acidity and a grapefruit-like cut on the finish.

Brokenwood and the Hunter Valley region is experience somewhat of a renaissance of late. Quality wines for a great prices just like this nice Hunter Shiraz. Typical earthy notes with hints of leather and spice all wrapped around dark brooding plum and cherry fruit. Quality oak imparts a subtle cedar character and fine grained tannins complete the wine that finishes long and smooth.

First Creek are really winning over a lot of new fans, especially wine drinkers who may have previously not given the Hunter Valley its fair dues. In the glass: Deep garnet to purple. On the nose: Black and blueberry fruit, and spice. On the palate: Medium to full-bodied with luscious texture and soft tannins. Showing black cherry, blueberry and vanilla alongside red liquorice notes. Long and moreish.

Stylish Shiraz with dusty tannins and brooding berries. This wine displays sweet, plump fruit with a touch of white pepper on the nose. A seductive savoury style that matches nicely to lamb, pork and beef dishes.