Tyrrell's Vat 8 is the archetypal blend of tradition and modernity. With a strong history in both the Hunter Valley and Hilltops regions, Tyrrell's are able to showcase the very best in modern Australian winemaking. The Vat 8 consists of a majority Hunter Valley Shiraz the lends beauty, flavour and ripeness and a small parcel of Hilltops Cabernet which supports the Shiraz with power and structure. Elegant and pristine early, this is a wine that will enjoy some time in the cellar to further develop it already obvious complexity.

With an average vine age of 66 years, Vat 9 2016 is a blend of the 1892 8 Acres block, 1968 Contour block, and 1968 Weinkellar east block. All these blocks are dry grown and feature similar soil types, red volcanic clay over limestone, which is ideal for super premium Hunter Valley Shiraz

Established in 1963 by Doctor Max Lake, Lake's Folly was the first new vineyard in the Hunter Valley last century. In early 2000 Lake's Folly was purchased by Peter and Lee Fogarty and family who, along with Hunter-born and bred winemaker, Rodney Kempe, have continued to maintain the integrity and direction of this significant vineyard. There is an old saying that the wine is made in the vineyard (good fruit makes good wine). Most of the Lakes Folly Cabernet vines are now more than 50 years old. This means that over the years, the vines have ‘self-regulated’. This natural low cropping gives the grapes better consistency of flavour. The terroir, which is a rare combination of volcanic hill, alluvial creek flat and south-easterly aspect, is ideal for the production of fine wines. The vines are pruned heavily for low production high quality fruit, and trellised with vertical shoot positioning, which gives more reliable flavour even in difficult years. Maintaining a true ‘estate’ philosophy allows Lakes Folly to fully express the terroir of this particular site. Crop levels are also critical in achieving complexity. Needless to say, growing all their own fruit at the Folly enables them to be super diligent in achieving these goals, the weather having the last say on the fruit intensity for a particular year. With the old vines, low crop levels, and good canopy management, we are consistently presented with above average fruit. Throw in some traditional winemaking, French oak and you have a unique distinguished single site wine. Their two flagship wines, a Cabernet blend and a Chardonnay, are made in limited quantities and are grown, vintaged, and made on the estate. The wine styles are restrained and elegant, showing finesse and complexity. They have clarity of structure and great length of flavour. A first for Lake's Folly, this year's Red is a blend of Shiraz 47%, Merlot 34%, and Petit Verdot 19%. After harvesting the Shiraz, Merlot and Petit Verdot (and Chardonnay) grapes in 2022, they experienced very late harvest rainfall which impacted the Cabernet grapes, leading to the decision to not harvest the Cabernet (the first time on record this has happened at Lake's Folly). The finished result: a unique, unprecedented blend - a cracking wine (albeit without the usual Cabernet component), though in very limited quantities this release! The fruit is open-fermented producing softer, more subtle tannins, and then transferred to large format casks for six months for settling, and then into small French oak barriques (new, one, and two-year-old) for approximately one year before bottling.

This outstanding premium wine is deep crimson in colour. Intense berry fruit aromas, with hints of delicate oak. The palate is medium bodied, with rich blackcurrant fruit flavours. The tannins are soft & silky smooth. It's drinking beautifully now, but will continue to improve in the bottle.

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Rockford Wines is a renowned wine producer located in the iconic Barossa Valley of Australia. Established in the early 1980s by Robert O'Callaghan, it has gained recognition as one of the most distinguished wineries in Australia, producing premium Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon wines. O'Callaghan commenced his career as a trainee winemaker in 1965 at Seppelt in Rutherglen, Victoria. In 1971, he relocated to the Barossa and acquired two hectares (five acres) of land beneath the Barossa ranges, where he planted vines and built a winery in the style of the 1850s stone cottage. Rockford's first vintage was released in 1984. Rockford's commitment to producing exceptional wines involves working in partnership with several independent wine growers around the Barossa region. Many of the vines are planted on their own rootstocks and are up to 130 years old, resulting in intense, concentrated grapes and wines with the same attributes. The winemaking process at Rockford is largely traditional, utilizing basket presses, open-topped slate fermenters and a 1880s petrol-driven Bagshaw destemmer/crusher. The Barossa Valley, located in South Australia, is known for its warm climate and ancient soils, which provide the perfect conditions for Semillon grapes to thrive. The region's hot and dry summers, coupled with cool evenings, allow the grapes to gradually ripen, resulting in wines with exceptional flavour development. Barossa Valley's Semillon its vibrant acidity, which brings a lively and crisp sensation to the palate. The flavors of tropical fruits, like pineapple and passionfruit, take centre stage, providing a burst of juicy sweetness. These fruity notes are often balanced by a hint of herbaceousness, adding complexity and depth to the wine. One of the most remarkable aspects of Barossa Valley's Semillon is its ability to age gracefully. While it is enjoyable in its youth, the wine truly shines with time. As it matures, the vibrant fruit flavors transform into more complex and honeyed characteristics. The acidity mellows, allowing the wine to develop a rich and velvety texture that coats the palate with elegance. Cane Cut Semillon is a luscious and sweet dessert wine made from Semillon grapes that have been left on the vine and allowed to naturally dry and shrivel. This process concentrates the sugars in the grapes, resulting in a rich and honeyed flavour profile. Cane Cut Semillon is known for its golden colour, intense aromas of citrus and tropical fruits and a smooth, velvety texture. It pairs wonderfully with desserts, cheeses, or can be enjoyed on its own as a decadent treat. The Rockford PW Mayflower Cane Cut Semillon 2017 is a truly exceptional dessert wine that is sure to captivate your senses. With its golden hue and enticing aromas, it promises a delightful tasting experience. On the nose, this Cane Cut Semillon reveals a bouquet of luscious honey, ripe apricot and candied orange peel. These enticing aromas are complemented by subtle hints of vanilla and toasted almonds, adding a touch of complexity. As you take your first sip, the wine envelops your palate with a luxurious, velvety texture. The flavors are rich and concentrated, with layers of sweet nectarine, tropical pineapple and ripe peach. The sweetness is perfectly balanced by a vibrant acidity, which adds a refreshing zing to the overall profile. The Rockford PW Mayflower Cane Cut Semillon 2017 showcases impeccable balance and finesse. The lingering finish is a harmonious blend of honeyed sweetness and zesty citrus, leaving a lasting impression. This wine is a true masterpiece, showcasing the expertise and dedication of the winemakers at Rockford. It pairs exceptionally well with a range of desserts, from creamy crème brûlée to tangy lemon tart.

Run Amok Shiraz Cabernet is a blend of Hunter Valley Shiraz and Hilltops Cabernet Sauvignon. Both were fermented in open fermenters and blended prior to bottling. The resulting wine has a purple hue with aromas of earth and spice. The palate reveals flavours of plums, blackcurrants, oak and spice. Pair with rich, creamier dishes such as lamb shanks or fattier meats of wild game.