The Leogate Estate tradition of bringing grapes into the winery from districts external to the Hunter Valley has continued in 2021 for the winemaking of the “Gatecrasher” series. This Cabernet Sauvignon was made from grapes grown on an isolated parcel from a smaller block on our certified organic vineyard located in the Central Ranges NSW. These magnificent vines were planted together in pairs, and the trunks trained over each other along the wire so producing fewer but richer bunches

Handpicked in three passes through the vineyard, only selecting the perfect bunches on each run. The fruit was destemmed to small open fermenters for a brief cold soaking period where intense colour was gained immediately. Fermented at 18-25 ?C for approximately 9 days. Gently pressed to large format French oak barrels (~20% new) for almost 12 months maturation, before blending and bottling. Deep purple. Intense dark fruits coupled with lovely spice and red berries. Structural with powerful fruit, a long intense palate with seamless tannin.

This wine is medium bodied, brightly coloured with an array of berries pepper and spices on the nose combined with coffee aromas. The palate is soft and long with distinctly savoury characters, finishing with velvet tannins. It is a delicate wine, focused on balance and structure.

Vintage in Orange was cold, with temperatures never rising above 29degrees. As a result, the harvest was pushed back to April which meant lessstress on the vines and sunburn to the grapes. The slow ripening of grapesduring autumn added wonderful aromas and flavours to the wines. The Cabernet Sauvignon produced by Cael's Gate is aged in new premiumFrench oak barrels. Offering purity and finesse, this wine is beautifullyfragrant on the nose with cassis, blueberry, violet, thyme and toasted nutaromas that lead to a succulent palate displaying excellent weight and persistency. Wonderfully structured by beautifully infused chalky tannins, finishing sturdy and lingering on the palate.

Deep yet bright mulberry purple in colour, this Hunter Cabernet – Merlot is a charmer. The aromas show loads of energy, with 80% Cabernet Sauvignon providing fresh florality, opening with briarberry and raspberry. These perfumes open out to deeper signatures of crème cassis and mint, plus subtle background support of vanilla and menthol from fine French oak. Cabernet is supreme on the palate too, delivering long, focussed flavours of raspberry and cranberry with hints of olive. 20% Merlot contributes roundness and depth throughout, with spiced plum silkiness that adds body and softness onto the finish. Tannins are powder-soft, showing the plush satin-like harmony of deluxe French barrel. This elegantly structured blend is definitely a keeper, and will take several years of cellaring to open out. Decanting is ideal if drinking earlier.

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.

Champions of cool-climate New South Wales, Logan have produced a Merlot with balanced fruit sweetness with true complexity. There is plenty of smooth, rich and voluptuous fruit on offer while fine-grained tannin and structured acid add a further dimension to this luscious wine. One could certainly argue that this is the perfect food match wine.

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.