Born-and-bred Hunter Valley specialist, Aaron Mercer spent years at Tamburlaine, and had stints at Tyrrell’s and Brokenwood, before setting up on his own. He’s also worked in California, France and Germany so brings a great deal of experience to his winemaking, with a a great small-batch range from premium Hunter Valley sites, Tumbarumba and Orange (as here), This Pinot Grigio is pure, yet textured. A little added weight through lees ageing and a little time in oak.A fine and focussed drop showcasing white flowers, creamy almond nougat and acid crunch. A welcome addition to Summer barbecues with friends.

Born-and-bred Hunter Valley specialist, Aaron Mercer spent years at Tamburlaine, and had stints at Tyrrell’s and Brokenwood, before setting up on his own. He’s also worked in California, France and Germany so brings a great deal of experience to his winemaking, with a a great small-batch range from premium Hunter Valley sites, Tumbarumba and Orange. This classy, gently oaked Hunter Chardonnay boasts fresh peach, vanilla, and pannacotta flavours and a nutty edge.

The impressive West Cape Howe is owned by a partnership of four WA families, including those of Gavin Berry and Rob Quenby. Grapes are sourced from estate vineyards in Mount Barker and Frankland River. Styx Gully is 100% Mt Barker grown; all the fruit from our best two blocks of Chardonnay on our Langton vineyard. Block 3 had a tiny crop with rich fruit flavours, Block 25 has deeper soils, a better crop and ripened later; it provided the fruit with higher acidity and delicate, finer fruit flavours. Some of the parcels were handpicked and whole bunch pressed; the balance of the fruit picked at night with low overnight temperatures and processed promptly at the winery. Styx is all barrel fermented (approx 40% new) with no malolactic fermentation; the result being a complex, but still fruit driven, style of Chardonnay. “Its all about freshness and energy. Citrus and melon with a muted cashew character on the nose. The palate is finely balanced with penetrating finish promoted by a crisp chalky acidity. Has a little white flower and lime influence adding complexity. 92pts” (Ray Jordan)