2010 Spring Pack Red Only (Small Winemakers Centre)
One bottle each of the following wines: 2008 David Hook Merlot, 2006 Keith Tulloch Shiraz Viognier, 2005 Ridgeview Shiraz, 2006 Little Wine Co. Tempranillo, 2007 Margan Merlot, 2008 Thomas Two of a Kind Shiraz
2008 DAVID HOOK MERLOT
Another great wine from ‘dark horse’ Hooky…this is a lighter style of Merlot from a cooler year in the Hunter Valley. There are wonderful plum aromas and a mix of dark berry fruits on the palate. A touch of oak rounds out this youthful, soft, delicious wine!
2006 KEITH TULLOCH SHIRAZ VIOGNIER
Keith is a 4th generation Hunter winemaker so the soils of the Hunter Valley run deep in his veins. The blood-plum and cherry shiraz fruit characters are the core of this wine and a touch of Viognier adds an overlay of honeysuckle and spicy perfume. The fruit was co-fermented, adding to the velvet texture and supple tannin balance.
2005 RIDGEVIEW SHIRAZ
Ridgeview is a relative newcomer to the Hunter but they are doing great things – and what a special label! 2005 was a terrific vintage in the Hunter and this wine displays a spicy berry lift with subtle vanillin oak aromas. The rich fruit palate of blackberry and cherries is well balanced by the smooth velvety tannins and savoury oak.
2006 LITTLE WINE CO. TEMPRANILLO
Tempranillo is a grape variety originating in the Rioja region of Spain. A relative newcomer to Australia, it is capable of producing a variety of styles depending on climate and winemaking technique. This wine has aromas of green olives, spice and a hint of tobacco. The palate has a beautiful silky texture with flavours of liquorice and sour cherry fruits
2007 MARGAN MERLOT
2007 was the last in a string of drought years and was a fantastic year for reds. This merlot is characterised by savoury, earthy characters with plums, black cherries and hints of vanilla. Minimum oak maturation has ensured subtle oak integration and soft silky tannins. A great example of an early drinking style with fresh fruit and a soft finish.
2008 THOMAS TWO OF A KIND SHIRAZ
Andrew Thomas is originally an Adelaide boy but has lived in the Hunter for over 20 years. As a blend of Hunter Valley Shiraz and McLaren Vale Shiraz this wine represents a blend of his past and present. The savoury flavours of the Hunter merge with the rich, plum fruit of McLaren Vale. A seamless, seductive and dangerously drinkable style.
