October 2011
From the land
The vines in the Hunter Valley are now in full swing. Lot’s of new shoots have brought some colour back to the vineyard. We can now see embryo bunches on most varietals. Let’s hope this wild weather settles as the vines enter their flowering stage.
‘Good wine praises itself’
The feature Hunter Valley wine this month is the 2010 Ernest HillShareholders Shiraz. I love visiting this boutique producer. Everything is great: the wine, the people, the ambience.
At the 2011 Hunter Valley Wine Show, the 2010 Shareholders Shiraz took the trophy for ‘One year old dry red’. This medium bodied wine is showing mulberry and blackberry characters and a hint of pepper spice. Maturation in a combination of old and new French and American oak barrels has further enriched the wine displaying soft tannins and a lingering finish.
Short to medium cellaring.
‘A smiling face is half the meal’
The feature Hunter Valley restaurant this month isEmerson’s in Pokolbin. This restaurant has been awarded ’2011 Best New Restaurant’ in the region and has also received a ‘Chefs Hat” from Australian Good Food and Travel Guide. Emerson has provided a tasty spatchcock recipe on the diVine blog. Click here.
Where to Stay
If you’re looking for somewhere special to stay for your next visit to the Hunter Valley, be sure to visit theRed Spice web page. There are numerous accommodation options to suit a range of budgets in and around the Hunter region.
What’s New
Keith Tulloch has opened their new cellar door. This beautiful new complex overlooks the Brokenback range and is located on the corner of Deasys and Hermitage Road, Pokolbin, There are three separate buildings; the winery, cellar door and restaurant. The cellar door has four separate tasting areas. There is the balcony with cushioned benches, the main room with leather lounges and rustic timber tables, members room with fireplace and a private group room with a table big enough for 18 people. Their restaurant is opening soon and with be run by the team from Muse restaurant.
‘I heard it through the grapevine’
Plans are underway for another iconic building in the Hunter Valley. Eagles Rest is a new complex that will be built on the corner of McDonalds Rd and Oakey Creek Road. The building will be set into the hillside and includes a winery, large dome-shaped barrel room, cellar door and restaurant. The buildings will be guarded by a big eagle statue. Plans are currently on display at Cessncok council.
. I’ve noticed the new growth on a few Chardonnay vines around the Valley. That’s not all that’s new!