Wine of the Week
Punters Corner Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
So, there is a story here that ultimately ends up with me at Dan Murphy's with a bottle of said Punters Corner.
1. I had the thought of rather accessing the personal cellar, I should just enter a bottle-o for a wine that is easily accessable. That and I was looking for a birthday present for my cousin.
2. Once in Dan Murphy's, I thought I would go to a region other than NSW or Victoria - so South Australia was the order of the day and when I think South Australia, I think a Coonawarra Cab Sav.
3. During the week, Trish and I joined Craig and Dave at Trivia Night at Oatley R.S.L. Apart from a generous serving of ribs and rump, I also had a minor successful run on the punt - which comprised of betting on the gallops in South Africa and harness racing in France. As I was opting for omen bets that night, I thought I would try a similar tact with the wine of the week.
Which leads us to the wine itself. I deliberately looked for a reasonably priced wine at $25 and it is a very easy drinking, enjoyable Cab Sav but still has the "oomph" that you expect from a Coonawarra red. Great on a Saturday afternoon with some hard cheese.
http://www.punterscorner.com.au/
So, for those that have been with me the last couple of weeks you would have seen that I have ventured down the political path and the sporting path - both of which shouldn't have surprised anyone. This week, I have decided to focus on one of the key elements behind this blog...wine.
I was thinking that I am always keen on hearing about good wines and good wineries to visit so I thought why don't I give you all five wineries to visit in the Hunter Valley? Relatively speaking, it is on our doorstep and we generally visit the region once, maybe twice a year.
As such, we have been able to come across some wineries that not only deliver some great drinking but also a great cellar door experience. Some are big, some not so big and while it isn't a definitive top five they are ones that we will visit time and time again...and ones worth sharing.
1. Pepper Tree Wines
We have been fans for a long time and are members there. They not only source grapes from the Hunter but from vineyards in Orange and South Australia. The Semillon, Shiraz and the Cabernet Sauvignons have always been the highlights. The cellar door experience has always been an enjoyable one as the surroundings are picturesque and the staff friendly. If you are a member, they also have a tasting room that overlooks the gardens. Definitely a must visit when in the Hunter.
http://www.peppertreewines.com.au
2. Margan Wines
Broke is around 30 mins out of Pokolbin but worth the drive to get to Margan Winery. The winery is a beautiful building and the wines are exceptional. The Semillon and Shiraz (as is the case with the Hunter as a whole) are the standouts but keep an eye out for the Frizzante 2010 which is both a great way to kickoff proceedings as well as a light afternoon drink especially with summer coming up soon. The restaurant is also one of the best in the Hunter.
http://www.margan.com.au/
3. Tyrrell's Wines
Tyrrell's is one of the more popular wineries in the Hunter but also home to one of the best experiences we have ever had. Here is the tip...at the left of the cellar door is one of those build it yourself sheds with a wire screen door. Walk straight to the shed (with the conviction that you know what you are doing) and open the screen door. What you will find is a tasting room that specialises in Tyrrell's top shelf wines - the Private Bin Wines.
When we first visited we were tested thoroughly in our wine knowledge to ensure that we weren't there just to get drunk - it was a very testing but rewarding 30 minutes as we learnt a hell of a lot about the Hunter, it's wines and what to look for when tasting. In short, it is one of the "must do" activities in the Hunter.
http://www.tyrrells.com.au
4. Piggs Peake Wines
Our friend Rick recommended this winery especially for the port. While it is very good, there is a lot more to enjoy about Piggs Peake. The Reds are strong and bold while the Semillon and Chardonnays are great on it's own and with food.
Trish and I went there first thing one morning thereby beating the crowds. Steve Langham, the head winemaker took us through each wine and then took us round the back for a tasting of the latest vintage out of the vat. It was a hour well spent. Just make sure you get to taste the Suckling Pig Fortified Shiraz - which has to be done with an accompanying chocolate bud!
http://www.piggspeake.com
5. Meerea Park Wines
Meerea Park don't have their own cellar door but go through the Boutique Wine Centre on Broke Road in Pokolbin. It is worth the trip as Meerea Park are responsible for some of the best wines in the Hunter. The Alexander Munro and Hell Hole reds and whites are exceptional with the only challenge being not to drink them straight away.
http://www.meereapark.com.au
As I mentioned, these aren't a definitive top five but five worth visiting while in the Hunter and ones worth sharing. I welcome any others that you think are worth the trip up the F3!
Cheers until next time!
Hi Brett, Have to agree with your No 1 pick. When I was last home, we spent a couple of days in the Hunter and Pepper Tree was the best winery that we visited. We managed to visit mid-week so were the only ones there and were treated to samples of what seemed like every wine they produce - pretty much all of which were fantastic. Unfortunately, sourcing their wines here in the UK has been a bit of a challenge!! Keep up the good work on the blog - it's great to get a personal view of life "back home"!!
ReplyDeleteCheers, Jamie