A TASTE OF THE HUNTER VALLEY

2016 Tyrrell’s ‘Vat 1’ Semillon, $105

Studded with gold medal stickers, ‘Vat 1’ is an icon in the Hunter Valley and the benchmark example of the magnificence of semillon in the region. Drink it now, drink it in 20 years – either way, those lemon curd, pink grapefruit pith and toasted almond notes will outlive us all. tyrrells.com.au

2021 M&J Becker Wines ‘Hunter Valley’ Chardonnay, $35

From one of the region’s newer producers, James Becker’s ‘Hunter Valley’ chardonnay reinvents a mainstay. Nectarine and melon notes combine with beautiful linear acidity and the right amount of oak to frame the fruit. Watch this space; these wines will only get better. beckerwines.com.au

2021 Usher Tinkler ‘The Enneagram’, $30

A mysterious blend of nine grapes (both red and white) go into this delicious wine, taunting us to guess the varieties in the bottle. And while winemaker Usher Tinkler’s lips are sealed, half the fun is diving into the textural orange blossom, pink musk and green peppercorn depths for answers. ushertinklerwines.com

2018 Silkman ‘Reserve’ Shiraz Pinot Noir, $50

A modern take on the classic ‘O’Shea blend’, with its cassis and blackberry notes and undertones of clove and earthy spices, would pair wonderfully with slow-cooked lamb and rosemary.

Liz Silkman is an unstoppable force in the Hunter Valley scene – this wine is one of her best yet. silkmanwines.com.au

2019 De Iuliis ‘LDR Vineyard’ Shiraz Touriga, $40

Hunter Valley shiraz but with a twist. The addition of touriga from more than 10-year-old vines (mere babies in vine age in the region) gives classic shiraz aromatics more punch and depth of character. The perfect accompaniment to a winter sunset and grazing platter. dewine.com.au