Stephane Pommier

Sommelier, Muse Dining, Hunter Valley

What wine sums up the Hunter Valley in one bottle?

I’m a big fan of the 2014 Lake’s Folly Hill Block Chardonnay.

What Hunter wines would you cellar?

Chardonnay and shiraz from 2014; the weather conditions allowed for perfect pH, acidity and Baumé [sugar concentration]. They will be full of surprise in five years.

And what’s good to drink right now?

The 2007 Hunter semillons – butterscotch on the nose, toasty on the palate, with a good middle mouth and generous, clean, fresh acidity to finish. Try Hungerford Hill’s classic Hunter Valley semillon.

What if I’m after a typical Hunter Valley shiraz?

This shows masculine characters – leathery, spicy, sweaty tannins – tempered by a bouquet of blackberry and mulberry. I’d choose the 2015 Usher Tinkler Reserve Shiraz; 2014 Keith Tulloch The Kester Shiraz; or 2013 First Creek Winemaker’s Reserve Shiraz.

And a typical Hunter semillon?

These are pure, complex, limy and citrusy. Great examples are the 2016 Tempus Two Pewter Series Semillon and 2016 Andrew Thomas Braemore Semillon.

You’ve got $20 to spend. What wine would you buy?

Knowing the respect, passion, love and effort that goes into her wines, I’d choose Lisa McGuigan’s Silver Collection pinot grigio, semillon or shiraz.