Red Blends

The harmonious marriage of these two iconic grape varieties, from two iconic regions of New South Wales.

Here's how this vintage of our Cabernet Shiraz blends presents:

Colour: Deep ruby red with crimson highlights, reflecting the wine's concentration and youthfulness.

Aromas: The wine does offer an enticing and complex aromatic profile. Ripe blackberries and dark cherries might dominate, courtesy of the Shiraz, while Cabernet Sauvignon does contribute hints of cassis and subtle green bell pepper notes. The interplay of the two varieties does create an aromatic tapestry that includes nuances of tobacco, dried herbs, and possibly a touch of mint.

Palate: On the palate, the blend might present a medium-full body with a rich and balanced expression. The dark fruit flavours from the nose does transition smoothly to the palate, supported by well-integrated tannins. The Hunter Valley's signature acidity does provide a lively backbone, enhancing the wine's structure.

Finish: The finish is lengthy and satisfying, with the wine's dark fruit flavours and oak nuances lingering on the palate.

Food Pairing: The wine's balanced structure and blend of fruitiness and complexity make it versatile for pairing. Consider matching it with hearty dishes like grilled steak, roasted lamb, or rich stews. The blend's tannins and acidity does also complement dishes featuring mushrooms or aged cheeses.

Ageability: Depending on the winemaking decisions and the vintage's characteristics, this blend does have potential for modest aging, allowing its flavours to evolve and integrate over time.

Overall Impression: The 2021 Heavy Metal blend from our Sweetwater Vineyard, offers a captivating and layered wine experience. Its interplay of dark fruit, structure, and the influence of terroir does create a wine that appeals to those seeking a well-rounded red blend that reflects both the grape varieties and the unique qualities of the Hunter Valley's terroir.

To celebrate our recent award winners, we’re offering FREE SHIPPING on our Trophy winning Tempranillo Graciano for a limited time only. 

Awards Won:

Trophy small winemakers show               sliver royal Adelaide wine show

Top gold small winemakers                    Gold Nsw  Wine awards

Gold Royal Qld wine show

A captivating fusion of two Spanish grape varieties, influenced by the unique terroir of the Hilltops and the complexities of oak maturation.

Here's how such a blend presents:

Colour: Deep garnet with hints of violet at the rim, suggesting youthfulness and vibrancy.

Aromas: The wine does offer a complex and aromatic bouquet that combines the attributes of both Tempranillo and Graciano. Look for ripe red fruit aromas like cherry and raspberry from the Tempranillo, along with a touch of black fruit complexity from the Graciano. Subtle floral notes and a hint of dried herbs might also emerge. The French oak aging does add layers of vanilla, toasted spices, and a touch of smokiness.

Palate: On the palate, the blend might showcase a medium to medium-full body with a rich yet balanced character. The red and black fruit flavours from the nose does transition seamlessly to the palate, accompanied by a harmonious interplay of sweet and savoury elements. The oak aging does contribute a velvety texture and well-integrated tannins.

Oak Influence: French oak maturation does introduce layers of complexity, seamlessly melding with the grape characteristics. Expect elegant vanilla, subtle toasted notes, and a gentle spice that enhances the wine's profile without overshadowing the fruit.

Structure: The wine's structure is supported by the natural acidity of the grapes and the textural contributions of both Tempranillo and Graciano. The balanced tannins does provide a sturdy yet supple framework.

Finish: The finish is long and lingering, with the wine's ripe fruit flavours and oak-driven nuances continuing to evolve on the palate.

Food Pairing: The blend's versatility makes it well-suited for a range of dishes. Consider pairing it with Spanish-inspired cuisine, such as paella with chorizo and seafood, or grilled meats with smoky spices. It does also complement Mediterranean dishes, roasted vegetables, and aged cheeses.

Ageability: The balance between fruit, oak, and structure does give this blend the potential for aging. It might evolve over the years, gaining additional complexity and depth.

Overall Impression: The 2022 Tempranillo Graciano offers a captivating and intriguing wine that marries the unique characteristics of two distinct grape varieties with the influence of terroir and oak maturation. The result is a wine that embodies the best of both worlds, delivering complexity, depth, and a touch of elegance to those seeking a unique and memorable experience.

Become a Wine Club member and receive 30% off all purchases

A captivating and harmonious fusion of two iconic grape varieties, combined with the influence of both the specific vineyard site and the winemaker's expertise.

In appearance, the wine would likely showcase a deep, rich colour that hints at the concentration and potential complexity within. The 2021 vintage, marked by its own climatic conditions, would have shaped the wine's hue and overall character.

On the nose, this blend offers a symphony of aromas that balance the characteristics of Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. The Shiraz component contributes intense dark fruit notes, possibly blackberries and plums, along with hints of pepper and spice. The Cabernet Sauvignon, on the other hand, brings to the blend cassis, dark cherry, and possibly even subtle herbal nuances. These aromatic elements are enhanced by the French oak, offering additional layers of vanilla, toast, and a touch of smokiness.

As the wine graces the palate its complexity and structure would shine. The skin tannins and the aging in French oak, provide a balanced framework, offering both grip and finesse. The dark fruit flavours observed on the nose might carry over to the palate, alongside the added dimension of the oak's influence.

The French oak barrels contribute to the wine's texture and complexity, integrating seamlessly with the fruit characteristics. The vanilla and toasty notes from the oak could enhance the wine's overall profile without overpowering the varietal flavours.

The finish of the wine is both lingering and satisfying. The blend's balance and structure, combined with the French oak's influence, creates a finish that resonates with a harmonious interplay of flavours and textures.

Inspired by the original plantings, the Tempranillo & Touriga are now back in this historic vineyard, reviving the property of this rich history. 2022 is the second harvest in the this recent chapter for the vineyard producing a savoury and medium bodied dry red.

The 2022 Tempranillo-Touriga blend from Dalwood Estate, situated in the heart of the Hunter Valley, is a captivating wine that marries the rich flavours of these two distinctive grape varieties. The decision to pick both Tempranillo and Touriga grapes simultaneously and co-ferment them showcases the winemaking team's innovative approach, resulting in a wine of exceptional character and complexity.

The nose of this blend offers a delightful melange of aromas. The Tempranillo's characteristics contribute dark fruit notes, possibly blackberries and cherries, with a hint of subtle spice. Meanwhile, the Touriga grape brings its own aromatic contribution, with hints of floral and perhaps violet nuances that enhance the overall aromatic profile. This combination creates a bouquet that is both inviting and intriguing, inviting you to explore further.

On the palate, the wine reveals its harmonious union. The co-fermentation of these varieties has allowed them to intertwine seamlessly, resulting in a wine that is greater than the sum of its parts. The Tempranillo's juicy fruitiness is balanced by the Touriga's floral and possibly herbal elements, creating a layered and multidimensional taste experience. The use of old French oak barriques imparts subtle nuances of spice, vanilla, and a touch of earthiness that enhances the wine's complexity without overpowering its core flavours.

The structure of this blend is likely to be well-balanced, with the Tempranillo contributing a medium body and smooth tannins, while the Touriga's tannins might add a touch of grip and a lingering texture. This combination provides a pleasing mouthfeel that guides the wine across the palate.

The finish of the wine is likely to be satisfyingly long and persistent. The intertwining of flavorus and the influence of oak create a final note that lingers, inviting contemplation and reflection on the intricate layers of the blend.