Founded 180 years ago by wine industry pioneer George Wyndham, Wyndham Estate cellar door is one of the oldest wineries and boasts being on the site of the first commercial planting of Shiraz in Australia.
Situated on the banks of the Hunter River and only 25 minutes from Maitland, the picturesque property is set amongst 40 hectares of vineyard.
Hunter Valley Accommodation. Check Availability at The Vintry
Black Cluster™ is the icon wine in the Wyndham Estate Portfolio and showcases the winery’s unique Hunter heritage and Shiraz credentials. In 1835 George Wyndham crushed his first vintage and penned the following entry into his diary, “Began my vintage. Filled the pipe with the must of the Black Cluster.” Black Cluster™ is a single vineyard wine grown exclusively in the Black Cluster™ vineyard. It produces low yields of rich, stylish fruit which is hand-picked to protect the 40 year old fragile vines from damage and ensure only the best bunches are selected.
Very good winter, spring and early summer rainfall lead to healthy, stress free vines. The season was relatively cool up until véraison with hot, dry January temperatures providing the perfect weather for fruit to ripen in. These conditions allowed full fruit maturity with excellent colours and intense varietal flavours. Regular inspection and assessment of the vineyard by our winemaker ensured that the grapes were harvested at their optimum.
Once harvested, the “Black Cluster Shiraz” was fermented in small, static fermenters and inoculated with a neutral strain of yeast. During fermentation, temperatures were kept between 20 to 28C and the must pumped over regularly to ensure good extraction of tannin and colour from the grape skins. The progress of the ferment was monitored during daily tasting and regular analysis. After pressing, the wine was transferred into a selection of new and old French and American oak barrels for maturation. After approximately 27 months in oak, each barrel was tasted by winemakers prior to blending and any that were not up to an exacting standard were not included in the blend. This wine has had minimal clarification prior to bottling. Further bottle maturation of approximately 14 months has begun to soften the tannins and increase the complexity of this iconic wine. Wyndham Estate Winemaker
Wyndham Estate Black Cluster Hunter Valley Shiraz 2009 is crimson red with purple hues. Complex plum, dark olive, spice and dark cherry fruits with subtle cedar and toasted notes from time in oak barrels.
The wine has exceptional fruit concentrations of ripe plum and blackberry with light spice and savory oak nuances. Well structured fine tannins give this wine finesse with length. Persistence on the palate is a hallmark of this wine
About Wyndham Estate
When you visit Wyndham Estate’s winery and cellar door you are welcome to sample internationally acclaimed wines – including the highly anticipated new premium range, enjoy a tour of the winery, and stay for sumptuous lunch within the century old winery.
Wyndham Estate is also a world class event venue offering the perfect blend of elements on which the Hunter Region’s reputation is built – award winning wines, gourmet foods, stunning surrounds and exceptional entertainers.
Taking the stage with the beautiful gables, vines and sunsets as their backdrop, concerts have become major hallmark events for the Hunter Region calendar and attract over 10,000 people to the region each year.
The combination of fabulous food, superb wines and world-class entertainment make Wyndham Estate a favourite destination for both local and international visitors.
Wyndham Estate
Address 700 Dalwood Road, Dalwood NSW 2335
Telephone 02 4938 3444
Open Daily 9.30am to 4.30pm
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