Hunter Valley Wineries: James Estate
I haven’t yet visited James Estate in the Hunter Valley – but it’s definitely on my wine-travel bucket list now. You may have seen over the last couple of months on social media that I have been tasting my way through some new release samples from the team at James Estate, and I’m convinced!
These new releases all retail for a very cost-friendly $18 and not only are the labels beautiful, but the wine on the inside is super approachable and 100% smashable. James Estate have 4 ranges of wine which include; The Estate Series (my tasting notes are below), Single Vineyard Series, The Museum Series and Fern Hill.
For the meantime I am enjoying the wines from afar, but I do hope to someday visit one of their cellar doors in Pokolbin and Baerami. I see they also have a Guest House on the Pokolbin property alongside Bistro on Hermitage – a very tasty sounding restaurant. For more information and to buy wine online, check out the James Estate website.
The Estate Series – My Tasting Notes
James Estate 2016 Chardonnay
It’s been awhile since I’ve had Hunter Valley (NSW) wine, so I was excited to get tucked into this very pretty bottle of James Estate Wines 2016 Chardonnay. It’s a pale lemon colour on the eye with notes of melon, minerality and subtle spice on the nose. In the mouth it’s refreshingly juicy with vibrant fruit flavours, hints of lime and a lick of oak. Well balanced and super approachable not to mention a bargain at $18 – you can buy this vino online via jamesestate.com.au
James Estate Wines 2016 Rosé
This James Estate Wines 2016 Rosé from the Hunter Valley (NSW) is made from a blend of; Shiraz, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. It sells for approximately $18 online. I love the striking label design on the front and back of the James Estate bottles. On the eye it’s a red-orange rose petal colour while on the nose hints of Turkish delight, minerals and refreshing citrus come through. On the palate it has a slight sherbet fizz with hints of red berries and baking spice dominating. This vino went down a treat paired with an arvo spent with Netflix!
James Estate Wines 2016 Verdelho
I love a good Verdelho! Before moving to Perth I hadn’t really tried many wines made from Verdelho. As the grape variety thrives in the Swan Valley, I began drinking more and more of it and Now I love it when I get the chance to try one from a different region. This 2016 Verdelho hails from the Hunter Valley and is produced by James Estate Wines. It retails for approx $18 (you can purchase through their website) and is made for drinking now. Here’s what I thought: Pale yellow colour on the eye with notes of bananas, lime, spices, melon and white flowers on the nose. Slightly syrupy texture in the mouth with honeydew melon lemon zest and a hint of white pepper. The slight fruity sweetness would make it an awesome curry match in my opinion.
James Estate Wines ‘Sweet Surrender’ 2016 Verdelho
Introducing the James Estate Wines ‘Sweet Surrender’ 2016 Verdelho from the Upper Hunter Valley. I knew this sweeter style wine would be a match made in heaven for something with a little spice so I teamed it up with a chilli guacamole while watching the rugby.Not only do these bottles look gorgeous from the front but I love the back labels too. From first glance you can quickly see the dominant flavours in the wine and then there’s the Blippar app integration. You simply download the app and scan the label to get a wealth of info on the wine. It’s a pale banana yellow colour on the eye. Sweet spices, orchard fruit and floral perfume on the nose. In the mouth it has notes of pears in syrup and passionfruit. It’s sweet but balanced with orange acidity that went well with my corn chips and spicy chilli guacamole.
James Estate Wines 2016 Petit Verdot
Introducing the James Estate Wines 2016 Petit Verdot from the Hunter Valley. Petit Verdot is classically a Bordeaux grape however there is actually a decent amount produced. Including in Perth’s Swan Valley. This one retails for a very well priced $18 which you can buy through jamesestatewines.com.au
It’s a deep ruby-red colour in the glass with a very perfumed nose of violets, tar and black plums. In the mouth it’s juicy with apparent tannins and a not too heavy nor too light body weight. Berry, spice and liquorice capture my taste buds attention. Matches well with the 4th season of Vikings.
James Estate 2016 Shiraz
You can’t beat a good Aussie Shiraz to warm you up! This 2016 James Estate Wines Shiraz hails from NSW’s Hunter Valley Wine Region. $18 online via jamesestatewines.com.au. On the eye it’s a deep ruby-red colour with a sweet perfume of cherries , plums, anise and oak. In the mouth it’s smooth and incredibly easy-drinking with a wonderfully juicy finish. Mr. Spittoon and I were literally fighting over the last drops!
James Estate provided the above wines as samples – please note all opinions are based on my own taste buds. Wine is subjective & always evolving, so make sure you drink what you enjoy!
