2018 Noble One Botrytis Semillon
Showcasing flavours of nectarines, peaches, mandarin zest, with a little honey and vanilla on the nose. This wine is rich, complex yet refined with a lovely balance of sweetness and acidity in its aftertaste. Pairs beautifully at the end of a meal with a dessert or array of cheeses, as well as Peking duck or freshly sautéed scallops with truffle and pear.
Winemaker Julie Mortlock says: "Noble One is a decadent wine, which is perfect for the festive season when we like to spoil ourselves and family with the wines we choose to drink on special occasions rather than a wine we drink on a regular basis. Christmas only comes once a year, so why not enjoy the very best."
Riverina, NSW | From RRP $35.95 | Drink to 2041 | Find out more.
2019 Medhurst Estate Vineyard Chardonnay
Emanating aromas of grapefruit, white peach, cashews and spice. This wine’s palate is poised, full of purpose, and a charming balance of flint with a fine creaminess. There is also an earthy pithiness that is wrapped around a powerful white peach character again, encapsulated by natural acids. To finish, there is a very tight grain oak flavour in the background.
Winemaker Simon Steele says: "I think chardonnay is perfectly suited to those festive season occasions where it is best served chilled but not cold – around 10 to 12 degrees is perfect. Gatherings of family and friends in parks, backyards, around a barbecue and the dinner table should all be considered as this variety can deliver great pleasure in all these moments."
Yarra Valley, VIC | RRP $44 | Drink to 2029 | Find out more.
2021 Cassegrain Wines Seasons Spring Rosé
Sweet aromatics, including pink cherry and fresh strawberry. Rose gold in colour, this wine has a savoury palate with a nice acid structure. Pair with salads, alfresco dining or enjoy as an aperitif.
Winemaker Alex Cassegrain says: "The typical Australian festivities are during the warmer months for Australia, which is why a cold wine with a bright hue and delicate style falls in line with that type of warm and hot summer day."
Hastings River, NSW | RRP $24.95 | Drink now | Find out more.
2019 Koonara Ambriel's Gift Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
Blackcurrant, blueberry, graphite olive and potpourri leaf flavours immerse this wine. Its tannins are moreish, svelte for cabernet and soaked in sage. There's an oaky character that rises across the finish. Perhaps pair this wine with chargrilled eye fillet with wasabi and mascarpone.
Owner/vigneron Dru Reschke says: "We are certified organic, but we do what we call Ecosystem organics, so we have lots of flowers which attract hunter bugs, that eat our pests. That’s why we haven’t had to spray even an organic pesticide or herbicide for 15 years. I’ll open a super special bottle of Cabernet to go with our delicious turkey on Christmas Day. The natural acid and tannins act as natural preservatives, helping this Coonawarra cabernet age beautifully."
Coonawarra, SA | RRP $44 | Drink to 2035 | Find out more.
*This article was produced by Halliday Wine Companion in partnership with the featured wineries.
