2016 Rogue Vineyard ‘Wild in the Wood’ Hunter Valley Field Blend

A MISFIT TO BE JUSTIFIABLY PROUD OF

David Ellis

THERE would be others, we suspect, would lay claim that a wine comprising no less than five varieties, was the result of their carefully hand-selecting fruit off as many vineyards or blocks as there were varieties, and then judiciously blending these to specific proportions of each.

But not John Davis, owner-vigneron of Peppertree Wines in the Hunter Valley and his Head Winemaker, Gwyn Olsen when it comes to their 2016 Rogue Vineyard 'Wild in the Wood' Hunter Valley Field Blend. Because they'll readily tell you that this one's the result of a "misfit" block planted somewhat haphazardly 20 years ago with left-over Semillon, Chardonnay, Verdelho, Vermentino and Sauvignon Blanc from other blocks rather than be wasted, and today simply all-in machine harvested.

And that resultant wine turns out in fact to be a really rewarding drop, with lingering individual varietal characteristics and lovely mouth-feel. Pay $30 and enjoy on its own as warmer days approach, or at the table with a range of lunch or dinner-time seafood, chicken or veal dishes.

Or as we did, with pan-fried pork loin chops, apple sauce and potato cakes.



[] A GREAT drop today from a misfit block planted somewhat haphazardly 20 years ago.