The Hunter Valley isn’t all Shiraz and Semillon, this is one of the unheralded gems of the region.

Margan White Label, Barbera, Hunter Valley 2013

Rich, earthy, fresh rhubarb, spiced blood plums, black cherry, a little sweet oak, some licorice and clove spice. A smooth landing, slightly sweet polish before tarry and black cherry. Acid creeps up to provide a coda to dark red fruit stanza. Tannins turn up late to the chorus, but their tenor voice is heard: not too drying, not too coarse. Definitely a medium term cellaring prospect. Bravo, encore.

RRP: $40

Alc: 13.5%

Wine sample courtesy of Margan Wines