The 2023 Good Food & Wine Show held at the ICC Sydney was a paradise for wine enthusiasts, with over 70 wineries presenting their finest selections. The event provided a wonderful opportunity to explore an extensive range of wines and discover new flavours. Here are some tasting notes from the wines I experienced:
Savannah Estate
- NV Sparkling Moscato: This sparkling wine was a delightful start to the tasting journey. It showcased vibrant bubbles and a sweet aroma of ripe fruits. The wine was refreshingly crisp on the palate, with flavours of juicy peaches and hints of floral notes. It had a lively finish that left a lingering, pleasantly sweet aftertaste.
- 2018 Mudgee Premium Cabernet Sauvignon: This Cabernet Sauvignon impressed with its deep ruby colour, enticing blackcurrants, and dark chocolate aromas. The wine exhibited a rich and full-bodied structure, with velvety tannins. The palate was filled with flavours of ripe blackberries, subtle oak, and a touch of spice. The lingering finish showcased the wine’s excellent aging potential.
- 2020 Hunter Valley Premium Shiraz: This Shiraz displayed a beautiful dark garnet hue. It greeted the nose with intense aromas of blackberries, plums, and a hint of black pepper. The wine had a velvety texture and was bold and well-balanced on the palate. The flavours of ripe dark fruits, accompanied by notes of licorice and spices, harmonized elegantly. The wine concluded with a long, smooth finish.
Eight at the Gate
- 2021 Chardonnay Family Selection: This Chardonnay revealed a bright golden colour. The nose was filled with enticing aromas of tropical fruits, such as pineapple and mango, combined with hints of vanilla and toasted oak. The palate offered a creamy texture and flavours of ripe peaches, citrus zest, and a subtle touch of butterscotch. The wine had a well-integrated acidity, providing a refreshing and satisfying finish.
- 2019 Cabernet Shiraz Single Vineyard: This blend showcased a deep garnet colour, enticing with its aromas of blackberries, cherries, and a touch of eucalyptus. On the palate, it displayed a harmonious fusion of ripe red and black fruits, complemented by notes of cocoa and a hint of mint. The wine had a medium to full body, silky tannins, and a lingering finish, making it a true crowd-pleaser.
Two Hands Wine
- 2021 Blue Skies Cabernet Franc: This Cabernet Franc exhibited a vibrant ruby colour. The aromas were filled with red berries, blackcurrants, and a subtle hint of herbs. The wine was medium-bodied on the palate, with soft tannins and lively acidity. The flavours of ripe raspberries, black cherries, and a touch of bell pepper were well-balanced, leading to a smooth and elegant finish.
- 2021 Hell Freezes Over Chardonnay: This Chardonnay is captivated by its pale straw colour and inviting aromas of citrus fruits, green apples, and a hint of vanilla. The palate showcased a crisp and refreshing acidity, accompanied by flavours of lemon zest, ripe pears, and a subtle touch of oak. The wine had a clean and vibrant finish that left a lasting impression.
Petersons Wine
- 2019 Chardonnay Hunter Valley: This Chardonnay boasted a pale golden hue. It offered aromas of ripe tropical fruits, such as pineapple and mango, combined with a delicate note of toasted oak. The wine displayed a balanced acidity and creamy texture on the palate. Flavours of citrus, baked apple, and a hint of caramelized vanilla unfolded, leading to a lingering and satisfying finish.
- 2021 Shiraz Mudgee: This Shiraz showcased a deep crimson colour. The nose presented aromas of dark berries, plums, and a touch of black pepper. The wine had a medium to full body, with soft and velvety tannins. On the palate, flavours of blackberries, cherries, and a subtle hint of spice were well-integrated, culminating in a smooth and lingering finish.
Burnbrae Wines
- Twinkle Toes Cuvée 2021: This sparkling wine is charmed with its pale pink hue and delicate bubbles. It exuded aromas of fresh strawberries, raspberries, and a hint of rose petals. The wine was crisp and lively on the palate, with flavours of red berries and a subtle touch of citrus. The effervescence added an extra layer of vibrancy, leading to a refreshing and joyful finish.
- Blooming Ranges Rose 2021: This Rosé exhibited a beautiful salmon pink colour. The nose was filled with enticing aromas of strawberries, watermelon, and a hint of floral notes. The wine was light and refreshing on the palate, with flavours of ripe red fruits, a touch of citrus, and a delicate herbal undertone. The wine concluded with a crisp and dry finish, making it a delightful option for warm weather enjoyment.
In addition to the great selection of wines available for tasting, one needs a place to store all the wines we have bought, Divin Wine Fridges. These wine storage units were a testament to the importance of proper wine preservation and temperature control. Divin Wine Fridges showcased their innovative technology and elegant designs, providing wine enthusiasts with an ideal solution for storing and aging their beloved bottles.
With precise temperature settings and UV protection, these fridges offered a safe and optimal environment to ensure the longevity and quality of wines. Attendees were able to witness firsthand the importance of investing in reliable wine storage solutions, further enhancing their appreciation for the art of wine.
The 2023 Good Food & Wine Show at ICC Sydney provided a fantastic platform to explore a diverse range of wines. Each winery showcased its craftsmanship, highlighting its unique flavours and characteristics.
