McWilliams Wines Flagship Releases

McWilliams Wines has released two new additions to their Flagship Range, the 2014 1877 Hilltops Shiraz and the 2013 842 Tumbarumba Chardonnay, the first table white wine in the range.

McWilliams Wines

The 1877 Shiraz comes from the cool-climate Hilltops region, situated between Young, Boorowa, and Harden NSW. Most of the vineyards have an altitude of around 450 metres and enjoy a continental climate conducive to producing Shiraz and Cabernet varieties.

The 2014 vintage is the first-release of 1877 Hilltops Shiraz. Red and purple in the glass, the wine has bright aromas of berries and cherry with a floral note and hints of oak. The palate balances acidity with fruit and fine tannins and benefits from medium to long-term cellaring.

The 842 Tumbarumba Chardonnay derives its name from the peak altitude of 842 metres and is sourced from the cool wine region of Tumbarumba. The site was established in 1982 south of Batlow, NSW and has since evolved into 300 hectares of planted vines. The 2013 vintage resulted in grapes with intense fruit flavours and high natural acidity typical of the region which give the wine its character.

Straw yellow in colour, aromas of golden peach, ripe fig and honeydew melon are complemented by nut and biscuit notes. The palate carries fruit intensity and acidity into a vibrant finish.

The Flagship Range is part of the Appellations Series which launched in 2014 and designed to champion NSW’s cool-climate wine regions for their attributes.

McWilliams NSW Wine Lunch at Chiswick at The Art Gallery

To showcase the new additions to the Flagship Range as well as the new vintages, McWilliams Wines hosted a lunch at Chiswick in the Art Gallery of NSW (previous review here).

Herb Bread

Appellation Tumbarumba Pinot Noir Chardonnay Brut NV was served on arrival before guests sat down to a delicious feast.

Watermelon, Cucumber, Fior di Latte Mozzarella, Garden Mint

Watermelon, Cucumber, Fior di Latte Mozzarella, Garden Mint salad was the first of the entree dishes,

Smoked Kingfish, Apple, Daikon, Sorrel

followed by the delicate flavours of Smoked Kingfish, Apple, Daikon, Sorrel,

Crispy Chicken, Papaya, Red Curry Mayonnaise

and Crispy Chicken, Papaya, Red Curry Mayonnaise. The entrees were paired with a trio of wines: 2015 Appellation Sauvignon Blanc, 2014 Appellation Tumbarumba Chardonna, 2013 842 Tumbarumba Chardonnay.

Jerusalem Artichoke, Risotto, Garden Sage

The main courses started with a delicious Jerusalem Artichoke, Risotto, Garden Sage,

Roasted Petuna Salmon Tail, Miso, Fennel Soy Beans

followed by Roasted Petuna Salmon Tail, Miso, Fennel Soy Beans,

Moran Family Lamb, Harissa, Chickpea, Beans, Mint

and the signature Moran Family Lamb, Harissa, Chickpea, Beans, Mint,

Broccolini, Rainbow Chard, Chilli, Garlic, Pangrattato

accompanied by Broccolini, Rainbow Chard, Chilli, Garlic, Pangrattato. Main courses were served with 2014 Appellation Tumbarumba Pinot Noir, 2013 Appellation Hilltops Cabernet Sauvignon and 2014 1877 Hilltops Shiraz.

Honeycomb Crunch, Banana Ice Cream

Dessert was a choice of Honeycomb Crunch, Banana Ice Cream,

Coconut Milk Panna Cotta, Blood Orange, Sorrel

and Coconut Milk Panna Cotta, Blood Orange, Sorrel, both pairing well with the 2010 Morning Light Botrytis Semillon.

2010 Morning Light Botrytis Semillon

The McWilliams Wines Appellation series includes the 2015 Orange Sauvignon Blanc (available November 2015), 2014 Tumbarumba Chardonnay and 2014 Pinot Noir , 2014 Canberra Syrah, and 2014 Hilltops Shiraz and 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon all priced at RRP $25. The new additions, 2013 842 Tumbarumba Chardonnay retails at $70 with the 2014 1877 Hilltops Shiraz at $80 RRP.