The Hunter: Big Bark, Sweet Heart
Some wines are planned years in advance. Others come from a moment, a memory, or in this case, a very large dog with a very loud bark.
The Hunter is a tribute to Hunter — the vineyard guardian, fearless chaser and loyal companion. To strangers, he could be intimidating. To those who knew him, he was a gentle giant who loved nothing more than being close to his people. That contrast became the inspiration for this wine.
Bold on first impression, soft at its core.
What is Cane-Cut Riesling?
Cane cutting is a traditional vineyard technique used to make naturally sweet wines. While the grapes are still hanging on the vine, the fruiting cane is deliberately cut. This stops the flow of water and nutrients to the bunches, allowing the grapes to slowly dehydrate on the vine.
As the berries dry, sugars and flavour compounds concentrate, while Riesling’s naturally high acidity remains. The result is a rich and sweet wine, balanced by freshness and structure. It’s a patient process, but one that rewards you in the glass.
The Vineyard
The fruit for The Hunter was sourced from Miners Ridge Vineyard, a cool-climate site in the Grampians region. With elevation, ancient soils and strong day–night temperature variation, the vineyard is ideally suited to Riesling with purity, intensity and natural acid drive — exactly what’s needed for cane-cut styles. The 2025 growing season was particularly dry and free from disease pressure, creating the perfect environment to produce this style of wine.
In the Glass
Expect lifted aromatics of citrus blossom, stone fruit and honeyed notes. The palate is generous and layered, delivering concentrated sweetness balanced by vibrant acidity and a long, clean finish.
“Shows the Grampians’ great riesling grape in dessert form, and it’s hard to deny its value at the dinner table. Combines brisk acidity with youthful freshness. Fresh lemon citrus, white peach, dried pear and apricot with lively spices in tow. And it’s nicely sweet — 134g/L — but not overly so. Goes down well with lemon tart. 375ml.” — 91 points, Jeni Port, Halliday Wine Companion
When to Drink It
The Hunter shines alongside cheese (from soft and creamy to blue), fruit-based desserts, stone fruit tarts, and poached pears or baked apples. It’s also beautiful on its own, lightly chilled, as a slow after-dinner sip.
Released first to our wine club, The Hunter is a small-batch wine with a big personality — just like the dog who inspired it.
