MIDNIGHT'S PROMISE WINES

The Hunter Valley has a rich history of winemaking: there is something quite special about it. The combination of site, climate and soil impresses unique regional characters upon the wines produced there - what the French would call “terroir”. These regional characters distinguish Hunter Valley wines from their counterparts in other major wine producing regions and they are best seen in the varieties for which the Hunter Valley is renowned - Semillon, Chardonnay and Shiraz.

Unsurprisingly the vineyards at Parrot Stump Farm are planted to these varieties. The vineyard is managed with a combination of traditional and modern viticultural practices so as to maximise fruit quality rather than quantity. While it would be nice to say that the grapes are harvested by a team of local maidens harvesting is usually done by machine at night (often around midnight) so as to ensure that the grapes are cool and sound - a promising start to the winemaking process. The brand name of our wines - Midnight’s Promise - is an allusion to this practice. Each vintage small quantities of wine are produced under contract by our talented winemakers Bill Sneddon and Scott Stephens for release under our Midnight’s Promise label. Our cellar door is open for tasting and sales by appointment.

2006 Midnight's Promise Chardonnay
Vintage Conditions
2006 was a good year (especially for Chardonnay) in the Hunter Valley. The Summer was long, hot and dry and wines show outstanding flavour concentration.
Tasting Notes
The colour is green with hints of gold. The aroma is of stonefruits - peach and nectarine - complemented by French oak. The stone-fruit characters carry though to the palate which is lean and structured with some creamy lees flavours and a firm finish.
alcohol: 13.0% price/doz: $215 order
2005 Midnight's Promise Shiraz
Vintage Conditions
2005 was a great vintage in the Hunter Valley: characterized by mild temperatures over the growing season but hot days over vintage.
Tasting Notes
The colour is deep red with purple hues. The aroma is of mulberry, spice, leather and earth. Hints of mulberry and spice carry through onto the palate which finishes with soft lingering tannins.
alcohol: 13.4% price/doz: $260 order
2008 Midnight's Promise La Promesse 375ml Late Harvest Style Semillon
Vintage Conditions
Challenging
Tasting Notes
This sweet wine was made from Semillon using freeze concentration technology. The wine shows marmalade/dried apricot characteristics balanced with crisp acidity. A luscious, intensely flavoured wine ideally suited to rich desserts or a plate of full flavoured cheeses.
alcohol: 10.0% price/doz: $240 order
Licencee: Geoffrey Petty Licence Number: 24014512