Where there is Hunter, there is The Gatherer. In the most sought after Hunter vintages we scour the Valley's unique terroir to find a parcel suitable for gathering. This inaugural offering is sourced from the Sweetwater Vineyard.

Vintage.

Possibly the first "classic" vintage I've ever experienced in the Hunter. "Classic" as the older guard call it refers to how grapes for table wine where never picked until February rolled around. 2023 was exactly this, we didn't pick a grape in January.

Vineyard.

The region originally known as Sweetwater Station had vineyards planted back in the mid 1800’s. It was replanted in 1998, and quickly established exceptional semillon, shiraz and cabernet sauvignon vineyards.

Winemaking.

The fruit was hand harvested, immediately destemmed and crushed into small open fermenters where is remained cold soaking until the indigenous yeast had built enough of a population to engage the primary fermentation. Post ferment the wine was gently pressed off skins to new and seasoned French oak where it underwent an indigenous malolactic fermentation. The following summer only the best barrels were individually selected to assemble this inaugural wine that will be a symbol of sourcing the best parcels of fruit the winemaking team can access that is not estate grown. An idiom to the Hunter and Gatherer, the team at Briar will gather special parcels, in special years to produce this fine, rare and special offering.

Tasting Notes.

Layers of cassis complex through dark cherry and graphite with the most captivating of ease. Perfectly balanced spice, derived from an integrated secondary (MLF) fermentation and maturation in only the best coopered French oak. Elegant red fruits command attention through the mid palate, harmoniously supported with texturally grained tannin and great persistence. Drink now through the next decade.