Deep Dive: Albariño

Our 2024 Limited Release Albariño is making waves.

In a national review of Australia’s best, it's surfaced with flying colours. Dive into the full write-up and see why it's turning heads, and how to get your hands on our freshest vintage.

Nicola Reid (DipWSET, executive officer) and Jarryd Menezes (sales representative, Alimentaria) recently had the chance to taste their way through a curated line-up of Albariño and yes, ours was on the table. It’s always a privilege to have our wines in front of palates this experienced, especially when the feedback is as thoughtful as it is generous.

Here's what they had to say.

Reid: "it sat in a lovely space within a slightly riper expression, offering a generous display of orchard and stone fruits - quince, peach skin and almond taking the spotlight."
She also noted that the 'well-pitched acidity brings gentle leanness and balance," calling it "textural, savour and incredibly moreish. This is calling out for a big bowl of pipis!"

Menezes: " a bouquet of white florals and honeysuckle wrapped around ripe cantaloupe and juicy honeydew melon."
The palate, he said, was "crystalline - geen melon and snow pear, with a whisper of crisp Fuji apple. This wine is cut by laser sharp acidity, and leaves the impression of biting into perfectly chilled fruit at peak ripeness."
We’ve always had a soft spot for this wine, so it’s especially rewarding to see it appreciated in such detail by people who really know their stuff. 

Here’s the kicker - this beauty is already sold out. We totally dangled the carrot there, didn't we?

But don’t worry, we would never leave you hanging. The 2025 vintage is on its way - and trust us, it’s worth the wait.
Want to be the first to know?
Join our insider list and we’ll make sure you hear about it before the rest of the world.

31/07/2025 at 9:00 AM Permalink

Mystery strikes Briar Ridge this August.

We need your help to solve the case. 

Case File: The Mystery Pour
Operation: Sip, Guess, Win
Status: Active - every weekend in August

Calling all palate detectives. There’s a case to crack and wine to win.

This August, we’re inviting the sharpest minds (and tastebuds) to step into our Cellar Door for a challenge unlike any other. Hidden among your lineup is one unlabelled wine - a mystery pour, slipped into the middle of your tasting, no clues, no label, and no lifelines.

Your mission, should you choose to accept it? Identify the varietal. Correctly.
If you crack the case, the reward is sweet: a bottle from our Varietal range. Yours to take home on the house.

Even if your guess misses the mark, you’re still in the game. Submit your answer card with your details and you’ll be entered into our Second Chance Draw. At the end of the month, we’ll pull one lucky sleuth from the pile to win a premium prize worth uncovering.

But be warned: only those with pre-booked tastings will be cleared for the investigation. Walk-ins won't make the cut. And this operation runs strictly on weekends throughout August.

So assemble your crew, sharpen your palate, and prepare for the ultimate tasting twist. The game is afoot, and the reward? Worth the sleuthing.

Book your tasting. Crack the case. Claim the wine.

Book Now.

24/07/2025 at 10:02 AM Permalink

Your Spring favourites have returned.

Long time no sip - our 2025 'Which Way' Pinot Gris + 2025 'Ruby's' Rosé are back!

You asked (a lot), we listened - and they’re finally here. Back in stock and ready for a spot in your fridge door.

2025 is shaping up to be a standout year for our cellar, and the return of our much-loved Rosé and Pinot Gris only strengthens the story of an exceptional vintage. With favourable weather, timely rainfall, and a long, even ripening season, this year’s harvest has given us fruit of outstanding quality across the board. While the reds are already making waves, the whites and lighter styles are shaping up to be real standouts - full of freshness, flavour, and finesse.

Our Pinot Gris has long been a favourite, and the 2025 release ticks every box for varietal purity and drinkability. It opens with classic notes of green apple and juicy nashi pear, layered with a touch of fresh-cut herbs for added complexity. The palate is generous and textural, showing ripe orchard fruit before finishing with a clean, zippy acidity.

Affectionately named after Ruby, a third-generation member of the Davis family (and this wine’s number one fan), our Rosé continues to be a seasonal essential. Made from cool-climate Merlot grown in Orange, the 2025 vintage shows vivid notes of guava and strawberries and cream - all carried by a lively line of acidity that keeps things dry and refreshing.

These two are as versatile as they are delicious. Whether you're planning a long lunch, a picnic, or simply winding down with a glass in hand, they’ll rise to the occasion. In other words: no rules, just pour.

These are available in our Cellar Door or on our website. 

Pinot Gris | Pinot Gris 6-pack | Rosé

23/07/2025 at 8:53 AM Permalink

Acclaim for the Collection.

Straight off the bottling line and into the spotlight.

Our latest red release has hit the ground running, receiving outstanding reviews from Campbell Mattinson (former chief editor for Halliday Wine Companion and founder of The WineFront), Ken Gargett (Wine Pilot) and Sam Kim (Wine Orbit) just this week. 

96 Points - 2024 Ampelus Argilla Syrah Tempranillo
"Richly fruited and enticing, the bouquet shows blackcurrant, blueberry, thyme and fennel aromas, leading to a fruit-expressive palate filled with succulent flavours and silky texture. Gorgeously styled with purity and perfume, it's superbly long and expansive on the finish. At its best: 2026 to 2039"
Sam Kim - Wine Orbit.

95 Points - 2023 Single Vineyard 'Big Bully' Cabernet Sauvignon
"The Wrattonbully wine region would have to be one of Australia’s most under-appreciated regions. The truth is that it grows fantastic red wine, full stop, as once again is evidenced here. This is a wine of volume, structure, length and indeed of elegance. It ticks all the boxes and adds a few of its own. It tastes of dark berries, ripe and juicy without being overly sweet. It tastes of leaf matter and tobacco, integrated. It throws violet notes into cedar, pink marshmallow into cream. It’s integrated, balanced, well sustained and svelte. It will cellar beautifully."
Campbell Mattinson.

95 Points - 2024 Limited Release Malbec
"This is a wine and a half. It’s muscular, ferrous, ripped with boysenberry, redcurrant and blackcurrant, and both leathery and herbal in its top notes. There’s a slip of creamy vanilla texture/flavour and crashing wave of tannin, the latter integrated and assertive at once. This is a robust, if not grunty, expression of the malbec grape, and its quality is super."
Campbell Mattinson.

94 Points - 2024 Single Vineyard 'Block 6' Pinot Noir
"Orange district Pinot Noir, which has been crafted from three clones – 114, 115 and 777 – with 100% whole bunch fermentation. Soft garnet in colour, the nose exhibits an array of spices, including sage and thyme, with florals, mulberries, cherries and raspberries. An effusive nose with the fruit to the fore at the moment, but development and complexity is surely on the way. The wine has balance, finesse, a fine line of acidity and excellent length. A Pinot which impresses at every level, there is lots to like here. Enjoy over the next four to six years."
Ken Gargett - Wine Pilot.

94 Points - 2024 Single Vineyard 'Dairy Hill' Shiraz
"Deep fruit flavour, savoury complexity, a wide spread of commanding tannin and the length to match. This is a quality wine from every angle. It tastes of plum, vanilla, earth, sweet roasted spices and redcurrant, and while the fruit has an attractive ripeness/sweetness it also plays clear homage to both smokiness and savouriness in general. Plus, it has that velvety feel that always makes you want to dive in for more."
Campbell Mattinson.

93 Points - 2024 Limited Release Cabernet Franc
"If you like a wine that’s high on character with a smidgen of difference thrown in, then you will love this wine. It’s a beauty. It smells/tastes of grass, blackcurrant, bay leaves, violets, saltbush and peppermint gum trees, and it has an excellent rumble of tannin through the finish, the latter adding pucker, chew, shape and presence. This wine tastes delicious, has excellent depth, and feels serious."
Campbell Mattinson.

It’s no surprise to us that these wines are receiving such acclaim, and the reviews confirm that this collection truly stands among the finest. Andrew Duff has really created something spectacular here - wines that demand attention and a spot in the cellar.

27/06/2025 at 11:16 AM Permalink

Our 2025 Red Portfolio.

Say hello to your new favourite drop.

Introducing the latest iterations of our Single Vineyard and Limited Release red wines. 

This highly anticipated collection showcases the newest expressions of our most acclaimed Single Vineyard and Limited Release red wines - including fresh vintages of longstanding favourites and compelling new additions. Together, they offer a refined snapshot of our diverse estate vineyard sites across the Hunter Valley, Orange, and Wrattonbully.

Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, each wine reflects the unique character of its site and season. Winemaker Andrew Duff has applied a careful balance of tradition and innovation - drawing on classic techniques while embracing modern refinements - to shape wines of purity, depth, and elegance. His thoughtful approach to winemaking, guided by precision and intent, has resulted in a release that speaks to both place and purpose.

Built to reward cellaring but offering immense pleasure in their youth, these wines represent the continued pursuit of excellence at every level of our winemaking. This is a release defined by integrity, individuality, and a deep respect for craft.

For a first look at these, join us at our release event on July 3rd, or try them at your leisure in our Cellar Door after the launch.

View the range here.

05/06/2025 at 12:34 PM Permalink

96 Points for The Gatherer.

We’re thrilled to share some fantastic news – our 2023 Single Vineyard 'The Gatherer' Shiraz has just earned an impressive 96-point rating from Halliday Wine Companion.

 in along and finish. We were very proud to see this wine win Best One-Year-Old Shiraz at The Hunter Valley Boutique Wine Show in 2024.

H. How does the vineyard influence the wine?
AD. It’s the first time I have had the pleasure of playing with fruit from the Sweetwater vineyard. The blue-fruit spectrum the wine presents is polar to the red-fruit spectrum our Tallavera Grove vineyard displays. The name “The Gatherer” is a tip of the hat to this – gathering fruit from vineyards not family owned.

Best enjoyed: Best decanted prior to serving and enjoyed from the best glass you can find in your collection. Confit duck on puy lentils would be an awesome match."

Don’t miss your chance to experience The Gatherer Shiraz at its best. Use the discount code 96POINTS at checkout to enjoy this award-winning wine at 10% off. 

Shop Now.

09/04/2025 at 1:44 PM Permalink Be the first to comment on this post

The 2025 Vintage

The 2025 Vintage: A Truly Exceptional Year for Hunter Valley Wine

As we reflect on the 2025 vintage, it’s clear that the Hunter Valley is set to deliver some extraordinary wines. Early reports have been overwhelmingly positive, with the weather conditions playing a key role in shaping this exceptional harvest. Although a few extremely hot days impacted growers who didn’t use sunscreen on their fruit, the overall conditions were ideal, and the quality of the grapes is outstanding. After a 50% yield decrease in our own vineyards, crops have returned to normal, and the wines are proving to be well worth the wait.

Favourable Weather and a Strong Growing Season

The growing season leading up to the 2025 harvest was marked by timely rainfall, moderate temperatures, and minimal significant weather events. The Mount View region, where our Hunter holdings are located, was fortunate enough to avoid the damaging hailstorms that affected neighbouring areas like Pokolbin and Lovedale. Despite challenging weather elsewhere, our vineyards benefited from well-timed, limited rainfall, which created the perfect conditions for healthy vine growth.

Our Vineyard Manager, Jeremy O’Brien, has been instrumental in ensuring that our vineyards were in prime condition, implementing an intensive nutrition program and careful management practices that kept the vine canopies healthy and the crop robust. The result is a harvest that is set to produce wines of exceptional quality, especially the reds.

A Harvest to Remember

The harvest began in early January, with our first picks being the Dam Verdelho and Briar Hill Chardonnay, followed closely by Semillon and the alternates of Fiano and Albariño. With excellent fruit sets, great crops, and ideal ripeness, it became clear early on that this would be a standout vintage for the Hunter Valley.

And now, as the red harvest has been completed, we’re excited about the quality of the reds this year. The combination of favourable weather conditions and meticulous vineyard management has resulted in a crop that is both abundant and full of character. The reds from 2025 are expected to have lower alcohols—true to the traditional Hunter style—while offering rich, balanced flavours that will age beautifully in the cellar.

Looking Beyond the Hunter: Orange and Wrattonbully Delivering Exceptional Reds

While the Hunter Valley is the focal point of the 2025 vintage, we also see great promise in other regions such as Orange and Wrattonbully. Orange’s lower crop levels and higher sugar degrees are translating into excellent colour and intensity, with Pinot and young Shiraz expected to be particularly impressive. In Wrattonbully, lower crop yields are resulting in wines with exceptional depth and structure, especially for fans of Big Bully and Bordeaux-style reds.

A Vintage for the Cellar

The 2025 vintage is shaping up to be a classic year, with balanced weather, careful vineyard practices, and exceptional fruit quality. The reds are looking to be truly remarkable, with lower alcohols, rich flavours, and excellent structure. If you’re a collector or wine lover, this is a vintage to watch, and one you’ll want to cellar in abundance for years to come.

As the final stages of harvest wrap up and we process the fruit, we're increasingly confident that the 2025 vintage will be one for the ages. So, stay tuned, this is a vintage you won’t want to miss!

Visit our vineyard to experience the story firsthand.

07/03/2025 at 3:00 PM Permalink

Preserving Hunter Valley’s Riesling Heritage

In the vibrant history of Australian winemaking, few stories are as legendary as Murray Tyrrell’s “Heist.” In the 1960s, Tyrrell famously “borrowed” cuttings of a Chardonnay clone from the Penfolds-owned HVD vineyard under the cover of night. Those vines went on to create the iconic Tyrrell’s Vat 47 Chardonnay, symbolizing the audacious spirit of Australian winemaking—bold, rule-breaking, and passionate about crafting something extraordinary.

Fast forward to today, the Hunter Valley faces a new challenge that threatens its winemaking heritage: “Zombie DAs.” These are dormant development applications that can suddenly resurface, bypassing modern planning regulations. One such application put Pokolbin’s only Riesling vineyard at risk of destruction.When we heard about this, we couldn’t stand by. Channeling the daring spirit of Murray Tyrrell, we launched our own heist—but this time, the stakes were about saving heritage, not creating it. Just before bulldozers arrived, we salvaged cuttings from the Riesling vines, ensuring their legacy would live on.

These precious cuttings were carefully nurtured through the winter and grafted into our vineyard, marking a historic moment for Briar Ridge. By preserving these vines, we’re not only safeguarding a unique piece of Hunter Valley history but also honoring the rich culture and traditions that define this wine region.

As our winemaker says, “Saving these vines was about more than just wine—it was about ensuring the Hunter Valley’s story continues for generations to come.”

Stay tuned as this rescued Riesling begins its new chapter at Briar Ridge, offering a taste of history, heritage, and our commitment to crafting exceptional wines.

Visit our vineyard to experience the story firsthand.

21/11/2024 at 2:17 PM Permalink

2024 White Release

Staying true to our 'classically radical' approach to winemaking – fusing old traditions with new techniques, we are proud to be releasing a stellar lineup of white wines, including beloved Hunter Valley Semillon and Chardonnay, extremely limited quantities of Albariño, Fiano and Viognier plus the our first Chardonnay from the family vineyard in Orange that just won Best Chardonnay at the 2024 James Halliday Chardonnay & Cabernet Challenge.

Whilst the 2023 Chardonnay wines were initially handled by Alex Beckett, the rest of the wines have been produced by incumbent winemaker, Andrew Duff. His knowledge and experience is evident in the 2024 whites with precision, complexity and enjoyability all at the forefront in this release.

This will available for purchase online and on taste in our Cellar Door from this October Long Weekend - 5th October 2024.

Due to limited quantities, our 2024 Limited Release Albariño and 2024 Limited Release Fiano will be released online from the 26th of October. Please ensure you have joined the waitlists to receive access to this exclusive release.

02/10/2024 at 9:39 AM Permalink

Chardonnay Trophy | 2024 James Halliday Chardonnay & Cabernet Challenge

Our 2023 Single Vineyard 'Block 7' Chardonnay is the first ever Single Vineyard Chardonnay we have produced from our family vineyard in Orange. 

"I have been blown away so far with the quality of fruit we have access to as part of the Davis Family Vineyards.", says Andrew Duff, Winemaker. Andrew started his tenure in late 2023, with the 2023 Chardonnay wines some of the first that he carefully delivered a finishing touch to before bottling.

The James Halliday Australian Chardonnay & Cabernet Challenge celebrates Australia's outstanding regional diversity of the world's most famous two grape varieties, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Briar Ridge Block 7 Chardonnay 2023 from the Orange Wine Region and the Forest Hill Vineyard Block 5 Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 from the Great Southern were crowned the highest-pointed Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon in Australia at the 2024 James Halliday Australian Chardonnay and Cabernet Challenge.

Both Trophy winning wines rated 97 points from 622 entries across 37 Australian wine regions.

“One of the best features of the show is that it shines a light on all the places in Australia where these varieties are foundations of their regions. When the vintage clicks with that region the great wines really shine through”, said Chair of Judges, Adam Wadewitz,

Describing the final Chardonnay taste off, Wadewitz shared that it “was extremely close which highlighted the strength of the last few cool vintages.” He continued to say the Briar Ridge Block 7 Chardonnay from the Orange Wine Region in New South Wales had “distinct character and managed the trifecta of flavour, acidity and complexity all packed into an energetic, charming framework.”

The 2023 Single Vineyard 'Block 7' Chardonnay is due to be released this October.
Wine Club members and those on our mailing list will receive priority access to the release of this wine.

05/09/2024 at 5:07 PM Permalink Be the first to comment on this post