Australian Vineyards Direct
introduces you to

Hugh Hamilton

Hugh Hamilton is the fifth generation of a family who first planted vines in 1837. If as they say, every family has its ‘Black Sheep’, then Hugh Hamilton is surely it.

So, just as Hugh is out of the ordinary so are his stunning wines, with characters like Jekyll and Hyde, The Scallywag and The Mongrel – this is certainly no ordinary line up. His philosophy is that very low yields, produce smaller more concentrated bunches of berries, that are so jam-packed full of flavour that they produce more complex fuller-flavoured wines.

So check out the Black Sheep, you’ll find that he may just surprise you.

Hugh Hamilton Unwooded ‘The Scallywag’ Chardonnay 2005
Unoaked so as to retain it’s intensely tropical aromas and flavours, with overtones of subtle melon and grapefruit. It has a terrific balance, is full flavoured with great length, depth of flavour and a delicious mouth feel. A Chardonnay to be shared with other ‘Scallywags’ for sure.
£9.99/ bottle            £119.88/ case 12 bottles

Hugh Hamilton ‘The Mongrel’ Sangiovese Blend 2004
Grown on the original Church Block Vineyard owned by the family since 1947 this Sangiovese is an absolute cracker. The ripe berry aromas and flavours of Sangiovese (85%) dominate, with Cabernet (10%) and Merlot (5%) adding a supple juicy rounded edge of complexity to the final blend. Mushrooms and truffles, slightly feral maybe with a touch of spice, these are all hallmarks of this complex blend. Vibrant red-fruit, a good structure with soft mellow tannins make this a must with spicy dishes. Three in a bed works every time.
£12.99/ bottle            £155.88/ case 12 bottles

Hugh Hamilton ‘The Villain’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
Small very dark berries that ripen late, they produce a wine with a deep plum colour good intense blackcurrant flavours and firm, yet ripe tannins. This allied with delicate layers of herbs, exceptional fruit and a rich spicy oak, make this a winner. Who said ‘villainy’ doesn’t pay?
£14.99/ bottle            £179.88/ case 12 bottles

Hugh Hamilton ‘Jekyll and Hyde’ Shiraz Viognier 2004
Super ripe Shiraz picked from the original Church Block, allied with just 7% of the aromatic white Viognier (Vee-on-nee-yay) grape were crushed and fermented together. Scents of orange blossom and melon underpin a rich cornucopia of ripe Shiraz red-fruit, this wine just has to be tasted to be believed.
£14.99/ bottle            £179.88/ case 12 bottles