When to Pour

The art of enjoying your Saddler's wine at its best.

At Saddlers we have a committed programme of cellaring each special vintage in our cellar for re-release later on as an aged wine. After all, there is nothing better than a fine wine aged to perfection!

A wine will continue to improve up until a point when it will 'Peak' and then it will gradually decline in quality. The skill is to monitor the wine and attempt to pick the very best time to enjoy it at its prime.

On a regular basis our winemaking team unlocks our cellar and reviews those aged wines in 'need' of appraisal. Yes we know...someone has to do it. We will admire these jewels, jot down our notes and we will then send out our recommendation on leaving or opening. Alternatively, if you have a wine in the cellar and need to know...does it stay or does it go? Drop us a line on 1800 24 9463 (WINE) or email: info@saddlerscreek.com.

Here is our latest aged wine appraisals.

HUNTER SEMILLONS
Wine	Enjoy Now	Next 12mths	2+ yrs	Winemakers Comments
1998 Classic Hunter Semillon	X			“A wonderful 13 year old Semillon and still looking every bit as good as it did when we poured it at the Top Shelf Dinner last year. Colour is great and the wine is showing excellent aged complexities. Enjoy this wine today as surely it cant stay this good forever?”
1999 Classic Hunter Semillon	X			"Really enjoyed tasting this wine and is as good an aged semillon as we have tried. Rich & toasty with characters of cashew & honey. Under cork so enjoy it now. Certainly near it's peak at 12 years of age."
2001 Classic Hunter Semillon		X		“Whilst obviously showing those intriguing aged Hunter silky, honeyfied characteristics there is still a hint of youthfulness about this wine. It is for this reason that we believe there is still some time before this wine peaks. Enjoy over the next 12 months. You can’t go wrong.”
2002 Classic Hunter Semillon			X	“Wow! Still looking like it has plenty of time up it’s sleeve even though it has seen 9 winters. Lovely primary fruit characters of citrus are present on both the nose and palate and because of this you should be able to leave this one in the cellar for a bit longer, though drinking very well now. If you have a few put aside, pull the cork on one and see for yourself.”
2003 Classic Hunter Semillon			X	“This wine came flying out of the gates as a young wine, winning numerous golds and it is turning into a stately figure as it ages. There is still some patient cellaring to be had here for the next couple of years but an absolute drinking pleasure right now.”
2005 Classic Hunter Semillon			X	"Still winning trophies and looking fresh and youthful despite it's 6 years of age. No need to rush on this one as it still has a good 10 years under it's belt."
2007 Classic Hunter Semillon			X	“This wine brings back a few memories as it was the first one I had a hand in making at Saddler’s Creek. Just starting to show some lovely aged characters that the Hunter is well known for. A few more years for this wine before we have to start worrying too much. Just depends upon how you like your Semillons. Drinking really well but will get better and better.”
2003 Reserve Semillon			X	“ 2003..What a fantastic vintage. As we all know, Semillons stick around for a while and this wine is a prime example. Lovely aged characters of cashew nut and lanolin. A ‘Classic’ wine that will be memorable to all those fortunate to have such an opportunity. Enjoy it now…however, please realise it is far from being on its last legs."
2006 Reserve Semillon			X	“This is our current Release Reserve Semillon at cellar door and it is drinking beautifully at the moment. For those still looking to cellar this wine you can do so for up to another 5 years. This wine is what aged Semillon is all about. We do suggest enjoying this wine now as it may just be what ‘tickles your fancy."
HUNTER CHARDONNAYS
Wine	Enjoy Now	Next 12mths	2+ yrs	Winemakers Comments
2003 Reserve Chardonnay	X			"If you loved marrowbone but are unlucky enough to not have any then this is the wine for you. Rich, full bodied and drinking really well. Enjoy today"
2005 Reserve Chardonnay		X		“Showing some good age characters with good palate richness. Wine is drinking very well and we feel it should be enjoyed over the next 12 months to experience it at it’s best.”
2006 Reserve Chardonnay	X			“A year that produced a richer style of chardonnay than the 2005 vintage and probably explains why they are about on a par. Rich, creamy textures on the palate, hints of French oak and a smooth, silky finish. For lovers of Chardonnay we recommend a friend or two and/or any old excuse really. Enjoy this wine today.”
2007 Reserve Chardonnay		X		”The last of the drought years here in the Hunter.This wine has a fantastic concentration of fruit and flavour. With influences of fine French oak this is a true Australian style of Chardonnay that is the most reminiscent of that ‘Marrowbone style’. Just reaching its peak, you will be right to enjoy this wine over the coming 12 months.”
2008 Reserve Chardonnay	X			“A wet year here in the Hunter. Just months before the Pasha Bulker washed up on our doorstep and it didn’t stop raining for months.This wine is drinking well right now. It is soft, smooth and supple with a creamy rich palate. Not one for the cellar, so enjoy it before you miss out.”
2000 Marrowbone Chardonnay	X			“Many people remember our Marrowbone with fond memories and with reason. It was a fantastic wine. In fact, we only have a few bottles left here at the winery and we are seeing a degree of variation. If you have some, pull them and enjoy them…Now!”
2002 Marrowbone Chardonnay	X			“Holding up well, but, still a wine that has reached the terminus of a lovely life. The palate has great complexity with butterscotch and buttery characteristics. Enjoy this wine today.”
BLUEGRASS RANGE
Wine	Enjoy Now	Next 12mths	2+ yrs	Winemakers Comments
1997 Bluegrass Merlot	X			“A year that has surprised us on more than one occasion and this 1997 Merlot again does the job. Soft & savoury on the palate with great flavour and a real surprise for any wine drinker. Drinking very well at the moment, so would consider taking this one with you next time you pop out to dinner.”
1998 Bluegrass Merlot	X			"If you have some of the 1998 merlot left, start enjoying it. You most defiantly will not get thet chance to see this wine in a better state."
2003 Bluegrass Shiraz	X			"This wine is drinking beautifully at this time. Do not mess around. Go home, open your cellar, call a few mates together and try this wine. As the wine is under cork it is a little hard for us to definitive for the future...its a wait and see."
2005 Bluegrass Shiraz			X	“ This was a delight to sample from the cellar. If you have tried a bottle recently you will know what we are talking about. At 7 years of age this wine is superb! Smooth and rich with soft tannins and lovely savoury characteristics that will please all who have the opportunity to enjoy. Just entering its prime we feel so enjoy this wine over the next couple of years…or now, it’s that good.”
1996 Bluegrass Cabernet	X			“Sixteen years of age and ready to be enjoyed unless you have this in magnums then you have a year or two to go. Characters of aniseed and dried herbs support a long savoury palate. A 16 year old Bluegrass……..what more can we say?”
1999 Bluegrass Cabernet	X			“Prior to opening this wine for assessment I can still remember where I was when I had the previous bottle; Easter 2010 and this wine made a real impression with our guests. Drinking very well indeed and most likely at it’s prime. If it’s in the cellar pop down and grab a bottle before you miss out on a iconic Bluegrass.”
2002 Bluegrass Cabernet		X		“We seriously can’t believe how good this wine keeps getting. Shown at Past Bluegrass Bash events and each time looking the goods. A real talking point for any evening. This wine will continue to improve over the next 12-24 months so whilst you have some times don’t forget about it. A true Bluegrass from start to finish.”
2003 Bluegrass Cabernet			X	“We are constantly surprised by the cellaring potential of our Bluegrass Cabernets…as anyone who has made it to a Bluegrass Bash can testify. 2003 was a stunning vintage, with near perfect ripening conditions that produced a wine that will cellar for a bit longer than the more youthful 2004. Still with 2-3 years of enjoyment in front of you, a wine to bring out when you want something really special.”
2004 Bluegrass cabernet		X		"Love Bluegrass? Love this wine. Drinking very well but has the potential to still take us on a bit of a journey. May not age as long as some of the other vintages but you should be ok for the next 12-24 months."
2005 Bluegrass Cabernet			X	"The cellaring potential of our bluegrass cab is a constant surprise with our team. This is a 6 year old cabernet from an outstanding vintage and it shows. This wine is an absolute joy to drink now but it still has a few years up it’s sleeve to go."
2006 Bluegrass Cabernet			X	“Are you lucky to have some of these hidden away? Winestate Magazines, 2008 New Release Cabernet of the Year. Drinking superbly well and would be an absolute show stopper at any dinner party, however, if you have the patience to lay it down, then we urge you to do so. Only 6 years old but, we feel it may get to 15 without any loss of character……however, it is up to you!”
RESERVE RANGE
Wine	Enjoy Now	Next 12mths	2+ yrs	Winemakers Comments
1999 Reserve Merlot	X			“100% Hunter born and bred and showing excellent concentration of flavour. When Merlot in the Hunter is good it is VERY good. Serve this one blind and see how many people can pick it. A real eye-opener. If you drink just one merlot this year make sure this is it. A multiple award winner in its youth, it is even better as a fine matured jewel.”
2001 Reserve Merlot	X			“We had the chance to look at this wine just recently with quite a large group of people and it was a divided crowd. Most enjoyed the wine but a few said it was on the way out. Could be bottle variation but what we saw , we liked. If you have an 11 year old Merlot with this label on it, we suggest you open It at your next special occasion.”
1998 Equus Hunter Shiraz	X			“ Now 13 years of age this wine is special. 1998 was a superb year here in the Hunter, like a lot of the years through the 90’s, & this is an excellent example from that vintage. Still medium bodied & in it’s prime. Earthy aroma’s & a fine but tight structure show the true colours to this wine. Enjoy this wine soon because we would hate for you to miss it at its best.”
1999 Single Vineyard Shiraz		X		“Rare as Hen’s Teeth is the best description for this wine. We could count the number of bottles here on a couple of hands. We opened a bottle to assess for you and we were all delightfully ‘blown away’. Showing all those great regional characters, this is an aged Hunter red at its best. Looks to be in its absolute peak drinking condition. Enjoy over the next 12 months.”
2000 Single Vineyard Shiraz		X		“As Hunter Winemakers we are big fans of Hunter reds and this is no exception. Showing those typical aged characters of leather & spice, you can seriously lose yourself in this wine. Having just entered it’s peak drinking time, invite a few friends around, cook something special and give this wine the send off it deserves…good company!”
2003 Single Vineyard Shiraz			X	"Hands up who likes aged hunter shiraz? Old leather, cigar box, rich earthy aromas. At the prime old age of 8 years this wine is looking the goods. A wine to impress. Drinking beautifully now and will continue to do so over the next 12 - 42 months.”
1998 McLaren Vale Shiraz	X			"If you have been saving this wine for a rainy day, it's here. Take this wine out the next time you have a special occasion and make it even more special . otherwise create the occasion as this is now 13 years of age.”
1999 Reserve Shiraz	X			"Looking outstanding and a wine to win over the most astute of judges. If you done have a reason to open a wine of this calibre then creat one. Drinking in it’s prime.”
2000 Reserve Shiraz		X		“Wine of the night at last year’s Top Shelf Dinner. This wine is full bodied & rich with savoury aged characters on the palate that will knock your socks off. If you are lucky enough to have a few bottles, start enjoying them. Superb!”
2001 Reserve Shiraz		X		“An example of aged shiraz from the Langhorne Creek region. Showing delightful notes of cigar box, mulberries and figs this a wine to be savoured. I see a warm winter fire and a close circle of friends for this special wine. In its prime and drinking well over the next 12 months.”
1998 Langhorne Cabernet	X			“1998 was one of those years when it has harder to make a bad wine than a good one. This Cabernet has picked up a swagful of Gold medals over the years, including a few capital city shows. The flavours have concentrated over the years and for full- bodied wine lovers, this is your medicine. I’d be hard pressed sharing this with anyone but the worthy. Found it opened up quite a bit with time.”
2000 Langhorne Reserve Cabernet		X		"Well aged cabernet's don’t come much better. Coming into it's peak drinking time now. Has a little bit more shelf life but if you have a few squirreled away you might want to start enjoying them. Well done if you have a case…open a bottle soon"
2001 Langhrone Reserve Cabernet			X	“If you are lucky enough to be holding on to a few of these beauties I wouldn’t go wasting them. Looking incredibly tidy with excellent structure and flavour. Not that you need one but cause for celebration would have me opening the cellar for a bottle or two of this one. Drinking really well but still with 24+ months to go.”
EQUUS COLLECTION - CLUB EQUUS MEMBERS EXCLUSIVE
Wine	Enjoy Now	Next 12mths	2+ yrs	Winemakers Comments
2002 Equus Collection Series 1 Cabernet - Langhorne Creek		X		“The first wine to be released under this unique label. Still looking the goods and will be drinking at it’s best over the next 12-24 months. Very smooth on the palate.”
2002 Equus Collection Series 2 Shiraz - McLaren/Langhorne			X	“The partner in crime for the Series 1 and every part the launching pad for this unique range. Still showing some rather good structure so if opening a bottle to enjoy gently decant or just allowing to breathe would help soften the palate but other than that looking very fine indeed.”
2003 Equus Collection Series 3 Cabernet - Langhorne Creek			X	“This wine, when shown at one of our Club Equus dinners was a show stopper and nothing has changed our mind on this particular drop which is showing lovely fruit with a great structure. If you can resist, there are a few more years in the cellar for this one but it is drinking well right now. Choice is yours….but don’t miss out on a prime opportunity in the life of this unique and great wine.”
2004 Equus Collection Series 4 Shiraz - Langhorne Creek			X	“Fantastic intensity and incredible rich mouth feel. Plenty of life in this one, as it is showing all those signs of longevity. Leave to breath in the bottle for an hour or so before enjoying. Still some rewarding cellaring to be enjoyed over the next 3+ years.”