CELEBRATING 30 YEARS 1990 - 2020
The magic of wine is its ability to express terroir Terroir - Pronounced “tare WAHr” Terroir is how a particular region’s climate, soils and aspect (terrain) affect the taste of wine. Each wine region or individual vineyard offers unique characteristics which are displayed in the finished wine.
The Saddler’s story begins... Thirty years ago in 1990 two friends with a passion for fine wine and a serious love of horses created Saddler’s Creek Wines - named after a little creek located in the Upper Hunter Valley. Building upon the wineries Hunter heritage of premium Semillon releases, Saddler’s Creek over time gained a reputation for premium robust reds. Fifteen years ago, a friend and Club Equus member introduced his friend, who then introduced his friend to the iconic “Bluegrass” Cabernet Sauvignon and the Club Equus membership.....and so began Frank Laureti’s long time relationship and love of Saddler’s Creek Wines. Five years ago, Frank was so impressed (and still in love) with Saddler’s Creek wines that when an opportunity presented itself to invest in his beloved
winery he had a “Victor Kiam” moment, “He loved the stuff”..... and purchased the winery, lock, stock and barrel! The making of a dream come true! Now together with his wife Wendy & brother Serge, they continue the proud tradition of producing wines with passion. Like Frank always says when enjoying a Saddler’s wine “It’s not a glass of full bodied, fruit driven red with hints of blackberries... it’s good times with your friends and family in a glass”. This year, 2020 marks the 30th anniversary of Saddler’s Creek Wines, which today remains a boutique and proudly family owned winery specialising in crafting premium wines.
From Saddler’s Creek Wines inception a guiding principle has always been followed - craft wines for the sole purpose of being savoured with both good food and good friends. Our vision for winemaking has always been clear – first and foremost, enjoyment and drinkability! Our Philosophy has been consistent - carefully select and harvest small-batch parcels of the highest quality fruit and then, with a gentle hand, produce wines of premium quality…. elegant, well
balanced and fruit driven. As a proud multi-regional producer we continually focus on celebrating each region’s unique terroir.
Our winemakers excel at bringing the best expressions of well-grown fruit to your table with
wines unlike any others.
“Exceptional wines begin in the vineyard”
winemakers
Our wines are crafted by a team of three highly skilled winemakers who bring a combined 70 plus years of vineyard management and winemaking experience to you - all driven by the love of great wine and a passion for crafting it.
the privilege of crafting especially for our 30th Anniversary.
2011 - Current Brett Woodward (Head Winemaker)
Each super premium parcel of fruit was given an identical winemaking approach, one of minimal intervention. The results are a collection of wines where the natural and unique characteristics of the individual vineyard, the variety and their superb growing conditions are expressed in the finished wine.
1996 - Current Phil Ryan (Consultant Winemaker)
We are very proud to present to you these wines of exceptional quality.
2010 - 2013
Nick Flannagan
2005 - 2010
David Flett
2003 - 2005
James Donahoe
1997 - 2003
Mark Hollis
As a winemaking team we are constantly refining our skills and exploring innovative methods while honouring traditional winemaking techniques. In crafting super premium wine, we source the highest quality fruit from renowned viticultural regions. The vineyards are located on prime land, planted with superior clones, which we know yield intense flavour. On rare occasions when all the elements align, the terroir and growing conditions all come together in harmony, extraordinary super premium grapes are harvested allowing for the crafting of super premium “Single Vineyard” wines. The most powerful expressions of single vineyard perfection is showcased in our Alessandro Reserve “Diamond Edition” Collection, which we have had
Each of our special 30th anniversary “Diamond Edition” release wines are uniquely Single Vineyard, celebrating their individual terroir and sense of place .
Brett Woodward Head Winemaker
2019 - Current Hannah Henderson (Assistant Winemaker) 2016 - 2019 Stuart Garret (Assistant Winemaker)
1990 - 1996 Steven Allen and Craig Brown-Thomas
Celebrating 30 Years of Winemaking Alessandro Reserve “Diamond Edition” Collection Historically known as Saddler’s Reserve, the Alessandro Reserve evolved four years ago as a tribute to the Laureti’s winemaking heritage and in memory of a beloved father and pater to the brothers. Alessandro produced wine in Italy before migrating with his wife Maria to Australia in the 1950’s. Wine has long been a part of the family culture, “growing up there was never a meal without a glass of wine, it became the Laureti way of life” Franks says.
The collection recognises a man for his principles in keeping life simple. Alessandro believed in working hard and with passion, he delighted in time spent with family and friends, all the while enjoying the pleasures of good food and great wine!
The “Diamond Edition” release of the Alessandro collection is the epitome of all that we have held sacred over our 30 years of winemaking - our purpose, our philosophy and our culture.
2016 Maria Reserve Chardonnay The “Diamond Edition” Alessandro Reserve wines are complimented by the release of a beautiful and patiently cellared ‘Limited Edition’ Maria Reserve Chardonnay - a homage to Alessandro’s wife and very much loved mother and nonna, Maria. Maria Reserve honours its name sake to a woman with a love of life. At 89 years, she continues to cook with passion, nurture and care for her family. Maria lives her life by following a simple philosophy - be good, be kind, be humble.
“Mum’s favourite time of the week is Sunday lunch, spent with her family”. Frank Laureti
A selection of ‘Single Vineyard’ Hunter Valley Chardonnay melds with cool climate ‘Single Vineyard’ Tumbarumba fruit producing a delicate and textural Chardonnay of exceptional quality.
Region Hunter Valley and Tumbarumba, NSW
Tasting Notes
Mid January and early March 2016
This cellar released wine now displays beautiful secondary nutty characters with complex battonage notes. A rich and full palate, this wine is aging gracefully.
Winemaker Comments The Tinkler’s Poppy’s Block in the Hunter Valley sits on deep, sandy loam soil, giving the wine good structure and length. Hand harvested, whole-bunch pressed and transferred to French oak part way through fermentation. The wine stayed in oak with gentle battonage until October before it was blended and gently filtered before bottling. While the cool climate Glenburnie Vineyard in Tumbarumba was harvested in the cool of the night and gently pressed before making its way to the Hunter Valley. Clone I10V1 is known to produce small bunches with good yields and high wine quality. The combination of the climate, the basalt soils, the pure mountain air and water contribute a lean mineral acidity and a seamless finish. The result of blending these regions together is a wine of elegance, generous flavour and delicate finesse.
Harvested Vineyard
54% Hunter Valley - Tinkler’s Poppy Block planted in 1999. 46% Tumbarumba - Glenburnie Vineyard, planted in 1992.
Winemaking
Hunter Valley hand harvested, chilled, whole bunch pressed. Tumbarumba harvested in the cool of the night, chilled and pressed.
Maturation
French Oak Barrique and Hogheads (25% new), matured 6-9 months.
Alcohol
13.0%
Cellaring
Now until 2025
2019 Alessandro Reserve Chardonnay
2017 Alessandro Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Some of the best expressions of Chardonnay are grown in a very cool climate. Tumbarumba is one of the few places in the Southern Hemisphere where world class quality of this varietal is grown.
An opulent and richly flavoured Cabernet Sauvignon. The Angas River Vineyard in Langhorne Creek is synonymous with producing Cabernet of exceedingly high quality.
Region
26th Feburary 2019
Tasting Notes
12th April 2017
Vineyard
Full bodied with stunning aromas of spearmint and blackcurrant backed by a rich palate of plum and hints of mocha.
Tasting Notes Fresh acidity with flavours of peach and citrus balanced by rich and refined oak.
Winemaker Comments Produced solely from grapes grown in the cool climate, high altitude region of Tumbarumba. The Maragle Creek vineyard sits at 410m, clone I10V1 was planted on red granite over clay loam. This premier parcel was cool fermented and left on lees for 7 months of maturation with subtle battonage. Matured in the finest quality Francois Frères oak barrels from Saint-Romain in Burgundy. The resulting wine has a succulent yet fine linear structure with fresh acidity and complex lingering flavour. Limited production 220 cases.
Region
Tumbarumba, NSW
Harvested
100% Maragle Creek Vineyard, planted in 1993.
Winemaking
Whole berry pressed with a portion racked to barrel and fermented with subtle battonage.
Maturation
7 Months French Oak.
Alcohol Cellaring
Now until 2028
13.89%
Winemaker Comments The Angus River Vineyard is situated on the Fleurieu Peninsula in South Australia, where the cool maritime climate allows for long even ripening. Clone LC-10 is planted in rich fertile soils of free draining, black, brown, sandy clay loam, this unique terroir produces some of Australia’s best Cabernet Sauvignon. The finished wine is aromatic and fruit driven. The firm tannins create a generous structure and body with good length of flavour. Harvested in the cool of the night, the fruit is crushed and chilled prior to transport to the winery. This slow drive enables subtle extraction of colour and flavours. The wine is cold soaked for 5 days, followed by a 14 day fermentation in open vats. It is then matured in 50% new and 50% seasoned American oak for 25 months. Limited production 220 cases.
Langhorne Creek, SA
Harvested Vineyard
100% Angus River Vineyard, planted in 1998.
Winemaking
Cold soaked for 5 days, following by a 14 day fermentation in open vats.
Maturation
American Oak for 25 months.
Alcohol Cellaring
Now until 2035
14.9%
2017 Alessandro Reserve Shiraz
2018 Alessandro Reserve Shiraz
Rich and intensely flavoured, this rambunctiousShiraz is full bodied and crafted for longevity.
Region
Tasting Notes
Harvested
Langhorne Creek, SA
Deep blackberry, exuberant red fruits and chocolate deliver excellent length and persistent tannins.
7th April 2017
Winemaker Comments
100% Pecador Vineyard, planted in 2001.
Sourced entirely from the Pecador vineyard, planted in 2001 on red sandy loam with fragments of limestone at depth. Langhorne Creek experienced a long, slow vintage in 2017. Excellent soil moisture profiles from the early rains improved nutrient levels in vines. Open canopy management of the vineyard allowed good air flow and combined with perfect summer temperatures, translated into good yields, healthy ferments and natural acidity. Maturation in 50% new and 50% seasoned American oak for 25 months produced a rich and robust Shiraz. Limited production 220 cases.
Vineyard
Winemaking
Cold soaked for 5 days, following a 14 day fermentation in open vats.
Maturation
American Oak for 24 months.
Alcohol Cellaring
Now until 2035
15.2%
An elegant Shiraz produced from 55 year old vines, renowned for delivering intensely flavoured wine. This Single Vineyard Hunter Valley Shiraz is sourced from the remarkable “Hillside� vineyard, planted in 1965. Hillside soils are characterised by red clay loam over a limestone dome. This Shiraz is from the eastern facing, low yielding, blocks towards base of the hill where the vines are protected from the ravages of the afternoon sun.
Region
Hunter Valley, NSW
Harvested
8th February 2018
Vineyard
100% Hillside Vineyard, planted in 1965.
Tasting Notes
Winemaking The palate is rich in primary fruits of raspberries and plum Cold soaked for supported by an elegant finish from gentle maturation for eighteen 3 days, following by a months in a new and seasoned French and American oak. 14 day fermentation in open vats. Winemaker Comments
18 was an exceptional vintage for the Hunter Valley with warm dry growing conditions allowing the Hillside Vineyard to produce fruit of amazing quality. De-stemmed into small open fermenters and cold soaked for three days to retain bright purple hues. Managed with both plunging and pumping over, with a slow 14 day maceration on skins to achieve complex tannin profile. Maturation for 18 months in a new and seasoned French and American oak. Limited production 220 cases.
Maturation
French Oak and American Oak. Matured 18 months.
Alcohol Cellaring
Now until 2030
14.5%
The Collection The Alessandro and Maria Reserve wines symbolises our way of life shared with our extended family the close-knit Saddler’s Creek team and CLUB EQUUS members who share in the loyalty to the saddler’s home, brand and enjoyment of unique premium wines.
These Are The Real People with heart & soul who Make Up The Saddler’s Creek family.
Alessandro & Maria Reserve collection celebrates the importance of terroir, the art of winemaking combined with the timeless values of our way of life‌. delighting in time spent with family and friends, all the while enjoying the pleasures of good food with great wine! Enjoy
xx
Wendy, Frank and Serge Laureti Proud Saddler’s Creek owners Original Club Equus members CE1461
15 Marrowbone Rd, Pokolbin, NSW Australia 2320 (02) 4991 1770 | saddlerscreek.com.au