WINES TO SAVOUR AND CELLAR
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 magic of wine is its ability to express terroir
The Saddler’s story begins... Thirty one 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. Six 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”. Saddler’s Creek Wines, 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” 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. 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. 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 vineyard, the variety and their superb growing conditions are expressed in the finished wine.
We are very proud to present to you these wines of exceptional quality.
This year marks my 10th vintage with Saddler’s Creek Wines, which I proudly think of as my second home. To celebrate, we have gone through our cellared wines and found the very first Equus Collection wine I had the privilege to be involved in making. The Equus Collection Series 12 is offered as a bonus wine in our Alessandro Reserve release. Enjoy.
Brett Woodward Head Winemaker
winemakers 2011 - Current Brett Woodward (Head Winemaker) 2021 - Current Sam Rumpit (Assistant Winemaker) 1996 - Current Phil Ryan (Consultant Winemaker) 2019 - 2020 Hannah Henderson (Assistant Winemaker) 2016 - 2019 Stuart Garret (Assistant Winemaker) 2010 - 2013
Nick Flannagan
2005 - 2010
David Flett
2003 - 2005
James Donahoe
1997 - 2003
Mark Hollis
1990 - 1996 Steven Allen and Craig Brown-Thomas
Alessandro Reserve Collection Historically known as Saddler’s Reserve, the Alessandro Reserve evolved five 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 Alessandro collection is the epitome of all that we have held sacred for over 30 years of winemaking - our purpose, our philosophy and our culture.
The 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 90 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
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2017 Maria Reserve Chardonnay
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A selection of 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
Harvested Mid January February and early March 2017
Winemaker Comments The Hunter Valley fruit was hand harvested from old vines, 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 Wilkinson/Yarramundi Vineyard in Tumbarumba was harvested in the cool of the night and gently pressed before making its way to the Hunter Valley. 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.
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This cellar released wine now displays beautiful secondary nutty characters with complex battonage notes. A rich and full palate, this wine is aging gracefully.
ELE ASE
Vineyard 53% Ryan Estate Planted 1988 Brokenback Vineyard: Planted 1965. 47% Wilkinson/Yarramundi Vineyard. Planted 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 6-8 months. Alcohol
12.0%
Cellaring
Now until 2025
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2018 Alessandro Reserve Merlot The Alessandro Reserve Collection celebrates the importance of terroir and the art of winemaking. Pristine fruit, a gentle hand and the finest oak gives finesse, flavour and longevity.
Tasting Notes
Region Mudgee, NSW
Harvested 22nd February 2018
Deep, dark and delicious. Intensely aromatic with notes of dark plum and spiced cherry, nuanced by lingering dark chocolate and mocha.
Vineyard Mirimar Vineyard, Mudgee, NSW
Winemaker Comments
Winemaking
This single vineyard wine was crafted from the Miramar Vineyard in Mudgee, situated on the western slopes of the Great Dividing Range. Grown in sandy loam soils over neutral clay subsoils, producing a wine of great flavour and richness. The premium fruit parcel was given minimal intervention allowing the natural and unique characteristics of the individual vineyard, the variety and superb growing conditions are expressed in the finished wine. Matured in seasoned American oak for 25 months. Limited production of 250 cases.
Pair This is a big Merlot, so going for a sticky marinade will bring out the acidity while a juicy pink steak will symphonise effortlessly with the tannin. Classic Beef Wellington
Cold soaked for 5 days, following by a 14 day fermentation in open vats.
Maturation 25 months American Oak Serve
16-18˚C
Alcohol
14.5%
Cellaring Medium long term 6-8 years
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2018 Alessandro Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon The Alessandro Reserve Collection celebrates the importance of terroir and the art of winemaking. Pristine fruit, a gentle hand and the finest oak gives finesse, flavour and longevity..
Region
Tasting Notes
Harvested 22nd March 2019
A rambunctious yet refined full bodied Cabernet Sauvignon. Hints of dark chocolate after dinner mints, sumptuous blood plum and mocha reveal a textured mouthfeel with a layer complexity of dark fruit and tannin. The finish is long and lingering.
Winemaker Comments This single vineyard wine was sourced from the 44R vineyard which is situated on the Fleurieu Peninsula in South Australia. There the cool maritime climate allows for long even ripening. Clone LC-10 is planted in rich fertile soils of free draining, alluvial sandy loam over clay, this unique terroir produces some of Australia’s best Cabernet Sauvignon. Produced from an outstanding vintage, the wine is aromatic and fruit driven. The firm tannins create a generous structure and body with good length of flavour. Matured in 50% new and 50% seasoned American oak for 26 months. Limited production 220 cases.
Pair This full bodied red needs full flavoured foods. Lamb, Red Wine and Rosemary Pie
44R vineyard, planted in 1988. Langhorne Creek SA
Vineyard 44R vineyard, Langhorne Creek SA. Winemaking
Cold soaked for 5 days, following by a 14 day fermentation in open vats.
Maturation French Oak and American Oak. Matured 26 months. Serve
16-18˚C
Alcohol
14.9%
Cellaring Crafted for longevity, long term 10+ years
2018 Alessandro Reserve Shiraz The Alessandro Reserve Collection celebrates the importance of terroir and the art of winemaking. Pristine fruit, a gentle hand and the finest oak gives finesse, flavour and longevity.
Tasting Notes Rich, exuberant and intensely flavoured. Deep blackberry, lush red fruits and cacao delivers a smooth concentrated wine with enduring length and persistent tannins.
Winemaker Comments Sourced entirely from the Old Barn vineyard. This low lying vineyard is protected from extreme weather and kept cool in the height of summer. LC-14 Clone is planted on red sandy loam with fragments of limestone at depth. Langhorne Creek experienced exceptional growing conditions in 2018 allowing us to craft a wine of incredible flavour. Maturation in 50% new and 50% seasoned American oak for 25 months produced a rich and robust Shiraz. Limited production 220 cases.
Pair Think big flavours, slow cooked darker meats and exotic spices bring out the fruit notes of Shiraz. Vegetarian Lasagna or Roasted Prime Rib
Region
100% Old Barn, Rivers End vineyard, planted in 1998. Langhorne Creek SA
Harvested 23rd June 2018 Vineyard Riversend Vineyard, Langhorne Creek, SA Winemaking
Cold soaked for 5 days, following by a 14 day fermentation in open vats.
Maturation New Oak and American Oak. Matured 25 months. Serve
16-18˚C
Alcohol
15.2%
Cellaring Crafted for longevity, long term 10+ years
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2019 Alessandro Reserve Shiraz An elegant Shiraz produced, from the Spotty Dog vineyard planted in terra rossa soils and only minutes from our winery. This vineyard is renowned for delivering intensely flavoured wine.
Tasting Notes Opulent, smooth and silk. Heady aromas of vanilla and raspberries, the palate is rich yet soft, the sweetness of plum is balanced by velvety tannins and dark chocolate.
Winemaker Comments
Region
Hunter Valley, NSW
Harvested 15th February 2019 Vineyard 100% Spotty Dog Vineyard, Hunter Valley, NSW.
2019 was an exceptional vintage for the Hunter Valley with warm Winemaking dry growing conditions allowing the Hillside Spotty Dog Vineyard to Cold soaked for produce fruit of amazing quality. 3 days, following by a 14 day fermentation in De-stemmed into small open fermenters and cold soaked for open vats. three days to retain bright purple hues. Managed with both plunging and pumping over, with a slow 14 day maceration on Maturation skins to achieve complex tannin profile. French Oak and Maturation for 18 months in a new and seasoned French and American Oak. Matured American oak. 18 months. Limited production 220 cases.
Serve
16-18˚C
Alcohol
14.5%
Cellaring Now until 2031
Enjoy life’s simple pleasures
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 (even if its on zoom), all the while enjoying the pleasures of good food with great wine! Enjoy
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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 @saddlerscreekwines #SaddlersCreekWines #HunterValleyWine