Tallagandra Hill Winery review by Brent Lello
I reckon it’s a better than a fair bet that people who work in wineries are among the happiest and most passionate people at doing what they do. In my experience, the wine-tasting experience at a cellar door is vividly enhanced when the person or people pouring the wines and telling their stories are engaging, smiling and it’s clear as the sun rising in the east, that they love what they do. Recently, I took the trip along Murrumbateman Road and called into Tallagandra Hill Winery when all of this was at play. Warmly greeted by Sharon; she started me off on the ten-wine-tasting journey, very knowledgeable and very engaging. The owner Mary stepped in to continue the tasting experience. Mary is passionate about what’s in the glass for sure, but levels up the experience with the story behind the wines…the people, the puppies, the place and the purpose.
Tallagandra Hill delivers more than just a wine experience. It’s become a destination venue for music lovers too. Australia’s best musos regularly strut their stuff in a music venue designed to delight the punters. The cellar door is adorned with signed music memorabilia, including the wonderful old diner-style jukebox, laden with signatures of the talent that has had them toe-tapping out that way.
In the cellar door, there are tempting wine bar lunch offerings too with platters served alongside matching wines. The cute and cosy cottage accommodation allows people to indulge, relax and be in tune with the romantic vineyard setting. It is clear that the life and career experiences of owners – David and Mary – are leveraged at full throttle, delivering long-lasting memories for their customers.
The focus of any winery though should be on its wine offerings, and there is something for everyone, with a broad range of quality, food-friendly wines that engage you with a sense of place, time and purpose. Here is what I tried:
The Humble Diplomat Sparkling Viognier 2019 – a fine, bubbling bead leads to a lovely, lingering mousse. Aromas and flavours of freshly cut ripe red delicious apple and apricot with a core of lively acid leading to a lingering finish. Freshly shucked oysters here.
The Diplomat Viognier 2022 – beguiling tropical fruit aromas, including lychee, rock melon and dried banana. The flavours are mouth-filling and fruit-forward. Just the trick with Thai-style chicken curry with lychees.
The Prodigal Daughter 2021 Vermentino – aromas of lemon and limes with refreshingly crisp lemon and lime juice flavours with a dry and food-friendly savoury finish. This is one for the grilled prawns with chilli and sea salt, straight from the BBQ.
Back in the Day Chardonnay 2021 – aromas of fresh pineapple and freshly cut beurre bosc pear with similar flavours with a hint of white peach and a smudge of vanilla.
Eva Rose Cabernet Franc 2022 – vibrantly pink in the glass with ripe strawberry, and raspberry aromas with a hint of rose petal. Delicious drinking served chilled down on a warm summer’s day.
The Favourite Son Tempranillo 2021 – aromas of ripe plum, black cherry and cool climate spice notes. The palate is medium-bodied, fruit-filled, and spicy with a savoury edge. Chargrilled chorizo sausage with shaved Manchego cheese for me.
The Great Ron Shiraz 2019 – classic cool climate Shiraz aromas of black cherry, blackberry and lifted cool climate spice notes including white pepper and allspice. The palate is medium-bodied with dark fruit flavours and a lift of dark chocolate. Slow-roasted lamb shanks with rosemary, garlic, red wine and tomato sauce.
The Gundaroo Cabbie Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 – aromas and flavours of blueberry and blackcurrant with a tongue-coating complexity, a tight line of tannin and well-integrated acidity. Chargrilled sirloin steak with sauce béarnaise.
Mac’s Block Cabernet Franc 2021 – this is big and bright with aromas of blackcurrants, ripe plums and fragrant violets. In the mouth, it’s bold and fruit driven with flavours of ripe, dark fruits and a hint of roasted rep capsicum. My pick of the day and will be having this a rib-eye on the bone with roasted beetroots and red capsicum pesto.
Aureate Riesling (Dessert Wine) 2014 – golden in the glass, with aromas and flavours of apricot and vanilla compote, and orange marmalade, leading with a fresh, zesty finish. Just the trick with crème brulé with candied orange segments.
So, next time you are headed down to the coast or looking to indulge in a quality wine experience, take the time and make the trek out to Tallagandra. The welcome is warm, the wines are great and the memories of the experience will linger a little bit longer.
Tallagandra Hill Winery
1692 Murrumbateman Road, Gundaroo, NSW 2620
Cellar Door: 0434 041 915
