Peterson
House is a methode champenoise producer of sparkling wines from Hunter
Valley grapes. Many are from highly unusual varieties (sparkling
Cabernet Sauvignon!). Very friendly tasting room staff.
Semillon Pinot Noir 2001: Toasty, nutty, yeasty green apples. Grade: B+
Pinot Noir Chardonnay Pinot Meunier 2000: Buttered toast, yeast, freshly baked bread, citrus, and apple. Grade: B++
Pinot Noir Chardonnay Pinot Meunier Brandy Dosage 2001: Very deep gold with a tinge of salmon. Great rich nose. Creamy texture. Green apple and warm bread. Grade: A-
Pink Blush NV: A rose sparkler. Sweet berry flavors. Clean and crisp. Grade: B
Rouge Ambrosia NV: A sparkling blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. Cherry color. Blackberry and toast. Grade: B+
Sparkling Merlot 2002: Crimson red. Soft with a suggestion of sweetness. Blueberry and strawberry. It's interesting, but not my thing. Grade: B
Sparkling Chambourcin 2003: Chambourcin is a so- called French Hybrid with deep purple flesh. I'd never tried it before. Oddly, however, I liked this one best of all the red sparkling wines. Deep purple color. Beautiful inky foam. Smoky berry flavors. Long and tasty finish. Grade: A-
Sparkling Shiraz NV: Pepper and typical Hunter Valley barnyard flavors in a spearkling wine. Blackberry, cherry, and game. Odd, but it works. Grade: B+
Sparkling Cabernet Sauvignon NV: Fascinating. Classic Cabrnet flavors of blackcurrant, cherries, and cedar. A touch of herbs and olives. Grade: A--
