Mistletoe Wines, owned by Ken and Gwen Sloan, can trace its history back to 1909, when a vineyard was planted on what was then called Mistletoe Farm. The Mistletoe Farm brand made a brief appearance in the late 1970s.
Ken’s first trip to the Hunter was in 1965 and like so many other of that time, he had been encouraged to visit by the writings of Len Evans, and Johnnie Walker of the Angus Steak cave. Ken began a serious interest in cooking about the same time subscribing to the Epicurean and following the antics of “The Galloping Gourmets“ Len Evans and Graham Kerr.
Max Lake, his writings and his wine also played a part in the interest in wine and vineyards. I also met Murray Tyrrell on that first Hunter trip and Jim Roberts of Belbourie. The seed was sown and wine from that day became a quest for me. – Ken Sloan
Hunter Valley Accommodation. Check Availability at The Vintry
The wines are made onsite by Nick Paterson, who has had significant experience in the Hunter Valley. The quality and consistency of these wines is irreproachable, as is their price. Mistletoe has also been steadily building museum stock for sale, with several years bottle age.
Raised on his family’s vineyard and winery Chateau Pato in Pokolbin, Nick had no choice early on but to help his parents out with everything from pruning to labelling. His late father David Paterson, encouraged Nick to approach wine in a holistic way, firmly believing that the vineyard’s environment was the starting point of any great wine. Nick is still the vigneron at Chateau Pato.
Nick has been fortunate to have the guidance of legends such as Murray Tyrrell, Len Evans, Iain Riggs and Andrew Spinaze. He had formative years working for Brokenwood and Tyrrells, as well as completing vintages in the Yarra Valley, Tuscany and Campania.
The highlight of Nick’s year for 2011 was winning the 2011 NSW Wine of The Year, Winestate Champion Chardonnay for Australia and New Zealand and 7 Gold Medals with the 2009 Mistletoe Wines Reserve Chardonnay. Following these accolades, in May 2012 he was awarded 2012 Hunter Valley Winemaker of the Year.
During Nick’s 19 years as a Winemaker his wines have been awarded 3 Championships, 25 National Trophies, 2 International Trophies and 45 Gold Medals. He is also proud to make wines for three Hunter Valley brands that have received the acclaimed five stars in James Hallidays’ 2012 wine book.
The 2012 Mistletoe Wines Reserve Semillon is a classic Hunter Semillon from a cool and trying vintage. Excellent fruit, hand harvested prior to heavy rainfall, whole bunch pressed followed by extended cold fermentation with 4 months on lees prior to preparation for bottling. Beautifully fragrant with lemon and lime, herb, spice and grass all intermingling; balanced with fresh, crisp acidity. Ideal with fresh oysters.
Cellar to 2020 and beyond. 9.1% alcohol – a direct result of the cool and moist conditions encountered at vintage.
Mistletoe Wines
Address 771 Hermitage Road, Pokolbin NSW 2320
Telephone 02 4998 7770
Open Daily 10am to 6pm
