Orange

Hunter-based Tamburlaine’s association with the Orange wine region dates back to 1995 with the acquisition of a vineyard at Borenore. It’s now 105ha of organically certified grapes farmed with a biodynamic philosophy (Mark Davidson embraced organics before it was fashionable). In 2020, he made a further commitment to Orange taking over the Cabonne winery and opening a smart cellar door in Millthorpe: a sensitively restored timber-clad building complete with imposing verandah. All Tamburlaine wines are on offer in Millthorpe, be they from Hunter or Orange. But wait, there’s more – from 5pm on Friday and Saturday, the cellar door morphs into Sam’s Bar. Add the three-bedroom apartment gracefully decorated by Davidson’s wife Lou, and it’s no wonder Tamburlaine’s presence is a welcome addition to the charming village of Millthorpe. PETER BOURNE

OUTSTANDING WINE: 2017 Tamburlaine Orange Reserve Malbec, A$45