Hope Estate Verdelho 2011 

Pale to light straw in colour with a light green hue. Intense floral aromas of orange blossom and honeysuckle with ripe citrus fruits overtones. A lifted front palate, imparting sweet melon and lychee flavours are the foundation of this intriguing wine. The mid-palate is lifted and finishes cleanly with an extended zesty lime finish. The sweet fruit of the verdelho cuts through spicy heat. It is a great food match with oriental noodles and seafood.

Michael Hope purchased a winery and planted vineyards in the Broke-Fordwich area of the western portion of the Hunter Valley in 1996. This area, now an official sub-region of the Hunter Valley, has long been known for producing the best quality fruit in the region due to the friable fertile soils and the Wollombi Brook, which combine to provide perfect growing conditions in this part of Australia's oldest established viticultural area. The Hope Estate winery has a capacity to crush 2,000 tonnes currently, but with his plans to expand production considerably, Michael Hope has been significantly extending the vineyard area with recent acquisitions surrounding the current site. The incredible enthusiasm and attention to detail in both viticulture and winemaking has already been recognised through the overwhelming show success for Hope Estate wines.