Thank you for attending the Hunter Highland Luncheon on Saturday 17th of September. We’re so glad you could join us to enjoy the very best Scottish traditions, local Hunter Valley produce and, of course, McLeish wines.
The sounds of Scotland could certainly be heard across the Hunter Valley with the Maitland Pipe Band playing as guests arrived to start the day on the lawn. We couldn’t have asked for a nicer day to savour the vista of the estate vineyards, with new leaves budding on the vines – a promise of the vintage to come!
NV Duke Cuvee and traditional Scottish canapes were served as the guests enjoyed a highland dancing display before the pipe band formed a guard, leading guests into the cellar door for lunch.
The feasting started with a bracket of McLeish Semillon & Chardonnay, and entrée of white bean tomato & garden herbs, with hot salmon & potato. The highlight was the vertical flight of Semillon. The 2022 vintage was served alongside the 16 year-old 2006 Museum Semillon – truly a remarkable wine, showing the quality of aged Hunter Semillon.
A very special part of any Scottish occasion is the Address to the Haggis. This year Ian Innis did the honours and guests had the opportunity to try this traditional dish.
The 2nd bracket of McLeish reds showcased the exceptional standard of Shiraz produced at the vineyard with the Reserve 2018 and Museum 2013 Shiraz both displaying classic characteristics. The braised beef, cauliflower, beets, parsley and garlic cream was the perfect pairing with both Shiraz and the Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2017.
The Caber Toss competition was a great way to add a touch of highland games into the day. Both the laddies and the lassies competed with our purpose-made cabers. Congratulations to the champion Lassie Melissa Avery with a toss of 4.1m and Laddie Kelvin Foster with a toss of 4.8m.
To end the lunch a delicious dessert of caramel & scotch whisky pudding, toasted oats, butterscotch and sour cream was served alongside the Auld Killie Semillon 2022 and ‘Jessica’s’ Botrytis Semillon 2021. The Maitland Pipe Band performed an array of party tunes for guests – ACDC, John Farnham and ‘Scotland the Brave’ just to name a few.
The fantastic afternoon was concluded with Auld Lange Syne.
Thank you to Wine Partners, friends and the amazing performers for attending the Hunter Highland Luncheon 2022- we look forward to sharing this event with you next year on Saturday 16th of September, 2023!
