Writer's Block/Noonji Estate

Self-described wine tragics Peter and Barbara Jensen chose to leave Sydney to pursue their dream of owning a small vineyard in an idyllic setting in the Hunter Valley. In 2004 they found a block of 40-year-old vines and began the long task of completely rejuvenating the vineyard, securing the services of Nick Paterson (Chateau Pâto) as contract winemaker. The 2.5ha of chardonnay included in the plantings are among the oldest in the Hunter Valley. Drew Gibson acquired Noonji Estate several years ago, but still sells and stocks Noonji Estate-labelled wines, while introducing Writer's Block in '11. -JAMES HALLIDAY