Some wines carry more than flavour. The TJD Individualist collection from Peter Drayton Wines is named for Trevor James Drayton, Peter's late brother, a man who shared Peter's love of the Hunter Valley and an independent streak that shaped the family's approach to winemaking. These three premium wines honour that spirit, each one crafted from the best fruit grown at Ironbark Hill Vineyard in Pokolbin.
If you have visited the cellar door on Hermitage Road, you may have spotted these wines on the top shelf. They earn their place there for good reason. Here is the story behind each one, along with the best ways to enjoy them at home this winter.
2024 TJD Individualist Semillon
Hunter Valley Semillon is one of Australia's great white wine styles, and this bottle is a benchmark example. Crafted from the treasured old Semillon vines at Ironbark Hill Estate, the 2024 vintage brings intensity and structure from fruit that only decades-old vines can deliver.
In the glass, expect a vivid core of green apple, lemon zest, and lime, carried by crisp acidity that leaves a dry, mouth-watering finish. It is a wine of both energy and elegance: delicious right now with a plate of freshly shucked oysters, yet destined to evolve beautifully over the next five to ten years in the cellar. If you have tasted a young Semillon before and wondered what all the fuss is about, this wine shows you where the magic starts.
Food pairing: Pacific oysters, steamed barramundi with lemon, fresh prawn salad, or a simple goat's cheese and herb tart.
Price: $65
2023 TJD Individualist Chardonnay
Grown on old vines at Ironbark Hill, this premium Chardonnay captures the timeless elegance that Hunter Valley Chardonnay is known for. Pale straw with a glint of green, it opens with a refined bouquet of stone fruit and ripe melon, delicately framed by seamlessly integrated French oak.
The palate is richly layered, with notes of peach and citrus balanced by a creamy texture and fresh acidity. Graceful and complex, it drinks beautifully now and will continue to develop for up to seven years if you can resist opening it sooner.
Food pairing: Roast chicken with tarragon, pan-seared salmon, creamy mushroom risotto, or a winter cheese board with aged cheddar and quince paste.
Price: $65
2023 TJD Individualist Shiraz
Hunter Valley Shiraz has a style all its own: medium-bodied, savoury, and built for the table rather than the trophy cabinet. The 2023 TJD Individualist Shiraz is a fine example. It presents a deep ruby hue with a youthful magenta rim, and the nose offers lifted aromas of ripe black cherries, plums, and subtle savoury spice.
On the palate, bright red and dark berry flavours lead into notes of licorice and a touch of dried herbs. The oak is gently integrated, giving structure without overwhelming the fruit, while fine-grained tannins carry through to a long, pepper-accented finish. This is an elegant, expressive Shiraz that rewards careful cellaring but also drinks well right now on a cold winter evening with the right dish beside it.
Food pairing: Slow-braised lamb shoulder, beef cheek ragu with pappardelle, grilled duck breast, or a rich mushroom and thyme pie.
Price: $75
The Individualist Trio
Cannot decide which to try first? The TJD Individualist Trio ($195, saving $10 on three bottles) includes one of each: the Semillon, Chardonnay, and Shiraz. It is also a thoughtful gift for anyone who appreciates premium Hunter Valley wine, and it makes an impression before the first glass is even poured.
What Makes TJD Different
Two things set the Individualist range apart from the broader Peter Drayton collection.
Old vine fruit: The Semillon and Chardonnay are sourced from the oldest vines on the Ironbark Hill estate. Older vines produce lower yields with more concentrated flavour, and that intensity shows in the glass.
Cellaring potential: While the Wildstreak range is crafted for everyday drinking, every TJD wine is built to age. The Chardonnay will develop beautifully over seven years. The Semillon can transform over a full decade, building the honeyed, toasty complexity that makes aged Hunter Semillon one of the world's great wine experiences. A bottle tucked away today will be a very different (and very rewarding) glass in 2034.
Visit the Cellar Door
The full TJD Individualist range is available to taste and purchase at the Peter Drayton Wines cellar door, 694 Hermitage Road, Pokolbin. The team is open Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm. Tasting the TJD collection alongside the Wildstreak and Museum ranges is one of the best ways to explore what Hunter Valley wine can be at every level. You can also shop the full range, including the Trio pack, at pdwines.com.au with delivery Australia-wide.
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