Alessandro & Maria Collections
The Alessandro Collection is named after the man who believed there was never a meal without a glass of wine. Made for the table. Saved for the moment.
The Alessandro Reserve collection is named in memory of Alessandro Laureti, Frank and Serge’s father, who made wine in Italy before migrating to Australia with his wife Maria in the 1950s.
Honouring the family matriarch and Nonna, the Maria Collection is a very special cellar release, reserved for those wines that age with grace and elegance. We have carefully cellared them so you don’t have to… or give you a head start if you will. Maria, who cooked for her family with passion, nurture and care until she was 94 years old remains the influence for Saddlers Creek’s love of generous Italian wholesome family dining occasions.
These collections are at the centre of all of our celebrations at Saddler’s Creek this July and August.
The story behind the wines
Alessandro Laureti believed in working hard, with passion, and spending time with family and friends over good food and wine. His son Frank’s words still sum up the whole philosophy: “It’s not a glass of full bodied, fruit driven red with hints of blackberries… it’s good times with your friends and family in a glass.”
Frank found Saddler’s Creek the way most great experiences in life happen, through a friend, who knew a friend. A Club Equus member introduced his friend, who introduced his friend, to the iconic Bluegrass Cabernet Sauvignon. By 2015, Frank was so taken with the wines that when the chance came to invest in the winery, he took it. Now, together with Wendy and his brother Serge, the Laureti family continues a tradition that Alessandro started at the table in Italy, more than 70 years ago.
Announcing this year’s outstanding NEW vintage releases
Brett Woodward, Head Winemaker: “We are incredibly proud of the new Alessandro releases that we are launching this July with, so far, 2 outstanding points scores from Halliday. The Alessandro collection is our premium offering, with minimal intervention that allows the vineyard and the varietal to tell its own story. This year we add 2 aged cellar releases to the collection under the Maria label, the 2021 Maria Chardonnay and the 2021 Maria Semillon.
2023 Alessandro Reserve Shiraz, Hunter Valley — 95 points, Halliday
Harvested from a single parcel at the Neighbouring Parish Vineyard, this Shiraz was picked in the cool of the morning before a gentle fermentation and 12 months in a single French Oak cask. Vibrant raspberry and black cherry on the bouquet, with an elegantly structured palate and fine grain tannins that carry the wine from start to finish.
Halliday reviewer Toni Paterson: “A big, bold style, full in body with plentiful tannin. The fruit is dark, dense and concentrated, in the mulberry sphere, with a touch of fresh bay leaf. Hearty, warming, long and rich; it will benefit from time in the cellar.”
2024 Alessandro Reserve Chardonnay, Hunter Valley — 94 points, Halliday
A blend from three premium Chardonnay blocks across the Hunter Valley, matured 100% sur lie in French oak. Succulent white peach, juicy nectarine and a hint of grapefruit, with a rich, elegant palate. Gentle mealy complexity from extended lees ageing, with an undercurrent of grapefruit providing energy and tension.
Halliday critic, Toni Paterson MW: “If you love chardonnay with the volume turned up, you’ll adore this textural, layered and supremely expressive example. Bold yet balanced.”
2023 Alessandro Reserve Semillon, Hunter Valley
Bright and youthful Hunter Valley Semillon, showing fresh yellow apple and pineapple characters alongside subtle herbaceous notes. Poured first in the wine and food pairing flight, matched to the potato and whipped cod croquette.
2021 Maria Reserve Chardonnay, Tumbarumba/Langhorne Creek
Vibrant citrus and white stone fruit aromas, with a fresh line of acidity, creamy texture and finesse, leading to a long, elegant finish with refined complexity.
A limited cellar release, and the centrepiece of the Plumm Masterclass Lunch in August.
2021 Maria Reserve Semillon, Hunter Valley
Ripe lemon curd, baked apple, and a subtle waxy texture, intertwined with nuances of brioche and roasted almonds.
A limited cellar release showcasing the amazing ageing ability of Hunter Valley Semillon.
Join us this July and August
Five ways to experience the Alessandro and Maria Reserve collections this winter.
Alessandro Wine and Food Pairing
Six wines. Six plates from our Venetian chef. A slow winter afternoon in the Barrel Room.
The Alessandro Wine and Food Pairing is a sit-down six-plate experience. Each Alessandro Reserve wine is matched to a sensory food experience created by Chef Chiero. 3 wines and 3 dishes per course.
Wednesday to Saturday, from 8th July to 31st August 2026 — 11:30am
Barrel Room, Saddler’s Creek Wines, Pokolbin
$75 per person | $65 Club Equus members
Saddler’s Creek Wine Walks
Walk the estate vines, taste the wines in the vines, and enjoy a leisurely lunch at Mangia.
The Saddler’s Creek Wine Walk starts at the fire pit with Chef Chiero and takes you through the estate for four wine and food pairings before sitting down to experience our Italian inspired lunch from Mangia. Two sessions left, limited to 20 guests each.
Sundays 20th September and 18th October 2026, from 10:30am Saddler’s Creek Wines, Pokolbin $115 per person | $99 Club Equus members
Sydney Wine Lunch at Sala Dining, Pyrmont
The Laureti family brings Alessandro Reserve to Sydney.
Five courses paired with new release Alessandro Reserve wines at Sala Dining on Jones Bay Wharf. An exquisite harbourside lunch, hosted by the Laureti family, for Club Equus members and guests.
Sunday 26th July 2026 Sala Dining, Jones Bay Wharf, Pyrmont, Sydney $220 Club Equus members | $240 guests