Old & Rare

• • 99

  2004 Penfolds Block 60A Cabernet Shiraz

  Multi District Blend, AUSTRALIA

  $899. 00

  Bottle

  $10788.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Other reviews... The release of the 2004 Bin 60A following the epic 1962 Bin 60A is old news now, but the wine was looking very fine indeed when I tasted it so I thought I’d add a note. Blended of 56% Coonawarra Cabernet from Block 20 and 44% Barossa Shiraz from Koonunga Hill Block 56G and Kalimna Blocks 4 and 14, the wine was matured in 100% new American oak hogsheads for 13 months. Very deep purple-black in color, it offers restrained notes of game, smoked meat, earth, blackberry and black currant liqueurs, yeast, marmite-toast plus whiffs of dried lavender, cedar and bark. Very crisp, very tight and very firm, this taut medium-bodied wine is still all structure at this stage, going very long and earthy in the finish. Give it time and consider broaching it from 2014. It should drink well into the 2030s if not beyond.

  With a lot of changes happening around the Foster’s Group, it is business as usual at Penfolds…which seems to operate within its own world. But this is no small world. The vineyard holdings here are vast and the connections with growers go back generations. Chief winemaker Peter Gago is the very well spoken front-man for the production team backed-up Kym Schroeter in charge of the whites and Steve Lienert crafting some very fine, consistent and sometimes inspired reds. If Champagne is all about the art of blending, then Penfolds is the Champagne of Australian wine. Those that think large companies producing wines that emphasize blending can’t make great wines need to think about the Champagne model or simply try some of Penfolds top wines to become believers. That said – check out their recent single vineyard release: the very special 2004 Block 42 Kalimna Cabernet Sauvignon, the first release of a wine made purely from this 100+ year old single block (perhaps the oldest block of Cabernet in the world?) since 1996. Drink 2014-2030
  99+ points - Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate #192 Dec 2010

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• • 96
  • 93

  • Not gift boxed

  2000 Penfolds Grange

  Barossa Valley, South Australia, AUSTRALIA

  $899. 00

  Bottle

  $10788.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 14%

  Closure: Cork

  Other reviews....
  Penfolds’ renowned 2000 Grange is only the fifth vintage to be made from 100% Shiraz (the others being 1951, 1952, 1963, and 1999). It is also, atypically, 100% Barossa fruit. While it is not considered to be one of the great Granges, the 2000 exhibits outstanding potential, and is much more accessible than usual. One of the top wines I tasted from this vintage (which has had to take a back seat to subsequent years), its dense ruby/purple color is followed by a big, sweet nose of blackberries, cherries, chocolate, and earth. With decent acidity, ripe, silky tannin, superb intensity, wonderful equilibrium, and a more open-knit, softer, accessible style than usual, it can be drunk now or cellared for 15-16 years. While this is no wimpy wine, it is an ideal example for readers who are unwilling to invest the patience required for the big, blockbuster Granges.
  93 Points
  Robert Parker - The Wine Advocate # 161 (Oct 2005)

  Good depth to the colour; seamless blackberry fruit and vanilla/cedar oak; abundant power and concentration; sultry blackberry, dark chocolate and spice; persistent but balanced tannins. Exceptional outcome for an ordinary vintage; obviously strict selection criteria used. Drink 2025.
  Rating 96
  James Halliday - 2006 Australian Wine Companion
  

  Notes sourced from Southcorp

  Grange is both Penfolds and arguably Australia's most famous wine and is officially listed as a Heritage Icon of South Australia. Grange boasts an unbroken line of vintages from the experimental 1951 and clearly demonstrates the synergy between shiraz and the soils and climate of South Australia.

  Penfolds Grange displays fully-ripe, intensely-flavoured and textured shiraz grapes in combination with new American oak. The result is a unique Australian style that is now recognised as one of the most consistent of the world's great wines. The Grange style is the original and most powerful expression of Penfolds multi-vineyard, multi-district blending philosophy.

  The 2000 Penfolds Grange is an excellent example of the Grange style transcending a most challenging South Australian 2000 vintage. The 2000 vintage is sourced entirely from the Barossa Valley, (40% Kalimna) and is produced from 100% Shiraz. The wine was aged for 18 months in new American oak hogsheads.

  Vintage Conditions: As in most south-eastern districts, some rain fell between Christmas and New Year, followed by very dry and very hot conditions until March. Crops were down by 20-40% producing parcels of 'Grange' quality in the Barossa.

  Tasting Notes: Deep (bright) red crimson colour. On the nose smoky barrel fermented notes hover above a complex base of black liquorice, tobacco, black pepper, exotic spices and plummy, berried fruits. A mouthfilling, generous and expansive palate, as expected of this marque. Dark chocolate and plum fruits court a deceptive play of substantial ripe tannins and, at this relatively early stage, provide for a more powerful Grange stamp on the palate than on the nose. Oak plays a supportive role and is perfectly integrated and absorbed. This is a wine of admirable balance and poise, with trademark mid-palate richness.
  14% Alc/vol.

  Delivery Information
• 2001 Penfolds Grange Magnum (1500ml)

  Barossa Valley, South Australia, AUSTRALIA

  $1999. 00

  Bottle

  $23988.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 14.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Notes sourced from Southcorp.

  Grange is both Penfolds and arguably Australia's most famous wine and is officially listed as a Heritage Icon of South Australia. Grange boasts an unbroken line of vintages from the experimental 1951 and clearly demonstrates the synergy between shiraz and the soils and climate of South Australia.

  Penfolds Grange displays fully-ripe, intensely-flavoured and textured shiraz grapes in combination with new American oak. The result is a unique Australian style that is now recognised as one of the most consistent of the world's great wines. The Grange style is the original and most powerful expression of Penfolds multi-vineyard, multi-district blending philosophy.

  Regional Source:
  100% BarossaValley.

  Vintage Conditions:
  Good winter rains and soil moisture levels led to a very good early growing season. Growth was vigorous and flowering was successful however the onset of exceptional heat in January depleted soil moisture, and vineyards without water suffered. Rain in mid-March provided relief and vineyards produced shiraz with excellent, ripe fruit flavours.

  Grape Variety:
  Shiraz (Syrah)

  Maturation:
  This wine was aged for 17 months in new American oak hogsheads.

  Tasting Notes:
  Deep, dark and dense, retaining bright purple hues. The nose is immediately Grange, revealing barrel ferment complexities soaked in dark berried fruits. Vibrant, youthful and lifted, a mix of tightly packed liquorice, freshly tanned leather and dark spices create a poised, controlled and distinctive wine. A rich, full-flavoured and concentrated wine with complex rum/raisin dark chocolate, liquorice, quince paste and dried fruit notes. Prominent, well integrated tannins align with oak (all but soaked up by the fruits) to create a lingering continuum of flavours and tactile persistence. Beautifully balanced, this 100% Barossa wine delivers the expectations demanded of a Grange from this vintage.

  
  Other Reviews….
  Deep purple. Very elemental blackberry/raspberry/eau-de-vie aromas and sweet malt/savoury oak. A strikingly rich, concentrated wine with deep-set musky blackberry/dark chocolate fruit flavours, underlying savoury oak and ripe smooth tannins. Finishes long and sweet. Immaculately balanced wine. Almost certainly a great Grange. 14.5% alcohol
  The Rewards of Patience (5^th Edition)

  It is extraordinary how this wine has gained power, weight and complexity since first bottled; now majestic black fruits, licorice and chocolate / mocha notes run through the palate.  Great tannins sustain and support the back-palate and finish. 
  Rating 96
  Drink 2030
  James Halliday - 2007 Australian Wine Companion

  It is always a treat to taste Australia’s most famous wine, Penfolds’ Grange cuvee (the word Hermitage has been dropped because of legal issues). The 2001 Grange is one of the few vintages of this cuvee to be composed of 100% Shiraz (the others being 1951, 1952, 1963, 1999, and 2000). Aged 17 months in 100% American oak, and tipping the scales at 14.5% alcohol, the 2001 is undeniably one of the top examples of this wine. At this stage, it appears to eclipse the 1998 and 1996. Inky/blue/purple to the rim, with a stunning perfume of blueberries, blackberries, chocolate, graphite, and earth, it boasts good acidity, huge tannins, magnificent concentration, and a multilayered, textured mouthfeel. It is a big, but impeccably well-balanced Shiraz that should shed some of its structure and tannin over the next 4-5 years, and be at its best between 2010-2030+.
  98 points
  Robert Parker - Wine Advocate #167 (Oct 2006)

  Delivery Information
• 1984 Penfolds Grange Hermitage

  South Australia, AUSTRALIA

  $899. 00

  Bottle

  $10788.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 14.2%

  Closure: Cork

  Notes Sourced from The Rewards of Patience - Fifth Edition (2004):
  Drinking Window: Now – 2015
  Deep crimson. Perfumed, red berry/cassis/toasty/mocha/herb aromas and some malt oak characters. The palate is seductively smooth with redcurrant/leafy blackcurrant fruit and soft, slinky tannins. A really well balanced, delicious wine.
  95% Shiraz, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Kalimna Vineyard (Barossa Valley), Barossa Valley, Magill Estate (Adelaide), McLaren Vale, Clare Valley and Coonawarra. A cool growing season followed by a cool, dry late vintage.

  ---

  Notes Sourced from Southcorp Wines

  Regional sources: Kalimna (Barossa Valley), Barossa Valley, Magill, Coonawarra, McLaren Vale & Clare Valley.

  Grape varieties: 95% Shiraz & 5% Cabernet Sauvignon

  Alcohol: 14.2% Total acids: 6.1 grams per litre. pH: 3.63

  Growing season/vintage: Generally good; a cool summer followed by cool, dry conditions at what as a late vintage.

  Comments: An "elegant" Grange, rated 89/100 points by Robert Parker in 1990.

  Tasting notes:size> Great finesse and elegance. Very much the product of a cool vintage, with far lower tannins and the oak a fraction dominant at this stage. (James Halliday, Weekend Australian, Dec. 1988)

  Concentrated fruit and strong, balanced tannins are pronounced on the palate. Needs time to develop. (Rewards of Patience, 2nd ed., 1990)

  A lighter-bodied Grange, but still big, this has lovely balance and fineness, starting to build the typical earthy, meaty, matured characters, but with unusual tobacco and cedar cool-year nuances. Lively acidity; very intense flavour. A very good wine without the fleshiness of top-year Granges. Drink 1996-2008. (Huon Hooke, 1993)

  Blackcurrant and plum aromas combine with developed chocolate and caramel-like characters. The palate is elegant, with cedary, chocolatey, tobacco-like flavours and supple tannins. This is a "useful" Grange for relatively early drinking, now to 2010. (Rewards of Patience, 3rd ed., 1994)

  "Medium-full red/purple. Forward but complex wine with sweet, prune/cherry aromas and touches of mint. Very seductive palate with sweet, fleshy, chocolate/berry/truffle fruit flavours balanced by finely grained, slightly gripping tannins. Early drinking but will hold. Drink between now and 2009." (Southcorp Wines, The Rewards of Patience, Fourth Edition, March 2000)

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• 1999 Penfolds Grange Magnum (1500ml)

  South Australia, AUSTRALIA

  $1999. 00

  Bottle

  $23988.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 14%

  Closure: Cork

  Notes sourced from Penfoldssize>

  Grange is both Penfolds' and arguably Australia's most famous wine and is officially listed as a Heritage Icon of South Australia. Grange boasts an unbroken line of vintages from the experimental 1951 and clearly demonstrates the synergy between Shiraz and the soils and climate of South Australia.

  Penfolds Grange displays fully-ripe, intensely-flavoured and textured Shiraz grapes, matured in new American oak for 17 months. The result is a unique Australian style that is now recognised as the most consistent of the world's great wines. The Grange style is the original and most powerful expression of Penfolds' multi-vineyard, multi-district blending philosophy.

  The first 100% shiraz Grange since 1963, and an excellent follow on to the 1998 vintage.

  Fruit was sourced primarily from the Penfolds Kalimna Vineyard and other Barossa Vineyards, with proportions from McLaren Vale and Padthaway. The 1999 vintage in South Australia was defined by generally dry and cool weather conditions during early summer, temporarily disrupted by a hot spell in late January before moderate conditions during vintage. Multi-regional sourcing and strong vineyard management resulted in parcels of fruit being harvested with hallmark fruit richness and ripe tannins.

  Tasting Note: Impenetrable deep red/purple colour. On the nose, notes of blackberry and blueberry fruit interwoven with perfectly tuned, malty, savoury oak, with liquorice and anise notes hovering above. Upon sitting there is a whirling aromatic shift, the wine becoming more complex, deeper, richer and darker. On the palate, layers of fruit, with blackberry and blueberry to the fore, as suggested by the nose. An underlying tarriness and new oak are seamlessly absorbed. A mass of fine grained tannins court a firm tight finish of great length. The wine possesses the essential ingredients of the marque, richness, harmony, and balance. A fitting Grange release to end the 1900's, with decades of life ahead.
  Peak Drinking: 2010-2035
  Alc/Vol: 14.0%

  Robert Parker's Review
  The 1999 Grange does not come close to such great Granges as the 1998, 1996, 1991, and 1990. Dense ruby/purple to the edge, with a bouquet of blackberries, mulberries, and floral-like aromas, and medium to full body, the 1999 has an acid punch, but also tremendous layers of fruit and extract. Not massive, but elegant and nicely layered, it requires another 2-3 years of cellaring, and should last for 12-15 years.
  (Notes sourced from Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate #155)
  ROBERT PARKERS RATING: 92 points

  ---

  Notes Sourced from The Rewards of Patience - Fifth Edition (2004):
  Outstanding vintage
  Drinking Window: 2010 – 2035
  Deep crimson-purple. Concentrated, elemental wine with ripe blackberry/liquorice/scented plum aromas and perfectly seasoned malty/savoury oak. The palate is powerfully rich with deep-set blackberry/plum/dark chocolate/malty flavours balanced by fine grained tannins. Finishes firm with plenty of flavour length. A classic Grange reflecting the sheer class of the 1999 Barossa vintage.
  100% Shiraz. Kalimna Vineyard (Barossa Valley), Barossa Valley, Magill Estate (Adelaide), McLaren Vale and Padthaway. Dry winter conditions were followed by intermittent rains. Rain fell during November and December, but just enough to maintain healthy vines. The Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale experienced heavy rains in March and ripening slowed. Despite this, vineyards with good drainage produced fruit of exceptional quality. Padthaway escaped the burden ofMarch rain and experienced a great vintage.

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• 1997 Penfolds Bin 707 Cabernet Sauvignon

  South Australia, AUSTRALIA

  $599. 00

  Bottle

  $7188.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 13.6%

  Closure: Cork

  Notes sourced from Southcorp Wines.

  Penfolds Bin 707 is the quintessential Australian Cabernet Sauvignon. The winemaking philosophy of Bin 707 is similar to that of Grange, that is ripe grapes, barrel fermentation and new American oak maturation. The result is a wine of great richness, power, harmony and concentration with the structure and strength to age for the long term.Bin 707 and other wines in the Bin-range "family" of red wines - 128, 389 and 28 - were among the result of Max Schubert's constant experimentation during the 1950s and 1960s. The first vintage of Bin 707 was in 1964. Bin 707 was discontinued after the 1969 vintage, but re-introduced with the 1976 vintage. In years where the grapes are not considered to be of sufficient quality this wine is not produced, such as in 1981 and 1995.In 1997 a cool summer was followed by warm weather in late March and April. Winter rainfall had been excellent in most districts and good rains continued into September and past bud-burst. Made from 100 % Cabernet Sauvignon the wine spent 15 months in 100 per cent new American oak.
  Opaque, deep red colour. The nose displays aromas of ripe red berries together with varietal, leafy cassis fruits. Stylish integrated oak, hints of smokiness and subtle cedar aromas. The palate is rich and ripe with dark cherry and raspberry fruit flavours, some dark chocolate and integrated smoky oak.The 1997 vintage is already beginning to show attractive maturation characters and will develop more quickly than the 1996 vintage.
  13.6% alcohol volume.

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• 1983 Penfolds Grange Hermitage

  South Australia, AUSTRALIA

  $999. 00

  Bottle

  $11988.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 13.3%

  Closure: Cork

  Notes Sourced from The Rewards of Patience - Fifth Edition (2004):
  Outstanding vintage
  Drinking Window: Now – 2030
  Deep crimson. Ripe powerful prune/plum/black cherry/mocha/smoky aromas. A luscious, richlytextured palate with prune/plum/dark chocolate/liquorice flavours and dense ripe tannins. A superbly concentrated wine. A great Grange vintage.
  94% Shiraz, 6% Cabernet Sauvignon. Kalimna Vineyard (Barossa Valley), Barossa Valley, Magill Estate (Adelaide) and Modbury Vineyard. A bizarre growing season marked by drought, the Ash Wednesday bushfires and March flooding. A very low-yielding vintage resulting in wine of immense concentration.

  ---

  Notes sourced from Southcorp Wines

  Region: Barossa Valley, Magill & Modbury (Adelaide Plains)

  Grape varieties: 94% Shiraz & 6% Cabernet Sauvignon

  Alcohol: 13.3% Total acids: 7.1 grams per litre. pH: 3.41

  Growing season/vintage: This vintage was seriously affected by the 1982 drought, less by the devastating Ash Wednesday (Feb. 15) bushfires and March flooding. Summer rainfall was a little more than half the average, followed by record rains in March. Vintage weather was very hot before the rains came.

  Comments: An extraordinary season of heat, drought, fires and then floods, which resulted in small yields of huge wines with very long keeping potential. The 1983 Grange was rated 92/100 points by Robert Parker in 1990. "Very big and concentrated", said Max Schubert in 1993. Rigorous fruit selection meant a much smaller than usual Grange make.

  Tasting notes:size> Packed with flavour... there are potent aromas of mint and dark chocolate while the wine is fruit-driven through the early and mid-palate, with voluptuous though not jammy flavours. Strong tannins take over on the finish and the wine is destined for a very long cellaring future. (James Halliday, Weekend Australian, Dec. 1988)

  Great big bastard. Makes the earth move. (Huon Hooke, Wine & Spirit Buying Guide, 1988)

  Blockbuster Grange with massively powerful fruit and oak. Enormous strength. Will live for decades. (Rewards of Patience, 2nd ed., 1990)

  Extraordinary concentration of fruit. It is still very closed but there's bags of tightly packed gamey/spicy flavours and a fascinating spicy/herby finish. (Robert Joseph, WINE [UK], June 1992.

  Dense, concentrated, latent, with sweet, plummy fruit and obvious American oak in the mouth. One of the biggest-ever Granges, formidably robust and grippingly tannic, with no pretence to elegance. It should be locked away for the long term and will start to drink well at the turn of the century. 2000-2020. (Huon Hooke, 1993)

  Dense, powerful chocolate/spice/plum/briar aromas with some American oak-derived coconut. A highly concentrated wine showing pronounced extract and tannins balanced with sweetness of fruit and obvious American oak. The wine is beginning to show some complexing "cigar box" characters but is still very youthful. This will be a great Grange. (Rewards of Patience, 3rd ed., 1994)

  Stunning wine with harmony and equilibrium. Great future. (Ultimate Grange Experience, Nov, 1994)

  "Red/purple. Intense, rich, brambly/blackberry fruit with touches of cedar and liquorice. Beautifully concentrated, with abundant blackberry/apricot fruit and plenty of meaty/ cedary characters, plush, pronounced tannins and underlying sweet oak. Super wine. Drink between now and 2020." (Southcorp Wines, The Rewards of Patience, Fourth Edition, March 2000)

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• 1982 Penfolds Grange Hermitage Magnum (1500ml)

  South Australia, AUSTRALIA

  $1999. 00

  Bottle

  $23988.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 13.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Notes Sourced from The Rewards of Patience - Fifth Edition (2004):
  Drinking Window: Now – 2010
  Deep crimson. Aromatic sweet cassis/blackberry/herb garden aromas. A supple, refined wine with sweet, cassis/cedary flavours, spicy oak and fine chocolaty tannins. A good vintage.
  94% Shiraz, 6% Cabernet Sauvignon. Kalimna Vineyard (Barossa Valley), Barossa Valley, Magill Estate (Adelaide), Modbury Vineyard (Adelaide) and Clare Valley. A mild growing season followed by a hot vintage. Most 1982 Penfolds wines have a particular vintage character, often described as “exaggerated ripe fruit”.

  ---

  Notes sourced from Southcorp wines

  Region: Barossa Valley, Clare Valley, Magill & Modbury (Adelaide Plains).

  Grape varieties: 94% Shiraz & 6% Cabernet Sauvignon

  Alcohol: 13.5 per cent. Total acids: 6.9 grams per litre.pH: 3.39

  Growing season/vintage: A very good vintage in South Australia with a mild growing season which ended with a burst of warm weather.

  Comments: Most 1982 Penfolds reds share a particular vintage character: a quite distinctive richness and fleshiness of fruit. This vintage of Grange rated 96/100 points by Robert Parker in 1990. Max Schubert also considered it "a very good wine".

  Tasting notes:size> Generous, lifted "fleshy" fruit is typical of the '82 vintage. A distinctive and great Grange. (Rewards of Patience, 2nd ed., 1990)

  Very ripe blackberry fruit and toasty oak nose, hints of vanilla and mint. Masses of delicious fruit throughout, very elegant and supple but undeniably full-bodied. Seems deceptively light when put beside other Granges, but when tasted in other company it's very much a Grange and should age as well as any. (Huon Hooke, 1991)

  Like some other 1982 Penfolds reds, is developing in a curious direction. Exaggerated blackcurrant jam, crme de cassis nose, uncharacteristic and seems to lack the complexing oak of other Granges. Smooth, elegant, long-flavoured and stylish in the mouth, surprising on the finish with assertive tannin. While some believe this is drinking already, I would wait and hope that it builds more Grange character. (Huon Hooke, 1993)

  Rich, sweet plum jam aromas with a hint of leafiness. Soft, smooth palate with opulent, jam-like flavours, soft tannin structure and forward fruit, A unique Grange that reflects the super-fleshy fruit characters of this vintage in South Australia. Regular monitoring of this wine's progress is suggested. Drink now to 2005. (Rewards of Patience, 3rd ed., 1994)

  "Medium red/purple. Christmas cake/ blackcurrant essence aromas with touches of raspberry. Sweet and ripe with plum/ blackcurrant essence fruit and supple tannins. A typically flavoured wine. Will hold for many years but unlikely to improve. Drink between now and 2008." (Southcorp Wines, The Rewards of Patience, Fourth Edition, March 2000)

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• • 97

  • Not gift boxed

  1986 Penfolds Grange Hermitage

  South Australia, AUSTRALIA

  $1200. 00

  Bottle

  $14400.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 13.9%

  Closure: Cork

  Note: Bottle has come from a private collection and as such has some minor scratches on the capsule. Actual product pictured. Otherwise, in very good condition with fill level at base of neck.

  The Monster of Australian Shiraz, with many many years of cellaring in front of it. Totally opaque in colour with black crimson hue. Perfumed nose, slowly evolving, with aroma of violets, vanilla, confectionary and ripe plums. Monumental palate structure and flavour – no way is this wine going to yield all just yet. The depth and concentration is very evident. Plum, spice, liquorice and vanilla are on the surface, but more to evolve over the next decade. Dry tannins, but balanced. Very long aftertaste of plum, spice and vanilla.
  Alc/Vol: 14.0% approx

  First Tasted:  November 2001

  The below tasting notes were made at the 50th Anniversary Dinner of Penfolds Grange at Magill in South Australia on November 26th 2001. They were written in less than ideal tasting conditions. The pomp and ceremony of the occasion and low level lighting, together with the constant chatter on the table, all made a less than perfect tasting environment. I am sure, many of the wines would have scored a point or two higher under perfect tasting conditions and, thus the notes are to be read with this proviso in mind. - Nick Chlebnikowski A baby, and one of the all time Great Granges. Opaque, brick red colour. Powerful nose, with aroma of prune, blackberry, spice and liquorice. Still very youthful with no signs of tertiary aroma at this stage. Mouthfilling palate, a concentrate of Shiraz. Outstanding depth, with flavours of blackberry, cedar and spice dominant. Perfect tannins, followed by very long aftertaste.Cellar 10-12 years (2012-2014)Alc/Vol: 13.7% RATING: 94/100 VALUE: XXXX/5

  Notes Sourced from The Rewards of Patience - Fifth Edition (2004):
  Drinking Window: Now – 2030+
  Deep crimson. Immensely rich and powerful dark chocolate/mocha/cedar/cigar box aromas. The palate is sumptuously concentrated with dark chocolate/blackberry/dried fig fruit, plenty of malty oak, massive sweet, dense, ripe tannins and superb flavour length. A very great Grange vintage.
  87% Shiraz, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon. Kalimna Vineyard (Barossa Valley), Barossa Valley, Clare Valley, McLaren Vale and Modbury Vineyard (Adelaide). A mild, relatively dry growing season and vintage. An important and very successful vintage.

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• 1976 Penfolds Grange Hermitage

  South Australia, AUSTRALIA

  $1500. 00

  Bottle

  $18000.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Closure: Cork

  Note: actual bottle pictured.

  Notes Sourced from Southcorp Wines

  REGIONAL SOURCES: Kalimna (Barossa Valley), Magill, Barossa Valley & Modbury (Adelaide Plains)

  GRAPE VARIETIES: 89 per cent Shiraz & 11 per cent Cabernet Sauvignon

  ALCOHOL: 13.9 per cent

  TOTAL ACIDS: 5.1 grams per litre pH: 3.73

  GROWING SEASON/VINTAGE CONDITIONS: Very good with ideal conditions throughout. The warm vintage resulted in big, rich, concentrated wines.Comments: The year of the takeover of Penfolds by the brewer, Tooth & Co, ending three generations of family control. Although 1976 was considered an excellent vintage, the 1976 Grange won only a bronze and two silver medals in Australian wine shows. However, rated 98/100 by Robert Parker in 1990. "More in the old style; a good vintage", said Max Schubert.

  Tasting notes: Colour: dense purple-red. Bouquet: pungent aromas; some estery, volatile characters and a ripe mint overlay. Palate: huge fruit, sweet and minty; very ripe but well-balanced fruit flavour; tannin fairly low, oak in balance. (James Halliday, National Times, Nov. 1982)

  Very big Grange. Huge fruit, rich and minty. Well-balanced oak. Solid tannin. Needs time. (Rewards of Patience, 1st ed., 1985)

  Still a trifle adolescent, but as muscular as a builder's labourer and as poised as a ballet dancer. (Paul Lloyd, Adelaide Advertiser, 1986)

  Mammoth Grange, showing developed "coffee bean" and "leather" characters. Firm, but well-balanced. (Rewards of Patience, 2nd ed., 1990)

  Rich, dark hue. Sweet, leathery, meaty, honey and plum bouquet. A monumental wine, grippingly tannic, dense and concentrated. Very long term. One of the biggest post-Schubert wines, needing food. Drink from 1995 to 2010. (Huon Hooke, 1993)

  Intense licorice/coffee-like, meaty bouquet with hints of plum. Highly concentrated palate with densely-packed, meaty, dark chocolate and licorice-like flavours. Strong but in-balance tannins, fine medium acid and sweetnes of fruit combine to produce a wine of structure and power with excellent long-term potential. (Rewards of Patience, 3rd ed., 1994)

  Mellow, with tannin in balance with other flavours. Still improving. (Ultimate Grange Experience, Nov. 1994)

  "Youthful purple/red. Intense and concentrated liquorice/chocolate/berry/truffle aromas with touches of earthiness. Palate is very powerful with rich plum/chocolate/berry/ liquorice fruit flavours, thick velvety tannin structure and excellent length. Should be a very long-lived wine. Drink between now and 2015." (Southcorp Wines, The Rewards of Patience, Fourth Edition, March 2000)

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• • 91

  1996 Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz

  South Australia, AUSTRALIA

  $165. 00

  Bottle

  $1980.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: 8 - 10 Years (2007-2009)

  ABV: 13.5%

  Closure: Cork

  A great example of Bin 389. A blend of 50% Cabernet and 50% Shiraz which has been matured for 14 months in American oak, 25% of which was new wood. Opaque vibrant, crimson purple colour - a visual delight. Magnificent lifted nose of violets, blackcurrants, vanilla and toasted oak with a blackberry spice end note. The palate reflects the nose with generous flavours of ripe plum, blackcurrants and liquorice - full bodied and supported by very fine, assertive, yet well balanced tannins, which linger into the aftertaste. Long liquorice, blackcurrant, chocolate and toasted oak aftertaste. A Classic.

  RATING: 91/100

  VALUE: XXXX/5

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• • 96

  1999 Penfolds Bin 707 Cabernet Sauvignon

  South Australia, AUSTRALIA

  $599. 00

  Bottle

  $7188.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 13.5%

  Closure: Cork

  An outstanding benchmark Australian Cabernet. Opaque crimson colour, black heart with deep crimson hue. Magnificent refined nose of cedar violets and black currant - a very sophisticated sniff. The palate does not disappoint - again a refined expression of cabernet with very long concentrated blackcurrant and spice flavours followed by a liquorice end note. Excellent balance. Fine grained dry tannins with a very long aftertaste of stewed fruits, spice and blackcurrants.

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• • 98

  • Not gift boxed

  1990 Penfolds Grange

  South Australia, AUSTRALIA

  $1200. 00

  Bottle

  $14400.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: 15 - 20 Years (2015-2020)

  ABV: 13.8%

  Closure: Cork

  Other Reviews....

  Blackberry, blueberry, spice and dark chocolate aromas. Full body, deep and powerful. Just a baby. Layered. Goes on for minutes. Drink or hold.
  98 points
  James Suckling

  Destined to be one of the greatest Granges. A beautifully weighted and concentrated bouquet, with seamless fruit and oak; masses of dark cherries and plum. In the mouth a superb wine; while the fruit is opulent, it is not excessively so; indeed there is a touch of near austerity to the fine tannins to give the wine both character and balance. The iron fist in a velvet glove.
  97 points
  James Halliday's Wine Companion

  
  Notes Sourced from The Rewards of Patience - Fifth Edition (2004):
  Outstanding vintage
  Drinking Window: Now – 2040
  Deep crimson. Immensely concentrated, beautifully perfumed wine with deep, dark, chocolate/spicy/mocha/malty aromas. A very rich, ripe, supple palate with deep blackberry/chocolate/liquorice fruit, malt/vanilla oak nuances and satin smooth tannins. A superbly-balanced wine. A very great Grange vintage with tremendous finesse and understated power.
  95% Shiraz, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Kalimna Vineyard (Barossa Valley), Barossa Valley, Clare Valley and Coonawarra. Voted ‘Red Wine of the Year’ by Wine Spectator magazine in December 1995. A very great Australian vintage with a perfect warm, dry, growing season and harvest.

   

  ---

   

  Notes sourced from Southcorp Wines

  Regional sources: Kalimna (Barossa Valley), Barossa Valley, Clare Valley & Coonawarra.

  Grape varieties: 95% Shiraz & 5% Cabernet Sauvignon.

  Alcohol: 13.8% Total acids: 7.1 grams per litre. pH: 3.36

  Growing season/vintage: A totally trouble-free growing season enabled grapes to ripen perfectly. Vintage conditions were also ideal, enabling fruit to be harvested and processed without compromising quality in any way.

  Comments: The 1990 vintage was the kind that winemakers only expect to see once or twice in an entire career.

  "The 1990 is without doubt a classic Grange."

  Tasting notes: Deep, fresh, purple colour. Very intense, concentrated plummy nose showing perfect fruit ripeness and stylish oak in fine harmony. A sumptuous wine to taste, amazingly complex at three years old, loaded with fruit and tasting of coffee, cedar, vanilla and dark berries. A very great Grange. Drink 2005-2025+. (Huon Hooke, 1993)

  Beautifully weighted and concentrated wine combining intense, perfectly ripe, plummy aromas with smoky vanillin oak. Already the wine is complex and harmonious, with ripe, savoury, smoky, coffee and plum-like fruit, integrated oak, fine tannins and length. This is a superbly balanced and opulent wine showing restrained power -- "an iron fist in a velvet glove". Destined for greatness. (Rewards of Patience, 3rd ed., 1994)

  Perfectly ripened fruit. A singularly great wine. (Ultimate Grange Experience, Nov. 1994)

  Dark berry scented, masses of integrating new wood, as rich and heady as newly-laid tar. (Tim White, Aust. Financial Review, Dec. 1994)

  "Medium-full red/purple. Deeply concentrated, with strong, plum/prune/liquorice aromas and touches of aniseed and exotic fruits - all underpinned by well-seasoned oak. Palate is deeply set with spicy, plum/mocha/liquorice fruit, sweet spicy oak, and ripe but fine, velvety tannin structure. Long and flavoury finish. Perfectly tensioned and balanced. May outlive us all! Drink between now and 2030." (Southcorp Wines, The Rewards of Patience, Fourth Edition, March 2000)

  Delivery Information
• 1991 Penfolds Grange

  South Australia, AUSTRALIA

  $999. 00

  Bottle

  $11988.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Closure: Cork

  Notes Sourced from The Rewards of Patience - Fifth Edition (2004):
  
  Outstanding vintage
  Drinking Window: Now – 2035
  Deep crimson. Gloriously ripe, dark berry/chocolate/smoked meaty aromas interwoven with mocha/malty oak. A multi-layered, textured, loose-knit wine with penetrating, rich, dark berry/chocolate/spicy fruit, underlying savoury oak and fine grainy tannins. A substantial wine with superb balance and flavour length. Another great Grange vintage.
  95% Shiraz, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Kalimna Vineyard (Barossa Valley), Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale. A warm, dry year with even ripening conditions. Vintage started early.

  ---

  Notes sourced from Southcorp.

  Oak Maturation: Matured in new American oak hogsheads for 18 months.

  Alc/Vol: 13.5% Acidity: 7.3 grams per litre. pH: 3.32

  Tasting Notes:size>By international benchmark standards, Penfolds Grange has everything required of a great red wine: complexity, richness, balance and longevity. The 1991 Grange has a glorious, dark, dense, red purple colour. The rich bouquet shows an incredible depth of ripe berry spice, tobacco, mocha and green tea aromas with unmistakable Penfolds oak handling. The palate has intensely concentrated, mouth-filling fruit flavours showing spicy, rich berry fruit and earthy characters with masses of ripe tannins and integrated oak, finishing with excellent length.

  From a truly great year, the classically constructed 1991 Grange is built for long-term cellaring. It is a world class wine which, as time releases its breathtaking flavours, will achieve the status enjoyed by the other recent classic Granges, the '90, '86, '83 and '71.

  "Medium-full red/purple. Cherry/plum/wild berry aromas with some vanilla and liquorice. Deep, dense and chewy, with ripe plum cherry fruit and spicy liquorice flavours, fine grained tannins, underlying savoury oak and persistent finish. Outstanding follow-up to 1990; more generous in fruit but a looser-knit style. Drink between 2005 and 2025." (Southcorp Wines, The Rewards of Patience, Fourth Edition, March 2000)

  Delivery Information
• • 90

  1987 Penfolds Grange Hermitage

  South Australia, AUSTRALIA

  $899. 00

  Bottle

  $10788.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 13.8%

  Closure: Cork

  Other Reviews....
  A light, elegant style of Grange made with a blend of 90% Shiraz and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine has a deep ruby/purple color and a spicy, peppery nose with some new oak, black cherry, and blackberry flavors. The wine shows some dry tannin in the finish that may ultimately prove worrisome given the less-than-massive style of this vintage. Nevertheless, there is still a lot to like in this wine, which is very pure, ripe, and medium to full-bodied. Anticipated maturity: 2003-2016.
  90 point
  Robert Parker - Wine Advocate 2002

  Delivery Information
• 1989 Penfolds Grange Hermitage Magnum (1500ml)

  South Australia, AUSTRALIA

  $1750. 00

  Bottle

  $21000.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 13.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Notes Sourced from The Rewards of Patience - Fifth Edition (2004):
  Drinking Window: Now – 2020
  Medium crimson-purple. Intense rum/raisin/chocolate (a touch herbal) aromas and flavours. Plenty of fruit sweetness and cassis/chocolate notes, but tannins build up quite firm and tight at the finish.
  91% Shiraz, 9% Cabernet Sauvignon. Kalimna Vineyard (Barossa Valley), Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale. Extreme heat and heavy March rains followed an ideal, warm growing season.

  ---

  Notes sourced from Southcorp Wines

  Regional sources: Kalimna (Barossa Valley), Barossa Valley & McLaren Vale.

  Grape varieties: 91% Shiraz & 9% Cabernet Sauvignon

  Alcohol: 13.5% Total acids: 6.8 grams per litre pH: 3.54

  Growing season/vintage: A generally good growing season led into a difficult vintage marked by heatwave conditions at the beginning of March, followed by heavy rain. The result was soft, richly-flavoured wines, generally for earlier drinking.

  Comments: Considered a rich, soft, fruity Grange for relatively early drinking -- a reflection of 1989 vintage conditions.

  Tasting notes:size> Very sweet blackberry jam nose, very open for a Grange so young and reminding somewhat of the 1982. A big, lush, supple and well-balanced mouthful of flavour, tannic but not tough, and shaping up like another relatively early-maturing style. Drink 2000-2015. (Huon Hooke, 1993)

  The nose is sweet and relatively open, with blackberry jam and coconutty oak notes. In the mouth it's big, supple, sweet, lush, and balanced with persuasive but smooth tannin. (Huon Hooke/Mark Shield, Penguin Good Wine Guide, 1994-95)

  Ripe, fragrant, raspberry/blackberry aromas with a hint of aniseed. Sweet, soft palate with luscious, spicy, blackberry-like fruit and supple, balanced tannins. The oak component is temporarily dominated by fruit. This is a lovely but relatively early-maturing Grange. Drink 1998-2010. (Rewards of Patience, 3rd ed., 1994)

  Spicy, soft and accessible. Will develop relatively quickly. (Ultimate Grange Experience, Nov. 1994)

  "Medium-full red/purple. Cherry/blackcurrant pastille-like fruit aromas. Silky, supple palate with blackcurrant and plum-like fruit aromas. Silky, supple palate with blackcurrant and plum- like fruit, dense, slightly bitter tannins, and firm finish. A little simple for Grange but will hold and may improve. Drink between now and 2015." (Southcorp Wines, The Rewards of Patience, Fourth Edition, March 2000)

  Delivery Information
• 1990 Penfolds Bin 707 Cabernet Sauvignon

  South Australia, AUSTRALIA

  $599. 00

  Bottle

  $7188.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 13.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Other Reviews….

  Dark and inviting, with a supple core of wild berry, mint and currant flavors that are rich and elegant, finishing with a long, smooth aftertaste. Retasted because of significant bottle variation; two of four bottles were clearly superior in separate tastings.
  92 points
  Wine Spectator

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• • 99
  • 99

  1998 Penfolds Grange - Signed by Winemaker Peter Gago

  South Australia, AUSTRALIA

  $1200. 00

  Bottle

  $14400.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 14.5%

  Closure: Cork

  One bottle only available. Signed in 2003 by winemaker, Peter Gago on the front label.

  This is Australia’s flagship wine, admired, envied and despised, almost unprocurable and certainly over hyped to the point of hysteria. It has become an international wine icon, and the major Australian investment piece. Every mum and dad wants a bottle of Grange in their investment portfolio, in anticipation of making a quick (or medium) return on investment. Released at $400 per bottle, this wine escalated dramatically in price, reaching between $700-800 per bottle shortly after release. The 1998 vintage is legendary, being regarded as the vintage of last century. So, how good is this wine? The wine is exceptional and certainly lives up to its reputation as Australia’s No. 1 wine.

  Opaque black crimson colour. Superb nose with that distinctive aromatic marker that is Grange. Perfumed notes of violets, ripe plum, cedar and spice emerge over a distinctive American oak background. The palate flavours explode and delivers flavours of great length and depth. Mouthfilling with flavours of confectionary, ripe plum, American oak, cedar, dark chocolate, liquorice and violet infusions. Perfect balance despite the firm tannin backbone. This is a monumental wine built to last.
  Cellar 20-25 years (2023-2028)
  Alc/Vol: 14.5% 

  Notes Sourced from The Rewards of Patience - Fifth Edition (2004):
  Outstanding vintage
  Drinking Window: 2010 – 2040
  Deep crimson-purple. Beautifully perfumed and exotic musky plum/blackberry/blackcurrant aromas with plenty of malty/meaty/apricot complexity. Opulently rich and seductive plum/apricot/blackfruit/meaty flavours with toasty/malty/savoury oak and fine velvety sweet tannins. A superbly balanced, sumptuous wine with all the hallmarks of a great, long-living Grange.
  97% Shiraz, 3% Cabernet Sauvignon. Kalimna Vineyard (Barossa Valley), Barossa Valley, Magill Estate (Adelaide) and Padthaway. A mild early growing season was followed by very hot, dry weather with virtually all dam water reserves exhausted. An exceptional vintage.

  Other Reviews...
  The 1998 Grange will be legendary. A blend of 97% Shiraz and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon, it tips the scales at a whopping 14.5% alcohol. The inky/purple color is followed by an extraordinarily intense nose of creme de cassis intermixed with blueberry and floral notes. As the wine sits in the glass, aromas of meat, plums, and cola also emerge. It is a seamless effort with sweet tannin, well-integrated acidity, sensational extract, and layer upon layer of blackberry and cassis fruit that stain the palate and fill the mouth. Its harmony, freshness, and remarkable length (the finish lasts nearly a minute) suggest an all-time classic. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2030.
  99 points
  Robert Parker - The Wine Adovcate

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• • 99

  2002 Penny's Hill Footprint Shiraz

  McLaren Vale, South Australia, AUSTRALIA

  $99. 99

  Bottle

  $1199.88 Dozen

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  Closure: Cork

  An awesome red form the best performing rows, from the greatest vintage in living memory. Winemaker Ben Riggs is being lavished with praises from Australian and International wine critics to such an extent that we hope his feet remain firmly on the ground – Robert Parker is amongst his admirers stating “Mr Riggs, he makes damn fine wine.”Opaque black crimson colour with deep crimson hue. Superb aroma of ripe plums, Christmas pudding, liquorice, violets, vanilla, spice and confectionary. The palate delivers an exceptional flavour profile – explosive, with flavours of spice, mocha, blackberry, violet infusions, plum and liquorice. Perfectly balanced tannins. Exceptionally long aftertaste of black and white pepper, vanilla and violet infusions.
  Cellar 3-4 years (2007-2008)
  Alc./Vol.15%

  Other reviews... Significantly richer and riper than the standard wine; luscious blackcurrant, plum, prune and chocolate fruit; controlled oak and tannins.Drink by 2012. [tasted Oct 2004]
  95 points - James Halliday's Wine Companion

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• • 98

  2004 Penny's Hill Footprint Shiraz

  McLaren Vale, South Australia, AUSTRALIA

  $89. 99

  Bottle

  $1079.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: 5 - 8 Years (2011-2014)

  ABV: 15%

  Closure: Cork

  Vineyards have a mystical quality that has been recognized since the time of Noah. As one spends more time observing the growth of vines with changes in the growing season, one comes to appreciate that they are not botanically homogenous places. Special micro areas seem to produce consistently outstanding fruit, but even this is not static. Traditionally, only an experienced winemaker is able to discern these special mini areas. However, with new technology, micro terroirs can now be mapped from the sky using infrared mapping technology coupled with intense geological surveying of soil profiles and capacitance probes which monitor soil moisture. Penny’s Hill Footprint is the result of such meticulous mapping and flavour profiling. Rows 18-25 excelled in quality for the previous vintage, however, with the change of seasonal conditions, the extraordinary quality grapes moved North, on the house block, to rows 9-14. Such is the intriguing pursuit of quality.

  Totally opaque black purple colour with black purple hue, with excellent cling to the glass walls. The nose has grown, perfumed top notes of violets, spice, vanilla, liquorice allsorts and confectionary with just a touch of mocha emerging as an end note. Outstanding weight and mouthfeel. Black and white pepper flavours are particularly pronounced on the palate. Very ripe flavours of blackberry and confectionary are totally enhanced
  by the black and white pepper creating a powerful mouthfeel that lasts for minutes into the aftertaste. Complex structure, with near velvet smooth tannins. An exceptional red. Aftertaste of vanilla, liquorice and lingering black pepper.
  Cellar 5-8 years (2011-2014)
  Alc/Vol: 15%

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• • 96

  2001 Petaluma Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot

  Coonawarra, South Australia, AUSTRALIA

  $99. 99

  Bottle

  $1199.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: 4 - 5 Years (2008-2009)

  ABV: 14%

  Closure: Cork

  An outstanding wine made from a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon and 50% Merlot. Very deep crimson colour with deep crimson hue. Superb perfumed nose of violets, blackcurrant, mulberry, spice and cedar. A classic Petaluma. The palate flavours reflect the subtlety and refinement that the Cabernet grapes are capable of delivering when fully ripened. Flavours of blackcurrant, cedar and cigar box supported by velvet smooth tannins – perfect balance. Very long aftertaste of blackcurrant, mulberry, cedar and spice.
  Cellar 4-5 years (2008-2009)
  Alc/Vol: 14.0%

  RATING: 96/100

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• • 97

  1998 Petaluma Coonawarra Red

  Coonawarra, South Australia, AUSTRALIA

  $120. 00

  Bottle

  $1440.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Closure: Cork

  During a trip to Coonawarra in November last year, Nick conducted extensive barrel tastings of the 1998 and 1999 vintages as well as a number of back vintages from Coonawarra's major producers. These included the great wines from Wynns, Mildara, Wetherall, Majella, Katnook, Kidman, Rymill, Leconfield and Lindemans. Missing from the line up was the 1998 Petaluma Red, and it was an anxious moment prior to the tasting. Are the 98's as good as we believed them to be? The answer is yes and a definite must for the cellar of the serious collector. Spectacular crimson purple colour. Superb nose, pure sniffing pleasure with aroma of mulberry, violets, blackcurrant and spice, followed by a liquorice end note. The palate structure is outstanding, a young thoroughbred awaiting its time. Made from a blend of 30% Merlot and 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, the wine displays great weight and mouthfeel. Perfect balance, flavours of spice, cedar, blackcurrant and liquorice fill every corner of the mouth. Fine grained, yet perfectly integrated tannins with exceptionally long aftertaste. A triumph. Cellar 8-10 years.

  Delivery Information
• • 98

  1996 Peter Lehmann Stonewell Shiraz

  Barossa Valley, South Australia, AUSTRALIA

  $120. 00

  Bottle

  $1440.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Closure: Cork

  A wonderful, wonderful wine! Very deep opaque crimson mauve colour. Superb perfumed nose. The violets leap out of the glass and are enhanced by complex, near perfect assembly of liquorice allsorts, very fine ripe plums, spice, vanilla and macerated blackberries, followed by dark cherry notes. The palate is a sublime experience - an essay in liquorice, violets, plum and spice, followed by blackpepper, vanilla and confectionery back palate flavours. No part of the palate is untouched by the totally concentrated flavours of this wine. Perfect balance, with superfine tannins and exceptionally long aftertaste of vanilla, plum, liquorice allsorts and anise. Cellar 5-8 years. Stocks are very limited.

  RATING: 98/100

  VALUE: XXXXX/5

  Delivery Information
• 1998 Rockford Basket Press Shiraz

  Barossa Valley, South Australia, AUSTRALIA

  $260. 00

  Bottle

  $3120.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 14%

  Closure: Cork

  Rockford Basket Press Shiraz enjoys a cult following, although we must admit, we have not always been enthusiastic about the wines. The 1998 Basket Press is, however, a very impressive wine. Very deep crimson colour, with deep crimson hue. Superb nose, with aroma of confectionary, vanilla and marzipan over a layer of spice plum and earth. The palate flavours are mouth filling, with strong flavours of plum, spice and black pepper, followed by layers of stewed fruit and liquorice on the back palate and just a hint of earth. Perfect balance, with fine grained tannins. Velvet smooth. Very long aftertaste of plum, spice, vanilla, black pepper and liquorice.
  Alc/Vol 14%
  
  

  Additional notes sourced from eRobertParker.com

  "A fine offering was the 1998 Shiraz Basket Press. While not a great value, it is an outstanding effort displaying a dense purple color, a jammy, blackberry fruit bomb character, a supple texture, formidable glycerin, full body, and a lush mid-palate and finish. It should drink well for at least a decade. Drink 2001-2011"
  Rating: 90 points

  Copyright © The Wine Advocate. 

  Delivery Information
• 2001 Rockford Basket Press Shiraz

  Barossa Valley, South Australia, AUSTRALIA

  $225. 00

  Bottle

  $2700.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 13.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Other Reviews….
  The stunning 2001 Shiraz Basket Press was fashioned by Robert O’Callaghan and his assistant winemaker, the renowned Chris Ringland. Initially, this dark ruby/purple-colored effort is not overwhelmingly impressive, but with aeration, the nose opens to reveal scents of loamy earth, blackberries, currants, pepper, and underbrush. The complex aromatics are matched by a savory, fleshy, structured, full-bodied palate possessing loads of earthy black fruits as well as subtle oak. It is a beautifully intense, old vine Shiraz meant for long-term cellaring. Accessible now, it promises to last for 15 or more years.
  94 points
  13.5% alc
  Robert Parker – The Wine Advocate

  Delivery Information
• 2004 Rockford Basket Press Shiraz

  Barossa Valley, South Australia, AUSTRALIA

  $299. 00

  Bottle

  $3588.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 14.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Other Reviews....
  A complete Barossa traditional shiraz; moderate alcohol, oak and tannins, yet full of flavour and character. Has taken full advantage of a very good vintage. In its own-branded, high-shouldered brown bottle.
  96 points
  James Halliday’s Wine Companion
  

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• 2005 Rockford Basket Press Shiraz

  Barossa Valley, South Australia, AUSTRALIA

  $250. 00

  Bottle

  $3000.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 14.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Other Reviews......
  Mid-garnet; surprisingly elegant and light-bodied; has good flavour and length, but seems a fraction under-ripe; better than the other extreme. Drink by 2015. 14.5% Alc.
  90 points
  James Halliday - Australian Wine Companion 

  Delivery Information
• 1998 Rockford Cabernet Sauvignon

  Barossa Valley, South Australia, AUSTRALIA

  $125. 00

  Bottle

  $1500.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Closure: Cork

  Other Reviews....
  This very youthful, ruby/purple-colored wine offers up notes of cassis and earth. The wine has not yet begun to emerge from its recent bottling, but shows terrific depth, purity, and density, with plenty of black fruits intermixed with some cedar and licorice. Anticipated maturity: 2003-2018.
  90 points
  Robert Parker - The Wine Advocate 

   

  Delivery Information
• 1999 Rockford Basket Press Shiraz

  Barossa Valley, South Australia, AUSTRALIA

  $180. 00

  Bottle

  $2160.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 14.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Other Reviews....
  This still young, full-bodied, pure, incredibly rich 1999 exhibits a kinky nose of Asian spices, ground pepper, flowers, and autumnal forest floor notes. It possesses an inky/blue/purple color, full body, fabulous fruit, good acidity, sweet tannin, and a long finish. As it sat in the glass, a licorice component took over from the forest floor character. This is an impressive, still youthful Shiraz from one of the legendary wine producers of the Barossa. Give it another 3-4 years of bottle age, and drink it over the following two decades. P.S. This was a half bottle!
  93+ points
  Robert Parker - Wine Advocate #183 (June 2009)

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• • 92

  2007 Rockford Basket Press Shiraz

  Barossa Valley, South Australia, AUSTRALIA

  $250. 00

  Bottle

  $3000.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 14.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Other reviews….
  Good hue; made in the usual laid back Rockford style, deliberately traditional and thus a true reflection of the vintage conditions that invest the wine with some briary characters needing time to soften. Drink by 2022.
  92 points
  James Halliday – Australian Wine Companion

  Delivery Information
• 1996 Rockford Basket Press Shiraz

  Barossa Valley, South Australia, AUSTRALIA

  $260. 00

  Bottle

  $3120.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 14.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Other Reviews....
  I prefer the wines of 1996 to any other Barossan vintage of the 1990s. Rockford has played it truly. Big and dense and imposing, with oak and volatility splashing about in the glass. Move past that, and find liqueured blackberry, a touch of spice, raspberry and tobacco complexity. There’s no shortage of interest here, nor of fruit concentration. It hits your mouth like a perfect cover drive, it flows through the finish like Kim Hughes has just lofted one over the bowler’s head.
  95 points
  Campbell Mattinson - The Wine Front

  A wine of majestic strength and power, richness and harmony, this full-bodied behemoth shows velvety tannin, 45+ seconds length, and knockout aromas of blackberry liqueur intermixed with licorice, smoke, and meaty notes. The wine is viscous yet nicely supported by acidity and ripe tannin. Still extremely youthful and unevolved, this wine will benefit from another 2-3 years of cellaring and keep for 20-25 years. This is undoubtedly a great vintage of Rockford.
  94 points
  Robert Parker - eRobertParker.com (Feb 2002)

  Delivery Information
• 2002 Rockford Basket Press Shiraz

  Barossa Valley, South Australia, AUSTRALIA

  $350. 00

  Bottle

  $4200.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 15%

  Closure: Cork

  Other Reviews....
  A crisp, elegant, refreshing style of Shiraz made from 60- to 140-year-old vines, the 2002 vintage, according to winemaker Chris Ringland, produced wines of elegance and crisp acidity because of the long growing season. This fresh, lively yet seriously concentrated effort needs another 2-3 years of bottle age, and should drink well for two decades. Drink 2007-2025.
  92 points
  Robert Parker - The Wine Advocate 

  Delivery Information
• • 95

  2006 Rockford Basket Press Shiraz

  Barossa Valley, South Australia, AUSTRALIA

  $299. 00

  Bottle

  $3588.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 14.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Other Reviews....
  The brown glass, high-shouldered proprietary bottle gives the right message: this is a classic, gently understated Barossa Shiraz that will sail on for decades if the dubiously short cork permits. Drinking it sooner would not be a capital offence.
  95 points
  James Halliday’s Wine Companion

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• • 95

  2004 Rolf Binder Hanisch Vineyard Shiraz

  Barossa Valley, South Australia, AUSTRALIA

  $99. 99

  Bottle

  $1199.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: 2 - 3 Years (2010-2011)

  ABV: 14.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Opaque black crimson colour with purple hue. Top note of plum and spice followed by blackberry, vanilla and liquorice allsorts. Mouthfilling palate with flavours of blackberry, black pepper and vanilla. Fine grained tannins, excellent balance. Long aftertaste of blackberry, black pepper and vanilla.
  Cellar 2-3 years (2010-2011)
  Alc/Vol: 14.5%

  Other reviews...
  Binder’s flagship offering, produced from a vineyard planted in on sandy, gravelly, loamy soils, is his Shiraz Hanisch. The 2004 was aged in a combination of French and American oak, more than half of which was new. It boasts a beautiful blue/purple color, great stuffing, and a fabulous perfume of crushed rocks, smoked meats, blackberries, cassis, and flowers. This thick, opulent, powerful Shiraz needs 4-5 years of cellaring, and should drink well for 20-25.
  95 points
  Robert Parker – The Wine Advocate ( Issue #167, October 2006 )

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• 1998 Rosemount Estate Balmoral Syrah

  McLaren Vale, South Australia, AUSTRALIA

  $69. 99

  Bottle

  $839.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Closure: Cork

  Other Reviews…
  Medium to full red-purple; a potent, powerful and intense bouquet redolent of spicy black cherry leads into a palate with layer upon layer of black cherry, licorice, leather, tannins and charry oak. Approach with extreme caution for the next eight years or so. Drink by 2018.
  95 points
  James Halliday – Australian Wine Companion

  
  

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• • 99

  2002 Shirvington Shiraz

  McLaren Vale, South Australia, AUSTRALIA

  $199. 99

  Bottle

  $2399.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Closure: Cork

  Other reviews....
  The nearly perfect 2002 Shiraz is the stuff of legends. It is a 1,000 case cuvee that has been completely fermented and aged in 100% new American oak. An inky purple color is accompanied by a remarkable bouquet of white flowers intermixed with melted licorice, blackberries, currants, figs, and espresso roast. Extremely full-bodied, with extraordinary ripeness, opulence, and viscosity, yet very good acidity as well as excellent tannin providing up-lift and definition, this unforgettable wine can be drunk now or cellared for a decade or more. Bravo! Drink 2003-2013.
  99 points
  Robert Parker, Wine Advocate #148 Aug 2003

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• • 96
  • 96

  2002 Shirvington Cabernet Sauvignon

  McLaren Vale, South Australia, AUSTRALIA

  $99. 99

  Bottle

  $1199.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Closure: Cork

  Other reviews....
  There are about 500 cases of the 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon, which was aged in both American and French wood (one-half new). The Screaming Eagle of South Australia, it possesses great purity, layers of fruit, enormous volume and intensity, and at the same time, it is strikingly elegant and well-proportioned. This stunningly pure Cabernet tastes like pure creme de cassis intermixed with licorice and oak. It should drink well for 15-16 years, but who will be able to hold onto it that long? Drink 2013 - 2019.
  96 points
  Robert Parker, Wine Advocate #148 Aug 2003

  Delivery Information
• • 96
  • 95

  • Reduced

  2006 Shirvington Shiraz Magnum (1500ml)

  McLaren Vale, South Australia, AUSTRALIA

  Reduced from $150.00

  $120. 00

  Bottle

  $1440.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: 1 - 2 Years (2016-2017)

  ABV: 15.5%

  Closure: Cork

  A Big, Heavy Hitting McLaren Vale Shiraz

  The colour of this wine is holding up very well displaying a midnight black dark red core with a deep dark red hue. Pronounced ripe dark plum, liquorice and dark chocolate aromas arise from the glass with nuances of vanillin oak, mocha, leather and spice also present. Big and bold the opulently textured palate boasts flavours of rich dark plums, liquorice and dark chocolate over spicy vanillin oak, mocha and leather. Very concentrated and rich with a velvet smooth tannin structure. Long spicy aftertaste of ripe dark plums, liquorice, dark chocolate, vanillin oak and leather.
  Drink over the next 1-2 years.
  Alc. 15.5%

  Was $150   Now $120

  Other Reviews…
  The 2006 Shiraz was barrel-fermented and aged for 14 months in 85% new oak, with the barrels 90% American and 10% French. Saturated purple in color, it reveals a splendid bouquet of smoke, pencil lead, bacon, grilled meat, and blueberry. Supple-textured and opulent, this full-bodied Shiraz offers a range of spicy, complex flavors, superb balance, and enough well-concealed tannin to support 5-7 years of additional cellaring. This hedonistic Shiraz should drink well through 2026.
  95 points
  Jay Miller – Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate

  Delivery Information
• • 97

  1998 St. Hallett Old Block Shiraz

  South Australia, AUSTRALIA

  $150. 00

  Bottle

  $1800.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: 4 - 5 Years (2005-2006)

  ABV: 14%

  Closure: Cork

  The fruit for this wine was sourced from throughout the Barossa, from Shiraz vineyards that are at least 80 years of age, with 22% sourced from Eden Valley and 78% from Barossa Valley. Fruit from each grower is kept separate during crushing and fermentation, and throughout maturation in oak, until blending for bottling. The wine was matured in a combination of new and two year old American oak hogsheads for 28 months.
  Tasting Notes: The excellent seasonal conditions of 1998 produced fruit with more texture, weight and richness than the 1997. Very deep crimson mauve colour. Superb nose of violets, spice, blackberry, liquorice and vanilla. Outstanding palate. Excellent length and depth. Complex flavours of mocca, toasted oak, vanilla, confectionary, spice, blackcurrant and very ripe plum. Perfect balance – very fine tannin structure, velvet smooth, followed by an exceptionally long aftertaste of blackcurrant, spice and vanilla oak.
  Cellar 4 – 5 years.
  Alc./Vol.14%
  An outstanding Old Block Shiraz!
  Stocks are very limited.

  Delivery Information
• • 98

  2001 Summerfield Reserve Shiraz

  Moonambel, Victoria, AUSTRALIA

  $79. 99

  Bottle

  $959.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: 8 - 10 Years (2011-2013)

  ABV: 15%

  Closure: Cork

  An outstanding concentrated Shiraz.
  Totally black colour. The nose is very pronounced with aroma of liquorice, blackberry, mocca, coffee and dark chocolate. The palate flavours are explosive and totally concentrated. Big flavours of plum, dark chocolate, mocca and coffee are followed by a very strong black pepper back palate. Excellent tannin structure, fine grained tannin with perfect balance and a very long aftertaste of mocca, dark chocolate and black pepper.
  Very Limited Stocks!
  Cellar 8-10 years. (2011-2013)
  15%Alc/Vol

  RATING: 98/100

  VALUE: XXXXX/5

  VERY LIMITED STOCKS!!!!

  Delivery Information
• • 98

  2003 Tatiarra Cambrian Shiraz Museum Release

  Heathcote, Victoria, AUSTRALIA

  $89. 99

  Bottle

  $1079.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 15.5%

  Closure: Stelvin

  The Tatiarra Cambrian Shiraz is the purest expression of the vineyard. The wine is made entirely from free run juice, with no pressings added back, giving the wine lover a perfect Cambrian flavour profile. The wine is fermented in small open 5 tonne fermenters and hand plunged. The fruit in the vineyard is picked over 4 different picking dates, giving winemaker scope for complex flavour profiles. The wine is fermented to near dry before being transferred into new and used French oak to complete fermentation and subsequent malolactic fermentation. A combination of varying fermentation techniques have been used. Barriques from Taransaud, Saury, Darjaud Jaegle add to the complexing layers. Taransaud oak contributes quite a firm tannic backbone to the wine and must be balanced against more perfumed oaks such as Saury which results in strong cedar aromatics.

  A superb example of mature Heathcote Shiraz

  Re-tasted 19/06/2015:
  Totally opaque inky black dark red colour with a deep very dark red hue. Scented aromas of liquorice, ripe blackberries, dark plum and dark chocolate soar from the glass with complexing aromas of leather, vanillin oak, earth and spice also present. Big, rich and velvety the palate is filled with liquorice and ripe blackberry flavours followed by some dark plum and vanillin oak with emerging leather and scorched earth characters making an appearance on the back palate alongside some blackpepper. Exceptional power with a very long finale of liquorice, ripe blackberries, dark plum, vanillin oak, leather, earth and pepper.
  Drink over the next 2-3 years.
  Alc 15.5%

  Originally tasted May 2004: Totally opaque black purple colour with black purple hue. The nose is a superb sniffing experience, with top note of violets, followed by blackberry, cedar, raspberry and blackcurrant. The palate structure is exquisite, refined, yet powerful. Flavours of white pepper explode over layers of blackberry, raspberry, plum, violet infusions and cedar. Fine quite dry tannins – the driest of the 2003 Tatiarra wines, yet perfectly balanced to the finish. Exceptional length and noteworthy long aftertaste of blackcurrant, blackpepper and spice.
  99 points 
  Cellar 20+ years (2024+)
  Alc/Vol: 15.5%

  Robert Parker's Review:
  A barrel sample of the 2003 Shiraz Cambrian reveals marvelous raw materials, combining both power and elegance. It should evolve into a multidimensional wine.
  (Notes Sourced from Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate #155)
  ROBERT PARKER'S RATING: (91-93)

  
  Other reviews......
  Strong colour; archetypal Heathcote layered, sweet blackberry and plum fruit off-set by velvety, fine tannins. Excellent oak handling. 
  Rating 96
  Drink 2018"James Halliday - 2006 Australian Wine Companion"

  Delivery Information
• • 97

  2006 Tatiarra Trademark Shiraz

  Multi District Blend, AUSTRALIA

  $79. 99

  Bottle

  $959.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 15.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Restless Dissatisfaction & the Pursuit of
  Ever Higher Levels of Perfection

  After just five vintages, Tatiarra established a formidable reputation as one of Australia’s great Shiraz producers. The success did not happen by chance, and at its core is the extraordinary terroir that the vineyards are planted on. Tatiarra was founded by Bill Hepburn, & re-established by the 'Old Man' and the late Bill Spring, who then gathered around them a group of shareholders whose obsession in their own businesses was with perfection. Tatiarra then sought to find the districts top viticulturists in Ian Rathjens and Bob Wilson and teamed them up with two of the country’s best winemakers, Ben Riggs and Peter Flewellyn. To understand the notion of perfection is to understand the nature of an obsessive mind which is constantly pitted against the forces of nature. What is ‘perfect’ one year and has been achieved through a particular process, may not reach the same state of perfection in another year. The forces of nature are constantly throwing up new challenges which have to be responded to in a creative way that enhances the final outcome – an extraordinary wine.

  The 2006 Tatiarra Heathcote Shiraz is the fifth release. These wines have more power and structure than those of previous vintages – perfection over perfection, yet how is this possible? In order to answer this question, one needs to understand the notion of micro viticultural management as opposed to broad acre management. A detailed soil survey was commissioned with sixty eight pits being dug at 100 metre spacing, to a depth of 1.5 metres to determine the soil profile in each segment of the existing vineyards and those of the new areas to be planted. The survey produced a detailed assessment of the soils physical characteristics across the property. The objective was to determine the soil characteristics that were responsible for impacting the vines growth, thereby indicating the optimal management techniques in order to produce even more extraordinary wines. Soil chemical analysis was also undertaken to determine the best management strategies for the future. This resulted in a detailed map of the entire block, and produced sub-classifications of the 500 million year old underlying rock structures and the 100 million year old Cambrian soils. Five Cambrian subgroups were identified which then lead to a much better understanding of vine development and grape flavour development. Today the vineyard is managed as a series of tiny vineyards reflecting the sub-surface soil types. As the seasons change and the impact of Global Warming is felt more and more, the rules for pursuing perfection will change and be modified to cope with the shortage of water and the shorter, warmer growing seasons. The commitment is to continue to produce the extraordinary. The challenge is to anticipate the changes and adapt to ensure that the viticulture responds to climate and winemakers demands for perfection.

  Several months prior to bottling, each barrel of Tatiarra Cambrian Shiraz is assessed for its quality and contribution to the final blends of the wines. The winemaking team is ruthless in their assessments, which causes great concern for Tatiarra’s financial controller, as seemingly excellent barrels are declassified to be designated as Culled Barrel. The Tatiarra Culled Barrel has established itself as a wine lovers bargain, as it is composed of exactly the same fruit as the flagship wines. The difference being often a technical point, making the Culled Barrel an absolute bargain. Tatiarra wine collectors fall into two groups. The first are genuine enthusiasts, who cellar the wine to enjoy it, whilst the second group tend to be wine investors, who drive prices up at auction. Previous vintages of Caravan of Dreams have sold at auction for over $130 a bottle, with the other wines doubling in value.

  The 2006 Tatiarra Cambrian Shiraz’s are a collectors' must!

  Re-taste 23/03/2011
  Outstanding super saturated black crimson colour with black heart and deep black crimson hue. Perfumed aromas of violets, blackberry juice, liquorice, confectionary and spice. Full bodied and rich possessing a powerful flavour profile of ripe blackberry, black plum and liquorice followed by some confectionary and peppery characters. Velvet smooth perfectly integrated tannins with very long persistent aftertaste of liquorice, blackberry and blackpepper.
  Alc 15.5%

  First Tasted June 2007
  A wonderful Shiraz, which counterpoints the complex flavour profiles of two of Australia’s great Shiraz producing areas. A precise blend of 50/50. Three of the best casks from each vintage are selected by winemakers Ben Riggs and Peter Flewellyn to create a blend that delivers a profound drinking experience. The colour is completely saturated, black purple and clinging to the glass walls like a coat of paint. Perfumed nose, with top note of violets, followed by blackberry, spice and liquorice allsorts. The palate delivers finesse, elegance and refinement. The ‘joosiness’ of McLaren Vale is counterpointed by the density and power of Heathcote. Flavours of vanilla, spice, violet infusions and ripe plum are overlaid with black and white pepper. Perfect balance and integration showing exceptional length and a profound aftertaste.
  Alc/Vol: 15.5%

  Delivery Information
• • 97

  2006 Tatiarra Cambrian - Museum Release Shiraz

  Heathcote, Victoria, AUSTRALIA

  $69. 99

  Bottle

  $839.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: 4 - 5 Years (2020-2021)

  ABV: 15.5%

  Closure: Cork

  
  Tatiarra, in five vintages has established a formidable reputation as one of Australia’s great Shiraz producers. The success did not happen by chance, and at its core is the extraordinary terroir that the vineyards are planted on. Tatiarra was founded by Bill Hepburn, & re-established by the 'Old Man' and the late Bill Spring, who then gathered around them a group of shareholders whose obsession in their own businesses was with perfection. Tatiarra then sought to find the districts top viticulturists in Ian Rathjens and Bob Wilson and teamed them up with two of the country’s best winemakers, Ben Riggs and Peter Flewellyn. To understand the notion of perfection is to understand the nature of an obsessive mind which is constantly pitted against the forces of nature. What is ‘perfect’ one year and has been achieved through a particular process, may not reach the same state of perfection in another year. The forces of nature are constantly throwing up new challenges which have to be responded to in a creative way that enhances the final outcome – an extraordinary wine.

  This wine sits comfortably on the world stage as a great example of Shiraz wine making

   

  The 2006 Tatiarra Heathcote Shiraz wines are the fifth release, with the sixth vintage still in the barrel. These wines have more power and structure than those of previous vintages – perfection over perfection, yet how is this possible? In order to answer this question, one needs to understand the notion of micro viticultural management as opposed to broad acre management. A detailed soil survey was commissioned with sixty eight pits being dug at 100 metre spacing, to a depth of 1.5 metres to determine the soil profile in each segment of the existing vineyards and those of the new areas to be planted. The survey produced a detailed assessment of the soils physical characteristics across the property. The objective was to determine the soil characteristics that were responsible for impacting the vines growth, thereby indicating the optimal management techniques in order to produce even more extraordinary wines. Soil chemical analysis was also undertaken to determine the best management strategies for the future. This resulted in a detailed map of the entire block, and produced sub-classifications of the 500 million year old underlying rock structures and the 100 million year old Cambrian soils. Five Cambrian subgroups were identified which then lead to a much better understanding of vine development and grape flavour development.

  Very highly recommended as one of the greatest wines produced in the world - the 2006 Tatiarra Cambrian Shiraz’s is a collectors' must!

   

  Today the vineyard is managed as a series of tiny vineyards reflecting the sub-surface soil types. As the seasons change and the impact of Global Warming is felt more and more, the rules for pursuing perfection will change and be modified to cope with the shortage of water and the shorter, warmer growing seasons. The commitment is to continue to produce the extraordinary. The challenge is to anticipate the changes and adapt to ensure that the viticulture responds to climate and winemakers demands for perfection.

  Several months prior to bottling, each barrel of Tatiarra Cambrian Shiraz is assessed for its quality and contribution to the final blends of the wines. The winemaking team is ruthless in their assessments, which causes great concern for Tatiarra’s financial controller, as seemingly excellent barrels are declassified to be designated as Culled Barrel. The Tatiarra Culled Barrel has established itself as a wine lovers bargain, as it is composed of exactly the same fruit as the flagship wines. The difference being often a technical point, making the Culled Barrel an absolute bargain. Tatiarra wine collectors fall into two groups. The first are genuine enthusiasts, who cellar the wine to enjoy it, whilst the second group tend to be wine investors, who drive prices up at auction. Previous vintages of Caravan of Dreams have sold at auction for over $130 a bottle, with the other wines doubling in value.

  This is the purest expression of Heathcote Cambrian Terroir. It is a wine that has impressed wine lovers around the world, not only for its exceptional power but for its consistency

  
  

  Retasted 14/4/2016:
  At ten years of age this wine is still in tip top shape. It opens with an impenetrable inky black core and a very deep dark red hue. Elevated aromas of liquorice, ripe black cherries and blackberry invade the nostrils followed by vanillin oak, dark chocolate and spice. Exceptionally concentrated and rich the palate is saturated with liquorice allsorts, blackberry, confectionary, vanillin cedar and blackpepper flavours. It shows virtually no signs of development. Very fine grained, velvet like tannins with an underlying rock like structure. Superb length. Exceptionally long aftertaste of liquorice, confectionary, ripe blackberry, vanillin oak and blackpepper.
  Drink over the next 4-5 years.
  Alc 15.5%

  
  Retasted June 19 2010:
  Totally opaque saturated black crimson with black heart and very deep black crimson hue – magnifcent colour. The nose leaps out of the glass with a powerful, perfumed amalgam of blackberry, liquorice, violets and confectionary followed by some liquorice allsorts and spice – a very intense sniff. Full bodied, the palate displays an explosive favour experience – blackberry, liquorice allsorts and confectionary favours fll every corner of the mouth and are followed by some blackpepper and spice on the back palate. Outstanding persistence and depth. Perfectly integrated very fne grained tannins that are almost velvet like but still provide the wine with a rock like structure. Exceptionally long aftertaste of liquorice, ripe blackberry and blackpepper. A Heathcote powerhouse that’s evolving beautifully. As a side note we tasted this wine side by side the 2006 Wild Duck Creek Springfat Shiraz which whilst an excellent wine (rated 96 points) it did not have quite the structure, complexity or the incredible favour persistence of the Tatiarra.
  Cellar 8-10 years (2018-2020)
  Alc 15.5%
  
  First Tasted Nov 6 2007:
  As with previous vintages, this wine is a saturate of colour- black purple with black purple hue – a hallmark of all Tatiarra wines. Superb lifted nose of cedar, vanilla, violets and freshly crushed blackberry followed by spice and nuances of liquorice. A seamless explosion of flavours with black and white pepper melting into blackberry, violet infusions and liquorice allsorts. Perfectly balanced with fine velvet tannins. Exceptional length and depth with very long aftertaste lasting for minutes. A triumph for the viticultural and wine making team.
  98 points
  Cellar 10-12 years (2017-2019)
  Alc/Vol: 15.5%
  
  Other Reviews….
  Over the last five vintages I’ve bestowed every possible accolade on this wine that I could muster - it is what it is: one of the greatest wines in the world. We pioneered this wine in the US 4-5 years ago (in The Big Australian Review) and I’m happy to see it has earned the respect it so duly deserves - from the toughest critics: you. The 2006 vintage is in very limited supply (only a few retailers will have the 2006 as compared to previous vintages) and it will probably be the most admired of the Cambrian series for its sheer wall of rock personality (I think there are only 100 cases of the 2006 coming to the US - as opposed to several thousand for something like Grange so take note).
  Where the Pressings has more of a round character within the wall of rock, this is just plain stone-faced with an elegance that is like Margaux of Shiraz - it should age for a long time. Think 2005 Cambrian mixed with something like Palmer and you will be close. An incredible achievement for any wine producing region of the world.
  Jon Rimmerman, Garagiste Seattle, Washinton, USA.
  
  The 2006 Cambrian Shiraz is a glass-coating purple color. It delivers an expressive perfume of spice box, pepper, blueberry, and blackberry. Made in a racy, elegant style, it has layers of ripe fruit, superb concentration, and enough structure to evolve for 5-7 years.
  Rating (92-95)
  The Wine Advocate #173 - Jay Miller

  Delivery Information
• • 98
  • 93

  2004 Tatiarra Cambrian Shiraz

  Heathcote, Victoria, AUSTRALIA

  $69. 99

  Bottle

  $839.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: 7 - 9 Years (2023-2025)

  ABV: 15.5%

  Closure: Cork

  The 2004 Tatiarra collection is an utter triumph for Tatiarra's 'dream team' (viticulturists, Ian Rathjen & Bob Wilson together with winemakers Ben Riggs & Peter Flewellyn). Their triumph is only over-shadowed by the loss of Tatiarra co-founder and C.F.O., Bill Spring, who passed away in September. These wines are dedicated to the vision he shared with Nick Chlebnikowski: to produce the world's finest expressions of Shiraz. With the release of the 2004 Tatiarra Collection, that vision is now reality.

  A flamboyant, pure concentrate of Heathcote Shiraz

  Re-tasted 18/03/2016:
  After more than 10 years in bottle the colour of this wine has barely changed, currently displaying a magnificent impenetrable inky black core with a very deep dark red black hue. Potent aromas of ripe blackberries, liquorice and dark plum soar from the glass overlaying dark chocolate, toasty vanillin oak, subtle earthy leather and spice. Super concentrated and decadently rich with a thick voluptuous textural feel the palate is completely saturated with waves of liquorice, ripe blackberry and dark plum fruit that overlay a back drop of toasty oak, scorched earth, subtle chocolately leather and blackpepper. Extraordinarily powerful with superb depth the tannins appear velvet like beneath the huge core of fruit, yet still have great underlying structure. Exceptionally long aftertaste of liquorice, ripe blackberries, black cherries, toasty vanillin oak, scorched earth, subtle spicy chocolatey leather and pepper.
  Drink over the next 5-6 years.
  Alc 15.5%

  Originally tasted October 2005:
  The colour is a complete saturate of black purple - a common feature of the entire collection and indicative of the intense flavour profiles that follow. Roll the wine around in the glass and the walls become instantly stained with a deep purple hue that just clings. The nose is perfumed and powerful, with violet top notes, followed by spice, black cherries, concentrated blackberries and cedar. The palate is a total explosion - vinous G forces hit every corner of the mouth, with intense layers of spice, blackberry and black pepper, overlaid with cedar and plum. The tannins are evident, but almost unperceivable, given the intensity of the fruit. The balance is perfect and the oral explosion continues well into the aftertaste. An extraordinary wine.
  Cellar: 20 years (2025+)
  Alc/Vol: 15.5%
  

  Other Reviews....
  The 2004 Shiraz Cambrian exhibits a distinctive terroir/earthy/fresh mushroom/truffle-like component intermixed with graphite, camphor, blueberry, blackberry, and cassis. A wine of great intensity, structure, muscle, and firm tannin, this impressive effort should be at its finest between 2009-2025+.
  93 points
  Robert Parker Wine Advocate #168 (Dec 2006)

   

  Delivery Information
• • 99

  2006 Tatiarra Caravan of Dreams Shiraz Pressings

  Heathcote, Victoria, AUSTRALIA

  $99. 99

  Bottle

  $1199.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: 10 - 12 Years (2017-2019)

  ABV: 15.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Restless Dissatisfaction & the Pursuit of Ever Higher Levels of Perfection

  
  Tatiarra, in five vintages has established a formidable reputation as one of Australia’s great Shiraz producers. The success did not happen by chance, and at its core is the extraordinary terroir that the vineyards are planted on. Tatiarra was founded by Bill Hepburn, & re-established by the 'Old Man' and the late Bill Spring, who then gathered around them a group of shareholders whose obsession in their own businesses was with perfection. Tatiarra then sought to find the districts top viticulturists in Ian Rathjens and Bob Wilson and teamed them up with two of the country’s best winemakers, Ben Riggs and Peter Flewellyn. To understand the notion of perfection is to understand the nature of an obsessive mind which is constantly pitted against the forces of nature. What is ‘perfect’ one year and has been achieved through a particular process, may not reach the same state of perfection in another year. The forces of nature are constantly throwing up new challenges which have to be responded to in a creative way that enhances the final outcome – an extraordinary wine.

  The 2006 Tatiarra Heathcote Shiraz wines are the fifth release, with the sixth vintage still in the barrel. These wines have more power and structure than those of previous vintages – perfection over perfection, yet how is this possible? In order to answer this question, one needs to understand the notion of micro viticultural management as opposed to broad acre management. A detailed soil survey was commissioned with sixty eight pits being dug at 100 metre spacing, to a depth of 1.5 metres to determine the soil profile in each segment of the existing vineyards and those of the new areas to be planted. The survey produced a detailed assessment of the soils physical characteristics across the property. The objective was to determine the soil characteristics that were responsible for impacting the vines growth, thereby indicating the optimal management techniques in order to produce even more extraordinary wines. Soil chemical analysis was also undertaken to determine the best management strategies for the future. This resulted in a detailed map of the entire block, and produced sub-classifications of the 500 million year old underlying rock structures and the 100 million year old Cambrian soils. Five Cambrian subgroups were identified which then lead to a much better understanding of vine development and grape flavour development. Today the vineyard is managed as a series of tiny vineyards reflecting the sub-surface soil types. As the seasons change and the impact of Global Warming is felt more and more, the rules for pursuing perfection will change and be modified to cope with the shortage of water and the shorter, warmer growing seasons. The commitment is to continue to produce the extraordinary. The challenge is to anticipate the changes and adapt to ensure that the viticulture responds to climate and winemakers demands for perfection.

  Several months prior to bottling, each barrel of Tatiarra Cambrian Shiraz is assessed for its quality and contribution to the final blends of the wines. The winemaking team is ruthless in their assessments, which causes great concern for Tatiarra’s financial controller, as seemingly excellent barrels are declassified to be designated as Culled Barrel. The Tatiarra Culled Barrel has established itself as a wine lovers bargain, as it is composed of exactly the same fruit as the flagship wines. The difference being often a technical point, making the Culled Barrel an absolute bargain. Tatiarra wine collectors fall into two groups. The first are genuine enthusiasts, who cellar the wine to enjoy it, whilst the second group tend to be wine investors, who drive prices up at auction. Previous vintages of Caravan of Dreams have sold at auction for over $130 a bottle, with the other wines doubling in value.

  The 2006 Tatiarra Cambrian Shiraz’s are a collectors' must!
  
  'HERALDED BY GARAGISTE IN SEATTLE AS THE NEW GENERATION GRANGE'

  The most sought after of the Tatiarra reds, and clearly a modern benchmark for Australian Shiraz. The colour is a complete saturate of black purple, which clings, paint-like to the glass wall. The nose is a powerhouse and heralds the flavour packed palate. The wine has a monumental but balanced structure. Superb nose of vanilla, violets, ripe blackberries and black pepper with a hint of liquorice. The palate is a concentrate of Shiraz with flavours of plum, spice and blackberry emerging and totally encasing the palate. Layers of black pepper lurk in the background over a hint of vanilla. Perfectly balanced, ripe tannins, a wine of exceptional length & aftertaste.
  Drink Now.
  Alc/Vol: 15.5%

  Delivery Information
• 2005 Tatiarra Caravan of Dreams Shiraz Pressings

  Heathcote, Victoria, AUSTRALIA

  $120. 00

  Bottle

  $1440.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 15.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Tatiarra is an Aboriginal word meaning 'beautiful country'. The French have long known about 'Tatiarra'; they call it 'terroir', and the beautiful country they seek is that perfect site where vines are capable of reaching vinous perfection each year. Such terroir resonates with philosophical concepts of perfection: "Perfection is not uniform but diversified, otherwise perfection would be similar. It is not static, it is dynamic. Like approaching eternity, perfection signifies unending progress - a never ceasing advance. To live is to change and to be perfect is to change often."

  Such is the lot of the viticulturalist or winemaker who seeks perfection amongst the wild interactions of terroir. Soils and drainage conditions will be modified slowly but seasonal changes such as sunlight hours, frosts and the quantity, timing and distribution of rainfall (including storms & hail) are the dynamics of every 'Tatiarra'. The seasons will always, through the changing forces of nature, have something more to teach the viticulturalist. The 2005 growing season at Tatiarra was underscored by a lack of rain, and despite what protagonists of dry land farming might say, without water at critical times in a vine's cycle, perfection is not possible. Vines must not be stressed, but rather kept in tension. Stress during flowering or variason will result in a loss of quality and quantity of crop. To ripen fruit properly, a vine needs leaves. Lack of water during the ripening period will cause the basal leaves to drop off - thus causing the fruit to ripen by shrivel rather than develop its sugar profile naturally - and yes, you can taste the difference. The continued drought has in the short term given the viticulturalist who irrigates with discretion, a sense of control which unpredictable rainfall patterns cannot.

  Obsessed with delivering the winemakers perfect fruit, Tatiarra's viticulturalists Ian Rathjen and Bob Wilson know that canopy and water management are of supreme importance. Winemakers Ben Riggs and Peter Flewellyn are charged with the task of harvesting the grapes at the moment of perfection. Tatiarra continues to make only Shiraz, and with each successive vintage a perfect expression of the variety is sought.
  The Tatiarra Cambrian Shiraz is arguably the vineyards 'purest' extraction, complex, masculine and complete with minimal winemaking intervention. Caravan of Dreams Shiraz Pressings is foremost a wine of incredible concentration, a Cambrian 'megalith'. It's the winemaker's expression of the season. Trademark Shiraz is a tribute wine - the best two barrels from Tatiarra are blended with the best two barrels that Ben Riggs selects from McLaren Vale. The result is a compelling essay in vinous refinement and elegance.

  Tasting Notes from 2006: The Tatiarra Caravan of Dreams has become an International wine icon, and demand exceeds supply many times over. Stylistically, past vintages have been compared with great vintages of Penfold's Grange. Three pressings are made from the grape skins after the free run juice is allocated for the Cambrian Shiraz. Great care must be taken to ensure that excess tannins and phenolics don't overcome the fruit flavour. The very best new American oak casks infuse the fruit until a perfect harmony is achieved.

  The colour is a saturation of black purple. Unmistakable Shiraz nose- superb notes of spice, vanilla, liquorice, blackberry, black pepper and plum. The palate is again a concentration of flavour - which has been described as 'chiselled', liquefied rock and earth, meshed with just the slightest suggestion of heavy cream and a tannin structure that would 'take Godzilla several films to break through' - The 2005 is an encore performance - Godzilla is going to be kept very busy. Powerful fruit flavours- black and white pepper bounce around the palate, overlaid with blackberry, vanilla and liquorice. Exceptional length and concentration. Fine, firmish but perfectly balanced tannins, followed by an exceptionally long aftertaste of blackberry, vanilla and black pepper.
  Alc/Vol: 15.5%

  Other reviews...
  The most forward, flamboyant wine of this trio is the 2005 Shiraz Pressings Caravan of Dreams. Offering plenty of toasty vanillin intermixed with creme de cassis, white chocolate, graphite, and spice, it is a Victorian fruit-bomb that possesses amazing structure and definition. Drink it over the next 10-15 years.
  95-96 points.
  Robert Parker
  Wine Advocate #168 (Dec 2006)
  
  

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• • 99

  2008 Tatiarra Caravan of Dreams Shiraz Pressings

  Heathcote, Victoria, AUSTRALIA

  $99. 99

  Bottle

  $1199.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: 10 - 15 Years (2019-2024)

  ABV: 15.5%

  Closure: Cork

  In 2000 Domaines Tatiarra was established by Nick Chlebnikowski & Bill Spring, two highly motivated and creative individuals with a passion to create a benchmark Australian Shiraz. Sadly, both of these founding members are no longer with us. However, there remains a driving force amongst the Tatiarra shareholders to continue what they started.

  2008 will be remembered as the vintage that Tatiarra's reputation was put at stake. From the outset, it was always going to be one of the most challenging years the company had faced - an ongoing drought, water shortages and heatwaves all took a toll. Followers of Tatiarra's wines will know that they're subject to some of the most rigorous selection processes in Australia. Barrels which don't perform are separated and sold off under a sub-label (Tatiarra 'Culled Barrel'). 2008 resulted in the biggest cuts yet with 1300 cases 'rejected' from the flagship wines and a further 1400 cases not even deemed suitable for Culled Barrel. Collector's should also note that no 2008 Trademark Shiraz was produced. In total, 70% of the 2008 Tatiarra vintage has been declassified. If this sounds extraordinary, it is. In America, John Rimmerman of Garagiste in Seattle recently summed up the guts of the operation, stating "Tatiarra is in a different category than 99% of all other Australian wineries and they should be recognized for attempting to do something that uses their foresight as a roadmap instead of following the style of others." He adds "This is not a copycat winery – they leave those chasing their wake with the unenviable task of catching up".

  The 2008 vintage demonstrates the extraordinary lengths Domaines Tatiarra will go to in order to produce world class Shiraz. Quite simply, they’re obsessed with perfection and will make whatever sacrifice necessary.

  Earlier this year, before Nick Chlebnikowski passed away, he conducted a vertical tasting of Tatiarra Cambrian Shiraz (2002-2007). The wines were developing extremely slowly and seemed almost unmoved, as was anticipated. If you're planning your own vertical in the next decade or so, 2008 could have easily been the one wine missing from your line up, and justifiably so if the quality had not been maintained. Rest assured, this is not a vintage to hesitate on. This is the most highly sought after wine of the Tatiarra collection and with total production in 2008 limited to only around 200 cases, it’s guaranteed to disappear quickly. Opaque black crimson colour with black crimson hue displaying paint like saturation and glass cling. The nose delivers an explosive sniff – blackberry concentrate, liquorice allsorts, confectionary, vanilla and mocha – superb aromatics. WOW!... Talk about a concentrate of flavour! A powerhouse of ripe blackberry concentrate, liquorice, confectionary, black cherry, spice and blackpepper, all encased in a velvet like tannin structure. Extraordinarily long persistent aftertaste of liquorice, spice, blackpepper and confectionary. Outstanding.
  Cellar 10-15 years (2019-2024)
  15.5% Alc

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• 2004 Torbreck Descendant Shiraz Viognier

  Barossa Valley, South Australia, AUSTRALIA

  $150. 00

  Bottle

  $1800.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 14.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Notes sourced from Torbreck.
  The vineyard was planted with cuttings from one of the old RunRig vineyards. The Shiraz is crushed on top of the Viognier from the same vineyard, which has been lightly pressed for blending with the RunRig. The blend of fruit is then co-fermented and later the wine matured for 18 months in 2 ½  year old French barrels that had been previously used for RunRig.

  Made from a blend of 92% Shiraz and 8% Viognier. The Descendant is a single vineyard Shiraz-Viognier which, as the name implies, is a direct descendant of RunRig. The Descendant vineyard Shiraz expresses tar and black olive, offset wonderfully by the jasmine and apricot aromatics of Viognier.

  Other Reviews...
  Almost impenetrable purple-red colour; marries elegance bordering on restraint with intense blackberry fruit and Viognier lift; controlled oak, tannins and alcohol.
  Rating 96
  Drink 2014
  "James Halliday - 2007 Australian Wine Companion"

  The 2004 Descendant, an old oak-aged blend of 92% Shiraz and 8% Viognier from a 12-year old vineyard, offers up notes of blackberries, ink, sweet truffles, and acacia flowers. There are 1,000 cases of this full-bodied, intense, rich blockbuster. It will drink well for 10-15 years.
  98 points
  Robert Parker - Wine Advocate #167 (Oct 2006)

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