Pinot Noir

• • 94

  2021 Provenance Golden Plains Pinot Noir

  Victoria, AUSTRALIA

  $29. 99

  Bottle

  $359.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2022-2028)

  ABV: 13.2%

  Closure: Stelvin

  Semi translucent dark red colour with black tinged edges and a light red hue. Very perfumed out of the glass the nose offers up intense aromatics of violets, dark cherries, winter strawberries and subtle rhubarb which are intermeshed with complexing notions of dried herbs, forest floor and spicy cedar. Light in body and displaying ample freshness the palate is decorated with dark cherry and rhubarb flavours which sit over a background of winter strawberry, forest floor and spicy dried herbs. Fine grained tannins with an elegant and savoury medium length conclusion.
  Drink over the next 5-6 years.
  Alc. 13.2%

  Delivery Information
• • 95

  2020 Provenance Golden Plains Pinot Noir

  Victoria, AUSTRALIA

  $29. 99

  Bottle

  $359.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2022-2028)

  ABV: 13.2%

  Closure: Stelvin

  Semi translucent dark red colour with black shaded edges and a light red hue. Very perfumed, the nose offers up a delightful bouquet of violets, red to dark cherries and strawberries followed by hints of rhubarb, forest floor, fresh herbs and spicy cedar. Light, fresh and supplely textured on the mid palate, delicious red to dark cherry and strawberry fruits overlay infusions of fresh herbs, forest floor and spicy cedar. Savoury finish with polished tannins, lively acidity and an aftertaste that’s long, vibrant and elegant.
  Drink over the next 5-6 years.
  Alc. 13.2%

  Delivery Information
• • 95

  2019 Provenance Golden Plains Pinot Noir

  Victoria, AUSTRALIA

  $29. 99

  Bottle

  $359.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: Drink now - 5 Years (2021-2026)

  ABV: 13.5%

  Closure: Stelvin

  This moreish Victorian Pinot is produced from a blend of seven different vineyard sites located in Geelong (45%), Ballarat (40%) and Henty (15%). Thirty percent whole bunches were included in the ferment and maturation took place in French oak barriques and puncheons (18% new) for a period of 10 months.
  Deep dark red colour with black tinged edges and a bright red hue. Blooming out of the glass are perfumed scents of violets, dark cherries and wild strawberries which meld into hints of anise, fresh herb notes and spicy cedar. Light to medium weighted the palate is amply endowed with rich dark cherry, ripe strawberry and anise flavours which overlay a backdrop of forest floor, infusions of fresh herbs and spicy cedar. Excellent power wave with a supple mouthfeel and silky tannins, it finishes long, ripe and seductive.
  Drink over the next 4-5 years.
  Alc. 13.5%

  Delivery Information
• • 93

  2020 Punt Road Pinot Noir

  Yarra Valley, Victoria, AUSTRALIA

  $27. 99

  Bottle

  $335.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: Drink now - 4 Years (2021-2025)

  ABV: 12.5%

  Closure: Stelvin

  Produced with 15% whole bunch fruit. Semi translucent dark red in colour with black tinged edges and a light red hue. Fragrant red cherry and wild strawberry aromas laced with violet are intermeshed with forest floor, dried herb and spicy cedar notes. Very supple and smooth across the palate, delicious red to dark cherry and strawberry fruits flood the mouth complexed by gentle infusions of dried clove, forest floor and spicy cedar. Finishes with good freshness, velvety tannins and a very savoury aftertaste.
  Drink over the next 3-4 years.
  Alc. 12.5%

  Delivery Information
• • 94

  2017 Punt Road Pinot Noir

  Yarra Valley, Victoria, AUSTRALIA

  $23. 99

  Bottle

  $287.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: 3 - 4 Years (2021-2022)

  ABV: 13%

  Closure: Stelvin

  2017 is a very promising vintage, that may prove to be one of the best seen in the Yarra Valley in recent memory. Healthy Pinot Noir grapes were handpicked and given a five-day cold soak in two and five-tonne stainless steel open fermenters. 20% whole bunches went in, with all fruit going through indigenous primary and malolactic fermentation, before being left on skins for four days post ferment. After fermentation the parcels were lightly pressed and racked to a variety of French oak barrels (20% new) where the wine was matured for 10 months.

  Semi translucent bright light red colour with a crimson hue. Fragrant aromatics of red cherries and violets intermingle with a faint whiff of sour cherries followed by meaty forest floor and spicy cedar notes. Light and supple in its mouthfeel the palate is draped with crunchy red cherry and strawberry flavours which overlay a back drop of subtle meaty characters, forest floor and spicy cedar. Vibrant finish with traces of sour cherries also evident. Finely grained well integrated tannins concluding with a ripe red cherry, strawberry, forest floor, dried meats and spicy cedar aftertaste.
  Cellar 3-4 years.
  Alc. 13%

  Other Reviews….
  Boy oh boy. The 2017 vintage has produced some excellent results, but the quality-price ratio will rarely be as strongly in the buyer's favour than it is here, especially for Pinot Noir, where value is notoriously hard to find. It features sweet, ripe fruit, the tangy sourness so typical of the variety, and all the herbal infusions you could ever desire. This is both summery and autumnal at once.
  July, 2018, Campbell Mattinson, Halliday Magazine

  Delivery Information
• • 93

  2019 Punt Road Pinot Noir

  Yarra Valley, Victoria, AUSTRALIA

  $24. 99

  Bottle

  $299.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: Drink now - 5 Years (2020-2025)

  ABV: 13%

  Closure: Stelvin

  Semi translucent dark red core with a bright light red hue. Fragrant violet, cherry and strawberry aromas meld with toasty clove, dried meat, forest floor and spicy cedar notes. Delicious ripe red cherry and strawberry fruits infused with fresh herbs overlay some meatiness, forest floor and spicy cedar characters. Bright finish with finely grained tannins and a savoury medium to long aftertaste.
  Drink over the next 4-5 years.
  Alc. 13%

  Delivery Information
• 2021 Pyramid Valley Snake’s Tongue Pinot Noir

  Central Otago, NEW ZEALAND

  $175. 00

  Bottle

  $2100.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 14.5%

  Closure: Stelvin

  Driven to create one of the new world’s great cool-climate vineyards, it took Mike and Claudia Weersing 15 years and a quixotic global journey that included a lengthy stopover in Burgundy before they found their perfect site. Inspired by the climate and soils of that region, the duo finally found their special place in the limestone-rich soils of Waikari in North Canterbury. From here Mike and Claudia established Pyramid Valley and emerged as NZ pioneers of both biodynamic practices and high-density viticulture. For almost 20 years they inspired and/or challenged all those who came into their orbit. Their minute scale and exceptional dedication to their soils and vines led to some incredible wines being produced. First visiting the vineyard in 2007, Steve Smith MW (then of Craggy Range) was one of many affected by what he describes as one the most compelling and unique vineyards he has ever visited. When Mike’s health went into decline, the Weersings were forced to sell and Smith and his partner Brian Sheth acquired the estate in late 2017. The spectre of Burgundy is writ large over the foundation and ethos of Pyramid Valley, yet we should not expect imitations in terms of the style of the wines. Rather they have their own very distinctive style and energy, and this is precisely as it should be with terroir-driven wines; uniqueness is the point.

  In 2018, Pyramid Valley became a two-property estate when it purchased the Manata vineyard in Central Otago’s Lowburn sub-region. The team quickly applied their precise viticultural standards to what was already considered one of the greatest sites in the region. In just three years, Paulin and his team have doubled the organic matter in the soil and achieved organic certification through BioGro NZ. They also immediately recognised the potential of the block they now call Snake’s Tongue—a nod to one of the many common names used for blue borage: Viper’s (snake’s) bugloss (ox-tongue). Fermented in an open-top concrete tulip, with 25% whole bunches and as much whole berry as possible, the wine matured in 25% new 500-litre puncheons for 12 months, followed by a further six months in neutral oak before being bottled unfined and unfiltered.

  Delivery Information
• • 96
  • 94

  2016 Pyramid Valley Angel Flower Pinot Noir

  North Canterbury, NEW ZEALAND

  $165. 00

  Bottle

  $1980.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 13.5%

  Closure: Stelvin

  Driven to create one of the new world’s great cool-climate vineyards, it took Mike and Claudia Weersing 15 years and a quixotic global journey that included a lengthy stopover in Burgundy before they found their perfect site. Inspired by the climate and soils of that region, the duo finally found their special place in the limestone-rich soils of Waikari in North Canterbury. From here Mike and Claudia established Pyramid Valley and emerged as NZ pioneers of both biodynamic practices and high-density viticulture. For almost 20 years they inspired and/or challenged all those who came into their orbit. Their minute scale and exceptional dedication to their soils and vines led to some incredible wines being produced. First visiting the vineyard in 2007, Steve Smith MW (then of Craggy Range) was one of many affected by what he describes as one the most compelling and unique vineyards he has ever visited. When Mike’s health went into decline, the Weersings were forced to sell and Smith and his partner Brian Sheth acquired the estate in late 2017. The spectre of Burgundy is writ large over the foundation and ethos of Pyramid Valley, yet we should not expect imitations in terms of the style of the wines. Rather they have their own very distinctive style and energy, and this is precisely as it should be with terroir-driven wines; uniqueness is the point.

  Angel Flower is a cooler, more exposed block than Earth Smoke. The shallow soils and north-facing aspect here result in a more floral and aromatic wine, although the weight and shape of the palate have much in common with Pyramid’s other single-site Pinot. The team have also recently planted a little Chardonnay on these soils, recognising its potential as a great white wine terroir.

  Other Reviews....
  The 2016 Angel Flower Pinot Noir, like its Earth Smoke stablemate, is a delicate ruby hue in the glass, showing that color (at least in Pinot Noir) often has very little to do with flavor or intensity. On the nose, delicate herbal and floral nuances dance atop a base of freshly turned earth and ripe black cherries. In the mouth, it's medium to full-bodied, rich and concentrated yet silky and fresh, with a lingering, elegant finish that ends on an uplifting herbal note. It should drink well for a decade, perhaps longer. Drink 2019 - 2030.
  94 points
  Joe Czerwinski - Wine Advocate (Feb 2020)

  A wine with considerable, deep-set, spicy allure that has aromas of dried roses, blueberries, purple cherries and pot-pourri. The palate delivers a beautifully plush array of fine and seamless tannins, an exceptionally smooth mouthfeel and a long, alluring and convincing finish. Drink now.
  96 points
  JamesSuckling.com

  Delivery Information
• • 96
  • 95

  2020 Pyramid Valley Earth Smoke Pinot Noir

  North Canterbury, NEW ZEALAND

  $165. 00

  Bottle

  $1980.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 13.5%

  Closure: Stelvin

  Driven to create one of the new world’s great cool-climate vineyards, it took Mike and Claudia Weersing 15 years and a quixotic global journey that included a lengthy stopover in Burgundy before they found their perfect site. Inspired by the climate and soils of that region, the duo finally found their special place in the limestone-rich soils of Waikari in North Canterbury. From here Mike and Claudia established Pyramid Valley and emerged as NZ pioneers of both biodynamic practices and high-density viticulture. For almost 20 years they inspired and/or challenged all those who came into their orbit. Their minute scale and exceptional dedication to their soils and vines led to some incredible wines being produced. First visiting the vineyard in 2007, Steve Smith MW (then of Craggy Range) was one of many affected by what he describes as one the most compelling and unique vineyards he has ever visited. When Mike’s health went into decline, the Weersings were forced to sell and Smith and his partner Brian Sheth acquired the estate in late 2017. The spectre of Burgundy is writ large over the foundation and ethos of Pyramid Valley, yet we should not expect imitations in terms of the style of the wines. Rather they have their own very distinctive style and energy, and this is precisely as it should be with terroir-driven wines; uniqueness is the point.

  Both of Pyramid Valley’s Pinot Noir vineyards are densely planted on clay/limestone slopes. Earth Smoke sits on the richer soils of the two: an expansive, east-facing slope with strong, beautifully structured soils that are comparatively high in limestone. The name here comes from the nickname given to fumitory, a plant of the poppy family that can be found thriving in this 0.85-hectare plot. Although both wines share a familial DNA, the later-picked Earth Smoke is typically the more structured and darker of the two, with more fruit weight to go with its tender, fine tannins.

  Other Reviews....
  The 2020 Pinot Noir Earth Smoke is a massively different wine from its stablemate Angel Flower, giving a more expansive wine that blossoms in the mouth without any sense of weight. There's elegance and sense of precision. And do you know what? It feels special. If I were tasting blind, aromatically, I'd think it were a cool climate Syrah with sandalwood, fennel, agave and white pepper characters in abundance alongside pure cherry fruit. The finish is fresh and precise. Drink 2024-2035.
  96 points
  Rebecca Gibb MW - Vinous

  Rosehips, wild strawberries, rosemary, oyster shells, peppercorns, violets and thyme on the nose. Wonderfully fragrant and expressive, with tight tannins and vibrant acidity. Delicious peppery, lightly stemmy notes. Lots of tension. Drink or hold. Screw cap.
  95 points
  JamesSuckling.com

  Delivery Information
• • 97
  • 96

  2020 Pyramid Valley Angel Flower Pinot Noir

  North Canterbury, NEW ZEALAND

  $165. 00

  Bottle

  $1980.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 13.5%

  Closure: Stelvin

  Driven to create one of the new world’s great cool-climate vineyards, it took Mike and Claudia Weersing 15 years and a quixotic global journey that included a lengthy stopover in Burgundy before they found their perfect site. Inspired by the climate and soils of that region, the duo finally found their special place in the limestone-rich soils of Waikari in North Canterbury. From here Mike and Claudia established Pyramid Valley and emerged as NZ pioneers of both biodynamic practices and high-density viticulture. For almost 20 years they inspired and/or challenged all those who came into their orbit. Their minute scale and exceptional dedication to their soils and vines led to some incredible wines being produced. First visiting the vineyard in 2007, Steve Smith MW (then of Craggy Range) was one of many affected by what he describes as one the most compelling and unique vineyards he has ever visited. When Mike’s health went into decline, the Weersings were forced to sell and Smith and his partner Brian Sheth acquired the estate in late 2017. The spectre of Burgundy is writ large over the foundation and ethos of Pyramid Valley, yet we should not expect imitations in terms of the style of the wines. Rather they have their own very distinctive style and energy, and this is precisely as it should be with terroir-driven wines; uniqueness is the point.

  Angel Flower is a cooler, more exposed block than Earth Smoke. The shallow soils and north-facing aspect here result in a more floral and aromatic wine, although the weight and shape of the palate have much in common with Pyramid’s other single-site Pinot. The team have also recently planted a little Chardonnay on these soils, recognising its potential as a great white wine terroir.

  Other Reviews....
  The 2020 Pinot Noir Angel Flower is a soulful, complex wine that you don't really want to pick apart. Compared with the Pinot Noir Earth Smoke, which hails from the same small estate, it's not as obvious and takes longer to get to know. It's harmonious, round and calming, sitting comfortably in the mouth like a good friend visiting. It's my job to deconstruct wines, but I feel that to do so would be to destroy them. Pure, elegant, and quiet with a confident but unobtrusive line of acidity and airy-light chalky tannins that envelop the mouth. Rich intensity of sweet strawberry, fruit, fennel, thyme and smoky characters without any sense of heaviness. Initially, you might prefer Earth Smoke for its immediate aromatics, but I'd prefer to spend time with Angel Flower getting to know it. Over three days, I tried to get to the bottom of it but soon realized that might take years. Drink 2023-2035.
  97 points
  Rebecca Gibb MW - Vinous

  A hint of reduction on the nose blows off to reveal lovely aromas of fresh red cherries, strawberries, rosemary and violet. Then orange peel and fresh mint. Changes all the time. Medium- to full-bodied with silky, tightly knit tannins. Juicy and fresh on the palate. Showing complexity and verve with subtle intensity and length. So pretty right now. This will age nicely. Drink or hold. Screw cap.
  96 points
  JamesSuckling.com

  Delivery Information
• 2019 Pyramid Valley Angel Flower Pinot Noir

  North Canterbury, NEW ZEALAND

  $150. 00

  Bottle

  $1800.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 12.5%

  Closure: Stelvin

  Driven to create one of the new world’s great cool-climate vineyards, it took Mike and Claudia Weersing 15 years and a quixotic global journey that included a lengthy stopover in Burgundy before they found their perfect site. Inspired by the climate and soils of that region, the duo finally found their special place in the limestone-rich soils of Waikari in North Canterbury. From here Mike and Claudia established Pyramid Valley and emerged as NZ pioneers of both biodynamic practices and high-density viticulture. For almost 20 years they inspired and/or challenged all those who came into their orbit. Their minute scale and exceptional dedication to their soils and vines led to some incredible wines being produced. First visiting the vineyard in 2007, Steve Smith MW (then of Craggy Range) was one of many affected by what he describes as one the most compelling and unique vineyards he has ever visited. When Mike’s health went into decline, the Weersings were forced to sell and Smith and his partner Brian Sheth acquired the estate in late 2017. The spectre of Burgundy is writ large over the foundation and ethos of Pyramid Valley, yet we should not expect imitations in terms of the style of the wines. Rather they have their own very distinctive style and energy, and this is precisely as it should be with terroir-driven wines; uniqueness is the point.

  Angel Flower is a cooler, more exposed block than Earth Smoke. The shallow soils and north-facing aspect here result in a more floral and aromatic wine, although the weight and shape of the palate have much in common with Pyramid’s other single-site Pinot. The team have also recently planted a little Chardonnay on these soils, recognising its potential as a great white wine terroir.

  Other Reviews....
  Steve Smith and Brian Sheth, with vineyard man Huw Kinch, are the continuation of the brilliant Mike and Claudia Weersing vision at Pyramid Valley. Beautiful, honest wines came from the first two decades at PV and the currency is strong in the continuation, albeit through a different lens. Some of the PV pinots could be pretty wild, loose knit, nourishing and soft in feel, and there’s familiarity here although the screws have been tightened and the gloss is rubbed on.
  Scents of stewed cherries, game meat, fennel/anise, bergamot tea, bay leaf. Savoury, for sure. The wine sits sappy and sour-sweet fruited in the palate, it fans out beautifully, it feels satiny before the gummy, pleasingly bitter tannins build through the lingering finish. It’s lively and perky, fragrant and fresh. There’s some echoes of the wilder, idiosyncratic and expressive releases of PV’s past, but here we find slickness and a neater wine. It’s good. Drink 2021 - 2030.
  94 points
  Mike Bennie - The Wine Front

  Delivery Information
• 2019 Pyramid Valley Earth Smoke Pinot Noir

  North Canterbury, NEW ZEALAND

  $150. 00

  Bottle

  $1800.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 12.5%

  Closure: Stelvin

  Driven to create one of the new world’s great cool-climate vineyards, it took Mike and Claudia Weersing 15 years and a quixotic global journey that included a lengthy stopover in Burgundy before they found their perfect site. Inspired by the climate and soils of that region, the duo finally found their special place in the limestone-rich soils of Waikari in North Canterbury. From here Mike and Claudia established Pyramid Valley and emerged as NZ pioneers of both biodynamic practices and high-density viticulture. For almost 20 years they inspired and/or challenged all those who came into their orbit. Their minute scale and exceptional dedication to their soils and vines led to some incredible wines being produced. First visiting the vineyard in 2007, Steve Smith MW (then of Craggy Range) was one of many affected by what he describes as one the most compelling and unique vineyards he has ever visited. When Mike’s health went into decline, the Weersings were forced to sell and Smith and his partner Brian Sheth acquired the estate in late 2017. The spectre of Burgundy is writ large over the foundation and ethos of Pyramid Valley, yet we should not expect imitations in terms of the style of the wines. Rather they have their own very distinctive style and energy, and this is precisely as it should be with terroir-driven wines; uniqueness is the point.

  Both of Pyramid Valley’s Pinot Noir vineyards are densely planted on clay/limestone slopes. Earth Smoke sits on the richer soils of the two: an expansive, east-facing slope with strong, beautifully structured soils that are comparatively high in limestone. The name here comes from the nickname given to fumitory, a plant of the poppy family that can be found thriving in this 0.85-hectare plot. Although both wines share a familial DNA, the later-picked Earth Smoke is typically the more structured and darker of the two, with more fruit weight to go with its tender, fine tannins. The fruit for the 2019 was carefully hand-sorted, fully destemmed and fermented wild. Following 27 to 28 days on skins, the juice was pressed, then settled in tank before being transferred by gravity to French barrels for 16 months.

  Other Reviews....
  “Wines that breathe of their place” is the tagline and becomes a quixotic statement alongside a wine called Earth Smoke.
  Soft, supple, mellow and yet bright and fresh – sour cherry, tart raspberry notes, fennel, alpine herbs. Lovely and cooling to sip on, a bit spicy, lots of life and general lift. Feels really pure, almost crisp in tannin profile and very moreish in its overall carriage of characters. It doesn’t suggest it’s a particularly complex wine but all the detail is there and the make up delivers a pretty darn compelling Canterbury pinot noir. Drink 2021 - 2030.
  94 points
  Mike Bennie - The Wine Front

  Delivery Information
• • 96
  • 95

  2020 Quartz Reef Bendigo Pinot Noir

  Central Otago, NEW ZEALAND

  $59. 99

  Bottle

  $719.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2022-2028)

  ABV: 14%

  Closure: Stelvin

  From a vineyard planted in 1998 and now certified organic, this ripe, fleshy Pinot was aged in French oak barriques (28% new) for 12 months. Deep dark red colour with black shaded edges and a red to dark red hue. A fragrant bouquet of spicy dark to black cherries, anise and dark plum greets the nostrils followed by a mix of fresh herb, violet and forest floor notes. Rich dark to black cherry, anise and dark plum fruits fill the mouth with some dried meat, earth and spicy cedar characters lying underneath. Fleshy textural feel with polished yet structurally sturdy tannins. Excellent power with a long ripe conclusion.
  Drink over the next 5-6 years.
  Alc. 14%

  Other Reviews....
  Aromas of pitted red cherries, rose, moss and bark. Medium-bodied with silky texture and tannins. Perfumed and vibrant with so much floral and herbal complexity. So long as well. Beautifully composed and layered. Delicious. Drink or hold. Screw cap.
  95 points
  JamesSuckling.com

  Delivery Information
• • 96
  • 93

  • Organic

  2019 Quartz Reef Bendigo Estate Single Vineyard Pinot Noir

  Central Otago, NEW ZEALAND

  $49. 99

  Bottle

  $599.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: Drink now - 8 Years (2022-2030)

  ABV: 14%

  Closure: Stelvin

  Certified organic. Deep dark red colour with black shaded edges and a dark red hue. Elevated ripe dark cherry and dark plum aromas are married to anise, subtlety toasted oak, earth, dried herb and spice notes. Rich and bold ripe dark cherry, dark plum and anise flavours give the palate a lush medium bodied feel. Excellent concentration and power with a spicy back half that also shows some lightly toasted cedar, earth and dried herb characters. Finishes with good freshness, polished yet structured tannins and a very long spicy dark fruited aftertaste.
  Drink over the next 6-8 years.
  Alc. 14%

  Other Reviews….
  Austrian-born Rudi Bauer continues to show his skill at crafting outstanding wines from his estate vineyard in Bendigo, Central Otago. He's now been making wine in Central Otago for more than 30 years, so he has as much experience as anyone in the region.

  All from the estate vineyard in Bendigo, the 2019 Single Vineyard Pinot Noir features intricate shadings of sous-bois, herbal nuances, hints of mocha and ripe, black-cherry fruit. Medium to full-bodied—remember that Bendigo is one of the warmest subregions in Central Otago—supple and expansive in the mouth, this bold, rich example of Pinot Noir fits the age-worthy mold that has characterized owner Rudi Bauer's wines for three decades. Drink 2021 to 2030.
  93 points
  Joe Czerwinski – Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate

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• • 93

  2017 Quartz Reef Single Ferment Pinot Noir

  Central Otago, NEW ZEALAND

  $89. 99

  Bottle

  $1079.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 14%

  Closure: Screw Cap

  Other Reviews….
  Earthy, spicy and complex, the 2017 Bendigo Estate Single Ferment Pinot Noir is a rich, savory example of Pinot Noir from a region better known for forward fruit. Hints of mushroom and sage accent dark fruit flavors, while the palate is medium to full-bodied, lush and supple, with a long, silky-textured finish.
  93 points
  Joe Czerwinski – Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

  Delivery Information
• • 96
  • 94

  2017 Quartz Reef Bendigo Estate Single Vineyard Pinot Noir

  Central Otago, NEW ZEALAND

  $49. 99

  Bottle

  $599.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2019-2025)

  ABV: 14%

  Closure: Stelvin

  Certified organic. Deep dark red core with black tinged edges and a dark red hue. Perfumed like aromas of violets join with ripe dark cherry and strawberry which meld into anise, spicy oak, forest floor and fresh herb notes. Rich and powerful with terrific fruit intensity the well sized palate is engulfed with ripe dark cherry, plum and strawberry flavours which overlay a back drop of anise, spicy oak, subtle earth and traces of dried herbs. Supplely textured with silky smooth tannins and bright underlying acidity. Finishes rich, velvety and deliciously long.
  Drink over the next 5-6 years.
  Alc. 14%
  
  Other Reviews….
  This is a very good pinot, delivering a mix of powerful fruit and a focused structure. Violets and ripe red cherries sit amid gently stony, flinty nuances, leading to a palate that has a succulent, lithe and juicy core of vibrant cherries and chalky tannins. Great pinot. Drink now. Screw cap.
  94 points
  JamesSuckling.com

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• • 94

  2021 Quealy Mornington Peninsula Pinot Noir

  Mornington Peninsula, Victoria, AUSTRALIA

  $29. 99

  Bottle

  $359.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: Drink now - 5 Years (2022-2027)

  ABV: 12.8%

  Closure: Stelvin

  This is the only blended Pinot in Quealy’s range, drawn from all four of their premium vineyards. Planted to different clones and with varying vine age, what binds these sites is Quealy’s viticulture: the estate manages every vine. Each portion of the batch was matured individually in a mixture of new and older barrels for 15 months before assembling and bottling.

  Light cloudy red colour with a translucent red hue. Fragrant violet, red cherry, rhubarb, winter strawberry and gentle clove scents are followed by forest floor and spicy cedar notes. Delicious red cherry and strawberry fruits infused with a savoury clove element overlay forest floor and light cedar. Polished tannins combine with fresh acidity. The aftertaste long and savoury.
  Drink over the next 4-5 years.
  Alc. 12.8%

  Delivery Information
• • 92

  2019 Quealy Campbell and Christine Pinot Noir

  Mornington Peninsula, Victoria, AUSTRALIA

  $39. 99

  Bottle

  $479.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: Drink now - 5 Years (2021-2026)

  ABV: 13%

  Closure: Stelvin

  Matured for 15 months in French oak puncheons of which 25% are new. Semi translucent bright dark red colour with a light crimson hue. Fragrant scents of violets, strawberry and a hint of anise mix with forest floor, meaty characters and spicy fresh herb notes. Light in body, savoury ripe cherry and strawberry fruits are complimented by subtle anise, toasty cedar, forest floor and dried herb characters. Supple mouthfeel and polished tannins finishing with a lick of freshness on the elegant aftertaste.
  Drink over the next 4-5 years.
  Alc. 13%

  Delivery Information
• • 95

  2019 Quealy KKO1 Pinot Noir

  Mornington Peninsula, Victoria, AUSTRALIA

  $32. 99

  Bottle

  $395.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2020-2026)

  ABV: 13.4%

  Closure: Cork

  Certified organic and matured for 15 months in old 500 litre puncheons. Dark red colour with subtle tinges of black around the edges and a bright red hue. Blossoming out of the glass are perfumed like scents of violets, dark cherries, anise and ripe strawberries with smoky herbs, forest floor and spice also evident. Delicious ripe cherry and strawberry fruits power across the supplely textured palate with notions of anise, fresh herb infusions, light forest floor and spice flowing onto the back half. Silky tannins and a perfectly judged freshness lead into a long moreish aftertaste. A superb Mornington Pinot that has the variety’s trademark power without weight trait.
  Drink over the next 5-6 years.
  Alc. 13.4%

  Delivery Information
• • 91

  2016 Quealy Campbell & Christine Pinot Noir

  Mornington Peninsula, Victoria, AUSTRALIA

  $37. 99

  Bottle

  $455.88 Dozen

  Minimum 12 bottles

  Sold Out

  Cellar: 3 - 4 Years (2021-2022)

  ABV: 12.3%

  Closure: Stelvin

  Semi translucent dark red colour with a light purple red hue. The nose displays ripe cherry and plum aromas followed by hints of earthy anise and spicy cedar. Light and savoury the palate has flavours of red cherries and plums over traces of anise and earth with some spicy cedar also present. Slightly dryish finely grained tannins. Aftertaste of cherries, plums, faint anise, cedar and spicy earth.
  Cellar 3-4 years.
  Alc. 12.3%

  Delivery Information
• • 93

  2016 Quealy Pinot Noir

  Mornington Peninsula, Victoria, AUSTRALIA

  $29. 99

  Bottle

  $359.88 Dozen

  Minimum 12 bottles

  Sold Out

  Cellar: 5 - 6 Years (2023-2024)

  ABV: 13.5%

  Closure: Stelvin

  Matured for 15 months in a mixture of large and small French oak. Semi translucent bright dark red colour with a light crimson red hue. Fragrant aromatics of violets, ripe dark cherries, strawberries and traces of anise blossom from the glass followed by vanillin cedar and light spicy herbs. Combining suppleness and savouriness the delicious palate is filled with ripe cherries and strawberries over subtle vanillin cedar, light earth and spice. Excellent power wave and slippery tannins with a long conclusion of dark cherries, strawberries, vanillin cedar, faint meaty earth characters and spice.
  Drink over the next 5-6 years.
  Alc. 13.5%

  Delivery Information
• • 94

  2024 Red Claw Pinot Noir

  Mornington Peninsula, Victoria, AUSTRALIA

  $29. 99

  Bottle

  $359.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2025-2031)

  ABV: 13.5%

  Closure: Stelvin

  Supple and moreish entry finishing long, fresh and juicy.

  Yabby Lake’s second label, Red Claw, regularly delivers great value across the range. The 2024 season brough 'La Nina' weather conditions for the third year in a row. It was a fine and early ripening vintage with low yields and superb quality. Produced with the inclusion of 10% whole bunch fruit the wine was matured in French oak puncheons for 10 months.
  Red to dark red colour with black shaded edges and a light red hue. Fragrant dark cherry, violet, strawberry and anise aromas stream out of the glass with whiffs of forest floor and spicy cedar also evident. Making a supple entrance are moreish flavours of dark cherry, strawberry and anise which meld into a forest floor, fresh herb and spicy cedar back drop. Polished tannins with a long fresh yet juicy finish.
  Drink over the next 5-6 years.
  Alc. 13.5%

  Delivery Information
• • 95

  2022 Red Claw Pinot Noir

  Mornington Peninsula, Victoria, AUSTRALIA

  $29. 99

  Bottle

  $359.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2023-2029)

  ABV: 13.5%

  Closure: Stelvin

  Yabby Lake’s second label, Red Claw, regularly delivers great value across the range. 2022 was a vintage of tiny yields, the lowest in Yabby Lake's history.  This was due to severe storms during flowering.  However, the positive is the wines are of exceptional quality - they are intense, with incredible balance and persistence. Produced with the inclusion of 10% whole bunch fruit the wine was matured in French oak puncheons for 10 months.

  A wonderfully fleshed, ripe, juicy Mornington Peninsula Pinot.

  Dark red core with black toned edges and a red to dark red hue. Perfumed violet like aromas captivate the olfactory senses, intermingling with dark cherry, ripe strawberry, subtle anise, toasty cedar and spicy fresh herb notes along the way. Riper and slightly fuller in body than your typical Mornington Pinot, the wonderfully fleshy palate features rich dark cherry and strawberry fruits over an anise, toasty cedar, dried herb and spice background. Amply powered and silky textured it has velvet smooth tannins and finishes long, perfectly ripe and supple.
  Drink over the next 5-6 years.
  Alc. 13.5%

  Delivery Information
• • 94
  • 95

  2021 Red Claw Pinot Noir

  Mornington Peninsula, Victoria, AUSTRALIA

  $29. 99

  Bottle

  $359.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: Drink now - 5 Years (2022-2027)

  ABV: 13.5%

  Closure: Stelvin

  Yabby Lake’s second label, Red Claw, regularly delivers great value across the range. Produced with the inclusion of 10% whole bunch fruit the wine was matured in French oak puncheons for 10 months.

  Semi translucent red to dark red colour with black tinged edges and a light red hue. Blossoming from the glass are fragrant aromatics of red cherries, violets and strawberries which are trailed by some anise, light forest floor and fresh herb notes. Making a subtle entrance are delicious ripe red cherry and strawberry fruits which fan out like a peacocks tail across the palate. Subtle anise, dried herb, forest floor and spicy cedar characters chime in on the back half. Excellent depth and balance, fresh acidity and a silky tannin structure leading into a long expansive conclusion.
  Drink over the next 4-5 years.
  Alc. 13.5%
  
  Other Reviews....
  Hand-picked and sorted; open fermented with 10 per cent whole bunches, and matured in used French puncheons. The perfumed spicy, foresty bouquet catches attention, reinforced by the medium-bodied palate where red cherries/berries have the depth of fruit others lack. Drink to 2029.
  95 points
  James Halliday's Top 100 Wines of 2022

  Delivery Information
• • 95

  2020 Red Claw Pinot Noir

  Mornington Peninsula, Victoria, AUSTRALIA

  $29. 99

  Bottle

  $359.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2021-2027)

  ABV: 13.5%

  Closure: Stelvin

  Yabby Lake’s second label, Red Claw, regularly delivers great value across the range. The 2020 vintage saw even ripening conditions delivering wines with great intensity and depth of flavour. Produced with the inclusion of 25% whole bunch fruit the wine was matured in French oak puncheons for 10 months.

  Rich and silky with a long expansive finish.
  
  Semi translucent bright dark red colour with black tinged edges and a light red hue. Fragrant violet tinged red cherry and strawberry scents blossom  from the glass followed by forest floor, subtle dried herb and spicy cedar notes. Rich and supplely textured, delicious ripe cherry and strawberry fruits flood the mouth underscored by notions of forest floor, light dried herbs and spicy cedar. Superb power wave with silky smooth tannins, good freshness and a long expansive finish.
  Drink over the next 5-6 years.
  Alc. 13.5%

  Delivery Information
• • 96
  • 95

  2019 Red Claw Pinot Noir

  Mornington Peninsula, Victoria, AUSTRALIA

  $24. 99

  Bottle

  $299.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: Drink now - 5 Years (2020-2025)

  ABV: 14%

  Closure: Stelvin

  Yabby Lake’s second label, Red Claw, regularly delivers great value across the range. The classic  2019 season resulting in an intensely flavoured Mornington Peninsula Pinot Noir that’s both rich and expressive, making it a real standout at its price. Produced with the inclusion of 25% whole bunch fruit the wine was matured in French oak puncheons for 10 months.

  Moreish Mornington Peninsula Pinot at a price that’s hard to beat.

  Deep dark red colour with black tinged edges and a dark red hue. The nose offers up perfumed aromatics of violets, ripe dark cherries, strawberries and plum with anise, light scorched earth and spicy cedar notes also evident. Rich, supplely textured and incredibly moreish, generous dark cherry, ripe strawberry and plum fruits flood the mouth, complexed by anise, forest floor, light dried herbs and a subtle shadowing of spicy cedar on the finish. Offers remarkable concentration and power for it's price with velvety tannins melding into a long highly delicious aftertaste.
  Drink over the next 4-5 years.
  Alc. 14%

  Other Reviews….
  Hand picked and sorted, open-fermented with 25% whole bunches, matured in used French puncheons. Bright crimson-purple; the fragrant bouquet weaves a tapestry of red berry blossom with a darker note picked up on the complex palate and its long finish. Drink by 2029.
  95 points
  James Halliday – Australian Wine Companion

  Delivery Information
• • 95
  • 95

  2018 Red Claw Pinot Noir

  Mornington Peninsula, Victoria, AUSTRALIA

  $21. 99

  Bottle

  $263.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: Drink now - 4 Years (2020-2024)

  ABV: 14%

  Closure: Stelvin

  PLEASE NOTE THIS WINE WILL HAVE LABEL DAMAGE. 

  Yabby Lake’s second label, Red Claw, regularly delivers great value across the range. The warm extended summer of 2018 resulting in an intensely flavoured Mornington Peninsula Pinot Noir that’s both rich and expressive, making it a real standout at its price. Produced with the inclusion of 25% whole bunch fruit the wine was matured in French oak puncheons for 10 months.

  Generous, supple and powerful with a long moreish finish

  Semi translucent dark red core with black tinged edges and a light red hue. Fragrant red to dark cherry and strawberry aromas tinged with a hint of violets morph into gamey forest floor like characters and spicy anise. Flooding the palate with great intensity are delicious rich dark cherry and ripe strawberry fruits which are both generous and supple in their feel. Nuances of forest floor, some meatiness, lightly scorched cedar and spice the back drop. Silky smooth tannins. Outstanding power wave with a long and very moreish finish.
  Drink over the next 3-4 years.
  Alc. 14%

  Other Reviews….
  Whole bunch ferments and matured in used French puncheons. If there's a better value entry pinot noir I haven't met up with it. An utterly delicious tapestry of red and purple fruits sewn through a fine web of tannins, the finish long and convincing. Drink to 2029.
  95 points
  James Halliday – Australian Wine Companion

  Delivery Information
• • 92
  • 92

  2017 Red Claw Pinot Noir

  Mornington Peninsula, Victoria, AUSTRALIA

  $23. 99

  Bottle

  $287.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: Drink now - 3 Years (2019-2022)

  ABV: 13.5%

  Closure: Stelvin

  From the classic 2017 vintage on the Mornington Peninsula, Yabby Lake’s second label, Red Claw, is a model of consistency delivering fragrant aromatics, ripe berry fruit and a velvety feel.

  Semi translucent bright red core with a light crimson red hue. Lifted aromatics of ripe cherries and strawberries show good intensity with hints of anise and spicy cedar following on. Delicious dark cherry and ripe strawberry flavours decorate the palate with traces of anise, vanillin cedar and spice also evident. Good power wave with a supple mouthfeel and velvety tannins. Moreish aftertaste of ripe cherries, strawberries, subtle anise and spicy vanillin cedar.
  Drink over the next 2-3 years.
  Alc. 13.5%

  Other Reviews…
  Hand-picked, open-fermented in stainless steel and wood vats, no whole bunches, pumped over and plunged after 10-14 days on skins, matured in French puncheons (15% new). Bright, light crimson; made with typical Yabby Lake precision; red fruit aromas plus touches of bramble and spice leads onto a vibrant red-berried palate with crisp, crunch acidity. This isn't OTT, simply conferring freshness of the wine and the promise of more complexity over the next 2-3 years. Drink by 2021.
  92 points
  James Halliday – Australian Wine Companion

  Delivery Information
• • 95

  2018 Riorret Lusatia Park Pinot Noir

  Yarra Valley, Victoria, AUSTRALIA

  $36. 99

  Bottle

  $443.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: 6 - 8 Years (2026-2028)

  ABV: 13.5%

  Closure: Diam Cork

  Semi translucent dark red colour with black tinged edges and a light red hue. Perfumed scents of violets, ripe dark cherries and strawberries fill the nostrils with hints of anise, forest floor and spicy cedar also evident. Light in body the palate has a savoury flavour profile of ripe cherries and winter strawberries infused with fresh herbs over forest floor, some meatiness and spicy cedar. Nicely balanced fresh acidity combines with slightly dryish finely grained tannins to provide excellent structure. Ample power with a long elegant and refined finish.
  Cellar 6-8 years.
  Alc. 13.5%

  Delivery Information
• • 91
  • 92

  • Special Order Product – Delayed Dispatch

  2023 Riposte The Sabre Pinot Noir

  Adelaide Hills, South Australia, AUSTRALIA

  $32. 99

  Bottle

  $395.88 Dozen

  Minimum 12 bottles

  Sold Out

  Cellar: Drink now - 4 Years (2025-2029)

  ABV: 13.5%

  Closure: Stelvin

  Vibrant brambly red fruits with a supple feel and elegant finish.

  Semi translucent red to dark red colour with black tinged edges and a light red hue. Fragrant violet, red to dark cherry and rhubarb scents drift through the nostrils followed by some dried herb, bramble and spice notes. Vibrant red cherry and rhubarb flavours intermix with bramble, forest floor and spicy dried herb elements. Supple mouth feel with polished tannins and an elegant mid length finish.
  Drink over the next 3-4 years.
  Alc. 13.5%

  Other Reviews…..
  The 2023 The Sabre Pinot Noir is all cherries and exotic spice, with lean, leafy characters on the mid-palate. This is a complex wine of presence and finesse, but with the 2024 Dagger so fresh in my mind, I can't help searching for some of that perfectly ripe, concentrated and yet capacious fruit that I tasted there. This is undoubtedly more complex and has cherry pip, aniseed, clove and iodine, so gravitate to what makes you sing. 13.5% alcohol, sealed under screw cap. Drink 2025-2033.
  92 Points
  Robert Parker – The Wine Advocate

  Delivery Information
• • 94
  • 92

  • Reduced

  2023 Nicks Secret Adelaide Hills Pinot Noir

  Adelaide Hills, South Australia, AUSTRALIA

  Reduced from $19.99

  $14. 99

  Bottle

  $179.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: Drink now - 4 Years (2024-2028)

  ABV: 13%

  Closure: Stelvin

  This delicious, vibrant Pinot Noir is produced from four different clones planted in vineyards located at Gumeracha and Lobethal in the Adelaide Hills. 2023 was a cool and late vintage, fortunately with enough sunny days to develop ripe, intense flavours. Brimming with delicious red fruits it sees no oak in order to preserve freshness and purity.

  A very moreish everyday drinking Pinot Noir.

  Semi translucent bright red to dark red colour with black toned edges and a light red hue. Alluring scents of red cherries and strawberries infused with a combination of violets and fresh herbs sail through the nostrils with terrific intensity. Delicate rhubarb and spice notes ensue. Expansive and highly seductive, the palate is flooded with juicy red cherry, strawberry and anise flavours which overlay a subtle dried herb, forest floor and spice back drop. Boasting superb power and concentration for it’s price, it has a gorgeous silky feel, velvet smooth tannins and finishes long, fresh and spicy.
  Drink over the next 3-4 years.
  Alc. 13%

  Other Reviews…..
  Sourced from the Gumeracha and Lobethal districts, this pours without pretension, light ruby in the glass, cherry fruit and tree-wood fragrance to get you interested. Then pure and straight Pinot flavour profiling with a little anise to add some spice. Bright and perky in the finish, with enough lingering Pinot forest-like earthiness to convince you it’s the real deal, even in its “lite” styling. Very drink-easy.
  92 Points
  Tony Love – Winepilot.com

  Delivery Information
• • 94

  2023 Riposte The Dagger Pinot Noir

  Adelaide Hills, South Australia, AUSTRALIA

  $19. 99

  Bottle

  $239.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: Drink now - 4 Years (2024-2028)

  ABV: 13%

  Closure: Stelvin

  Winemaker Tim Knappstein and son Nick are the names behind the Riposte range of wines, sourcing fruit from dedicated growers in the Adelaide Hills.
  ‘A very moreish everyday drinking Pinot Noir.’
  Semi translucent bright red to dark red colour with black toned edges and a light red hue. Alluring scents of red cherries and strawberries infused with a combination of violets and fresh herbs sail through the nostrils with terrific intensity. Delicate rhubarb and spice notes ensue. Expansive and highly seductive, the palate is flooded with juicy red cherry, strawberry and anise flavours which overlay a subtle dried herb, forest floor and spice back drop. Boasting superb power and concentration for it’s price, it has a gorgeous silky feel, velvet smooth tannins and finishes long, fresh and spicy.
  Drink over the next 3-4 years.
  Alc. 13%

  Other Reviews…..
  Sourced from the Gumeracha and Lobethal districts, this pours without pretension, light ruby in the glass, cherry fruit and tree-wood fragrance to get you interested. Then pure and straight Pinot flavour profiling with a little anise to add some spice. Bright and perky in the finish, with enough lingering Pinot forest-like earthiness to convince you it’s the real deal, even in its “lite” styling. Very drink-easy.
  92 Points
  Tony Love – Winepilot.com

  Delivery Information
• • 94

  • Reduced

  2022 Riposte The Dagger Pinot Noir

  Adelaide Hills, South Australia, AUSTRALIA

  Reduced from $19.99

  $16. 99

  Bottle

  $203.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: Drink now - 4 Years (2023-2027)

  ABV: 13.5%

  Closure: Stelvin

  A deliciously fresh Pinot Noir brimming with red fruits.

  Winemaker Tim Knappstein and son Nick are the names behind the Riposte range of wines, sourcing fruit from dedicated growers in the Adelaide Hills.
  Semi translucent red to dark red colour with black toned edges and a light red hue. Fragrant scents of violet, strawberries and dark cherries blossom out the glass complimented by hints of anise, fresh herbs and delicate forest floor. Delicious red to dark cherry, strawberry and subtle rhubarb flavours unfold across the palate with a supple textural feel. Some anise, forest floor and spice characters ensue. Finishes fresh and youthfully energetic with polished tannins and a long savoury red fruited aftertaste.
  Drink over the next 3-4 years.
  Alc. 13.5%

  Other Reviews….
  A fine Adelaide Hills Pinot, which offers excellent value, from a cracking vintage. Made from a combination of four different clones, the fruit is destemmed. A considerable percentage of whole berries has been used here. After pressing, the wine goes to stainless steel tanks before blending. The aim is a fresh, vital and youthful style, while the use of an array of clones adds to the complexity. The colour is a vibrant garnet. The aromas are fresh berry, some earthiness, fungal, animal hide, root vegetables and red berries here with hints of sarsaparilla. This is a slightly burly, flavour-first style. The palate exhibits some cold tea notes with decent length so there is no apparent reason why this won’t be providing pleasure for at least the next four years. Drink 2023-2027.
  92 points
  Ken Gargett – WinePilot.com

  I’ve seen this Riposte The Dagger Pinot Noir 2022 down to as low as $19 a bottle. It’s a steal at that price. Buy buy buy!
  Indeed, I judged with Tim Knappstein back in March and he was pretty happy with this Pinot too.
  Bright raspberry juicy fruit aplenty in this Adelaide Hills Pinot – like biting into a raspberry! A bit of glacé raspberry, too, from some whole berry carbonic action. Juicy, varietal, no tannins, but so much lovely fruit. Just a little broad to finish. Lovely drink in the best way possible.
  92 points
  Andrew Graham – Ozwinereview.com

  Delivery Information
• • 94
  • 95

  • Reduced

  2021 Nicks Secret Adelaide Hills Pinot Noir

  Adelaide Hills, South Australia, AUSTRALIA

  Reduced from $19.99

  $13. 99

  Bottle

  $167.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: Drink now - 5 Years (2021-2026)

  ABV: 13.5%

  Closure: Stelvin

  Phenomenal Value for Pinot Noir

  The result of an excellent vintage, this vibrant Pinot Noir produced from four different clones is brimming with delicious red fruits. Semi translucent dark red colour with black tinged edges and a bright crimson red hue. Sailing from the glass are perfumed aromatics of violets, dark cherries and strawberries followed by trailing subtle anise, fresh herb and spice notes. Delicious cherry and ripe strawberry fruits gently infused with anise decorate the supplely textured palate. Notions of forest floor and spicy fresh herbs lie underneath. Velvety tannins with vibrant acidity and a long bright, juicy aftertaste.  
  Drink over the next 4-5 years.
  Alc. 13.5%
  You will receive the genuine article not an unknown brand, export label or cleanskin.
  

  Other Reviews….
  A wine to commemorate ********** 60th vintage. The complete package here, immediately appealing and bright. Wrapped in perfectly ripe cherry fruits, bramble, plum, violet and dried herbs. Beautifully detailed, assisted by integrated oak, crunchy acid bite and leafy, savoury tannins. Impressive depth. Drink by 2028.
  95 points
  Jeni Port – James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion

  Beautifully styled and elegantly expressed, the perfumed bouquet shows dark cherry, dried herb, cumin and almond characters with a touch of dark mushroom nuance. It's silky-smooth and flowing in the mouth offering lovely fruit purity combined with a spicy undertone, finishing lingering and delectable. At its best: now to 2029.
  93 points
  Sam Kim - Wine Orbit

  Delivery Information
• • 94

  2020 Riposte The Dagger Pinot Noir

  Adelaide Hills, South Australia, AUSTRALIA

  $19. 99

  Bottle

  $239.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: Drink now - 4 Years (2021-2025)

  ABV: 13.5%

  Closure: Stelvin

  Semi translucent bright dark red core with black tinged edges and a light red hue. Fragrant violet, ripe red cherry and strawberry scents mix with anise, fresh herbs and spice. Delicious juicy red cherry and winter strawberry fruits flood the mouth underscored by infusions of fresh herbs, subtle forest floor and savoury spicy cedar nuances. Vibrant finish with silky tannins and a lovely suppleness to the mouthfeel. Long moreish red fruited aftertaste.
  Drink over the next 3-4 years.
  Alc. 13.5%

  Delivery Information
• • 93

  2018 Riposte The Dagger Pinot Noir

  Adelaide Hills, South Australia, AUSTRALIA

  $17. 99

  Bottle

  $215.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: Drink now - 3 Years (2019-2022)

  ABV: 13.5%

  Closure: Stelvin

  This sort of value in Pinot Noir doesn’t come around very often – load up while you can!

  Winemaker Tim Knappstein and son Nick are the names behind the Riposte range of wines, sourcing fruit from dedicated growers in the Adelaide Hills. Semi translucent bright dark red colour with black tinged edges and a vibrant light red hue. The beautifully perfumed nose tosses up bouquet of violets, freshly crushed cherries, strawberries, incense, aromatic herbs and spice, showing excellent intensity. Lively, light on its feet and juicy, delicious flavours of just crushed ripe cherries and strawberries play with traces of anise and herb infusions. Supple mouthfeel and velvety tannins, finishing spicy with bright acidity, good length and a medium to long aftertaste. A well-honed vibrant early drinking Pinot Noir.
  Drink over the next 2-3 years.
  Alc. 13.5%

  Other Reviews…
  Here we go again. This is fantastic buying. Such good drinking at a snip of a price. Cherry-plum, redcurrant, sweet oak, throws of spice. Its appeal is obvious and immediate. Tannin is gum-smooth; it continues the uncomplicated theme. Varietal character served easy as you like. Price $22. Drink 2019-2023+
  91 points
  Campbell Mattinson – The Wine Front

  Delivery Information
• • 95
  • 94

  2017 Riposte The Dagger Pinot Noir

  Adelaide Hills, South Australia, AUSTRALIA

  $17. 99

  Bottle

  $215.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: Drink now - 4 Years (2018-2022)

  ABV: 13.5%

  Closure: Stelvin

  A charming Adelaide Hills Pinot Noir garnished with terrific power and delicious ripe red fruits, making it one of the best value Pinots on the market.

  Semi translucent bright dark red colour with black tinged edges and a crimson red hue. Fragrant aromatics of violets , ripe red to dark cherries and strawberries blossom from the glass with some meatiness, forest floor and spice ensuing. Light with a supple feel, delicious flavours of spicy ripe dark cherries and strawberries deliver a terrific power wave. Also chiming in are nuances of forest floor, subtle vanilla and notions of dried herbs. Vibrant, fresh finish with perfectly integrated, finely grained tannins. Long spicy red and dark cherry, strawberry, forest floor, light vanilla and dried herb aftertaste.
  Drink over the next 3-4 years.
  Alc. 13.5%

  Other Reviews…
  Full colour. The dagger has only just been drawn as at September '17, but will underwrite the development of a wine that has much to offer. It has considerable depth and complexity to its plum and dark cherry fruit. A foresty/earthy subtext adds another dimension. Drink by 2025.
  Drink by 2025.
  94 points
  James Halliday – Australian Wine Companion
  
  Just when I said that 2017 isn’t as good as it’s made out to be – this pops up. Amazing that it’s on the streets already.
  This is a beauty. Textural, powerful, varietal and brilliant to drink. Dark cherries and plums, a tanginess, spice and peppercorn notes. It races about, delivering pleasure as it goes. Tannin is in emery board territory. Take the wine, the price, combine the two, and clearly this is right up there as one of the best value pinots of the year. Drink 2017-2023.
  92 points
  Campbell Mattinson – The Wine Front

  Delivery Information
• • 93

  2016 Riposte The Sabre Pinot Noir

  Adelaide Hills, South Australia, AUSTRALIA

  $32. 99

  Bottle

  $395.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: 3 - 4 Years (2021-2022)

  ABV: 13.5%

  Closure: Stelvin

  Semi translucent dark red colour with black tinged edges and a light red hue. Fragrant violet laced scents of dark cherries, plums and strawberries are followed by spicy cedar, light earth and some meaty notes. A savoury flavour profile of dark cherries, plum and ripe strawberries greets the palate with an undercard of spicy vanillin cedar and earth. Supple feel with finely grained tannins showing excellent integration. Aftertaste of spicy dark cherries, ripe strawberries, vanillin cedar and earth.
  Cellar 3-4 years.
  Alc. 13.5%

  Delivery Information
• • 96
  • 99
  • 97

  • Biodynamic

  2020 Rippon Tinker's Field Mature Vine Pinot Noir

  Central Otago, NEW ZEALAND

  $170. 00

  Bottle

  $2040.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: 8 - 10 Years (2032-2034)

  ABV: 13.5%

  Closure: Diam Cork

  Deep dark red in colour with black toned edges and a dark red hue. Perfumed aromas of violets, red to dark cherries, strawberries and red plum sail out of the glass with some anise, earth, spicy cedar and fresh herb notes also evident. Light and energetic in its feel yet powerful the palate is layered with sour to red cherry, red plum and winter strawberry fruits which are complimented by infusions of fresh herbs, forest floor, delicate anise and spicy cedar. Refined tannin structure and fresh acidity with a long, elegant red fruited conclusion.
  Cellar 8-10 years.
  Alc. 13.5%

  Other Reviews….
  Aromas of raspberries and plums with forest fruits and violets. Orange blossom, too. Medium- to full-bodied. Superbly polished tannins that run vertically down the wine and take you very deep and long. It's seemingly endless. Dark strawberry and raspberry and hints of terra cotta and dark stones. It's complete and moving to taste now. Drinkable even now, but try to be patient. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Best after 2026, but already stunning.
  99 Points
  JamesSuckling.com

  The 2020 Tinker's Field Mature Vine Pinot Noir is, as per usual, restrained on the nose but concentrated and driven in the mouth. This is a wine immune to hyperbole, and so eloquently of its place, that it is often a wine I am proud to show internationally. It never fails. The tannins are sleek but totally within the wine. The tannins are finely milled, ductile, gray in every respect and delicate but not brittle. The 2020 seems more open-armed than the 2019 before it (not better, not worse—just different), and it is making for pleasurable drinking here today. A beauty. The vines face north and are sheltered and protected behind Ruby Island. The vineyard is warm and on pure schist. 13.5% alcohol, sealed under Diam. Drink by 2023-2040.
  97 Points
  Erin Larkin – Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate

  Delivery Information
• • 94
  • 98

  2019 Rippon 'Rippon' Mature Vine Pinot Noir

  Central Otago, NEW ZEALAND

  $89. 99

  Bottle

  $1079.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: 5 - 6 Years (2028-2029)

  ABV: 13.5%

  Closure: Diam Cork

  Deep dark red core with black shaded edges and a slightly cloudy red hue. Rising out of the glass are perfumed violet like scents followed by some red cherry, red liquorice, forest floor, fresh herb and light spicy cedar notes. Light in body, vibrant red cherry and winter strawberry fruits are underpinned by an energised iron mineral like infused acidity. Notions of earth, fresh herbs and spicy cedar ensue. Bright lively finish with slightly chalky, structured tannins and a focused red fruited aftertaste that has a linear feel to it.
  Cellar 5-6 years.
  Alc. 13.5%
  
  Other Reviews….
  Firm and tight licorice, graphite, slate and light dried strawberry. Goes to iron. Flowers. Medium body. Creamy and fine tannins with a rather dusty finish. Fresh acidity and long and linear finish. Structured. From biodynamically grown grapes. Better after 2024, but already beautiful.
  98 points
  JamesSuckling.com

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• • 94
  • 98

  2019 Rippon Emma’s Block Pinot Noir

  Central Otago, NEW ZEALAND

  $150. 00

  Bottle

  $1800.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: 6 - 8 Years (2029-2031)

  ABV: 13.5%

  Closure: Diam Cork

  Slightly cloudy red to dark red colour with a light red hue. Perfumed like violet scents sail out of the glass alongside some wild cherry, winter strawberry and red liquorice notes. Fresh herb, earth and subtle spicy cedar aromas are also evident. Light in body the palate is both vibrant and supple in its feel with delicious red cherry and winter strawberry fruits complimented by a dash of sour cherries. Lying underneath are infusions of fresh herbs, subtle forest floor and delicate spicy cedar. Polished tannins combine with vividly fresh acidity and an elegant aftertaste.
  Cellar 6-8 years.
  Alc. 13.5%
  
  Other Reviews….
  Aromas of rose with leaves and some red fruit such as cranberries and plums. Hibiscus. Bright. Medium body with linear mouthfeel of driven acidity that folds in nicely in the palate. Subtle, juicy and seductive. From biodynamically grown grapes. Drink or hold.
  98 points
  JamesSuckling.com

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• • 93

  2017 Rippon 'Rippon' Mature Vine Pinot Noir

  Central Otago, NEW ZEALAND

  $79. 99

  Bottle

  $959.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2021-2027)

  ABV: 13%

  Closure: Diam Cork

  Deep dark red black tinged core with a dark red hue. Intense aromatics of violets, dark cherries, strawberries, anise and a whiff of sour cherries intermingle with spicy cedar, light forest floor and fresh herbs. Light and very fresh, the elegant palate sees a mix of sour to dark cherry and winter strawberry fruits mesh with subtle anise, forest floor and spicy herbs. Bright acidity and finely structured tannins with only moderate drive and depth.
  Cellar 5-6 years.
  Alc. 13%

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• • 95

  2016 Rippon Tinker's Field Mature Vine Pinot Noir

  Central Otago, NEW ZEALAND

  $150. 00

  Bottle

  $1800.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2020-2026)

  ABV: 13.5%

  Closure: Diam Cork

  Totally opaque dark red colour with black tinged edgings and a dark red hue. Scents of violets, dark cherries, strawberries and fresh herbs flow through the nostrils followed by hints of anise, earth and spicy cedar. Light to medium bodied, generous dark cherry and anise flavours have an earthy underbelly with infusions of fresh herbs and spicy cedar also present. Dryish finish with sturdy, muscular like tannins providing plenty of structure but also compressing the aftertaste a touch.
  Cellar 5-6 years.
  Alc. 13.5%

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• • 96
  • 100

  2010 Rippon Mature Vine Pinot Noir

  Central Otago, NEW ZEALAND

  $150. 00

  Bottle

  $1800.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: 5 - 6 Years (2025-2026)

  ABV: 14%

  Closure: Diam Cork

  Excellent depth of colour displaying a midnight black core and a dark red black tinged hue. Intense black cherry and anise aromas rise out of the glass trailed by vanillin cedar, earth, traces of leather and spice. Rich, bold and quite firmly built the palate is still quite unyielding with lush black cherry and liquorice fruits showing terrific concentration. Elements of scorched earth, old cedar, leather and spice lie underneath. Dense, structured tannins impart a muscular feel. Outstanding power with a long, rich yet compact finish.
  Cellar 5-6 years.
  Alc. 14%

  Other Reviews….
  This has such freshness at between nine and ten years of age. It delivers a very rich, blue-fruit core with spiced earth and light, leathery nuances. The palate has composed and compact tannins and a slinky and rich, powerful array of blueberries and a long, juicy, succulent and vibrant finish. Shows just how well Rippon pinots age. This is just getting started! From biodynamically grown grapes. Maturation release. Drink or hold.
  100 points
  JamesSuckling.com

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• • 96

  2016 Rippon Emma's Block Mature Vine Pinot Noir

  Central Otago, NEW ZEALAND

  $125. 00

  Bottle

  $1500.00 Dozen

  Minimum 12 bottles

  Sold Out

  Cellar: 6 - 8 Years (2026-2028)

  ABV: 13.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Very deep dark red core with a lighter shade of red to the hue. A perfumed potpourri of violets, dark cherries, winter strawberries, red plum and subtle anise drift from the glass with hints of sour cherries, forest floor and fresh herbs also evident. Quite structured in its feel the palate has tightly wound cherry, red plum and strawberry fruits interwoven with traces of anise, an earth like minerality and spicy cedar. Sculptured tannins with a dry slightly stern finish. Bright acidity with a medium to long aftertaste. Needs time to open up.
  Cellar 6-8 years.
  Alc. 13.5%

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• • 94
  • 97

  2016 Rippon Mature Vine Pinot Noir

  Central Otago, NEW ZEALAND

  $84. 99

  Bottle

  $1019.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: 5 - 6 Years (2025-2026)

  ABV: 13.5%

  Closure: Cork

  Opaque dark red colour with black tinged edges and a dark red hue. A complex mix of sour right through to dark cherry, violet and winter strawberry scents greet the nostrils with plum, anise, forest floor, fresh herb and spicy cedar notes also evident. Light in body with a supple mid palate feel, expressive flavours of sour cherries, dark cherries and winter strawberries overlay earth, fresh herbs and spicy cedar. Dryish finish with bright acidity and slightly chalky tannins. Good power with a medium to long aftertaste.
  Cellar 5-6 years.
  Alc. 13.5%

  Other Reviews....
  This is such profoundly complex pinot with violets, dark cherries, plums, blueberries, graphite, black tea, peppery nuances, licorice and woody spices, all taking a role on the nose. The palate has such density and precision, delivering a powerfully composed and profoundly concentrated core of blueberry and dark-cherry flavor in a layered and refined style. Such impressive depth and character. From biodynamically grown grapes. Drink or hold.
  97 points
  jamessuckling.com

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• • 94

  2023 Rising Pinot Noir

  Yarra Valley, Victoria, AUSTRALIA

  $29. 99

  Bottle

  $359.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: Drink now - 5 Years (2024-2029)

  ABV: 13.5%

  Closure: Stelvin

  Semi translucent red to dark red colour with a light red hue. Perfumed scents of violets, red to dark cherries and strawberries intermingle with hints of rhubarb, clove, brambly cedar and forest floor. Gliding across the slippery textured palate are delicious dark cherry and strawberry fruits with notions of anise, dried herbs, brambly cedar and forest floor lying underneath. Silky smooth tannins. Excellent power wave finishing long, juicy and velvety.
  Drink over the next 4-5 years.
  Alc. 13.5%

  Delivery Information
• • 94

  2022 Rising Pinot Noir

  Yarra Valley, Victoria, AUSTRALIA

  $29. 99

  Bottle

  $359.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  Cellar: Drink now - 5 Years (2023-2028)

  ABV: 13%

  Closure: Stelvin

  Dark red in colour showing good depth for the variety. Fragrant spicy red to dark cherry, violet, rhubarb and strawberry scents intermix with dried herb and subtle forest floor notes. Delicious dark cherry and strawberry fruits have a supple textural feel across the palate with notions of rhubarb, anise, dried herbs, forest floor and spicy cedar lingering through the back half. Possessing velvet smooth tannins and ample power it has a seductive medium to long finish.
  Drink over the next 4-5 years.
  Alc. 13%

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