Availability:
What's New
We boast Australia's fastest growing online selection of wines, spirits and liqueurs added to weekly. If you can't find what you're looking for, call us on 1800 069 295 and we'll try to track it down.
-
- Nick's Import
Signatory Vintage Speyside (GL) 16 Year Old 100 Proof Edition #10 Exceptional Cask Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND$139. 99Bottle$1679.88 DozenABV: 57.1%We asked for a Sherry bomb and Signatory delivered. First-fill oloroso matured with outstanding colour, close to cask strength and non chill filtered. But where's it from? "Speyside GL" could be anything given the amount of Glensomethings in Speyside. GlenFiddich, less likely GlenFarclas. We're told permissions can be cask/batch specific, and independents sometimes decide not to use a distillery name because they would have to pay more to use it. Given the low prices for these bottlings, Signatory clearly like to keep costs down. Let's not overthink it. That said, the "GL" is some indication that whatever follows "Glen" begins with an "L." Whiskyfun have tasted similar releases and suggest they're Glenlivet. We say it's definitely Glenlivet. And apparently it's absolutely delicious. Dates, leather, sherry, tobacco, cinnamon, lots of wood & even more sherry at a price that wouldn’t have looked out of place a decade ago. It could well turn out to be one of the whisky buys of the year. 57.1% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.
-
- 97
2025 Best's Great Western RieslingGreat Western, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$23. 99Bottle$287.88 DozenABV: 11.5%Closure: StelvinRiesling vines were first planted as part of Henry Best’s ‘Nursery Block’ vineyard in the 1860s. Subsequent plantings followed in 1944 (since removed), 1978 and 1998. Always very flavoursome and very age worthy, the Best’s Great Western Rieslings are renown for their beautiful balance, texture and aromatics.
Other Reviews…..
Grampians riesling at its very best. It defines varietal intensity but so too a fine and utterly delicious delicacy of touch. Aromatic, spicy, apple and lime scented with a lemon-lime essence quality, almost crystalline, that impresses and resonates deep. The palate brings an airy, powdery expression that runs deep and long and intense in lemon-lime citrus, grapefruit pith, apple and gingery spice married to a pure and lively acidity. Runs long, stays bright and will age and keep on going.
Drink by 2040.
97 points
Jeni Port – James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion -
- Nick's Import
Old Pulteney Harbour Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)Highlands, SCOTLAND$74. 99Bottle$899.88 DozenABV: 40%"...super good, certainly a worthy candidate for the Bang-For-Your-Buck title..." - whiskyfun.com
Other reviews... A small NAS probably rather kind-hearted, matured in first and second fill bourbon casks. If it doesn’t lean too heavily on vanilla cream, this could be quite good indeed… Colour: white wine. Nose: no, this is fine, quite the opposite in fact, it’s fresh, the sea is clearly perceptible too, with touches of salted candied lemon, grapefruit, and streusel. Nice coastal tension, just what one expects from Pulteney. Mouth: slightly softer on the palate but the balance has been especially well crafted, there’s none of that vanilla-and-sawdust overload one might have found in similar bottlings ten years ago. Grapefruit returns, along with passion fruit, seaweed, our friends the oysters, and a white pepper that does its job without being over the top. Finish: fairly long given the strength, a bit ‘old-Ardbeg-ten-long’, we’re talking early 80s to early 90s batches. Comments: I find this super good, certainly a worthy candidate for the Bang-For-Your-Buck title this August. 86 points - whiskyfun.com
...Overall I think this is a great entry to Old Pulteney. It carries the distillery DNA plus it was in my opinion matured in good quality casks because there are lots of added flavours to the whisky. Yes it's 40% but it doesn't feel thin due to Old Pulteney's style of whisky and probably, most probably due to the wormtubs... you can't go wrong with this. It's a great beginners malt and a great daily sipper to anyone who likes salty whisky. I'll award this whisky with 85 / 100. Great stuff. - whiskybase.com
-
- Nick's Import
Aberlour A'bunadh Alba Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) - Batch 08Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND$169. 99Bottle$2039.88 DozenABV: 60.1%We think Aberlour is at its best when cask-strength, and not necessarily out of sherry casks. This one's part of the special "Alba" series that differs from the classic A'bunadh by maturing exclusively in ex-bourbon barrels, giving it lighter, fruitier notes (apples, honey, vanilla) instead of the typical dried fruit and dark chocolate character. Batch #008 comes bottled non-chill filtered at 60.1% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... [Batch 007 tasted] I've only ever tried Alba once, I think it was the first batch, and thought it was excellent (WF 86). Now I've already informally tried this new batch - with great food- and thought 'wow!' This is fully ex-bourbon oak, hence the name 'Alba'. Colour: white wine. Nose: it's also a good option to keep your distillate as clean and naked as possible when it's first-class. Terrific apples, gooseberries, green pears, kiwis, greengages, white cherries, green bananas… However, it would never move towards easy Haribo-like notes. They know how to stand. With water: viognier. I'm sorry I'm mentioning wine pretty often, but either I write 'viognier', or I'll need to list dozens of aromas, starting with white pineapple, guava… No, enough! Mouth (neat): superb, incredibly fruity, dead on target, with pears and grapefruits. Perfect with fruity desert, yes I speak from experience. With water: sure it's simple, even very simple, even very, very simple, but this immense fruitiness is irresistible. Finish: medium, ueber-fruity, with even a little varnish. Comments: a fruit bomb. And who cares if it was made in a lab (which it was not, of course). In truth this is very Aberlour, many ueber-fruity malts would be geared toward tropical/exotic fruits (do you really need names?) but in my book, only two of them are fully 'western-orchardy'. Both belong to Pernod, they are Longmorn and… Aberlour. 87 points - whiskyfun.com
-
- 90
- Nick's Import
Hudson Whiskey Do The Rye Thing Straight Rye Whiskey (750ml)Gardiner, New York State, UNITED STATES$119. 99Bottle$1439.88 DozenABV: 46%New from Tuthilltown Spirits comes this quaintly named three year old. Distilled from 95% New York rye and 5% malted barley, it's bold and spicy, with notes of citrus and honey and a bright mint finish. 46% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... Made from a mashbill of 95% rye and 5% malted barley, and aged at least 3 years. The nose is freshly sweet, with notes of orange tea, orange peel, nectarine, licorice, dark chocolate, leather, and dried flowers. A creamy palate offers marmalade, fruitcake, baking spice, and barrel char. The finish is light but lengthy, with bursts of dark fruit tart, black currant, and vanilla bean. Excellent complexity for a whiskey this young. 90 points - whiskyadvocate.com
...After going with a full rebrand in September 2020 and skewing their label design towards New York City design aesthetics, Hudson Whiskey hopes you finally take notice. Likely surprising many, Hudson Whiskey has been operating since 2003 and was the first New York distillery since Prohibition. Yet, the company has seemingly struggled to stand out to the unknowing or at the very least, stay in the mindshare of those who do know it. Story aside, Do the Rye Thing, which is in fact a rebranding of their Manhattan Rye, is quite the satisfying sipping rye. Why the company maintains a low age statement despite its many years distilling is anyone's guess, as it is the main drawback to an otherwise great tasting whiskey. This is a rye that forgoes much of the typical heat and spice of rye whiskeys, and instead puts forth a surprisingly delicate and fruit-leaning flavor profile. With a little more age and a little less grain, Hudson has a real winner here. - breakingbourbon.com
Gold Medal - International Spirits Challenge 2021
-
- Nick's Import
Bruichladdich The Classic Laddie Sherry Cask Edition Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)Islay, SCOTLAND$119. 99Bottle$1439.88 DozenABV: 50%Conceived before the distillery was mothballed in 1996, the Classic Laddie launched as a vatting of younger whisky combined with older stock (18-20 years old). Today’s Classic Laddie continues to be a non-age-stated batch release that relies primarily on ex-bourbon-aged malts, although likely a bit older than the youngest components in the original Laddie (around 10 years old). Here we have the unpeated house style matured in a combination of Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso sherry casks, contributing salted caramel, date syrup and roasted nut flavours - perfect for anyone who wants to taste what happens when the famed West Coast Islay goes full-on Spanish influence! Made from 100% Scottish barley, slow-distilled via “trickle distillation” and aged entirely on Islay, it comes with the bonus of a high strength and zero chill filtration. 50% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... It’s Bruichladdich alright, bringing a lot of those summer vibes to the party, a bit of Bruichladdich cheese too, but far more palatable than something like Bladnoch. The sherry is elevating The Classic Laddie massively, bringing a lot of the stuff I love about whisky into the already solid character - cedar wood, red berries, bit of match striker and some lovely strawberry fruitiness on top of that oily, tropical fruity base. It also has some interesting vegetal things happening that I don’t think I picked up on in The Classic Laddie. - dramface.com
- Luxardo Bitter Bianco Liqueur (700ml)ITALY$84. 99Bottle$1019.88 DozenABV: 30%
"A brilliant cocktail ingredient." - diffordsguide.com
Luxardo Bitter Bianco shares the same herbs, aromatic plants and citrus fruits as its orange-coloured sibling, Luxardo Bitter. Before the blending process, however, most of the infusions are distilled, a process which turns its appearance transparent and slightly changes the flavour profile. Roman Absinth (Wormwood), added to the end product enhances its bitter taste. Pitched to twist classic cocktails such as Negronis (making a Negroni Bianco), a Paloma into a Paloma Bianco, etc., it can also be enjoyed neat or over ice as a classic aperitif. 30% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... Bittersweet. Ripe pear, zesty orange, lemon and rooty bitterness, rosemary-led herbal complexity and white pepper-led spice. Overall: Bittersweet with herbal complexity. A brilliant cocktail ingredient. 5+ Stars - diffordsguide.com
Gold Medal / 95 points - International Wine & Spirits Competition 2024
-
- 93
- 95
- 93
- 96
- Nick's Import
High West Rendezvous Rye Whiskey (375ml)Park City, Utah, UNITED STATES$49. 99Bottle$599.88 DozenABV: 46%High West Distillery and Saloon started with one man’s passion to make a great Rocky Mountain whiskey. Proprietor and distiller, David Perkins married his background as a biochemist, his love of bourbon and cooking, and his passion for the American West to bring the craft of small-batch distilling back to Utah. Rendezvous Rye is a blend of two exotic straight rye whiskies, with early batches marrying the rich aromatic qualities of a 16-year-old, 95% rye mash bill whiskey with the bold, spicy properties of 6-year-old rye to create a full-flavoured, complex whiskey, bottled non chill filtered for maximum mouthfeel. However, like most of High West’s production, that changes over time. More recent reports suggest it's a 4 to 9 year old, some of it sourced from MGP (95% rye), the remainder being High West’s own 80% rye, 20% malted rye whiskey. Ratios are not disclosed. The label design has also changed (several times) since the presentation pictured, so we can assume this bottling represents stocks from yesteryear.
[BATCH 12H14 tasted] Deep burnished copper / gold ochre colour. First inhalations reveal a mild shellac note alongside charry American oak. Several minutes in the glass yields hints of mint and old liquorice strap alongside spicy, apply rye that's enriched with further exposure becoming more apple crumble / toffee apple like. The palate delivers a classic, punchy rye. A full, round delivery is augmented by lively, perfectly balancing spices. Crisp, dry mouthfeel. Excellent concentration. Terrific balance. Long spicy rye aftertaste with a faint trace of liquorice emerging late. Loads of personality and complexity. Non chill filtered. 46% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... One of those ryes where you find yourself slapping the back of your head to overcome the eyewatering sharpness of the grain. 93.5 points - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2024
...Thanks to the high rye content, this whisky is very spicy, with cinnamon, crisp mint and fennel. Underlying sweet notes of caramel, molasses, vanilla, macaroon, cocoa, and candied fruit … enhance the whiskey’s complexity. But, in the end, the rye is the victor, emerging with a vengeance and giving the whiskey a bold, warming spice finish.” 95 points John Hansell, whiskyadvocate.com
Strong but intriguing. Medium color and body, with rich aromas of burnt orange and caramel. The flavor also reflected burnt orange and caramel, plus a spicy tinge reminiscent of cassia bark or Red-Hot candies. The finish lingers, pleasant, inviting and warm. Might be good for Manhattans—a touch of fruit or sweetness would go well with this rye. Excellent value. 96 points - wineenthusiast.com
-
- 88
- Nick's Import
Gentleman's Cut Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)Kentucky, UNITED STATES$225. 00Bottle$2700.00 DozenABV: 45%Sometimes referred to as "celebribooze offerings", this is another Bourbon created in collaboration with stardom - in this case, four-time NBA champion and two-time MVP, Stephen Curry together with Boone County Distilling Co. (aka Game Changer Distillery, which makes its own eponymous whiskey). Distilled from a mash bill of 75% corn, 21% rye and 4% malted barley, it's matured for between five and seven years (though no age statement is declared on the label). It's reported that while older Boone County whiskeys were sourced from MGP, this expression is entirely distilled in-house. 45% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... Earthy and lightly green on the nose, which offers notes of cereal, honey, bubble gum, and a hint of fruit, mellowing into spice and light brown sugar. Somewhat aggressive on the palate, and barrel-forward, with molasses cookie and bread dough. The finish offers nougat and more brown sugar. Overall there’s some pleasant sweetness in there, but it could use more flavor integration. 88 points - whiskyadvocate.com
...Boldly toasty, this whiskey straddles the line between old school distilling and craft whiskeydom, with a ton of char up top that gives the nose a boldly peppery character. Well-toasted grains, burnt popcorn, and a bit of barbecue smoke evoke the frontier fairly clearly. The palate is fortunately a bit softer, with some graham cracker, honey, and light coconut notes all swirled into the equation. A slightly doughy body pairs fairly well with the more overt charry, peppery notes, tempering the underlying heat — but only to an extent. I suspected the whiskey might benefit from water and sure enough it only takes a couple of drops for things to coalesce. (I’d have released this at 86 proof instead of 90, but what do I know?) That tiny splash of water softens the harder, frontier-driven edges of the whiskey and makes room for a lighter slick of sandalwood, a bolder coconut character, and a lingering hazelnut quality on the finish. After trying it again straight from the bottle, I wouldn’t drink it any other way. - drinkhacker.com
-
- Nick's Import
Kavalan Solist Oloroso Sherry Cask Strength Single Malt Taiwanese Whisky (1000ml)TAIWAN$299. 00Bottle$3588.00 DozenABV: 51.6%A benchmark for Taiwanese whisky, Kavalan's Solist Oloroso edition is the nation's answer to the sherry bombs of Scotland. Summed up as "Macallan on steroids", the distillery benefits from several excellent cask suppliers that allow them to recreate a trademark style on a regular basis: Super-concentrated with flavours of dark fruit, chocolate and spice, and usually needing water to open up its complex layers, reviewers highlight the whisky's richness, sweetness and distinctively tropical/fermented fruit character alongside traditional sherry notes. Some batches are close to being over-oaked, others strike a fine oak-fruit balance. Whichever you get, you're in for an intense drinking experience. ABVs will vary, with stock at the time of writing landing at 51.6% Alc./Vol. We recommend letting it sit in the glass for 15-20 minutes to fully open up.
-
- Nick's Import
Glenfarclas Private Reserve Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) - 48%Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND$139. 99Bottle$1679.88 DozenABV: 48%A 48% bottling for the French market, released in 2024. There have been a series of these labels, some bottled at 45% and 46% ABV. Sort of a private selection bottling, the outturn of these editions is usually around 10,000 bottles, however this one's limited to 6000 only. Compared with the relatively genteel character of the 17YO, 18YO, or even 21YO, this contemporary expression promises a bolder, more spicy character that conversely, lends itself to being consumed with a dash of water.
-
- 90
- 95
- Nick's Import
Cutty Sark 12 Year Old Blended Scotch Whisky (700ml)SCOTLAND$79. 99Bottle$959.88 DozenABV: 40%"...this is one very elegant classic." - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2024
Other reviews... Returning this stalwart, the first new Cutty Sark since La Martiniquaise took charge of the ship, seemed a safe bet, but they've done it so well. Apricot, golden sultana, caramel, honeydew melon, honey, and vanilla meet cumin, cardamom, Parma violets, and orange jelly bean aromas. Richly flavored but lightly textured, there's lemon bonbon, sugar-dusted churro, vanilla custard, cinder toffee, hazelnut, and sharp apple acidity. It's like sunshine rippling on the ocean.Best Values - 90 points - whiskyadvocate.com
...It seems that this baby’s recently been repackaged. I have to say I like the new packaging, but it’s what’s inside that counts. Colour: gold. Nose: it’s having a little trouble after the previous ones, with more sour notes (sour apples) and more raw oak, with a dusty side. On the other hand, there’s a rather complex fruitiness behind that, with even touches of mangos. Mangos always work in whisky! Also violets that I had already found in earlier expressions. Mouth: the oak feels, the attack is a bit tannic and drying (strong black tea) but once again, a complex fruitiness emerges after two seconds in your month, with marmalade, raisins and quince jelly. Love quince jelly. Quite some vanilla too. Finish: medium length. Honeyed and jammy. Comments: I think Cutty 12 improved a lot since four or five years. It’s got much more oomph than before, maybe thanks to more newish American oak. Feels like it. 78 points - whiskyfun.com
-
- 94
- Nick's Import
Aberfeldy 15 Year Old Bolgheri Tuscan Cask Finish Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)Highlands, SCOTLAND$129. 99Bottle$1559.88 DozenABV: 46%Matured for 15 years in re-fill and hogshead casks, this limited edition Aberfeldy is then finished in Bolgheri red wine casks from Tuscany, Italy, adding an extra layer of rich, cherry and dark chocolate flavours. 46% Alc./Vol. Non-chill filtered.
Other reviews... Red wine casks can overpower, but here the balance is perfect. Finished for 2 years in Italian red wine casks from Tuscany, the nose brims with blackberry, black cherry, ripe Victoria plum, dark chocolate, peppercorn, licorice, and black tea. Aberfeldy’s honeyed core shines through layers of chocolate, black cherry, clove, nutmeg, plum pudding, and gentle oak. A beautifully poised malt with a long, indulgent finish of chocolate-dipped dark fruits. 94 points - whiskyadvocate.com
...Now then, Bolgheri is the very place where those super-Tuscan Bordeaux-style blends hail from, which, truth be told, we rather struggle to finish (Sassicaia, Ornellaia and suchlike) The worst of Italy, really, despite their having so many other absolute marvels elsewhere. Imagine gleefully planting Sangiovese or Nebbiolo in France! Madness. Colour: gold. No rosé hue, thankfully. Nose: naturally it’s all right, it doesn’t reek of raw stave or new planks, but there’s a duo of pepper and green capsicum, along with blackcurrant bud, which always tends to set the nerves slightly on edge. It’s a layered nose, one might say, with a delayed and restrained arrival of raspberries and cherries. Mouth: decent, though not terribly charming, with a rather awkward and somewhat Janus-like split personality. Raspberry liqueur-filled chocolates, green pepper and cardamom, with cherry and black pepper stepping in a little later to help steady the ship. Finish: fairly long, though rather leafy. Comments: definitely an improvement over other, previous red-wined ones. 77 points - whiskyfun.com
- Sheridan's Coffee Layered Liqueur (700ml)Dublin, IRELAND$52. 99Bottle$635.88 DozenABV: 15.5%
Sheridan’s is an exciting blend of dark, rich coffee liqueur, layered with a cool, smooth vanilla cream liqueur. Experience it at its best served on ice of with coffee. Consume within six months of opening. 15.5% Alc./Vol.
-
- Nick's Import
Crown Royal Blackberry Flavoured Canadian Whisky (750ml)CANADA$84. 99Bottle$1019.88 DozenABV: 35%A new limited-edition flavour infused with juicy fresh blackberries! Boasting all the smoothness you expect from Crown Royal with a sweetness that turns to a blackberries at the finish, it's enjoyable neat or in cocktails. Not complex, but do they all have to be? 35% Alc./Vol.
-
- Nick's Import
Bruichladdich Organic Barley 16 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)Islay, SCOTLAND$179. 99Bottle$2159.88 DozenABV: 50%Bruichladdich have introduced a new travel retail exclusive in collaboration with Lotte Duty Free Singapore. Distilled using organic barley grown and harvested at Mid Coul Farm, Inverness, Scotland, the raw ingredient is farmed without the use of artificial fertilisers or pesticides. Not only does this promote healthy soils but it also creates a cereal-forward single malt, with notes of tropical fruits and smooth vanilla cream, showcasing the purest form of its 'terroir.' 50% Alc./Vol. Non-chill filtered.
Other reviews... A really lovely bottling, wonderfully fruity and with a distinct Laddie DNA. I like it! - whiskybase.com
...Overall, it is a cereal-forward dram with a creamy texture, lifted by tropical fruit notes. The precision and clarity of these flavors make it a remarkable pour. As it is a bourbon cask, it has refreshing elements which beckon me to have another dram. Indeed, this is dangerously addictive. - 88bamboo.co
...This is a whisky that trades wackiness for warmth, sweetness, and maturity. Not the most complex Bruichladdich ever bottled—but an undeniably tasty one. And for fans of organic whisky, or anyone curious about grain-led distillation, it’s absolutely worth seeking out. And while you do, don’t mind me pouring myself another dram, because it is that good! - dram1.com
-
- 86
- 90
- Nick's Import
- Reduced
Bulleit 10 Year Old Bourbon Whiskey (700ml)Kentucky, UNITED STATESReduced from $109.99$89. 99Bottle$1079.88 DozenABV: 45.6%Bulleit Bourbon, "Frontier Whiskey" was originally distilled in 1830. Over the years the brand has moved from one company to another and one distillery to another. In 1997 Bulleit became a Seagrams product, made at their Lawrenceburg distillery in Kentucky. Now a Diageo brand, the age and provenance remain undisclosed. We do know that it's produced with a higher proportion of rye than most other Bourbons, creating a drier more complex spirit (the mash bill is 68% Corn, 28% Rye and 4% Malted Barley). It's said to be distilled in small batches, aged for no less than ten years with some 11 and 12 year old blended in as well. Barrels are stored in a single-story warehouse (reducing inconsistencies in the maturation process). It was awarded a Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition - beating more expensive and better known premium bourbons such as Knob Creek, Maker's Mark and Jim Beam Black.
Other reviews... The new, elder sibling to the standard Bulleit. It shows the Bulleit personality, but it’s deeper and drier on the nose and palate (as would be expected), with more oak, dried orchard fruit, and dark berried fruit, along with a hint of barrel char, leather, vanilla powder, and a dusting of cinnamon. I’d save this as a postprandial bourbon, and opt for the standard Bulleit as an aperitif. 86 points- - whiskyadvocate.com (Vol. 22, #2) Reviewed by: John Hansell
... Bulleit 10 Year continues with the spicy kick the the brand is known for, but its additional depth and slight refinement still doesn’t quite hit the mark other bourbons in this price range do. The extra age seems to have done little to drastically improve the 10 Year over the NAS version. There is some refinement and additional layers of depth that makes it a better sipper, but that’s to be expected. - breakingbourbon.com
-
- 95
- 96
- Reduced
2023 Nicks Secret CUTS Adelaide Hills Single Vineyard ShirazAdelaide Hills, South Australia, AUSTRALIAReduced from $24.99$12. 99Bottle$155.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2025-2031)ABV: 14%Closure: StelvinSourced from a single vineyard located at Woodside in the Adelaide Hills at relatively low elevation (350 metres), this Nicks Secret Shiraz is a flavour packed bargain at just $12.99. The fruit was fermented in two batches, one batch incorporating whole bunches with the two parcels then matured separately in French oak barriques (35% new). Only the best barrels make the final blend.
Flavour packed yet refined and fresh, this superb Adelaide Hills Shiraz delivers remarkable value.
Dense inky black colour with a dark red black tinged hue. Elevated red to dark plum and liquorice aromas are interwoven with hints of clove, scorched earth and peppered meats. Rich and intensely flavoured yet refined and fresh, the medium to full bodied palate is awash with juicy red to dark plum and liquorice fruits. Notions of spicy clove, scorched earth, dried meats and pepper extend across the back half to lend further interest. Fleshy textured, sturdy fine grained tannins provide structure. Finishes long and succulent with a flurry of pepper and spice.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 14%Other Reviews….
Shiraz can be expressed in so many ways depending on all its elements of source, site, regional and specific climatic influences, of vintage weather variations, and of course winemaking techniques. In other words, it’s not all one and the same. This has a definite cool climate, colder season stamp, with a wonderful, bright-eyed character, aromatics of summer berry pudding, crushed grape flesh, and dark mint. An exuberance as well: perhaps whole cluster and whole berry components. A tasting sensation that lifts upwards rather than buries the fruit under timber, earth and heavy spice. A swirl of crimson and black cherry and berry with gossamer tannins. A joyous wine to taste then drink again – its natural purity is all that’s needed.
96 Points
Tony Love – WinePilot.com -
- 95
- Limit One per customer
W.L. Weller Full Proof Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) - Whiskey Hunt Australia SelectionKentucky, UNITED STATES$375. 00Bottle$4500.00 DozenABV: 57%"...a worthy addition to the Weller brand, offering a rich and flavorful pour at a spot-on proof." - breakingbourbon.com
Buffalo Trace's “Wheated” mashbill is absent of rye, instead it includes corn, wheat and malted barley. Ratios are not disclosed. The fact that this forgoes chill filtration to preserve all the naturally occurring residual oils makes it something a little special from the get go. The nose possesses a depth and weight not often encountered in young Bourbon, matched by a mouth filling attack. Cherry chocolate, cola and pepper are underscored by a superb thread of caramel and vanilla. As the heat and oak ramp up, 'harmonious' isn't a descriptor that comes to mind. Nevertheless, this slightly disjointed, high octane whiskey will satisfy those who get a thrill out of incendiary styles. With water, the aroma shifts to oak shavings, pecans and hints of maple syrup, the palate accenting hazelnuts and milk chocolate, while hints of peppermint add freshness to the finish. It's an intimidating Bourbon experience, with non chill filtration clearly benefiting the overall persistence, richness and amplified texture, but also one that needs time to evolve in the glass. 192 bottles produced. 57% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered. Tasted from a 30ml sample.
Notes from the importers... Having a nose of vanilla, dark cherries and caramel. On the palate, there is a balance of caramel and toasted oak. The finish is said to be long, with notes of crème brûlée and chocolate.
- Grasovka Bison Grass Flavoured Vodka (700ml)POLAND$64. 99Bottle$779.88 DozenABV: 38%
A traditional Polish spirit flavoured with fragrant bison grass (hierochloe odorata) from the Białowieża Forest, giving it notes of vanilla, almond, hay, and herbs, with a smooth, slightly sweet, and earthy profile. It comes bottled with a blade of grass for authenticity. Enjoy it neat, chilled, or in cocktails like the "Tatanka" (with apple juice).
Other reviews... Grassy and herbal with faint sweetness cut by a light peppery bite Faint notes of lavender and jasmine tea... Aftertaste is grassy with jasmine and light white pepper spice. 5+ stars - diffordsguide.com
-
- 96
- Limit One per customer
Green River Single Barrel Cask Strength Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) - Whiskey Hunt Australia SelectionKentucky, UNITED STATES$149. 99Bottle$1799.88 DozenABV: 63.2%A genuine number one, being the first ever Green River single barrel chosen exclusively for the Australian market. At the time of selection, the whiskey was five years old / 62.6% ABV. It subsequently climbed to 63.2%, likely passing through another full Kentucky summer prior to bottling. The barrel matured on the fourth floor of one of Kentucky’s oldest rickhouses, a half clay tiled, half brick clad structure that traps heat and maintains steady temperatures for extended periods. The environment promotes deep extraction, bold spice and a long, structured finish - which also explains why this tastes well beyond its age. The high rye style is sometimes described as 'herbaceous' (think mint in particular) and that's just what you get here. Peppermint lozenges and cocoa-dusted rye smother the vanillas, bringing a fresh, dryish nose-feel. After a minute or two, the aroma drops intensity, but the palate makes amends in a simply enormous Bourbon with the body and texture of a single malt: On entry, thick, sweet, oily rye takes charge and explodes at mid palate. Peppermint drives the finish home, leaving tongue-tingling spices, lingering sugars and buttery rye flavours coating the mouth. And what about the balance at cask strength! Since selection, Green River has been awarded World’s Best Bourbon and Best in Class at the 2025 New York World Spirits Competition. Clearly a brand to look out for. One barrel only, bottled naturale equates to 195 bottles for Australia. The price/quality ratio is very good. This is one you won't want to miss. 63.2% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered. Tasted from a 25ml sample.
Notes from the importers... Aroma: Peppermint, orange peel, star anise, soft Earl Grey tea Palate: Demerara sugar, cloves, drying oak Finish: Rye spice and dark chocolate layered over spearmint leaf lollies This is a big, expressive bourbon, with the high rye content driving intensity from first sip to final linger. Herbal, spicy, and unapologetically powerful, this is Green River turned up to 11.
More about Green River... Crafted on the historic Green River campus in Owensboro, Kentucky, Green River is an industrial distillery with roots back to 1885 when J.W. McCulloch first marketed his product as “The Whiskey Without A Headache”. The slogan later changed to “The Whiskey Without Regrets,” in order to avoid liability for misleading medical claims. Over that time, numerous brands have been made there including Ezra Brooks, Mellow Corn, Medley Brothers, Old Medley, Five Brothers and Kentucky Beau. The distillery has also had several different owners and names. Most recently, Terressentia Corporation purchased the plant in 2014 and began renovations. In 2016, acting Master Distiller, Ron Call passed the torch to his son, Jacob, and in 2020, the distillery reclaimed its original title and Distilled Spirits Plant number (DSP-KY 10). Thus, the Green River brand which had largely faded from memory was reborn exactly where it originated. The product launch made an impact in the value Bourbon segment - so much so that Bardstown Bourbon bought the company the following Summer.
- 1998 Carn Mor "Celebration of the Cask" Glen Keith 26 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND$550. 00Bottle$6600.00 DozenABV: 55.8%
Tucked away in the heart of Speyside, Glen Keith was built around 1960 on the site of a corn mill by Chivas Brothers, who also owned the existing Strathisla distillery nearby. Mothballed in 1999, then purchased and reinvigorated by Pernod Ricard with production recommencing in 2013, the distillery only recently began marketing its own brand again. This edition is from reputable independent, Carn Mor. It's described by tasters as a delightful whisky offering what's best in long ex-bourbon maturation - sweet, but not too sweet, with a lot of fruitiness, a bit of spice in the form of oak, and the alcohol integrated and pleasantly warming. In short, very typical of the house style. 160 bottles were drawn from a single cask in late 2024. 55.8% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.
Other reviews... Rich, multi-layered, intense. It offers what long maturation in ex-bourbon barrels can possibly give. The taste of sweet apples, freshly baked bread covered in wildflower honey, complemented by sweet and mild spices, dried herbs, delicate touch of wood, beeswax. - whiskybase.com
-
- 93
- 94
- 94
2023 Pierro Nunc Tempus Est CheninMargaret River, Western Australia, AUSTRALIA$42. 99Bottle$515.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2025-2031)ABV: 13.5%Closure: StelvinA light and energetically fresh Chenin Blanc.
Brilliant pale straw colour with distinct highlights of green around the outskirts and a watery hue. Green to red apple, pear and quince scents are trailed by delicate honeysuckle and spicy cinnamon notes. Light and energetically fresh, the palate is elegantly detailed with pear, green apple and quince fruits. Crisp minerally acidity with some delicate honeysuckle and cinnamon characters lingering across the back half. Dry with a brisk feel to the tense finish.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 13.5%Other Reviews….
The 2023 Chenin Nunc Tempus Est leads with a varietal nose of green apple (stewed and sweet), white flowers, beeswax and silex. In the mouth, the wine is firm and structured, with intense flavor and gentle grippy phenolics through the finish. This Chenin Blanc is possessed of that typical fruity/bitter note that declares its varietal origin and a saline, mineral aspect that speaks of the place in which it was grown. This is very good. 13.5% alcohol, sealed under screw cap. Drink 2026-2038.
94 Points
Erin Larkin – Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate50% was matured in old oak for two months, the other 50% seeing stainless steel only.
This is a wine of presence and detail but it finishes taut, which makes me think that its best days are a while ahead. Green apple, lots of spice and gravel characters, thistles, citrus, woodsmoke and green mango. It’s a powerful wine, sure-footed, textural and charismatic. It’s enough to turn you onto chenin. Indeed, it’s enough to make you want to cellar it. This is a wine of clear excellence. Drink 2027-2031+
94+ Points
Campbell Mattinson – The Wine FrontThis is a chenin that lets the guys in the Swan Valley know they don’t have it all their way with this variety. The season was kind, and it’s resulted in a thoroughly beautiful example. It doesn’t have the obvious tropical fruits of some chenins, but it still shows fine citrus, light melon and apple characters that capture the variety perfectly. There’s almost a delicacy about this, which is as much about the season as it is about the grape. It’s a cracking wine and thoroughly enjoyable.
95 Points
RayJordanWine.com.au -
- 94
2023 J. Moreau & Fils Gloire de ChablisChablis, FRANCE$69. 99Bottle$839.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 5 Years (2025-2030)ABV: 12.5%Closure: Synthetic CorkShapely with nicely integrated acidity and a long, texturally generous finish.
Brilliant pale straw colour with straw green tinged edges and a watery hue. Elevated aromas of pear and lime intermix with dried honey, wet stone and subtle oyster shell like notes. Pear and lime fruits carry a shapely feel across the palate with subtle dried honey, wet stone and mineral elements rounding out the back half. Nicely integrated acidity with a long, texturally generous finish.
Drink over the next 4-5 years.
Alc. 12.5% -
- 94
- Biodynamic
2024 La Zerba GaviPiedmont, ITALY$36. 99Bottle$443.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 2 Years (2025-2027)ABV: 12.5%Closure: Diam CorkLight, zesty and minerally, featuring lime, pear and crunchy green apple fruits.
Brilliant very pale straw colour with green tinged edges and a watery hue. Pear juice, lime and guava scents are complimented by fresh Mediterranean herb and minerally saline like notes. Light and zesty, the palate features lime, pear and crunchy green apple fruits over infusions of fresh herbs, guava and flinty mineral elements. Crisp acidity with the long, elegant finish energised with a mineral like salinity.
Drink over the next 1-2 years.
Alc. 12.5% -
- 93
2025 Holm Oak Pinot GrisTasmania, AUSTRALIA$27. 99Bottle$335.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 2 Years (2025-2027)ABV: 13%Closure: StelvinA fresh, amply fruited and nicely fleshed Pinot Gris that carries a vivid feel.
Brilliant very pale straw colour with a watery hue. Fragrant pear, rosewater and red apple scents jump out of the glass trailed by some musk and delicate Turkish delight notes. Delicious pear and red apple fruits infused with lychee, musk and rosewater are layered across the vivid yet nicely fleshed palate. Fresh acidity with a dry, vibrant and amply fruited finish.
Drink over the next 1-2 years.
Alc. 13% -
- 97
- 96
2021 Neldner Road by Dave Powell Chatterton’s ShirazBarossa, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$95. 00Bottle$1140.00 DozenCellar: Drink now - 10 Years (2025-2035)ABV: 14.5%Closure: CorkRich, dense and powerful with a long seductive finish.
Impenetrable pitch black heart with a near equally deep dark red black hue. Wafting through the nostrils are heady ripe blackberry, liquorice and dark chocolate scents complimented by some toasty vanillin cedar, earthy mocha and peppered fennel notes. Rich, concentrated and deep the opulent palate is engulfed with ripe blackberry, liquorice, dark plum and dark chocolate flavours. Sitting underneath are toasty vanillin cedar, earthy mocha and peppered clove elements. Dense and powerful it has velvet smooth tannins and a long seductive finish.
Drink over the next 8-10 years.
Alc. 14.5%Other Reviews…..
Founded in 2021, Neldner Road is the latest fine wine venture from David Powell of Torbreck fame. In his small winery in the Southern Barossa, Powell uses his established grower relationships and local knowledge to fashion some very impressive Shiraz that, while sharing some of the DNA of his previous ventures, also charts a new path. However, extended French oak aging, particularly in Dominique Laurent casks, remains a key component of his style. The best Shiraz are extraordinary. This is definitely a winery worth putting on your radar.
The stunning 2021 Shiraz Chatterton's is made with fruit from six vineyards over 100 years old and delivers precise and pure kaleidoscopic aromas of blackberry, baked earth, game and roasted spice. The palate is then linear and seamless, with a powerful yet tight core of flavor supported by a genuine tannic grip. It is fascinating and beautifully crafted, and it will be a pleasure to see it unfold over the next two decades. Drink 2030-2046.
96 Points
Angus Hughson – Vinous -
- 90
- Special Order Product – Delayed Dispatch
2023 Bass River 1835 ChardonnayGippsland, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$32. 99Bottle$395.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 2 Years (2025-2027)ABV: 12.5%Closure: StelvinA texturally creamy and toasty chardonnay that shows a modest level of concentration.
Fermented and matured on lees in oak puncheons (18% new) for a period of 10 months. Bright straw colour with subtle flashes of green around the outskirts and a watery hue. Nosing offers up aromas of glazed peach, honeycomb and subtle butterscotch followed by hints of bacon fat and spice. Texturally creamy with medium body weight but only moderately concentrated, the palate features peach and toasty oak flavours which meld into a subtlety honeyed almond and spicy nougat back drop. Fresh, toasty mid length finish.
Drink over the next 1-2 years.
Alc. 12.5% -
- 94
2024 Ciavolich Aries PecorinoPescara, ITALY$42. 99Bottle$515.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 2 Years (2025-2027)ABV: 12.5%Closure: Synthetic CorkA light, frisky saline laced Pecorino.
Brilliant pale straw colour with a watery hue. Elevated aromas of lime and Granny Smith apple infused with fresh Mediterranean herbs are followed by hints of guava and stony mineral notes. Crunchy green apple, mango and lime fruits are underscored by zippy acidity with infusions of fresh Mediterranean herbs, guava and stony mineral characters also present. Tense and crisp it has a racy saline laced finish.
Drink over the next 1-2 years.
Alc. 12.5% -
- Nick's Import
Aberlour Double Sherry Cask Finish 18 Year Old Batch No. 005 Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND$250. 00Bottle$3000.00 DozenABV: 43%If the standard 12 year old has become a staple in your collection, you'll want to step up to the 18. It delivers extra richness and intensity due to a 'double sherry finish' featuring Spanish oak Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez sherry butts. Some tasters have said it exceeds the best reviews and easily knocks Macallan 18 Year Old into second place. Basically, you get a better dram at half the price. Like other older sherry matured malts, we recommend letting it sit in the glass so that the leather and drying oak notes recede and the juicy apple and orange character comes to the fore. 43% Alc./vol.
Other reviews... I'm always a bit grumpy about colored and chill-filtered whiskies, but I have to admit, this one is pretty good, and the price is almost reasonable these days. Overall, a very solid vatting with some minor flaws. It's manageable... Sweet black cherries, tart black currants, and milk chocolate, all surprisingly pleasantly interwoven. Sweet from the sherry, spices tickle the palate, it becomes drier and subtle oak follows. - whiskybase.com
Gold / 96 points - International Wine & Spirits Competition
-
- 94
2025 Eldorado Road Dreamfields FianoVictoria, AUSTRALIA$32. 99Bottle$395.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 1 Years (2025-2026)ABV: 13.1%Closure: StelvinConcentrated and shapely with pear, guava, red apple and lime fruits leading into a long mouth watering finish.
Brilliant pale straw colour with green tinged edges and a watery hue. Elevated pear, lime and red apple scents stream through the nostrils with hints of guava and stony mineral notes also evident. Concentrated pear, guava, red apple and lime fruits carry nice shape across the palate. Subtle fresh herb infusions and stony mineral elements sit in the background. Crisp acidity with a long mouth watering finish.
Drink over the next year.
Alc. 13.1% -
- 93
- Special Order Product – Delayed Dispatch
2024 Taltarni Victoria ShirazVictoria, AUSTRALIA$24. 99Bottle$299.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 5 Years (2025-2030)ABV: 14.5%Closure: StelvinRich and fleshy with a juicy yet structural mid length conclusion.
Dense inky black colour with a deep dark red black hue. Ripe blackberry and liquorice aromas fill the nostrils with some black cherry, vanillin cedar, scorched earth and blackpepper notes also chiming in. Rich and fleshy, the medium to full bodied palate sports generous blackberry, liquorice and black cherry fruits over a scorched earth, spicy vanillin cedar and blackpepper background. Polished tannins with a juicy yet structural mid length conclusion.
Drink over the next 4-5 years.
Alc. 14.5% -
- 88
- Special Order Product – Delayed Dispatch
2025 Hugo Family Estate Grenache RoseMcLaren Vale, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$19. 99Bottle$239.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 2 Years (2025-2027)ABV: 12.5%Closure: StelvinLight, frisky and elegant with a delicate finish.
Very pale salmon pink tinged colour. Alluring raspberry, musk and strawberry scents are trailed by some exotic Turkish delight notes. Light and frisky the palate has elegant raspberry, musk and strawberry flavours which meld into a stony mineral back drop. Crisp acidity with a brisk, delicate finish.
Drink over the next 1-2 years.
Alc. 12.5% -
- 91
- Organic
2022 Chionetti San Luigi DolcettoPiedmont, ITALY$39. 99Bottle$479.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 3 Years (2025-2028)ABV: 13.5%Closure: StelvinA spicy medium bodied Dolcetto with bright acidity, slightly chalky tannins and a gently rustic finish.
Deep dark red black tinged colour with a dark red hue. Spicy morello cherry and liquorice scents fill the nostrils trailed by some dark plum, scorched earth and dried herb notes. The spicy medium bodied palate features a savoury mix of dark cherry, red liquorice, earth and dried herb flavours. Bright acidity and slightly chalky tannins with a gently rustic mid length finish.
Drink over the next 2-3 years.
Alc. 13.5% -
- 93
- 91
- Special Order Product – Delayed Dispatch
2023 Marcarini Lasarin Langhe NebbioloPiedmont, ITALY$46. 99Bottle$563.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 4 Years (2025-2029)ABV: 13.5%Closure: StelvinJuicy red fruits with gently chewy tannins and vibrant acidity.
Dark red core with black toned edges and a brick red hue. Fragrant scents of rose petal, red raspberry and red liquorice intermingle with earthy tobacco, dried herb and spice notes. Light to mid weight, the palate features juicy red to dark cherry fruits over red liquorice, dried herbs, subtle earthy tobacco characters and spice. Gently chewy tannins and vibrant acidity with the savoury conclusion picking up some light grip along the way.
Drink over the next 3-4 years.
Alc. 13.5%Other Reviews....
A fruity and fragrant wine with pristine aromas of strawberries, red currants, licorice and violets. Supple and graceful at first, then fiercely dusty due to nebbiolo’s tannins. Light-bodied in an overall crunchy style. Drink or hold.
91 Points
JamesSuckling.com -
- 93
2021 Jean-Pierre Boistard VouvrayVouvray, Loire Valley, FRANCE$64. 99Bottle$779.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 8 Years (2025-2033)ABV: 12%Closure: CorkA Chenin Blanc that at over 20 years old remains remarkably fresh and energetic.
Brilliant yellow straw colour with a watery hue. Delightful pear, honeysuckle and baked apple aromas stream from the glass followed by some quince and subtle ginger spice notes. Remarkably fresh and energetic, the palate features delicious pear, Jonathan apple and quince fruits over a honeysuckle and subtle ginger spice back drop. Finishes dry, vibrantly fruited and elegant.
Drink over the next 6-8 years.
Alc. 12% -
- 95
2025 Pauletts Polish Hill River RieslingClare Valley, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$23. 99Bottle$287.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 8 Years (2025-2033)ABV: 11%Closure: StelvinTightly coiled and tense with a steely structure and long laser like finish.
Brilliant very pale straw almost water like colour with green tinted edges. Lemon, lime and Granny Smith apple scents fill the nostrils with some chalky talc and steely mineral elements also evident. Tightly coiled and tense with a steely structure, lemon, lime juice and tart Granny Smith apple fruits are delivered with terrific drive. Wet steel, chalky talc and flinty mineral elements line the back half. Finishes dry with a burst of searingly crisp acidity leading into a long, vivid, laser like conclusion.
Drink over the next 6-8 years.
Alc. 11% - Billecart-Salmon Le Reserve Champagne Extra Brut (375ml)Champagne, FRANCE$64. 99Bottle$779.88 DozenABV: 12%
What was one of the best value non vintage Champagnes on the market has just got even better. Previously labelled as Brut Reserve, the team at Billecart, have made a number of quality improvements to the core elements of this Cuvee and have rebranded it ‘Le Reserve’. The key changes being as follows:-
- Extended aging on lees, increased from an average of 30 months to 50 months.
- Reduced dosage (extra brut, 3g/l) for greater purity and expression of terroir.
- More depth with 15 different vintages in the bottle
- Larger proportion of wines vinified in barrels, adding richness and density.
A rich, mouthfilling yet tense and stimulating Champagne that delivers remarkable complexity for the price.
A blend of 43% Meunier, 29% Chardonnay and 28% Pinot Noir with over 50% reserve wines included in the blend. A buoyant, satiny mousse floats over a pale straw to straw coloured base that has pale gold tinged edges. Fine, nimble bead with alluring aromas of baked bread, yeast lees, oily toast, citrus and brioche wafting through the nostrils. Rich and mouth filling yet simultaneously tense and stimulating, the palate is laden with baked bread, yeast lees and citrus flavours which sit over an oily toast and almond back drop. Crisp acidity finishing very dry, long and remarkably complex for a house non vintage cuvee. A definite step up on its previous incarnation.
Alc. 12% - Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve 23 Year Old Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) - 2024 BottlingKentucky, UNITED STATES$5499. 00Bottle$65988.00 DozenABV: 47.8%
Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product pictured. Complete with black velvet bag.
Bottle code: L 24 247 01 12:50 M - Lot code - 2024 - Sep 3rd - Buffalo Trace - 12.50pm - Bottling line M.
Home to one of the highest rated whiskeys in the world, and now released bi-annually, the 23 year old began as a semi-annual bottling in 2005 that would quickly sell out upon release. That changed in 2010 when it was made a permanent member on the portfolio. Distilled and bottled by the Sazerac Company at its Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, the various age statements on offer are regarded by many as some of the finest bourbons in the world. As the oldest of the Pappy Van Winkle line up, the 23 year old is also the woodiest of the range with a slightly diminished sweetness. However bourbons of this ilk always need ample air contact to show their finer points, which was precisely Jim Murray's experience upon re-tasting it for his 2020 Whisky Bible (95 points review below). Almost unobtainable, it routinely commands big dollars.Other reviews... The corn oils kiss and caress, the tannins barge and batter in a good cop / bad cop delivery... one of the holy grails of bourbon is to produce a consistently a 23-25 year old bourbon which is still sweet and not tannin dominated: no easy task. [this is] unquestionably drier... there are still sugars enough to give some fabulous moments on the palate. The tannins do though, still have the biggest say. But remember, this whiskey has matured for a very long time. 47.8% Alc./Vol. 95 points - Jim Murrays Whisky Bible 2020
...Nose: Deep, powerful and concentrated. This has moved into almost rancio territory: eucalypt/laurel, spice, burnt orange peel, apple, pear, biscuity wood. Palate: Soft and surprisingly delicate given the age. A charred note adds to the complexity. Gentle and elegant: cigar box, prune, molasses, soot. Finish: Long. In fact it’s very, very long and complex. Comment: A subtle sipper to be taken neat and definitely without ice! 90 points - David Broom, www.whiskymag.com
-
- 96
- 95
- 97
2025 Pikes The Merle RieslingClare Valley, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$52. 99Bottle$635.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 10 Years (2025-2035)ABV: 11.5%Closure: StelvinTaut and tense in it’s structure yet showing superb drive and concentration.
Named in tribute to Pike’s family matriarch, ‘The Merle’ is a selection of the best parcels of Riesling from their Polish Hill River Estate.
Brilliant water like colour with a faint greenish tinge around the edges. A mix of lime, citrus, orange and green apple scents attack the nostrils with plenty of intensity. Trailing notes of talc, chalky mineral characters then chime in. Tense yet concentrated, racy lime, lemon and Granny Smith apple flavours are sculptured by a crisp line of acidity. Terrific drive with wet steel, chalky talc and mineral elements lingering through the long taut, linear finish.
Drink over the next 8-10 years.
Alc. 11.5%Other Reviews….
The flagship Riesling from the team comes from the estate vineyard in the Polish Hill River sub-region in the Clare valley. 100% free run juice with four months on lees. As always, this will sit with the very finest Rieslings made in the region for the vintage. Very pale steel/lemon in hue, this is still extremely youthful. Taut, poised and tightly focused, the nose reveals notes of grapefruits, lemongrass, florals, wet slate, limes and jasmine. There is a fine line of acidity running the length. Excellent energy throughout, this is a juicy style, immaculately balanced, with an extremely long finish. It will still be amazing wine lovers in two decades, likely longer. Drink 2025-2045.
97 points
Ken Gargett - WinePilot.com
This has always been a special wine for Pikes, and the fruit is sourced from the best parts of the Polish Hill River estate. Made similarly to the Traditional, with 100% free-run juice, however receives a slightly longer time on lees, providing a balance with that fine natural acidity and producing a textural mouthfeel that loses nothing as far as maintaining that linear line through to the finish. The nose displays that citrus lime character and a slightly pebbly talc-like influence. There is real intensity and drive through the palate here, and it extends effortlessly but with purpose through to a long finish. It’s a lovely wine. Drink 2025-2040.
95 Points
Ray Jordan – WinePilot.comThis is from the best parcels of Riesling from their Polish Hill River estate. In other news, I’ve finally thrown in the towel and started wearing reading glasses. This at the ripe old age of 55. I have to say, I find them annoying to wear while tasting because my glass often touches the frames. On the upside, I do look very handsome in them, and they probably raise my IQ by a few points. Anyway, I think of our own BBPP when I taste this wine, which makes me frown a bit, thus offering an extra dimension to my new found reading glasses wearing persona.
Quite some perfume here. I’m thinking lemongrass, lavender, bath salts, and fresh cut ginger. Lime juice and pink grapefruit, a fine dusty feel to it, and a something of a gin and tonic refreshment value. The acidity is juicy and firm, but not hard, and the finish is very long, spicy and chalky. There’s purity and restraint here, and it feels like it will do very well in the cellar. Drink 2026-2037+
95 Points
Gary Walsh – The Wine Front -
- 94
- 94
- 94
2024 Ata Rangi Crimson Pinot NoirMartinborough, NEW ZEALAND$46. 99Bottle$563.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 5 Years (2025-2030)ABV: 13.5%Closure: StelvinJuicy, fresh and supplely textured with a long moreish finish.
Ata Rangi rate the 2024 vintage as arguably the best they have seen in the last 45 years.
Vibrant red to dark red colour with black toned edges and a bright red purple hue. A perfumed mix of violet, strawberry, raspberry and subtle anise scents greet the nostrils with whiffs of clove, forest floor and spicy cedar also evident. Juicy and fresh, cherry, strawberry, red plum and anise flavours drive the palate with notions of clove, earth and spicy cedar the undercard. Supplely textured, it’s amply powered and has a long moreish finish.
Drink over the next 4-5 years.
Alc. 13.5%Other Reviews….
Perfumed and pretty, showing the quality of the beautiful 2024 vintage. Aromas of sliced oranges and strawberries. Some crushed stones. Medium body, firm tannins and crunchy fruity at the end. Linear and bright. Drink now.
94 Points
JamesSuckling.com“The 2024 vintage: arguably the best in 45 years we have been growing grapes”, say Ata Rangi.
Well, it’s a terrific release of this wine. It has perfume, spice, a slight wet earthy bass, raspberry and cherry. It’s medium-bodied, has some juiciness and dark red fruits, a slight liquorice root thing, crisp ‘mineral’ acidity, a tight graphite and slate feel to tannin, with a bright finish offering some blood orange and spice. Gee, this has some energy and it drinks a charm. Drink 2025-2034+
94 Points
Gary Walsh – The Wine Front -
- 94
- 91
2021 Argiano NC Non Confunditur Toscana RossoTuscany, ITALY$37. 99Bottle$455.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 4 Years (2025-2029)ABV: 14.5%Closure: StelvinRich and fleshy textured with ripe chewy tannins lending some firmness across the long deeply fruited finish.
A blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot and 25% Sangiovese from younger vines this is a generously endowed baby super Tuscan. Aging took place in older French oak for just a few months.
Deep midnight black core with a dark red hue. Red to black currant and dark cherry aromas greet the nostrils with admirable intensity followed by some liquorice, dried herb, tobacco and spicy earth notes. Rich, fleshy textured red to black currant, morello cherry and liquorice fruits meld into a dried herb, earthy tobacco and spice back drop. Ripe chewy tannins lend some firmness across the long deeply fruited finish.
Drink over the next 3-4 years.
Alc. 14.5%Other Reviews….
Taut and linear in profile, this red delivers black currant, black cherry, vanilla and peppery spices. Tightens up on the finish, where the chalky tannins linger. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Sangiovese. Best from 2025 through 2036.
91 Points
Wine Spectator -
- 93
- 92
2024 Inama Soave ClassicoVeneto, ITALY$32. 99Bottle$395.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 2 Years (2025-2027)ABV: 12%Closure: StelvinConcentrated and gorgeously shaped with a long refreshing finish.
Brilliant pale straw colour with green tinted edges and a watery hue. Aromas of pear, green apple skin and fresh herbs delight the olfactory senses with some lime, wet stone and mineral notes also evident. Delicious pear, green to red apple and lime fruits are delivered with terrific concentration over a fresh herb infused back drop of stony mineral characters. Gorgeously shaped it has brisk underlying acidity and a long refreshing finish.
Drink over the next 1-2 years.
Alc. 12%Other Reviews....
Bright aromas of flowers, angelica and apricots with an undertone of sulphur smoke. Silky attack, light to medium body and graceful, refreshing acidity. Drink now.
92 Points
JamesSuckling.com -
- 92
Aberfeldy 18 Year Old Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Cask Finish Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)Highlands, SCOTLAND$250. 00Bottle$3000.00 DozenABV: 43%Aberfeldy first launched the Red Wine Collection in 2019, and since then it’s featured French and Italian wine cask finishes from several prestigious estates. Master Blender, Stephanie Macleod, now turns her sights to America, finishing an 18 year old in ex-Cabernet Sauvignon wine casks from California's Napa Valley. The whisky demonstrates how Aberfeldy's sweet, honeyed character interacts with the varietal's bold winey notes. 43% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... This Napa Valley addition to the series has a nose of cherry, plum jam, black currant coulis, heather honey, muscovado sugar, and well-integrated spices. The cabernet sauvignon grape flavors are pronounced and layered over honey, malt, plum, tart blackberry, clove, dried fruits, and chocolate. It’s a soothing, decadent drop with a velvety texture, the wine cask’s influence steering a confident course through Aberfeldy’s honeyed signature notes. 92 points - whiskyadvocate.com
-
- 95
2025 Jim Barry Lodge Hill RieslingClare Valley, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$26. 99Bottle$323.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 8 Years (2025-2033)ABV: 11%Closure: StelvinTense and mouth watering with a long electric finish.
Jim Barry purchased the Lodge Hill vineyard in 1977, convinced that it would produce some of the best Riesling in Clare. Situated on the eastern ranges of the township of Clare, it is one of the highest vineyards in the Valley at an altitude of 480 metres, and is ideal for producing steely, minerally Rieslings, distinctive to the area.
Brilliant water like core with a faint greenish tinge around the outskirts. Lime, lemon and orange rind scents jump out of the glass followed by some chalky talc and mineral notes. Tense and mouth watering the palate displays superb drive, lined with zesty lime, citrus and orange rind fruits. Crisp acidity with chalky talc and steely mineral elements extending across the long electric finish.
Drink over the next 6-8 years.
Alc. 11% -
- 93
- Batch may vary
Four Gate Whiskey Company Split Stave By Kelvin Barrel Proof Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)Kentucky, UNITED STATES$320. 00Bottle$3840.00 DozenABV: 56.5%Four Gate Whiskey Company opened in 2018 as a Non Distiller Producer (NDP). The founders never plan to distill, instead, they focus on sourcing the highest quality barrels to age small batch whiskeys. Managing a consistent flavour profile for a flagship product has been difficult, however, they finally secured enough whiskey to ensure a steady availability of their core Bourbon for the foreseeable future. It's called 'Split Stave by Kelvin' because of the custom finishing casks they employ. Essentially, the Kelvin Cooperage team dismantle and rebuild a series of medium toasted casks, alternating between toasted staves and #2 char staves on some barrels, and toasted and #4 char staves on others. The name “Split Stave” has since become an industry trademark. Four Gate's Bourbon is at least seven years old and created from a 75% Corn, 20% Rye and 5% Malted Barley mash bill. 56.5% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... [Batch #10 tasted] Lush cooked dark fruit and dark chocolate aromas, mingling with baking spice, earthen floor, leather, and iced tea hint at what's to come on the palate: chocolate-covered cherries, blackberry jam, a sweep of gingerbread spices, plus fresh mint and zesty dill, all with ample depth. There's no end to the white pepper, mocha, leathery oak, dark chocolate, and candied ginger on the finish, which remains complex and rewarding long after the glass is empty. 93 points - whiskyadvocate.com
Double Gold / 95 points - San Francisco World Spirits Competition
- Four Gate Whiskey Company Kelvin Sixty 8 Year Old Barrel Proof Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)Kentucky, UNITED STATES$420. 00Bottle$5040.00 DozenABV: 62.8%
A special release from Four Gate to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Kelvin Cooperage. The business started in Glasgow, Scotland in 1963 and is now based in Louisville, Kentucky, operating a full-service cooperage supplying new and used barrels to wine, spirits, and beer producers around the world. Since Four Gate started in 2018, Kelvin Cooperage has been instrumental in providing advice, guidance and expertly crafted and sourced barrels of all kinds. To celebrate the collaboration, Four Gate selected eight year old whiskeys (reportedly from Four Roses) with a mash bill of 75% corn, 20% rye, and 5% malted barley, then re-barrelled them in new toasted and charred casks. The resulting double-oaked Bourbon is described as a "Show stopper" and"...a beast of a whiskey. The proof and oaky profile aren’t for the faint of heart...": The label features the logos of both Four Gate Whiskey Company and Kelvin Cooperage. To our knowledge, Four Roses don't do finishes, so if it is from that distillery, it's sure to be a compelling sipper for enthusiasts, with added appeal for collectors alike. 2,340 bottles were produced at 125.6 proof.
- The Gospel Rosso Vermouth (500ml)Melbourne, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$39. 99Bottle$479.88 DozenABV: 18%
Vermouth Rosso is a robust barrel-rested vermouth that complements The Gospel's rye whiskey while highlighting the purity of the grape. Savoury botanicals were carefully selected and blended before resting in x-rye whiskey barrels. The result is an aromatic vermouth, with density of fruit and a balance of bitterness on the palate, perfect for mixing in a Boulevardier or Manhattan. Or simply enjoy on the rocks or serve tall with soda water as a refreshing spritz. 18% Alc./Vol.
















































