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- Nick's Import
Coruba 12 Year Old Cigar Rum (700ml)JAMAICA$109. 99Bottle$1319.88 DozenABV: 40%Reminiscent of Dalmore’s Cigar Malt, this Jamaican rum is marketed as the perfect pairing with a fine cigar. Various sources report aromas and flavours of dried mango bark, brown sugar, vanilla, toffee, pineapple, cloves, cinnamon, tobacco smoke and burnt oak. Others suggest it to be more suitable as a mixer rather than sipped neat. Distilled and matured in Jamaica on behalf of the The Rum Company Basel, creators of fine rum since 1889. 40% Alc./Vol.
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2023 Domaine Schoffit Pinot Blanc Auxerrois Vieilles VignesAlsace, FRANCE$34. 99Bottle$419.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 5 Years (2025-2030)ABV: 13.5%Closure: StelvinA rich, exotic and texturally viscous Alsace blend.
A blend of Pinot Blanc and Auxerrois from vines averaging 50-70 years old grown on gravelly soil covered by loess in the Harth vineyard. Fermentation and aging takes place in stainless steel for a period of 11 months.
Bright yellow straw colour with a watery hue. Ripe apple, baked pear and honeysuckle aromas engulf the nostrils with some quince and spice notes also evident. Rich and exotic, luscious ripe pear, red apple, tropical fruit and honeysuckle flavours are layered across the texturally viscous palate with impressive intensity. Delicate musk, quince and ginger spice elements sit in the background. Possessing outstanding power it has brisk underlying acidity and a long voluminous finish.
Drink over the next 4-5 years.
Alc. 13.5% -
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2024 Acme Vineyards Pinot NoirAdelaide Hills, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$34. 99Bottle$419.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 5 Years (2025-2030)ABV: 13.5%Closure: StelvinRich red to dark fruits carry a supple flow with fine, silky tannins and a savoury finish that shows ample length.
Aged in French oak (5% new) for a period of 6 months. Red to dark red in colour with black shaded edges and a red hue. Spicy cherry and rhubarb scents are interwoven with dried herb, bramble and forest floor notes. Rich red to dark cherry and strawberry fruits meld into a rhubarb, dried herb and spicy bramble back drop. Supple flow with fine, silky tannins and a savoury finish that shows ample length.
Drink over the next 4-5 years.
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2024 Osicka Selection Colbinabbin SangioveseHeathcote, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$26. 99Bottle$323.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2025-2031)ABV: 14%Closure: StelvinA deliciously juicy Heathcote Sangiovese.
The 2024 Osicka Selection Sangiovese was grown at Gerard Kennedy and Lucy Runnalls vineyard on the Eastern slopes of the Mt Camel Range. Maturation took place in a combination of older oak (40%) and a concrete sphere shaped vessel (60%). The softer oak component had a more complex flavour profile whilst the portion stored in concrete brought intense primary fruit and structural drive to the blend.
Deep dark red black tinged colour with a dark red hue. Expressive red currant, cherry and red liquorice aromas fill the nostrils followed by some tobacco, earth and spicy dried herb notes. Moreish ripe red currant, red to dark cherry and red liquorice fruits show impressive intensity and flesh across the mid weighted palate. Spicy tobacco, dried herb and earth elements sit in the background. Slightly chalky tannins and fresh underlying acidity lead into a long juicy finish that has plenty of spice to it.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 14%Other Reviews....
Normally Simon Osicka sends through detailed notes on wines, and these seem to have arrived from the astral plane. Maybe he did send something and I lost the memos, though have had a dig around and nada. Anyways, minutiae of my day, hey? These ‘Selection’ wines come from outside the estate, and posit another level of value and value add to the existing Osicka stable of wines. This wine feels like a red someone would drink in a tavern, taverna, bistro or trattoria – varietal, accessible, x-factor, deliciousness. Not quite the right label here but close enough. At $28 at full whack this is another gift from the Osicka family.
Red cherry, stewed and fresh, some pomegranate juice, a dash of woody spices, some blood orange, a lick of dark chocolate, a pinch of pepper. Tannins tumble in with a gruff but pleasing and somewhat light chew. A graphite mineral line lends detail and a lift. Acidity takes its cue from the blood orange. Pitch perfect. It sits at around medium weight, it’s chuggable and gluggable and damn good. Drink 2025-2030.
93 Points
Mike Bennie – The Wine Front -
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2024 Sons of Eden Pumpa Cabernet SauvignonEden Valley, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$24. 99Bottle$299.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 5 Years (2025-2030)ABV: 13.5%Closure: StelvinFleshy red to black fruits with medium body weight and a juicy finish.
Midnight black dark red core with a vibrant dark red hue. Elevated red to black currant, red plum and mulberry aromas intermix with dried herb, tobacco and spicy cedar notes. Red to black currant and red plum fruits caress the mid weighted palate with mulberry, dried herb, tobacco, black olive and spicy cedar elements extending across the back half. Fleshy mouth feel with fine grained tannins and a juicy medium to long conclusion.
Drink over the next 4-5 years.
Alc. 13.5% -
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2024 Penny’s Hill Single Vineyard GrenacheMcLaren Vale, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$39. 99Bottle$479.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2025-2031)ABV: 14%Closure: StelvinFresh, energetic and succulent with a subtle chalky feel.
Includes 25% whole bunch fruit with maturation taking place in French oak puncheons for a period of 7 months. Vibrant dark red core with black tinged edges and a bright red purple tinged hue. Fragrant red raspberry, cherry and red liquorice aromas sail out of the glass complimented by vanillin confectionary, delicate crushed rock and spicy dried herb notes. Juicy raspberry, red liquorice and cherry fruits are abound with chalky crushed rock, vanillin confectionary and spicy earth elements in the background. Fresh acidity with a subtle chalky feel to the tannin structure. Concludes long, energetic and succulent.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 14%Other Reviews…..
From a two-hectare 76-year-old estate block in Blewitt Springs on typically deep sands. This was fermented with 25% whole bunches, then matured in older French puncheons for seven months. Those sandy soils are writ large on the nose, which is so fragrantly lifted and expressly red fruited and floral scented. It would be easy to get carried away and be seduced by that alone, but there’s a serious pulse to this, too, with a thread of fine silty tannin and a seasoning of darker spices. In short, it has oodles of charm equalled by cool composure and savoury refinement. It’s very good. Drink by 2035.
95 Points
Marcus Ellis – James Halliday’s Australian Wine CompanionThis is Penny’s Hill’s second vintage of this wine from 76 year-old bush vines in the sandy soils of Blewitt Springs. It saw 25% whole bunch and was left on skins for 10 days before maturation on lees in French puncheons for seven months. 14% abv. 253 dozen made. This is a beautiful wine. It’s fragrant, it’s supple, it’s lithe. It nails the charm that quality modern day Grenache is acclaimed for with its succulent mix of red fruits and spice. Raspberry, bergamot tea leaf, poached strawberry and white spice make way for savoury warm sand and subtle garrigue. Air unlocks a saline minerality through the wine’s core. It’s very moreish and classy. The palate sits high, dancing through the mouth with intensity but never weightiness. Raspberry leaf, macerated strawberry, red liquorice, white pepper, subtle earth and a hint of red apple skin. Incredible tannins here, they’re so fine, long and ductile; melting around the fruit and wrapping the palate in a sheath of silty texture and carrying the red fruits and spice through to a long and elegant finish. A beautiful wine indeed.
94 Points
Tom Kline – WinePilot.comBush-vine grenache off 76-year-old vines at Blewitt Springs in McLaren Vale. 25% whole bunches in the ferment and no new oak. 253 dozen only. Penny’s Hill is on the up and up.
Beautiful wine. Fragrant, delicate, powerful where it needs to be, delicious through the core of it. Raspberries, dried herbs, roasted spices, a whisper of anise, a sense in general that an open field of grenache has been invited to your table. This wine does not lack precision or tension, indeed it’s well versed on both counts, but it feels unleashed and free in the best of ways. Put Penny’s Hill and this wine on your radar. This is $50 very well spent. Drink 2025-2032+
94 Points
Campbell Mattinson – The Wine Front -
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2023 Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais-VillagesBeaujolais, FRANCE$29. 99Bottle$359.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 3 Years (2025-2028)ABV: 13.5%Closure: StelvinFresh and juicy with a generously fruited spice laden finish.
Beaujolais-Villages takes its name from a certain number of wine-making villages in the Beaujolais production area - 38 to be precise - that have long stood out for the superior quality of their wines.
Dark red black tinged core with a dark red hue. Aromas of dark cherry, anise and earth drift through the nostrils with some incense and spice notes also chiming in. Juicy dark cherry and anise flavours overlay an earthy incense and spicy dried herb back drop. Slightly chewy tannins with fresh acidity and a generously fruited spice laden finish.
Drink over the next 2-3 years.
Alc. 13.5% -
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2019 Rogues Lane Heathcote ShirazHeathcote, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$49. 99Bottle$599.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 5 Years (2025-2030)ABV: 15%Closure: StelvinA rich, voluptuous power packed Heathcote Shiraz.
Partial whole bunch fermentation with maturation taking place in French oak (40% new) for a period of 20 months. Impenetrable pitch black heart with a near equally deep dark red black hue. Wafting through the nostrils are aromas of ripe blackberry, liquorice and black cherry followed by some spicy vanillin cedar and peppered fennel notes. Rich, decadently textured and lavish, the full bodied palate is engulfed with black cherry, liquorice, blackberry and black plum fruits. Vanillin cedar, subtle scorched earth and peppered fennel elements lie in the background. Power packed it has velvet smooth tannins and a long voluptuous finish.
Drink over the next 4-5 years.
Alc. 15% -
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2021 Pierro L.T.C.f Cabernet Sauvignon MerlotMargaret River, Western Australia, AUSTRALIA$44. 99Bottle$539.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 4 Years (2025-2029)ABV: 13.5%Closure: StelvinA fleshy, mid weighted Cabernet Blend with red to dark fruits and a long savoury finish.
Dark red core with black shaded edges and a red to dark red hue. Ripe red to dark currant and mulberry aromas are trailed by subtle tobacco leaf, dried herb, earth and spicy cedar notes. The fleshy mid weighted palate features red and dark currant, mulberry and rhubarb fruits over dried herb, brambly cedar, subtle tobacco leaf and spice characters. Fine, polished tannin structure with a long savoury finish that shows plenty of spice.
Drink over the next 3-4 years.
Alc. 13.5%Other Reviews…..
A blend predominantly of cabernet, with smaller contributions from merlot, cabernet blanc, malbec and petit verdot—a Bordeaux blend. The cooler season has delivered a wine of elegance and charm. It bursts with vibrant red fruits and a slightly leafy red currant note. The palate is seamlessly knitted with fine, silky tannins and lightly applied oak, all wrapped around the fruit to create a poised, long and compelling wine. It's highly fragrant, thanks in part to the cabernet franc, and altogether delightful.
95 Points
RayJordanWine.com.auThis is lovely for its restraint and approachability, which makes it very easy to drink. Violets and spice, raspberry leaf and freshly rolled tobacco with a hint of menthol. Barely medium bodied, this is finely tuned with sweet red berries, mulberries and cassis, a smidge of cedary oak. There’s a certain elegance here, a softness to the palate, the tannins fine and feathery, acidity bright and the finish lingers. Gorgeous now and will offer more with age. Drink by 2034.
94 Points
Jane Faulkner – James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion -
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2019 Zema Estate Coonawarra ShirazCoonawarra, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$26. 99Bottle$323.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 4 Years (2025-2029)ABV: 14.5%Closure: StelvinRich, dense and concentrated with a plush feel and some firmness across the finish.
Matured for 15 months in French and American oak. Dense inky black heart with a deep dark red black tinged hue. Ripe blackberry, liquorice and dark chocolate aromas waft out of the glass trailed by vanillin oak and mocha notes. Rich, dense and concentrated, the full bodied palate carries a plush feel with ripe blackberry, liquorice and toasty vanillin oak flavours to the fore. Earthy mocha and subtle pepper elements sit in the background. A sturdy yet velvety tannin structure lends some firmness to the long opulent finish.
Drink over the next 3-4 years.
Alc. 14.5%Other Reviews….
Decent flavour and a bit of spread to the finish; this is a good release from Zema. Redcurrant and plum flavours with mint, cream and woodsy spice. It's medium weight and feels well finessed. Drink by 2032.
92 Points
Campbell Mattinson – James Halliday’s Australian Wine CompanionThis fine Coonawarra Shiraz was fermented on skins for ten days before fifteen months in a mix of French and American hogsheads. These Estate wines are absolutely nothing if not fabulous value. The colour here is a near opaque purple. The nose exhibits finely handled oak and the wine oozes purple fruits along with mulberries, chocolate, vanilla, plums and dried herbs. The wine is balanced with finesse and focus, and fine satiny tannins. Very long, this is a ten to fifteen year proposition and a cracker. And by the way, with already five years ageing in the Zema cellars, this is a no brainer. Drink 2024-2039.
94 Points
Ken Gargett – WinePilot.com -
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Taltarni Cuvee Rose SparklingVictoria, AUSTRALIAReduced from $22.99$19. 99Bottle$239.88 DozenABV: 12%Closure: Diam CorkEstablished in 1969, Taltarni Vineyards is one of the pioneering wineries of Victoria's Pyrenees region and has built a long standing reputation for the quality of their Sparkling wines. Their Cuvee Rose is one out of the box delivering terrific value for just $20.
A savoury, flavour packed Sparkling Rose.
A blend of 52% Chardonnay, 39% Pinot Noir, 9% Pinot Meunier aged for a minimum of 2 years on lees. A satiny mousse slowly fades into a salmon pink coloured base that has a fine, persistent bead coursing through it. Attractive pear and strawberry aromas intermingle with raspberry, brioche and subtle lees notes. Crisp and stimulating, the palate has a savoury, flavour packed profile of pear, strawberry and raspberry fruits which meld into a brioche, yeast lees and baked bread background. Lively acidity with a long, very dry finish that has a slightly chalky feel to it.
Alc. 12%Other Reviews….
A blend of chardonnay, pinot noir and pinot meunier sourced from a range of Victorian and Tasmanian vineyards. This salmon-pink rosé is beautifully complex, with gentle savouriness giving the mid-palate presence and depth. A thread of gorgeous acidity sails effortlessly through the wine. Every element is beautifully balanced and refined, from the warm strawberries and baked bread nuances to the faint dried rose petal tones. A sophisticated drop, simply excellent for the price!
95 Points
Toni Paterson – James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion -
- Nick's Import
2015 Signatory Vintage Ben Nevis 9 Year Old 100 Proof Edition #48 Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)Highlands, SCOTLAND$119. 99Bottle$1439.88 DozenABV: 57.1%"...impresses with astonishing depth and maturity for a 9-year-old whisky." - whiskybase.com
Our last direct import shipment of Signatory Vintage's 100 Proof series delivered some knockout buys. The range has been acclaimed for bringing value back to the independent category in a big way. With a fresh consignment just landed, there's plenty more fun to be had. We're kicking off with two well-sherried malts from one of our favourite, though rarely encountered West Highlanders.
It's never been a big brand, with a measly 25,000 bottles typically sold annually. Yet, Ben Nevis is a bit of a star amongst aficionados. Since 1989 when the distillery was sold to Nikka, the majority has been sold as 'Japanese' whisky (hence, you can confidently say Ben Nevis has contributed to the current glory of many a Japanese, too). The distillery's official 10 year old comes out of a mix of Bourbon, sherry and red wine casks. First-fill oloroso matured expressions like this are far less common. Consensus is that while it lacks the distillery’s hallmark peated signature, this 100 Proof bottling boasts fabulous depth and maturity for a 9 year old. 57.1% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.
Other reviews... Taste: Spicy and assertive, with pepper leading the way. Bitter almond shells and cocoa intertwine with thick tannins that coat the tongue. Earthy humus, and smoky soil. Cooked raisins return, lifted by a faint zest of lemon and a wave of spices. Finish: Medium in length, monolithic yet memorable. Dark chocolate bitterness, stewed fruits, damp earth, and lemon zest linger, leaving a dry tea-like aftertaste. - whiskybase.com
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2024 Dexter Pinot NoirMornington Peninsula, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$56. 99Bottle$683.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 8 Years (2025-2033)ABV: 13%Closure: StelvinSupple and spicy with moreish red to dark fruits and a long savoury finish.
Semi translucent red to dark red colour with black toned edges and a light red hue. The expressive nose offers up aromas of violets, red to dark cherries, subtle rhubarb and strawberry followed by some brambly cedar, forest floor, dried herb and spice notes. Supple and spicy, moreish red to dark cherry, strawberry and rhubarb fruits power across the palate. Refined tannins with notions of brambly cedar, forest floor and dried herbs extending through the long savoury finish.
Drink over the next 6-8 years.
Alc. 13%
Other Reviews…..
Fraise des bois, musk berries, and a touch of cigar clippings open the wine, which quickly whisks you off your feet with its cherry-berry conviviality. Notes of kumquat skin and red vermouth introduce a sling of bitterness that acts as an anchor, grounding the lift of fruit—a thoughtful detail that keeps it from floating away. Yes this is serious wine, although I’ll forgive you for gulping it down. It’s so damn tasty. Tannins make a significant impression, though so powdery they’re almost indefinable. Hints of rhubarb and red earth emerge, finishing with savoury tree bark and cumin spice. This is the kind of wine that disappears quickly, yet it’s worth pausing to sip and savour, as there is clear artistry in its making. Drink now, or cellar for another 2-3 years further. A lovely partner for pork sui mai dumplings. Drink 2025-2028.
95 points
Shanteh Wale – WinePilot.com
Showing off the exuberance of youth with vitality and vibrancy, all appealing elements. It’s a lovely wine, pretty and aromatic, juicy and supple. It's full of pink and red cherries, a dash of kirsch, warm spices, cardamom and some minty notes. It’s lighter framed and elegant, with fine tannins. While lacking some complexity today, it should build on that in time. Drink by 2034.
94 points
Jane Faulkner – James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion
A delicate wine here, so fine and lacy, with poached strawberry, spice, a spearmint freshness, a patina of old leaf and polished wood, a crisp and spicy red-fruited succulence, a light emery board grip to tannin, and a sappy blood orange tang. A raspberry and cinnamon-laced white pepper finish closing with a distinctly steely and cool rain-washed edge. Such a lovely wine. A delight. Drink 2025-2035+
94+ points
Gary Walsh – The Wine Front -
- Nick's Import
2015 Signatory Vintage Ben Nevis 9 Year Old 100 Proof Edition #41 Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)Highlands, SCOTLAND$119. 99Bottle$1439.88 DozenABV: 57.1%"...a compelling bottle, considering the price." - whiskybase.com
A sampling of online reviews paints a picture of another bargain-buy in the 100 Proof series. The precocious colour suggests very active first-fill oloroso butts, while the whisky is reported to deliver a positive sherry profile supported by well integrated alcohol, showcasing that distinctive waxy, meaty Highland character alongside the sherried richness. A good splash of water opens it up beautifully. Landing at a very attractive price tag, you can't go wrong. 57.1% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.
Other reviews... A rather interesting and enjoyable version Ben Nevis. Abit of a chameleon malt as it is heavily influenced by the sherry cask. Neat it is a sherry bomb - fruit, tannic, warm, spicey with the oaky influenced finish. With water and time in the air, the whisky reveals it’s well known and lovely distillery character, waxy, meaty, peat and smoky. - whiskybase.com
...After my strong debut in the 100 proof series (Bunnahabhain #7), I'm also quite impressed with this one from Ben Nevis. It's a compelling bottle, considering the price. While slightly modern in its structure, it somehow manages to blend well. It's nice that it doesn't come across as obnoxiously sweet, but instead evokes the atmosphere of an old British saloon. A few more years of maturation, and I'd be raving about it. - whiskybase.com
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2025 Henschke Peggy’s Hill RieslingEden Valley, South Australia, AUSTRALIAReduced from $27.99$22. 99Bottle$275.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 8 Years (2025-2033)ABV: 11.7%Closure: StelvinRacy and intensely flavoured with a long scrumptious, mineral infused finish.
This Riesling takes its name from a local landmark, Peggy’s Hill, located at the top of the range between the villages of Eden Valley and Keyneton. It is produced from a selection of longstanding Eden Valley Riesling growers, whose vines range from 10 to 70 years of age, growing in low-vigour, ancient Cambrian soils at around 500m altitude.
Brilliant water like colour with a faint greenish tinge around the edges. Jumping out of the glass are intense lime and citrus aromas which are trailed by some orange rind, distinct talc and chalky mineral notes. Mouth watering lime and lemon fruits are delivered with impressive concentration and zest over an orange rind, chalky talc and steely mineral back drop. Racy feel with crisp acidity and a long scrumptious, mineral infused finish.
Drink over the next 6-8 years.
Alc. 11.7% - Archie Rose Harvest Series Mountain Yuzu Gin (700ml)Sydney, New South Wales, AUSTRALIA$84. 99Bottle$1019.88 DozenABV: 40%
Part of the distillery's 'Harvest series', this time shining a light on the vivid aromatics of mountain-grown yuzu. The fruit is cultivated by growers, Jane and Brian Casey, on rich volcanic soils near Mt Buffalo, in the Ovens River region. This rare, cool-climate citrus brings vibrant notes of mandarin, lime and bergamot to a gin that is crystalline, elegant and deeply expressive of its high-country terroir. 40% Alc./Vol.
Notes from the producers... Nose: Opens with the unmistakable, complex and rich scent of fresh yuzu peel, expressed here with the complex interplay of ripe mandarin, Meyer lemon zest, makrut lime and fresh grapefruit. The citrus is supported by a peppery juniper, which provides pine, fresh basil and thyme stalks. Palate: The palate has an abundance of fresh citrus (ripe orange, lemon and mandarin peel) which is given a bold intensity by juniper's fresh pine and black pepper. Finish: The finish is long with the myriad of citrus flavours wrestling with the juniper all the way to the persistent fade.
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- Nick's Import
Signatory Vintage Hogshead Fine Old Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)SCOTLAND$69. 99Bottle$839.88 DozenABV: 43%For reasons unknown, the term 'Hogshead' has come to refer to a cask size in the whisky industry. These are usually rebuilt ex-bourbon barrels, but they tend to be larger than regular bourbon casks, usually around 52 and a half imperial gallons (or 225-250 litres). Therefore, the title of this whisky is purely incidental and not related to the contents. Independent bottlers, Signatory Vintage have created Hogshead as a daily-drinker or 'House Scotch' using a high proportion of whiskies from Islay, so the flavour comes with a distinctive though not overpowering injection of peat. 43% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... a nice composition, not particularly complex, but a very good malt. The Islay whiskey must have been very smoky or you used a portion of your own ballechin again. In addition, some sherry barrels show the aromas and color, at least the whiskey is not colored according to the information. For the price you get a great malt whiskey. (2021) - whiskybase.com
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- Nick's Import
Aberlour Crafted Small Batch No. 1.2 17 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND$499. 00Bottle$5988.00 DozenABV: 58.8%A welcome addition to Aberlour's portfolio, which, besides the NAS Abunadh, generally lacks cask strength options. The decent age statement and zero chill filtration add to the allure. These limited releases are batched, so ABVs and maturations will vary. For No.1.2, the cask regime was 42.6% American oak and 57.4% European oak. The result is a tantalising mix of spiced apple strudel, milk chocolate, date and raisin notes. 58.8% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... On the nose, it's very soft, brioche, cake dough, then honeyed, acacia honey, pine needles, dry earth, dried prunes, dates, figs, bananas and grapefruit, a hint of vanilla, a lemon zest. On the palate, the fruits are a little more present, creamy, but also this rough side of wood bark, resin, maple syrup, blood oranges, medlars, apricots a little floury. Intense spices, cumin, cloves. Long and quite explosive finish, licorice, very spicy, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, pineapple juice. A very solid Aberlour, living up to its reputation, with plenty of fruit and velvet. - whiskybase.com
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- Nick's Import
Aberlour Casg Annamh Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) - Batch 9Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND$119. 99Bottle$1439.88 DozenABV: 48%Sheer approachability has helped Aberlour become the most popular whisky in France, where more single malt is consumed than any other country. At around 40%, it's a polite, relaxed and sometimes, slightly wanting tasting experience. As an alternative for those who prefer sherry with a kick, owners Pernod-Ricard introduced the natural strength A'bunadh around 2000. Eighteen years later, Casg Annamh was launched as a French Exclusive in a similar vein (the name translates from the Gaelic as “rare cask”). Also influenced by Oloroso, it's matured in three types of casks: European oak Sherry casks and two different types of American oak . Like A'bunadh, Casg Annamh is batch specific, with about ten iterations to date, some better than others. Whichever you come across, they're all handsomely packaged with a wax seal stopper, while the extra ABV and zero chill filtration make a world of difference. 48% Alc./Vol.
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2021 Nicks Secret SE ERB Barossa ShirazBarossa Valley, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$19. 99Bottle$239.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2025-2031)ABV: 15.5%Closure: StelvinProduced by an under the radar estate with limited local distribution, this bold expression of Barossa Shiraz has a winery listed price of around $120 per bottle which is perhaps a little over the top. Made by winemaker Jo Irvine from the great 2021 vintage, utilising some of the estate's best fruit, this punches well above it’s weight at the Nicks Secret price of just $19.99.
A deep, powerful Barossa Shiraz that oozes opulence.
Matured in French oak hogsheads for 24 months. Dense inky black heart with a very deep dark red black hue. Heady dark plum, liquorice, ripe blackberry and dark chocolate aromas waft through the nostrils complimented by notes of earth, vanillin cedar and spicy mocha. Rich and voluptuous, the dense weighty palate is completely immersed in dark to black plum, liquorice, ripe black cherry and blackberry fruits. Spicy vanillin cedar, earthy dark chocolate and subtle fennel characters extend across the back half. Ripe and polished it has slightly chewy tannins and a deep, powerful finish that oozes opulence.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 15.5%Other Reviews….
A rich and opulent wine from this outstanding Barossa vintage. Layers of dark richly concentrated plummy fruit topped with syrupy dark chocolate. Apart from its opulence and richness, the feature is the balance, with a seamlessly interwoven tannin and oak combination cuddling it through to a long finish. It’s a bold wine but the balance keeps it under control. Drink 2024-2042
95 Points
Ray Jordan – WinePilot.comSweetly ripe and richly expressed, the bouquet shows dark fruit intensity, toasty oak, cake spice and rich floral aromas, followed by a flavoursome palate that's filled with succulent fruit flavours, backed by silky texture and beautifully melded tannins, offering terrific drinking. At its best: now to 2035.
95 Points
Sam Kim – Wine OrbitWe are told that **** means heritage and the team see this wine as reflecting the heritage of their vineyards. Jo Irvine is the winemaker. Under cork, just 14,800 bottles made. A vibrant maroon colour, the nose exhibits well-handled oak, as well as some spicy notes of cassis, chocolate, soy, blackberries, florals and liquorice. It is seamless and seductive, neatly balanced with good acidity, silky tannins and impressive length. This will offer pleasure for the next 12 to 15 years. Drink now–2039
94 Points
The Vintage Journal - Sullivans Cove Single Cask HH0010 25 Year Old Single Malt Australian Whisky (700ml)Tasmania, AUSTRALIA$4500. 00Bottle$54000.00 DozenABV: 47.8%
Distillery Manager, Heather Tillot states, “HH0010 is one of the defining casks in shaping Sullivans Cove’s approach to careful maturation. A profound display of age and character, and an enduring piece of Tasmanian and global whisky history.” Aged 25 years and 6 months in an American oak second-fill cask, this benchmark release for the Australian whisky industry is a limited edition of 349 bottles. The company's CEO adds, “It's more than just a rare single cask. It’s a living record of our history, proof of what patience and conviction can achieve, and a statement of what world whisky has become. Twenty-five years ago, this was an audacious experiment. Today, it stands as proof that with skill, craftsmanship, and patience, great whiskies can come from anywhere in the world”. The bottle comes suitably housed in a bespoke timber presentation box with a removable display plinth and the numbers "25" highlighted in a polished gold-toned feature on the lid. At the time of writing, only available via ballot from the distillery website. 47.8% Alc./Vol. Non-chill filtered. Collectable.
Notes from the producers... Nose: A rich and creamy burst of mandarin, fig, chocolate, and cherry jam, wrapped in layers of coconut and peppermint. Palate: A silken wash of tropical fruits, spiced pastries, and nutty depth, balanced by a subtle umami richness. Finish: Sweet citrus and dried mango unfold into honeyed malt and strawberries and cream, as soft florals of jasmine, lavender, and Turkish delight linger.
- Glendronach 30 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)Highlands, SCOTLAND$1999. 00Bottle$23988.00 DozenABV: 47%
Summed up by one taster as "Whisky Heaven", persistence, balance, and depth are all features of this definitive expression of Glendronach's extra-aged house style. Alongside its signature Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez casks, this introduces the influence of Amontillado sherry, bringing a subtle tension and added dimension to the whisky’s structure. The result is rich and aromatic, with an enveloping palate that moves through dried fruits, spiced toffee, and layered patisserie notes. 47% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... The finest, silky-smooth plum sauce. A little sweet, a little sour. Great balance. Delicious from start to finish. Some dusty, leathery cellar notes extend the finish. I'm pleasantly surprised. Less so by the price. - whiskybase.com
Notes from the producers... NOSE: Rich and aromatic - Morello cherry, raisin, spiced Brazil nut toffee, marzipan, and medjool date caramel. PALATE: Layered and expressive, glazed cherry, sultana cake, cinnamon-raisin toffee, and chocolate hazelnut café crème. FINISH: Long and smooth. Seductive, lingering finish with polished oak and integrated spice.
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2024 Pooley Pinot GrigioTasmania, AUSTRALIA$37. 99Bottle$455.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 2 Years (2025-2027)ABV: 13.5%Closure: StelvinSavoury, spicy and quite textural.
Pale copper tinged colour with a watery hue. Aromas of pear and Jonathan apple skin stream through the nostrils with whiffs of quince, rosewater and spice also evident. Savoury pear, Jonathan apple skin and quince flavours overlay a dry spicy back drop. Nicely concentrated and quite textural, it finishes long, fresh and spicy.
Drink over the next 1-2 years.
Alc. 13.5% - Peychaud's Aromatic Cocktail Bitters (296ml)UNITED STATES$27. 99Bottle$335.88 DozenABV: 35%
Originally created around 1830 by Antoine Amédée Peychaud, an apothecary from France who settled in New Orleans, Louisiana in 1795. Peychaud’s is a gentian-based bitters, comparable to Angostura bitters, but with a lighter body, sweeter taste and more floral aroma, called for specifically in many cocktails. Try this classic in a Manhattan, Old Fashioned, Whisky Sour or in the signature Sazerac Cocktail. This twist is aged in used Sazerac Rye Whiskey Barrels for 140 days, adding spice & vanilla to the profile. Supercharge your Sazerac by substituting this version of the classic bitters in the recipe below.
Classic Cocktail: The Official Sazerac Cocktail.
1 cube sugar
35ml Sazerac Rye Whiskey or Buffalo Trace Bourbon
7ml Absinthe (or other quality Anise Flavoured Liqueur)
3 dashes Peychaud's Bitters
Lemon peelMethod:
-Pack an Old-Fashioned glass with ice
-In a second Old-Fashioned glass place the sugar cube and add the Peychaud's Bitters to it, then crush the sugar cube
-Add the Sazerac Rye Whiskey or Buffalo Trace Bourbon to the second glass containing the Peychaud's Bitters and sugar
-Empty the ice from the first glass and coat the glass with the Anise liqueur, then discard the remaining Anise Liqueur
-Empty the whiskey/bitters/sugar mixture from the second glass into the first glass and garnish with lemon peel. -
- Nick's Import
2005 Signatory Vintage Speyside 18 (M) Cask No: DRU 17/A106 #41 18 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND$499. 00Bottle$5988.00 DozenABV: 57.3%Signatory released a bunch of these high-ABV sherry casks of 'M' from the 2005 vintage, each with "rather labyrinthine cask numbers", all positively identified as Macallans at whiskyfun.com. These bottlings have received strong reviews and drawn comparisons with the style and quality of Gordon & Macphail's prolific Speymalts series of Macallans. Being single casks, they come with varying ABVs and degrees of sherry oak input. Tasting his way through a selection that included sister casks from Signatory Vintage, Serge Valentin commented, "Although the distillery – or the brand – has become something of a symbol of poshness and glitz, every tasting reminds us that it still maintains a high level of quality and deserves to be taken seriously, despite the endless stream of NAS bottlings with sometimes far-fetched stories and themes." You get none of the latter here, just a plain indie label and an impressive looking decanter holding some deep, dark liquid. Though, perhaps the most eye-catching thing about this particular Macallan is its direct import price. Will we ever see official 18 year olds at these 'modest' values again? Unlikely. Be thankful that independents like Signatory continue to exist. 677 bottles from a first fill-oloroso sherry butt make up the current outturn. 57.3% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.
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Andre Clouet Grande Reserve Brut Champagne Magnum (1500ml)Champagne, FRANCEReduced from $199.99$180. 00Bottle$2160.00 DozenABV: 12%Closure: Diam CorkWhen it comes to Pinot Noir in Champagne, the grand cru villages of Bouzy and Ambonnay rank amongst the greatest in the region. And one of the most talented exponents from here is the Clouet family based in Bouzy. Champagne Andre Clouet have been producing Champagne for over two centuries, and under the guidance of Jean Francois Clouet the wines have never looked better. While his wines are exuberant and concentrated, Jean Francois manages to counter this with immaculate finesse and detail on the palate.
Made from a Pinot Noir base this blend is aged on lees for a period of 36 months and includes 30% reserve wines. It pours with a fluffy white mousse which gradually evaporates to reveal a pale straw coloured base with pale gold tinged edges that's threaded by a fine, persistent bead. Delightful aromas of baked bread and yeast lees combine with pear, baked apple and brioche notes. Rich, mouth filling favours of baked bread, pear and brioche linger over a subtle roasted hazelnut and yeast lees back drop. Full, creamy like feel with chalk tinged acidity. Finishes dry, long and expansive.
Alc. 12%Other Reviews....
The effusive nose of candied citrus, ripe pear and brioche pulls you into this fresh and creamy champagne that hits all the pleasure buttons for a non-vintage Brut. Then the chalky freshness at the finish pulls you back for another sip. Excellent balance! 100% pinot noir. Drink now.
93 points
JamesSuckling.comIncredible value for a blanc de noirs (100% Pinot Noir) grower Champagne from the grand cru vineyards of Bouzy. It shows gorgeous aromas of stone fruit, citrus and strawberry, with complex brioche nuances, remarkable balance, ongoing elegance and a rich, refined, persistent finish.
92 points
Stacy Slinkard - Decanter (March 2021) -
- 94
- Reduced
2024 Marc Bredif Classic VouvrayVouvray, Loire Valley, FRANCEReduced from $34.99$29. 99Bottle$359.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 8 Years (2025-2033)ABV: 12.5%Closure: CorkDelicious ripe apple, pear and quince fruits with refreshing acidity and a nicely shaped finish.
The domaine of Marc Bredif is one of the most famous names in the Loire, renowned for the longevity and quality of their Vouvray. Established in 1893 under the name of Chateau les Roches it wasn't until 1919 when Marc Bredif took over from his uncle, that the name was changed to reflect the change in ownership.
Brilliant pale straw colour with a watery hue. Baked pear, Jonathan apple skin and quince scents are complimented by whiffs of musk and wet stone. Delicious ripe apple, pear and quince fruits meld into an elegant back drop of honeysuckle and spice. Refreshing acidity with a nicely shaped finish that’s detailed with pear, red apple and quince fruits along with a dash of spice.
Drink over the next 6-8 years.
Alc. 12.5% -
- 96
2024 Wilson Polish Hill River RieslingClare Valley, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$29. 99Bottle$359.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 8 Years (2025-2033)ABV: 12%Closure: StelvinWonderfully concentrated and tense with zingy mineral laced acidity.
Wilson’s Polish Hill River Riesling is sourced from their oldest vineyards planted over 40 years ago. Its miniscule yields typically produce a wine rich in citrus fruits within a steely structure, tight with lots of minerality. Beneath the iron stained clay lies a bed of decomposing slate and scattered quartz. It’s also not unusual to find remnant pottery and agricultural implements from the Polish Settlers who once lived and farmed the area now planted to this small vineyard.
Brilliant water like colour with a faint greenish tinge around the edges. Lime and citrus aromas leap out of the glass trailed by some green apple, hints of orange rind, wet steel and chalky mineral notes. Delivered with fabulous intensity and tension are racy lemon, lime and green apple flavours. Zingy mineral laced acidity with delicate orange rind and wet steel elements also shining through. Dry and chalky it finishes very long and zesty.
Drink over the next 6-8 years.
Alc. 12% -
- 93
- Reduced
2025 Muto VermentinoMurray Darling, Vic, AUSTRALIAReduced from $21.99$19. 99Bottle$239.88 DozenCellar: Drink now (2025)ABV: 12%Closure: StelvinA zesty, mineral laced Vermentino brimming with lime, green apple and mango fruits.
Vermentino is native to southern Italy, most famously grown along the coastal regions of Sardinia and Liguria, where its freshness and saline edge are prized. The fruit for this wine was sourced from Chalmers Family’s Merbein vineyard in the Murray Darling region of Victoria.
Brilliant very pale straw colour with flashes of green around the edges and a watery hue. Aromas of lime juice, Granny Smith apple and mango infused with fresh herbs are trailed by some saline mineral like notes. Zesty lime, green apple and mango fruits meld into a Mediterranean herb and stony mineral back drop. Crisp acidity with a long refreshing finish that’s brimming with minerality.
Drink now.
Alc. 12% -
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2022 Nicks Secret HEW Barossa Rhone Blend Carignan Syrah CinsaultBarossa Valley, South Australia, AUSTRALIAReduced from $27.99$14. 99Bottle$179.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 4 Years (2025-2029)ABV: 13%Closure: StelvinAn utterly delicious Rhone styled blend that combines rich, generous fruit with a gently chewy texture.
Inky black heart with a dark red black tinged hue. Scents of black cherry, black raspberry and liquorice combine with scorched earth, dried herb and peppered dried meat notes. Rich, juicy black cherry and liquorice fruits drive the medium bodied palate which possesses a slightly chewy mouth feel and good underlying freshness. Some black raspberry, subtle blueberry, scorched earth and peppered dried herb elements extend across the back half. Sturdy tannins with a long, mildly robust, generously fruited finish.
Drink over the next 3-4 years.
Alc. 13%Other Reviews….
Gorgeously fruited and complex, the wine shows dark fruit intensity, toasted spice, rich floral and cedar characters on the nose. The palate is equally satisfying with excellent weight and plump mouthfeel, wonderfully supported by velvety texture and grainy tannins. Firmly structured, yet velvety and soothing. At its best: now to 2037.
94 Points
Sam Kim – Wine OrbitA blend of 45% carignan, 34% syrah and 21% cinsault with 60% whole bunches in the mix, matured in old French barriques for 12 months. Bright and perfumed and packed with ripe fruit and gingery spice. Blueberry, satsuma plum and boysenberry with hints of jasmine, salted licorice, gingerbread, sarsaparilla, earth and mountain and amaro herbs. Exuberant and slinky, it comes across as quite fragrant in the mouth as well, with something akin to Turkish delight whipping around on the fringes of the palate. Fine and powdery in tannin with bright, sapid acidity, and it sports a supple tide of plush fruit and spice on the finish.
93 Points
Dave Brookes – James Halliday’s Australian Wine CompanionDelicious and cracking value were the two things that sprang immediately to mind with this delightful red. A blend of 45% Carignan, 34% Syrah and 21% Cinsault, with 60% whole bunches utilised plus 11 months maturation in old French barriques. …… A deep vibrant purple, it offers aromas of plums, blackfruits, cloves and chocolate. This is a big, ripe, flavoursome, exuberant, fruit bomb style. Granted that is a style which can divide the crowd, but for all of us who love them, this is a cracker. Beautifully supple, with silky tannins, the texture has some density and there is decent length here. Utterly delicious, enjoy it over the next five to six years. Drink 2023-2029.
93 Points
Ken Gargett – WinePilot.com -
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2021 Nicks Secret HEW Barossa MourvedreBarossa Valley, South Australia, AUSTRALIAReduced from $27.99$14. 99Bottle$179.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 5 Years (2025-2030)ABV: 13.5%Closure: StelvinSourced from a prominent Barossa Valley producer who specialise in Mourvedre and other Rhone varietals, this is their entry level offering made from younger vines that have an average age of 18 years. Some whole bunch fruit is included in vinification with maturation taking place in seasoned French oak barrels for a period of 16 months.
A rich, juicy, mid weighted Mourvedre with lashings of blue and dark fruits.
Deep black dark red colour with a dark red hue. Pronounced ripe black cherry, liquorice and dark plum aromas flow from the glass with some scorched earth, blueberry, subtle dried herb and spice notes also chiming in. Rich and juicy, the mid weighted palate is flooded with lashings of dark cherry, liquorice and ripe blueberry fruits. Subtle dried herb, earth and spice elements sit in the background. Polished yet underlyingly sturdy tannins with a long fresh blue to dark fruited finish.
Drink over the next 4-5 years.
Alc. 13.5%Other Reviews….
So, this beaut little Mourvèdre is based on fruit created by taking cuttings from the Old Garden Vineyard, planted in 1853. It is such a brilliant and vibrant example of this terrific variety. I have seen this wine evolve over many years, and I have to say it just seems to get better each year. The balance of the fruit and oak is harmonious, allowing the fragrances and seductive aromas to reveal their true beauty. A great entry wine to understand some of the appeal of Mourvèdre. Drink 2023-2030.
94 Points
Ray Jordan – WinePilot.comThe 'baby' mourvèdre vines were established in 1998 from cuttings off the epic 1853-planted Old Garden vineyard. Lots of colour and lots of fruit depth for babies! Rich dark plum, blueberry and black cherry fruits with hints of turned earth, light bramble tones, graphite, dark spice, roasting meats and charcuterie. There is a wee whiff of choc-mint way off in the distance, too, with an impressive fruit density, tight granite dust tannins and bright acid drive finishing pure and savoury. Drink by 2030.
93 Points
Dave Brookes – James Halliday’s Australian Wine CompanionVibrant ruby red colour. Mulberry, raw beef and ironstone aromas. Lashings of blue and purple fruits fill the core whilst it builds layers of anise, black graphite, and dried blood savouries. Tannins have a fine gravel persistence as it rolls long to the dry finish. Remarkable sense of tension and purity at this price point.
93 Points
Stuart Knox – Real Review -
- 96
2024 Salo ChardonnayYarra Valley, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$49. 99Bottle$599.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2025-2031)ABV: 13%Closure: StelvinConcentrated, gorgeously shaped and expansive Yarra Valley Chardonnay.
Made by former Giant Steps winemaker Steve Flamsteed, fruit is sourced from the Full Moon Vineyard which is located high in the southern hills of the Yarra Valley on the eastern side of the Gladysdale subregion. It’s one of the only vineyards in the vicinity, and the grapes ripen remarkably evenly despite its west-facing aspect. “It’s a ripper site for Chardonnay,” according to Flamsteed.
Brilliant pale straw colour with greenish tinged edges and a watery hue. Delightful nose with aromas of white peach, nectarine, dried honey and biscuity nougat sailing from the glass with impressive intensity. Spicy cashew and faint struck match stick notes also chime in. The terrifically concentrated and gorgeously shaped palate features fleshy white peach and nectarine fruits over a back drop of dried honey, cashew, biscuity nougat and spice. Superb drive with pin point fresh acidity lending energy to the long texturally expansive finish.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 13% -
- 94
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2023 Dreissigacker Riesling DryRheinhessen, GERMANY$44. 99Bottle$539.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2025-2031)ABV: 12%Closure: StelvinZesty lime, red apple and pear fruits with a dry, zingy finish.
Brilliant pale straw colour with green highlighted edges and a watery hue. Aromas of lime, pear and red apple flow through the nostrils followed by whiffs of orange blossom and subtle stony mineral notes. Zesty lime, red apple and pear fruits race across the palate underpinned by delicate notions of honeysuckle, mandarin and flinty mineral elements. Bristling with crunchy acidity it finishes dry, long and zingy.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 12% -
- 92
2024 De Bortoli Riva RoseVictoria, AUSTRALIA$13. 99Bottle$167.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 1 Years (2025-2026)ABV: 13%Closure: StelvinA flavoursome, supplely textured Rose.
Very pale salmon pink tinged colour. Raspberry, strawberry and pomegranate scents are trailed by some delicate musk notes. A supplely textured flow of raspberry, cherry and strawberry fruits greets the palate with undertones of Turkish delight and musk also evident. Brisk acidity with a nicely rounded, flavoursome conclusion.
Drink over the next year.
Alc. 13% - Corowa Distilling Co. Barrel House Peated Single Malt Australian Whisky (500ml)New South Wales, AUSTRALIA$129. 99Bottle$1559.88 DozenABV: 46%
Like some Scottish distilleries, Corowa reserve one month per year to create peated whisky. This very accessible example was aged in x-American Oak Bourbon casks, softening the peat and adding delicious cream, vanilla & fruits to the palate. 46% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.
Notes from the producers... Nose: Soft peat, vanilla & green fruit. Palate: Whisps of smoke, clotted cream, grass & vanilla. Finish: Medium to long smoke with a creamy coating.
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Ardbeg 10 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) - Gift Pack with 2 GlassesIslay, SCOTLAND$99. 99Bottle$1199.88 DozenABV: 46%Get two Ardbeg-branded whisky tumblers in this limited gift pack presentation.
Perched on a rocky headland, the Ardbeg distillery was founded in 1815 by the MacDougalls of Ardbeg. The distillery's scattered white-washed buildings are reminiscent of a Dutch settlement and add to the dramatic coastal landscape. Ardbeg has had a chequered history and in recent times had been closed down for many years. Glenmorangie acquired Ardbeg in 1997 and has set about restoring the distillery to its former glory. Despite the turbulence of its past, none of Ardbeg’s qualities have been diminished. All of the time-worn traditions have been carefully preserved and passed on to today’s whisky makers. The Ardbeg 10 Year Old is clear testimony to this. In his 'Complete Book of Whisky' Jim Murray said of it: 'If perfection on the palate exists, this is it.'
Other reviews...n24 more complex, citrus-led and sophisticated than recent bottlings, though the peat is no less but now simply displayed in an even greater elegance; a beautiful sea salt strain to this; t24 gentle oils carry on them a lemon-lime edge, sweetened by barley and a weak solution of golden syrup; the peat is omnipotent, turning up in every crevice and wave, yet never once over-stepping its boundary; f24 stuuningly clean, the oak offers not a bitter trace but rather a vanilla and butterscotch edge to the barley. Again the smoke wafts around in a manner unique in the world of whisky when it comes to sheer elan and adroitness; b25 like when you usually come accross something that goes down so beautifully and with such a nimble touch and disallarming allure, just close your eyes and enjoy... 97 points - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2013 / 2023
...Last time we tried our beloved Ten it was a circa 2015 bottling, and it was great (WF 89). Colour: white wine. Nose: I have the feeling that Ardbeg Ten got more crystalline, perhaps a tad simpler as well, and probably more distillate-driven than ever before. I’m so glad no obvious vanilla is dumbing it down, and of course no ‘wine’, so this is as bright as possible and full of lime, seawater, smoked salmon, and of these wee tarry/cardboardy touch that are so typically Ardbeg. Shall we call this nose ‘razory’? Mouth: lapsang souchong with lime, smoked almonds, kippers, plasticine, almond oil, whelks, brine, hessian… This is just perfectly perfect. Finish: rather long, smoky, almondy, lime-y, salty. Comments: the month is not over but Ardbeg 10 will possibly be March’s bang-for-your-buck bottling. Because in my little tasting book, Ardbeg 10 is simply back to… 90 points - whiskyfun.com
...the classic Ardbeg bottling, and one of the most heavily peated entry-level whiskies from all of Scotland. Ten years are just about right for taming Ardbeg’s fire, though the nose is still moderately heavy with straight, smoky peat notes, though also lightly briny but distinctly maritime in its tone. The body follows in lockstep, adding to the burning embers of driftwood notes of iodine, orange peel, coriander, and ginger. Beautifully balanced despite the heavy peat influence, it remains one of the most essential Islay whiskies — and an essential whisky that is required drinking for anyone who wants to form a base understanding of single malts. - drinkhacker.com
...Nose: Astoundingly smoky, yet delicate with subtle tarry notes behind. With water the smoke dies a little and raisin and caramelised apple notes emerge. Palate: An immediate waft of peat smoke. Full, robustly flavoured with turf and lapsang souchong tea. Finish: Salty, long and filled with fragrant peat reek. Comment: A punch in the chops from a stroppy Islay middleweight. Flavour-packed yet delicate. Rated: 9/10 - whiskymag.com
Cocktail: The Smoky Martini
This is an unusual combination that works surprisingly well. Some people use less peaty whiskies, however the true Smoky Martini requires the likes of Ardbeg or Laphroaig – Single Malts which lend their peaty, textured flavour to the creamy character of a good vodka.Method: Rinse a chilled martini glass with Ardbeg Malt Whisky and pour out any extra. Shake 60ml of Premium Vodka in a shaker filled with large ice cubes and strain into a Martini glass. Garnish with a lemon and orange twist.
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2023 Bellini Pontevecchio ChiantiTuscany, ITALY$22. 99Bottle$275.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 4 Years (2025-2029)ABV: 12.5%Closure: StelvinElegant and savoury with slightly dusty tannins and an earthy red fruited finish.
Deep dark red black tinged core with a dark red hue. Spicy red currant aromas mix with dried herb, earthy tobacco and subtle leather notes. Elegant and savoury, red currant and red cherry fruits are featured over an earth, dried herb and spice back drop. Fine grained, slightly dusty tannins with an underlying freshness and an earthy red fruited finish.
Drink over the next 3-4 years.
Alc. 12.5% - Corowa Distilling Co. Barrel House XB Single Malt Australian Whisky (500ml)New South Wales, AUSTRALIA$119. 99Bottle$1439.88 DozenABV: 46%
In the heartland of New South Wales by the banks of the Murray River, you’ll find a heritage-listed 1920s Flour Mill, home to Australia’s first whisky distillery using locally-grown ingredients. If you want to get to know the house style, this is probably the best place to start - a fresh and zesty single malt drawn from x bourbon barrels, bottled at 46% Alc./Vol. Non-chill filtered.
Notes from the producers... Nose: Bright citrus, vanilla, grassy hay. Palate: Zesty lemon, mint, creamy marzipan and almond. Finish: Fresh and zesty with a medium finish.
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2024 Ring Bolt ChardonnayMargaret River, Western Australia, AUSTRALIA$29. 99Bottle$359.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 5 Years (2025-2030)ABV: 13.5%Closure: StelvinRich, creamy textured flavours counter balanced by lively acidity.
Brilliant very pale straw colour with a distinctive green tint around the edges and a watery hue. Pear and ripe nectarine aromas mix with dried honey, biscuity oak, citrusy nougat and spice notes. Rich, creamy textured white peach, nectarine and dried honey flavours are counter balanced by lively acidity. Biscuity nougat, citrus and spice elements lie underneath. Fresh, cream tinged finish.
Drink over the next 4-5 years.
Alc. 13.5%Other Reviews….
It’s the dead of winter, my house is a construction site, running more than one appliance short circuits the power, and I cohabitate with a small family of possums. Honestly, I’m fine. Disclaimer: I’m not fine. So, when wines like this land on my desk, they are welcomed moments of reprieve. Clean, bright, and soul warming, its fruits are ripe with white nectarine, pears in juice and a gentle lean into tropical territory. The mid-palate balances a comforting fruit sweetness, coated with a clotted cream silkiness. Some savoury barrel ferment, a dusting of spice and cashew nougat on the finish makes for a slick, well positioned wine. A classic modern Australian expression, and a welcomed silver (golden) lining.
92 Points
Tijana Laganin – WinePilot.com -
- 95
2024 Moorooduc Estate ChardonnayMornington Peninsula, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$39. 99Bottle$479.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2025-2031)ABV: 13.5%Closure: StelvinGenerously fleshed with excellent underlying freshness and a long refined finish.
100% wild yeast fermented in French oak barrels, 10% being new with 80% natural malolactic fermentation and 9 months maturation in barrel. Brilliant pale straw colour with a distinctive tint of green around the outskirts and a watery hue. Elevated white peach, nectarine and dried honey aromas combine with cashew, citrusy nougat and gun flint. Medium bodied and carrying a gently creamed feel, generously fleshed white peach and nectarine fruits are complimented by dried honey, biscuity nougat, subtle cashew and delicate infusions of gun flint. Excellent underlying freshness with a long beautifully shaped and refined finish.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 13.5% -
- 96
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2024 Hoddles Creek Estate 1er Yarra Valley Pinot NoirYarra Valley, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$64. 99Bottle$779.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 8 Years (2025-2033)ABV: 13.2%Closure: StelvinPerfumed, light, fresh and supple with a long moreish finish.
Slightly cloudy red to dark red colour with a vibrant crimson red hue. Perfumed nose with violet like aromas complimented by some red cherry, strawberry, fresh herb, delicate forest floor and spicy cedar notes. Light, fresh and supple in it’s flow, delicious red cherry, strawberry and red liquorice fruits are layered across the palate. Notions of fresh herbs, delicate spicy cedar and forest floor lend further nuance. Lively and energetic it has a long moreish finish.
Drink over the next 6-8 years.
Alc. 13.2%Other Reviews….
There’s presence to the palate here and yet in flavour profile terms it feels and tastes very Upper Yarra. It’s alive with twig, spice and herb notes but then it’s also riven with pure, satiny, red and black cherry flavours, and it also has that undergrowth-forest-wood aspect that is both beguiling and so characteristic of good pinot. Cedarwood oak plays noticeable role too, as a positive, and the tannin is a masterclass; not too much, not too little, threaded intricately, gently smoky. As a young wine this release is already putting on a show but, even so, it feels built to last, and to improve. However you take it, this is a truly beautiful wine. Drink 2026-2034+
95+ Points
Campbell Mattinson – The Wine FrontPerfumed and delicate with reductive-edged aromas of red cherries, pomegranate, blood oranges, lead pencils, Negronis, dried strawberries and wet earth. The palate is mid-weighted with firmly framed, refined tannins and bright acidity, showing a mineral edge and vibrant red fruits that lead into a grippy, seamless finish. This has all the hallmarks of a pinot that will age well. Includes 15% whole cluster, adding a lovely floral and spice edge. Drink or hold. Screw cap.
96 Points
JamesSuckling.com -
- 93
2025 Warrabilla Small Batch FianoRutherglen, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$26. 99Bottle$323.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 2 Years (2025-2027)ABV: 13%Closure: StelvinIntensely flavoured and fabulously textured with a long crisp, slatey finish.
Brilliant very pale straw colour with green highlighted edges and a watery hue. Lime and green apple scents jump out of the glass followed by some citrus, fresh herb and stony mineral notes. Intensely flavoured, the palate is bristling with crunchy lime and green apple fruits. Fabulous textural volume with infusions of fresh herbs and stony mineral elements lingering through the back half. Crisp acidity with a slatey feel to the long scrumptious finish.
Drink over the next 1-2 years.
Alc. 13% -
- 92
- Organic
2024 B. IO Bpuntoio Catarratto ChardonnaySicily, ITALY$26. 99Bottle$323.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 2 Years (2025-2027)ABV: 13%Closure: Diam CorkA nicely shaped fruit driven style with fresh underlying acidity.
A blend of 80% Catarratto and 20% Chardonnay. Brilliant pale straw colour with a faint greenish tinge to the edges and a watery hue. Nectarine and peach aromas flow from the glass followed by some red apple and wet stone notes. Nicely fleshed pear, peach and red apple fruits overlay a wet stone back drop. Fresh acidity with a shapely fruit driven finish.
Drink over the next 1-2 years.
Alc. 13% -
- 94
- 92
2024 Monte Tondo Soave ClassicoVeneto, ITALY$22. 99Bottle$275.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 2 Years (2025-2027)ABV: 12.5%Closure: StelvinTexturally voluminous and concentrated Soave with crisp acidity and a long expressive finish.
The Monte Tondo vineyard can be found nestling in the gentle hills of Soave just a few kilometres from Verona on a slope overlooking the valley. Today it is 4th generation brother and sister team, Luca and Marta Magnabosco, who tend to the 25 hectares of vineyards situated on the best plots that the Soave zone can offer.
Brilliant water like core with a subtle greenish tinged surrounds. Elevated pear and red apple skin aromas are complimented by some lime, fresh herb and wet slate notes. Concentrated pear and red apple fruits are delivered with terrific textural volume over a spicy quince and wet stone back drop. Crisp acidity with a long expressive finish.
Drink over the next 1-2 years.
Alc. 12.5%
Other Reviews…..
Pleasant citrusy, peachy and floral-mineral aromas follow through to a medium-bodied palate with a silky texture and good intensity of fruit, driven by nicely balanced acidity through the long, flavorful finish. Bright peaches and a hint of almond at the end. All in good order and delicious. Sustainable. Vegan. Drink now.
92 points
JamesSuckling.com -
- 91
2024 Maison Saint Aix RoseProvence, FRANCE$32. 99Bottle$395.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 2 Years (2025-2027)ABV: 12.5%Closure: StelvinFresh, silky textured Provence Rose.
Made from a blend of Grenache, Syrah and Cinsault. Pale salmon pink colour with fragrant aromas of peach, raspberry and pomegranate mixing with musk and wet slate notes. The fresh, silky textured palate is layered with peach and raspberry fruits which meld into a pomegranate, musk and stony mineral background. Refreshing acidity with a river stone like feel to the elegant finish.
Drink over the next 1-2 years.
Alc. 12.5% -
- 92
Blacks Black Smoke Heavily Peated Blended Irish Whiskey (700ml)IRELAND$169. 99Bottle$2039.88 DozenABV: 43%Produced by the Blacks Brewery & Distillery in Kinsale, County Cork, this whiskey is unusual for the typically light, unpeated Irish category. Easy sipping and sweetly smoked, the flavours evoke honey-glazed ham drizzled with Caol Ila, sweet pipe tobacco and baked citrus; the balance is spot on, the drinkability effortless, all without compromising length or interest. Coming from Ireland (or any country), it's a surprisingly delicious option for peat lovers that also swims well with water. 43% Alc./Vol.
Notes from the producers... Nose: Smokey peatiness balanced by floral heather notes and hints of honey and oak. Palate: Silky smooth with toffee crisp like sweetness, followed by more complex aromas of malt and stoned fruit giving way to the intensifying full-bodied peat. Finish: A long-lasting finish with golden honey notes and deep peat coating across the mouth and palate.
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- 93
2024 Roseblood D’Estoublon RoseProvence, FRANCE$39. 99Bottle$479.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 2 Years (2025-2027)ABV: 12.5%Closure: Diam CorkBeautifully rounded and silky with a delicious array of fruits.
Made from a blend of 56% Grenache, 21% Syrah, 14% Cinsault, 5% Rolle and 4% Sémillon. Pale salmon pink tinged colour. Intense peach, raspberry and strawberry aromas flood the nostrils followed by hints of musk and wet stone. Beautifully rounded and silky in it’s flow across the palate, delicious peach, raspberry and strawberry fruits are featured over a pomegranate, subtle musk and wet stone back drop. Brisk underlying acidity with a long supple finish.
Drink over the next 1-2 years.
Alc. 12.5% -
- 93
2025 Warrabilla Reserve Grenache RoseRutherglen, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$26. 99Bottle$323.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 1 Years (2025-2026)ABV: 12.5%Closure: StelvinA highly slurpable Rose with a long slippery textured finish.
Pale damask pink colour. Delightful raspberry, strawberry, pomegranate and musk scents sail out of the glass with some spice notes also evident. Intensely flavoured and beautifully shaped, raspberry, peach, strawberry and pomegranate fruits are featured over a gently spiced musk back drop. Brisk acidity with a long slippery textured finish that makes for addictive drinking.
Drink over the next year.
Alc. 12.5%














































