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- 95
2025 Pooley RieslingTasmania, AUSTRALIA$39. 99Bottle$479.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2026-2032)ABV: 12.5%Closure: StelvinA juicy Riesling with good textural volume and a long zippy finish.
Brilliant water like colour with greenish tinged edges. Lime, red apple and citrus aromas leap out of the glass followed by some pear, subtle honeysuckle and spice notes. Juicy lime, pear and red apple fruits carry good textural volume across the palate. Stony mineral back drop with crisp acidity lending a zippy feel onto the long flinty mineral laced finish.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 12.5% -
- 96
- 96
2021 Fraser Gallop Estate Parterre Cabernet Sauvignon$49. 99Bottle$599.88 DozenA rich, concentrated Cabernet with a long, emphatic yet refined finish.
A blend of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Malbec and 4% Petit Verdot matured for 18 months in a combination of new and second use French oak. Deep dark red black tinged colour with a dark red hue. Intense red to black currant and ripe mulberry aromas fill the nostrils followed by some liquorice, spicy vanillin cedar, tobacco, subtle earthy black olive and bay leaf notes. Rich and concentrated, the elegant medium bodied palate is amply fleshed with red to black currant and ripe mulberry fruit. Some liquorice, spicy vanillin cedar, delicate tobacco, dried herb and spice elements sit underneath. Seamlessly integrated, fine grained tannins with the long, emphatic finish carrying a refined feel.
Drink over the next 6-8 years.
Alc. 14%Other Reviews……
A beautiful Parterre this vintage. It’s heady with violets, mulberries, fresh herbs with rolled tobacco and some nori, even blueberry muffins of all things, plus cedary oak. The palate is mid-weighted with fine tannins and equally fine acidity and is balanced all the way through. A wine of harmony that will last some distance. Drink by 2037.
96 Points
Jane Faulkner – James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion -
- 94
- 92
- 95
2023 Cloudy Bay ChardonnayMarlborough, NEW ZEALAND$59. 99Bottle$719.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 5 Years (2026-2031)ABV: 13.5%Closure: StelvinA nicely shaped yet quite fresh and vibrant mid weighted Chardonnay.
Brilliant pale straw colour with a distinct green tint around the outskirts and a watery hue. An intense flow of white peach, nectarine and dried honey aromas are complimented by whiffs of crème brulee, citrusy nougat and gentle cashew notes. Nicely shaped yet quite fresh and vibrant in it’s feel, the mid weighted palate is decorated with white peach, citrus and delicate crème brulee flavours. Subtle biscuity nougat, cashew and flint elements lie underneath. Refreshing acidity with a delicately creamed finish that’s medium to long.
Drink over the next 4-5 years.
Alc. 13.5%Other Reviews……
Flint and cashew aromas get a vibrant lift from the lemon and lime curd aromas on this highly classy-yet-approachable Chard from one of New Zealand's most famous brands. Similarly, the palate feels open and complete, with lovely texture and acidity zhuzhing up the grilled stone fruit and spice flavors flowing to a long finish. Drink now with roasted chicken or mushroom or cellar for several more years.
95 Points
Wine EnthusiastBright and clear with dried-apple, mineral and stone aromas with some honeysuckle undertones. Medium-bodied, this has tangy and crisp acidity, nougat and cooked-apple flavors. Limes in the finish. The vividness is impressive. Drink now. Screw cap.
92 Points
JamesSuckling.com -
- 93
- 93
2024 Charles Melton Rose of VirginiaBarossa Valley, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$29. 99Bottle$359.88 DozenABV: 13%Closure: StelvinFruity, glossy textured and concentrated Barossa Rose.
Made from a blend of Grenache, Cabernet, Shiraz & Riesling. Vibrant cherry red tinged colour. Elevated pomegranate, raspberry and water melon aromas intermix with whiffs of Turkish delight and spice. Juicy pomegranate and raspberry fruits mix with musk, Turkish delight and spice characters. Glossy textured and concentrated, it finishes long and fruity with a dash of spice.
Drink over the next year.
Alc. 13%Other Reviews…..
I cut my teeth drinking this stuff with my dodgy mates at Milk Beach in Sydney. A blend of grenache, shiraz, cabernet sauvignon and riesling, it's a little dark in colour (think watered-down Ribena) and carries a little more oomph in the aromas and flavours, but that is sometimes what life dictates, and it's a cold stone classic. Raspberry, red cherry and red plum fruits, spice, pressed flowers and stone. With just a swell of texture and treading the ridgeline of off-dry, it's pretty darn delicious.
93 Points
Dave Brookes – James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion - Stoli Vanilla Flavoured Vodka (700ml)LITHUANIA$63. 99Bottle$767.88 DozenABV: 37.5%
Regarded as a top-tier pick in its category, Stoli Vanil is made using natural extracts derived from Madagascan and Indonesian vanilla pods. It's a budget-friendly choice for dessert cocktails, such as espresso martinis or simply mixing with soda. 37.5% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... Clear color. Aromas and flavors of vanilla pastry, vanilla marshmallow, and vanilla butter cream frosting with a satiny, bright, dryish medium body and a tingling, medium-long finish with notes of vanilla, vanilla butterscotch, and persimmon. Brilliantly executed distillate with pure vanilla flavor that would add a pleasing pastry element to most cocktails. 94 points - tastings.com
4 stars - diffordsguide.com
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- 93
2024 Bremley GamayTasmania, AUSTRALIA$37. 99Bottle$455.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 4 Years (2026-2030)ABV: 12.5%Closure: StelvinLight, elegant and energetic with juicy red fruit and a dry, savoury conclusion.
Fruit was 100% destemmed and inoculated with a selected yeast strain. Fermentation took place over 20 days on skins, with one pump-over per day. Ferment was drained and pressed, then matured in a combination of 50% oak and 50% stainless steel tanks, with no new oak used.
Deep dark red purple core with black toned edges and a vibrant purple red hue. Perfumed aromatics of raspberry, violet, strawberry and anise blossom out of the glass with some earthy incense and wild herb notes also evident. Juicy wild strawberry and raspberry fruits meld into a sour to red cherry, red liquorice, earthy incense, wild herb and spice back drop. Dusty tannins and lively acidity with a dry, energetic red fruited conclusion.
Drink over the next 3-4 years.
Alc. 12.5% - 2022 Domaine de la Grange des Peres Pays d'HeraultLanguedoc, FRANCE$360. 00Bottle$4320.00 DozenABV: 13.5%Closure: Cork
Domaine de la Grange des Peres is everything a ‘cult’ wine should be. Tiny but meticulous production, a superbly talented winemaker, wonderful terroir, and customers across the globe desperate to get their hands on a bottle. Laurent Vaillé had been a physiotherapist by trade, but he quit his job in the early 1980s to pursue a career in winemaking. After studying viticulture and oenology, Laurent worked at numerous prestigious domaines (including JF Coche-Dury, JL Chave and Domaine de Trevallon) before returning to his family home near Aniane where he planted the land to Syrah, Mourvedre, and uncommon for the region, Cabernet Sauvignon. The decision on the latter meant foregoing the local appellation (AOP Coteaux du Languedoc), instead making Vins de Pays de l’Hérault.
The Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon vines are situated in a Northerly aspect on limestone soil at 300 metres altitude, whilst the Mourvèdre faces due South on pierres roulées, like in Chateauneuf du Pape. Yields are kept down to a minimal 25 hl/ha thanks to bunch thinning and manual sorting of the grapes. Laurent uses “reasoned” viticultural practices, keeping the use of chemicals to a bare minimum, cultivating the soil, removing leaves to let the generous sunlight into the canopy and performing a green harvest where necessary. Winemaking is traditional in style; each variety being vinified separately using natural yeasts and long maceration. The wines spend up to 24 months in barrel, one third new, but the oak is seamlessly integrated even upon release.
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- 95
2025 Farr Rising Saignee RoseGeelong, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$42. 99Bottle$515.88 DozenABV: 14%Closure: Diam CorkOne of Australia's most impressive rosé, Farr Rising produce their dry and complex example from Pinot Noir. The freshly picked grapes are left to macerate in tank for two to three hours before bleeding the free run juice to be used for this rosé. Natural fermentation then occurs in four to five year old barrels before maturing for 10 months.
Other Reviews....
Cherry, strawberry, almond, roses and hibiscus, a little spice and orange peel, and a slight lift. It’s juicy and red fruited, maybe something of a peach tea thing here, an almond creaminess to it, a light blood orange tang, fine powdery texture, with a savoury yet fleshy finish of excellent length. It’s a bolder style in a way, but has complexity and character to burn. Delightful. A rosé made with intent. A toss up between 94 and 95 points. Drink 2025-2029+.
95 points
Gary Walsh - The Wine Front -
- 93
- 91
2021 Guigal Crozes-HermitageCrozes Hermitage, Northern Rhone, FRANCE$64. 99Bottle$779.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 5 Years (2026-2031)ABV: 13%Closure: CorkFleshy textured black fruits with mildly chewy tannins and a savoury peppery dried herb infused finish.
From vines, averaging 35 years old, situated on steep slopes in the villages of Gervans, Mercurol, Larnage, and Crozes-Hermitage, growing in limestone, clay, and sandy gravel soils. The wine undergoes alcoholic fermentation in stainless steel vats at high temperatures, followed by a three-week maceration period and an 18-month maturation in oak barrels.
Deep dark red black core with a dark red hue. Aromas of black cherry, liquorice and scorched earth mix with some dark raspberry, dried herb and peppered meat notes. Medium bodied the palate features fleshy textured black cherry and liquorice fruits over a dried herb, scorched earth and peppered dried meat background. Mildly chewy tannins with a savoury peppery dried herb infused finish that’s medium to long in length.
Drink over the next 4-5 years.
Alc. 13%Other Reviews….
A prototypical Crozes-Hermitage, at the lighter end of the scale for this appellation, but with the juicy briar character we expect from this appellation. Supple tannins underline all this very nicely. Plenty of dried herbs in the finish. Drink now.
91 Points
JamesSuckling.com -
- 93
2021 Merricks Estate Pinot NoirMornington Peninsula, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$39. 99Bottle$479.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 2 Years (2025-2027)ABV: 13.5%Closure: StelvinSupple and velvety with a finish that’s both savoury and spicy.
Semi translucent red to dark red colour with black toned edges and a slightly rustic red hue. The olfactory senses are greeted with aromas of spiced cherry and strawberry followed by some subtle anise, rhubarb, dried herb and bramble notes. Supple and velvety, the palate is decorated with cherry, strawberry and rhubarb fruits which meld into a brambly dried herb, subtle anise and spicy earth back drop. Silky smooth tannins finishing savoury and spicy.
Drink over the next 1-2 years.
Alc. 13.5% -
- 91
2025 Zilzie Selection 23 Pinot GrigioVictoria, AUSTRALIA$11. 99Bottle$143.88 DozenCellar: Drink now (2026)ABV: 12.5%Closure: StelvinA crisp, fruity quaffing Pinot Grigio.
Brilliant water like colour with a faint greenish tinge around the outskirts. Pear, lime and green apple aromas are followed by delicate stony mineral notes. Displaying good intensity, pear, lime and green apple fruits are supported by zingy acidity with some delicate wet stone elements in the background. Finishes crisp and fruity.
Drink now.
Alc. 12.5% -
- 93
- 93
2024 Jericho Selected Vineyards FianoAdelaide Hills, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$26. 99Bottle$323.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 1 Years (2025-2026)ABV: 13%Closure: StelvinFleshy textured with crunchy acidity and a long saline infused finish.
Brilliant pale straw colour with green tinted edges and a watery hue. Aromas of pear, lime and spicy green apple mix with Mediterranean herb and slatey mineral notes. Fleshy textured the palate features ripe pear, green apple skin and lime flavours over infusions of Mediterranean herbs and wet slate. Crunchy acidity with a long saline infused finish.
Drink over the next year.
Alc. 13%Other Reviews…..
From two sites in the Adelaide Hills – Kersbrook and Kuitpo – fermented and raised in steel. This is delightfully bright and fruit forward, with fresh green pear, lime, orchard blossoms, green almond and a subtle herbal note, recalling fresh mint and butter lettuce. There’s enough texture to give mid-palate shape, with the finish racy and long. Delicious. Drink by 2027.
93 Points
Marcus Ellis – James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion -
- 95
- 94
2025 Mr Riggs Watervale RieslingClare Valley, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$19. 99Bottle$239.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 8 Years (2025-2033)ABV: 11%Closure: StelvinZippy lemon and lime fruits are delivered with impressive intensity across the long, driving finish.
Watervale in the Clare Valley is home to some of Australia’s best’s Rieslings. It’s here that Ben Riggs sources fruit from the Brysky vineyards to produce this zesty lemon lime filled Riesling.
Brilliant water like core with green tinted edges. Lemon and lime zest aromas burst out of the glass pursued by some green apple, chalky talc and steely mineral notes. Zippy lemon and lime fruits race across the palate with impressive intensity. Green apple, wet steel and a chalky minerality extend across the back half. Crisp acidity with a long driving finish.
Drink over the next 6-8 years.
Alc. 11%Other Reviews….
Here’s a wine that expresses all that we love about this region which has produced consistently some of the finest Rieslings we make in this country. This one’s quite a delicate wine, and yet there’s an intensity that opens on the nose with a limey, zesty, floral note, and then catapults into the palate, which is finely held with a delicate acidity supporting the lovely crisp fruit characters. It has a powdery, tense feel on the palate, and yet there is fruit sweetness. Drink 2025-2035.
94 Points
Ray Jordan – WinePilot.com
From a warm and dry vintage when the balance of ripe flavour and natural grape acidity was a critical decision point come harvest. This has got it bang on with a delicate feel – aromas in a familiar yellow and green citrus fruit and blossom mode, the palate more towards lime flesh with on the mark, get set tanginess supportive rather than dominating, offering a fine pith finishing texture. A lovely Clare Riesling with all its elements clear and harmonious.
94 points
Tony Love - WinePilot.com
The wine is bright and pristine, characterised by an elegantly lifted bouquet that features aromas of crunchy apple, lime cordial, and white flowers. On the palate, it presents excellent tension and vibrant acidity, finishing with a refined and crisp dryness. The wine showcases impressive fruit purity and a smooth flow, suggesting it will evolve beautifully over time.
94 points
Sam Kim - Wine Orbit -
- 94
- Special Order Product – Delayed Dispatch
2025 Miss Zilm Watervale RieslingClare Valley, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$24. 99Bottle$299.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 8 Years (2025-2033)ABV: 11%Closure: StelvinA dry, steely Riesling that finishes tense and chalky.
Brilliant water like colour with greenish tinged edges. Pronounced lime juice, lemon and orange rind aromas fill the nostrils trailed by some wet steel and chalky mineral notes. Crunchy lime juice, lemon and orange flavours have a crisp underbelly of zippy, mineral infused acidity. Dry and steely it finishes tense and chalky.
Drink over the next 6-8 years.
Alc. 11% -
- 95
- 95
- Reduced
2021 Nicks Secret FRED Barossa ShirazBarossa Valley, South Australia, AUSTRALIAReduced from $34.99$16. 99Bottle$203.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 5 Years (2025-2030)ABV: 15%Closure: StelvinFrom the same small estate as the 2021 Nicks Secret SE ERB Barossa Shiraz, this lusty Shiraz comes from 40 year old vines and is aged in a combination of French and American oak.
A rich, voluptuous classic old school Barossa Shiraz that at just $17 warrants backing up the truck.
Dense pitch black heart with a deep dark red black tinged hue. Seductive aromas of dark plum, liquorice and mocha waft out of the glass followed by vanillin oak and peppered fennel notes. Rich, super sumptuous and plush, the weighty palate is drenched in succulent dark plum, liquorice and blackberry fruits which morph into a vanillin cedar, fennel and peppered earth background. Outstanding depth and power with silky smooth tannins and a long, voluptuously textured finish.
Drink over the next 4-5 years.
Alc. 15%Other Reviews….
The fruit here hails from forty year old vines, while the wine spent a year and a half maturing in French oak. 2021 is a cracking vintage for the region. Dark magenta in colour, there is real concentration here, with notes of mocha, coffee beans, chocolate, plums and black fruits – a classic and compelling Barossa Shiraz. The wine has richness and depth, and is surely one of the better wines I have seen from these guys. It is dense but dancing and it is impossible not to love the rich plushness. There is early complexity evident too, along with fine balance and great length. A ten year proposition. Drink 2024-2034.
95 Points
Ken Gargett – WinePilot.comUpfront and instantly appealing, the bouquet shows dark fruit intensity, vanilla, smoked meat, and roasted hazelnut aromas. The palate is equally appealing with ripe fruit richness together with supple texture and polished tannins, finishing long and satisfying. At its best: now to 2035.
94 Points
Sam Kim – Wine Orbit -
- 93
- 94
2024 Heggies Vineyard Estate ChardonnayEden Valley, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$32. 99Bottle$395.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 5 Years (2025-2030)ABV: 13%Closure: StelvinNicely fleshed yet elegant and fresh with a finish that’s both refined and focused.
Brilliant very pale straw colour with green highlighted edges and a watery hue. Refined aromatics of white peach and nectarine mix with faint whiffs of dried honey, biscuity nougat, cashew and gun flint. Nicely fleshed yet elegant and fresh in it’s feel, the palate features nectarine, white peach and citrus fruits over a delicate back drop of biscuity nougat and gun flint. Brisk acidity with a finish that’s both refined and focused.
Drink over the next 4-5 years.
Alc. 13%Other Reviews…..
Light straw with cream-flecked white peach, nectarine and citrus fruits undercut with hints of white flowers, nougat and crème fraîche. A distant suggestion of struck flint, vanillin oak, almond paste, oatmeal and soft spice. Lightly textural on the palate with a touch of sour cream richness, a fine, lacy minerality and some really lovely focus as the wine trails off. Drink by 2032.
94 Points
Dave Brookes - James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion -
- 92
- 92
- Special Order Product – Delayed Dispatch
2024 Tamar Ridge ChardonnayTasmania, AUSTRALIA$32. 99Bottle$395.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 2 Years (2025-2027)ABV: 13%Closure: StelvinA harmoniously fresh and well rounded Tassie Chardonnay.
Brilliant water like colour with green tinted edges. Spicy pear, melon and citrus scents are trailed by a faint whiff of biscuity oak. The fruit driven palate features pear, white peach and nectarine fruits over a subtle dried honey and spice back drop. Fleshy textured, it finishes harmoniously fresh and well rounded.
Drink over the next 1-2 years.
Alc. 13%Other Reviews…..
Light straw with a flash of green and aromas of juicy nectarine, fleshy peach and lemon. Hints of clotted cream, nougat, white flowers, stone, vanillin oak, soft spice and almond paste. I like the crunch that the fruit has on the palate, snappy, saline twang and the light crème fraîche tones that follow. The wine slowly retreats – dry, savoury and nicely focused. Drink by 2032.
92 Points
Dave Brookes - James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion -
- 91
- Special Order Product – Delayed Dispatch
2022 Parishes Cabernet SauvignonLanghorne Creek, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$13. 99Bottle$167.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 3 Years (2025-2028)ABV: 14.5%Closure: StelvinA rich, generously fleshed entry level Cabernet.
Dense inky black colour with a very deep dark red black tinged hue. Ripe blackcurrant, mint, subtle earthy dark chocolate, vanillin cedar and spice aromas drift out of the glass. Rich, generously fleshed blackcurrant and ripe mulberry fruits meld into a cedary tobacco, dried herb and spice back drop. Slightly dryish, fine grained tannins with a mid length finish.
Drink over the next 2-3 years.
Alc. 14.5% -
- 94
- Organic
- Biodynamic
2024 Paxton MV ShirazMcLaren Vale, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$23. 99Bottle$287.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2025-2031)ABV: 14%Closure: StelvinRich and opulent with a velvety yet sturdy tannin structure.
Matured for 12 months in French oak. Impenetrable inky black colour with a deep dark red black tinged hue. Liquorice, ripe blackberry and dark plum aromas leap out of the glass followed by vanillin cedar, fennel and blackpepper notes. Rich and opulent, the palate is awash with succulent blackberry, liquorice and dark plum fruits. Spicy vanillin cedar and peppered fennel elements unfold across the back half. Velvety yet sturdy tannin structure with a long-polished finish.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 14% -
- 90
- Special Order Product – Delayed Dispatch
2024 La P’tite Pierre RoseVin de France, FRANCE$19. 99Bottle$239.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 1 Years (2025-2026)ABV: 11%Closure: StelvinFleshy peach and raspberry fruits with a dry, rounded finish.
Very pale salmon pink tinged colour. Peach and strawberry aromas intermix with pomegranate and musk notes. Fleshy peach and raspberry fruits overlay musk and subtle stony mineral characteristics. Supple in its flow, it possesses brisk acidity and a has a dry, rounded finish.
Drink now
Alc. 11% -
- 93
- Special Order Product – Delayed Dispatch
2023 Jericho GSMMcLaren Vale, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$26. 99Bottle$323.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 1 Years (2025-2027)ABV: 14%Closure: StelvinA juicy GSM that shows plenty of spice.
A blend of 83% Grenache, 13% Shiraz and 4% Mourvedre. Dark red core with black toned edges and a red to dark red hue. Aromas of dark raspberry, ripe cherry and red liquorice mix with dried herb and peppered earth notes. Juicy and spicy the palate features ripe raspberry, cherry and liquorice fruits over a peppered dried herb and fennel background. Fleshy mouth feel with velvety tannins and a succulent conclusion.
Drink over the next 1-2 years.
Alc. 14% -
- 92
2024 Chateau Tanunda Grand Barossa ChardonnayBarossa Valley, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$22. 99Bottle$275.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 3 Years (2025-2028)ABV: 13%Closure: StelvinA rich, creamy textured Chardonnay with flavours of peach, honeycomb, butterscotch, bacon fat and spicy nougat.
Matured in French oak. Brilliant pale straw to straw colour with gleaming green tinged edges and a watery hue. Aromas of peach and nectarine overlaid with toasty oak mix with some honeycomb, crème brulee and spicy nougat notes. Rich, creamy textured flavours of peach and honeycomb run over a butterscotch, bacon fat and spicy nougat background. Smooth, rounded mid length finish.
Drink over the next 2-3 years.
Alc. 13% -
- 91
- 93
- Special Order Product – Delayed Dispatch
2024 Tamar Ridge RieslingTasmania, AUSTRALIA$32. 99Bottle$395.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 5 Years (2025-2030)ABV: 12.5%Closure: StelvinCrisp and racy with lime, red apple and citrus fruits overlaying a stony mineral back drop.
Brilliant water like core with green highlights around the edges. Lime, red apple and gentle honeysuckle aromas evolve out of the glass with subtle orange blossom notes also evident. Zesty lime, red apple and citrus fruits overlay a stony mineral back drop. Crisp acidity with a racy finish.
Drink over the next 4-5 years.
Alc. 12.5%Other Reviews…..
An expressive Tamar Valley riesling that is packed with green apple, lemon and lime with underlying hints of orange blossom, stone, lemongrass, lemon curd and soft spice. Just a touch of pithy texture, with a briny focus and a tube of lemon/lime fruit that slides frictionless across the palate, finishing dry and savoury. Drink by 2035.
93 Points
Dave Brookes - James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion -
- 90
- Special Order Product – Delayed Dispatch
2024 Chain of Ponds Millers Creek ChardonnayAdelaide Hills, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$22. 99Bottle$275.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 2 Years (2025-2027)ABV: 12%Closure: StelvinA mid weighted, fruit driven style of Chardonnay.
Brilliant pale straw colour with distinct highlights of green around the outskirts and a watery hue. Ripe peach, tropical fruit and melon aromas rise from the glass with hints of biscuity nougat and spice also apparent. Fleshy peach, melon and tropical fruit flavours greet the palate. Delicate biscuit and spice elements sit in the background. Moderately fresh, it finishes with medium length.
Drink over the next 1-2 years.
Alc. 12% -
- 91
- Special Order Product – Delayed Dispatch
2024 Hunter-Gatherer ChardonnayMacedon, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$39. 99Bottle$479.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 3 Years (2025-2028)ABV: 12%Closure: StelvinA creamy, mid weighted Chardonnay that finishes round and supple.
Bright straw colour with green tinted edges and a watery hue. Aromas of peach, apricot and dried honey evolve from the glass followed by some citrusy nougat and crème brulee notes. Rich, creamy textured flavours of peach, dried honey, ripe nectarine, crème brulee, cashew and subtle bacon fat are draped across the mid weighted palate. Finishes round and supple.
Drink over the next 2-3 years.
Alc. 12% -
- 92
2020 Three Brothers Reunited ShirazSouth Australia, AUSTRALIA$9. 99Bottle$119.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 3 Years (2026-2029)ABV: 14.5%Closure: StelvinIt’s a rare achievement in this industry for a wine to maintain its price point for more than 20 years without sacrificing quality, even more so when it's priced under $10. But the Three Brothers Reunited Shiraz has done just that. Most new labels (particularly in the sub $20 category) start with a bang and over deliver in the first couple of vintages in an attempt to win new customer's loyalty. However, in follow up releases they often stretch expectations of quality in order to meet increased demand. Gradually the brand fades away as customers are disillusioned with what's become a lesser wine. Three Brothers, on the other hand, has made quality and consistency its number one priority, only gradually increasing production while growing a very loyal customer base that's made this our top selling red for over 20 years.
Juicy and silky textured this is a terrific, everyday drinking Shiraz for just $10.
Deep dark red black tinged colour with a dark red hue. Sailing out of the glass with impressive intensity are aromas of dark cherry, liquorice and dark plum which are interwoven with some scorched earth, vanillin spice and peppered dried herb notes. A touch lighter in weight than the 2019 vintage, the medium bodied palate is layered with rich, juicy dark plum, dark cherry and liquorice fruits which carry a silky flow. Subtle dried herb, scorched earth and pepper elements are threaded through the back half. Slightly grainy yet polished tannins with an amply fruited, pepper laced finish.
Drink over the next 2-3 years.
Alc. 14.5% -
- Nick's Import
Janneau 5 Year Old Grand Armagnac (700ml)Armagnac, FRANCE$79. 99Bottle$959.88 DozenABV: 40%This now-discontinued youngster should prove Armagnac doesn't require long ageing to be approachable. Offering a lighter body with distinct fruity flavours, vanilla notes, and a smooth, woody finish, use it as a high-end substitute for your everyday brandy - in long drinks, on the rocks, or as a base for cocktails. 40% Alc./Vol.
- Papalin Reunion 10 Year Old Vatted Rum (700ml)FRANCE$220. 00Bottle$2640.00 DozenABV: 50%
After a release dedicated to Jamaica, the spotlight shifts to France's Reunion Island, located east of Madagascar. Here we have an intriguing blend of pot-distilled molasses-based rums from four different distilleries. It equates to a total of 32 casks (including ex-cognac, ex-bourbon and ex-whisky), all entirely aged in their respective distillery warehouses in a tropical climate. Rums up to 15 years old are in the mix, but at its heart is an 11 year old 'Grande Arome' - the French Caribbean equivalent of a high ester Jamaican. We're told this should please fans of Savanna or light Grand Arome funk who want a dry, naturally unsweetened sipper. Bottled November 2023. 50% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... On the nose, medicinal notes like glue, esters, oak, roasted wood notes, sweet, flowery molasses with honey and fermented, almost rotten, pungent tropical fruits, strawberries, vegetal notes, bump into our nostrils. On aeration, roastedness is strong with smokiness, leather, cinammon arises, some citrus fruits. On the palate, the attack is strong, pungent with overripe, fermented red and citrus fruits, hints if sugarcane, honey, vegetal molasses that on oxidation goes grassy, herbaceous, flowery, even dark with black tea, the wood is roasted/toasted, sweet with pastry, caramel, leather, spicy with cinnamon, nutmeg, salty. The finish is long, furry and tannic, with tons of fermented fruits, vegetal notes, smoky and spicy roasted wood, grassy and sweet molasses with honey. - rumratings.com
- Fee Brothers Habanero Bitters (150ml)Rochester, New York, UNITED STATES$26. 99Bottle$323.88 DozenABV: 7%
With a garden-fresh essence, Fee Brothers Habanero Bitters go beyond mere heat, infusing each sip with a vibrant burst of tantalising flavour. Bring your drinks to spicy perfection! 7% Alc./Vol. Shake well before use.
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Janneau XXO Grand Armagnac (700ml)Armagnac, FRANCE$199. 99Bottle$2399.88 DozenThe beautifully presented XXO (Extra Extra Old or Hors d'Age) is intended to showcase the skills of Janneau's Master Blender, working from a rigorous selection of eaux-de-vie chosen especially for their superior aromatic qualities. The composition includes Ugni Blanc, Baco and Folle Blanche from Tenareze and Bas Armagnac. The youngest eau-de-vie in this blend is a 14 year old - well above the minimum legal age of ten years, and much of it significantly older than that. As a general rule, Armagnacs in this category work well paired with dishes such as guinea fowl with fruit, roast duck breast with honey, cep mushroom omelette or with fruit-based desserts such as a tarte tatin, pear charlotte, candied oranges and those made with chocolate like a black forest gateau or chocolate mousse.
Notes from the producers... Nose: Pear, vine peach, mirabelle plum and cherry blossom. Palate: Candied prune, quince jelly, cocoa finish and roasted hazelnuts.
2025 : TROPHY ISC – International Spirits Challenge
2024 : Double Gold Medal ISC – International Spirits Challenge
2024 : Gold Medal – 95 points IWSC – International Wine & Spirits Competition
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- Nick's Import
Janneau 12 Year Old Grand Armagnac (700ml)Armagnac, FRANCE$99. 99Bottle$1199.88 DozenABV: 40%Distilled from 100% Ugni Blanc, this coppery amber coloured Armagnac offers dominant aromas of cooked plum, vanilla and clove with a frank and balanced attack. 40% Alc./Vol.
Silver Medal, 91 points - IWSC International Wine & Spirit Competition 2022
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- Nick's Import
Janneau VS Tradition Grand Armagnac (700ml)Armagnac, FRANCE$69. 99Bottle$839.88 DozenABV: 40%As French brandies go, Armagnac is the lesser-known rival to Cognac, despite being its forerunner. It usually stems from small family producers - unlike the big multinational names that dominate Cognac. Janneau is reputedly Armagnac's oldest house. Their VS is aged for at least three years, distilled from Baco and Ugni Blanc harvested from the two main regions of the Appellation - Ténarèze and Bas-Armagnac resulting in a light and supple expression.
Other reviews... See, even the Armagnacqais are now adding age statements to their young spirits. A matter of trust and transparency! Colour: gold. Nose: lovely, fresh, fruity, full of yellow peaches, golden raisins, and yellow melons (Spanish?) Orchard fruits. It’s not an old-style ‘caramelised’ armagnac at all, even if it does get a little fudge-y after a few minutes. Vanilla fudge. Mouth: well, the vanilla got a little loud for me, and the spirit’s a little rough, perhaps. Not feinty of course, but perhaps a little too eau-de-vie-ish, reminding us of some ‘white’ armagnacs that they like to drink down there in the Gers region. The vanilla and the oak are a little prominent, and make me think of many a modern Scotch malt whisky. Right NAS. Finish: rather short, an a little oaky. Comments: the nose was quite superb, but the palate’s pretty uninteresting. Unless, I guess, you add a few ice cubes. Maybe that’s the point… 75 points - whiskyfun.com
Gold Medal CGA – Concours Général Agricole 2024
Notes from the producers... Colour: Bright amber. Nose: Very fresh and fruity with aromas of young plums and iodine as well as vanilla and liquorice. Palate: Flavours of oak and chocolate.
- Papalin Jamaica 5 Year Old High Ester Vatted Rum (700ml)JAMAICA$139. 99Bottle$1679.88 DozenABV: 57%
A follow-up Jamaican effort from the house of Velier, blended by Luca Gargano and bottled in October 2024. The result of 63 tropically aged barrels from three distilleries, at 47% Alc./Vol., this should be one of the more accessible high ester expressions released by this independent to date.
Other reviews... A blend of three ‘pot still’ Jamaicans. This ought to be compact, with each of the three distilleries naturally cancelling out some of the others’ character. Or not – let’s have a look, especially as nowhere is it stated that the three distilleries are present in equal proportions. Colour: gold. Nose: dry-cured ham with dried banana and pistachio oil, plus some new plastics à la supermarket bag – alas those were banned here some years ago, so I’m relying on memory. In any case this feels more like ‘low esters’ than ‘high esters'. With water: go easy with the water or it drifts off into rainwater and silt. Not a great swimmer, then, but that doesn’t mean anything. Mouth (neat): now we’re talking – excellent, young, a little rough, sharp and dry, but with notes of rambutan in syrup. Really. With water: some floral touches. Finish: not very long, truth be told. Comments: excellent stuff, though it does feel a little as though the components have somewhat cancelled each other out indeed, yielding a rather light rum. Light for a Jamaican that’s not Appleton, of course. Wait, is there Appleton in here? Either way, this is the gentlest of the high esters we’ve tried in recent months. 84 points - whiskyfun.com
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Janneau VSOP Grand Armagnac (700ml)Armagnac, FRANCE$79. 99Bottle$959.88 DozenABV: 40%"Very superior quality, old and pale" is the precise translation for this category, a term hailing from traditional Anglo-Saxon traders. Armagnac regulations stipulate that a VSOP brandy is made from a blend of eaux-de-vie aged for at least four years in oak. In practice, the Armagnac houses often use much older stocks as they make for a richer experience. In this case, spirits up to 20 years old were drawn from French oak casks stored in Janneau's ancient cellars. 40% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... Sweet aromas of vanilla bean and oak tinged with orange peel lead the nose. Oak also leads the palate, balancing between tannic dryness and richer vanilla, winding into a spiced finish dusted with cocoa powder. 91 points - winenethusiast.com
Notes from the producers... Nose: Fig and honey aromas, oaky and tannic. Hints of leather and caramel. Palate: Persistent impression of toasted golden raisins and spices. Notes of fruit jelly.
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Janneau XO Grand Armagnac (700ml)Armagnac, FRANCEReduced from $125.00$119. 99Bottle$1439.88 DozenABV: 40%Armagnac is France's oldest brandy, recognised since the Middle Ages for its therapeutic properties. It came into its own in the 15th century, with trade peaking in the 1800s. The region's vineyards were subsequently destroyed by phylloxera, only to be replanted at the beginning of the 20th century. In 1909 a decree was issued under the presidency of a local boy, President Fallières, delimiting the region permitted to produce the brandy, finally defining the Armagnac Appellation Contrôlée and its three regions in 1936.
At Janneau, the oldest of the great Armagnac houses, the spirit is distilled in two different ways: "Armagnacais" (single, continuous distillation) and "Double Distillation" which involves pot stills. In the latter, wine flows from a vat to the first still acting as the cooling agent and allowing the vapours to condense. This first product is called "brouillis" and is distilled again, however the liquid at the very beginning and end of the process (called the "head & tail") is left out as it contains some impurities. Only the heart – that part which achieves the desired quality – is kept. The freshly distilled Armagnac is clear, decidedly fruity with occasional plum, green apple and vanilla notes.
The XO is the brand's flagship expression, blending Baco and Ugni Blanc eaux-de-vie from Bas-Armagnac and Ténarèze. While the youngest liquid in the composition is ten years old, others have been resting in oak for more than three decades. Expect aromas of candied plum, reine-claude plum, oak and red fruits and intense but well-balanced flavours hinting at oak, quince and sour cherries with a spicy finish. 40% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... Rich, comforting caramel and toffee aromas warm the nose. The palate is a bit lighter than the aromas suggest but still rewards with rounded vanilla, cocoa and espresso, fading into nutmeg and mouthwatering lemon peel brightness. 94 points - wineenthusiast.com
Gold Medal / 96 points - International Wine & Spirits Competition 2022
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Sullivans Cove Double Cask Barrel DC122 Single Malt Australian Whisky (700ml)Hobart, Tasmania, AUSTRALIA$250. 00Bottle$3000.00 DozenABV: 47.8%Matured in a combination of French oak x-tawny casks and x Bourbon barrels, the port input brings a sultriness to the bouquet, closer to the Double Cask profile we've enjoyed in earlier batches. Lightish in body, with a sweet toasted bread character and hints of baked pear in tow; ovaltine mingles with crystallised pineapple and dried peach through the finish. Affable, soft and 'fruity' - a good introduction to the distillery's most accessible whisky. 1460 bottles at 47.6% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered. Tasted from a 20ml sample.
Other reviews... [Batch 118 tasted] Double Cask is ostensibly Sullivans Cove's most widely available bottling. Still, more expensive single-cask releases are far more common, and because Double Cask is their most affordable product, the handful of batches released every year get snapped up within hours. Double Cask has improved remarkably over the last decade, evolving from a base of average to poor quality casks to a true symphony played by an orchestra of cask types and conducted by production manager Heather Tillott. Batch number 118 is no exception, with Cadbury, apricot muesli bars and rolled oats leaping from the glass, with just a whiff of juicy tawny playing the bass notes. It doesn't translate with such intensity on the palate, and given its price, you might expect more cohesion. It sports a slight burn on the finish—nonetheless, it is a highly complex and enjoyable whisky. 90 points - winecompanion.com
- Ned Australian Whisky (700ml)Victoria, AUSTRALIA$65. 99Bottle$791.88 DozenABV: 40%
Distilled from Australian grain using a proprietary process, this Bourbon inspired whisky includes a typical Kentucky mash-bill, sour mash fermented, double distilled and matured in 200 litre American oak barrels. The result is an easy-drinking but tasty sipper crafted for locals. Awarded a Silver Medal at the 2021 Australian Distilled Spirits Awards, the judges said, "Caramel and earthy spice. Quite sweet on the palate, corn flakes and toffee.” 40% Alc./Vol.
Notes from the producers... Aroma: Coconut and vanilla with hints of stone and dry fruit. Moves into the rich grain with hints of chocolate, then dry at the end. Flavour: Sweet oak moving into spicy grains, with a hint of dried fruit. Then mocha and oak, with vanilla and dry coconut. Finish: The finish is spicy and clean heat, smooth but powerful. Long after flavour of sweet oak and dark chocolate.
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2022 Nicks Secret APB ShirazFrankland River, Western Australia, AUSTRALIAReduced from $34.99$13. 99Bottle$167.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 5 Years (2025-2030)ABV: 14.5%Closure: StelvinFrom a Margaret River producer who has sourced fruit from a single vineyard in the Frankland River to make this terrific rich, juicy Shiraz. Maturation took place in a mix of new and older larger format French oak barrels for a period of 12 months.
A rich, juicy Frankland River Shiraz that’s an absolute steal at this Nicks Secret price.
Midnight black heart with a dark red black tinged hue. Nosing evokes aromas of spicy black cherry and liquorice which are interwoven with scorched earth, vanillin cedar and blackpepper. Rich black cherry and liquorice fruits carry a juicy feel across the mid weighted palate. Superb concentration for the price point with subtle scorched earth, vanillin cedar and blackpepper elements ensuing. Ripe, slightly chewy tannins with a long deeply fruited finish.
Drink over the next 4-5 years.
Alc. 14.5%Other Reviews….
It’s wonderfully complex and enticing on the nose, showing blackberry, vanilla, liquorice, star anise, and spicy oak characters, leading to a deliciously expressed palate offering fleshy texture and velvety tannins. Sumptuous and soothing with a persistent, robust finish. At its best: now to 2035.
95 Points
Sam Kim – WineOrbitFrom a single vineyard in the Frankland River region in Western Australia, the fruit was pressed into a mix of new and older large French oak vessels after a gentle ferment over two weeks. Maturation was for one year. The wine represents fabulous value. It is no secret how good the best Shiraz from Frankland River can be and that makes this great buying. The colour is a dark maroon. The nose reveals notes of black fruits, aniseed, chocolate, coffee beans, graphite and soy. The structure is seamless, dense but dancing, and there is serious length with immaculate balance. The lingering finish exhibits the silkiest of tannins. Enjoy this over the next ten to twelve years. Really impressive. Drink 2025-2037.
94 Points
Ken Gargett – WinePilot.comThis is a warm-hearted shiraz with saltbush, iron and general herb characters threaded through black cherry, ripe plum and choc-mint. It’s a wine of substance but it’s also a wine of both polish and freshness; the fruit itself has a jellied, boysenberry-like edge and the wine’s texture has a softness. The firmness of the finish here also suggests that this wine can be cellared with confidence.
93 Points
Campbell Mattinson.com -
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Glengoyne Sherry Matured 21 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) - New PackagingHighlands, SCOTLAND$320. 00Bottle$3840.00 DozenABV: 43%Very limited stocks at Nick's import pricing. Elsewhere pay $400+
The very handsomely presented Glengoyne 21YO re-launched around 2020. Since then, allocations from official sources have been erratic, and it's been too expensive to promote - until now. We've managed to secure a small parcel at a sharper direct import price that sherry heads should jump on. Matured exclusively in first-fill Oloroso and Pedro Ximenez European oak casks, give this whisky time to open up and you're onto something quite special. The deep mahogany colour builds your expectations, then the nose lets you down. But what is at first underwhelming richens and deepens over 30 minutes (and beyond), revealing a sherry-saturate; dried peel, walnut slice, new leather, wood shavings and brazil nuts; further time enhances and sweetens the bouquet accenting dried apricot, thick peel marmalade, cigar box and more. Lean and gently bitter sweet on entry, the style here is medium dry with spicy wood tannins and warming, balanced spirit. The sherry input and dried fruits rally, concluding fully, still fresh and satisfying, lingering with hints of rancio, dark chocolate, muscat and crushed walnut in its trail. First impressions don't count for much in this superb example of older malt that demands extended breathing. Find a comfortable chair, sit back and let this whisky teach you the benefits of patience. Natural colour. 43% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews… The nose is at first not overly promising, but it settles as it warms and what follows on the palate is at times glorious. Few whiskies will match this for its bitter sweet depth which is pure text book. Glengoyne as few will have seen it before. 93 points - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2017
I haven’t tried this expression since 2013. Should be good. Colour: deep gold. Nose: really a classic, extremely well balanced, perhaps a tad conservative but that’s rather an asset in this context. I absolutely adore these notes of stewed peaches and quinces, for example, as well as the Sauternes and the honey. Wonderful and rather the opposite of ‘modern’ whisky. Mouth: extremely good, but too easy to quaff down, really. Lovely caramel and fudge, honey, buttered popcorn, marmalade, maple syrup and just one or two roasted raisins. Finish: medium, perfectly clean, seductive, malty, and cake-y. Who does not like this doesn’t like malt whisky at all. Comments: rather impressed with this little baby. I don’t think all batches are this good, but there, it’s typically moreish! 89 points - whiskyfun.com
...The aroma is well-balanced with plenty of honeyed distillery character shining through, despite the first fill aging, which can sometimes result in an overbearing sherry character. That’s not to say there isn’t plenty of sherry influence here, but it’s exceptionally well-balanced. Enrobing notes of chewy malts and shortbread are deep, fruity complements of candy apple, fig jam, and almond torte. As things open up, a heavily caramelized sugar note, almost toasted, takes hold, giving things even more of a dessert-inspired aroma. The palate is even more impressive with a similarly well-balanced sherry profile of currants, dark berry cobbler, and raw honey. It’s not as nutty as some sherried single malts, with more of a fruity, simple syrup sweetness, very subtly smoked, that carries beautifully and consistently across the palate. The finish is long and warming with a brief flourish of baking spice that erodes into lingering notes of raspberry jam, orange marmalade, and soft oak. A solid value for an older single malt of such impressive quality. - drinkhacker.com
Double Gold Medal - San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2025
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2022 M. Chapoutier Ermitage Le PavillonHermitage, Northern Rhone, FRANCE$799. 00Bottle$9588.00 DozenABV: 14%Closure: CorkOther Reviews....
The pristine 2022 Ermitage Le Pavillon stands tall next to both the 2021 and 2023 vintages. Vividly displaying ripe black fruit, licorice, pencil shaving, crushed violet notes and a flicker of mocha, the full-bodied and concentrated 2022 shows even more richness on the palate than the Le Méal from the same vintage. Round and generous, this is a Le Pavillon for the hedonists, gracefully winding down with a long and savory finale. Drink 2028-2040.
96 points
Nicolas Greinacher - VinousDense and well-composed, this showcases mulberries, plums, roasted meat, dried herbs, leather and stones. Full-bodied with ripe, sinewy tannins. The spicy influence on this warm, dry vintage brings vivacity, intensity and character to a concentrated core of dark berries. This shows solid frame and structure and a lingering, peppery finish. From biodynamically grown grapes. Drink from 2029.
98 points
James SucklingA profound and utterly gorgeous wine, the 2022 Ermitage Le Pavillon reveals notes of ozone, graphite, asphalt, ripe black fruits, and leather. Full-bodied, concentrated, and rich on the palate, it has plenty of ripe tannins and a blockbuster finish. Coming all from the Les Bessards lieu-dit located on the western side of Hermitage, this beauty was 85% destemmed and spent 18 months in a mix of demi-muids and puncheons. It has riveting purity, depth, and length, and certainly tops out my scale. Hide bottles for 7-8 years and enjoy through 2062. Drink 2032-2060
100 points
Jeb DunnuckPlum and damson compote, star anise and soy on the nose. This is fresh and lithe, with marked acidity and a great explosion of flavour; bright as a meteor. Not as long as some vintages on the finish, but certainly makes an impression. The pH is at 3.6 naturally through concentration, and nearly 14% alcohol. Remarkably athletic in acid and tannin for a 2022. From lieu-dit Les Bessards. Drink 2030-2050.
96 points
Matt Walls - Decanter -
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2018 Thibaud Boudignon Savennieres Clos de la HutteLoire Valley, FRANCE$199. 00Bottle$2388.00 DozenABV: 12%Closure: CorkBased in Savennieres, Thibaud Boudignon is one of the new young stars of the Loire Valley. In addition to his prime plots in Savennieres, Thibaud also owns two small vineyards across the river on the south side of the Loire in the Anjou. Thibaud has worked with Philippe Charlopin in Gevrey Chambertin, Chateau Lafite Rothschild in Bordeaux (amongst others) and also in Australia before settling in the Loire, thereby building up a wealth of experience without having been born into a wine producing family. Working organically in the vineyards he harvests by hand making successive tries throughout each vineyard ending with yields that are much lower than the appellation rules allow. In the winery the grapes are whole bunch pressed with no settling and the juice is kept cold before starting a long slow fermentation. He vinifies with natural yeasts and ages the wines on lees with minimal SO2 in a mixture of barrels ranging from 300-600 litres.
Situated in the commune of La Possonnière, the Clos de la Hutte is an ancient religious site of 7 hectares, of which 2.6 are planted with vines. At the heart of this ancient monastery are vines produced from a massal selection of Chenin Blanc coming from the best domaines of the Loire. Vinification occurs in 50% oval demi muid, 25% in 320 liter cigars, and 25% in 500 liter barriques. The ageing lasts one year in wood and a minimum of 3 months in stainless steel.
Other Reviews....
The 2018 Savennières Clos de la Hutte offers an intense, complex and elegant nose that combines mineral depth and purity with the fruit generosity of the vintage. Still from very young vines—just seven years old—on solid schist and vinified in equal parts in 350- and 500-liter barrels (15% new), this is a full-bodied, intense and juicy yet pure, vital, surprisingly fresh and persistently mineral-driven Chenin with fine tannins from La Possonnière. Bottled with a moderate 12% stated alcohol but lots of intensity and structure. Natural cork. Tasted in January 2022. Drink 2024-2038.
94 points
Stephan Reinhardt - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate -
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2018 Thibaud Boudignon Savennieres Clos FremineLoire Valley, FRANCE$170. 00Bottle$2040.00 DozenABV: 12.5%Closure: CorkBased in Savennieres, Thibaud Boudignon is one of the new young stars of the Loire Valley. In addition to his prime plots in Savennieres, Thibaud also owns two small vineyards across the river on the south side of the Loire in the Anjou. Thibaud has worked with Philippe Charlopin in Gevrey Chambertin, Chateau Lafite Rothschild in Bordeaux (amongst others) and also in Australia before settling in the Loire, thereby building up a wealth of experience without having been born into a wine producing family. Working organically in the vineyards he harvests by hand making successive tries throughout each vineyard ending with yields that are much lower than the appellation rules allow. In the winery the grapes are whole bunch pressed with no settling and the juice is kept cold before starting a long slow fermentation. He vinifies with natural yeasts and ages the wines on lees with minimal SO2 in a mixture of barrels ranging from 300-600 litres.
This Clos Fremine site adjoins Clos de la Hutte separated only by stone walls surrounding each Clos and a tiny road between and is planted to 1.5ha of vines from massale selection, with the original material coming from vines of more than 100 years old. Sloping towards the Loire the soils have a fine cover of sand blown over the underlying schist across many millenia which conveys a silky elegance to the resulting wine, giving more immediacy and enabling this wine to be appreciated in its youth.
Other Reviews....
Thibaud planted the vineyard only in 2014 and aged his 2018 Savennières Clos de Frémine in 350- and 500-liter barrels (10% new). The result is stunning. The wine opens with a dense and finely yeasty nose with deeper layers of crushed crystalline rocks, perfectly ripe and fleshy Chenin fruit and very discreet hints of mocha and nougat. Generous but playful, refined and elegant on the palate, this is a textural and stimulatingly salty young Savennières with lush fruit and lingering, palate-tickling and stimulating salinity that gives a crisp, pure, almost Riesling-like and bitter finish. It is a remarkably fresh and filigreed but textured Chenin for such a warm vintage. 12.5% stated alcohol. Natural cork. Tasted in January 2022. Drink 2022-2032.
91 points
Stephan Reinhardt - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate -
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2018 Thibaud Boudignon Savennieres La Vigne CendreeLoire Valley, FRANCE$170. 00Bottle$2040.00 DozenABV: 12%Closure: CorkBased in Savennieres, Thibaud Boudignon is one of the new young stars of the Loire Valley. In addition to his prime plots in Savennieres, Thibaud also owns two small vineyards across the river on the south side of the Loire in the Anjou. Thibaud has worked with Philippe Charlopin in Gevrey Chambertin, Chateau Lafite Rothschild in Bordeaux (amongst others) and also in Australia before settling in the Loire, thereby building up a wealth of experience without having been born into a wine producing family. Working organically in the vineyards he harvests by hand making successive tries throughout each vineyard ending with yields that are much lower than the appellation rules allow. In the winery the grapes are whole bunch pressed with no settling and the juice is kept cold before starting a long slow fermentation. He vinifies with natural yeasts and ages the wines on lees with minimal SO2 in a mixture of barrels ranging from 300-600 litres.
This tiny site of 0.5 ha on soils of clay over purple schist and granite lies high above Chateau de Varennes not far from La Roche aux Moines. Thibaud bought and renovated this plot in 2014. This small vineyard is enclosed by trees on all sides so it is a peaceful space where one hears only the birds. "La Vigne Cendrée", in spite of its small surface is an exceptional mosaic of terroir : purple schist, granite and clay silt. Because of the clay and the southern exposition, this wine is naturally richer. Half is aged in 226 litre burgundy barrels and half in foudre, with no new wood, for 12 months.
Other Reviews....
The 2018 Savennières La Vigne Cendrée (cinder or ash vine) comes from three-year-old vines in a small, south-facing vineyard with a complex terroir changing from purple schist to granite to clayey silt. It was vinified naturally in Burgundian barrels and in foudre for 12 months, with no new oak, and bottled with 12% alcohol. The wine opens with intense but also pure, delicate, floral-scented fruit that is absolutely alluring in its slatey fragrancy and spiciness. On the palate, this medium-weight Chenin is pure, clear, fresh, light-footed, remarkably filigreed and finessed but also dense and intense, celebrating delicate and elegant Chenin fruit. What a beautiful drinking pleasure! This is a frisky, vital, energetic, minerally grippy and stimulatingly tensioned, sustainably salty and palate-tickling Savennières in the leaner, fresher, classical style. A pretty fabulous result for such a young vineyard in such a dramatically dry and hot vintage. Natural cork. Tasted in January 2022. Drink 2022-2033.
94 points
Stephan Reinhardt - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate -
- Nick's Import
Janneau 18 Year Old Grand Armagnac (700ml)Armagnac, FRANCE$129. 99Bottle$1559.88 DozenABV: 43%Distilled from Ugni Blanc grapes sourced from Ténarèze. The youngest eaux-de-vie in the blend is at least 18 years old.
Other reviews... This baby was integrally double-distilled in one set of stills. It’s 100% ugni blanc. Oh and it’s got a nice age statement instead of some very woolly name. Like Grand Prestige Of The Mousquetaires Du Roy. Whatever… Colour: deep gold. Nose: another category for sure. Lovely tropical fruits (papayas covered with honey and nectars) plus ripe peaches and fresh liquorice, then a little custard, tobacco, and sandalwood. Lovely freshness. Mouth: it’s still got young Armagnac’s grittiness, but that’s totally an asset here. Liquorice, black chocolate, orange blossom water, baklavas, more tinned peaches, and quite curiously, a spoonful of smoked tea. Finish: this is where it loses points, it’s a tad too grassy and drying. Lack a little, shall we say vibrancy? A wee touch of sugar, don’t know where that’s coming from. Comments: not perfect but I think it’s very good, very solid middle-aged Armagnac. And hey, it comes with an age statement (in general, and just like in Scotland, NAS-ers always try to make you believe that their make is older than it actually is). 80 points - whiskyfun.com
Notes from the producers... Colour: Beautiful brown copper reflections. Nose: Aromas of dry fruits with a dominance of walnuts and hazelnuts, balanced by floral aromas. Palate: Frank attack, rich and supple tannins. Persistent flavour of liquorice.
Silver Medal – 92 points - IWSC International Wine & Spirit Competition 2023
- Fee Brothers Old Fashioned Aromatic Bitters (150ml)Rochester, New York, UNITED STATES$25. 99Bottle$311.88 DozenABV: 17.5%Closure: Cork
Since its establishment in 1864, Fee Brothers continue to expand with a product list boasting over 80 drink mix products. The company presently has six different bitters. Up until now, some of these ingredients have been difficult to find despite being essential for many classic cocktail recipes which are returning to popularity. In general, we've found the Fee Bros. range of bitters to be more pungent than others on the market, so they offer fantastic value for money by being used sparingly.
Fee Bros. 'Old Fashioned' is a classic Bitters essential to every bar. Key ingredients include Angostura bark, spice flavours, citrus oil and gentian. Perfect in a Manhattan or a Planter's Punch amongst many other classic drinks, as well as soups, minced meat, plum pudding and many other preparations. 17.5% Alc./Vol.
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- Nick's Import
Maxime Trijol Selection XO Cognac (700ml)Cognac, FRANCE$99. 99Bottle$1199.88 DozenABV: 40%A super buy in XO Cognac with the presentation to match.
A 'sister' bottling to our biggest selling XO cognac, Maxime Trijol's 'XO Selection' is composed of slightly younger eaux de vie, drawing on a higher proportion of Ugni Blanc from the Fins Bois appellation. The value looks to be just as exceptional as their signature XO, with no big brand house coming close to the price being offered here. 40% Alc./Vol.
Notes from the producers... Amber-mahogany dress with golden and coppery highlights. Brilliant colour. The first nose is floral (iris, jasmine) and spicy (hazelnut, vanilla wood). The attack is silky and voluptuous. The aromatic notes are intense and round (floral, fruity marmalade, woody). Very beautiful, noble and well-balanced Cognac.
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- 91
- 91
2024 Delas Saint Esprit Cotes du Rhone BlancCotes du Rhone, Southern Rhone, FRANCE$26. 99Bottle$323.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 3 Years (2025-2028)ABV: 13.5%Closure: Diam CorkA texturally voluminous dry white with brisk underlying acidity.
Brilliant pale straw colour with straw tinged edges and a watery hue. Aromas of pear and red apple mix with faint musk, honeysuckle and wet stone notes. Shapely in its feel the palate features ripe pear and apricot fruit over spicy peach, delicate honeysuckle and wet stone characters. Texturally voluminous it has brisk underlying acidity and a well rounded finish.
Drink over the next 2-3 years.
Alc. 13.5%Other Reviews….
A mouthful of peach and acacia blossom and a very attractive freshness. Medium-bodied, but quite some power to the nicely balanced and very clean finish. A cuvee based on grenache blanc with viognier, marsanne, roussane and a very small amount of clairette. Drink or hold.
91 Points
JamesSuckling.com -
- 94
- 93
2025 Mandala Pinot NoirYarra Valley, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$26. 99Bottle$323.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 3 Years (2026-2029)ABV: 13%Closure: StelvinA delicious Yarra Valley Pinot that has a silky feel and lengthy finish.
Matured for 9 months in 25% new French oak. Semi translucent dark red colour with black shaded edges and a light red hue. Fragrant scents of violet, red to dark cherry and strawberry sail from the glass trailed by some clove, bramble and spicy rhubarb notes. Delicious cherry and strawberry fruits are layered across the palate with a supple feel. Some brambly forest floor, dried herb and spice elements unfold across the back half. Silky smooth tannins with a polished feel to the lengthy finish.
Drink over the next 2-3 years.
Alc. 13%Other Reviews….
Fruit from Yarra Junction and Dixons Creek. A light ruby garnet. Gently fragrant with its aromas of strawberries, rose petals, white pepper and cinnamon. It's medium bodied and persistent, with enough tannin to suggest this will take six to 12 months to approach its ideal drinking window. Drink by 2029.
93 Points
Philip Rich - James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion
















































