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- Special Order Product – Delayed Dispatch
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2023 Mount Avoca Estate ShirazPyrenees, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$23. 99Bottle$287.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 2 Years (2025-2027)ABV: 13.5%Closure: StelvinA disjointed wine with an edgy feel and short finish.
Impenetrable inky black heart with a deep dark red black tinged hue. Charry oak and barnyard scents dominate the nose with some liquorice and peppered earth notes also evident. Spicy plum and liquorice fruits line the palate overlaying an earthy barnyard, smoky cedar and pepper back drop. Edgy acidity and chalky tannins with a short finish.
Drink over the next 1-2 years.
Alc. 13.5% -
- 95
- Organic
2022 Solum Wines SyrahPyrenees, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$24. 99Bottle$299.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 8 Years (2025-2033)ABV: 14%Closure: StelvinRich and earthy with juicy black fruits, a muscular feel and long peppery finish.
Matured in French oak for 14 months. Dense inky black colour with a deep dark red black hue. Pronounced aromas of blackberry, liquorice and black cherry fill the nostrils followed by some scorched earth, vanillin cedar and peppered meat notes. Rich and earthy, the palate features juicy blackberry, liquorice and black cherry fruits over a vanillin cedar, scorched earth, dried meat and peppered herb back drop. Meaty and muscular in it’s feel with ripe chewy tannins. The long, deeply fruited finish showing plenty of pepper.
Drink over the next 6-8 years.
Alc. 14% -
- 94
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2023 Hatch Lyndoch ShirazBarossa, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$49. 99Bottle$599.88 DozenRich, fresh, plush and generous.
Magnificent colour featuring an impenetrable inky black core and an equally deep dark purple black hue. Freshly crushed blackberry, dark plum and liquorice aromas sail out of the glass followed by vanillin cedar, inky earth and pepper notes. Rich juicy dark plum, blackberry and liquorice fruits engulf the mouth with notions of vanillin cedar, earth and pepper lying underneath. Polished tannins finishing fresh, plush and generous.
Drink over the next 6-8 years.
Alc. 14.5%Other Reviews….
Comes mostly from a single vineyard in Lyndoch within the Barossa and after gentle fermentation and plunging it was matured for 17 months in mostly seasoned French oak and about 20% American. Hatcher has chosen not to use any new oak, and it seems to be a good call. The fruit has power, poise and structure. Has a grainy minerality contributing to its vibrancy and energy. A classy wine from a classy winemaker. Drink 2024-2039.
96 Points
Ray Jordan – WinePilot.comShiraz sourced from the parish of Lyndoch in the south of the Barossa Valley. A vivid magenta-splashed crimson in the glass with a swell of pure blackberry, blood plum and blueberry that unfurls on the palate. Hints of baking spices, tobacco, dark chocolate bullets, pan juices, clove, softly spoken vanillin oak and turned earth. The tannin profile is of real interest here, kinetic and showing elasticity, with a lightly compacted powdered stone feel. Great length of flavour and fruit purity, too; it's a super southern Barossa drink. Drink by 2038.
95 Points
Dave Brookes – James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion -
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2021 Famille Perrin Coudoulet de Beaucastel Cotes du RhoneCotes du Rhone, Southern Rhone, FRANCE$89. 99Bottle$1079.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2025-2031)ABV: 14%Closure: StelvinA medium to full bodied Cotes du Rhone that has a refined feel and long peppery finish.
Deep black dark red core with a dark red hue. Elevated black raspberry and liquorice aromas are trailed by black cherry, scorched earth, dried herb and peppered meat notes. Medium to full bodied the palate is awash with rich black raspberry, liquorice and dark to black cherry fruits. Scorched earth, provincial herb and peppered meat elements sit in the background. Refined in it’s feel, it has slightly chewy tannins and possesses good underlying freshness. Finishes long and peppery.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 14%Other Reviews….
Very attractive red cherry fruit fills out the medium-bodied palate where the fine tannins underline this very well. Impressive length with plenty of licorice and a touch of candied citrus at the long, crisp and emphatically dry finish. A cuvee based on grenache and mourvedre. From organically grown grapes. Drink from release.
92 Points
JamesSuckling.comA terrific vintage for this wine, which was bottled just a couple of weeks prior to my late June visit, the 2021 Cotes du Rhone Coudoulet de Beaucastel is a blend of 30% each Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah, plus 10% Cinsault. From a vineyard just outside the boundaries of the appellation of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, it's a remarkably consistent wine and always a solid value. Scents of sunbaked stones, black cherries and licorice appear on the nose, joined by hints of purple raspberries and dark chocolate, while the medium to full-bodied palate is lush and velvety, finishing long and complex. Drink 2023-2035.
92 Points
Joe Czerwinski – Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate -
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2023 Wirra Wirra Catapult ShirazMcLaren Vale, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$24. 99Bottle$299.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 5 Years (2025-2030)ABV: 14.5%Closure: StelvinFresh and juicy with a fruit driven finish.
Matured in seasoned French oak for 12 months. Dense inky black in colour with a deep dark purple hue. Freshly crushed blackberry, liquorice and plum aromas are intermeshed with vanillin cedar and spice notes. Rich blackberry, liquorice and plum fruits carry a juicy feel with spicy vanillin cedar and inky earth elements in the background. Fine grained tannins with a fresh fruit driven finish.
Drink over the next 4-5 years.
Alc. 14.5%Other Reviews….
A generous, full-bodied shiraz. Defined by exuberant aromas of lilacs, iodine and purple fruit set in relief against a deftly hewn tannic structure with hints of licorice and a ripple of maritime freshness. Pepper and clove notes grow in intensity as the tannins compress and release flavor in incremental bursts. A warmer climatic expression with a complex, cool aura. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold. Screw cap.
93 Points
JamesSuckling.com -
- 90
- Special Order Product – Delayed Dispatch
2022 Coppabella Sirius Single Vineyard Pinot NoirTumbarumba, New South Wales, AUSTRALIA$42. 99Bottle$515.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 5 Years (2025-2030)ABV: 13%Closure: StelvinLight in weight yet nicely fleshed with a fresh, savoury finish.
Semi translucent red colour with a light red hue. Aromas of red cherry, winter strawberry and subtle rhubarb mix with delicate fresh herb, earth and spice notes. Light in weight yet nicely fleshed, the palate features cherry, strawberry and rhubarb fruits over a subtle dried herb and spicy earth background. Fine grained tannins finishing fresh and savoury.
Drink over the next 4-5 years.
Alc. 13%Other Reviews….
Chardonnay is the hero at Coppabella but this Pinot Noir does everything that it can to change that narrative. It’s an excellent Pinot Noir. It’s structural, it’s spicy, it has a floral prettiness and yet it feels serious, well-fruited and persistent. You can admire this wine from all angles. It tastes of stewed cherries, fresh strawberries, a run of sweet spice notes and something akin to red roses. It’s varietal, tasty, tannic and more-ish.
94 Points
CampbellMattinson.com -
- 94
2021 Old Mill Reserve ShirazBendigo, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$24. 99Bottle$299.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 4 Years (2025-2029)ABV: 15.1%Closure: StelvinRich and weighty with firm, muscular tannins and a toasty oak laden finish.
Matured in new and second use American oak barrels for 3 years. Impenetrable pitch black heart with a very deep dark red black hue. Heady ripe blackberry, liquorice and black cherry aromas are intermeshed with toasty vanillin oak, subtle earthy mocha and pepper notes. Rich, dense and concentrated, the weighty palate is coated with a thick layer of black cherry, liquorice and blackberry fruits. Toasty vanillin oak, scorched earth and blackpepper characters are highlighted across the back half. A firm, muscular tannin structure lends some grip to the toasty oak laden finish.
Drink over the next 3-4 years.
Alc. 15.1% -
- 88
- Special Order Product – Delayed Dispatch
2023 Hunter-Gatherer Pinot NoirMacedon, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$39. 99Bottle$479.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 3 Years (2025-2028)ABV: 13%Closure: StelvinLight in body with modest power and a shortish conclusion.
Dark red in colour with black toned edges and a red hue. Nosing reveals aromas of cherry, dried herbs and anise which mix with some confectionary like notes. Light in body, the palate displays cherry, strawberry and anise flavours which meld in to a delicately spiced, dried herb back drop. Modestly powered it has polished tannins and a shortish conclusion.
Drink over the next 2-3 years.
Alc. 13% - 2023 Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey Bourgogne AligoteBurgundy, FRANCE$92. 99Bottle$1115.88 DozenClosure: Cork
After leaving his family domaine in 2005, Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey has established himself as one of the rising stars of Burgundy. Pierre-Yves has built a strong reputation for crafting exquisite white Burgundy that display energy and vitality. The white wines are whole bunch pressed, fermented with natural yeasts, aged on lees for up to 18 months in mostly in 350 litre barrels with no lees stirring and no filtration. The corks used come from one tiny supplier and are extra long and extra wide (55mm x 25mm) for the village, 1er cru and Grand cru wines and are untreated with no paraffin and the bottles are then sealed with soft wax to ensure no problems with premature oxidation. The resulting wines are built to age classically up to 10 years or more.
Pierre-Yves sources his Aligote from two sites, 25% from one located in Chassagne Montrachet lower slopes, and 75% from a parcel in Hautes Cotes de Beaune with 45+ year old vines of a type with a slightly rosé skin; Aligote d’Oree. His Aligote is the only wine which receives full malolactic fermentation in the range, and is aged in 350 litre barrels for 14 months then three months in stainless steel tank before bottling unfined and unfiltered.
- 2023 Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey Bourgogne BlancBurgundy, FRANCE$125. 00Bottle$1500.00 DozenClosure: Cork
After leaving his family domaine in 2005, Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey has established himself as one of the rising stars of Burgundy. Pierre-Yves has built a strong reputation for crafting exquisite white Burgundy that display energy and vitality. The white wines are whole bunch pressed, fermented with natural yeasts, aged on lees for up to 18 months in mostly in 350 litre barrels with no lees stirring and no filtration. The corks used come from one tiny supplier and are extra long and extra wide (55mm x 25mm) for the village, 1er cru and Grand cru wines and are untreated with no paraffin and the bottles are then sealed with soft wax to ensure no problems with premature oxidation. The resulting wines are built to age classically up to 10 years or more.
Pierre-Yves' Bourgogne Blanc hails from vines located in Meursault (40%), Puligny (15%), Chassagne (15%) and Saint Aubin (30%).
Other Reviews....
Made with a predominance of fruit from below Chassagne. Pale colour, clean and clear, fresh and chiselled, a lemony aspect, already a bit reductive. Good length, very much PYCM style. Drink from 2026-2028.
87-88 points
Jasper Morris MW - Inside Burgundy -
- 88
- 89
2023 Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey Bourgogne Haut-Cotes de Beaune Blanc Au Bout du MondeBurgundy, FRANCE$130. 00Bottle$1560.00 DozenClosure: CorkAfter leaving his family domaine in 2005, Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey has established himself as one of the rising stars of Burgundy. Pierre-Yves has built a strong reputation for crafting exquisite white Burgundy that display energy and vitality. The white wines are whole bunch pressed, fermented with natural yeasts, aged on lees for up to 18 months in mostly in 350 litre barrels with no lees stirring and no filtration. The corks used come from one tiny supplier and are extra long and extra wide (55mm x 25mm) for the village, 1er cru and Grand cru wines and are untreated with no paraffin and the bottles are then sealed with soft wax to ensure no problems with premature oxidation. The resulting wines are built to age classically up to 10 years or more.
Purchased in 2014, and with 2015 the first vintage released, this Bourgogne Haut-Cotes hails from the hillside lieu-dit of En Creuzilly at a height of 420 metres. With more clay in the soils here this wine shows ample depth yet does require some patience before showing all it has to offer. A serious rendition of the appellation.
Other Reviews....
Ripe and fresh aromas include those of petrol, straw, white orchard fruit and barely enough wood influence to mention. The round, plump and juicy flavors possess reasonably good verve before concluding in a bitter lemon-tinged finale. This should drink well after only a few years of keeping. Drink through 2026+.
86-88 points
Allen Meadows - BurghoundThe 2023 Bourgogne Hautes-Côtes de Beaune Au Bout du Monde offers up notes of green apple, lime zest, white flowers and hazelnuts, followed by a medium-bodied, lively and racy palate. It was still on its lees in barrel when I tasted it.
89-90 points
William Kelley - Robert Parker's Wine AdvocateThe 20223 Bourgogne Hautes-Côtes de Beaune Au Bout du Monde has an effervescent bouquet with red apple and light nectarine scents. The palate is fresh with crisp acidity and a twist of sour lemon that drives the finish. This is a revivifying Chardonnay with plenty of energy. Drink 2025-2030.
88-90 points
Neal Martin - VinousThese are mostly from young vines, planted with high quality material in 2015 and 2018 along with a few 40 year old vines. A fine glowing lemon and lime colour. There is more bouquet here, picked later of course, 7-9 September, with classic Colin-Morey tension, more than reduction, yet ripe enough fruit and a sense of vibrancy. Drink from 2026-2028.
88-90 points
Jasper Morris MW - Inside Burgundy -
- 88
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2023 Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey Saint AubinBurgundy, FRANCE$199. 00Bottle$2388.00 DozenClosure: CorkAfter leaving his family domaine in 2005, Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey has established himself as one of the rising stars of Burgundy. Pierre-Yves has built a strong reputation for crafting exquisite white Burgundy that display energy and vitality. The white wines are whole bunch pressed, fermented with natural yeasts, aged on lees for up to 18 months in mostly in 350 litre barrels with no lees stirring and no filtration. The corks used come from one tiny supplier and are extra long and extra wide (55mm x 25mm) for the village, 1er cru and Grand cru wines and are untreated with no paraffin and the bottles are then sealed with soft wax to ensure no problems with premature oxidation. The resulting wines are built to age classically up to 10 years or more.
A blend of multiple parcels totalling 1.64 ha, but all from this same village’s lieu-dit, with 3 generations of vines. In totality, this is the largest parcel of the domaine at over 1 hectare located at the end of the valley above the village of St Aubin.
Other Reviews....
Smoky white orchard fruit and floral scents leads to soft and caressing, if not especially concentrated, flavors that exude a subtle bead of minerality on the similar lemon-tinged finale. This could use better depth so 2 to 3 years of keeping should help. Drink through 2027+.
87-89 points
Allen Meadows - BurghoundThe 2023 Saint-Aubin Village offers up a gently reductive bouquet of white flowers, pear and toasted bread. Medium to full-bodied, satiny and precise, it's long and racy, concluding with chalky grip.
89-91 points
William Kelley - Robert Parker's Wine AdvocateThe 2023 Saint-Aubin Village is a blend of four or five parcels. This is already quite seductive with hints of vanilla pod and almond flakes on the well-defined nose. The palate is well balanced, fresh and poised with a keen line of acidity and a malic finale of green apple and pear. The 2023 doesn't quite deliver the complexity of the previous vintage, but it will drink well for several years. Drink 2026-2035.
88-90 points
Neal Martin - VinousThere was some hail here, so lower yields. More lime than lemon in colour, with a fresh apple fruit to the nose, perhaps some greengage behind, stylish and with good length. Fine tension, still some edges to smooth out, but this should be good. Drink from 2027-2030.
88-90 points
Jasper Morris MW - Inside Burgundy - 2023 Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey Monthelie RougeBurgundy, FRANCE$140. 00Bottle$1680.00 DozenClosure: Cork
After leaving his family domaine in 2005, Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey has established himself as one of the rising stars of Burgundy. Pierre-Yves has built a strong reputation for crafting exquisite white Burgundy that display energy and vitality. The white wines are whole bunch pressed, fermented with natural yeasts, aged on lees for up to 18 months in mostly in 350 litre barrels with no lees stirring and no filtration. The corks used come from one tiny supplier and are extra long and extra wide (55mm x 25mm) for the village, 1er cru and Grand cru wines and are untreated with no paraffin and the bottles are then sealed with soft wax to ensure no problems with premature oxidation. The resulting wines are built to age classically up to 10 years or more.
Pierre-Yves brings his measured, terroir-focused touch to Monthelie, crafting a village wine that reflects the finesse and lifted red-fruited style for which this tucked-away corner of the Cote de Beaune is known.
- 2023 Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey Vosne RomaneeBurgundy, FRANCE$365. 00Bottle$4380.00 DozenClosure: Cork
After leaving his family domaine in 2005, Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey has established himself as one of the rising stars of Burgundy. Pierre-Yves has built a strong reputation for crafting exquisite white Burgundy that display energy and vitality. The white wines are whole bunch pressed, fermented with natural yeasts, aged on lees for up to 18 months in mostly in 350 litre barrels with no lees stirring and no filtration. The corks used come from one tiny supplier and are extra long and extra wide (55mm x 25mm) for the village, 1er cru and Grand cru wines and are untreated with no paraffin and the bottles are then sealed with soft wax to ensure no problems with premature oxidation. The resulting wines are built to age classically up to 10 years or more.
With characteristic finesse, Pierre-Yves interprets the classic terroirs of Vosne-Romanee in a style both precise and understated.
- 2023 Caroline Morey Santenay RougeBurgundy, FRANCE$155. 00Bottle$1860.00 DozenClosure: Cork
Caroline Morey comes from a long line of vignerons based in the Cotes de Beaune and is also married to Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey. In 2014 Caroline took her share of some family vineyards from her father Jean-Marc and created her own domaine based in Chassagne-Montrachet, working out of brand new cellars built for Caroline and her husband.
For her first vintage in 2014 she had small holdings in Chassagne-Montrachet for both red and white together with small holdings in Santenay and Hautes Cotes de Beaune totaling just 2.4 hectares. With more vineyards added both from family and acquisitions in the last few years, the total is now 7 hectares in total for Caroline with roughly half for red and half for whites.
Caroline Morey's Santenay Rouge hails from vines located in the lieu-dit of Le Chainey in the southern sector of Santenay quite high on the slope adjoining Permier Cru Grand Clos Rousseau, and is aged in 30% new barrels.
Other Reviews....
A medium ruby crimson with elegant red fruit on the nose. Two plots, with a tightness to the fruit, some tannins behind still. Virtually all destemmed for this cuvee. Red fruit returns behind. Drink from 2026-2029.
87-89 points
Jasper Morris MW - Inside Burgundy - 2023 Caroline Morey Chassagne-Montrachet RougeBurgundy, FRANCE$190. 00Bottle$2280.00 DozenClosure: Cork
Caroline Morey comes from a long line of vignerons based in the Cotes de Beaune and is also married to Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey. In 2014 Caroline took her share of some family vineyards from her father Jean-Marc and created her own domaine based in Chassagne-Montrachet, working out of brand new cellars built for Caroline and her husband.
For her first vintage in 2014 she had small holdings in Chassagne-Montrachet for both red and white together with small holdings in Santenay and Hautes Cotes de Beaune totaling just 2.4 hectares. With more vineyards added both from family and acquisitions in the last few years, the total is now 7 hectares in total for Caroline with roughly half for red and half for whites.
Caroline sources her Chassagne-Montrachet Rouge from vines located just below the village in Les Chenes Les Pierres and Les Chambres, and is made with 35% whole bunches. Bottling occures in November after 12 months ageing in barrel to capture the freshness, and while a serious example it is often approachable young.
Other Reviews....
A discreet application of wood is present on the overtly pepper-inflected aromas of earthy and ripe dark berry scents along with a touch of the sauvage. The delicious, caressing and sappy flavors also contrast with the grippy, rustic and short finish. Once again, this robust effort is not particularly well-balanced and my guess, given the relatively easy-going mid-palate texture, is that this is not 'on form' today but may very well come together in time. With that said, for the moment it's pretty awkward. Drink through 2029+.
86-88 points
Allen Meadows - BurghoundThree plots. A little bit troubled but a slightly deeper crimson in any case. A respectable fruit weight despite the deliberate lightness of style, the tannins are present but not rustic, and the fruit flows well behind. Drink from 2027-2032.
88-90 points
Jasper Morris MW - Inside Burgundy - 2023 Caroline Morey Beaune Les Greves Rouge Premier CruBurgundy, FRANCE$299. 00Bottle$3588.00 DozenClosure: Cork
Caroline Morey comes from a long line of vignerons based in the Cotes de Beaune and is also married to Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey. In 2014 Caroline took her share of some family vineyards from her father Jean-Marc and created her own domaine based in Chassagne-Montrachet, working out of brand new cellars built for Caroline and her husband.
For her first vintage in 2014 she had small holdings in Chassagne-Montrachet for both red and white together with small holdings in Santenay and Hautes Cotes de Beaune totaling just 2.4 hectares. With more vineyards added both from family and acquisitions in the last few years, the total is now 7 hectares in total for Caroline with roughly half for red and half for whites.
Other Reviews....
A notably more floral-suffused nose speaks mostly of red cherry, wild currant and warm earth. The sappy and seductively textured flavors possess solid punch and a subtle bead of minerality that adds a bit of verve to the equally dusty and firm if somewhat short finish. Again, I suspect that the abrupt finish is a phase that will eventually age out with a few years of cellaring. Drink through 2029+.
87-90 points
Allen Meadows - BurghoundAnother palish crimson. Much less perfume than the Chassagne Champgains. A little more depth of vivid raspberry through the middle, firmer tannins and fair length. Drink from 2028-2034.
90-92 points
Jasper Morris MW - Inside Burgundy - 2018 InchDairnie Distillery RyeLaw Single Grain Scotch Whisky (700ml)Fife, SCOTLAND$199. 99Bottle$2399.88 DozenABV: 46.3%
Made from a mash bill of 53% malted rye and 47% malted barley, the second vintage of RyeLaw comes matured in x-Bourbon casks sourced from the Appalachian Mountains. The result is a whisky defined by rich wood and pronounced rye spice. While it follows the production rules of its American cousin, RyeLaw is shaped by modern Scotch whisky-making techniques and remains the only whisky in the world made from malted rye and distilled in a custom-designed Lomond Hill still. Distilled in 2018 and bottled in 2015. 46.3% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.
Notes from the producers... Colour: Rich golden. Aroma: A robust mix of rye spice and oak, balanced by hints of vanilla and caramel sweetness. Flavour: Bold peppery rye leads the palate, followed by drying oak and a smooth, lingering finish of delicate toffee.
- Sullivans Cove Special Single Cask SC0399 Single Malt Australian Whisky (700ml)Hobart, Tasmania, AUSTRALIA$750. 00Bottle$9000.00 DozenABV: 49.9%
French Oak ex-Pinot Noir Single Cask SC0399 was filled in August of 2017 into a single 225L barrel. It's the Sullivans Cove expression that has become a legend, and one of the most sought-after Australian whiskies after winning World’s Best at the World Whiskies Awards in 2014 - and again in 2019. At seven years old, this cask was decanted in September of 2024, bottled unflocked and unfiltered at 49.9% Alc./Vol with an outturn of 364 bottles.
Notes from the producers... Nose: Deep and evocative, where dark fruits and savoury intrigue entwine. Prunes and truffle lead into cherries, liquorice, and worn leather, met with the richness of strawberry jam and blackcurrant jelly. A flicker of flint, potpourri, and rose oil lends brightness, while the warmth of fresh lemon leaf, sage, dried hay, coriander and tobacco lingers. White pepper and cinnamon thread through, grounding the florals of violet and dried herbs. Palate: Umami-laden and richly textured, unfurling with the depth. The juicy, crunchy red berries of Tasmanian Pinot have been cooked down to a delightful mixed red berry jam, and lifted by cherry brightness. A full, rolling body carries silky tannins, interwoven with tea leaf, bay, and the savoury intrigue of curry leaf musk. Cola and thick cream provide contrast, met by the delicate fizz of creaming soda. Chinese roast duck, olive brine, and a hint of flint lend complexity. Finish: Supple tannins stretch the experience, carrying autumn leaves and the bittersweet warmth of cola. Alpine amaro lends its herbal grip, before hoisin, lemon rind, and coriander seed cut through with freshness. A final wave of citrus peel and Christmas pudding deepens into the dark fruit richness of plum sauce.
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- 96
- 94
2024 Fighting Gully Road ChardonnayBeechworth, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$52. 99Bottle$635.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2025-2031)ABV: 13%Closure: StelvinConcentrated yet refined with fresh acidity counterpointing a cream tinged mouth feel.
Produced predominantly from Smith’s vineyard which was planted back in 1978, the vines are tended by leading viticulturalist Mark Walpole who was responsible for introducing a number of emerging Italian varietals to Brown Brothers North East Victorian vineyards during the 1990’s. Together with winemaker Adrian Rodda, one of Beechworth’s emerging stars, they make a formidable team.
Brilliant pale straw colour with greenish tinged edges and a watery hue. Fleshy white peach, ripe nectarine, dried honey and biscuity nougat scents permeate the nostrils trailed by some cashew, crème brulee and subtle gun flint notes. Concentrated yet refined, the palate features white peach, pear, nectarine and dried honey flavours over biscuity nougat, faint crème brulee, delicate cashew and infusions of gun flint. Fresh acidity counterpoints a cream tinged mouth feel. Finishes long and finessed.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 13%Other Reviews….
Here’s a Chardonnay with plenty of flavour, though it also keeps itself tight and tidy. Peach, pink grapefruit, cedar, spice, a vanilla creaminess and honey florals, aniseed, with a minor amount of struck match. There’s a juiciness to the wine, balanced acidity, a light chalky texture, an oatmeal savoury element, with a flavoursome finish of excellent length. Such a lovely wine to drink. Drink 2026-2032+
94+ Points
Gary Walsh – The Wine Front -
- 97
- 95
2021 Oliver’s Taranga Vineyards HJ ShirazMcLaren Vale, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$59. 99Bottle$719.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 10 Years (2025-2035)ABV: 14.5%Closure: StelvinRich, concentrated and super plush.
First produced in the year 2000, this is the twentieth release of Oliver’s HJ Shiraz. Fruit is sourced from the very best parcels of fruit on the Old Block vineyard planted in 1948 by HJ Oliver. Maturation took place in French oak (35% new) for a period of 18 months.
Impenetrable inky black heart with a deep dark red black tinged hue. Intoxicating dark plum, liquorice, dark chocolate, blackberry and spicy vanillin oak aromas waft from the glass complimented by some earthy mocha like notes. Rich, concentrated and super plush, waves of dark plum, blackberry, liquorice and dark chocolate cast a voluptuous textural feel across the seductive palate. Vanillin oak, mocha and spicy earth elements linger across the back half. Deep and powerful it has silky smooth tannins and a long lavish finish.
Drink over the next 8-10 years.
Alc. 14.5%Other Reviews….
From 1948-planted estate vines, indigenous ferment, matured in French oak (35% new). This has classic stylings, richly supple fruit, dusty, earthy scents and dark spices, but the house refinement is also on show. It’s like an old snapshot, artfully colourised. Black and blue fruits, Christmas spices, crème de mure, coffee crema and dark cocoa. There’s richness and a supple flex to the palate, oak suitably matched, tannins cleansingly savoury. It’s a very smart release. Drink by 2034.
95 Points
Marcus Ellis - James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion -
- 94
- 95
2023 Bleasdale Generations ShirazLanghorne Creek, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$32. 99Bottle$395.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 8 Years (2025-2033)ABV: 13.5%Closure: StelvinRich and fleshy textured with medium body weight and a fresh, refined finish.
Matured for 12 months in 15% new French oak puncheons. Pitch black heart with a deep dark red black tinged hue. Elevated dark plum and liquorice scents intermix with whiffs of ripe blueberry, earth, vanillin cedar and pepper. Rich, fleshy textured dark plum and liquorice fruits carry medium body weight with notions of spicy vanillin cedar, blueberry, earth and pepper extending across the back half. Polished tannins with a fresh, refined finish.
Drink over the next 6-8 years.
Alc. 13.5%Other Reviews….
For the price, for the quality, hard to beat. A gorgeous dark purple hue. Fruit the same colour – all plums and currants, which come lightly spiced with licorice, mint and some cedary oak. Nothing out of place, the tannins ripe and supple, the acidity cleansing, the palate assured and just medium bodied. Langhorne Creek and shiraz, they are simpatico. Drink by 2035.
95 Points
Jane Faulkner – James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion -
- 95
- 93
2022 Amisfield Pinot NoirCentral Otago, NEW ZEALAND$64. 99Bottle$779.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2025-2031)ABV: 14%Closure: StelvinA ripe, fleshy medium bodied Central Otago Pinot.
Includes approximately 15% whole bunch fruit with maturation taking place in French barriques for a period of 15 months. Dark red core with black toned edges and a red to dark red hue. Intense dark cherry, anise, strawberry and violet scents engulf the olfactory senses trailed by some spicy vanillin cedar, earth and dried herb notes. Ripe and fleshy, the medium bodied palate is layered with spicy dark cherry, anise, dark plum and strawberry flavours. Vanillin cedar, scorched earth and dried herb elements lie underneath. Polished yet sturdy tannin structure with a long spicy finish.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 14%Other Reviews……
Aromas of dark cherries, dried strawberries, iodine, potpourri and river stones. The medium-bodied palate has finely integrated tannins and bright acidity. Tightly wound with a powerful undertone that will unravel nicely in bottle. Drink or hold. Screw cap.
93 Points
JamesSuckling.com -
- 93
- 93
2025 De Bortoli The Estate Vineyard GamayYarra Valley, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$19. 99Bottle$239.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 2 Years (2025-2027)ABV: 13.5%Closure: StelvinJuicy, vibrant and fruity.
Dark purple red core with black toned edges and a bright purple red hue. Fragrant ripe cherry and strawberry aromas infused with incense blossom out of the glass followed by some fresh herb, earth and spice notes. Juicy cherry, strawberry and anise flavours show boundless energy across the palate with infusions of incense, fresh herbs and subtle spicy earth also chiming in. Polished tannins and lively acidity with a vibrant, fruity finish.
Drink over the next 1-2 years.
Alc. 13.5%
Other Reviews.....
A nouveau style with some serious attention to detail, offering an unusual depth of flavour and length. Dark crimson-purple hues. Scents embrace redcurrants, cherry, wild strawberries, intriguing florals, aromatic herbs and Aussie bush and soil. There's an inviting textural warmth across the middle palate, velvety smooth and flavour expressive, before it finishes long with a brisk flourish of acidity and a lasting herbal intensity. All of this for $25 a bottle! That's one heck of a bargain. Drink by 2029.
93 points
Jeni Port - James Halliday's Australian Wine Companion -
- 96
2023 Greywacke ChardonnayMarlborough, NEW ZEALAND$49. 99Bottle$599.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 5 Years (2025-2030)ABV: 14%Closure: StelvinRich, full and creamy textured with an energized feel to the long enveloping conclusion.
Fermented in French oak barrels using wild yeast then matured for 11 months. Brilliant pale straw colour with gleaming green tinged edges and a watery hue. Intense nectarine, grapefruit and bees wax scents flood the nostrils followed by some lemon butter, roasted almond and gun flint notes. Rich and full, layered across the palate with a creamy textural feel are nectarine, ripe pear and dried honey flavours which meld into a roasted almond and lemon butter back drop. Fresh, gun flint infused acidity lending an energized feel to the long enveloping conclusion.
Drink over the next 4-5 years.
Alc. 14% - 2015 Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage Bourbon Whiskey (700ml)Kentucky, UNITED STATES$99. 99Bottle$1199.88 DozenABV: 43.3%
"...reminds us that great deals can still be found from big name distilleries." - thewhiskystudy.com
Evan Williams has released a vintage Bourbon (almost) every year since 1986. Thankfully, what began as a Kentucky exclusive is now more widely available. Even though the series has come down a bit in age, in our experience, these releases consistently deliver a surprisingly rich flavour profile at a relatively low proof. The vintage date on the bottle is representative of the year the bourbon was put into oak, with year-over-year vintages being released on an ongoing basis, each identified by handwritten specs on the back labels. Couple that with an affordable price tag, and you have a Bourbon that everyone should have on their shelf. 43.3% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... I’m glad this Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage isn’t just in Kentucky anymore. And while it may only be a one-time return to distribution, this 2015 vintage is a great bottle worth seeking out as your perfect warm up bottle to your next great whisky flight. It’s full of classic bourbon flavors, with lots of orange marmalade, oak, and that classic nutty Heaven Hill profile but with a low proof, remains and approachable whisky for all levels of drinker. It is missing some of the classic rye spice I was expecting and thus can drink soft and gentle more akin to a Makers Mark than other Heaven Hill expressions (like Elijah Craig)... this is a solid pour that delivers on the classic Evan Williams Single Barrel profile and reminds us that great deals can still be found from big name distilleries. - thewhiskystudy.com
-
- 91
2023 Clos Cibonne Tradition Tibouren RoseCotes de Provence, FRANCE$82. 99Bottle$995.88 DozenABV: 13.5%Closure: CorkClos Cibonne is one of the most original domaines in Provence, celebrated for its dedication to the rare Tibouren grape and its unique style of age-worthy rosé. The estate, a Cru Classé of Côtes de Provence, lies just 800 metres from the Mediterranean, with vineyards framed by the Maures mountains and cooled by sea breezes and steady mistral winds, conditions perfectly suited to Tibouren’s thin skins and need for ventilation. Fifth-generation winemaker Olivier Deforges now oversees the 15-hectare, organically farmed estate.
Clos Cibonne’s flagship Cuvée Tradition is made from 90% Tibouren and 10% Grenache, harvested from organically farmed 30-plus-year-old vines, goblet-trained on clay-limestone soils. After fermentation with native yeasts, the wine is aged for a year in the estate’s large, century-old foudres, protected by a delicate veil of fleurette (thin layer of flor-yeast). This process gives Tradition its hallmark depth and savoury complexity, balanced by freshness, with the capacity to evolve gracefully for many years in bottle.
Other Reviews....
Not your typical Côtes de Provence rosé. Weighty and phenolic, with real structure behind its notes of creamed melon and blood orange. A bitter mineral spine brings form. Substantial in weight and complexity, with warm spices and sun tea on the smoky finish alongside a tug of earthiness. Tibouren and Grenache. Drink now through 2027.
91 points
Kristen Bieler - Wine Spectator -
- 93
- 93
2023 Clos Cibonne Speciale des Vignettes Tibouren RoseCotes de Provence, FRANCE$110. 00Bottle$1320.00 DozenABV: 14%Closure: CorkClos Cibonne is one of the most original domaines in Provence, celebrated for its dedication to the rare Tibouren grape and its unique style of age-worthy rosé. The estate, a Cru Classé of Côtes de Provence, lies just 800 metres from the Mediterranean, with vineyards framed by the Maures mountains and cooled by sea breezes and steady mistral winds, conditions perfectly suited to Tibouren’s thin skins and need for ventilation. Fifth-generation winemaker Olivier Deforges now oversees the 15-hectare, organically farmed estate.
The Cuvée Spéciale des Vignettes is Clos Cibonne’s limited production rosé, crafted from the estate’s oldest Tibouren vines (60+ years, on schist soils) with a small addition of Grenache. Fermented with indigenous yeasts and aged for a year under fleurette (thin layer of flor-yeast) in the domaine’s historic foudres, Vignettes shows greater concentration, structure, and ageing potential than Tradition, often rewarding more than a decade of cellar time. It is considered the pinnacle expression of Clos Cibonne’s distinctive style.
Other Reviews....
Pale copper with restrained aromas of thyme flowers and wild fennel. On the palate, this restraint opens up to an explosion of ripe stone fruit, bruised peaches and apricots, some raspberry fruit and a hint of rhubarb acidity. Pomegranates and rosehips appear on the mid-palate, with barely there tannic grip and a gentle, almost gravelly acidity. The finish is long, intense, and lightly peachy with a subtle salinity. Very classy, moreish, and delivering classic Provence with an upmarket twist. Drink 2025-2035.
93 points
Elizabeth Gabay MW - DecanterThis is rosé in a different dimension. Weighty, dark and complex, with concentration to the juicy, dense notes of kumquat, tangerine and melon. Salt, tobacco and toasted sandalwood add savory tones to the round, rich palate, and red tea tannins make for a structured frame. Delicious now, but a few years in the cellar will bring even more complexity. Tibouren and Grenache. Drink now through 2028.
93 points
Kristen Bieler - Wine Spectator -
- 96
- 96
- 95
2022 Luis Seabra Xisto CruDouro Valley, PORTUGAL$99. 99Bottle$1199.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 4 Years (2025-2029)ABV: 12.5%Closure: CorkRich, concentrated and shapely with a long, seductively glazed finish.
Brilliant pale straw colour with a watery hue. Elevated pear and green apple aromas are followed by some delicate honeysuckle and stony mineral notes. Rich, concentrated and shapely, delicious fleshy pear, apricot, honeysuckle, lime and green apple flavours power across what is a mouth filling palate. Lively acidity lends energy with some delicate cashew and stony mineral elements flaying off into the distance. Long, seductively glazed finish.
Drink over the next 3-4 years.
Alc. 12.5%Other Reviews….
A stony and minerally white with chamomille and hints of pears. The palate is concentrated and flavorful with fresh acidity. It’s layered and textured, with the inherent austerity that characterizes this type of wine in its youth. From a 90-year-old single vineyard planted mostly with rabigato in Douro Superior. Delicious already, but will improve with bottle age. Drink or hold.
96 Points
JamesSuckling.comVines are over 80 years old. Tasted from a fairly small pour, and I’d have liked to have got to know it a bit better, but here we are.
Sea spray, lemon and green apple, aniseed and herb perfume, a little spice and nutty character. It’s tight and zesty, distinctly saline, but also has some nutty and creamy characters to offset, there’s some fine chalky grip, and a lively finish of excellent length. Distinctive. Such a great wine. A white Burgundy brother from another mother kind of thing happening here. Drink 2025-2033.
95 Points
Gary Walsh – The Wine Front -
- 91
- Special Order Product – Delayed Dispatch
2023 La Colombera Vegia Rampana BarberaPiedmont, ITALY$33. 99Bottle$407.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 4 Years (2025-2029)ABV: 13.5%Closure: Diam CorkSlightly chalky tannins with bright juicy fruit and a slightly inky finish.
Deep dark red black colour with a vibrant red hue. Freshly crushed blackberry, liquorice and dark cherry aromas sail out of the glass followed by scorched earth and vanillin spice notes. Juicy dark cherry, liquorice and blackberry juice flavours are underscored by lively acidity which imparts an energetic feel. Inky earth and spicy herb elements lie underneath. Slightly chalky tannins with a bright juicy yet slightly inky finish.
Drink over the next 3-4 years.
Alc. 13.5% -
- 89
- Special Order Product – Delayed Dispatch
2024 Bel Colle Langhe NebbioloPiedmont, ITALY$27. 99Bottle$335.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 4 Years (2025-2029)ABV: 14%Closure: Diam CorkJuicy and vibrant with a straightforward flavour profile, lively acidity and mildly chalky tannins.
Translucent cherry red in colour with a light crimson hue. Fragrant aromas of red raspberry, red liquorice and red cherry blossom from the glass followed by some earth, faint rose petal and dried herb notes. Juicy and vibrant with a straightforward flavour profile of raspberry jube, red liquorice and red cherry fruits. Subtle dried herb and earth elements sit in the background. Lively acidity and mildly chalky tannins with a fresh fruity finish.
Drink over the next 3-4 years.
Alc. 14% -
- 95
- 95
- 95
- 95
2020 Yalumba The Menzies Cabernet SauvignonCoonawarra, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$59. 99Bottle$719.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 8 Years (2025-2033)ABV: 14%Closure: CorkRich and fleshy yet solid in it’s structure with a long, deeply fruited yet quite robust conclusion.
Totally opaque black dark red colour with a dark red black tinged hue. Intense blackcurrant and liquorice aromas are melded to vanillin cedar, earthy tobacco, subtle black olive and bay leaf notes. Rich and fleshy yet solid in it’s structure, the medium to full bodied palate is decorated with ripe blackcurrant and liquorice fruits. Unfolding across the back half are vanillin cedar, tobacco, earthy black olive and bay leaf accents. A firm, sturdy tannin structure imparts a gentle chewiness onto the mouth feel. Concludes long and deeply fruited yet quite robust.
Drink over the next 6-8 years.
Alc. 14%Other Reviews…..
The 2020 The Menzies Cabernet Sauvignon is incredibly perfumed. The wine has been made from this vineyard in Coonawarra since 1987, and in 1993 Yalumba purchased the land. From 1993, Yalumba reworked and replanted much of the Cabernet Sauvignon, with more purpose and intention for their purposes going forward. This included changes to viticulture, clones, irrigation... the whole lot. The wine today is showing incredible aromatics: purple berries, pressed flowers, graphite, cold tea and tapenade. The tannins on the palate are shaped by Yalumba coopered oak, utilizing French oak for this cuvée; they're smooth, chewy and fine yet pervasive and shapely. This is a lovely wine, with dried mint, sage leaf and brine, just super. The 2020 vintage in Coonawarra was typified by low yields, small berries and a cool ripening period. Balance is the name of the game here, and the future is bright for this wine. Drink 2025-2045.
95 Points
Erin Larkin – Robert Parker’s The Wine AdvocateIt's immediate that The Menzies vineyard makes wine of robust pedigree. Sapote fruit, blackberry jam and crushed cocoa nibs. There is a mesh of grainy tannins that begins to unfurl and takes a long moment 'til it subsides. Along the way the coils of pomegranate fruit shine through with sweet tobacco and clove studs. The fresh acidity climbs in time with the notes of spice. Hazelnut skin and mocha make appearances. It's a very detailed wine that takes you on a journey from foraging for berries, to coffee roasting plant and roasted nut stall. Drink by 2034.
95 Points
Shanteh Wale – James Halliday’s Australian Wine CompanionFamously named after our longest serving Prime Minister, who expressed his admiration for a previous incarnation, the Menzies Vineyard, planted in 1975, sits on terra rossa soil at the heart of Coonawarra. The usual plan is for the wine to spend a year and a half maturing in a mix of French and Hungarian oak, hogsheads and barriques, with a small percentage new. Under cork. A deep red/ maroon colour here, the nose is utterly gorgeous and will delight Cabernet fans immensely. We have cassis, tobacco leaves, a touch of leather and animal skins, mulberries, woodsmoke, chocolate, florals, blackberries and aniseed. This is seamless, has excellent oak integration and good intensity, with a very long finish. Well structured, the balance, intensity and finesse never waver. Satiny tannins are found on the persistent finish. Twelve to twenty years. This is one of the best Menzies I have seen. Drink 2025-2045.
95 Points
Ken Gargett – WinePilot.com -
- 92
- 93
- Special Order Product – Delayed Dispatch
2024 Holm Oak Pinot NoirTasmania, AUSTRALIA$34. 99Bottle$419.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 8 Years (2025-2033)ABV: 13.7%Closure: StelvinLight & fresh with an energetic feel and a supple red fruited finish.
Semi translucent bright red colour with a light red hue. Aromas of cherry, raspberry and strawberry mix with whiffs of fresh herbs, forest floor and spicy cedar. Light and fresh, the palate features bright red cherry and strawberry fruits over faint inflections of fresh herbs, forest floor and spice. Lively acidity lends an energetic feel. Fine grained, polished tannins with a supple red fruited finish.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 13.7%Other Reviews…..
A mix of a number of pinot noir clones (MV6, 115, D4V2, 777, Abel, 667 and 521) off the Holm Oak estate, destemmed, wild ferment, matured for nine months in French oak, 25% new. Characters of dark cherry, wild strawberry and raspberry with hints of dried shiitake, pomegranate, five-spice, tobacco, iced tea, leaf litter, dried wildflowers and earth. Lots of detail, plenty of briny drive and a fan of raspberry and spice on the exit. Drink by 2035.
93 Points
Dave Brookes – James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion -
- 94
- 93
- Special Order Product – Delayed Dispatch
2023 Helen & Joey Estate Re’em SyrahYarra Valley, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$76. 99Bottle$923.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2025-2031)ABV: 12.4%Closure: StelvinElegant and supple with a savoury red fruited finish.
Bright dark red core with black toned edges and a red hue. Expressive red to dark cherry, red plum and liquorice aromas meld with spicy vanillin cedar, gentle clove and peppered meat notes. Elegant and supple in its flow across the mid weighted palate are red fruits of cherry, liquorice and plum. Vanillin cedar, subtle clove and peppered earth elements sit in the background. Fine grained tannins with a polished feel to the savoury finish.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 12.4%Other Reviews….
Bright crimson purple. A pretty and elegant wine with its red-fruited bouquet that also features aromas of spices and lightly crushed violets. The palate is similarly elegant and persistent. Finishes well and this finely-tuned and structured wine can be enjoyed now and over the next 4–6 years. Drink by 2030.
93 Points
Philip Rich – James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion -
- 94
- 94
2024 Sentio GamayKing Valley, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$37. 99Bottle$455.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 3 Years (2025-2028)ABV: 13.5%Closure: Diam CorkFresh and juicy with a long, energetic finish.
Semi translucent dark red colour with black shaded edges and a bright red hue. Delightful red cherry and red liquorice aromas infused with fresh herbs are followed by hints of clove, earth and spice. Delicious red cherry and red liquorice fruits are delivered with impressive intensity over red raspberry, fresh herb, subtle earth and spice elements. Fresh and juicy it has vibrant acidity and polished tannins. Concludes long, energetic and fruity.
Drink over the next 2-3 years.
Alc. 13.5%Other Reviews….
Sourced off 300m, red volcanic loams of the King Valley and delivering impressive flavour and presence in the glass. Plush, silken and poised, the mild '24 vintage is nicely captured in a bright, acid-edged young gamay. Vibrant red cherry, plum, pomegranate backed by gentle florals, herbs and a light mineral earthiness roll with energy across the palate, finishing with a bright spark of acidity. Drink by 2029.
94 Points
Jeni Port – James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion -
- 96
- 94
- 94
2022 Langmeil Orphan Bank ShirazBarossa Valley, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$69. 99Bottle$839.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 10 Years (2025-2035)ABV: 14.5%Closure: StelvinOpulent and velvety with a long seductive finish.
Orphan Bank is testament to Langmeil’s commitment to preserving old and rare Barossa vineyards. Ten rows of Shiraz planted pre-1860 were saved from the developer’s bulldozer and replanted alongside the original Langmeil vineyard on the banks of the North Para River. Matured for 25 months in French oak hogsheads (44% new), fruit for the Orphan Bank is sourced from a variety of Barossa sub districts with the vines having an average age of 83 years.
Dense pitch black heart with a deep dark purple black tinged hue. Dark plum, liquorice and ripe blackberry scents waft through the olfactory senses complimented by vanillin oak, earthy mocha and spice notes. Plush and rich, the full bodied palate is a concentrate of dark plum, liquorice, blackberry and dark chocolate fruits. Spicy vanillin oak, mocha and earth elements ensue. Opulent and velvety it possesses silky smooth tannins and a long seductive finish.
Drink over the next 8-10 years.
Alc. 14.5%Other Reviews…..
I'm liking the recent releases of the Orphan Bank. They are less percussive ... crunchier and juicier in their fruit profile. Still with classic plummy, black-fruited goodness with layers of spice and an earthy resonance that could be nothing else but Barossan. The tannin architecture is fine and sandy, its acidity bright and fresh and the oak nestles into the fruit nicely with a slow fade. Drink by 2038.
94 Points
Dave Brookes - James Halliday’s Australian Wine CompanionBrooding aromas of blackberry compote, blood plums, baking spices and mocha. The palate is full-bodied with finely integrated tannins and a creamy, powerful mouthfeel. A very bold yet refined old-school shiraz. Drink or hold. Screw cap.
94 Points
JamesSuckling.com -
- 94
- 94
- Special Order Product – Delayed Dispatch
- Organic
- Biodynamic
2018 Poggio Landi Brunello di MontalcinoTuscany, ITALY$140. 00Bottle$1680.00 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: 5 - 6 Years (2030-2031)ABV: 14%Closure: CorkFresh energetic red fruits with firm, muscular tannins leading into a rustic finish.
Dark red in colour with black toned edges and a brick red hue. Pronounced red to black currant and red liquorice scents intermix with dried herb, earth, subtle tobacco and spicy leather notes. Red currant and red cherry fruits line the mid weighted palate which possesses a fresh energetic feel. Earthy leather, subtle tobacco, dried herb and spicy leather characters then unfold across the back half. Tense feel with firm, muscular tannins leading into a rustic finish.
Cellar 5-6 years.
Alc. 14%Other Reviews…..
The organic Poggio Landi 2018 Brunello di Montalcino does a great job at putting bright fruit in the spotlight, and this is not something that you can always say of its peers, especially in this challenging vintage. Red cherry, raspberry and blackcurrant sit at the core of this wine. Those tones are neatly framed by light spice, pressed rose and candied orange peel. This wine stand outs out in a crowd thanks to its lively primary intensity and its transparent Sangiovese characteristics. The close is lean and streamlined. This wine sees 38 months in large casks made with French oak. Production is an ample 90,000 bottles, making this wine easy to locate. Drink 2024-2038.
94 Points
Monica Larner – Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate -
- 97
- 96
- 96
- 96
2009 Jim Barry The Armagh Shiraz Museum ReleaseClare Valley, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$495. 00Bottle$5940.00 DozenCellar: Drink now - 5 Years (2025-2030)ABV: 14.8%Closure: CorkRich, opulent and silky smooth with a long, luxurious conclusion.
Impenetrable pitch black heart with a deep, very dark red black tinged hue. Wafting through the nostrils with great intensity are heady scents of dark plum, liquorice and blackberry which are complexed by notions of toasty vanillin oak, hints of choc mint, earth, leather and pepper.
Rich, opulent and silky smooth in it’s flow, the palate features plush dark plum, liquorice and blackberry fruits which meld into a spicy vanillin cedar, earthy fennel, dark chocolate, mint and leather background. Beautifully shaped, it has cashmere like tannins and ample power. Long, luxurious conclusion.
Drink over the next 4-5 years.
Alc. 14.8%Other Reviews….
The 2009 Shiraz The Armagh is sealed under cork and leads with a meat/pastrami, pink peppercorn character. It’s almost old school—there’s so much tannin and so much fruit, but it’s so good. Awesome. It is dense and palate staining, really excellent, with notes of chocolate, clove bud and cocoa nib—all the good things. It has 14.8% alcohol and was matured for 18 months in 50% French and 50% American oak barriques (225 liters). Drink 2023-2037.
96 Points
Erin Larkin – Robert Parker’s The Wine AdvocateThe vineyard was planted in 1968, a drought year requiring each vine to be hand watered by the family from drums on the back of a tractor, an investment in blood, sweat and tears that has been handsomely repaid. Elegance is not a word usually associated with wines having the dimension of Armagh, but it applies here, yet without betraying the birthright of a wine with exceptional depth to its fusion of dark berries, spices and toasty oak, the latter in the manner of Grange, obvious yet integrated and balanced. Drink by 2049.
96 Points
James Halliday’s Australian Wine CompanionA rich, ripe and intense vintage with very deep, plush and seamless blackberries, delivered in such rich, concentrated mode with a smooth, glossy tannin texture. The shape is round and plush and delivers such bold, ripe dark berries and red plums on the finish. Seamless. Lots to come. Drink or hold.
96 Points
JamesSuckling.com -
- 90
- 91
- Special Order Product – Delayed Dispatch
2024 De Bortoli Chill No Chill Pinot Noir SyrahYarra Valley, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$17. 99Bottle$215.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 2 Years (2025-2027)ABV: 13%Closure: StelvinA savoury red fruited blend with a spice and dried herb laden finish.
Semi translucent dark red colour with black toned edges and a red hue. Spicy dark cherry and red liquorice aromas mix with earth and stalky dried herb notes. Savoury cherry and spicy red liquorice fruits meld into a back drop of earth and dried herbs. Fine grained tannins with a spice and dried herb laden finish.
Drink over the next 1-2 years.
Alc. 13%Other Reviews…..
Pinot from the Abbey vineyard and syrah from the estate vineyard; some whole bunches used in both components. A light, bright crimson. Like last year's version, this well-priced, fragrant, red-fruited and spicy wine has the right balance of silky tannins and bright acidity that makes this work as both a lightly chilled red and one served a little warmer. Drink by 2028.
91 Points
Philip Rich – James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion -
- 93
- 95
- Special Order Product – Delayed Dispatch
2023 Juliard Wines GSMBeechworth, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$49. 99Bottle$599.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2025-2031)ABV: 13.8%Closure: Diam CorkJuicy and bright finishing elegant and energetic.
A blend of 50% Grenache, 35% Shiraz and 15% Mourvèdre. Deep dark red black tinged core with a dark red hue. Elevated dark raspberry, dark plum and liquorice aromas sail through the nostrils followed by some herb du Provence, scorched earth, vanillin spice and pepper notes. Juicy and bright, the palate carries light to medium body weight with red raspberry, blueberry and red liquorice fruits to the fore. Cranberry juice, light earth and spice elements sit in the background. Crunchy like acidity and fine grained tannins with a finish that’s elegant and energetic.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 13.8%Other Reviews…..
Juliard brings such energy to its wines and none more so than its GSM, which pulses to a bright acid drive while delivering vibrant cherry, dried raspberry red plum, pressed flowers and spiced flavours with smart vanilin oak. Delivers an impressive purity of fruits and spice set to a cherry pip, dry tannin structure with aforementioned juicy acidity really working the tastebuds. All-round good balance and excellent drinking early, if you choose. Drink by 2032.
95 Points
Jeni Port – James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion -
- 90
- Special Order Product – Delayed Dispatch
2024 Water Wheel Vineyards GrenacheBendigo, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$19. 99Bottle$239.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 3 Years (2025-2028)ABV: 12.6%Closure: StelvinLight, fresh and savoury with juicy raspberry and cherry fruits.
Aged in new to 1 year old French oak barrels. Dark red core with a light red hue. Spicy raspberry and cherry scents mix with clove, liquorice and earth notes. Light in body, the palate features juicy raspberry and cherry fruits over a red liquorice, clove and spicy earth back drop. Faintly chalky tannins finishing fresh and savoury.
Drink over the next 2-3 years.
Alc. 12.6% -
- 96
- Reduced
2020 Nicks Secret MST Gomersal ShirazBarossa Valley, South Australia, AUSTRALIAReduced from $59.99$24. 99Bottle$299.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2025-2031)ABV: 14.2%Closure: CorkThis luxurious yet refined Barossa Valley Shiraz from a highly respected producer is presented in a striking package with a generously sized bottle, featuring a wax seal and laser-etched label. Crafted from premium parcels of fruit sourced from the winery's Gomersal Vineyard, followed by a careful selection of the finest barrels, it typically retails for $59.99 but is now available for just $24.99 as Nick's Secret. It was matured in French oak puncheons and hogsheads, with 30% new oak.
A gorgeously polished Barossa Shiraz that combines richness and power with a refined opulence.
Dense pitch black heart with a deep dark red black tinged hue. The nostrils are immersed with enticing aromas of ripe dark plum, liquorice, blackberry and black cherry which are complimented by ensuing notes of vanillin oak, fennel and scorched earth. Boasting terrific richness, the expansive, full bodied palate is layered with blackberry, liquorice and dark plum fruits which carry a plush feel. Concentrated and powerful yet not heavy handed, the back half sees the emergence of spicy vanillin cedar, subtle scorched earth and peppered fennel characters. Finishes long and opulent with a polished refinement.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 14.2%Other Reviews….
Superbly ripe and enticing with dark fruit richness, tapenade, potpourri, mixed spice, cedar and cocoa aromas, it's concentrated and weighty in the mouth delivering power and opulent texture. Plush and delicious with terrific structure and persistency. At its best: now to 2038.
96 Points
Sam Kim – Wine Orbit -
- 91
- Special Order Product – Delayed Dispatch
- Organic
2024 Solum Wines RosePyrenees, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$24. 99Bottle$299.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 1 Years (2025-2026)ABV: 12.7%Closure: StelvinTangy blood orange, citrus and cherry fruits with tingly acidity and an energetic yet nicely shaped conclusion.
Made from Shiraz grapes and matured for 6 months in French oak. Vibrant blood orange tinged colour. Spicy cherry and blood orange scents are trailed by some nectarine and subtle wet slate notes. Tangy blood orange, citrus and cherry fruits are underscored by tingly acidity with some amaro and wet slate elements lurking in the background. Finishes dry with a brisk feel and energetic yet nicely shaped conclusion.
Drink over the next year.
Alc. 12.7% -
- 94
1792 Full Proof Single Barrel Select Cask Strength Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) - Whiskey Hunt Australia 6th EditionKentucky, UNITED STATES$179. 99Bottle$2159.88 DozenABV: 62.5%Already sold out on the importer's website, the 1792 Full Proof editions are amongst Whiskey Hunt Australia's most popular selections. A Kentucky straight bourbon bottled at 62.5% ABV with rock-solid provenance from the Barton Distillery (previously awarded World's Best Bourbon in 2018 and World's Best Whisky in 2020), these whiskeys are also distinguished by a filtering process which uses a plate and frame filter instead of chill filtration to retain a more robust character. Boasting generous aromatics and mouthfilling flavours, the sixth instalment from WHA is one of the ballsiest 1792s to land on our shelves. Expressive from the first pour, the pleasingly sweet entry presents cherry ripe chocolate and wood spices followed by classic notes of caramel fudge and charred oak through a long, heart warming finish. Bourbons like this are seldom encountered in Australia. Given that only 144 bottles made it, expect it to go fast. Not stated, however these releases are typically around 8 1/2 years old.
Notes from the importers... rich, bold, and flavourful profile featuring notes of cherry, toffee, vanilla, smoke, and spice.
- Shizuoka Prologue W Single Malt Japanese Whisky (700ml)JAPAN$599. 00Bottle$7188.00 DozenABV: 55.5%
Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product shown.
The Shizuoka Prologue W was born from the distillery’s pioneering use of its wood-fired Pot Still “W.” Fuelled by locally sourced firewood from the forests surrounding Shizuoka, this unique still imparts a distinctive depth to the spirit. Crafted from a mix of Japanese, Scottish, and German malts—both peated and unpeated—and matured for three years in a combination of first-fill bourbon barrels, quarter casks, and virgin American oak, Prologue W was released in December 2020 with a limited outturn of 5,000 bottles. The result is a vibrant whisky of honeyed malt, bright citrus, oak spice and subtle smoke, embodying the distillery’s innovative spirit and deep connection to its environment. 55.5% Alc./Vol. -
- 94
2021 Ad Hoc Avant Gardening Cabernet Sauvignon MalbecFrankland River, Western Australia, AUSTRALIA$19. 99Bottle$239.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 5 Years (2025-2030)ABV: 14.5%Closure: StelvinA rich, deeply fruited Cabernet with a bright robust feel and long finish.
Sourced from The Riversdale vineyard planted in 1997, this excellent blend was matured for a period of 10 months in a combination of new and 1-2 year old French oak barrels.
Totally opaque black dark red colour with a dark red hue. Elevated scents of blackcurrant, plum and red liquorice fill the nostrils complimented by spicy vanillin cedar, earthy tobacco and dried herb notes. Rich blackcurrant, fleshy plum and ripe mulberry fruits are delivered with excellent intensity across the mid weighted palate. Some red liquorice, cedary tobacco, earthy dried herb and spice elements also chime in. Sturdy tannin structure with a long deeply fruited finish that has a bright robust feel to it.
Drink over the next 4-5 years.
Alc. 14.5%
Other Reviews….
This is such a pretty wine. The cooler vintage has contributed to its elegance and charm. Opens with a perfumed African violet and red berry combination on the nose. And then the palate provides such an exquisitely integrated, balanced mix of bright and lively red fruits with the support of fine, silky tannins and perfectly weighted oak.
92 points
RayJordanWine.com.au -
- 94
2025 Ad Hoc Nitty Gritty Pinot GrigioPemberton, Western Australia, AUSTRALIA$19. 99Bottle$239.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 1 Years (2025-2026)ABV: 13.5%Closure: StelvinAn uber delicious Pinot Grigio that boasts outstanding concentration and textural volume.
Brilliant pale straw colour with a watery hue. Pear, red apple and lime scents jump out of the glass followed by some subtle musk and delicate honeysuckle notes. Boasting outstanding concentration and textural volume, this uber delicious Pinot Grigio is engulfed with fleshy pear and red apple fruits. Subtle lime, musk and wet stone elements sit in the background. Finishes dry with a lick of crisp acidity cutting through the very long, generously endowed conclusion.
Drink over the next year.
Alc. 13.5% -
- 94
2024 Ad Hoc Hen & Chicken ChardonnayPemberton, Western Australia, AUSTRALIA$19. 99Bottle$239.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 4 Years (2025-2029)ABV: 13.5%Closure: StelvinWinemaker Larry Cherubino has fashioned a generously flavoured Chardonnay from the favourable 2024 vintage in Pemberton. Aged in a combination of new and two year old French oak barrels, it has a level of concentration and depth that’s hard to match at this price.
A rich, beautifully shaped Chardonnay that delivers outstanding value.
Brilliant pale straw colour with flashes of green to the edges and a watery hue. Flowing through the nostrils with impressive intensity are attractive white peach, nectarine and dried honey scents followed by some nougat, cashew and spice notes. Rich and concentrated, fleshy white peach, nectarine and dried honey flavours carry beautiful shape across the mid weighted palate. Notions of citrusy nougat, cashew and spice lend further interest. Good underlying freshness with a creamy textural feel building across the long finish.
Drink over the next 3-4 years.
Alc. 13.5%