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2024 Grampians Estate Woolclasser’s GSTGrampians, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$26. 99Bottle$323.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2026-2032)ABV: 14%Closure: StelvinRich and succulent with velvety tannins and ample freshness.
A blend of 50% Grenache, 40% Shiraz and 10% Tempranillo. Deep dark red black tinged colour with a purple red hue. Fragrant dark raspberry, liquorice, dark cherry and red plum scents sail out of the glass trailed by some earthy incense and peppered herb notes. Rich and succulent, the mid weighted palate is doused with dark raspberry, liquorice and dark cherry fruits. Earthy incense infusions and delicate spicy pepper elements linger underneath. Velvet smooth tannins with good freshness carried across the long juicy finish.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 14% -
- 93
2025 Scala Ciro BiancoCalabria, ITALY$37. 99Bottle$455.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 3 Years (2026-2029)ABV: 12.5%Closure: Diam CorkLight and fresh yet nicely shaped with an invigorating saline edged finish.
Made from Greco Bianco grapes. Brilliant pale straw colour with a watery hue. Aromas of lime and green apple infused with fresh Mediterranean herbs are trailed by stony mineral and saline like notes. Light and fresh yet nicely shaped, the invigorating palate is decorated with pear, lime and green apple fruits. Wet stone and mineral elements lie underneath. Brisk acidity with a refreshing saline edged finish.
Drink over the next 2-3 years.
Alc. 12.5% -
- 93
2025 Langmeil Rough Diamond GrenacheBarossa Valley, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$24. 99Bottle$299.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 5 Years (2026-2031)ABV: 14.5%Closure: StelvinSuper succulent and fresh with a long, exuberantly juicy finish.
Sourced from vines aged between 8 to 86 years old, this is a blend of 88% Grenache, 6% Carignan, 4% Counoise and 2% Cinsault that’s matured in a mix of 34% seasoned oak barrels and 66% stainless steel vats for a period of 11 months.
Vibrant dark red purple colour with black toned edges and a bright red hue. Fragrant red raspberry and red liquorice scents sail out of the glass trailed by some plum, vanillin confectionary and subtle spice notes. Mid weighted the palate is bursting with super succulent dark raspberry, liquorice, cherry and plum fruit. Subtle earth and vanillin spice elements the undercard. Fresh acidity and velvet smooth tannins with a long, exuberantly juicy finish.
Drink over the next 4-5 years.
Alc. 14.5% -
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2025 Yering Station Village Pinot NoirYarra Valley, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$26. 99Bottle$323.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 4 Years (2026-2030)ABV: 13%Closure: StelvinLight in body with juicy red to dark fruits finishing savoury and elegant.
Semi translucent red to dark red colour with a light vibrant red hue. Nosing evokes aromas of violet, red cherries, strawberries and subtle rhubarb followed by some forest floor and delicate spicy cedar notes. Juicy red to dark cherry and strawberry fruits carry a supple feel across the lighter bodied palate with delicate anise, forest floor and spicy cedar elements sitting in the background. Polished tannins and good underlying freshness, finishing savoury and elegant.
Drink over the next 3-4 years.
Alc. 13%Other Reviews……
Like the Village chardonnay, this over-delivers for the price in this excellent vintage. A light, bright crimson. Fragrant with aromas of freshly picked raspberries, bright florals and a little sandalwood incense. Bright and succulent on the medium-bodied palate, with silky tannins making for a very tasty wine to drink now and over the next two to three years. Drink by 2030.
94 Points
Philip Rich - James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion -
- 94
2024 Muto Beechworth SyrahBeechworth, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$29. 99Bottle$359.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2026-2032)ABV: 13.5%Closure: StelvinGenerous black cherry and liquorice fruits with a refined feel and savoury blackpepper laced conclusion.
From 20 year old vines with maturation taking place in French oak (20% new). Midnight black in colour with a dark red black tinged hue. Blackpepper infused aromas of black cherry and liquorice rise through the nostrils complimented by some smoky vanillin cedar, black olive and spicy dried meat notes. Mid weighted, the refined palate is detailed with generous black cherry and liquorice fruits which meld into a smoked meat, scorched earth and peppered dried herb backdrop. Fine grained tannins with a savoury blackpepper laced conclusion.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 13.5% -
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2025 Yering Station Village ChardonnayYarra Valley, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$26. 99Bottle$323.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 4 Years (2026-2030)ABV: 13%Closure: StelvinA nicely shaped, mid weighted Yarra Valley Chardonnay.
Brilliant pale straw colour with glistening green tinged edges and a watery hue. Nectarine and peach skin aromas mix with whiffs of gun flint, dried honey and biscuity oak. Nicely shaped flavours of white peach, nectarine and dried honey infused with gun flint meld into a biscuity oak back drop. Fresh underlying acidity with a mid length finish.
Drink over the next 3-4 years.
Alc. 13%Other Reviews….
Yering Station consistently delivers the goods at this pricepoint, and this is no exception. Brightly coloured with aromas of stone fruits, yellow apple and just a touch of lemon oil. It's textured through the mid-palate before finishing gently pithy and long. Tick. Drink by 2028.
93 Points
Philip Rich - James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion -
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- 94
2024 Woodlands Woodlands Brook Vineyard ChardonnayMargaret River, Western Australia, AUSTRALIA$52. 99Bottle$635.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2026-2032)ABV: 13%Closure: StelvinA beautifully fleshed Chardonnay with nicely balanced acidity and a long, refined finish that carries a gently creamed feel.
Brilliant very pale straw colour with a faint tinge of green around the edges and a watery hue. Sailing out of the glass are intense aromatics of white peach, pear, nectarine and subtle dried honey which are complimented by biscuity nougat, delicate cashew and spice notes. Beautifully fleshed, the palate is layered with white peach, nectarine and pear fruits which meld into a biscuity oak, nougat and spicy cashew back drop. Nicely balanced acidity with the long, refined finish carrying a gently creamed feel.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 13%Other Reviews……
An impressive young chardonnay picked early to retain natural vibrancy and freshness, then complemented by 12 months in oak following fermentation. It shows a slight creamy texture, kept neat and tight, with touches of lemon meringue, sea spray and even a hint of turmeric. The palate is long, linear and expressive of the variety.
94 Points
RayJordanWine.com.auThe 2024 Chardonnay Brook Vineyard shows good weight and density, with punchy and pristine cantaloupe and grapefruit aromas wrapped in a blanket of fine French oak, all well composed. The palate is flavorsome in style, with gentle fresh cashew tones underpinned by a vibrant line of acidity that holds true over a long, sustained finish. Very young and should build nicely. Drink 2030-2036.
92 Points
Angus Hughson - Vinous -
- 88
- Special Order Product – Delayed Dispatch
2024 Morris Rutherglen Bin No. 186 ShirazRutherglen, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$24. 99Bottle$299.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 4 Years (2026-2030)ABV: 14.3%Closure: StelvinSweet and liqueur like with slightly chewy tannins and a coconut edged conclusion of modest length.
Aged in American and French oak hogsheads. Impenetrable inky black colour with a very deep dark red black tinged hue. Ripe black cherry, liquorice and dark plum scents drift through the nostrils trailed by vanillin oak, mocha and spice notes. Rich black cherry liqueur and liquorice fruits meld into a sweet vanillin oak back drop that also has some spicy mocha characters evident. Slightly chewy tannins with a sweet coconut edged conclusion of modest length.
Drink over the next 3-4 years.
Alc. 14.3% -
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- Reduced
2022 Nicks Secret BFW Barrel Selection ShirazBarossa Valley, South Australia, AUSTRALIAReduced from $350.00$49. 99Bottle$599.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 8 Years (2026-2034)ABV: 15%Closure: CorkProduced from only exceptional vintages and from a selection of the very best barrels, this Shiraz sits at the very top of this estates collection. Priced accordingly at $350 you can secure some for just $49.99 on a Nicks Secret deal. Fruit was sourced from 100 year old vines in Seppeltsfield (89%) with the balance coming from a 40 year old vineyard in Stockwell. Maturation took place in premium French oak barrels for a period of 20 months.
Incredibly rich, dense and potent, this is a luxurious expression of old school Barossa Shiraz at an amazing 85% off.
Spectacular depth of colour featuring a pitch black heart and a very deep dark red black tinged hue. Incredibly potent, the nose offers up decadent aromatics of dark plum, liquorice and dark chocolate, lavishly overlaid with spicy vanillin oak and mocha. Some earthy fennel like notes also chime in. Rich, densely concentrated and opulently textured, the weighty palate is saturated with blackberry, dark plum, dark chocolate and liquorice flavours. Prominent vanillin oak inserts itself in the middle with mocha, earth, fennel and spice elements forming the undercard. Luxurious and powerful, it features a velvet smooth yet underlyingly sturdy tannin structure and a very long, plush vanillin oak and mocha laden finish.
Drink over the next 6-8 years.
Alc. 15%Other Reviews….
Powerful and graceful, this brooding shiraz shows dark fruit richness, smoked game, vanilla, toasty oak, and potpourri aromas on the nose. It's concentrated and plush on the palate, with an opulent mouthfeel and a velvety texture, wonderfully framed by chalky tannins, making it robust and firmly structured with a sustained, gratifying finish. At its best: 2028 to 2042
97 Points
Sam KimFrom the excellent 2022 vintage, the fruit is sourced from two Barossa Valley vineyards, 89% from 100-year-old vines in Seppeltsfield and the remaining 11% from an estate vineyard in Stockwell, where the vines are forty years of age. A percentage of whole bunches are included in the fermentation which is with native yeasts. Maturation is for two years in French oak, 50% new, with the remainder in older hogsheads. Near black with a deep maroon rim, the nose gives us aromas of spices, cassis, root vegetables, dried herbs, cocoa powder, delicatessen meats and blackberries. There is great concentration here, with wonderful balance, and the wine has immensely impressive length. A silky texture with satiny tannins, intensity is maintained throughout. Like this a lot. Enjoy this over the next twenty years. Drink 2026-2046.
96 Points
Ken Gargett – WinePilot.com -
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2023 Mount Langi Ghiran Cliff Edge ShirazGrampians, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$29. 99Bottle$359.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 8 Years (2026-2034)ABV: 13.5%Closure: StelvinA refined Grampian’s Shiraz with a plush mouth feel and finessed, pepper laced finish.
Midnight black in colour with a deep dark red black tinged hue. Pronounced aromas of blackberry, liquorice and dark plum are complimented by whiffs of clove, smoked meats and peppered earth. Refined and mid weighted, the palate is generously layered with blackberry, plum and red liquorice fruits. Some blueberry, faint clove, subtle smoked meat and peppered earth elements extend across the back half. Plush mouth feel with seamlessly integrated tannins lending polish across the finessed, pepper laced finish.
Drink over the next 6-8 years.
Alc. 13.5%Other Reviews……
Whole-berry ferments in open top fermenters; seven to 10 days on skins, matured 14 months in French barriques (25% new). Totally accessible young Grampians shiraz with classic fragrant dark berries to the fore, matched evenly, aromatically with lifted minty-aniseed-peppery spice. It is both generous and bright in personality. The palate is delivered finely textured with fruit and spice running long. Drink by 2032.
93 Points
Jeni Port - James Halliday’s Australian Wine CompanionThis comes from quite old vines on the granite soils of the Grampians. It’s a bright, tremendously lively, fragrant, and thoroughly appealing medium-bodied red. There’s an essence of purity, freshness and vibrancy from the first sniff through to the final combination of medium-weight sweet fruit, spices, licorice, and fine chalky tannin that pushes it through to a sustained finish. Drink 2025-2037.
94 Points
Ray Jordan – WinePilot.com - Black Maple Hill Single Barrel #2 21 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)Kentucky, UNITED STATES$19999. 00Bottle$239988.00 DozenABV: 47.5%
Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. There's also some cellar bloom on the labels, however overall the condition is good. Actual product pictured.
Black Maple Hill is not a distillery, but rather an ‘independent label’ first introduced in 2000 by a Californian wine and spirits distributor called CVI Brands. Importantly, this is said to be one of the original early era bottlings, as opposed to the newly re-marketed Black Maple Hill bottlings now supplied by a small craft-distillery in Oregon called 'Stein' and packaged in different shaped bottles.
The legend and hype behind Black Maple Hill stems from a belief that early releases were wheated bourbon from Stizel-Weller and bottled by Julian Van Winkle III himself. Later, bottlings were said to have been moved to Kentucky Bourbon Distillers (KBD aka Willett) and made using whiskeys sourced from Heaven Hill. Whatever the truth may be, "...the magical touch of the Van Winkle finger conferred an irresistible desirability, and Black Maple Hill bottlings began to sell for thousands of dollars on the secondary market."
It's not known precisely which whiskey(s) made it into this bottle. The contents are open to speculation, especially the later iterations which are equivalent to an independent whiskey purchased from another independent whiskey supplier. What is certain is that this is one uber rare and collectable Bourbon.
Whiskyauctioneer.com offer some further insight as to the history of these bottlings:
"The Kulsveen’s [KBD] oversaw a golden period for the brand, with well-aged bourbons filled into a number of now hugely collectable Black Maple Hill releases. Although KBD had acquired some Stitzel-Weller stock, the majority of their casks came from the neighbouring Heaven Hill distillery in Bardstown, a distillery sadly lost in a fire in 1996 and increasingly desirable ever since... By the late 2000s, a global Bourbon boom had catapulted Black Maple Hill into the spotlight. The irresistible prospect of old-aged liquid capsules of Stitzel-Weller and Heaven Hill swept the Bourbon community, and Black Maple Hill bottlings quickly became an absolute must-have. They developed a cult-following of fans fuelled by curiosity and connoisseurship. Black Maple Hill bottlings were increasingly becoming harder to find and soon were appearing on the secondary market for values far in excess of their original retail price tag. Sadly they were not the only benefactors, and KBD’s own Willett Family Estate brand had surfed the same wave, and the company increasingly reserved its stock for this, limiting what they could make available to CVI Brands and their other contracts. Black Maple Hill was eventually reduced to a non-age statement product, before disappearing from shelves. As they struggled to find an alternative it appeared as though Black Maple Hill was at the end of their story." - Black Maple Hill Single Barrel #300 11 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)Kentucky, UNITED STATES$4999. 00Bottle$59988.00 DozenABV: 47.5%
Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. There's also some cellar bloom on the labels, however overall the condition is good. Actual product pictured.
Black Maple Hill is not a distillery, but rather an ‘independent label’ first introduced in 2000 by a Californian wine and spirits distributor called CVI Brands. Importantly, this is said to be one of the original early era bottlings, as opposed to the newly re-marketed Black Maple Hill bottlings now supplied by a small craft-distillery in Oregon called 'Stein' and packaged in different shaped bottles.
The legend and hype behind Black Maple Hill stems from a belief that early releases were wheated bourbon from Stizel-Weller and bottled by Julian Van Winkle III himself. Later, bottlings were said to have been moved to Kentucky Bourbon Distillers (KBD aka Willett) and made using whiskeys sourced from Heaven Hill. Whatever the truth may be, "...the magical touch of the Van Winkle finger conferred an irresistible desirability, and Black Maple Hill bottlings began to sell for thousands of dollars on the secondary market."
It's not known precisely which whiskey(s) made it into this bottle. The contents are open to speculation, especially the later iterations which are equivalent to an independent whiskey purchased from another independent whiskey supplier. What is certain is that this is one uber rare and collectable Bourbon.
Whiskyauctioneer.com offer some further insight as to the history of these bottlings:
"The Kulsveen’s [KBD] oversaw a golden period for the brand, with well-aged bourbons filled into a number of now hugely collectable Black Maple Hill releases. Although KBD had acquired some Stitzel-Weller stock, the majority of their casks came from the neighbouring Heaven Hill distillery in Bardstown, a distillery sadly lost in a fire in 1996 and increasingly desirable ever since... By the late 2000s, a global Bourbon boom had catapulted Black Maple Hill into the spotlight. The irresistible prospect of old-aged liquid capsules of Stitzel-Weller and Heaven Hill swept the Bourbon community, and Black Maple Hill bottlings quickly became an absolute must-have. They developed a cult-following of fans fuelled by curiosity and connoisseurship. Black Maple Hill bottlings were increasingly becoming harder to find and soon were appearing on the secondary market for values far in excess of their original retail price tag. Sadly they were not the only benefactors, and KBD’s own Willett Family Estate brand had surfed the same wave, and the company increasingly reserved its stock for this, limiting what they could make available to CVI Brands and their other contracts. Black Maple Hill was eventually reduced to a non-age statement product, before disappearing from shelves. As they struggled to find an alternative it appeared as though Black Maple Hill was at the end of their story." -
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2025 Supercargo Pinot NoirAdelaide Hills, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$22. 99Bottle$275.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 4 Years (2026-2030)ABV: 13%Closure: StelvinJuicy and supple with a long, generously fruited finish.
Dark red core with black toned edges and a light red hue. Fragrant aromatics of violet, dark cherry, strawberry and anise blossom out of the glass followed by some bramble and dried herb notes. Juicy dark cherry, strawberry and anise flavours flow supplely across the palate with bramble, dried herb and spice elements lurking underneath. Velvety tannins with a long, generously fruited finish.
Drink over the next 3-4 years.
Alc. 13%Other Reviews…..
A fresh and youthful Pinot Noir from the Adelaide Hills, which really stands out. Pale cherry red with a faded crimson rim, this is deliciously aromatic on the nose with savoury notes and touches of dried herbs, rose petals, spices, cherries, aniseed and charcuterie. There is good focus in this well-structured Pinot Noir and excellent length. Like this a lot. Now and for the next six years. Drink 2026-2032.
93 Points
Ken Gargett – WinePilot.com -
- 89
- 92
- 93
- Special Order Product – Delayed Dispatch
2024 Mount Langi Ghiran Billi Billi ShirazVictoria, AUSTRALIA$17. 99Bottle$215.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 3 Years (2026-2029)ABV: 13.7%Closure: StelvinMedium bodied and well fleshed, charry vanillin oak flavours dominate.
Matured for 12 months in oak (15% new). Deep dark red black colour with a red to dark red hue. Charred meat aromas overlay liquorice, black cherry, clove and peppered earth notes. Medium bodied and well fleshed, charry vanillin oak flavours dominate over black cherry, liquorice, scorched earth and peppered meat elements. Polished tannins with a gently chewy, charry oak infused finish.
Drink over the next 2-3 years.
Alc. 13.7%Other Reviews…..
Sourced from cooler vineyard sites across the Grampians and Victoria, Billi Billi combines a plushness and smooth-running mouthfeel with a lively, peppery spiciness. It's all about the fruit: ripe black cherry and plum partnered to dark roasted spices, allspice and black pepper. A most welcoming shiraz at a welcoming price. Drink by 2030.
92 Points
Jeni Port - James Halliday’s Australian Wine CompanionHere is a quintessential cool-climate Shiraz from the Grampians region in Victoria. It’s fragrant, highly scented, and slightly spicy—everything you want from this style. Dig into the palate and deeper, darker black fruits emerge, presenting with richness and good fruit concentration. It floats and extends effortlessly to a long finish. A beautiful wine for current drinking, but a little cellaring certainly wouldn’t do it any harm. Drink 2025-2031.
93 Points
Ray Jordan – WinePilot.com - Black Maple Hill Single Barrel #R66 18 Year Old Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey (750ml)Kentucky, UNITED STATES$9999. 00Bottle$119988.00 DozenABV: 47.5%
Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. There's also some cellar bloom on the labels, however overall the condition is good. Actual product pictured.
Black Maple Hill is not a distillery, but rather an ‘independent label’ first introduced in 2000 by a Californian wine and spirits distributor called CVI Brands. Importantly, this is said to be one of the original early era bottlings, as opposed to the newly re-marketed Black Maple Hill bottlings now supplied by a small craft-distillery in Oregon called 'Stein' and packaged in different shaped bottles.
The legend and hype behind Black Maple Hill stems from a belief that early releases were wheated bourbon from Stizel-Weller and bottled by Julian Van Winkle III himself. Later, bottlings were said to have been moved to Kentucky Bourbon Distillers (KBD aka Willett) and made using whiskeys sourced from Heaven Hill. Whatever the truth may be, "...the magical touch of the Van Winkle finger conferred an irresistible desirability, and Black Maple Hill bottlings began to sell for thousands of dollars on the secondary market."
It's not known precisely which whiskey(s) made it into this bottle. The contents are open to speculation, especially the later iterations which are equivalent to an independent whiskey purchased from another independent whiskey supplier. What is certain is that this is one uber rare and collectable Bourbon.
Whiskyauctioneer.com offer some further insight as to the history of these bottlings:
"The Kulsveen’s [KBD] oversaw a golden period for the brand, with well-aged bourbons filled into a number of now hugely collectable Black Maple Hill releases. Although KBD had acquired some Stitzel-Weller stock, the majority of their casks came from the neighbouring Heaven Hill distillery in Bardstown, a distillery sadly lost in a fire in 1996 and increasingly desirable ever since... By the late 2000s, a global Bourbon boom had catapulted Black Maple Hill into the spotlight. The irresistible prospect of old-aged liquid capsules of Stitzel-Weller and Heaven Hill swept the Bourbon community, and Black Maple Hill bottlings quickly became an absolute must-have. They developed a cult-following of fans fuelled by curiosity and connoisseurship. Black Maple Hill bottlings were increasingly becoming harder to find and soon were appearing on the secondary market for values far in excess of their original retail price tag. Sadly they were not the only benefactors, and KBD’s own Willett Family Estate brand had surfed the same wave, and the company increasingly reserved its stock for this, limiting what they could make available to CVI Brands and their other contracts. Black Maple Hill was eventually reduced to a non-age statement product, before disappearing from shelves. As they struggled to find an alternative it appeared as though Black Maple Hill was at the end of their story." - Willett Family Estate 124 Proof 13 Year Old Single Barrel No. 3718 Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)Kentucky, UNITED STATES$4999. 00Bottle$59988.00 DozenABV: 62%
Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such may have some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product pictured.
Established in 1935 and still a private family-owned and operated company, Willett Distillery (aka Kentucky Bourbon Distillers or ‘KBD’) have historically been rather like an American version of a Scottish-style independent bottler. They purchased barrels of young whiskey and aged them in their hill-top warehouses south of Bardstown. Older expressions have become blue chip investments with a 24 year old Willett selling for upwards of 10K. Single barrel 3718 is now very rare. 62% Alc./Vol.
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- 93
- Special Order Product – Delayed Dispatch
- Organic
2022 Domaine Maynard Chateauneuf du PapeChateauneuf du Pape, Southern Rhone, FRANCE$185. 00Bottle$2220.00 DozenMinimum 6 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2026-2032)ABV: 15%Closure: CorkRich, opulent black fruits are backed by a chewy tannin structure which imparts some grip and muscularity onto the finish.
Deep dark red core with black toned edges and a dark red hue. Heady black raspberry, liquorice and black cherry scents fill the nostrils complimented by some scorched earth, herbs du Provence, leather and peppered meat notes. Rich, opulent black raspberry, liquorice and black cherry fruits are backed by a chewy tannin structure. Scorched earth, dried meat and peppered herb accents lie underneath. Slightly grippy, muscular feel to the deeply fruited finish.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 15% -
- 93
- Special Order Product – Delayed Dispatch
2024 Nicole Oatley Wines NOW Chenin BlancSwan Valley, Western Australia, AUSTRALIA$69. 99Bottle$839.88 DozenMinimum 6 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 5 Years (2026-2031)ABV: 13%Closure: StelvinA fleshy textured Chenin Blanc that shows impressive intensity.
Brilliant water like core with green highlighted surrounds. Aromas of green apple, lime and pear mix with some quince and flinty mineral notes. Fleshy textured pear, Jonathan apple and quince fruits are delivered with impressive intensity. Subtle musk and spice elements sit in the background. Fresh acidity with a long nicely shaped finish.
Drink over the next 4-5 years.
Alc. 13%Other Reviews…..
This new face in WA wine was one of my finds of the previous year, and once again it has come up trumps, displaying the remarkable qualities of chenin blanc to emerge triumphant even in challenging and very hot seasons. It is a testament to both vineyard management and winemaking. In this case, it leans more into stone fruit and citrus rather than the tropical notes you might normally expect with chenin. It has a beautiful texture, fine acidity, excellent length, and is yet another illustration of how good chenin blanc can be in the Swan Valley.
94 Points
RayJordanWine.com.au -
- 95
2024 Kellybrook Edenesque ChardonnayYarra Valley, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$32. 99Bottle$395.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 5 Years (2026-2031)ABV: 13%Closure: StelvinRich and fleshy with a gentle creamy textural feel and a long, refined yet generous conclusion.
Brilliant pale straw colour with a distinctive green tint to the surrounds and a watery hue. Attractive white peach, nectarine, dried honey and biscuity nougat scents blossom out of the glass trailed by whiffs of cashew and spice. Rich fleshy white peach, nectarine, dried honey, biscuity nougat, cashew and spice flavours are rolled out across the palate with a gentle creamy textural feel. Beautifully balanced acidity with a long, refined yet generous conclusion.
Drink over the next 4-5 years.
Alc. 13% -
- 93
- 95
2024 Eldorado Road Quasimodo Nero d’Avola Shiraz DurifVictoria, AUSTRALIA$26. 99Bottle$323.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 5 Years (2026-2031)ABV: 13.4%Closure: StelvinAn elegant, mid weighted blend with a savoury finish that carries a refined feel.
Fruit was sourced from Beechworth, Glenrowan & Rutherglen with maturation taking place in French oak. Deep dark red black tinged colour with a dark red hue. Drifting through the olfactory senses are aromas of morello cherry, liquorice and incense which are complimented by some dried herb, earth and blackpepper notes. The elegant, mid weighted palate features morello cherry and liquorice fruits over dried herbs, earth, subtle incense and pepper. Fine grained tannins with a savoury finish that carries a refined feel.
Drink over the next 4-5 years.
Alc. 13.4% - Willett Family Estate 139 Proof 16 Year Old Single Barrel No. 31 Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)Kentucky, UNITED STATES$9999. 00Bottle$119988.00 DozenABV: 69.5%
Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such may have some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product pictured.
Established in 1935 and still a private family-owned and operated company, Willett Distillery (aka Kentucky Bourbon Distillers or ‘KBD’) have historically been rather like an American version of a Scottish-style independent bottler. They purchased barrels of young whiskey and aged them in their hill-top warehouses south of Bardstown. Older expressions have become blue chip investments with a 24 year old Willett selling for upwards of 10K. Single barrel 31 is now very rare. 69.5% Alc./Vol.
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- 88
- Special Order Product – Delayed Dispatch
2025 Plantagenet Three Lions ChardonnayGreat Southern, Western Australia, AUSTRALIA$24. 99Bottle$299.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 3 Years (2026-2029)ABV: 13.5%Closure: StelvinFleshy peach, melon and lime flavours underscored by zingy acidity with a short, sharp finish.
Brilliant pale straw colour with green toned edges and a watery hue. Aromas of lime, peach and green apple are trailed by some flinty mineral notes. Fleshy peach, melon and lime flavours are underscored by zingy acidity with some flinty mineral elements lingering across what is a short, sharp finish.
Drink over the next 2-3 years.
Alc. 13.5% -
- 95
2025 Mount Langi Ghiran Cliff Edge RieslingGrampians, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$24. 99Bottle$299.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2026-2032)ABV: 12.5%Closure: StelvinA Riesling of excellent intensity, drive and tension with a long, super crisp finish.
Brilliant water like core with green tinged edges. Pronounced lime juice and Granny Smith apple aromas are followed by hints of mandarin, chalky talc and steely mineral notes. Zesty lime, lemon and green apple fruits are underscored by racy mineral infused acidity with some chalky talc and wet steel elements also evident. Excellent intensity, drive and tension with a long, super crisp finish. Mouth watering!
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 12.5%Other Reviews……
The Victorian Grampians region does produce some of the country’s best Rieslings. In this case, the crunchy, pebbly characters that seem to be evident in this area are certainly making a statement here. It has a vibrant crystalline purity almost, with a minerally lemon rind edge. This wine has wonderful current drinking but has some significant cellaring potential. Drink 2026-2041.
95 Points
Ray Jordan – WinePilot.com -
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2025 MMAD Vineyard Chenin BlancMcLaren Vale, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$49. 99Bottle$599.88 DozenABV: 12.5%Closure: StelvinMMAD unites the experienced team behind Shaw + Smith and Tolpuddle around a historic single vineyard in McLaren Vale's Blewitt Springs. Working with rare vines dating as far back as 1939 set in sand over ironstone soils, they craft nuanced Grenache, Shiraz, and Chenin Blanc deeply rooted in provenance. It is a focused, site-driven project dedicated to letting these ancient vines express their true sense of place.
Other Reviews...
The evolution of this wine never ceases to interest and amaze me, there is incremental texture and chiselled edges to the wine wrapped in this slinky, saline and mineral driven package. Pomelo, buddhas hand, citrus and yellow plum. Pumice stone and white pepper. Some fennel seeds too. There is a coating to this wine, not quite oily but slick in nature, it sticks to the sides of your palate before rumbling down like a steam train of power with innate acidity and drive. Another exceptional release and a benchmark of what Chenin Banc can do in this country. This is a wine that accompanies so many morsels, from fish with fins to straticella or fried Balmain bug tails.
97 points
Shanteh Wale - Wine Pilot -
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2024 MMAD Vineyard ShirazMcLaren Vale, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$74. 99Bottle$899.88 DozenABV: 13.5%Closure: Diam CorkMMAD unites the experienced team behind Shaw + Smith and Tolpuddle around a historic single vineyard in McLaren Vale's Blewitt Springs. Working with rare vines dating as far back as 1939 set in sand over ironstone soils, they craft nuanced Grenache, Shiraz, and Chenin Blanc deeply rooted in provenance. It is a focused, site-driven project dedicated to letting these ancient vines express their true sense of place.
Other Reviews...
A briar of black fruit and savoury, creeping herbs—bilberry, dark cherry and pepperberry layered with notes of kombu, coastal rosemary and wild, untamed greens. There’s an earthiness here too: turned soil and dark, stony sand grounding the aromatic lift. It feels like an afternoon bush walk—banksia brushing past, scrub at your ankles—so vivid is its sense of place and transportive quality. Powder-fine tannins settle gently through the mid-palate, while olive tapenade, nigella seed and a touch of twiggy oak lend structure and savoury detail, supporting the core of blackberry fruit. This is full flavoured, detailed with its own distinctive character but sits in a medium to full body for its freshness and brightness. You won’t forget this experience any time soon. Try this with Lamb chops and old school mint sauce and reinvent the marriage of the two. Old school dish and very new school modern wine.
97 points
Shanteh Wale - Wine PilotThis has been the surprise packet of the MMAD wines, with it duelling for position with the grenache and chenin blanc. Some whole bunch, concrete and oak vat for ferment, then raised in older, larger oak, as usual. Saint-Joseph resonances. Evocatively aromatic and spicily so. Smoky, darkly mineral. Blackberry pastille, tapenade, lavender, grilled game meat, crème de violette, iodine and nori, star anise, ground clove, allspice, green and black peppercorns, malted barley, freshly ground coffee, powdery rust. Like the grenache, the nose holds such intrigue, demands attention. That’s matched by the silky flow of the old-vine fruit on the palate and the superfine natural tannin. This is blisteringly good, again. Drink 2026-2036.
97+ points
Marcus Ellis- James Halliday's Wine Companion -
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2024 MMAD Vineyard GrenacheMcLaren Vale, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$74. 99Bottle$899.88 DozenABV: 14%Closure: Diam CorkMMAD unites the experienced team behind Shaw + Smith and Tolpuddle around a historic single vineyard in McLaren Vale's Blewitt Springs. Working with rare vines dating as far back as 1939 set in sand over ironstone soils, they craft nuanced Grenache, Shiraz, and Chenin Blanc deeply rooted in provenance. It is a focused, site-driven project dedicated to letting these ancient vines express their true sense of place.
Other Reviews...
MMAD red wines have a whole new groove and by that I mean they are now sealed under Diam closure, and what a win that is for those that are lucky enough to own a Coravin because this sure is a wine to be savoured each and every sip. Holy heavenly aromas batman, this is seduction in a glass. Tea rose, sweet pea and framboise rise from the glass, followed by an evocative turn into a Chinese tea shop: oolong, burdock root and fine spice. There’s an otherworldly finesse on the palate, where silty, time-worn tannins settle into place with quiet authority. Acidity pulls back like a gathering tide before surging forward with freshness and energy, giving the wine both tension and lift. The fruit and shape reminds you of its Grenache but not like anything you have had before. This is truly special in every way. What to drink with this, well stewed game meats would work nicely but I would be inclined to go for Chinese pork floss milk buns whilst you fall into a soft couch in total happiness. Remarkable wine.
98 points
Shanteh Wale - Wine PilotNow bottled under diam, a preference based on tasting trials. This is in excellent form – duskily floral, mineral, with old-vine depth and balance, silky, plush in the right way through the mid-palate, bunch notes adding ultra-subtle spice and chewy tannin to the sandy, silty skin tannin. There’s something about the fruit, off those ’39 vines on sandy soils, that is so distinctive, with deep blue and purple florals, sultry and spicy, dark red fruits, ripe but weightless. There are also blue fruit tones and a maritime, iodine quality, an iron oxide note present but not dominant. The aroma is showstopping but not showy. In fact, it took me some time to taste the wine, such is the allure; but the palate confirms that this is likely the best release yet. Drink 2026-2036.
97+ points
Marcus Ellis - James Halliday's Wine Companion - Willett Family Estate 92.7 Proof 20 Year Old Single Barrel No. 1904 Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)Kentucky, UNITED STATES$14999. 00Bottle$179988.00 DozenABV: 46.35%
Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such may have some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product pictured.
Established in 1935 and still a private family-owned and operated company, Willett Distillery (aka Kentucky Bourbon Distillers or ‘KBD’) have historically been rather like an American version of a Scottish-style independent bottler. They purchased barrels of young whiskey and aged them in their hill-top warehouses south of Bardstown. Older expressions have become blue chip investments with a 24 year old Willett selling for upwards of 10K. Single barrel 1904 is now very rare. 46.35% Alc./Vol.
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- Batch may vary
- Nicks Import
- ABV may vary
Glenlivet Nadurra First Fill Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND$139. 99Bottle$1679.88 DozenABV: 59.1%"Now that is what I call a whisky." 95.5 points - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2016
Readers may remember the high standard set by the original 16-year-old Glenlivet Nadurra, discontinued around 2015 due to shortages of older maturing stock. It was replaced by a range of no-age-statement (NAS) cask-strength bottlings including Oloroso Matured, Peated Cask Finish and this First Fill American Oak expression. Thankfully, the follow-ons maintained the quality of the original. In particular, if you enjoyed Nadurra 16YO, you can be pretty confident here as the wood regime is the same. Matured entirely in x-Bourbon casks, 'First Fill' typifies the distillery's style offering up deep scents of poached pear and ripe green apple over beeswax and vanilla. The orchard fruit theme continues in the second pass adding milk chocolate, orange cake, light pepper and clove. A precocious sniff! The palate builds with flavours of honey, vanilla and tea biscuits; quite spicy and concentrated, thinning out momentarily before a stewed pear sweetness almost breaks through the spicy oak, carrying the aftertaste in rebounds. A little water helps it along but it's fine to drink uncut. As one of the more engaging Glenlivets of recent years, this release serves as a reminder that NAS whisky isn't necessarily retrograde. 59.1% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered. Batch FF0117 tasted.
Other reviews... mmm...a sumptuously rich delivery, and though the oils are healthy there is never a threat to the complexity....Red liquorice and treacle pudding fills the mid-ground; walnut oil subtly adds a further oaky presence....a long interweaving between the oak and the barley, although it is the malt which fades faster.... now that is what I call a whisky. 95.5 points - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2016
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Midleton Very Rare Blended Irish Whiskey (700ml) - 2025 BottlingCounty Cork, IRELAND$399. 00Bottle$4788.00 DozenABV: 40%Other reviews... Combining six Midleton distillate styles in celebration of the distillery’s 200th anniversary, the nose has toffee, new leather, green apple, vanilla, lavender honey, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, red chile, and nutty notes. Apple pie, toffee, vanilla, and cinnamon keep this centered in its signature style, but the nutmeg and chile heat kick against the 40% ABV, adding mandarin peel, barley sugar, grain sweetness, and pot still spices to the finish. 92 points - whiskyadvocate.com
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Espolon Blanco Tequila (200ml) - Glass FlaskJalisco, MEXICO$23. 99Bottle$287.88 DozenABV: 40%Crafted at the San Nicolas distillery in Arandas, the Los Altos (Highlands) region of Jalisco; Espolon Tequila is made from 100% agave, debuting in 2010 with a Blanco (unaged) and Reposado, followed by an Anejo in 2015. Pinas (the heart of the agave) are cooked for 18 to 20 hours (versus the industry average of 12) with the distillation process lasting 5½ hours (versus the industry average of 3½). In both cases, the intention is to obtain a richer and more intense flavour.
The striking packaging is inspired by classic nineteenth century artwork, featuring the iconic rooster, a symbol of Mexican national pride. An eye catching addition to any bar. When choosing your tequila, look for '100% agave', an essential bit of information vital for a great and true tequila experience. Inferior products such as 'Jose Cuervo Especial' can consist of as little as 50% agave, with the balance a mixture of corn syrup and grain alcohol, leaving you with a nasty hangover the next day.
Espolon Blanco has a crystal clear, silvery appearance and offers herbaceous, green capsicum and fresh cut horseradish-like notes. Later, undertones of candle wax and smoke are evident making for an impressively complex aroma. The palate is light to medium bodied, a little broad and sweet; waxy, briny and with a delicate twist of white pepper but lacks the vibrancy we look for in Blanco Tequila. 40% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... Espolon Blanco Tequila is hefty with agave character, peppery but with a smooth, silky body. The finish brings up more pepper and heat than I’d like. Little hints of vanilla in the body make this more complex than you’d expect at a price level like this. Not quite a knockout, but definitely worth a try. - drinkhacker.com
...The mild aroma hints at green bell peppers; the flavor also has a distinct vegetal note, mixing bell and jalapeño peppers along with agave. Finishes long, with white pepper and ginger sparks. 88 points - wineenthusiast.com
Clear. Aromas of waxy honeycomb, dried tropical fruits, delicate pickling spices, and creamy meringue. Super smooth and silky with a dryish medium-to-full body. Graceful tropical flower blossom, dates, minerals, and subtle roasted pepper notes illuminate the finish. Incredibly clean, pure and elegant. International Review of Spirits Award: Gold Medal 94 points (Exceptional) - tastings.com
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Glengoyne 18 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)Highlands, SCOTLAND$250. 00Bottle$3000.00 DozenABV: 43%The Highland Line, which notionally divided it from Lowland Scotland runs through Glengoyne's grounds making it the southernmost of the Highland distilleries. Glengoyne is notable for using barley that has been dried using warm air, rather than that dried from the smoke of peat fires. Historically, the distillery has also maintained a preference for "Golden Promise" barley, a variety that's less efficient to farm, but said to contribute an attractive oily and nutty flavour to the whisky. The revamped 18 year old has arrived in Australia and we're pleased to report that it's true to the historical distillery style. Yes, it retains the notes you'd expect from nearly two decades in majority first-fill sherry casks, but unlike the 21 year old, this is all about purity and elegance. A lightness to the mouthfeel starts out citrussy and peel-fresh, unfolding with beautiful Oloroso input through the middle and finish - think moist fruit cake, mixed nuts, orange zest, new leather and a deft touch of cinnamon and ginger bread to round things off. The aftertaste stays with you. Super pure and eminently sippable uncut, you could easily waste an evening in front of the fire with this little gem. 43% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews… This variant of Glengoyne replaces the popular 17 year old as part of an overhaul of the core range, and the maturation regime has included what the distillers describe as “a generous proportion of first-fill sherry casks.” Milk chocolate, vanilla, melon, and grapefruit on the nose, with burgeoning dry sherry and fruitcake. The palate is rich and well rounded, with cinnamon and ginger, almonds, orange marmalade, sweeter sherry, and caramel. Lingering spices and easy-going oak in the lengthy finish. 88 points - whiskyadvocate.com, (Spring 2013) Reviewed by: Gavin Smith
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2023 Hennings Heathcote ShirazHeathcote, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$27. 99Bottle$335.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2026-2032)ABV: 14.9%Closure: StelvinThe Hennings vineyard is part of a family owned farm that was established by Henning Rathjen in 1858. He was the first to plant vines in the Heathcote region producing wines up until the 1920’s when the vineyard was eventually abandoned. It wasn’t until 1998 when Daryl Rathjen decided to replant the 30 acre vineyard on the same original site that production started again. Winemakers David and Liam Anderson from Wild Duck Creek are in charge of winemaking so its no surprise that the resultant wines are hefty, super rich examples of Heathcote Shiraz. Maturation took place in French oak, 15% of which was new for a period of 18 months.
A rich, hefty Heathcote Shiraz with densely packed fruit and a blockbuster finish.
Magnificent super saturated inky black colour with an equally deep dark red black hue. Engulfing the nostrils are potent aromas of ripe blackberry, liquorice and black cherry which are trailed by some gently smoked vanillin cedar, fennel, dark chocolate and peppered earth notes. Rich, opulent and weighty, seductive blackberry, liquorice, dark plum and black cherry fruits are draped across the palate. Smoky vanillin cedar, fennel and peppered earth characters unfold across the back half. Showing superb power and volume, it carries a sturdy underbelly and has velvet like tannins. Concludes long, densely packed and lavish.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 14.9% - Glenfiddich Aston Martin F1 Team Edition 16 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) - 2026 ReleaseSpeyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND$154. 99Bottle$1859.88 DozenABV: 43%
The second edition in the Aston Martin series shifts from an all-American oak trifecta to a mix of first-fill bourbon barrels, Port pipes, Oloroso Sherry casks, red wine casks, and a final finishing in Fino Sherry butts. 43% Alc./Vol
Notes from the producers... Nose: Rich stewed fruits with a beautiful array of floral top notes. Hints of marzipan and polished leather Palate: Mellow and silky smooth with a creamy, buttery toffee sweetness. Caramelised cane sugar with a lovely counterbalance of dry oak tannin. Finish: Long lasting oaky sweetness.
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Espolon Reposado Tequila (200ml) - Glass FlaskJalisco, MEXICO$24. 99Bottle$299.88 DozenABV: 40%Very pale straw / gold colour. The nose delights with its keenly herbaceous / potpourri intensity that includes notes of dried grass, baked citrus, freshly cracked peppercorns and a hint of crushed eucalyptus leaf. A light silky entry builds to a moderately concentrated profile that’s subtly smokey with suggestions of baked citrus and green peppercorns. Slightly oily. Finishes short and rather nondescript with a faint beeswax aftertaste. 40% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... Espolon Reposado Tequila is aged six months, quite a bit of time amongst modern reposados which spend half that time in barrels if they’re lucky. Definitely a kissing cousin of the blanco, this expression is smoothed out, and has the agave knocked down a few pegs, letting vanilla and some caramel notes come to the surface. Nice, easy finish. An incredible bargain — it’s actually the same price as the blanco. A winner. - drinkhacker.com
...Golden yellow color. Mellow aromas of honeycomb, citrus meringue, and delicate pickling and baking spices. Super smooth and satiny with a dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body. Elegant and floral on the finish with anise, bee pollen, and pepper accents. Superbly crafted.
International Review of Spirits Award: Gold Medal, 93 points (Exceptional) - tastings.com.au - Willett Family Estate 122.2 Proof 8 Year Old Single Barrel No. 1568 Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)Kentucky, UNITED STATES$3499. 00Bottle$41988.00 DozenABV: 61.1%
Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such may have some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product pictured.
Established in 1935 and still a private family-owned and operated company, Willett Distillery (aka Kentucky Bourbon Distillers or ‘KBD’) have historically been rather like an American version of a Scottish-style independent bottler. They purchased barrels of young whiskey and aged them in their hill-top warehouses south of Bardstown. Older expressions have become blue chip investments with a 24 year old Willett selling for upwards of 10K. Single barrel 1568 is now very rare. 61.1% Alc./Vol.
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- Special Order Product – Delayed Dispatch
2025 Freeman Bianco Pinot GrigioNew South Wales, AUSTRALIA$26. 99Bottle$323.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 2 Years (2026-2028)ABV: 11.2%Closure: StelvinLight and refreshing with a stony feel and flinty edged finish.
Brilliant very pale straw almost water like colour with a light greenish tinge to the rim. Aromas of green apple and lime juice are trailed by some delicate fresh herb and stony mineral notes. Light, refreshing green pear, lime and green apple fruits carry a stony feel across the vibrant palate. Crisp mineral laced acidity with a flinty edged finish.
Drink over the next 1-2 years.
Alc. 11.2% -
- Nicks Import
2012 Douglas Laing & Co. Old Particular Single Cask Auchroisk 12 Year Old Wine Cask Collection Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND$159. 99Bottle$1919.88 DozenABV: 48.4%Crafted for the curious whisky lover, the Old Particular Wine Cask Collection is a celebration of single cask malts elevated by wine cask finishes (typically sweet, fortified, or red wine wood). Each release is a fusion of tradition and innovation, aiming to enhance rather than smother the inherent qualities of the chosen malt, while adding a little extra depth and complexity. In order to seperate this series from the rest of the Old Particular collection, the whiskies come with a bespoke label design and sleek black bottles.
Kicking off the series is an Auchroisk, distilled in 2012 with a finish in a tawny Port hogshead. Juicy red fruits and warming spicy notes are accompanied by pastry, orange peel, marzipan and burnt orange zest. The outturn was 296 bottles. 48.4% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.
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2024 Pacha Mama Pinot NoirYarra Valley, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$33. 99Bottle$407.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 5 Years (2026-2031)ABV: 12.8%Closure: StelvinLight, juicy and playful with a savoury red to dark fruited finish.
Semi translucent ruby red to dark red in colour with black toned edges and a light vibrant red hue. Fragrant violet, dark cherry and strawberry aromas intermingle with some anise, brambly forest floor and spice notes. Light, juicy and playful, ripe cherry and strawberry fruits drive the palate with notions of fresh herbs, subtle anise and spicy cedar extending across the back half. Polished fine grained tannins with a savoury red to dark fruited finish.
Drink over the next 4-5 years.
Alc. 12.8%Other Reviews…..
The majority of this blend comes from a vineyard planted in Cottles Bridge in '94. Like last year's version, this is a touch closed, before revealing aromas of wild strawberry, red cherry and floral notes as it opens up. The medium-bodied and gently savoury palate has good depth, with balanced, gently grippy and persistent tannins in support. It's good now but will be even better 12–24 months from now. Nicely done. Drink by 2032.94 Points
Philip Rich - James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion -
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2022 Oliver’s Taranga Vineyards HJ ShirazMcLaren Vale, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$59. 99Bottle$719.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 10 Years (2026-2036)ABV: 14.5%Closure: StelvinRich, plush and velvety this is a power packed McLaren Vale Shiraz.
First produced in the year 2000, this is the twenty first 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.
Magnificent density of colour featuring an impenetrable inky black heart and a very deep dark red black tinged hue. Heady ripe blackberry, liquorice, dark plum and dark chocolate aromas engulf the olfactory senses followed by vanillin oak, mocha, subtle earth and spice notes. Rich, plush and velvety, concentrated blackberry, liquorice, dark plum and dark chocolate flavours carry an expansive feel across the opulently textured palate. Vanillin oak, earthy mocha and spice elements lurk underneath. Power packed, it has silky smooth tannins and a very long, super plush finish that’s seduction plus!
Drink over the next 8-10 years.
Alc. 14.5%Other Reviews…..
Hand picked from '48 vines, lightly crushed and fermented with native yeasts; raised in French hogsheads, 35% new. There are clear refinements in making, but those old vines speak in their deep baritone, the making respectful to the voice. Stewed dark plums, black cherries and berries, deeply ripe raspberry, Dutch cocoa, allspice, clove, fine threads of vanilla, roasted coffee bean and anise. It’s rich and silky, with a sophisticated tannic draw, the finish impressively long. Drink by 2037.
95 Points
Marcus Ellis – James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion -
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2022 Killibinbin Smitten MalbecLanghorne Creek, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$19. 99Bottle$239.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 2 Years (2026-2028)ABV: 14.5%Closure: StelvinRich and plummy with slightly chalky tannins, edgy acidity and a spicy dried fruit finish.
Dense black dark red colour with a dark red hue. Pronounced ripe black cherry, dark plum and liquorice scents combine with scorched earth, spicy vanillin oak and choc mint notes. Rich plummy liquorice fruits overlay a back drop of dried meats, spicy vanillin oak and cinnamon. Ripe fleshy texture with slightly chalky tannins, edgy acidity and a spicy dried fruit finish.
Drink over the next 1-2 years.
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2024 Dandelion Vineyards Menagerie of the Barossa Grenache Shiraz MataroBarossa, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$23. 99Bottle$287.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 5 Years (2026-2031)ABV: 14%Closure: StelvinPlump and succulent with a long, sumptuous finish.
Deep dark red black tinged colour with a dark red hue. Pronounced aromatics of dark raspberry, liquorice and dark plum jump out of the glass complimented by some vanillin spice, earth and subtle peppered herb notes. Plump and succulent, dark plum, dark raspberry and liquorice fruits flood the mid weighted palate. Vanillin spice and peppered earth elements sit in the background. Velvety tannins with an underlying freshness to the long, sumptuous finish.
Drink over the next 4-5 years.
Alc. 14%Other Reviews…..
The strong '24 release sees a blend of 58/22/20% grenache/shiraz/mataro matured for 12 months in seasoned French oak. Bright crimson with a wave of ripe satsuma plum, red cherry and blueberry fruits with some cranberry lift and hints of Medina spice, dried citrus rind, meadow flowers, Chinese barbecue shop, turned earth, cold tea, anise and chocolate-dipped raspberries. Medium weighted with a freshness to its travel, pure, savoury fruit, fine, sandy tannins and a real easy-drinking style. Drink by 2038.
94 Points
Dave Brookes - James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion -
- Museum Release
2005 Mr Riggs Yacca Paddock Tempranillo - Museum ReleaseAdelaide Hills, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$29. 99Bottle$359.88 DozenABV: 15%Closure: StelvinPlease note: Due to the age of this wine, some bottles may show signs of advanced maturity and we recommend enjoying it sooner rather than further cellaring.
The Yacca Paddock vineyards are owned by award winning film makers Scott Hicks and Kerry Heysen-Hicks. Two of the districts leading personalities are in the background, Geoff Hardy who manages the vineyard and Ben Riggs, who not only makes Yacca Paddock wines but also sources fruit from here for his own label. (Tasting notes from 2007) Opaque black crimson colour with crimson hue. Top note of dark cherry, spice and liquorice, delivering a perfumed lift. The palate has good weight and persistence, supported by fine grained tannins, with flavours of cherry and confectionary. Warm, spicy back palate.
First Tasted, July 2007: Very deep crimson colour with deep crimson hue. Top note of spice, followed by a touch of new leather, black cherry and cedar. The palate needs some time to evolve, yet in its youth this wine has much better structure and flavour profile than many Tempranillo's that find their way into the market. The fine dry tannins support flavours of leather, arrowroot biscuit (an unusual twist) and dark cherry. The back palate is very spicy. Long aftertaste of leather, black pepper and spice. Winemaker Ben Riggs regards this as a food wine rather than a sipper, and tells us that the Tempranillo is his current ‘House wine’.
Alc/Vol: 15% -
- Museum Release
2008 Jeanneret Rank and File Shiraz - Museum ReleaseClare Valley, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$24. 99Bottle$299.88 DozenABV: 16%Closure: Screw CapPlease note: Due to the age of this wine, some bottles may show signs of advanced maturity and we recommend enjoying it sooner rather than further cellaring.
Ben Jeanneret calls this curiously named wine 'Rank & File'. It's what Shiraz represents to him - the heart and soul of the Australian wine industry. Sourced from some of the best low yielding, old vine vineyards in Clare. Year in year out this is one of our best selling Shiraz, the powerful rich black fruits and opulent feel make it irresistible drinking.
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Chateau Arton Les Reserves D'Arton Poire Eau de Vie (700ml)Armagnac, FRANCE$119. 99Bottle$1439.88 DozenABV: 42%An artisanal fruit brandy (eau de vie). Chateau Arton use estate-grown, heirloom orchard pears known as “Passe Crassane”, macerated for several months and then distilled in a simple still with continuous heating to capture the fruit's fragrance. The lifted bouquet includes tart pear, dried apple and faint touches of cinnamon. Easy in the mouth with a crisp, semi-ripe pear character (more skin than flesh) followed by hints of unaged grappa and white pepper through the cleansing finish. Try it chilled or straight as a traditional digestif. The producers recommend shaking the bottle before serving to maximise the aromatics. 42% Alc./Vol.
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2024 Plantagenet Normand Pinot NoirGreat Southern, Western Australia, AUSTRALIA$39. 99Bottle$479.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 4 Years (2026-2030)ABV: 14%Closure: StelvinA ripe, fleshy dark to black fruited Pinot with a sturdy structure behind it.
Dark red colour with black toned edges and a red tinged hue. Aromas of anise, black cherry and ripe strawberry drift through the nostrils followed by some toasty cedar, dried herb and spice notes. Fleshy dark to black cherry and anise flavours are intermeshed with strawberry, dried herb, earth and spicy cedar elements. Sturdy fine grained tannin structure with a generous feel to the mid length finish.
Drink over the next 3-4 years.
Alc. 14% -
- Nicks Import
2013 Douglas Laing & Co. Old Particular Single Cask Cardhu 12 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND$159. 99Bottle$1919.88 DozenABV: 58.5%A rare offering from Laing's Cask Strength Collection in the form of a rather intriguing Cardhu. Independently bottled examples are almost impossible to find. For this expression, 274 bottles were charged from a refill hogshead at 58.5% providing an opportunity to experience the wild side of this typically genteel malt. Tasting notes suggest malt, oak, spice and cereal notes, plus baked apple, cinnamon, fruit cake and barley. Non chill filtered.
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2024 Kellybrook Edenesque Pinot NoirYarra Valley, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$32. 99Bottle$395.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2026-2032)ABV: 13.5%Closure: StelvinLight and vibrant yet supple with a long, fresh red fruited finish.
Semi translucent red colour with a light red hue. Fragrant red cherry, violet and winter strawberry scents blossom out of the glass followed by some dried herb, brambly cedar and forest floor notes. Light and vibrant yet supple in its body flow across the palate, delicious red to dark cherry and strawberry fruits are featured over a brambly rhubarb, forest floor and spicy cedar back drop. Polished tannins with a long, fresh red fruited finish.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 13.5%Other Reviews……
A blend of fruit from the home block at Wonga Park and two different sites in Gladysdale. A light, bright crimson. A perfumed bouquet of light red fruits, floral scents, cinnamon and just a hint of clove. On the palate it's light on its feet and finely structured, with gentle tannins and bright acidity. An elegant and well-priced wine to drink over the next three to four years.
93 Points
Philip Rich - James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion -
- 93
Chateau Arton La Reserves Haut Armagnac (700ml)Armagnac, FRANCE$169. 99Bottle$2039.88 DozenABV: 45%Given that Haut-Armagnac accounts for a mere 1.5% of Armagnac's total production, Château Arton is something of an anomaly. It is one of the few, and certainly the most prominent producers in the exclusive terroir that was ravaged by phylloxera in the late 1800s, leading to the mass uprooting of vineyards. The region never quite recovered. Organically grown Colombard and Ugni Blanc grapes are at the heart of the Chateau's 'Reserve', a blend of brandies aged for at least six years (others say four to eleven). The aromas open with dried fruits, cigar box, spiced raisins, cocoa and a touch of leather, followed by middle-weight flavours of candied fruits and a delicate succulence, countered by spicy oak, leather and tobacco. Neither too heavy nor too light, this 'contemporary' style straddles a line between middle-aged cognac and traditional armagnac, offering the finesse and elegance of one while retaining some of the depth and fruit-cake character of the latter. The style is reflected in the abstract label design, another break from tradition, suggesting a concerted effort to create a 'modern' Armagnac intended to introduce this spirit to a new generation of drinkers. Pair it with a chocolate tart. 45% Alc./Vol.
















































