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2022 Kilikanoon Covenant ShirazClare Valley, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$44. 99Bottle$539.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 8 Years (2025-2033)ABV: 14.5%Closure: StelvinRich, fresh and opulent with a sturdily built frame and long juicy finish.
Matured in new and seasoned French oak hogsheads for a period of 14 months. Impenetrable inky black colour with a deep dark red black hue. Dark plum and liquorice aromas flood the nostrils with toasty vanillin oak, fennel and peppered earth notes also chiming in. Rich spicy dark plum and liquorice fruits show ample succulence and concentration across the full bodied palate. Scorched earth, vanillin cedar and peppered fennel elements form the underbelly. Fresh and opulent it has a sturdily built frame and long juicy finish.
Drink over the next 6-8 years.
Alc. 14.5%Other Reviews....
The colour for this first-rate wine shows a brilliant, bright red and slight crimson hues. The nose captures the varietal spices and the dark, plummy blackberry notes that you expect, with a little meaty game. The palate opens to reveal ripe red fruit characters, with just a hint of spice and a touch of ironstone. Tannins are slightly chalky, and the oak is neatly engaged, as a result of 13 months in new and seasoned French oak hogsheads. It’s soft and generous, with good cellaring potential for the next 10 years. Drink 2025-2035.
94 Points
Ray Jordan – Wine Pilot -
- 96
- 94
- 94
- Organic
2021 Principe Corsini Cortevecchia Chianti Classico RiservaTuscany, ITALY$69. 99Bottle$839.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 8 Years (2025-2033)ABV: 14%Closure: StelvinFinessed and polished with a rich chorus of red fruits flowing through to a long, sweeping finish.
The family behind Villa Le Corti, the Corsini Family, has an amazing history as winemakers that dates back to the 13th century making it one of the oldest Estates in Tuscany. Current custodian of the Corsini Empire is 22nd generation Duccio Corsini.
Deep dark red core with black toned edges and a red to dark red hue. Delightful aromatics of red currant and red cherry infused with rose petals show wonderful intensity out of the glass complimented by some red liquorice, Mediterranean herb, spicy cedar and earth notes. A rich chorus of ripe red currant, red liquorice and red cherry fruits unravel across the mid weighted palate. Finessed and polished it has seamlessly integrated, fine grained tannins and a beautiful underlying freshness. Terrific length with infusions of fresh Mediterranean herbs, earth and spicy cedar extending through what is a long sweeping finish.
Drink over the next 6-8 years.
Alc. 14%Other Reviews….
Delicate notes of roses, leafy lightness, bright red cherries and some mineral depth. Velvety texture with a medium body and refreshing, integrated acidity. Tasty and slightly toasted in the juicy finish. Drink or hold.
94 Points
JamesSuckling.comThe Villa Le Corti Principe Corsini 2021 Chianti Classico Riserva Cortevecchia (made with organic fruit) boasts a very direct and intense bouquet that remains beautifully balanced and elegant at the same time. Cherry, blueberry and cassis are presented in clear tones, as promised by this excellent vintage. There are lighter background notes of grilled rosemary and blue flower. This Riserva knocks it out of the park with fresh acidity and general brightness. Drink 2024-2036.
94+ Points
Monica Larner – Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate -
- 94
- 95
2023 Paul Osicka Heathcote Cabernet Sauvignon - Last StocksHeathcote, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$37. 99Bottle$455.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 8 Years (2025-2033)ABV: 14%Closure: StelvinFine and elegant with slightly chalky tannins and a refined yet dusty finish.
Midnight black core with a dark red black tinged hue. Red to black currant and mulberry scents drift through the nostrils followed by some dusty vanillin cedar, tobacco and bay leaf notes. The elegant, fine boned palate features red to black currant and mulberry fruits over vanillin cedar, dusty earth, spicy tobacco and infusions of bay leaf. Dry, slightly chalky tannins with good underlying freshness and a refined yet dusty finish.
Drink over the next 6-8 years.
Alc. 14%Other Reviews….
Estate grapes planted in the '50s and '80s; extended post-ferment maceration, pressed to French oak (25% new). A fine partner to the maker's warmer (northern) Colbinabbin cabernet, emphasising liveliness of spice and an all-round firm tannin and varietal intensity. Cassis, leafy aromas, black and purple fruits, roasting herbs and light florals offer a gentle, youthful complexity. Quite effortlessly smooth and well honed on the palate, with a touch of hazelnut oak layered through. Tannins are deceptively firm. Will last the distance. Drink by 2036.
95 Points
Jeni Port – James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion -
- 93
2023 Coriole Sparta ShirazMcLaren Vale, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$26. 99Bottle$323.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2025-2031)ABV: 14.2%Closure: StelvinRich and juicy with gently chewy tannins and a youthful freshness.
Dense inky black heart with a deep dark purple black tinged hue. Aromas of black cherry and liquorice sail through the nostrils followed by some dried herb, scorched earth and pepper notes. The full bodied palate is awash with rich blackberry, liquorice and black cherry fruits which have a juicy feel. Inky earth and blackpepper lie underneath. Gently chewy tannins with a youthful freshness across the generously fruited mid length finish.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 14.2% -
- 94
2023 O’ Leary Walker Watervale Nero d’AvolaClare Valley, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$29. 99Bottle$359.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 5 Years (2025-2030)ABV: 14.5%Closure: StelvinA generous blue to dark fruited Nero with slightly chewy tannins and good freshness.
Fifty percent of the wine was aged in 1-3 year old oak barrels for a period of 9 months. Deep dark red black colour with a dark red hue. The nose is filled with morello and black cherry, liquorice, blueberry and scorch earth aromas. Flashes of incense and spicy dried herbs are also evident. The palate is awash with juicy morello cherry, ripe blueberry and liquorice fruits. Earthy incense and spice elements lend further nuance. Slightly chewy tannins with ample underlying freshness and a long generous blue to dark fruited conclusion.
Drink over the next 4-5 years.
Alc. 14.5% -
- 94
2023 Seabrook Tiger Moth Marshall ShirazBarossa Valley, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$19. 99Bottle$239.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 4 Years (2025-2029)ABV: 14%Closure: StelvinPacked with opulent fruit, this is a rich, lush and velvet smooth Barossa Shiraz.
Dense inky black heart with a deep dark red black tinged hue. Intense aniseed, liquorice and dark plum aromas flood the nostrils trailed by some toasty vanillin oak and peppered fennel notes. Rich and lush, the full bodied palate is awash with liquorice and dark plum fruits. Spicy vanillin cedar, fennel and subtle peppered earth elements sit in the background. Velvety tannins with a long opulent finish.
Drink over the next 3-4 years.
Alc. 14% -
- 90
- Special Order Product – Delayed Dispatch
- Biodynamic
2025 Muto PicpoulRiverland, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$21. 99Bottle$263.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 1 Years (2025-2026)ABV: 12%Closure: StelvinFleshy pear fruits with a tangy back drop and shapely yet energised finish.
Picpoul originally from southern France and Spain, is known for its bright acidity and minerality. To add texture, a portion of Muto’s Picpoul undergoes skin contact.
Brilliant yellow straw colour with a watery hue. Aromas of ripe apple and lime mix with pear skin and quince. On the palate fleshy pear fruits meld into a tangy back drop of lime, red apple skin and mandarin. Zingy acidity with a shapely yet energised finish.
Drink now.
Alc. 12% -
- 92
- Special Order Product – Delayed Dispatch
2024 Grampians Estate Corriedale Cabernet SauvignonGreat Western, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$26. 99Bottle$323.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 5 Years (2025-2030)ABV: 14%Closure: StelvinMedium bodied with juicy red to black fruits carrying a prominent dusty vanillin cedar and tobacco overlay.
Midnight black dark red colour with a vibrant dark red hue. Bay leaf infused aromas of red to black currant and mulberry mix with cedary tobacco and spice notes. Juicy red to black currant and red liquorice fruits carry a prominent dusty vanillin cedar and tobacco overlay with some spicy bay leaf characters also chiming in. Fine grained tannins with a fresh red fruited finish that has a refined feel.
Drink over the next 4-5 years.
Alc. 14% -
- 94
- 92
- 93
- Reduced
2021 Nicks Secret JEST McLaren Vale ShirazMcLaren Vale, South Australia, AUSTRALIAReduced from $19.99$12. 99Bottle$155.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 5 Years (2025-2030)ABV: 14.9%Closure: StelvinFrom a very well-known family owned estate with an Italian-Australian heritage, this McLaren Vale winery burst onto the scene in the early 2000’s when the then, world's most powerful wine critic, Robert Parker, lauded many of the wines with scores in the high nineties. Hailing from the same winery as our 2019 Nicks Secret SERP Cabernet Sauvignon and 2021 Nicks Secret ANGL Shiraz there’s only one parcel available at this price so jump in quick!
Rich, weighty and opulent, this McLaren Vale Shiraz is a brilliant buy at just $12.99.
Impenetrable inky black in colour with a deep dark red black hue. Dark plum, ripe blackberry and liquorice aromas sail through the nostrils with plenty of intensity followed by some subtlety smoked vanillin cedar, fennel and peppered earth notes. Rich, weighty and opulent, the palate is engulfed with bold ripe blackberry, liquorice, dark plum and subtle dark chocolate flavours. Spicy vanillin cedar, scorched earth and peppered fennel elements traverse across the back half. Amply powered it has a sturdy yet velvet like tannin structure and a long fleshy finish.
Drink over the next 4-5 years.
Alc. 14.9%Other Reviews….
Great value McLaren Vale Shiraz from a sensational vintage. After a cool fermentation, the wine spent 14 months in a mix of French (75%) and American (25%) oak hogsheads. We have notes of mocha, spices, plums, coffee beans, chocolate, blackberries, tobacco leaves and aniseed. A richly flavoured palate, which is really rather attractive. Good focus, balance, and length with silky tannins. There is generosity and richness here. Cracking value to enjoy over the next six to ten years. I know there can be a reluctance to give wines at lower price points high scores, but this one deserves it. Drink 2024-2034.
93 Points
Ken Gargett – WinePilot.com2021 is a superb vintage and its beauty shines through the wines, from entry level to top-drawer. All the classic signatures of fine shiraz, fresher and cooler climatic of feel than its origins suggests, even at this approachable line. Blue fruits, lilac and nori. Perfumed, mid-weighted and brisk. Perfectly judged. It would be hard to find better value, irrespective of origin. Drink or hold. Screw cap.
92 Points
JamesSuckling.comIt's gorgeously ripe and inviting on the nose with blackberry, game, warm spice and roasted hazelnut aromas. The palate is equally satisfying with excellent weight and silky texture, well framed by finely infused tannins, offering delectable drinking. At its best: now to 2031.
93 Points
Sam Kim – WinePilot.com - 2023 David Duband Bourgogne Hautes-Cotes de NuitsBurgundy, FRANCE$110. 00Bottle$1320.00 DozenABV: 12.9%Closure: Cork
David Duband is regarded as one of the rising stars of Burgundy. He took over his family domaine at a very young age and now has more than 20 vintages of experience behind him. Starting out with small family holdings David, together with his business partner Francois Feuillet, have added to their portfolio of wines through the purchase of some exceptional old Grand cru vineyards throughout Gevrey Chambertin and Morey St Denis, including prime holdings of retiring vigneron Jacky Truchot.
Other Reviews....
A fresh and ripe nose consists mostly of layered red and dark pinot fruit along with a hint of spice. There is a beguiling sense of energy and texture to the delicious flavors that conclude in a refreshing if mildly tangy finish where the tang is very probably due to the high level of gas. Drink through 2026+.
86-88 points
Allen Meadows - BurghoundMostly in Stockinger foudres. The plan is to move in this direction for 80% then use new barrels for 20%. Good sound purple with a very fine red fruit bouquet and adequate intensity. There is bounce from the stems (60%) with unexpected darker fruit, then good weight behind, with fair grip. Drink from 2026-2028.
87-89 points
Jasper Morris MW - Inside Burgundy - 2023 David Duband Nuits-Saint-GeorgesBurgundy, FRANCE$235. 00Bottle$2820.00 DozenABV: 12.7%Closure: Cork
David Duband is regarded as one of the rising stars of Burgundy. He took over his family domaine at a very young age and now has more than 20 vintages of experience behind him. Starting out with small family holdings David, together with his business partner Francois Feuillet, have added to their portfolio of wines through the purchase of some exceptional old Grand cru vineyards throughout Gevrey Chambertin and Morey St Denis, including prime holdings of retiring vigneron Jacky Truchot.
Other Reviews....
Subtle if easily perceptible wood lurks in the background of the ripe blend of red and dark currant, newly turned earth and a hint of forest floor character. There is both excellent intensity and freshness to the detailed and appealingly textured medium weight flavors that also conclude in a dusty and youthfully austere finale. This slightly firmer effort needs to develop better depth so some patience is warranted. Drink through 2030+.
88-91 points
Allen Meadows - BurghoundFresh purple, showing its Nuits character well with the darker fruit balanced again by floral notes, super intensity further back on the palate, excellent acid balance, fine length. Excellent Drink from 2028-2033.
90-93 points
Jasper Morris MW - Inside Burgundy - 2023 David Duband Gevrey-ChambertinBurgundy, FRANCE$255. 00Bottle$3060.00 DozenABV: 12.8%Closure: Cork
David Duband is regarded as one of the rising stars of Burgundy. He took over his family domaine at a very young age and now has more than 20 vintages of experience behind him. Starting out with small family holdings David, together with his business partner Francois Feuillet, have added to their portfolio of wines through the purchase of some exceptional old Grand cru vineyards throughout Gevrey Chambertin and Morey St Denis, including prime holdings of retiring vigneron Jacky Truchot.
Other Reviews....
This is also aromatically attractive with its airy nose of red currant, earth and a suggestion of the sauvage. There is a lovely sense of vibrancy to the acceptably dense middle weight flavors that possess a caressing mid-palate that tightens up noticeably on the dusty, youthfully austere and balanced finale. At least some patience would be a good idea. Drink through 2029+.
88-91 points
Allen Meadows - BurghoundLovely ruby purple, with an exquisite fresh pinot nose, roses and peonies, a little spice behind, really beautifully managed, fluid and stylish. Drink from 2028-2033.
90-92 points
Jasper Morris MW - Inside Burgundy - 2023 David Duband Morey-Saint-Denis Clos Sorbe Premier CruBurgundy, FRANCE$350. 00Bottle$4200.00 DozenABV: 13.1%Closure: Cork
David Duband is regarded as one of the rising stars of Burgundy. He took over his family domaine at a very young age and now has more than 20 vintages of experience behind him. Starting out with small family holdings David, together with his business partner Francois Feuillet, have added to their portfolio of wines through the purchase of some exceptional old Grand cru vineyards throughout Gevrey Chambertin and Morey St Denis, including prime holdings of retiring vigneron Jacky Truchot.
Other Reviews....
A cool, airy and elegant nose present wafting aromas of the essence of red cherry nuanced by a broad range of pretty floral wisps. The succulent, seductive and detailed medium-bodied flavors possess a more refined mouthfeel while offering notably better complexity on the balanced and youthfully austere finale. This is lovely, understated and worth considering. Drink through 2031+.
90-93 points
Allen Meadows - BurghoundPretty ruby purple, with a lifted nose, I can hardly see the whole bunches though they are part of it. Medium depth here, flowing nicely if softly across the palate. Drink from 2029-2035.
91-93 points
Jasper Morris MW - Inside Burgundy - 2023 David Duband Nuits-Saint-Georges Aux Thorey Premier CruBurgundy, FRANCE$350. 00Bottle$4200.00 DozenABV: 13.4%Closure: Cork
David Duband is regarded as one of the rising stars of Burgundy. He took over his family domaine at a very young age and now has more than 20 vintages of experience behind him. Starting out with small family holdings David, together with his business partner Francois Feuillet, have added to their portfolio of wines through the purchase of some exceptional old Grand cru vineyards throughout Gevrey Chambertin and Morey St Denis, including prime holdings of retiring vigneron Jacky Truchot.
Other Reviews....
This isn't quite as aromatically elegant as the Clos Sorbé though it is spicier. There is a bit more volume and a seductive texture to the middle weight flavors that possess both a subtle minerality and very good punch that carries over to the dusty and noticeably more firmly structured finale. This too could use better depth so at least a few years of cellaring are suggested. Drink through 2033+.
90-92 points
Allen Meadows - BurghoundMid purple. Marvellously perfumed on the nose with a sense of brisk cherry fruit energy. This is especially lively for Thorey which can be dour, good structure behind, a mini touch of chocolate. Drink from 2030-2036.
91-94 points
Jasper Morris MW - Inside Burgundy - 2023 David Duband Chambolle-Musigny Les Sentiers Premier CruBurgundy, FRANCE$550. 00Bottle$6600.00 DozenABV: 12.5%Closure: Cork
David Duband is regarded as one of the rising stars of Burgundy. He took over his family domaine at a very young age and now has more than 20 vintages of experience behind him. Starting out with small family holdings David, together with his business partner Francois Feuillet, have added to their portfolio of wines through the purchase of some exceptional old Grand cru vineyards throughout Gevrey Chambertin and Morey St Denis, including prime holdings of retiring vigneron Jacky Truchot.
Other Reviews....
A cornucopia of floral elements jumps from the glass to complement the essence of wild red cherry scents. The middle weight flavors are gorgeously textured and are a lovely combination of finesse, punch and minerality, all wrapped in a firm, serious and balanced finale. This is excellent and well-worth a look. Drink through 2033+.
91-94 points
Allen Meadows - BurghoundThe pink side of ruby with a delightful fresh raspberry fruit with some roses alongside, then white pepper to spice up the finish. This is beautifully balanced, a wine at ease with itself. Actually, Les Sentiers builds at the back, gaining a little more weight. Drink from 2030-2036.
92-94 points
Jasper Morris MW - Inside Burgundy - 2023 David Duband Echezeaux Grand CruBurgundy, FRANCE$999. 00Bottle$11988.00 DozenABV: 13.9%Closure: Cork
David Duband is regarded as one of the rising stars of Burgundy. He took over his family domaine at a very young age and now has more than 20 vintages of experience behind him. Starting out with small family holdings David, together with his business partner Francois Feuillet, have added to their portfolio of wines through the purchase of some exceptional old Grand cru vineyards throughout Gevrey Chambertin and Morey St Denis, including prime holdings of retiring vigneron Jacky Truchot.
Other Reviews....
A spicier if less floral-suffused nose serves up an array of red currant, exotic tea, sandalwood and a whiff of star anise. There is even better volume and a similar lovely texture to the medium-bodied flavors that possess solid density before terminating in a powerful, moderately austere and very much built-to-age finale where a touch of warmth slowly emerges. This is a bigger and more powerful wine but I prefer the finesse and subtle minerality of the Sentiers. Drink through 2035+.
91-93 points
Allen Meadows - BurghoundAttractive mid crimson to ruby. Pepper and spice first up on the nose. Not expecting quite such an expanse of light on its feet sweet red fruit, again with floral overtones, then a return of black pepper at the finish. This needs more time. Very interesting. Drink from 2031-2037.
93-96 points
Jasper Morris MW - Inside Burgundy - 2023 David Duband Latricieres-Chambertin Grand CruBurgundy, FRANCE$1450. 00Bottle$17400.00 DozenABV: 12.7%Closure: Cork
David Duband is regarded as one of the rising stars of Burgundy. He took over his family domaine at a very young age and now has more than 20 vintages of experience behind him. Starting out with small family holdings David, together with his business partner Francois Feuillet, have added to their portfolio of wines through the purchase of some exceptional old Grand cru vineyards throughout Gevrey Chambertin and Morey St Denis, including prime holdings of retiring vigneron Jacky Truchot.
Other Reviews....
This is also cool and decidedly restrained if exceptionally pretty with its airy array of spicy red currant, forest floor and wild cherry-scented nose. The succulent, round and caressing medium weight flavors definitely do not lack for punch or minerality, both of which suffuse the moderately austere, balanced and firm finale. This well-made beauty is also clearly built to repay extended keeping. Drink through 2035+.
92-94 points
Allen Meadows - BurghoundBack to a slightly lighter ruby. Perfumed on the nose, a little salinity on the palate, more in a slightly sombre red fruit, some tannins behind, a touch of liquorice. Plenty happening but not quite in place today. Drink from 2032-2038.
92-95 points
Jasper Morris MW - Inside Burgundy - 2023 Laurent Roumier Bourgogne Hautes-Cotes-de-Nuits BlancBurgundy, FRANCE$135. 00Bottle$1620.00 DozenABV: 12.5%Closure: Cork
Laurent Roumier is the grandson of the legendary Georges Roumier and his holdings originate from that grand old estate with more recent additions of 6 hectares in the Hautes Cotes de Nuits being purchased in the 1990s and further purchases in Chambolle-Musigny. His father Alain was the cellar master for Comte de Vogue for nearly 3 decades before taking his portion of the family vineyards to farm for his own family. Wines here appear stylistically very similar to those of Georges with even the same barrels and oak used as his cousins though one notable difference is that Laurent mostly de-stems giving wines that show excellent depth of colour and which are more immediately perfumed and accessible in their youth while still having ample depth and structure to age classically.
The vines are on average 35 years old, and they are farmed traditionally and naturally, with neither fertilizer nor herbicide. Green harvests are carried out in the summer when necessary. All of the vines are harvested by hand. In the cellar, the work is carried out with the same level of precision. The grapes are entirely destemmed the vinified in concrete vats. Alcoholic fermentation lasts around 15 days, with pumping over and punching down every day, and the temperature is checked every day. When it comes to pressing, the team decants the wines for 12 hours in vats and then barrels (50% of which are new for the grand crus and the premier crus, 30% for the villages and 10% for the Bourgogne Hautes-cotes-de-nuits). The elevage lasts 15 to 18 months, with the barrels (mostly Tonnelerie Rousseau) being topped up once a week and racked two or three times during the entire period of elevage.
From a tiny parcel of vines 0.71 ha is planted to Chardonnay in the chalkiest most limestone soils in the La Poirelotte vineyard located higher above Chambolle village vineyards.
- 2023 Laurent Roumier Bourgogne Hautes-Cotes-de-Nuits Rouge (375ml)Burgundy, FRANCE$82. 99Bottle$995.88 DozenABV: 12.5%Closure: Cork
Laurent Roumier is the grandson of the legendary Georges Roumier and his holdings originate from that grand old estate with more recent additions of 6 hectares in the Hautes Cotes de Nuits being purchased in the 1990s and further purchases in Chambolle-Musigny. His father Alain was the cellar master for Comte de Vogue for nearly 3 decades before taking his portion of the family vineyards to farm for his own family. Wines here appear stylistically very similar to those of Georges with even the same barrels and oak used as his cousins though one notable difference is that Laurent mostly de-stems giving wines that show excellent depth of colour and which are more immediately perfumed and accessible in their youth while still having ample depth and structure to age classically.
The vines are on average 35 years old, and they are farmed traditionally and naturally, with neither fertilizer nor herbicide. Green harvests are carried out in the summer when necessary. All of the vines are harvested by hand. In the cellar, the work is carried out with the same level of precision. The grapes are entirely destemmed the vinified in concrete vats. Alcoholic fermentation lasts around 15 days, with pumping over and punching down every day, and the temperature is checked every day. When it comes to pressing, the team decants the wines for 12 hours in vats and then barrels (50% of which are new for the grand crus and the premier crus, 30% for the villages and 10% for the Bourgogne Hautes-cotes-de-nuits). The elevage lasts 15 to 18 months, with the barrels (mostly Tonnelerie Rousseau) being topped up once a week and racked two or three times during the entire period of elevage.
Bourgogne Hautes-Cotes-de-Nuits comes from the La Poirelotte parcel of vines planted from 1970s through to 2000 located higher above Chambolle village vineyards. No new oak is used for this wine.
- 2023 Laurent Roumier Bourgogne Hautes-Cotes-de-Nuits RougeBurgundy, FRANCE$135. 00Bottle$1620.00 DozenABV: 12.5%Closure: Cork
Laurent Roumier is the grandson of the legendary Georges Roumier and his holdings originate from that grand old estate with more recent additions of 6 hectares in the Hautes Cotes de Nuits being purchased in the 1990s and further purchases in Chambolle-Musigny. His father Alain was the cellar master for Comte de Vogue for nearly 3 decades before taking his portion of the family vineyards to farm for his own family. Wines here appear stylistically very similar to those of Georges with even the same barrels and oak used as his cousins though one notable difference is that Laurent mostly de-stems giving wines that show excellent depth of colour and which are more immediately perfumed and accessible in their youth while still having ample depth and structure to age classically.
The vines are on average 35 years old, and they are farmed traditionally and naturally, with neither fertilizer nor herbicide. Green harvests are carried out in the summer when necessary. All of the vines are harvested by hand. In the cellar, the work is carried out with the same level of precision. The grapes are entirely destemmed the vinified in concrete vats. Alcoholic fermentation lasts around 15 days, with pumping over and punching down every day, and the temperature is checked every day. When it comes to pressing, the team decants the wines for 12 hours in vats and then barrels (50% of which are new for the grand crus and the premier crus, 30% for the villages and 10% for the Bourgogne Hautes-cotes-de-nuits). The elevage lasts 15 to 18 months, with the barrels (mostly Tonnelerie Rousseau) being topped up once a week and racked two or three times during the entire period of elevage.
Bourgogne Hautes-Cotes-de-Nuits comes from the La Poirelotte parcel of vines planted from 1970s through to 2000 located higher above Chambolle village vineyards. No new oak is used for this wine.
- 2023 Laurent Roumier Chambolle-Musigny (375ml)Burgundy, FRANCE$165. 00Bottle$1980.00 DozenABV: 13%Closure: Cork
Laurent Roumier is the grandson of the legendary Georges Roumier and his holdings originate from that grand old estate with more recent additions of 6 hectares in the Hautes Cotes de Nuits being purchased in the 1990s and further purchases in Chambolle-Musigny. His father Alain was the cellar master for Comte de Vogue for nearly 3 decades before taking his portion of the family vineyards to farm for his own family. Wines here appear stylistically very similar to those of Georges with even the same barrels and oak used as his cousins though one notable difference is that Laurent mostly de-stems giving wines that show excellent depth of colour and which are more immediately perfumed and accessible in their youth while still having ample depth and structure to age classically.
The vines are on average 35 years old, and they are farmed traditionally and naturally, with neither fertilizer nor herbicide. Green harvests are carried out in the summer when necessary. All of the vines are harvested by hand. In the cellar, the work is carried out with the same level of precision. The grapes are entirely destemmed the vinified in concrete vats. Alcoholic fermentation lasts around 15 days, with pumping over and punching down every day, and the temperature is checked every day. When it comes to pressing, the team decants the wines for 12 hours in vats and then barrels (50% of which are new for the grand crus and the premier crus, 30% for the villages and 10% for the Bourgogne Hautes-cotes-de-nuits). The elevage lasts 15 to 18 months, with the barrels (mostly Tonnelerie Rousseau) being topped up once a week and racked two or three times during the entire period of elevage.
Laurent's Chambolle-Musigny comes from five parcels of vines planted between the 1960s and 1990s with an average age of 35 years old. Chambolle-Musigny gets its reputation for perfume and elegance and this is textbook Chambolle yet also with admirable intensity and generosity.
- 2023 Laurent Roumier Chambolle-MusignyBurgundy, FRANCE$299. 00Bottle$3588.00 DozenABV: 13%Closure: Cork
Laurent Roumier is the grandson of the legendary Georges Roumier and his holdings originate from that grand old estate with more recent additions of 6 hectares in the Hautes Cotes de Nuits being purchased in the 1990s and further purchases in Chambolle-Musigny. His father Alain was the cellar master for Comte de Vogue for nearly 3 decades before taking his portion of the family vineyards to farm for his own family. Wines here appear stylistically very similar to those of Georges with even the same barrels and oak used as his cousins though one notable difference is that Laurent mostly de-stems giving wines that show excellent depth of colour and which are more immediately perfumed and accessible in their youth while still having ample depth and structure to age classically.
The vines are on average 35 years old, and they are farmed traditionally and naturally, with neither fertilizer nor herbicide. Green harvests are carried out in the summer when necessary. All of the vines are harvested by hand. In the cellar, the work is carried out with the same level of precision. The grapes are entirely destemmed the vinified in concrete vats. Alcoholic fermentation lasts around 15 days, with pumping over and punching down every day, and the temperature is checked every day. When it comes to pressing, the team decants the wines for 12 hours in vats and then barrels (50% of which are new for the grand crus and the premier crus, 30% for the villages and 10% for the Bourgogne Hautes-cotes-de-nuits). The elevage lasts 15 to 18 months, with the barrels (mostly Tonnelerie Rousseau) being topped up once a week and racked two or three times during the entire period of elevage.
Laurent's Chambolle-Musigny comes from five parcels of vines planted between the 1960s and 1990s with an average age of 35 years old. Chambolle-Musigny gets its reputation for perfume and elegance and this is textbook Chambolle yet also with admirable intensity and generosity.
- 2023 Laurent Roumier Chambolle-Musigny Les Charmes Premier CruBurgundy, FRANCE$550. 00Bottle$6600.00 DozenABV: 13.5%Closure: Cork
Laurent Roumier is the grandson of the legendary Georges Roumier and his holdings originate from that grand old estate with more recent additions of 6 hectares in the Hautes Cotes de Nuits being purchased in the 1990s and further purchases in Chambolle-Musigny. His father Alain was the cellar master for Comte de Vogue for nearly 3 decades before taking his portion of the family vineyards to farm for his own family. Wines here appear stylistically very similar to those of Georges with even the same barrels and oak used as his cousins though one notable difference is that Laurent mostly de-stems giving wines that show excellent depth of colour and which are more immediately perfumed and accessible in their youth while still having ample depth and structure to age classically.
The vines are on average 35 years old, and they are farmed traditionally and naturally, with neither fertilizer nor herbicide. Green harvests are carried out in the summer when necessary. All of the vines are harvested by hand. In the cellar, the work is carried out with the same level of precision. The grapes are entirely destemmed the vinified in concrete vats. Alcoholic fermentation lasts around 15 days, with pumping over and punching down every day, and the temperature is checked every day. When it comes to pressing, the team decants the wines for 12 hours in vats and then barrels (50% of which are new for the grand crus and the premier crus, 30% for the villages and 10% for the Bourgogne Hautes-cotes-de-nuits). The elevage lasts 15 to 18 months, with the barrels (mostly Tonnelerie Rousseau) being topped up once a week and racked two or three times during the entire period of elevage.
Les Charmes is located just below the village almost exactly half way between the two Grand Crus of Chambolle-Musigny, Bonnes Mares and Musigny. It's also very close to the Les Amoureuses premier cru vineyard, which explains which this is always one of the most highly favoured sites in the commune.
- 2023 Laurent Roumier Clos Vougeot Grand CruBurgundy, FRANCE$699. 00Bottle$8388.00 DozenABV: 14.5%Closure: Cork
Laurent Roumier is the grandson of the legendary Georges Roumier and his holdings originate from that grand old estate with more recent additions of 6 hectares in the Hautes Cotes de Nuits being purchased in the 1990s and further purchases in Chambolle-Musigny. His father Alain was the cellar master for Comte de Vogue for nearly 3 decades before taking his portion of the family vineyards to farm for his own family. Wines here appear stylistically very similar to those of Georges with even the same barrels and oak used as his cousins though one notable difference is that Laurent mostly de-stems giving wines that show excellent depth of colour and which are more immediately perfumed and accessible in their youth while still having ample depth and structure to age classically.
The vines are on average 35 years old, and they are farmed traditionally and naturally, with neither fertilizer nor herbicide. Green harvests are carried out in the summer when necessary. All of the vines are harvested by hand. In the cellar, the work is carried out with the same level of precision. The grapes are entirely destemmed the vinified in concrete vats. Alcoholic fermentation lasts around 15 days, with pumping over and punching down every day, and the temperature is checked every day. When it comes to pressing, the team decants the wines for 12 hours in vats and then barrels (50% of which are new for the grand crus and the premier crus, 30% for the villages and 10% for the Bourgogne Hautes-cotes-de-nuits). The elevage lasts 15 to 18 months, with the barrels (mostly Tonnelerie Rousseau) being topped up once a week and racked two or three times during the entire period of elevage.
Laurent Roumier has a superb holding of just over half a hectare of vines which was replanted in 1975 and is located in the lieu dit of Grand Maupertuis in the higher part of Clos Vougeot bordering on to Grands Echezeaux, not far from Musigny. This parcel was worked en metayage by Georges Roumier from the 1950’s and was transferred to Laurent Roumier from the 1997 vintage. This is a remarkably rich deep and stylish wine that would put some notable Musigny’s to shame.
- 2023 Laurent Roumier Bonnes Mares Grand CruBurgundy, FRANCE$930. 00Bottle$11160.00 DozenABV: 14%Closure: Cork
Laurent Roumier is the grandson of the legendary Georges Roumier and his holdings originate from that grand old estate with more recent additions of 6 hectares in the Hautes Cotes de Nuits being purchased in the 1990s and further purchases in Chambolle-Musigny. His father Alain was the cellar master for Comte de Vogue for nearly 3 decades before taking his portion of the family vineyards to farm for his own family. Wines here appear stylistically very similar to those of Georges with even the same barrels and oak used as his cousins though one notable difference is that Laurent mostly de-stems giving wines that show excellent depth of colour and which are more immediately perfumed and accessible in their youth while still having ample depth and structure to age classically.
The vines are on average 35 years old, and they are farmed traditionally and naturally, with neither fertilizer nor herbicide. Green harvests are carried out in the summer when necessary. All of the vines are harvested by hand. In the cellar, the work is carried out with the same level of precision. The grapes are entirely destemmed the vinified in concrete vats. Alcoholic fermentation lasts around 15 days, with pumping over and punching down every day, and the temperature is checked every day. When it comes to pressing, the team decants the wines for 12 hours in vats and then barrels (50% of which are new for the grand crus and the premier crus, 30% for the villages and 10% for the Bourgogne Hautes-cotes-de-nuits). The elevage lasts 15 to 18 months, with the barrels (mostly Tonnelerie Rousseau) being topped up once a week and racked two or three times during the entire period of elevage.
Laurent Roumier's holding of Bonnes Mares is just 0.14 ha of vines planted in 1938, and produces around 3-4 barrels (900 bottles) of this wine in a good year. This holding was inherited from the Georges Roumier estate and is situated in the heart of this Grand cru site with these vines located between the holdings of de Vogue and Frederic Mugnier. Shows great depth of colour with beautiful fine aromas of rose petal, all perfume and finesse, yet very deep and intense on the palate with remarkable persistence and power.
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- 88
2023 Domaine Sylvain Cathiard Bourgogne Hautes Cotes de NuitsBurgundy, FRANCE$220. 00Bottle$2640.00 DozenABV: 12.5%Closure: CorkSylvain Cathiard built a fearsome reputation through the 1990's and early 2000's for producing some of the greatest wines of Burgundy. His ability to marry fragrant and perfectly ripe grapes with expertly chosen new oak set the standard at the time. While the wines were more approachable than his peers, they also had the requisite components to age and evolve gloriously for many years. Now under the stewardship of his son Sebastien, the wines have gained even more acclaim and are equally as well built for an envious evolution in the cellar.
Other Reviews....
Subtle but not invisible wood influence sets off aromas that derive more from the dark side of the fruit spectrum while displaying a similar level of earth influence. The delicious and appealingly vibrant lighter weight flavors exude evident minerality on the dusty and mildly austere finale where a hint of bitter pit fruit character slowly emerges. Drink through 2027+.
86-88 points
Allen Meadows - BurghoundThe 2023 Bourgogne Hautes-Côtes de Nuits Rouge has a playful nose with wild strawberry and raspberry fruit, and more mineralité than the Bourgogne Rouge. The palate is medium-bodied with a saline entry, harmonious and quite structured on the finish. Maybe it just misses a little sustain on the aftertaste, but otherwise this is a fine Hautes-Côtes. Drink 2026-2033.
88-90 points
Neal Martin - VinousA lighter crimson ruby. The nose takes a moment to come out. A leafy note to the fresh red fruit, medium bodied, a little leaner than the Bourgogne but fine-boned and will develop further when the oak subsides. 60% vignes basses, the other two cuvees 100%. Drink from 2026-2028.
87-88 points
Jasper Morris MW - Inside Burgundy -
- 90
2023 Domaine Sylvain Cathiard Bourgogne Hautes Cotes de Nuits Aux ChaumesBurgundy, FRANCE$230. 00Bottle$2760.00 DozenABV: 12%Closure: CorkSylvain Cathiard built a fearsome reputation through the 1990's and early 2000's for producing some of the greatest wines of Burgundy. His ability to marry fragrant and perfectly ripe grapes with expertly chosen new oak set the standard at the time. While the wines were more approachable than his peers, they also had the requisite components to age and evolve gloriously for many years. Now under the stewardship of his son Sebastien, the wines have gained even more acclaim and are equally as well built for an envious evolution in the cellar.
Other Reviews....
This is aromatically quite similar to the straight Hautes Côtes but with a violet top note. There is however a bit more volume to the vibrant and stony medium weight flavors that display noticeably more depth and persistence on the nicely balanced finale. This is an excellent Bourgogne. Drink through 2027+.
87-89 points
Allen Meadows - BurghoundThe 2023 Bourgogne Hautes-Côtes de Nuits Aux Chaumes has a subtle, floral bouquet with impressive precision and poise. Its very pure red fruit seems to shimmer with energy. The palate is medium-bodied with gentle grip and slightly darker fruit than the regular Hautes-Côtes. More salinity comes through on the finish. Excellent. Drink 2026-2033.
90-92 points
Neal Martin - VinousAnother colour on the paler side. Again, an attractive leafiness, this time perhaps a mini-reduction. There is a greater depth of fresh red fruit, raspberry and redcurrant, a little youthful bitterness, but greater fruit content in the length compared to the oak. Drink from 2026-2028.
88-89 points
Jasper Morris MW - Inside Burgundy -
- 90
2023 Domaine Sylvain Cathiard Bourgogne Hautes Cotes de Nuits Les Dames HuguetteBurgundy, FRANCE$235. 00Bottle$2820.00 DozenABV: 12%Closure: CorkSylvain Cathiard built a fearsome reputation through the 1990's and early 2000's for producing some of the greatest wines of Burgundy. His ability to marry fragrant and perfectly ripe grapes with expertly chosen new oak set the standard at the time. While the wines were more approachable than his peers, they also had the requisite components to age and evolve gloriously for many years. Now under the stewardship of his son Sebastien, the wines have gained even more acclaim and are equally as well built for an envious evolution in the cellar.
Other Reviews....
A perfumed and slightly more elegant nose of mostly red berries and wet stone gives way to less concentrated but finer flavors that possess excellent delineation, indeed the word chiseled comes to mind, all wrapped in a dusty and moderately austere finale that isn't quite as complex. Drink through 2027+.
86-89 points
Allen Meadows - BurghoundThe 2023 Bourgogne Hautes-Côtes de Nuits Les Dames Huguette, from a vineyard that touches the Aux Chaumes but has more limestone soils, shows a little more ripeness on the nose: more forward, vivacious red berry fruit mixes with hoisin. The palate is well balanced with dark berry fruit and a touch of cola. This has fine weight and focus, though perhaps it will require a couple of years to fully integrate. Drink 2027-2034.
90-92 points
Neal Martin - VinousA fine glowing pinkish purple. The most elegant of the three in bouquet. And a little the deepest in fruit with a ripe strawberry fruit that is very appealing. Almost quite sensual at the finish and though the oak is quite present in youth, this will all come together very nicely. Drink from 2026-2028.
88-90 points
Jasper Morris MW - Inside Burgundy -
- 91
2023 Domaine Sylvain Cathiard Nuits-Saint-Georges Aux Thorey Premier CruBurgundy, FRANCE$850. 00Bottle$10200.00 DozenABV: 13.5%Closure: CorkSylvain Cathiard built a fearsome reputation through the 1990's and early 2000's for producing some of the greatest wines of Burgundy. His ability to marry fragrant and perfectly ripe grapes with expertly chosen new oak set the standard at the time. While the wines were more approachable than his peers, they also had the requisite components to age and evolve gloriously for many years. Now under the stewardship of his son Sebastien, the wines have gained even more acclaim and are equally as well built for an envious evolution in the cellar.
Other Reviews....
This is also attractively perfumed and airy with its softly spicy nose of mostly red cherry and suggestion of newly turned earth. The silky, vibrant and stony medium weight flavors are not particularly dense but do possess excellent delineation on the youthfully austere, firm and impeccably well-balanced finale. This is lovely and very Thorey in character. Drink through 2033+.
90-93 points
Allen Meadows - BurghoundThe 2023 Nuits Saint-Georges Aux Thorey 1er Cru has an open and "airy" bouquet of red cherries, wild strawberries and wilted rose petal scents, and is not concentrated like the previous vintage but very focused. The palate is silky-smooth on the entry and the 60% new oak is just a little "vocal" at the moment, imparting a seductive lactic element toward the finish. That will be subsumed with time. Afford this modern-styled NSG three or four years in bottle. Drink 2027-2040.
91-93 points
Neal Martin - VinousA lighter crimson colour. There is some weight of ripe fruit on the nose, and significantly more on the palate than the village wines, with a depth of dark strawberry and raspberry. Adequate acidity and well tamed tannins supply the structure. Good length to complete the deal. Drink from 2030-2036.
92-94 points
Jasper Morris MW - Inside Burgundy -
- 95
2023 Domaine Sylvain Cathiard Vosne-Romanee Aux Malconsorts Premier CruBurgundy, FRANCE$2499. 00Bottle$29988.00 DozenABV: 13%Closure: CorkSylvain Cathiard built a fearsome reputation through the 1990's and early 2000's for producing some of the greatest wines of Burgundy. His ability to marry fragrant and perfectly ripe grapes with expertly chosen new oak set the standard at the time. While the wines were more approachable than his peers, they also had the requisite components to age and evolve gloriously for many years. Now under the stewardship of his son Sebastien, the wines have gained even more acclaim and are equally as well built for an envious evolution in the cellar.
Other Reviews....
Once again there is a coolness to the airy and beautifully layered aromas of spice, the essence of various red berries and jasmine tea where a hint of dried orange peel can be found. While there is excellent punch and an almost pungent minerality to the middle weight flavors, they are not particularly dense though there is outstanding depth and persistence on the firm, austere and unapologetically built-to-age finale. This is a buy and forget you own it wine for at least the first 10 years. Drink through 2038+.
92-95 points
Allen Meadows - BurghoundThe 2023 Vosne-Romanée Aux Malconsorts 1er Cru is a kindred spirit to the Les Suchots on the nose, sharing the same purity and utterly entrancing delineation. The two-thirds new oak is seamlessly integrated. The palate is beautifully balanced with a bit more grip and maybe a little more backbone than the Les Suchots, yet there is so much harmony and poise toward the finish. Outstanding. Drink 2028-2055.
95-97 points
Neal Martin - VinousJust a little deeper in colour, a fresh pale purple. The bouquet expresses the joy of Malconsorts, floral as well as with an exquisite darker cherry fruit and as usual this is by far the most complete wine on the palate with a deep cherry expression, just more red cherry than black, but with a sense of harmony that excites. Drink from 2032-2040.
94-97 points
Jasper Morris MW - Inside Burgundy -
- Nick's Import
Coruba 12 Year Old Cigar Rum (700ml)JAMAICA$109. 99Bottle$1319.88 DozenABV: 40%Reminiscent of Dalmore’s Cigar Malt, this Jamaican rum is marketed as the perfect pairing with a fine cigar. Various sources report aromas and flavours of dried mango bark, brown sugar, vanilla, toffee, pineapple, cloves, cinnamon, tobacco smoke and burnt oak. Others suggest it to be more suitable as a mixer rather than sipped neat. Distilled and matured in Jamaica on behalf of the The Rum Company Basel, creators of fine rum since 1889. 40% Alc./Vol.
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- 91
- 95
- Reduced
Nicks Secret King Valley ProseccoKing Valley, Victoria, AUSTRALIAReduced from $22.99$13. 99Bottle$167.88 DozenABV: 11.5%Closure: Crown SealLight & airy with a dry, racy finish.
Sourced from the home of Prosecco wine production in Australia, the King Valley, this is a light, zippy sparkling at the dry end of the spectrum.
Pours with an exuberant mousse that slowly fades into a water like core that has green tinged edges. The nose offers up aromas of citrus, red apple, subtle baked bread and pear. Light and airy in it’s feel with a steady stream of tiny bubbles flowing through it, citrus, green apple and pear fruits are underscored by crisp acidity. Some subtle sherbet elements also make an appearance through the dry, racy finish.
Alc. 11.5%Other Reviews....
From the home of prosecco in Australia – the King Valley – comes another zippy, super-fresh aperitif style of bubbly that is well priced to boot. Combines lemon, grapefruit and apple with real sherbety fizz and acid crunch. A creamy texture across the mid-palate opens up a number of food matching possibilities.
95 Points
Jeni Port – James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion -
- 95
- 93
2024 Osicka Selection Colbinabbin SangioveseHeathcote, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$26. 99Bottle$323.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2025-2031)ABV: 14%Closure: StelvinA deliciously juicy Heathcote Sangiovese.
The 2024 Osicka Selection Sangiovese was grown at Gerard Kennedy and Lucy Runnalls vineyard on the Eastern slopes of the Mt Camel Range. Maturation took place in a combination of older oak (40%) and a concrete sphere shaped vessel (60%). The softer oak component had a more complex flavour profile whilst the portion stored in concrete brought intense primary fruit and structural drive to the blend.
Deep dark red black tinged colour with a dark red hue. Expressive red currant, cherry and red liquorice aromas fill the nostrils followed by some tobacco, earth and spicy dried herb notes. Moreish ripe red currant, red to dark cherry and red liquorice fruits show impressive intensity and flesh across the mid weighted palate. Spicy tobacco, dried herb and earth elements sit in the background. Slightly chalky tannins and fresh underlying acidity lead into a long juicy finish that has plenty of spice to it.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 14%Other Reviews....
Normally Simon Osicka sends through detailed notes on wines, and these seem to have arrived from the astral plane. Maybe he did send something and I lost the memos, though have had a dig around and nada. Anyways, minutiae of my day, hey? These ‘Selection’ wines come from outside the estate, and posit another level of value and value add to the existing Osicka stable of wines. This wine feels like a red someone would drink in a tavern, taverna, bistro or trattoria – varietal, accessible, x-factor, deliciousness. Not quite the right label here but close enough. At $28 at full whack this is another gift from the Osicka family.
Red cherry, stewed and fresh, some pomegranate juice, a dash of woody spices, some blood orange, a lick of dark chocolate, a pinch of pepper. Tannins tumble in with a gruff but pleasing and somewhat light chew. A graphite mineral line lends detail and a lift. Acidity takes its cue from the blood orange. Pitch perfect. It sits at around medium weight, it’s chuggable and gluggable and damn good. Drink 2025-2030.
93 Points
Mike Bennie – The Wine Front -
- 92
2024 Sons of Eden Pumpa Cabernet SauvignonEden Valley, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$24. 99Bottle$299.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 5 Years (2025-2030)ABV: 13.5%Closure: StelvinFleshy red to black fruits with medium body weight and a juicy finish.
Midnight black dark red core with a vibrant dark red hue. Elevated red to black currant, red plum and mulberry aromas intermix with dried herb, tobacco and spicy cedar notes. Red to black currant and red plum fruits caress the mid weighted palate with mulberry, dried herb, tobacco, black olive and spicy cedar elements extending across the back half. Fleshy mouth feel with fine grained tannins and a juicy medium to long conclusion.
Drink over the next 4-5 years.
Alc. 13.5% -
- 94
- 95
- 94
- 94
2024 Penny’s Hill Single Vineyard GrenacheMcLaren Vale, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$39. 99Bottle$479.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2025-2031)ABV: 14%Closure: StelvinFresh, energetic and succulent with a subtle chalky feel.
Includes 25% whole bunch fruit with maturation taking place in French oak puncheons for a period of 7 months. Vibrant dark red core with black tinged edges and a bright red purple tinged hue. Fragrant red raspberry, cherry and red liquorice aromas sail out of the glass complimented by vanillin confectionary, delicate crushed rock and spicy dried herb notes. Juicy raspberry, red liquorice and cherry fruits are abound with chalky crushed rock, vanillin confectionary and spicy earth elements in the background. Fresh acidity with a subtle chalky feel to the tannin structure. Concludes long, energetic and succulent.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 14%Other Reviews…..
From a two-hectare 76-year-old estate block in Blewitt Springs on typically deep sands. This was fermented with 25% whole bunches, then matured in older French puncheons for seven months. Those sandy soils are writ large on the nose, which is so fragrantly lifted and expressly red fruited and floral scented. It would be easy to get carried away and be seduced by that alone, but there’s a serious pulse to this, too, with a thread of fine silty tannin and a seasoning of darker spices. In short, it has oodles of charm equalled by cool composure and savoury refinement. It’s very good. Drink by 2035.
95 Points
Marcus Ellis – James Halliday’s Australian Wine CompanionThis is Penny’s Hill’s second vintage of this wine from 76 year-old bush vines in the sandy soils of Blewitt Springs. It saw 25% whole bunch and was left on skins for 10 days before maturation on lees in French puncheons for seven months. 14% abv. 253 dozen made. This is a beautiful wine. It’s fragrant, it’s supple, it’s lithe. It nails the charm that quality modern day Grenache is acclaimed for with its succulent mix of red fruits and spice. Raspberry, bergamot tea leaf, poached strawberry and white spice make way for savoury warm sand and subtle garrigue. Air unlocks a saline minerality through the wine’s core. It’s very moreish and classy. The palate sits high, dancing through the mouth with intensity but never weightiness. Raspberry leaf, macerated strawberry, red liquorice, white pepper, subtle earth and a hint of red apple skin. Incredible tannins here, they’re so fine, long and ductile; melting around the fruit and wrapping the palate in a sheath of silty texture and carrying the red fruits and spice through to a long and elegant finish. A beautiful wine indeed.
94 Points
Tom Kline – WinePilot.comBush-vine grenache off 76-year-old vines at Blewitt Springs in McLaren Vale. 25% whole bunches in the ferment and no new oak. 253 dozen only. Penny’s Hill is on the up and up.
Beautiful wine. Fragrant, delicate, powerful where it needs to be, delicious through the core of it. Raspberries, dried herbs, roasted spices, a whisper of anise, a sense in general that an open field of grenache has been invited to your table. This wine does not lack precision or tension, indeed it’s well versed on both counts, but it feels unleashed and free in the best of ways. Put Penny’s Hill and this wine on your radar. This is $50 very well spent. Drink 2025-2032+
94 Points
Campbell Mattinson – The Wine Front -
- 92
2023 Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais-VillagesBeaujolais, FRANCE$29. 99Bottle$359.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 3 Years (2025-2028)ABV: 13.5%Closure: StelvinFresh and juicy with a generously fruited spice laden finish.
Beaujolais-Villages takes its name from a certain number of wine-making villages in the Beaujolais production area - 38 to be precise - that have long stood out for the superior quality of their wines.
Dark red black tinged core with a dark red hue. Aromas of dark cherry, anise and earth drift through the nostrils with some incense and spice notes also chiming in. Juicy dark cherry and anise flavours overlay an earthy incense and spicy dried herb back drop. Slightly chewy tannins with fresh acidity and a generously fruited spice laden finish.
Drink over the next 2-3 years.
Alc. 13.5% -
- 96
2019 Rogues Lane Heathcote ShirazHeathcote, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$49. 99Bottle$599.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 5 Years (2025-2030)ABV: 15%Closure: StelvinA rich, voluptuous power packed Heathcote Shiraz.
Partial whole bunch fermentation with maturation taking place in French oak (40% new) for a period of 20 months. Impenetrable pitch black heart with a near equally deep dark red black hue. Wafting through the nostrils are aromas of ripe blackberry, liquorice and black cherry followed by some spicy vanillin cedar and peppered fennel notes. Rich, decadently textured and lavish, the full bodied palate is engulfed with black cherry, liquorice, blackberry and black plum fruits. Vanillin cedar, subtle scorched earth and peppered fennel elements lie in the background. Power packed it has velvet smooth tannins and a long voluptuous finish.
Drink over the next 4-5 years.
Alc. 15% -
- 94
- 94
2021 Pierro L.T.C.f Cabernet Sauvignon MerlotMargaret River, Western Australia, AUSTRALIA$44. 99Bottle$539.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 4 Years (2025-2029)ABV: 13.5%Closure: StelvinA fleshy, mid weighted Cabernet Blend with red to dark fruits and a long savoury finish.
Dark red core with black shaded edges and a red to dark red hue. Ripe red to dark currant and mulberry aromas are trailed by subtle tobacco leaf, dried herb, earth and spicy cedar notes. The fleshy mid weighted palate features red and dark currant, mulberry and rhubarb fruits over dried herb, brambly cedar, subtle tobacco leaf and spice characters. Fine, polished tannin structure with a long savoury finish that shows plenty of spice.
Drink over the next 3-4 years.
Alc. 13.5%Other Reviews…..
A blend predominantly of cabernet, with smaller contributions from merlot, cabernet blanc, malbec and petit verdot—a Bordeaux blend. The cooler season has delivered a wine of elegance and charm. It bursts with vibrant red fruits and a slightly leafy red currant note. The palate is seamlessly knitted with fine, silky tannins and lightly applied oak, all wrapped around the fruit to create a poised, long and compelling wine. It's highly fragrant, thanks in part to the cabernet franc, and altogether delightful.
95 Points
RayJordanWine.com.auThis is lovely for its restraint and approachability, which makes it very easy to drink. Violets and spice, raspberry leaf and freshly rolled tobacco with a hint of menthol. Barely medium bodied, this is finely tuned with sweet red berries, mulberries and cassis, a smidge of cedary oak. There’s a certain elegance here, a softness to the palate, the tannins fine and feathery, acidity bright and the finish lingers. Gorgeous now and will offer more with age. Drink by 2034.
94 Points
Jane Faulkner – James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion -
- 93
- 92
- 94
- Special Order Product – Delayed Dispatch
2019 Zema Estate Coonawarra ShirazCoonawarra, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$26. 99Bottle$323.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 4 Years (2025-2029)ABV: 14.5%Closure: StelvinRich, dense and concentrated with a plush feel and some firmness across the finish.
Matured for 15 months in French and American oak. Dense inky black heart with a deep dark red black tinged hue. Ripe blackberry, liquorice and dark chocolate aromas waft out of the glass trailed by vanillin oak and mocha notes. Rich, dense and concentrated, the full bodied palate carries a plush feel with ripe blackberry, liquorice and toasty vanillin oak flavours to the fore. Earthy mocha and subtle pepper elements sit in the background. A sturdy yet velvety tannin structure lends some firmness to the long opulent finish.
Drink over the next 3-4 years.
Alc. 14.5%Other Reviews….
Decent flavour and a bit of spread to the finish; this is a good release from Zema. Redcurrant and plum flavours with mint, cream and woodsy spice. It's medium weight and feels well finessed. Drink by 2032.
92 Points
Campbell Mattinson – James Halliday’s Australian Wine CompanionThis fine Coonawarra Shiraz was fermented on skins for ten days before fifteen months in a mix of French and American hogsheads. These Estate wines are absolutely nothing if not fabulous value. The colour here is a near opaque purple. The nose exhibits finely handled oak and the wine oozes purple fruits along with mulberries, chocolate, vanilla, plums and dried herbs. The wine is balanced with finesse and focus, and fine satiny tannins. Very long, this is a ten to fifteen year proposition and a cracker. And by the way, with already five years ageing in the Zema cellars, this is a no brainer. Drink 2024-2039.
94 Points
Ken Gargett – WinePilot.com -
- 94
- 95
- Reduced
Taltarni Cuvee Rose SparklingVictoria, AUSTRALIAReduced from $22.99$19. 99Bottle$239.88 DozenABV: 12%Closure: Diam CorkEstablished in 1969, Taltarni Vineyards is one of the pioneering wineries of Victoria's Pyrenees region and has built a long standing reputation for the quality of their Sparkling wines. Their Cuvee Rose is one out of the box delivering terrific value for just $20.
A savoury, flavour packed Sparkling Rose.
A blend of 52% Chardonnay, 39% Pinot Noir, 9% Pinot Meunier aged for a minimum of 2 years on lees. A satiny mousse slowly fades into a salmon pink coloured base that has a fine, persistent bead coursing through it. Attractive pear and strawberry aromas intermingle with raspberry, brioche and subtle lees notes. Crisp and stimulating, the palate has a savoury, flavour packed profile of pear, strawberry and raspberry fruits which meld into a brioche, yeast lees and baked bread background. Lively acidity with a long, very dry finish that has a slightly chalky feel to it.
Alc. 12%Other Reviews….
A blend of chardonnay, pinot noir and pinot meunier sourced from a range of Victorian and Tasmanian vineyards. This salmon-pink rosé is beautifully complex, with gentle savouriness giving the mid-palate presence and depth. A thread of gorgeous acidity sails effortlessly through the wine. Every element is beautifully balanced and refined, from the warm strawberries and baked bread nuances to the faint dried rose petal tones. A sophisticated drop, simply excellent for the price!
95 Points
Toni Paterson – James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion -
- 95
- 94
- 94
- 95
2024 Dexter Pinot NoirMornington Peninsula, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$56. 99Bottle$683.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 8 Years (2025-2033)ABV: 13%Closure: StelvinSupple and spicy with moreish red to dark fruits and a long savoury finish.
Semi translucent red to dark red colour with black toned edges and a light red hue. The expressive nose offers up aromas of violets, red to dark cherries, subtle rhubarb and strawberry followed by some brambly cedar, forest floor, dried herb and spice notes. Supple and spicy, moreish red to dark cherry, strawberry and rhubarb fruits power across the palate. Refined tannins with notions of brambly cedar, forest floor and dried herbs extending through the long savoury finish.
Drink over the next 6-8 years.
Alc. 13%
Other Reviews…..
Fraise des bois, musk berries, and a touch of cigar clippings open the wine, which quickly whisks you off your feet with its cherry-berry conviviality. Notes of kumquat skin and red vermouth introduce a sling of bitterness that acts as an anchor, grounding the lift of fruit—a thoughtful detail that keeps it from floating away. Yes this is serious wine, although I’ll forgive you for gulping it down. It’s so damn tasty. Tannins make a significant impression, though so powdery they’re almost indefinable. Hints of rhubarb and red earth emerge, finishing with savoury tree bark and cumin spice. This is the kind of wine that disappears quickly, yet it’s worth pausing to sip and savour, as there is clear artistry in its making. Drink now, or cellar for another 2-3 years further. A lovely partner for pork sui mai dumplings. Drink 2025-2028.
95 points
Shanteh Wale – WinePilot.com
Showing off the exuberance of youth with vitality and vibrancy, all appealing elements. It’s a lovely wine, pretty and aromatic, juicy and supple. It's full of pink and red cherries, a dash of kirsch, warm spices, cardamom and some minty notes. It’s lighter framed and elegant, with fine tannins. While lacking some complexity today, it should build on that in time. Drink by 2034.
94 points
Jane Faulkner – James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion
A delicate wine here, so fine and lacy, with poached strawberry, spice, a spearmint freshness, a patina of old leaf and polished wood, a crisp and spicy red-fruited succulence, a light emery board grip to tannin, and a sappy blood orange tang. A raspberry and cinnamon-laced white pepper finish closing with a distinctly steely and cool rain-washed edge. Such a lovely wine. A delight. Drink 2025-2035+
94+ points
Gary Walsh – The Wine Front -
- 95
- 94
- 95
- Reduced
2025 Henschke Peggy’s Hill RieslingEden Valley, South Australia, AUSTRALIAReduced from $27.99$22. 99Bottle$275.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 8 Years (2025-2033)ABV: 11.7%Closure: StelvinRacy and intensely flavoured with a long scrumptious, mineral infused finish.
This Riesling takes its name from a local landmark, Peggy’s Hill, located at the top of the range between the villages of Eden Valley and Keyneton. It is produced from a selection of longstanding Eden Valley Riesling growers, whose vines range from 10 to 70 years of age, growing in low-vigour, ancient Cambrian soils at around 500m altitude.
Brilliant water like colour with a faint greenish tinge around the edges. Jumping out of the glass are intense lime and citrus aromas which are trailed by some orange rind, distinct talc and chalky mineral notes. Mouth watering lime and lemon fruits are delivered with impressive concentration and zest over an orange rind, chalky talc and steely mineral back drop. Racy feel with crisp acidity and a long scrumptious, mineral infused finish.
Drink over the next 6-8 years.
Alc. 11.7%
Other Reviews......
Pale in the glass with just a youthful flash of green and aromas of freshly squeezed lime, Bickford's lime cordial and hints of Christmas lilies, crushed stone, green apple, citrus blossom, lemongrass and makrut lime. Sleek in its travel with a crystalline mineral driveline; all tension and detail as it shoots across the palate. Velocity and precision writ large. Such great, refreshing drinking, with a slatey, dry finish. Drink by 2040.
94 points
Dave Brookes - James Halliday's Australian Wine Companion
Taking it’s name from a local Eden Valley landmark between the villages of Eden Valley (yes, there’s a small township as well as the regional appellation) and Keyneton, where the Henschke family estate is based; sourced from several of the district’s preferred grower vineyards at around the 500m altitude mark. Deeply aromatic mostly with lime notes – zest, leaf and Bickford’s cordial, moving from nose to mouth with ease, aromas to generous flavours, and salivating citrus pith texture to energise the palate. Allowed time in the bottle, tasted with several months relaxation since bottling, this has found a great place to allow purity and depth of flavour to rise up. A joy to drink.
95 points
Tony Love - WinePilot.com -
- 91
2021 Quarisa Johnny Q ShirazSouth Australia, AUSTRALIA$12. 99Bottle$155.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 3 Years (2025-2028)ABV: 14.5%Closure: StelvinA rich, plump everyday drinking Shiraz.
Dense inky black heart with a deep dark red black tinged hue. Elevated ripe blackberry and liquorice aromas fill the nostrils followed by some dark to black cherry, vanillin cedar and peppered earth notes. Rich and plump, the palate captures lush dark plum, liquorice and dark cherry fruits over spicy vanillin oak and subtle earth. Velvet smooth tannins finishing soft and plush.
Drink over the next 2-3 years.
Alc. 14.5% -
- 96
- 95
- Biodynamic
- Organic
2025 Sorrenberg Sauvignon Blanc SemillonBeechworth, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$56. 99Bottle$683.88 DozenABV: 13.5%Closure: Diam CorkSorrenberg is a 3-hectare vineyard in Beechworth, owned by Barry and Jan Morey. Surrounded by forest and bordered by Stony Creek, the site’s cool climate, granitic soil, and northern aspect provide ideal conditions for viticulture, ensuring full ripeness even for late-ripening varieties. Established in 1985, the vineyard focuses on Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Gamay, with smaller amounts of other varieties for their blends. The wines are crafted on-site using traditional methods, including fermentation in French barriques, with close attention to quality. Certified biodynamic since 2008, Sorrenberg emphasizes sustainable farming and low production to maintain exceptional standards.
This wine is a blend of 75% Sauvignon Blanc, 20% Semillon, and 5% Sauvignon Gris. Most of the Sauvignon Blanc had 4 hours of skin contact before pressing, while the Semillon was pressed immediately after picking. The wine underwent 100% barrel fermentation, using mostly larger barrels, with natural yeast and malolactic fermentation. Extended lees contact enhances the mid-palate, adding depth and complexity.
Other Reviews....
75/20/5% sauvignon blanc/semillon/sauvignon gris. Natural yeast fermentation, 100% barrel fermented, mlf. Heightened concentration and purity to this classic white blend from a vintage that is looking mighty smart. There is the elegance, the poise – a given with this producer – and then there is that something extra, a seamless meshing of grapes and flavours that run long, true and unwavering. Lemon barley, citrus blossom, baked quince, peach, toasted hazelnuts and hints of green herbals. Gently creamy, finely balanced and dry, with a light savouriness that lasts. Drink 2025-2032.
96 points
Jeni Port - James Halliday's Wine CompanionThe earlier release of this wine over past years has had me a little skittish vis-a-vis showing the best without the extra time in bottle, but this year seems to have found requisite texture, savouriness and depth in its youth. Good news.
I think there is way more to come from this wine, but the slip of nougat and gentle malo-esque feeling of creamy softness works well with the perky slosh of pulpy grapefruit and saline minerality that underscores the wine. On top, and to sniff on, pine-lime Splice, hazy green apple juice, faint pickled ginger, a little pine resin character and that skeletal feel of cooling saline veins through it all. It’s even, balanced and flows beautfully, with a gulpability that is a winner. No brainer. Drink 2025 - 2032.
95+ points
Mike Bennie - The Wine Front -
- Nick's Import
Signatory Vintage Hogshead Fine Old Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)SCOTLAND$69. 99Bottle$839.88 DozenABV: 43%For reasons unknown, the term 'Hogshead' has come to refer to a cask size in the whisky industry. These are usually rebuilt ex-bourbon barrels, but they tend to be larger than regular bourbon casks, usually around 52 and a half imperial gallons (or 225-250 litres). Therefore, the title of this whisky is purely incidental and not related to the contents. Independent bottlers, Signatory Vintage have created Hogshead as a daily-drinker or 'House Scotch' using a high proportion of whiskies from Islay, so the flavour comes with a distinctive though not overpowering injection of peat. 43% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... a nice composition, not particularly complex, but a very good malt. The Islay whiskey must have been very smoky or you used a portion of your own ballechin again. In addition, some sherry barrels show the aromas and color, at least the whiskey is not colored according to the information. For the price you get a great malt whiskey. (2021) - whiskybase.com
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- Nick's Import
Aberlour Crafted Small Batch No. 1.2 17 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND$499. 00Bottle$5988.00 DozenABV: 58.8%A welcome addition to Aberlour's portfolio, which, besides the NAS Abunadh, generally lacks cask strength options. The decent age statement and zero chill filtration add to the allure. These limited releases are batched, so ABVs and maturations will vary. For No.1.2, the cask regime was 42.6% American oak and 57.4% European oak. The result is a tantalising mix of spiced apple strudel, milk chocolate, date and raisin notes. 58.8% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... On the nose, it's very soft, brioche, cake dough, then honeyed, acacia honey, pine needles, dry earth, dried prunes, dates, figs, bananas and grapefruit, a hint of vanilla, a lemon zest. On the palate, the fruits are a little more present, creamy, but also this rough side of wood bark, resin, maple syrup, blood oranges, medlars, apricots a little floury. Intense spices, cumin, cloves. Long and quite explosive finish, licorice, very spicy, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, pineapple juice. A very solid Aberlour, living up to its reputation, with plenty of fruit and velvet. - whiskybase.com
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- 94
2024 Marc Bredif Classic VouvrayVouvray, Loire Valley, FRANCE$34. 99Bottle$419.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 8 Years (2025-2033)ABV: 12.5%Closure: CorkDelicious ripe apple, pear and quince fruits with refreshing acidity and a nicely shaped finish.
The domaine of Marc Bredif is one of the most famous names in the Loire, renowned for the longevity and quality of their Vouvray. Established in 1893 under the name of Chateau les Roches it wasn't until 1919 when Marc Bredif took over from his uncle, that the name was changed to reflect the change in ownership.
Brilliant pale straw colour with a watery hue. Baked pear, Jonathan apple skin and quince scents are complimented by whiffs of musk and wet stone. Delicious ripe apple, pear and quince fruits meld into an elegant back drop of honeysuckle and spice. Refreshing acidity with a nicely shaped finish that’s detailed with pear, red apple and quince fruits along with a dash of spice.
Drink over the next 6-8 years.
Alc. 12.5% -
- Nick's Import
Aberlour Casg Annamh Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) - Batch 9Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND$119. 99Bottle$1439.88 DozenABV: 48%Sheer approachability has helped Aberlour become the most popular whisky in France, where more single malt is consumed than any other country. At around 40%, it's a polite, relaxed and sometimes, slightly wanting tasting experience. As an alternative for those who prefer sherry with a kick, owners Pernod-Ricard introduced the natural strength A'bunadh around 2000. Eighteen years later, Casg Annamh was launched as a French Exclusive in a similar vein (the name translates from the Gaelic as “rare cask”). Also influenced by Oloroso, it's matured in three types of casks: European oak Sherry casks and two different types of American oak . Like A'bunadh, Casg Annamh is batch specific, with about ten iterations to date, some better than others. Whichever you come across, they're all handsomely packaged with a wax seal stopper, while the extra ABV and zero chill filtration make a world of difference. 48% Alc./Vol.
















































