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2024 Langmeil Prime Cut ShirazBarossa Valley, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$23. 99Bottle$287.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 4 Years (2025-2029)ABV: 14.5%Closure: StelvinA rich, succulent Barossa Shiraz with velvet smooth tannins and a juicy finish.
From 25-30 year old vines with maturation taking place in a combination of 10% new American oak and 90% seasoned American oak hogsheads for a period of 17 months, Dense inky black in colour with a deep dark red black tinged hue. Lifted dark plum, blackberry and liquorice aromas mix with vanillin confectionary and spice notes. Rich and succulent, dark plum and liquorice fruits overlay a spicy vanillin cedar, mocha and peppered earth back drop. Velvet smooth tannins with a juicy finish that has a polished feel.
Drink over the next 3-4 years.
Alc. 14.5% -
- 93
- Organic
2024 Le Caillou Cotes du RhoneCotes du Rhone, Southern Rhone, FRANCE$42. 99Bottle$515.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 4 Years (2025-2029)ABV: 13.5%Closure: CorkA fresh, juicy mid weighted Cotes du Rhone with chewy tannins and a vibrantly fruited finish.
A blend of 70% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 10% Mourvedre and 5% Cinsault. Dark purple black tinged colour with a vibrant purple hue. Fragrant dark raspberry and liquorice aromas are intertwined with provincial herb and peppered earth notes. Fresh and juicy, the mid weighted palate features dark raspberry and liquorice fruits over infusions of Provincial herbs, earth and pepper. Chewy tannins with a vibrantly fruited finish.
Drink over the next 3-4 years.
Alc. 13.5% -
- 89
- Special Order Product – Delayed Dispatch
2023 Il Cattivo SangioveseAdelaide Hills, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$29. 99Bottle$359.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 2 Years (2026-2028)ABV: 13.7%Closure: StelvinJuicy with chalky tannins, bright acidity and a spicy conclusion.
Deep dark red black tinged core with a dark red hue. Red cherry, dried herb and subtle tobacco aromas mix with hints of earth and spice. Juicy plum and ripe currant flavours meld into a spicy tobacco, earth and dried herb back drop. Chalky tannins and bright acidity with a savoury conclusion that shows plenty of spice.
Drink over the next 1-2 years.
Alc. 13.7% -
- 95
- 96
2024 Juniper Cornerstone Wilyabrup Vineyard ChardonnayMargaret River, Western Australia, AUSTRALIA$56. 99Bottle$683.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2026-2032)ABV: 12.5%Closure: StelvinFleshy textured with fresh acidity lending an energetic feel to the gently creamed, lingering finish.
Wild fermented and aged in French oak for 10 months. Brilliant pale straw colour with green highlighted edges and a watery hue. Aromas of white peach and nectarine intermeshed with whiffs of dried honey are trailed by some grapefruit, citrusy nougat and faint gun flint notes.
Fleshy textured white peach and nectarine fruits are complimented by dried honey, subtle biscuity nougat, citrus and gun flint accents. Fresh acidity lending an energetic feel to the gently creamed, lingering finish.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 12.5%Other Reviews…..
While this is so textural and fulsome, it comes etched with electrifying acidity and definition. Expect grapefruit and lemon, lemon balm and white stone fruit, with dabs of spice, light creamy lees, and the acidity racing through ensuring this is vibrant, lively and utterly compelling. It finishes long and convincingly. Drink by 2035.
96+ Points
Jane Faulkner – James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion -
- 94
- 95
Dominique Portet LD Brut Rose Pinot ChardonnayYarra Valley, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$42. 99Bottle$515.88 DozenABV: 13%Closure: Diam CorkA mouth watering Sparkling Rose that finishes long, dry and savoury.
A blend of 55% Pinot Noir and 45% Chardonnay matured for 24 months on lees. Frothy mousse with a very pale salmon pink tinged colour and a fine, steady bead. Attractive strawberry, pear and yeast lees scents emanate out of the glass with some subtle baked bread notes also evident. Delicious pear and strawberry fruits carry a pillowy flow across the palate. Subtle baked bread, yeast lees and chalky mineral elements the undercard. Mouth watering acidity finishing long, dry and savoury.
Alc. 13%Other Reviews…..
55/45% pinot noir/chardonnay. A minimum 24 months on lees, 5.8g/L dosage. A bright coral. A gentle and complex bouquet of small red fruits, floral scents and subtle light biscuit notes. The palate is super fresh and delicate, finishing dry and crisp. A lovely apéritif to drink now and over the next year or so.
95 Points
Philip Rich - James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion -
- 92
- Special Order Product – Delayed Dispatch
- Biodynamic
- Organic
Filipa Pato 3B Blanc de Blancs Brut NaturePORTUGAL$49. 99Bottle$599.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesABV: 12%Closure: Diam CorkA sculptured Sparkling that finishes very dry and chalky.
Produced from a blend of 70% Bical, 23% Maria Gomes and 7% Cercial grapes with 9 months sur-lie aging and no dosage.
A nicely formed mousse fades into a straw, gold edge tinged base that has a persistent bead coursing through it. Pronounced quince, mandarin and citrus aromas intermix with subtle oily toast like notes. Tangy quince, apple skin and ginger like flavours meld into a yeasty baked bread back drop. Sculptured acidity with a very dry, chalky finish.
Alc. 12% -
- 93
2025 Gilberts Rose DryMount Barker, Western Australia, AUSTRALIA$22. 99Bottle$275.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 1 Years (2025-2026)ABV: 12.9%Closure: StelvinA gorgeously textured Rose featuring delicious raspberry, pomegranate and strawberry fruits.
Pale pink in colour. Aromas of raspberry, pomegranate and musk stream out of the glass with some strawberry and subtle Turkish delight notes also evident. Gorgeously textured, slippery feel with delicious raspberry, pomegranate and strawberry fruits layered across the palate with some spicy musk elements sitting in the background. Crisp acidity with a long silken finish.
Drink over the next year.
Alc. 12.9% -
- 90
- Special Order Product – Delayed Dispatch
2023 Zilzie Regional Collection Adelaide Pinot NoirAdelaide, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$17. 99Bottle$215.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 2 Years (2026-2028)ABV: 13%Closure: StelvinA fleshy, amply fruited Pinot with a mid length finish.
Semi translucent dark red colour with a red to dark red hue. Aromas of dark cherry, anise and rhubarb mix with earth and vanillin spice notes. Possessing a fleshy mouth feel the palate is amply fruited with dark cherry and strawberries which overlay a vanillin earth, anise and spicy dried herb back drop. Fine grained tannins with a mid length finish.
Drink over the next 1-2 years.
Alc. 13% -
- 95
2023 Massena The Moonlight Run Shiraz Mataro GrenacheBarossa Valley, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$26. 99Bottle$323.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 5 Years (2026-2031)ABV: 14.5%Closure: StelvinRich and plump with a concentrated mix of dark to black raspberry, liquorice and black cherry fruits backed by slightly chewy tannins.
Deep black dark red colour with a dark red hue. Ripe black raspberry, liquorice, black cherry and dark plum scents fill the olfactory senses followed by some scorched earth and peppered dried herb notes. Rich and plump, the palate is awash with a concentrated mixture of dark to black raspberry, liquorice and black cherry fruits. Scorched earth, dried herb and peppered fennel elements extend across the back half. Slightly chewy tannins with a long, sumptuous pepper and fennel laced finish.
Drink over the next 4-5 years.
Alc. 14.5% -
- 91
Ninth Island SparklingTasmania, AUSTRALIA$23. 99Bottle$287.88 DozenABV: 12.5%Closure: CorkA commercial sparkling with an airy feel and crisp, dry finish.
A blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. An exuberant mousse slowly fades into a pale straw coloured base that has pale gold tinged edges and a very fine bead flowing through it. Aromas of citrus and strawberry mix with hints of brioche and yeast lees. Airy in its feel the palate features pear and citrus fruits over a back drop of baked bread and yeast lees. Crisp acidity with a dry refreshing finish.
Alc. 12.5% -
- 93
2025 All Saints Estate Pinot GrigioKing Valley, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$21. 99Bottle$263.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 1 Years (2025-2026)ABV: 13%Closure: StelvinA moreish, glossy textured Pinot Grigio with crisp acidity and fruity finish.
Brilliant very pale straw colour with a watery hue. Delightful pear, red apple, musk and rosewater scents engulf the nostrils with some subtle wet stone notes also evident. Moreish flavours of pear juice, red apple, musk and delicate honeysuckle overlay a wet stone back drop. Glossy textured it has crisp acidity and a long, deliciously fruity finish.
Drink over the next year.
Alc. 13% -
- 91
- Special Order Product – Delayed Dispatch
Terre Forti Sparkling Extra DryEmilia-Romagna, ITALY$24. 99Bottle$299.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesABV: 11.5%Closure: StelvinRefreshing and fruity with an airy feel.
A lacy mouse fades to reveal a pale straw coloured base that’s finely threaded by a steady stream of bubbles. Nosing offers up pear, apple and sherbet aromas with some lees notes also evident. Amply fruited, the palate features pear and apple flavours over quince and sherbet elements. Airy in it’s feel it has crisp acidity and a fruity finish that’s quite refreshing.
Alc. 11.5% -
- 93
2023 Conde Valdemar RoseRioja, SPAIN$22. 99Bottle$275.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 1 Years (2025-2026)ABV: 13%Closure: StelvinTangy yet shapely with a dry, spicy finish.
Made from a blend of 60% Garnacha and 40% Viura grapes using the Saignee method. Salmon orange colour. Spicy strawberry and cherry scents combine with blood orange and water melon notes. Tangy blood orange fruits mix with citrus, peach, water melon and spice characters. Shapely mid palate feel finishing dry with brisk acidity and a spicy aftertaste.
Drink now.
Alc. 13% -
- 96
2021 Neldner Road by Dave Powell Loechel ShirazEden Valley, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$95. 00Bottle$1140.00 DozenCellar: Drink now - 8 Years (2025-2033)ABV: 14.5%Closure: CorkRich, concentrated and powerful with a long, sumptuous finish.
The Loechel Eden Valley Shiraz is sourced from a single vineyard at the Southern tip of the Eden Valley township. It was planted over half a century ago by the Loechel family to granitic loam, at 440 metres altitude. The wine spends between 18 and 22 months in 50% new and second use French oak barriques.
Impenetrable inky black heart with a very deep dark red black hue. Intense dark plum, liquorice and dark chocolate aromas mix with toasty vanillin oak, scorched earth and peppered dried herb notes. Rich, concentrated and powerful, the full bodied palate is drenched in plush dark plum, liquorice and blackberry fruit. Vanillin oak, dark chocolate, subtle scorched earth and peppered dried herb elements sit in the background. Opulently textured it has velvet smooth tannins and a long, sumptuous finish.
Drink over the next 6-8 years.
Alc. 14.5% -
- 93
- 93
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- Reduced
2020 Majella Coonawarra Shiraz - Last StocksCoonawarra, South Australia, AUSTRALIAReduced from $32.99$29. 99Bottle$359.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 3 Years (2025-2028)ABV: 14.5%Closure: StelvinRichly flavoured with an opulent feel, sturdy structure and fleshy textured conclusion.
Aged in a combination of French and American oak hogsheads for a period of 18 months. Dense black dark red heart with a dark red hue. Aromas of liquorice, blackberry and dark chocolate waft through the nostrils with some toasty vanillin oak and earthy mocha notes also evident. Rich liquorice, blackberry and vanillin oak flavours carry an opulent feel across the medium to full bodied palate. Subtle mocha, earth and spice characters sit in the background. Sturdy yet polished tannin structure with a generous, fleshy textured conclusion.
Drink over the next 2-3 years.
Alc. 14.5%Other Reviews…..
Redcurrant, sweet spice, mint and creamy vanillin oak characters combine to attractive effect here. In fact, take the lush, soft, come-hither face of this and underpin with it firm, dry, slightly stringy tannin and that's pretty much the wine in its entirety, though freshening acidity also plays a key role. It's another good release.
93 Points
Campbell Mattinson - James Halliday’s Australian Wine CompanionA dark blood red hue, we are straight into some appealing chocolatey aromas. The wine exhibits well handled oak with a touch of vanilla, tobacco leaves, mint chocolate, spices and mulberries. Quite a plush and generous style, there is very good length here, with the intensity maintained throughout. With fine tannins and bright acidity, this is good now but has some serious promise to it. Enjoy over the next ten to fifteen years. Seriously good buying. Drink 2025-2040.
93 Points
Ken Gargett – WinePilot.com -
- 94
2023 Domaine Faiveley Mercurey Clos des Myglands Premier CruBurgundy, FRANCE$99. 99Bottle$1199.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 8 Years (2026-2034)ABV: 13.5%Closure: StelvinA fresh, juicy red to dark fruited Burgundy that shows good length.
From a single vineyard with vines planted between 1963 and 1982. Deep dark red black tinged core with a red to dark red hue. Perfumed like aromatics of violet, red to dark cherry, strawberry and red liquorice blossom out of the glass. Whiffs of earth, fresh herbs and spicy vanillin cedar ensue. Juicy red to dark cherry, strawberry and red liquorice fruits unfold across the palate with some dried herb, vanillin cedar and subtle spicy earth elements the undercard. Bright youthful acidity and fine grained tannins with a fresh red fruited finish that shows good length.
Drink over the next 6-8 years.
Alc. 13.5% -
- 96
- 92
- Nicks Import
2022 Domaine des Escaravailles Heritage 1924 RasteauRasteau, Southern Rhone, FRANCE$54. 99Bottle$659.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 8 Years (2025-2033)ABV: 15%Closure: CorkA superb old vine Grenache that delivers a barrage of succulent fruit and pepper with explosive force.
This wine comes from a single vineyard of Grenache called “Les Fouquesses”, planted in 1924, with blue clay soils at a high altitude. Deep dark red black tinged core with a dark red hue. Pepper infused aromas of dark raspberry, liquorice and dark cherry sail through the nostrils followed by some scorched earth, dried meat and provincial herb notes. Rich succulent dark to black raspberry, liquorice and dark cherry fruits explode across the palate with great power. Infusions of provincial herbs, scorched earth and blackpepper extend further off into the distance. Energetic acidity and ripe chewy tannins lend freshness and a muscular feel to the long, super juicy, pepper infused conclusion.
Drink over the next 6-8 years
Alc. 15%Other Reviews…..
Like the 2021, the 2022 Rasteau Héritage 1924 is all Grenache from the oldest vines on the estate. Aged 9 months in concrete tank, its deeper ruby hue is followed by a rocking perfumed of red and blue fruits, peppery herbs, incense, violets, and subtle spice nuances. With medium-bodied richness, a round, layered mouthfeel, and a great finish, it should shine for a solid 8-10 years if well stored. This beauty will give many a top Châteauneuf du Pape a run for its money.
92-94 Points
JebDunnuck.com -
- 95
- 94
- 94
2023 Te Mata Estate Awatea Cabernets MerlotHawkes Bay, NEW ZEALAND$49. 99Bottle$599.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 8 Years (2025-2033)ABV: 13.5%Closure: StelvinAn elegant, red fruited Bordeaux style blend.
A blend of 52% Merlot, 33% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Cabernet Franc. Deep black dark red core with a bright red to dark red hue. Red to black currant and red liquorice aromas stream from the glass trailed by some spicy vanillin cedar, delicate tobacco, mulberry and dried herb notes. The elegant, mid weighted palate is well endowed with rich red currant and mulberry fruits which meld into a dusty vanillin cedar, subtle tobacco and spicy dried herb back drop. Fine grained tannins with good underlying freshness and a refined medium to long conclusion.
Drink over the next 6-8 years.
Alc. 13.5%Other Reviews…..
A juicy and delicious red with plums, dark cherries and blackcurrants as well as fresh flowers. Medium-bodied, it has a lovely, creamy texture and a savory finish. Hints of dried oranges and blossoms. Soft and crunchy finish. 52% merlot, 33% cabernet sauvignon and 15% cabernet franc. Drink or hold.
94 Points
JamesSuckling.com52% Merlot, 33% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc. 30% new oak. This is has the highest Merlot component of any Awatea to date (since 2007 at least, and maybe ever, though I don’t have any details prior to that vintage). Now closed with a DIAM cork, though next vintage it will come in a bottle with a longer neck, like Coleraine, so a longer DIAM can be used. Release date is March 2025.
Plum, raspberry, boysenberry, a slight Cab Franc and/or vintage grassiness, nutty and pencilly, with some floral notes, aniseed and spice. Medium-bodied, bramble fruit (fresh raspberry in particular), some ripe tomato tang, tobacco, a bit of grainy chew to tannin, but the line of acidity is so lovely and crisp – rain-washed and fresh – offering a distinct ‘mineral’ character. Length is excellent. It’s understated, with a classic feel, a sort of bright ‘luncheon claret thing happening, or so I think. It has perfume and presence. So while it’s a somewhat different expression of Awatea, I still like it very much. In summary, it’s a lovely wine to drink. Drink 2026-2035+
94 Points
Gary Walsh – The Wine Front -
- 95
- 95
2024 Dominique Portet Fontaine CabernetsYarra Valley, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$27. 99Bottle$335.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 8 Years (2026-2034)ABV: 13.5%Closure: StelvinA trophy winning Bordeaux style blend that’s both savoury and elegant, delivering terrific value.
A blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, 6% Malbec and 5% Cabernet Franc matured in French oak (20% new) for a period of 12 months. Dense inky black heart with a vibrant purple red hue. Escaping out of the glass are lifted aromatics of blackcurrant and mulberry infused with black olive. Cedary tobacco, dusty earth and bay leaf notes ensue. Rich blackcurrant and mulberry fruits are layered across the mid weighted palate with subtle cigar box, black olive, earth and dried herb characters lying in the background. Fine grained tannin structure with a savoury conclusion that’s both long and elegant. Trophy winner for best red wine of Show at the 2025 Yarra Valley Wine Show.
Drink over the next 6-8 years.
Alc. 13.5%Other Reviews….
A blend of 60/29/6/5% cabernet sauvignon/merlot/malbec/cabernet franc. Matured in 15% French oak. An excellent edition of this perennially good and well-priced wine. A deep, bright crimson purple. Explodes from the glass with ripe blackcurrant fruit, violets and a hint of cedar. Medium bodied, with excellent verve and silky (for cabernet) long-chained tannins. Great now and over the next four to six years. One of the Yarra's absolutely best buys. Drink by 2032.
95 Points
Philip Rich – James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion -
- 94
2022 Bud Burst ShirazBarossa Valley, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$19. 99Bottle$239.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 5 Years (2026-2031)ABV: 14.5%Closure: StelvinRich, plush and concentrated with a long chewy finish.
Dense inky black heart with a deep dark red black tinged hue. Aromas of aniseed, dark plum and dark chocolate flood the nostrils followed by some toasty vanillin oak, fennel and peppered earth notes. Rich plush liquorice, dark plum and fennel flavours swamp the full bodied palate with vanillin oak, earthy mocha and pepper elements the undercard. Deep and concentrated it has a sturdy tannin structure and long amply fleshed yet chewy finish.
Drink over the next 4-5 years.
Alc. 14.5% -
- 94
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2024 Te Mata Estate Pinot NoirHawkes Bay, NEW ZEALAND$44. 99Bottle$539.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2025-2031)ABV: 13.5%Closure: StelvinSupple red to dark fruits with a long, juicy yet savoury finish.
Dark red core with black shaded edges and a red to dark red hue. Perfumed aromas of violet, red cherry and strawberry sail out of the glass trailed by subtle anise, fresh herb, forest floor and spice notes. Delicious red to dark cherry and strawberry fruits flow supplely across the palate with notions of forest floor, dried herbs and spicy cedar lying in the background. Polished tannins with a long, juicy yet savoury finish.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 13.5%Other Reviews……
A very direct and serious pinot noir that delivers beautifully pure strawberry and cherry character with hints of spices such as cloves. It’s medium-bodied with firm, lightly chewy tannins and a touch of smoke and matchstick at the end. Drink now. Screw cap.
93 Points
JamesSuckling.com -
- 97
- Reduced
2023 Mr Riggs J.F.R. ShirazMcLaren Vale, South Australia, AUSTRALIAReduced from $49.99$44. 99Bottle$539.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 8 Years (2026-2034)ABV: 14.5%Closure: StelvinFormerly known simply as Mr Riggs Shiraz, beginning with the 2018 vintage this wine was re-branded J.F.R. as a tribute to winemaker Ben Riggs father. Fruit is sourced from three of McLaren Vale’s iconic Shiraz vineyards; Piebald Gully, Gateway and Martins Vineyard. Maturation took place in a mixture of 85% French oak and 15% American oak with 35% being new oak.
Rich, velvety and seductive, this is a magnificent McLaren Vale Shiraz that delivers a powerhouse of flavour.
Dense inky black heart with a deep dark red black hue. Potent aromas of blackberry, liquorice, dark plum and dark chocolate waft out of the glass trailed by some vanillin oak, subtle earthy mocha and spice notes. Rich, densely concentrated and velvety, the weighty palate delivers a powerhouse of flavour with plush blackberry, liquorice and dark plum fruits engulfing the mouth. Vanillin oak, dark chocolate, earthy mocha and spice nuances take a back seat. Beautifully integrated, super polished tannins have an underlying sturdiness. Opulent and deep, it boasts an ultra long finish that’s pure seduction.
Drink over the next 6-8 years.
Alc. 14.5% -
- Nicks Import
Glengoyne Cask Strength Batch 11 Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)Highlands, SCOTLAND$149. 99Bottle$1799.88 DozenABV: 60.5%Launched in 2012 this unpeated, non chill-filtered, natural strength beauty ups the ante on Glengoyne's typically delicate spirit. Made by blending first-fill sherry-matured whisky with refill-matured malt, Batch 1 had whisky lovers wanting for more. Consider this as a must-try alternative to Aberlour A'bunadh or Glenfarclas 105. 60.5% Alc./Vol.
Quite a ride, and a hell of a lot of whisky for the money!
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2021 Water Wheel Bendigo ShirazBendigo, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$17. 99Bottle$215.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 4 Years (2026-2030)ABV: 14.9%Closure: StelvinA rich, deeply concentrated Bendigo Shiraz that has a liqueur like texture and firm, chewy tannins.
Water Wheel Vineyards, located in the Bendigo district, were established in 1972, however, it wasn’t until 1989 when the Cumming family purchased the winery and 20 acres of vineyard that it began to establish a market presence. With a philosophy of producing rich ripe flavour filled wines that delivered value way beyond their miserly price point, Water Wheel vineyards quickly established a very loyal following during the early 1990’s to the point where in the later part of the decade their Shiraz was in such high demand that they sold out within months of release.
The same philosophy remains at Water Wheel today, it’s just that things are done on a much larger scale with the group now having total plantings that exceeds 300 acres. Yields are capped at 3 tonnes per acre, which explains the concentration of flavour found in these wines. The winemaking is straightforward with fermentation taking place in open stainless steel fermenters. The finished wine is then matured in 2-5 year old American oak hogsheads for 24 months.
Dense pitch black heart with a deep dark red black hue. Spicy dark plum and liquorice scents sail through the olfactory senses followed by some toasty vanillin oak, fennel and peppered earth notes. Rich and bold, aniseed, dark plum and black cherry fruits make an opulent entrance. Toasty oak, fennel and peppered earth elements linger across the back half. Deep and concentrated it has a liqueur like texture and firm, chewy tannins. Finishes long and generous yet slightly rustic.
Drink over the next 3-4 years.
Alc. 14.9% -
- 95
Makers Mark Cellar Aged Cask Strength Bourbon Whisky (700ml) - 2025 ReleaseKentucky, UNITED STATES$320. 00Bottle$3840.00 DozenABV: 56.5%"Once again, Maker’s Mark has a home run on its hands..." - drinkhacker.com
"For more than 65 years, aging our whisky for a decade-plus wasn't something we did," says Rob Samuels, 8th generation whisky maker and grandson of the founders at Maker's Mark. "It's not that we didn't believe in it; we simply hadn't found a way to do it that didn't compromise on our taste vision – until now." Samuels is referring to the brand's new 'Cellar Aged' series. The name might sound like another empty marketing term, but it's meant to evoke what’s really unique about these expressions: Essentially, the pace of maturation has been slowed down. Barrels first spend around six years in traditional bourbon warehouses where they endure the Kentucky climate and its temperature swings until they reach maturity. Select barrels are then moved into the distillery's proprietary cellar for another 5 - 6 years. Built into a natural limestone shelf in the Kentucky hills, the cellar's consistently cool environment slows down the tannic impact that occurs during ageing, while allowing the bourbon to develop a deeper, darker profile with hidden depths, but no bitterness. The label debuted in 2023 and by all reports, they just get better with each release. The 2025 edition is a blend of 11 year old (74%), 13 (10%) and 14 year old Bourbons (16%) boasting the oldest Maker’s stocks since the distillery’s inception in 1953. A total of 245 barrels make up the release. For Maker's devotees, this will tick all the boxes, maintaining the trademark Winter wheat mash bill while offering significantly more mouthfeel, power and persistence. 56.5% Alc./Vol. Non-chill filtered.
Other reviews... Once again, Maker’s Mark has a home run on its hands, with a crowd-pleasing whiskey that nevertheless offers ample depth. The nose shows off some spice, an appetizer that soon winds its way into notes of wood, a bit heartier and more tannic than you expect. My spidey-senses want to tell me that there’s rye in the whiskey based on the nose, even though I know better, thanks to an unusually grassy character that’s well evident. The longer it spends in glass, the more earthy and gritty it seems to get. The whiskey perks up right away on the palate, where a bold cherry note fires immediately. A little torched and scorched, the palate melds Maraska cherry with boysenberry and butterscotch, giving the whiskey a fruit pie quality, complete with toasty crust and lots of cinnamon. Cherry and cinnamon continue to dominate the palate well into the finish, which layers in touches of chocolate and cloves — later some cardamom. - drinkhacker.com
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Sunburn Burnt Butter & Coconut Flavoured Whisky Liqueur (700ml)South Australia, AUSTRALIA$62. 99Bottle$755.88 DozenABV: 30%From the team at 78 Degrees. Not a topical product for sunburn, rather a liqueur meant to evoke feelings of summer at the beach. The producers say "it tastes like your favourite oaty, buttery biscuit, but with a whisky fire like opening your car door on a 40 degree day". The first bit is certainly true. This liqueur delivers on its promise with an evocative marriage of soft, wood-aged spirit, Anzac biscuits and dried coconut flavours that capture a lazy, summer beach vibe. The quality and flavour definition makes it a standalone sipper, alternatively, try it in tropical cocktails where coconut is key. 30% Alc./Vol.
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78 Degrees Sunshine State Gin (700ml)Adelaide Hills, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$78. 99Bottle$947.88 DozenABV: 42%Drawing inspiration from Queensland’s hot climate & tropical produce, this release was created to celebrate the opening of the 78˚ Brisbane bar, 'Purple Palm'. Marrying juicy mangoes, pineapples & passionfruit balanced by refreshing citrus, happily, it still tastes like gin rather than a sweet flavoured vodka; there's a judicious handling of the fruits with semi-ripe pineapple and dried mango merely suggested, followed by a subtle pineapple sweetness and a touch of passionfruit sorbet. Remains reserved until the end, leaving you wanting for the next sip. A deliciously accessible summer option for gin lovers. 42% Alc./Vol.
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78 Degrees Australian Dry Gin (700ml)Adelaide Hills, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$69. 99Bottle$839.88 DozenABV: 42%A bright, citrus-forward gin with underlying spices, complemented by a zesty, medium dry finish where citrus peel and pith bring an attractive freshness. While juniper plays second fiddle, this is nicely balanced for modern Martinis or paired with a mixer and citrus garnish. 42% Alc./Vol.
- Belgrove Distillery Wholly Shit Cask Strength Single Malt Australian Whisky (500ml)Tasmania, AUSTRALIA$189. 99Bottle$2279.88 DozenABV: 59.7%
Another novel expression from Belgrove, made from barley grown and malted on site, then cold-smoked by burning sheep dung. Maturation took place in a single second-fill American oak cask. 59.7% Alc./Vol.
Notes from the producers... Nose: Very elegant smokiness due to the cold smoking; the grain beautifully shines through after the smoke. Packed with hazelnut-chocolate notes, and Perello Manzanilla olives (call me crazy!). Palate: Exceptionally light and gives serious summer vibes! The sweetness trickles slowly across the front palate, then a gentle warmth with hints of sweet smoke fills the mouth, giving off notes of cigars (think a light Cohiba). At a natural cask strength of 59.7%, it’s insanely smooth and lingers for light-years!!
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78 Degrees Chocolate Gin (700ml)Adelaide Hills, South Australia, AUSTRALIAReduced from $89.99$59. 99Bottle$719.88 DozenABV: 42%While the distinct notes of a traditional gin are still present, the infusion of leftover cacao husks from the chocolate-making process gives this gin a rich, velvety undertone of bittersweet chocolate. Native wattleseed and Riverland oranges further enhance the profile, lending a subtle sweetness and depth. The rich, smooth taste of dark chocolate takes centre stage, while the bright tone of Jaffa orange provides a refreshing contrast, and the toasted wattleseed lends a nutty undertone. Lending a rich chocolate note to classic cocktails, Chocolate Gin is also great partnered with a light tonic or ginger ale. 42% Alc./Vol.
- Wild Turkey Bourbon Whiskey (700ml) - Older Bottling - 43.4%Kentucky, UNITED STATES$79. 99Bottle$959.88 DozenABV: 43.4%
Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product pictured.
Wild Turkey was first created as a hospitality gesture for a group of wealthy sportsmen seeking the remarkable wild turkey bird. In 1893 Bourbon made by the famous Ripy brothers at the distillery was selected from more than four hundred whiskeys to represent Kentucky at the World's Fair. After the repeal of Prohibition in 1933, the old Ripy distillery was put back to work creating what many consider to be the finest bourbon ever to come out of Kentucky. Wild Turkey has since become something of a bench mark.This reduced strength version of the original eight year old 101 proof debuted in 1974 in response to market demand for lower proof bourbon. Aged for at least four years (although others say 6 to 8) it's distilled according to age-old Kentucky traditions and matured in charred white oak barrels. Style-wise it's a more masculine Bourbon that while drinkable neat or with a splash of water, really works best as a mixer. Whisky Advocate say you can expect "Very traditional bourbon notes of caramel, vanilla, mint, cinnamon, sweet corn, and orchard fruit."
Little known fact...
Since 1992, Wild Turkey Bourbon has provided title sponsorship of the National Wild Turkey Federations National Turkey Calling Championships. Each year,about 30,000 avid sportsmen and wild turkey enthusiasts flock to the annual convention and sport show. Spectators gather to watch contestants cluck, putt, purr and gobble their way to the highest level of 'turkeydom.' The competitors use box and slate calling devices, as well as mouth diaphragms, tubes and their natural voices!Other reviews... Attractive traces of walnut oil amid the soft corn and firmer rye on the nose. An immediate impact of massive oak-laden, liquoriced corn and firmer more mouthwatering grains. The finish sweetens with a slight stirring of honey. It's not just the extra strength that takes this into a different class from the 80 proof. Much better barrel selection, underlined by some suprising liquorice notes Easily the best non-age-stated standard Wild Turkey I've ever come across.
87 points- Jim Murray’s Whiskey Bible, 2006 - Wild Turkey 101 Proof Bourbon Whiskey (700ml) - Older BottlingKentucky, UNITED STATES$99. 99Bottle$1199.88 DozenABV: 50.5%
Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product pictured.
This is the original Wild Turkey as made by the company's founders, the Ripy Family. It was selected out of 400 to represent Kentucky at the World Fair in 1893. The style blends 6, 7, and 8-year-old bourbons using a 75% Corn, 13% Rye and 12% Malted Barley mashbill. As many competitors distill at higher (and less expensive) proofs, they must add water to bring down the proof of their bourbons. Wild Turkey, on the other hand, comes out of the barrel at about 109° allowing the distiller to add little water and retain the true characteristics of the bourbon flavour. So although it's not barrel proof, is very close to what came right out of the barrel. Jimmy Russell likens it to making a great soup; if you cook it longer at a lower temperature, you retain the best flavours. 50.5%.Alc/vol.Other reviews...Perhaps the most corn rich of all the major Kentucky Bourbons. 93 points - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2020
Bolder but hotter than the 81 proof version, this Kentucky Bourbon has a drying feel, and lots of maple, caramel and vanilla flavor, finishing long with touches of dried orange peel and clove. Add a splash of branchwater to even out the alcohol. 91 points - winenethusiast.com
Cotton candy, campfire smoke, cinnamon, pilsner beer, butterscotch, and vanilla start a whiskey conversation that's about balance, easy sipping, and the pursuit of spice. Around mid-palate, a plethora of baking spices—clove, nutmeg, vanilla, cinnamon, and allspice—charms the senses. It's set up to be a great run, but the approach softens toward the finish with muted brown sugar appearing. Still, the flavor and balance make for a fun sipper and great cocktail mixer. 86 points - whiskyadvocate.com
A surprisingly layered and robust flavor experience for a budget bourbon that might be too hot for some, but near-perfect for others. - breakingbourbon.com
Wild Turkey 101 — in its 2015 incarnation — remains restrained on the nose. Alcoholic vapor obscures a bit of what’s underneath, which is redolent of barrel char, bacon, and vanilla custard, but give this one some time if you can, as a little air helps the nose develop more fully. Wild Turkey 101’s palate is rich though boozy, loaded with butterscotch, vanilla caramel, and ample baking spice. At this point in my career, sipping on WT 101 without water is painless and enjoyable, but a bit of H2O may not hurt in bringing out the spicy and fruity elements, which meld pepper and cloves and cinnamon with a bit of applesauce — a note I continue to pick out on the 101 — with plenty of barrel char notes that add a rustic intensity to the proceedings. Still a fan. - drinkhacker.com
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2023 Chateau d'Yquem Pre-Arrival OfferSauternes, Bordeaux, FRANCE$799. 00Bottle$9588.00 DozenClosure: CorkAs the only Sauternes property classified as Premier Cru Superieur, drinking a bottle of Chateau d'Yquem is an experience unlike any other. Situated in the epicentre of prime sweet wine production in France, their unique position and wealth of soil profiles allows d'Yquem to produce wines of enormous complexity with consistent accumulation of botrytis often in years when others struggle.
The 2023 Chateau d'Yquem completes a remarkable trio of vintages for this storied estate. It sits at a precise intersection of styles: possessing the crystalline purity of the 2021, yet anchored by the opulent power of the sun-kissed 2022. As always, d'Yquem is defined by its peerless balance. The 2023 manages to be simultaneously crisp and delicate, yet immensely concentrated, a vintage destined to reveal its full grandeur over the coming decades.
Other Reviews....
With 153 grams per liter of residual sugar—placing it among the 10 most concentrated vintages in the château’s history—the 2023 d'Yquem ranks among the finest wines bottled here under Lorenzo Pasquini’s direction. It unfurls from the glass with a complex, vibrant and remarkably pure bouquet of pineapple, guava, mango, confit citrus, beeswax and spices. Full-bodied, dense and concentrated, it combines formidable depth with perfectly judged control, built around a fleshy core of fruit, framed by lively acidity and a crystalline texture and culminating in an endless, refined and ethereal finish. Yquem’s natural power is here masterfully harnessed by the vintage’s freshness and tension, revealing an aesthetic of precision and vibrancy encountered only in the estate’s greatest years—made all the more remarkable by the fact that the château now achieves even higher levels of concentration than a decade ago, without any perceptible increase in sweetness on the palate. Drink 2026 - 2076.
100 points
Yohan Castaing - Robert Parker's Wine AdvocateThe 2023 Yquem, a blend of 70% Sémillon and 30% Sauvignon Blanc, contains 154 grams per litre of residual sugar—less than the 2022. As usual, the 2023 was matured in 100% new oak, mainly French, with a small percentage from Austria. The nose is so seductive that it should come with a warning sticker. Pure and mellow, it offers beguiling scents of wild honey, quince jelly, almond shavings and that signature hint of saffron destined to accentuate with age. It displays wonderful definition, though it does not have the “aromatic drama” of the previous vintage. The palate has exquisite balance and poise that belies the depth of this Yquem, though it is less exuberant, less ostentatious than the 2022. It is really the umami sensation that defines the 2023, how it caresses, almost soothes the grateful taste buds, vanilla and flecks of white chocolate lingering on the aftertaste. This will probably drink a little sooner than the 2022. If the 2023 does have a fault, it’s that it is so flattering in its flush of youth that it will be difficult to resist. Sublime. Drink 2030-2090.
99 points
Neal Martin - VinousPerfect aromas carry through to every milliliter of this wine, showing intense orange peel, honey, butterscotch, saffron, smoke and peat, with hints of coffee and dried apples. Full-bodied but weightless and silky, with an excellent balance of fruit, sweetness and spices. Some peanut brittle, dried oranges and lemons at the end. I can’t get over how wonderful this is now, but it can age forever. 154 g/L residual sugar. Drink or hold.
100 points
James SucklingPower, freshness, depth, after the extremes of 2021 and 2022, this walks the line between the two, exceptional, mandarin, quince, mirabelle plums, white truffle, fresh fruit and confit fruit, a vibration of slate and steel, opulent but slices closed on the finish. The botrytis came early and quickly in 2023. Francis Mayeur in final vintage as consultant, after many years as inhouse winemaking team, Lorenzo Pasquini director. 154g/l residual sugar, 3.85ph, harvest September 14 to October 11.
100 points
Jane Anson - Inside BordeauxThe perfume bursts with a bouquet of flowers, candied lemon peels, pineapple, white peach, orange, mango, vanilla, saffron, and anise. It is a lively, bright, energetic vintage for Chateau d'Yquem. Rich, intense, opulent, sweet, and palate-coating, yet all of that is balanced by its explosive, racy acidity that provides lift, energy, and length. The finish begins slowly, building, intensifying, and expanding, hitting all four sides of your palate with its unique spicy character and its counterbalancing blend of perfectly ripe, sweet tropical fruits and refreshing acidity. The harvest is done in four passes, mostly during the second and third. About 60% of the harvest was included in the Grand Vin. In short, 2023 Château d'Yquem ROCKS! Drink from 2030-2100.
99 points
Jeff Leve - The Wine Cellar InsiderConditions of Pre Arrival Offer:
There is no minimum order unless stated.
All wines are 750ml unless indicated otherwise.
Payment is due at the time of ordering to secure stocks.
The wines are being collected and shipped in refrigerated containers and are due to arrive in November 2026.
Nicks Wine Merchants reserve the right to pass on any changes in Government duties and taxes and delivery charges from the date of order to the date of final delivery of the wine.
Errors and omissions excepted.
Delivery charges may apply - these can be determined by visiting the Freight Rates page.
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2023 Chateau d'Yquem (375ml) Pre-Arrival OfferSauternes, Bordeaux, FRANCE$399. 00Bottle$4788.00 DozenClosure: CorkAs the only Sauternes property classified as Premier Cru Superieur, drinking a bottle of Chateau d'Yquem is an experience unlike any other. Situated in the epicentre of prime sweet wine production in France, their unique position and wealth of soil profiles allows d'Yquem to produce wines of enormous complexity with consistent accumulation of botrytis often in years when others struggle.
The 2023 Chateau d'Yquem completes a remarkable trio of vintages for this storied estate. It sits at a precise intersection of styles: possessing the crystalline purity of the 2021, yet anchored by the opulent power of the sun-kissed 2022. As always, d'Yquem is defined by its peerless balance. The 2023 manages to be simultaneously crisp and delicate, yet immensely concentrated, a vintage destined to reveal its full grandeur over the coming decades.
Other Reviews....
With 153 grams per liter of residual sugar—placing it among the 10 most concentrated vintages in the château’s history—the 2023 d'Yquem ranks among the finest wines bottled here under Lorenzo Pasquini’s direction. It unfurls from the glass with a complex, vibrant and remarkably pure bouquet of pineapple, guava, mango, confit citrus, beeswax and spices. Full-bodied, dense and concentrated, it combines formidable depth with perfectly judged control, built around a fleshy core of fruit, framed by lively acidity and a crystalline texture and culminating in an endless, refined and ethereal finish. Yquem’s natural power is here masterfully harnessed by the vintage’s freshness and tension, revealing an aesthetic of precision and vibrancy encountered only in the estate’s greatest years—made all the more remarkable by the fact that the château now achieves even higher levels of concentration than a decade ago, without any perceptible increase in sweetness on the palate. Drink 2026 - 2076.
100 points
Yohan Castaing - Robert Parker's Wine AdvocateThe 2023 Yquem, a blend of 70% Sémillon and 30% Sauvignon Blanc, contains 154 grams per litre of residual sugar—less than the 2022. As usual, the 2023 was matured in 100% new oak, mainly French, with a small percentage from Austria. The nose is so seductive that it should come with a warning sticker. Pure and mellow, it offers beguiling scents of wild honey, quince jelly, almond shavings and that signature hint of saffron destined to accentuate with age. It displays wonderful definition, though it does not have the “aromatic drama” of the previous vintage. The palate has exquisite balance and poise that belies the depth of this Yquem, though it is less exuberant, less ostentatious than the 2022. It is really the umami sensation that defines the 2023, how it caresses, almost soothes the grateful taste buds, vanilla and flecks of white chocolate lingering on the aftertaste. This will probably drink a little sooner than the 2022. If the 2023 does have a fault, it’s that it is so flattering in its flush of youth that it will be difficult to resist. Sublime. Drink 2030-2090.
99 points
Neal Martin - VinousPerfect aromas carry through to every milliliter of this wine, showing intense orange peel, honey, butterscotch, saffron, smoke and peat, with hints of coffee and dried apples. Full-bodied but weightless and silky, with an excellent balance of fruit, sweetness and spices. Some peanut brittle, dried oranges and lemons at the end. I can’t get over how wonderful this is now, but it can age forever. 154 g/L residual sugar. Drink or hold.
100 points
James SucklingPower, freshness, depth, after the extremes of 2021 and 2022, this walks the line between the two, exceptional, mandarin, quince, mirabelle plums, white truffle, fresh fruit and confit fruit, a vibration of slate and steel, opulent but slices closed on the finish. The botrytis came early and quickly in 2023. Francis Mayeur in final vintage as consultant, after many years as inhouse winemaking team, Lorenzo Pasquini director. 154g/l residual sugar, 3.85ph, harvest September 14 to October 11.
100 points
Jane Anson - Inside BordeauxThe perfume bursts with a bouquet of flowers, candied lemon peels, pineapple, white peach, orange, mango, vanilla, saffron, and anise. It is a lively, bright, energetic vintage for Chateau d'Yquem. Rich, intense, opulent, sweet, and palate-coating, yet all of that is balanced by its explosive, racy acidity that provides lift, energy, and length. The finish begins slowly, building, intensifying, and expanding, hitting all four sides of your palate with its unique spicy character and its counterbalancing blend of perfectly ripe, sweet tropical fruits and refreshing acidity. The harvest is done in four passes, mostly during the second and third. About 60% of the harvest was included in the Grand Vin. In short, 2023 Château d'Yquem ROCKS! Drink from 2030-2100.
99 points
Jeff Leve - The Wine Cellar InsiderConditions of Pre Arrival Offer:
There is no minimum order unless stated.
All wines are 750ml unless indicated otherwise.
Payment is due at the time of ordering to secure stocks.
The wines are being collected and shipped in refrigerated containers and are due to arrive in November 2026.
Nicks Wine Merchants reserve the right to pass on any changes in Government duties and taxes and delivery charges from the date of order to the date of final delivery of the wine.
Errors and omissions excepted.
Delivery charges may apply - these can be determined by visiting the Freight Rates page.
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- Nicks Import
1996 Janneau Vintage Collection Grand Armagnac (700ml)Armagnac, FRANCE$250. 00Bottle$3000.00 DozenABV: 43%In a world of wood-aged spirits distilled from raw materials throughout the year, Armagnac stands out as a product of viticulture, subject to annual growth cycles and variations inherent to 'vintages'. Blending multiple harvests to create a consistent house style remains common, however vintage-dated Armagnacs are another thing - distilled from a single harvest, grapes are moulded by the year’s climatic conditions, partly determining outturn and quality. Vines are cultivated to obtain acidic wines, low in alcohol, resulting in fruity and floral eaux-de-vie. Most vintages are potentially marketable, however it's not a standard practise. Eaux-de-vie from a single year requires particular care and attention. Distillation and ageing must be adapted to capture the individual character of the distillate, and the Cellar Master must decide on the period it should spend in new oak. The minimum is ten years (unlike blends), but if the Armagnac is deemed capable of extended ageing, it might mean 20, 50 or even 100 years in barrel. Thus, with experience and patience, these bottlings can enter the realm of top-tier spirits.
Connoisseurs love Vintage Armagnacs because they have the ability to surprise - or at the very least - deliver more distinctive profiles than a mass blended brandy. Producers classify their diversity into five primary tastes – spices, fruits, bakery, floral, and green – with three different weights, ranging from “fine, light, and easy to drink” to “classic, rich, and well-balanced,” up to the "more powerful and expressive" vintages.
Because they're prominently labelled with the year of production, these gems have become hugely popular as gifts whereby birthdays and anniversaries can be marked by a singular bottle - a way to turn back the clock via a liquid time capsule, rekindle memories and reflect. If you're lucky enough to secure a Vintage Armagnac but aren't ready to open it, store it upright so the alcohol doesn't attack the cork, in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight. Once opened, there's no hurry to finish it. These spirits don't oxidise quickly like a wine or Vintage Port, but they are best consumed within a few years, as recommended by the BNIA (Bureau National Interprofessionnel de l’Armagnac).
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- Nicks Import
1964 Janneau Vintage Collection Grand Armagnac (700ml)Armagnac, FRANCE$550. 00Bottle$6600.00 DozenABV: 43%1964 is a very rare year - indeed, one of the rarest of the decade with stocks now extremely low.
In a world of wood-aged spirits distilled from raw materials throughout the year, Armagnac stands out as a product of viticulture, subject to annual growth cycles and variations inherent to 'vintages'. Blending multiple harvests to create a consistent house style remains common, however vintage-dated Armagnacs are another thing - distilled from a single harvest, grapes are moulded by the year’s climatic conditions, partly determining outturn and quality. Vines are cultivated to obtain acidic wines, low in alcohol, resulting in fruity and floral eaux-de-vie. Most vintages are potentially marketable, however it's not a standard practise. Eaux-de-vie from a single year requires particular care and attention. Distillation and ageing must be adapted to capture the individual character of the distillate, and the Cellar Master must decide on the period it should spend in new oak. The minimum is ten years (unlike blends), but if the Armagnac is deemed capable of extended ageing, it might mean 20, 50 or even 100 years in barrel. Thus, with experience and patience, these bottlings can enter the realm of top-tier spirits.
Connoisseurs love Vintage Armagnacs because they have the ability to surprise - or at the very least - deliver more distinctive profiles than a mass blended brandy. Producers classify their diversity into five primary tastes – spices, fruits, bakery, floral, and green – with three different weights, ranging from “fine, light, and easy to drink” to “classic, rich, and well-balanced,” up to the "more powerful and expressive" vintages.
Because they're prominently labelled with the year of production, these gems have become hugely popular as gifts whereby birthdays and anniversaries can be marked by a singular bottle - a way to turn back the clock via a liquid time capsule, rekindle memories and reflect. If you're lucky enough to secure a Vintage Armagnac but aren't ready to open it, store it upright so the alcohol doesn't attack the cork, in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight. Once opened, there's no hurry to finish it. These spirits don't oxidise quickly like a wine or Vintage Port, but they are best consumed within a few years, as recommended by the BNIA (Bureau National Interprofessionnel de l’Armagnac).
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- Nicks Import
1994 Janneau Vintage Collection Grand Armagnac (700ml)Armagnac, FRANCE$299. 00Bottle$3588.00 DozenABV: 43%1994 was considered a solid year in Armagnac. Production was significant so there's a lot of choice and styles vary depending on the houses. The brandies released to date are described as exuberant and very expressive.
In a world of wood-aged spirits distilled from raw materials throughout the year, Armagnac stands out as a product of viticulture, subject to annual growth cycles and variations inherent to 'vintages'. Blending multiple harvests to create a consistent house style remains common, however vintage-dated Armagnacs are another thing - distilled from a single harvest, grapes are moulded by the year’s climatic conditions, partly determining outturn and quality. Vines are cultivated to obtain acidic wines, low in alcohol, resulting in fruity and floral eaux-de-vie. Most vintages are potentially marketable, however it's not a standard practise. Eaux-de-vie from a single year requires particular care and attention. Distillation and ageing must be adapted to capture the individual character of the distillate, and the Cellar Master must decide on the period it should spend in new oak. The minimum is ten years (unlike blends), but if the Armagnac is deemed capable of extended ageing, it might mean 20, 50 or even 100 years in barrel. Thus, with experience and patience, these bottlings can enter the realm of top-tier spirits.
Connoisseurs love Vintage Armagnacs because they have the ability to surprise - or at the very least - deliver more distinctive profiles than a mass blended brandy. Producers classify their diversity into five primary tastes – spices, fruits, bakery, floral, and green – with three different weights, ranging from “fine, light, and easy to drink” to “classic, rich, and well-balanced,” up to the "more powerful and expressive" vintages.
Because they're prominently labelled with the year of production, these gems have become hugely popular as gifts whereby birthdays and anniversaries can be marked by a singular bottle - a way to turn back the clock via a liquid time capsule, rekindle memories and reflect. If you're lucky enough to secure a Vintage Armagnac but aren't ready to open it, store it upright so the alcohol doesn't attack the cork, in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight. Once opened, there's no hurry to finish it. These spirits don't oxidise quickly like a wine or Vintage Port, but they are best consumed within a few years, as recommended by the BNIA (Bureau National Interprofessionnel de l’Armagnac).
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- Nicks Import
1974 Janneau Vintage Collection Grand Armagnac (700ml)Armagnac, FRANCE$399. 00Bottle$4788.00 DozenABV: 43%Described as a vintage of variety, the '74s recently released show impressive maturity with mellow perfumes. Generally considered great quality and value for money.
In a world of wood-aged spirits distilled from raw materials throughout the year, Armagnac stands out as a product of viticulture, subject to annual growth cycles and variations inherent to 'vintages'. Blending multiple harvests to create a consistent house style remains common, however vintage-dated Armagnacs are another thing - distilled from a single harvest, grapes are moulded by the year’s climatic conditions, partly determining outturn and quality. Vines are cultivated to obtain acidic wines, low in alcohol, resulting in fruity and floral eaux-de-vie. Most vintages are potentially marketable, however it's not a standard practise. Eaux-de-vie from a single year requires particular care and attention. Distillation and ageing must be adapted to capture the individual character of the distillate, and the Cellar Master must decide on the period it should spend in new oak. The minimum is ten years (unlike blends), but if the Armagnac is deemed capable of extended ageing, it might mean 20, 50 or even 100 years in barrel. Thus, with experience and patience, these bottlings can enter the realm of top-tier spirits.
Connoisseurs love Vintage Armagnacs because they have the ability to surprise - or at the very least - deliver more distinctive profiles than a mass blended brandy. Producers classify their diversity into five primary tastes – spices, fruits, bakery, floral, and green – with three different weights, ranging from “fine, light, and easy to drink” to “classic, rich, and well-balanced,” up to the "more powerful and expressive" vintages.
Because they're prominently labelled with the year of production, these gems have become hugely popular as gifts whereby birthdays and anniversaries can be marked by a singular bottle - a way to turn back the clock via a liquid time capsule, rekindle memories and reflect. If you're lucky enough to secure a Vintage Armagnac but aren't ready to open it, store it upright so the alcohol doesn't attack the cork, in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight. Once opened, there's no hurry to finish it. These spirits don't oxidise quickly like a wine or Vintage Port, but they are best consumed within a few years, as recommended by the BNIA (Bureau National Interprofessionnel de l’Armagnac).
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- Nicks Import
1986 Janneau Vintage Collection Grand Armagnac (700ml)Armagnac, FRANCE$299. 00Bottle$3588.00 DozenABV: 43%In a world of wood-aged spirits distilled from raw materials throughout the year, Armagnac stands out as a product of viticulture, subject to annual growth cycles and variations inherent to 'vintages'. Blending multiple harvests to create a consistent house style remains common, however vintage-dated Armagnacs are another thing - distilled from a single harvest, grapes are moulded by the year’s climatic conditions, partly determining outturn and quality. Vines are cultivated to obtain acidic wines, low in alcohol, resulting in fruity and floral eaux-de-vie. Most vintages are potentially marketable, however it's not a standard practise. Eaux-de-vie from a single year requires particular care and attention. Distillation and ageing must be adapted to capture the individual character of the distillate, and the Cellar Master must decide on the period it should spend in new oak. The minimum is ten years (unlike blends), but if the Armagnac is deemed capable of extended ageing, it might mean 20, 50 or even 100 years in barrel. Thus, with experience and patience, these bottlings can enter the realm of top-tier spirits.
Connoisseurs love Vintage Armagnacs because they have the ability to surprise - or at the very least - deliver more distinctive profiles than a mass blended brandy. Producers classify their diversity into five primary tastes – spices, fruits, bakery, floral, and green – with three different weights, ranging from “fine, light, and easy to drink” to “classic, rich, and well-balanced,” up to the "more powerful and expressive" vintages.
Because they're prominently labelled with the year of production, these gems have become hugely popular as gifts whereby birthdays and anniversaries can be marked by a singular bottle - a way to turn back the clock via a liquid time capsule, rekindle memories and reflect. If you're lucky enough to secure a Vintage Armagnac but aren't ready to open it, store it upright so the alcohol doesn't attack the cork, in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight. Once opened, there's no hurry to finish it. These spirits don't oxidise quickly like a wine or Vintage Port, but they are best consumed within a few years, as recommended by the BNIA (Bureau National Interprofessionnel de l’Armagnac).
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- Nicks Import
1973 Janneau Vintage Collection Grand Armagnac (700ml)Armagnac, FRANCE$399. 00Bottle$4788.00 DozenABV: 43%In a world of wood-aged spirits distilled from raw materials throughout the year, Armagnac stands out as a product of viticulture, subject to annual growth cycles and variations inherent to 'vintages'. Blending multiple harvests to create a consistent house style remains common, however vintage-dated Armagnacs are another thing - distilled from a single harvest, grapes are moulded by the year’s climatic conditions, partly determining outturn and quality. Vines are cultivated to obtain acidic wines, low in alcohol, resulting in fruity and floral eaux-de-vie. Most vintages are potentially marketable, however it's not a standard practise. Eaux-de-vie from a single year requires particular care and attention. Distillation and ageing must be adapted to capture the individual character of the distillate, and the Cellar Master must decide on the period it should spend in new oak. The minimum is ten years (unlike blends), but if the Armagnac is deemed capable of extended ageing, it might mean 20, 50 or even 100 years in barrel. Thus, with experience and patience, these bottlings can enter the realm of top-tier spirits.
Connoisseurs love Vintage Armagnacs because they have the ability to surprise - or at the very least - deliver more distinctive profiles than a mass blended brandy. Producers classify their diversity into five primary tastes – spices, fruits, bakery, floral, and green – with three different weights, ranging from “fine, light, and easy to drink” to “classic, rich, and well-balanced,” up to the "more powerful and expressive" vintages.
Because they're prominently labelled with the year of production, these gems have become hugely popular as gifts whereby birthdays and anniversaries can be marked by a singular bottle - a way to turn back the clock via a liquid time capsule, rekindle memories and reflect. If you're lucky enough to secure a Vintage Armagnac but aren't ready to open it, store it upright so the alcohol doesn't attack the cork, in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight. Once opened, there's no hurry to finish it. These spirits don't oxidise quickly like a wine or Vintage Port, but they are best consumed within a few years, as recommended by the BNIA (Bureau National Interprofessionnel de l’Armagnac).
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- Nicks Import
2015 Signatory Vintage Glen Spey 9 Year Old 100 Proof Edition #37 Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND$119. 99Bottle$1439.88 DozenABV: 57.1%Considered by several whisky writers as "one of the most 'obscure' distilleries in Scotland", Glen Spey would have continued to slip under the radar of malt chasers, had it not been for a handful of favourable releases. Formerly known as the "Mill of Rothes", it was built in 1878 by James Stuart & Co (who later went on to buy the Macallan distillery). Always intended as a filler for blends, as with its neighbour, Glen Grant, pot stills are equipped with "purifiers", redirecting some vapour to reflux within the still to produce a less feinty and lighter spirit. This edition was matured in a first-fill sherry butt. 57.1% Alc./Vol. Non-chill filtered.
Other reviews... Always these very affordable series from Signatory, with that heavily worked sherry that perhaps doesn’t always let the character of the distillate shine through, but does its job very, very well. Colour: full gold. Nose: ah this is pretty, there's a touch of exhaust fumes (not pleasant in the street but sometimes rather charming in your glass), then green walnuts, cherry stalks, and peach leaves. A few hints of satay sauce, followed by pear cake. With water: marked saponification but it fades quickly, then comes a mix of Indian spices, think tandoori seasoning. Mouth (neat): surprising, on mustard, pepper, tar and dark chocolate, quite the unusual trio. With water: this time, beyond the Indian spices, there's candied ginger and fir bud. Really very unusual. Finish: long, and there's even a flavour of poppadums at the end. Comments: very hard to categorise, this isn't your typical sherry cask. In any case, it feels much more Indian than those super Indian malt whiskies, ha. 84 points - whiskyfun.com
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Glenglassaugh Octaves Classic Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLANDReduced from $139.99$129. 99Bottle$1559.88 DozenABV: 44%Scotch whisky lovers will be familiar with the concept of octaves. As with the Quarter Cask approach, essentially, the smaller barrel volume creates more wood-whisky interaction, soaking up barrel characteristics faster. While the rapid wood influence adds more vanilla and spice, it requires careful management to avoid over-oaking, which is why octaves are typically employed to 'refine' whiskies, improving colour and adding complexity over months as a finishing, rather than a full term process. Glenglassaugh take the concept to an extreme! According to the producers, expect "A delicious combination of citrus and sweet notes". Non chill filtered and natural colour. 44% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... I’ve tried quite a few octaves by other makers that had been too new-oaky (vanilla, coconut, and basta), but let’s see… Colour: pale gold. Nose: it’s got a ‘crafty’ side for sure, with a youth that shines through (porridge, pears) and some half-sweet, half-spicy oak, very ‘American’. Vanilla, ginger cake, then rather butterscotch and crème brulée. The earthy/bready touches in the background work well, this is not a new-oak bomb. Mouth: a creamy mouth feel, it almost flows like honey, and a very pleasant acidic sweetness mingle with grassy oak. Citron liqueur and green tea, pepper, a few grassy eau-de-vie-ish notes (I’ve distilled spent lees on day, the result had a few similar notes), some bay leaves perhaps… The oak’s influence never stops growing and rather makes me think of European oak this time. But I doubt it’s European oak. Finish: rather long, really grassy and bitter, not in a bad way at all. Herb cordial. The vanilla is back in the aftertaste and comes with oranges or citrons. Comments: a good example of some young malt from some active oak. This time, balance has been found. 78 points - whiskyfun.com
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Glenglassaugh Octaves Peated Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLANDReduced from $139.99$129. 99Bottle$1559.88 DozenABV: 44%Distilled from richly peated malted barley, this whisky has been matured in octave casks, made from staves of a used cask. Octaves are approximately 1/8th the size of a butt. The smaller cask allows for more interaction between the wood and the spirit, giving the whisky a great depth of flavour in a short period of time. Bottled at 44%, non chill filtered and natural colour. Expect a delicate, sweet peated stye.
Other reviews... Colour: gold. Nose: could one use a mix of curry powder and antiseptic to smoke malted barley? Odd question, I know, but I do get quite some curry and quite some antiseptic, which is a combination that’s not as, well, as odd as you would think. Then we find more bandages and lemon juice, which is all fine. It’s actually got something slightly Laphroaiggy, not a bad benchmark for sure. Mouth: it’s not that I’m a peat head (I can hear you!), but the young distillate offered more resistance to the octaves, and the oak’s grassy/gingery side seems to be better integrated. Nice notes of lemongrass too, but the medicinal side has been lost on the palate. After all, Glenglassaugh’s not quite a coastal distillery, is it (I know some industry people are claiming that the whole of Scotland is coastal, which should imply that the place where you mature your whiskies does not matter. A long debate, not for here and not for now…) Finish: rather long, balanced, zesty/grassy and smoky. More ginger and pepper again in the aftertaste, that’s the octaves. Comments: a solid effort. 80 points - whiskyfun.com
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- 91
- Special Order Product – Delayed Dispatch
2025 Red Feet Pinot GrigioKing Valley, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$22. 99Bottle$275.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 1 Years (2025-2026)ABV: 12.1%Closure: StelvinA fruity Pinot Grigio with a round, supple mouth feel and brisk underlying acidity.
Brilliant very pale straw colour with greenish tinged edges and a watery hue. Pear, red apple and honeysuckle aromas are trailed by some delicate spice notes. Juicy red apple and pear fruits intermix with subtle honeysuckle and musk elements. Round, supple mouth feel with brisk underlying acidity lending freshness to the fruity finish.
Drink over the next year.
Alc. 12.1% -
- 94
- 94
- Special Order Product – Delayed Dispatch
2025 Penna Lane Watervale RieslingClare Valley, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$26. 99Bottle$323.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 8 Years (2025-2033)ABV: 10.5%Closure: StelvinCrisp laser like acidity with lime and lemon zest flavours, a tense feel and a dry, searing finish.
Brilliant water like core with green tinted edges. Lime juice and lemon zest aromas jump out of the glass with some Granny Smith apple and steely mineral notes also evident. Crisp laser like acidity underpins lime and lemon zest flavours. Green apple, wet steel and flinty mineral elements add zip across the back half. Tense with a dry, searing finish.
Drink over the next 6-8 years.
Alc. 10.5%Other Reviews…..
A Riesling that is true to style and region, sourced from around Leasingham, where there are, and have been over many years, some of the finest Rieslings in the country made. The aroma is a lemon pith, tart lime, and slightly minerally combination, and the palate shows a typical tension, and yet there is a deep intensity. The generous fruit flavours are tightened by the crisp acidity, which focuses and extends the palate. That crunchy, pebbly minerality on the finish is a feature. Drink 2025-2035.
94 Points
Ray Jordan – WinePilot.com -
- 93
- Special Order Product – Delayed Dispatch
2021 Beechworth Wine Estates TempranilloBeechworth, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$22. 99Bottle$275.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 4 Years (2025-2029)ABV: 13%Closure: StelvinMid weighted with black fruit sitting over an earthy back drop.
A blend of 85% Tempranillo and 15% Graciano aged in older oak. Midnight black in colour with a dark red black tinged hue. Elevated black cherry aromas combine with some liquorice, black olive, smoked meat and spicy vanillin cedar notes. Mid weighted the palate features black cherry and liquorice fruits which meld into an earthy back drop of smoked meats, black olive and spice. Slightly chewy tannins and fresh underlying acidity with a savoury conclusion.
Drink over the next 3-4 years.
Alc. 13% -
- 91
2025 Babich Pinot GrisMarlborough, NEW ZEALAND$14. 99Bottle$179.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 2 Years (2026-2028)ABV: 13%Closure: StelvinTexturally full and round with luscious, ripe fruit.
Crafted from vineyards in the Waihopai & Wairau Valleys, this rich, full bodied Pinot Gris was tank fermented and matured for 4 months on lees to enhance it’s mouth feel.
Brilliant pale straw colour with a watery hue. Ripe pear and red apple skin aromas mix with some quince, faint honeysuckle and spice notes. Texturally full and round the palate sports luscious pear and red apple fruits over a honeysuckle, quince and delicate ginger back drop. Showing impressive concentration and good underlying freshness, it has a shapely medium to long finish.
Drink over the next 1-2 years.
Alc. 13% -
- 92
2025 Nomads Garden Pinot GrigioKing Valley, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$22. 99Bottle$275.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 1 Years (2025-2026)ABV: 12.8%Closure: StelvinA well rounded Pinot Grigio with delicious pear and Jonathan apple fruits.
Brilliant pale straw colour with green highlighted edges and a watery hue. Pear and red apple scents are trailed by some citrus and faint bees wax notes. Delicious pear and Jonathan apple fruits carry a shapely textural feel across the palate with some dried honey, delicate quince and spice elements sitting in the background. Brisk acidity with a long, well rounded finish.
Drink over the next year.
Alc. 12.8%
















































