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2024 Kalleske Greenock Single Vineyard ShirazBarossa Valley, South Australia, AUSTRALIAReduced from $42.99$36. 99Bottle$443.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2026-2032)ABV: 14.5%Closure: StelvinKalleske’s Greenock Shiraz is a single vineyard wine produced from low yielding vines on the Kalleske estate at Greenock, in the North-Western Barossa Valley. Cuttings for these vines originate from a vineyard planted on the property in the late 1800’s. It’s certified both organic and biodynamic with maturation taking place in a mix of 30% new American and French oak hogsheads for a period of 19 months.
Profoundly deep, rich and immense in it’s size with a thick, mouth coating texture.
Magnificent super saturated inky black colour with a very deep black dark red hue. Potent dark plum, liquorice and ripe black cherry scents engulf the nostrils followed by gently smoked vanillin oak, fennel and earthy mocha notes. Boasting incredible weight, density and textural volume, every crevasse of the palate is totally drenched in an all-consuming tidal wave of ripe black cherry, dark plum and liquorice fruit. Spicy vanillin oak, subtle mocha, scorched earth and peppered fennel elements lurk underneath. Power packed and super concentrated it has a velvety yet solidly built tannin structure and prodigiously long finish that’s pure decadence.
Drink over the next 5-6 years
Alc. 14.5% -
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2025 Provenance Henty Pinot GrisHenty, Victoria, AUSTRALIAReduced from $29.99$24. 99Bottle$299.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 2 Years (2026-2028)ABV: 12.8%Closure: StelvinRip, fleshy and texturally luscious.
Brilliant pale straw colour with green tinged edges and a watery hue. Elevated aromas of pear, Jonathan apple and quince fill the nostrils followed by whiffs of musk and honeysuckle. Rich, juicy and texturally full, the palate is awash with pear, ripe apple and musk favours. Gentle honeysuckle and ginger elements linger underneath. Excellent concentration and volume with fresh acidity and a long dry to off dry finish.
Drink over the next 1-2 years.
Alc. 12.8%Other Reviews….
A bright green gold. With its aromas of apricot, white pear and acacia, this is both concentrated and beautifully fresh. The palate is ripe, fleshy and balanced. Another lovely example from Provenance to drink now and over the next two to three years. Drink by 2029.
95 Points
Philip Rich - James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion - Colonel E.H. Taylor 100 Proof 2025 Bottling Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) - Whiskey Hunt Australia SelectionKentucky, UNITED STATES$250. 00Bottle$3000.00 Dozen
The second big name pick in WHA's latest outturn comes from Kentucky's most acclaimed distillery - Buffalo Trace. Joining the crew for this selection was legendary Distillery ambassador, Freddie Johnson, a third-generation Buffalo Trace employee made famous through the documentary 'Neat', and presently one of the most respected figures in the American whiskey scene. Together they've secured an EH Taylor single barrel that’s well-aged, bottled in bond, and somehow still at a pretty reasonable price. Filled on 29 March 2016 and matured for 9 years and 4 months in Warehouse P, Floor 3, the quality on show here demonstrates why the Colonel's whiskeys are some of the most sought-after in the world. This was not a subtle Bourbon in the warehouse. From the first pour it brought deep mature oak, classic rye spice and rich dark sweetness, but what really stood out was the balance. Powerful and layered without tipping too far into tannin or heat. If you love the standard issue E.H.Taylor, this will definitely expand your appreciation for the label. 50% Alc./Vol.
Notes from the importers... Aroma: Deep oak developing into liquorice, rye grain and sarsaparilla, with maple and blackcurrant sweetness. Extremely light menthol, almost tobacco-like, alongside dark dried apricots, flaky croissant crust and bubblegum. Palate: A hit of cola spice with excellent structure. The oak is beautifully integrated into a dark caramel sweetness, followed by a minty cooling sensation, slight grape acidity and dark berries. Finish: Drying, slightly grain-forward and long, with lingering dark caramel, spice and cooling mint.
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2025 Ansted Osicka Balgownie 1970 Block Cabernet SauvignonBendigo, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$56. 99Bottle$683.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 11 Years (2025-2037)ABV: 13.7%Closure: StelvinJuicy red fruits with a refined structure, ample freshness and a long, savoury finish.
A joint venture between Heathcote winemakers and friends, Tobias Ansted and Simon Osicka, this Cabernet Sauvignon comes from the original Balgownie plantings at Maiden Gully, Bendigo planted in 1970. Maturation taking place in tight grained French Oak (about 25% new).
Totally opaque black dark red colour with a dark red hue. Fragrant red currant, mulberry, red liquorice and blueberry scents are interwoven with violet, subtle vanillin cedar, delicate earthy tobacco and fresh herb notes. Juicy yet refined, the mid weighted palate is lined with red currant, red liquorice and mulberry fruits. Infusions of fresh herbs, delicate spicy vanillin cedar, faint tobacco and light earth sit underneath. Wonderfully finessed tannin structure with ample freshness to the long, savoury red fruited finish.
Drink over the next 10-12 years.
Alc. 13.7%Other Reviews…….
Most likely be the last vintage of 1970 Block from this producer. There is obvious sadness as the historic Balgownie vineyard gets set to become housing, but also joy at a wine that so perfectly reflects the modern rise of the Victorian wine industry. In '25, a strong vintage brings an elegant, fragrant wine to fruition. Tasted before release, it was finely detailed, tightly so, and worthy of extended ageing. Cassis, black cherry fruits, baking spices, leafy Aussie bush characters, earth and briar. Time in French oak (15% new) rewards with layers of fine cabernet tannins, creating real elegance. Drink by 2038.
95 Points
Jeni Port - James Halliday’s Australian Wine CompanionTobias Ansted and Simon Osicka make this wine from this significant plot of grapes.
It’s skinny, or so, and yet plush in the same sentiment. Fragrant with violets, dark cherry, woody spices, flavoured with similar, cassis, dashes of aniseed, clove, vanilla bark, alpine herbs – how nice. The wine reveals itself over and over as time sets in; a shape shifting red of slinkiness, tension and decided length and persistence. All the hallmarks of very fine wine. All the pleasure too. Sublime balance of things and a wine that feels cared for yet pure and reflective of something serious in the glass. Quality is writ large. Outstanding.
95+ Points
Mike Bennie – The Wine Front -
- Nicks Import
Glenfarclas 16 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND$149. 99Bottle$1799.88 DozenABV: 46%An elevated strength and zero chill filtration set this apart from most of Glenfarclas' core expressions. There are many positive comments on whiskybase.com praising this as a welcome addition that delivers a decent volume of sherry matched with distillery character. In short, a great introduction to the distillery's DNA, plus a bit more besides. Otherwise only available via Travel Retail. 46% Alc./Vol. Non-chill filtered.
Other reviews... "A youthful, fruity malt character unfolds with aromas of toasted oak, baked apples, and vanilla. The palate is dry and dark with a hint of maple syrup, leading to a sweet, peppery finish. " 91 points - International Wine & Spirits Competition 2026
"A very successful Glenfarclas bottling with the typical sherry profile. The 16 years bring a lovely spiciness from the wood that harmonizes beautifully with the sherry aromas. It's not an overpowering sherry bomb, but rather shines with a very well-balanced sherry profile. After some weaker bottlings in recent years, Glenfarclas seems to be getting back on track with the Travel Retail Exclusive 11 and 16 year old releases. Both are highly recommended and offer wonderfully balanced sherry malts." - whiskybase.com
"A remarkably successful sherry whisky that impresses with its abundance of fruit, sweetness, and depth. The evolution in the glass is particularly captivating: from slightly tart red berries to dark fruits and cherries. The combination of berries, chocolate, leather, and the subtle espresso notes in the finish is perfectly harmonious and leaves you wanting another sip. For a whisky at 46% ABV, it delivers a surprising amount of intensity and exhibits precisely the qualities that fans of sherry cask maturation appreciate in a good Glenfarclas." - whiskybase.com
- Makers Mark Private Selection Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky (700ml) - Whiskey Hunt Australia SelectionKentucky, UNITED STATES$199. 99Bottle$2399.88 DozenABV: 56.2%
Maker's Mark haven't offered much in the way of Private Selections for the Australian market in the last few years, and from what we've been told, there won't be another exclusive like this for quite some time. Aged to taste, not to time, it ranks as one of the more curated Whiskey Hunt Australia selections to date, with the tasting panel visiting Maker's Mark on two separate occasions in 2024 and 2025 to check on the barrel's development before finally deciding it had reached its peak. Unlike traditional single barrel bourbons, Maker's Mark's Private Selection programme allows each barrel to be finished with a bespoke combination of ten oak staves, giving every release its own unique personality while remaining true to the Maker's Mark mash bill. For this bottling, the stave breakdown was as follows:
4 × Seared French Cuvée
1 × Maker's Mark 46
4 × Roasted French Mendiant
1 × Toasted French SpiceAged for over six years, the custom stave recipe delivers a rich, layered bourbon bursting with caramelised sugars, baking spices, dark fruit, toasted oak and creamy vanilla, all carried by a beautifully balanced 56.2% ABV (112.4 Proof). Given the popularity of Makers Mark in Australia, and with just 264 bottles available, this might be one WHA release you want to jump on sooner than later.
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2023 Greenock Creek Alices ShirazBarossa Valley, South Australia, AUSTRALIAReduced from $54.99$49. 99Bottle$599.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2026-2032)ABV: 14.5%Closure: CorkRich, flamboyant and voluptuous.
Dense inky black colour with a very deep dark red black hue. Wafting through the olfactory senses with impressive intensity are blackberry, liquorice and dark plum scents which are complimented by fennel, vanillin cedar, exotic dried apricot and spice notes. Rich and flamboyant, the voluptuously textured palate is swamped with lavish dark plum, liquorice, blackberry and fennel flavours. Sailing across the back half are notions of vanillin cedar, subtle apricot and pepper. Boasting outstanding power and concentration, it has velvet smooth tannins and a long seductively plush conclusion.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 14.5%Other Reviews…..
The trademark Alices concentration is in full swing with this release. Dark-chocolate-dipped black cherries, blackcurrant and dark cherry compote fruit characters with layers of baking spices, mocha, blueberry pie, gentle cedar tones, chocolate bullets and earth. There's a leading citrus blossom note on the palate, then a sweep of the most pure dark and black fruits, compact, ferrous-edged, powdery tannins and a velvety flow as the wine slowly trails off. Drink by 2036.
95 Points
Dave Brookes - James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion - Applewood Distillery Okar Tropic Aperitivo (700ml)Adelaide Hills, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$33. 99Bottle$407.88 DozenABV: 19%
A blend of Gewurztraminer and Moscato grapes fortified with the distillery's own spirits results in a tropical aperitif, aromatised with flavours of passionfruit, marigold, native tamarind, and bitter gentian. Works well mixed with soda, tonic, or Prosecco. 19% Alc./Vol.
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2004 Penfolds Bin 60A Magnum (1500ml)South Australia, AUSTRALIA$1999. 00Bottle$23988.00 DozenABV: 13.5%Closure: CorkOther Reviews….
The release of the 2004 Bin 60A following the epic 1962 Bin 60A is old news now, but the wine was looking very fine indeed when I tasted it so I thought I’d add a note. Blended of 56% Coonawarra Cabernet from Block 20 and 44% Barossa Shiraz from Koonunga Hill Block 56G and Kalimna Blocks 4 and 14, the wine was matured in 100% new American oak hogsheads for 13 months. Very deep purple-black in color, it offers restrained notes of game, smoked meat, earth, blackberry and black currant liqueurs, yeast, marmite-toast plus whiffs of dried lavender, cedar and bark. Very crisp, very tight and very firm, this taut medium-bodied wine is still all structure at this stage, going very long and earthy in the finish. Give it time and consider broaching it from 2014. It should drink well into the 2030s if not beyond.With a lot of changes happening around the Foster’s Group, it is business as usual at Penfolds…which seems to operate within its own world. But this is no small world. The vineyard holdings here are vast and the connections with growers go back generations. Chief winemaker Peter Gago is the very well spoken front-man for the production team backed-up Kym Schroeter in charge of the whites and Steve Lienert crafting some very fine, consistent and sometimes inspired reds. If Champagne is all about the art of blending, then Penfolds is the Champagne of Australian wine. Those that think large companies producing wines that emphasize blending can’t make great wines need to think about the Champagne model or simply try some of Penfolds top wines to become believers. That said – check out their recent single vineyard release: the very special 2004 Block 42 Kalimna Cabernet Sauvignon, the first release of a wine made purely from this 100+ year old single block (perhaps the oldest block of Cabernet in the world?) since 1996. Drink 2014 - 2030.
99+ points
Lisa Perrotti-Brown – Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate -
- 93
2025 Max Mediterranee RoseMediterranee, FRANCE$27. 99Bottle$335.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 2 Years (2026-2028)ABV: 12%Closure: StelvinA delicious, silky textured Rose with a long, fresh finish.
Made from a blend of 65% Grenache, 25% Syrah and 10% Cinsault sourced from vineyards located in the Luberon and the Bouches du Rhone.
Very pale damask pink tinged colour. Peach, raspberry and strawberry scents stream through the nostrils with wonderful intensity trailed by some musk and wet stone notes. Delicious peach, raspberry and pomegranate fruits slip across the palate with a silken feel. Infusions of musk and stony mineral elements are also evident. Fresh, gorgeously shaped finish.
Drink over the next 1-2 years.
Alc. 12% -
- 91
- Special Order Product – Delayed Dispatch
2024 Peter Lehmann H&V ShirazBarossa Valley, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$24. 99Bottle$299.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2026-2032)ABV: 14.5%Closure: StelvinRich and plump with youthfully bright acidity and a juicy finish that has some pepper to it.
Matured in oak hogsheads for 12 months. Impenetrable inky black core with a near equally deep dark purple black tinged hue. Lifted plummy liquorice and blueberry aromas intermix with vanillin oak, earthy fennel and mint notes. Rich succulent dark plum, blueberry and liquorice fruits flood the plump medium to full bodied palate. Earthy fennel, vanillin cedar and spice elements sit in the background. Youthfully bright acidity and polished tannins with a juicy finish that has some pepper to it.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 14.5% -
- 91
- Special Order Product – Delayed Dispatch
2024 Petrosino Petros Lucido CatarrattoSicily, ITALY$34. 99Bottle$419.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 2 Years (2026-2028)ABV: 12.5%Closure: StelvinBone dry yet textural with a crisp, invigorating finish.
Bright pale straw to straw colour with a watery hue. Pear and guava scents mix with lime and wet slate notes. Bone dry yet textural, the refreshing palate is lined with lime, green apple and guava fruits which overlay a wet slate, Mediterranean herb and saline like back drop. Energetic acidity with a crisp, invigorating finish.
Drink over the next 1-2 years.
Alc. 12.5% -
- 93
- Special Order Product – Delayed Dispatch
- Organic
2020 Squarcialupi Riserva Chianti ClassicoTuscany, ITALY$69. 99Bottle$839.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2026-2032)ABV: 14%Closure: Diam CorkExpressive red fruits underpinned by fresh acidity with a chalky feel to the elegant finish.
Deep dark red black black colour with a red to dark red hue. Earthy red currant and red liquorice aromas are trailed by some tobacco, dried herb and spicy leather notes. Expressive red currant and red cherry fruits are underpinned by fresh acidity with notions of earth, spicy cedar, tobacco and dried herbs extending across the back half. Grainy tannins imparting a chalky feel onto the elegant medium length finish.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 14% -
- 92
2023 Poderi dal Nespoli Prugneto Sangiovese SuperioreRomagna, ITALY$34. 99Bottle$419.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 4 Years (2026-2030)ABV: 13.5%Closure: StelvinDelicious red fruits with bright acidity and chalky tannins providing structure and tension.
Deep dark red black core with a dark red hue. Elevated red to dark currant and red cherry scents intermingle with earth, tobacco and spicy dried herb notes. Delicious red currant and red cherry fruits meld into a background of earthy tobacco, dried herb and spice characters. Bright acidity and chalky tannins provide structure and tension. Concludes savoury and slightly rustic.
Drink over the next 3-4 years.
Alc. 13.5% -
- 92
2023 The Winery of Good Hope PinotageCoastal Region, SOUTH AFRICA$19. 99Bottle$239.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 3 Years (2026-2029)ABV: 12.5%Closure: StelvinMid weighted with rich, juicy dark cherry, plum and liquorice fruits.
Deep dark red black colour with a dark red hue. Lifted dark cherry, plum and liquorice scents infused with a mix of dried herbs, scorched earth and spice emanate from the glass. Rich juicy dark cherry, plum and liquorice fruits are layered across the mid weighted palate. Scorched earth, vanillin spice and peppered herb elements lurk in the background. Ripe sturdy tannins with a long, fleshy textured finish.
Drink over the next 2-3 years.
Alc. 12.5% -
- 91
- Special Order Product – Delayed Dispatch
2022 Petrosino Petros SyrahSicily, ITALY$34. 99Bottle$419.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 2 Years (2026-2028)ABV: 13.5%Closure: Diam CorkRich and generously fleshed with chewy tannins and a slightly rustic mid length finish.
Deep dark red black tinged colour with a dark red hue. A mix of morello cherry, stewed plum and dried cherry aromas greet the nostrils followed by some liquorice, earthy leather and spice notes. Generously fleshed morello cherry, dark plum and liquorice fruits show good richness, backed by chewy tannins. Also chiming in are earth, leather and spicy dried herb accents. Slightly rustic mid length finish.
Drink over the next 1-2 years.
Alc. 13.5% -
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2022 Yering Station Shiraz ViognierYarra Valley, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$36. 99Bottle$443.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2026-2032)ABV: 13.6%Closure: StelvinMid weighted, juicy and fresh with an elegant blue to dark fruited finish.
Co-fermented with Viognier and aged in a mix of new and seasoned French oak barriques. Midnight black heart with a dark red black tinged hue. Elevated liquorice and blackberry scents fill the nostrils complimented by some dark plum, subtle apricot, smoky cedar and peppered earth notes. Juicy and fresh, the mid weighted palate is generously endowed with freshly crushed blackberry, liquorice, blueberry and plum fruits. Delicately smoked vanillin cedar and peppered earth elements sit in the background. Polished fine grained tannins with energetic acidity and an elegant blue to dark fruited finish.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 13.6%Other Reviews…..
Co-fermented with 3% viognier; matured in 20% new French oak. A deep, plummy red. Bright and perfumed. Black and blue fruited, there's some licorice and tapenade to go with the viognier-induced florals. Medium bodied, this flows evenly across the palate with superfine, persistent tannins giving the wine enough structure to still be looking good five to seven years from now. Drink by 2030.
94 Points
Philip Rich - James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion -
- 93
2024 Giustini Avoglia PrimitivoPuglia, ITALY$29. 99Bottle$359.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 4 Years (2026-2030)ABV: 13.5%Closure: Diam CorkRich and generously fleshed with ripe chewy tannins and a slightly rustic finish.
Deep black dark red colour with a dark red hue. A mix of morello cherry, liquorice and black cherry aromas greet the nostrils followed by some black plum, scorched earth and cinnamon spice notes. Rich morello cherry, black plum and liquorice fruits make a generously fleshed entrance. Vanilla, plum, cinnamon spice and earth elements form the back drop. Ripe chewy tannins with a slightly rustic but deeply fruited finish.
Drink over the next 3-4 years.
Alc. 13.5% -
- 94
2024 Grampians Estate Woolclasser’s GSTGrampians, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$26. 99Bottle$323.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2026-2032)ABV: 14%Closure: StelvinRich and succulent with velvety tannins and ample freshness.
A blend of 50% Grenache, 40% Shiraz and 10% Tempranillo. Deep dark red black tinged colour with a purple red hue. Fragrant dark raspberry, liquorice, dark cherry and red plum scents sail out of the glass trailed by some earthy incense and peppered herb notes. Rich and succulent, the mid weighted palate is doused with dark raspberry, liquorice and dark cherry fruits. Earthy incense infusions and delicate spicy pepper elements linger underneath. Velvet smooth tannins with good freshness carried across the long juicy finish.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 14% -
- 93
2025 Scala Ciro BiancoCalabria, ITALY$37. 99Bottle$455.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 3 Years (2026-2029)ABV: 12.5%Closure: Diam CorkLight and fresh yet nicely shaped with an invigorating saline edged finish.
Made from Greco Bianco grapes. Brilliant pale straw colour with a watery hue. Aromas of lime and green apple infused with fresh Mediterranean herbs are trailed by stony mineral and saline like notes. Light and fresh yet nicely shaped, the invigorating palate is decorated with pear, lime and green apple fruits. Wet stone and mineral elements lie underneath. Brisk acidity with a refreshing saline edged finish.
Drink over the next 2-3 years.
Alc. 12.5% -
- 93
2025 Langmeil Rough Diamond GrenacheBarossa Valley, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$24. 99Bottle$299.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 5 Years (2026-2031)ABV: 14.5%Closure: StelvinSuper succulent and fresh with a long, exuberantly juicy finish.
Sourced from vines aged between 8 to 86 years old, this is a blend of 88% Grenache, 6% Carignan, 4% Counoise and 2% Cinsault that’s matured in a mix of 34% seasoned oak barrels and 66% stainless steel vats for a period of 11 months.
Vibrant dark red purple colour with black toned edges and a bright red hue. Fragrant red raspberry and red liquorice scents sail out of the glass trailed by some plum, vanillin confectionary and subtle spice notes. Mid weighted the palate is bursting with super succulent dark raspberry, liquorice, cherry and plum fruit. Subtle earth and vanillin spice elements the undercard. Fresh acidity and velvet smooth tannins with a long, exuberantly juicy finish.
Drink over the next 4-5 years.
Alc. 14.5% -
- 93
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2025 Yering Station Village Pinot NoirYarra Valley, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$26. 99Bottle$323.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 4 Years (2026-2030)ABV: 13%Closure: StelvinLight in body with juicy red to dark fruits finishing savoury and elegant.
Semi translucent red to dark red colour with a light vibrant red hue. Nosing evokes aromas of violet, red cherries, strawberries and subtle rhubarb followed by some forest floor and delicate spicy cedar notes. Juicy red to dark cherry and strawberry fruits carry a supple feel across the lighter bodied palate with delicate anise, forest floor and spicy cedar elements sitting in the background. Polished tannins and good underlying freshness, finishing savoury and elegant.
Drink over the next 3-4 years.
Alc. 13%Other Reviews……
Like the Village chardonnay, this over-delivers for the price in this excellent vintage. A light, bright crimson. Fragrant with aromas of freshly picked raspberries, bright florals and a little sandalwood incense. Bright and succulent on the medium-bodied palate, with silky tannins making for a very tasty wine to drink now and over the next two to three years. Drink by 2030.
94 Points
Philip Rich - James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion -
- 94
2024 Muto Beechworth SyrahBeechworth, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$29. 99Bottle$359.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2026-2032)ABV: 13.5%Closure: StelvinGenerous black cherry and liquorice fruits with a refined feel and savoury blackpepper laced conclusion.
From 20 year old vines with maturation taking place in French oak (20% new). Midnight black in colour with a dark red black tinged hue. Blackpepper infused aromas of black cherry and liquorice rise through the nostrils complimented by some smoky vanillin cedar, black olive and spicy dried meat notes. Mid weighted, the refined palate is detailed with generous black cherry and liquorice fruits which meld into a smoked meat, scorched earth and peppered dried herb backdrop. Fine grained tannins with a savoury blackpepper laced conclusion.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 13.5% -
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2025 Yering Station Village ChardonnayYarra Valley, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$26. 99Bottle$323.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 4 Years (2026-2030)ABV: 13%Closure: StelvinA nicely shaped, mid weighted Yarra Valley Chardonnay.
Brilliant pale straw colour with glistening green tinged edges and a watery hue. Nectarine and peach skin aromas mix with whiffs of gun flint, dried honey and biscuity oak. Nicely shaped flavours of white peach, nectarine and dried honey infused with gun flint meld into a biscuity oak back drop. Fresh underlying acidity with a mid length finish.
Drink over the next 3-4 years.
Alc. 13%Other Reviews….
Yering Station consistently delivers the goods at this pricepoint, and this is no exception. Brightly coloured with aromas of stone fruits, yellow apple and just a touch of lemon oil. It's textured through the mid-palate before finishing gently pithy and long. Tick. Drink by 2028.
93 Points
Philip Rich - James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion -
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2024 Woodlands Woodlands Brook Vineyard ChardonnayMargaret River, Western Australia, AUSTRALIA$52. 99Bottle$635.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2026-2032)ABV: 13%Closure: StelvinA beautifully fleshed Chardonnay with nicely balanced acidity and a long, refined finish that carries a gently creamed feel.
Brilliant very pale straw colour with a faint tinge of green around the edges and a watery hue. Sailing out of the glass are intense aromatics of white peach, pear, nectarine and subtle dried honey which are complimented by biscuity nougat, delicate cashew and spice notes. Beautifully fleshed, the palate is layered with white peach, nectarine and pear fruits which meld into a biscuity oak, nougat and spicy cashew back drop. Nicely balanced acidity with the long, refined finish carrying a gently creamed feel.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 13%Other Reviews……
An impressive young chardonnay picked early to retain natural vibrancy and freshness, then complemented by 12 months in oak following fermentation. It shows a slight creamy texture, kept neat and tight, with touches of lemon meringue, sea spray and even a hint of turmeric. The palate is long, linear and expressive of the variety.
94 Points
RayJordanWine.com.auThe 2024 Chardonnay Brook Vineyard shows good weight and density, with punchy and pristine cantaloupe and grapefruit aromas wrapped in a blanket of fine French oak, all well composed. The palate is flavorsome in style, with gentle fresh cashew tones underpinned by a vibrant line of acidity that holds true over a long, sustained finish. Very young and should build nicely. Drink 2030-2036.
92 Points
Angus Hughson - Vinous -
- 88
- Special Order Product – Delayed Dispatch
2024 Morris Rutherglen Bin No. 186 ShirazRutherglen, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$24. 99Bottle$299.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 4 Years (2026-2030)ABV: 14.3%Closure: StelvinSweet and liqueur like with slightly chewy tannins and a coconut edged conclusion of modest length.
Aged in American and French oak hogsheads. Impenetrable inky black colour with a very deep dark red black tinged hue. Ripe black cherry, liquorice and dark plum scents drift through the nostrils trailed by vanillin oak, mocha and spice notes. Rich black cherry liqueur and liquorice fruits meld into a sweet vanillin oak back drop that also has some spicy mocha characters evident. Slightly chewy tannins with a sweet coconut edged conclusion of modest length.
Drink over the next 3-4 years.
Alc. 14.3% -
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- 94
2023 Mount Langi Ghiran Cliff Edge ShirazGrampians, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$29. 99Bottle$359.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 8 Years (2026-2034)ABV: 13.5%Closure: StelvinA refined Grampian’s Shiraz with a plush mouth feel and finessed, pepper laced finish.
Midnight black in colour with a deep dark red black tinged hue. Pronounced aromas of blackberry, liquorice and dark plum are complimented by whiffs of clove, smoked meats and peppered earth. Refined and mid weighted, the palate is generously layered with blackberry, plum and red liquorice fruits. Some blueberry, faint clove, subtle smoked meat and peppered earth elements extend across the back half. Plush mouth feel with seamlessly integrated tannins lending polish across the finessed, pepper laced finish.
Drink over the next 6-8 years.
Alc. 13.5%Other Reviews……
Whole-berry ferments in open top fermenters; seven to 10 days on skins, matured 14 months in French barriques (25% new). Totally accessible young Grampians shiraz with classic fragrant dark berries to the fore, matched evenly, aromatically with lifted minty-aniseed-peppery spice. It is both generous and bright in personality. The palate is delivered finely textured with fruit and spice running long. Drink by 2032.
93 Points
Jeni Port - James Halliday’s Australian Wine CompanionThis comes from quite old vines on the granite soils of the Grampians. It’s a bright, tremendously lively, fragrant, and thoroughly appealing medium-bodied red. There’s an essence of purity, freshness and vibrancy from the first sniff through to the final combination of medium-weight sweet fruit, spices, licorice, and fine chalky tannin that pushes it through to a sustained finish. Drink 2025-2037.
94 Points
Ray Jordan – WinePilot.com - Black Maple Hill Single Barrel #2 21 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)Kentucky, UNITED STATES$19999. 00Bottle$239988.00 DozenABV: 47.5%
Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. There's also some cellar bloom on the labels, however overall the condition is good. Actual product pictured.
Black Maple Hill is not a distillery, but rather an ‘independent label’ first introduced in 2000 by a Californian wine and spirits distributor called CVI Brands. Importantly, this is said to be one of the original early era bottlings, as opposed to the newly re-marketed Black Maple Hill bottlings now supplied by a small craft-distillery in Oregon called 'Stein' and packaged in different shaped bottles.
The legend and hype behind Black Maple Hill stems from a belief that early releases were wheated bourbon from Stizel-Weller and bottled by Julian Van Winkle III himself. Later, bottlings were said to have been moved to Kentucky Bourbon Distillers (KBD aka Willett) and made using whiskeys sourced from Heaven Hill. Whatever the truth may be, "...the magical touch of the Van Winkle finger conferred an irresistible desirability, and Black Maple Hill bottlings began to sell for thousands of dollars on the secondary market."
It's not known precisely which whiskey(s) made it into this bottle. The contents are open to speculation, especially the later iterations which are equivalent to an independent whiskey purchased from another independent whiskey supplier. What is certain is that this is one uber rare and collectable Bourbon.
Whiskyauctioneer.com offer some further insight as to the history of these bottlings:
"The Kulsveen’s [KBD] oversaw a golden period for the brand, with well-aged bourbons filled into a number of now hugely collectable Black Maple Hill releases. Although KBD had acquired some Stitzel-Weller stock, the majority of their casks came from the neighbouring Heaven Hill distillery in Bardstown, a distillery sadly lost in a fire in 1996 and increasingly desirable ever since... By the late 2000s, a global Bourbon boom had catapulted Black Maple Hill into the spotlight. The irresistible prospect of old-aged liquid capsules of Stitzel-Weller and Heaven Hill swept the Bourbon community, and Black Maple Hill bottlings quickly became an absolute must-have. They developed a cult-following of fans fuelled by curiosity and connoisseurship. Black Maple Hill bottlings were increasingly becoming harder to find and soon were appearing on the secondary market for values far in excess of their original retail price tag. Sadly they were not the only benefactors, and KBD’s own Willett Family Estate brand had surfed the same wave, and the company increasingly reserved its stock for this, limiting what they could make available to CVI Brands and their other contracts. Black Maple Hill was eventually reduced to a non-age statement product, before disappearing from shelves. As they struggled to find an alternative it appeared as though Black Maple Hill was at the end of their story." - Black Maple Hill Single Barrel #300 11 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)Kentucky, UNITED STATES$4999. 00Bottle$59988.00 DozenABV: 47.5%
Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. There's also some cellar bloom on the labels, however overall the condition is good. Actual product pictured.
Black Maple Hill is not a distillery, but rather an ‘independent label’ first introduced in 2000 by a Californian wine and spirits distributor called CVI Brands. Importantly, this is said to be one of the original early era bottlings, as opposed to the newly re-marketed Black Maple Hill bottlings now supplied by a small craft-distillery in Oregon called 'Stein' and packaged in different shaped bottles.
The legend and hype behind Black Maple Hill stems from a belief that early releases were wheated bourbon from Stizel-Weller and bottled by Julian Van Winkle III himself. Later, bottlings were said to have been moved to Kentucky Bourbon Distillers (KBD aka Willett) and made using whiskeys sourced from Heaven Hill. Whatever the truth may be, "...the magical touch of the Van Winkle finger conferred an irresistible desirability, and Black Maple Hill bottlings began to sell for thousands of dollars on the secondary market."
It's not known precisely which whiskey(s) made it into this bottle. The contents are open to speculation, especially the later iterations which are equivalent to an independent whiskey purchased from another independent whiskey supplier. What is certain is that this is one uber rare and collectable Bourbon.
Whiskyauctioneer.com offer some further insight as to the history of these bottlings:
"The Kulsveen’s [KBD] oversaw a golden period for the brand, with well-aged bourbons filled into a number of now hugely collectable Black Maple Hill releases. Although KBD had acquired some Stitzel-Weller stock, the majority of their casks came from the neighbouring Heaven Hill distillery in Bardstown, a distillery sadly lost in a fire in 1996 and increasingly desirable ever since... By the late 2000s, a global Bourbon boom had catapulted Black Maple Hill into the spotlight. The irresistible prospect of old-aged liquid capsules of Stitzel-Weller and Heaven Hill swept the Bourbon community, and Black Maple Hill bottlings quickly became an absolute must-have. They developed a cult-following of fans fuelled by curiosity and connoisseurship. Black Maple Hill bottlings were increasingly becoming harder to find and soon were appearing on the secondary market for values far in excess of their original retail price tag. Sadly they were not the only benefactors, and KBD’s own Willett Family Estate brand had surfed the same wave, and the company increasingly reserved its stock for this, limiting what they could make available to CVI Brands and their other contracts. Black Maple Hill was eventually reduced to a non-age statement product, before disappearing from shelves. As they struggled to find an alternative it appeared as though Black Maple Hill was at the end of their story." -
- 93
- 93
2025 Supercargo Pinot NoirAdelaide Hills, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$22. 99Bottle$275.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 4 Years (2026-2030)ABV: 13%Closure: StelvinJuicy and supple with a long, generously fruited finish.
Dark red core with black toned edges and a light red hue. Fragrant aromatics of violet, dark cherry, strawberry and anise blossom out of the glass followed by some bramble and dried herb notes. Juicy dark cherry, strawberry and anise flavours flow supplely across the palate with bramble, dried herb and spice elements lurking underneath. Velvety tannins with a long, generously fruited finish.
Drink over the next 3-4 years.
Alc. 13%Other Reviews…..
A fresh and youthful Pinot Noir from the Adelaide Hills, which really stands out. Pale cherry red with a faded crimson rim, this is deliciously aromatic on the nose with savoury notes and touches of dried herbs, rose petals, spices, cherries, aniseed and charcuterie. There is good focus in this well-structured Pinot Noir and excellent length. Like this a lot. Now and for the next six years. Drink 2026-2032.
93 Points
Ken Gargett – WinePilot.com -
- 89
- 92
- 93
- Special Order Product – Delayed Dispatch
2024 Mount Langi Ghiran Billi Billi ShirazVictoria, AUSTRALIA$17. 99Bottle$215.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 3 Years (2026-2029)ABV: 13.7%Closure: StelvinMedium bodied and well fleshed, charry vanillin oak flavours dominate.
Matured for 12 months in oak (15% new). Deep dark red black colour with a red to dark red hue. Charred meat aromas overlay liquorice, black cherry, clove and peppered earth notes. Medium bodied and well fleshed, charry vanillin oak flavours dominate over black cherry, liquorice, scorched earth and peppered meat elements. Polished tannins with a gently chewy, charry oak infused finish.
Drink over the next 2-3 years.
Alc. 13.7%Other Reviews…..
Sourced from cooler vineyard sites across the Grampians and Victoria, Billi Billi combines a plushness and smooth-running mouthfeel with a lively, peppery spiciness. It's all about the fruit: ripe black cherry and plum partnered to dark roasted spices, allspice and black pepper. A most welcoming shiraz at a welcoming price. Drink by 2030.
92 Points
Jeni Port - James Halliday’s Australian Wine CompanionHere is a quintessential cool-climate Shiraz from the Grampians region in Victoria. It’s fragrant, highly scented, and slightly spicy—everything you want from this style. Dig into the palate and deeper, darker black fruits emerge, presenting with richness and good fruit concentration. It floats and extends effortlessly to a long finish. A beautiful wine for current drinking, but a little cellaring certainly wouldn’t do it any harm. Drink 2025-2031.
93 Points
Ray Jordan – WinePilot.com - Black Maple Hill Single Barrel #R66 18 Year Old Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey (750ml)Kentucky, UNITED STATES$9999. 00Bottle$119988.00 DozenABV: 47.5%
Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. There's also some cellar bloom on the labels, however overall the condition is good. Actual product pictured.
Black Maple Hill is not a distillery, but rather an ‘independent label’ first introduced in 2000 by a Californian wine and spirits distributor called CVI Brands. Importantly, this is said to be one of the original early era bottlings, as opposed to the newly re-marketed Black Maple Hill bottlings now supplied by a small craft-distillery in Oregon called 'Stein' and packaged in different shaped bottles.
The legend and hype behind Black Maple Hill stems from a belief that early releases were wheated bourbon from Stizel-Weller and bottled by Julian Van Winkle III himself. Later, bottlings were said to have been moved to Kentucky Bourbon Distillers (KBD aka Willett) and made using whiskeys sourced from Heaven Hill. Whatever the truth may be, "...the magical touch of the Van Winkle finger conferred an irresistible desirability, and Black Maple Hill bottlings began to sell for thousands of dollars on the secondary market."
It's not known precisely which whiskey(s) made it into this bottle. The contents are open to speculation, especially the later iterations which are equivalent to an independent whiskey purchased from another independent whiskey supplier. What is certain is that this is one uber rare and collectable Bourbon.
Whiskyauctioneer.com offer some further insight as to the history of these bottlings:
"The Kulsveen’s [KBD] oversaw a golden period for the brand, with well-aged bourbons filled into a number of now hugely collectable Black Maple Hill releases. Although KBD had acquired some Stitzel-Weller stock, the majority of their casks came from the neighbouring Heaven Hill distillery in Bardstown, a distillery sadly lost in a fire in 1996 and increasingly desirable ever since... By the late 2000s, a global Bourbon boom had catapulted Black Maple Hill into the spotlight. The irresistible prospect of old-aged liquid capsules of Stitzel-Weller and Heaven Hill swept the Bourbon community, and Black Maple Hill bottlings quickly became an absolute must-have. They developed a cult-following of fans fuelled by curiosity and connoisseurship. Black Maple Hill bottlings were increasingly becoming harder to find and soon were appearing on the secondary market for values far in excess of their original retail price tag. Sadly they were not the only benefactors, and KBD’s own Willett Family Estate brand had surfed the same wave, and the company increasingly reserved its stock for this, limiting what they could make available to CVI Brands and their other contracts. Black Maple Hill was eventually reduced to a non-age statement product, before disappearing from shelves. As they struggled to find an alternative it appeared as though Black Maple Hill was at the end of their story." - Andre Clouet Spiritum 96 Brut Champagne RoseChampagne, FRANCE$160. 00Bottle$1920.00 DozenABV: 12%Closure: Cork
When it comes to Pinot Noir in Champagne, the grand cru villages of Bouzy and Ambonnay rank amongst the greatest in the region. And one of the most talented exponents from here is the Clouet family based in Bouzy. Champagne Andre Clouet have been producing Champagne for over two centuries, and under the guidance of Jean Francois Clouet the wines have never looked better. While his wines are exuberant and concentrated, Jean Francois manages to counter this with immaculate finesse and detail on the palate.
The Andre Clouet Spiritum 96 Brut Champagne Rosé marries the vibrant freshness of a young rosé with the rich, mature complexity of a legendary vintage. This balance is achieved through a unique, low-concentration dosage crafted from a 1996 Bouzy Grand Cru, allowing a higher proportion of aged wine to elevate the final blend.
- Willett Family Estate 124 Proof 13 Year Old Single Barrel No. 3718 Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)Kentucky, UNITED STATES$4999. 00Bottle$59988.00 DozenABV: 62%
Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such may have some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product pictured.
Established in 1935 and still a private family-owned and operated company, Willett Distillery (aka Kentucky Bourbon Distillers or ‘KBD’) have historically been rather like an American version of a Scottish-style independent bottler. They purchased barrels of young whiskey and aged them in their hill-top warehouses south of Bardstown. Older expressions have become blue chip investments with a 24 year old Willett selling for upwards of 10K. Single barrel 3718 is now very rare. 62% Alc./Vol.
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- 93
- Special Order Product – Delayed Dispatch
- Organic
2022 Domaine Maynard Chateauneuf du PapeChateauneuf du Pape, Southern Rhone, FRANCE$185. 00Bottle$2220.00 DozenMinimum 6 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2026-2032)ABV: 15%Closure: CorkRich, opulent black fruits are backed by a chewy tannin structure which imparts some grip and muscularity onto the finish.
Deep dark red core with black toned edges and a dark red hue. Heady black raspberry, liquorice and black cherry scents fill the nostrils complimented by some scorched earth, herbs du Provence, leather and peppered meat notes. Rich, opulent black raspberry, liquorice and black cherry fruits are backed by a chewy tannin structure. Scorched earth, dried meat and peppered herb accents lie underneath. Slightly grippy, muscular feel to the deeply fruited finish.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 15% -
- 93
- Special Order Product – Delayed Dispatch
2024 Nicole Oatley Wines NOW Chenin BlancSwan Valley, Western Australia, AUSTRALIA$69. 99Bottle$839.88 DozenMinimum 6 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 5 Years (2026-2031)ABV: 13%Closure: StelvinA fleshy textured Chenin Blanc that shows impressive intensity.
Brilliant water like core with green highlighted surrounds. Aromas of green apple, lime and pear mix with some quince and flinty mineral notes. Fleshy textured pear, Jonathan apple and quince fruits are delivered with impressive intensity. Subtle musk and spice elements sit in the background. Fresh acidity with a long nicely shaped finish.
Drink over the next 4-5 years.
Alc. 13%Other Reviews…..
This new face in WA wine was one of my finds of the previous year, and once again it has come up trumps, displaying the remarkable qualities of chenin blanc to emerge triumphant even in challenging and very hot seasons. It is a testament to both vineyard management and winemaking. In this case, it leans more into stone fruit and citrus rather than the tropical notes you might normally expect with chenin. It has a beautiful texture, fine acidity, excellent length, and is yet another illustration of how good chenin blanc can be in the Swan Valley.
94 Points
RayJordanWine.com.au -
- 95
2024 Kellybrook Edenesque ChardonnayYarra Valley, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$32. 99Bottle$395.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 5 Years (2026-2031)ABV: 13%Closure: StelvinRich and fleshy with a gentle creamy textural feel and a long, refined yet generous conclusion.
Brilliant pale straw colour with a distinctive green tint to the surrounds and a watery hue. Attractive white peach, nectarine, dried honey and biscuity nougat scents blossom out of the glass trailed by whiffs of cashew and spice. Rich fleshy white peach, nectarine, dried honey, biscuity nougat, cashew and spice flavours are rolled out across the palate with a gentle creamy textural feel. Beautifully balanced acidity with a long, refined yet generous conclusion.
Drink over the next 4-5 years.
Alc. 13% -
- 93
- 95
2024 Eldorado Road Quasimodo Nero d’Avola Shiraz DurifVictoria, AUSTRALIA$26. 99Bottle$323.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 5 Years (2026-2031)ABV: 13.4%Closure: StelvinAn elegant, mid weighted blend with a savoury finish that carries a refined feel.
Fruit was sourced from Beechworth, Glenrowan & Rutherglen with maturation taking place in French oak. Deep dark red black tinged colour with a dark red hue. Drifting through the olfactory senses are aromas of morello cherry, liquorice and incense which are complimented by some dried herb, earth and blackpepper notes. The elegant, mid weighted palate features morello cherry and liquorice fruits over dried herbs, earth, subtle incense and pepper. Fine grained tannins with a savoury finish that carries a refined feel.
Drink over the next 4-5 years.
Alc. 13.4% - Willett Family Estate 139 Proof 16 Year Old Single Barrel No. 31 Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)Kentucky, UNITED STATES$9999. 00Bottle$119988.00 DozenABV: 69.5%
Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such may have some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product pictured.
Established in 1935 and still a private family-owned and operated company, Willett Distillery (aka Kentucky Bourbon Distillers or ‘KBD’) have historically been rather like an American version of a Scottish-style independent bottler. They purchased barrels of young whiskey and aged them in their hill-top warehouses south of Bardstown. Older expressions have become blue chip investments with a 24 year old Willett selling for upwards of 10K. Single barrel 31 is now very rare. 69.5% Alc./Vol.
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- 88
- Special Order Product – Delayed Dispatch
2025 Plantagenet Three Lions ChardonnayGreat Southern, Western Australia, AUSTRALIA$24. 99Bottle$299.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 3 Years (2026-2029)ABV: 13.5%Closure: StelvinFleshy peach, melon and lime flavours underscored by zingy acidity with a short, sharp finish.
Brilliant pale straw colour with green toned edges and a watery hue. Aromas of lime, peach and green apple are trailed by some flinty mineral notes. Fleshy peach, melon and lime flavours are underscored by zingy acidity with some flinty mineral elements lingering across what is a short, sharp finish.
Drink over the next 2-3 years.
Alc. 13.5% -
- 95
2025 Mount Langi Ghiran Cliff Edge RieslingGrampians, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$24. 99Bottle$299.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2026-2032)ABV: 12.5%Closure: StelvinA Riesling of excellent intensity, drive and tension with a long, super crisp finish.
Brilliant water like core with green tinged edges. Pronounced lime juice and Granny Smith apple aromas are followed by hints of mandarin, chalky talc and steely mineral notes. Zesty lime, lemon and green apple fruits are underscored by racy mineral infused acidity with some chalky talc and wet steel elements also evident. Excellent intensity, drive and tension with a long, super crisp finish. Mouth watering!
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 12.5%Other Reviews……
The Victorian Grampians region does produce some of the country’s best Rieslings. In this case, the crunchy, pebbly characters that seem to be evident in this area are certainly making a statement here. It has a vibrant crystalline purity almost, with a minerally lemon rind edge. This wine has wonderful current drinking but has some significant cellaring potential. Drink 2026-2041.
95 Points
Ray Jordan – WinePilot.com -
- 97
2025 MMAD Vineyard Chenin BlancMcLaren Vale, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$49. 99Bottle$599.88 DozenABV: 12.5%Closure: StelvinMMAD unites the experienced team behind Shaw + Smith and Tolpuddle around a historic single vineyard in McLaren Vale's Blewitt Springs. Working with rare vines dating as far back as 1939 set in sand over ironstone soils, they craft nuanced Grenache, Shiraz, and Chenin Blanc deeply rooted in provenance. It is a focused, site-driven project dedicated to letting these ancient vines express their true sense of place.
Other Reviews...
The evolution of this wine never ceases to interest and amaze me, there is incremental texture and chiselled edges to the wine wrapped in this slinky, saline and mineral driven package. Pomelo, buddhas hand, citrus and yellow plum. Pumice stone and white pepper. Some fennel seeds too. There is a coating to this wine, not quite oily but slick in nature, it sticks to the sides of your palate before rumbling down like a steam train of power with innate acidity and drive. Another exceptional release and a benchmark of what Chenin Banc can do in this country. This is a wine that accompanies so many morsels, from fish with fins to straticella or fried Balmain bug tails.
97 points
Shanteh Wale - Wine Pilot -
- 97
- 97
2024 MMAD Vineyard ShirazMcLaren Vale, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$74. 99Bottle$899.88 DozenABV: 13.5%Closure: Diam CorkMMAD unites the experienced team behind Shaw + Smith and Tolpuddle around a historic single vineyard in McLaren Vale's Blewitt Springs. Working with rare vines dating as far back as 1939 set in sand over ironstone soils, they craft nuanced Grenache, Shiraz, and Chenin Blanc deeply rooted in provenance. It is a focused, site-driven project dedicated to letting these ancient vines express their true sense of place.
Other Reviews...
A briar of black fruit and savoury, creeping herbs—bilberry, dark cherry and pepperberry layered with notes of kombu, coastal rosemary and wild, untamed greens. There’s an earthiness here too: turned soil and dark, stony sand grounding the aromatic lift. It feels like an afternoon bush walk—banksia brushing past, scrub at your ankles—so vivid is its sense of place and transportive quality. Powder-fine tannins settle gently through the mid-palate, while olive tapenade, nigella seed and a touch of twiggy oak lend structure and savoury detail, supporting the core of blackberry fruit. This is full flavoured, detailed with its own distinctive character but sits in a medium to full body for its freshness and brightness. You won’t forget this experience any time soon. Try this with Lamb chops and old school mint sauce and reinvent the marriage of the two. Old school dish and very new school modern wine.
97 points
Shanteh Wale - Wine PilotThis has been the surprise packet of the MMAD wines, with it duelling for position with the grenache and chenin blanc. Some whole bunch, concrete and oak vat for ferment, then raised in older, larger oak, as usual. Saint-Joseph resonances. Evocatively aromatic and spicily so. Smoky, darkly mineral. Blackberry pastille, tapenade, lavender, grilled game meat, crème de violette, iodine and nori, star anise, ground clove, allspice, green and black peppercorns, malted barley, freshly ground coffee, powdery rust. Like the grenache, the nose holds such intrigue, demands attention. That’s matched by the silky flow of the old-vine fruit on the palate and the superfine natural tannin. This is blisteringly good, again. Drink 2026-2036.
97+ points
Marcus Ellis- James Halliday's Wine Companion -
- 97
- 98
2024 MMAD Vineyard GrenacheMcLaren Vale, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$74. 99Bottle$899.88 DozenABV: 14%Closure: Diam CorkMMAD unites the experienced team behind Shaw + Smith and Tolpuddle around a historic single vineyard in McLaren Vale's Blewitt Springs. Working with rare vines dating as far back as 1939 set in sand over ironstone soils, they craft nuanced Grenache, Shiraz, and Chenin Blanc deeply rooted in provenance. It is a focused, site-driven project dedicated to letting these ancient vines express their true sense of place.
Other Reviews...
MMAD red wines have a whole new groove and by that I mean they are now sealed under Diam closure, and what a win that is for those that are lucky enough to own a Coravin because this sure is a wine to be savoured each and every sip. Holy heavenly aromas batman, this is seduction in a glass. Tea rose, sweet pea and framboise rise from the glass, followed by an evocative turn into a Chinese tea shop: oolong, burdock root and fine spice. There’s an otherworldly finesse on the palate, where silty, time-worn tannins settle into place with quiet authority. Acidity pulls back like a gathering tide before surging forward with freshness and energy, giving the wine both tension and lift. The fruit and shape reminds you of its Grenache but not like anything you have had before. This is truly special in every way. What to drink with this, well stewed game meats would work nicely but I would be inclined to go for Chinese pork floss milk buns whilst you fall into a soft couch in total happiness. Remarkable wine.
98 points
Shanteh Wale - Wine PilotNow bottled under diam, a preference based on tasting trials. This is in excellent form – duskily floral, mineral, with old-vine depth and balance, silky, plush in the right way through the mid-palate, bunch notes adding ultra-subtle spice and chewy tannin to the sandy, silty skin tannin. There’s something about the fruit, off those ’39 vines on sandy soils, that is so distinctive, with deep blue and purple florals, sultry and spicy, dark red fruits, ripe but weightless. There are also blue fruit tones and a maritime, iodine quality, an iron oxide note present but not dominant. The aroma is showstopping but not showy. In fact, it took me some time to taste the wine, such is the allure; but the palate confirms that this is likely the best release yet. Drink 2026-2036.
97+ points
Marcus Ellis - James Halliday's Wine Companion - Willett Family Estate 92.7 Proof 20 Year Old Single Barrel No. 1904 Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)Kentucky, UNITED STATES$14999. 00Bottle$179988.00 DozenABV: 46.35%
Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such may have some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product pictured.
Established in 1935 and still a private family-owned and operated company, Willett Distillery (aka Kentucky Bourbon Distillers or ‘KBD’) have historically been rather like an American version of a Scottish-style independent bottler. They purchased barrels of young whiskey and aged them in their hill-top warehouses south of Bardstown. Older expressions have become blue chip investments with a 24 year old Willett selling for upwards of 10K. Single barrel 1904 is now very rare. 46.35% Alc./Vol.
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- 94
- 95
- Batch may vary
- Nicks Import
- ABV may vary
Glenlivet Nadurra First Fill Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND$139. 99Bottle$1679.88 DozenABV: 59.1%"Now that is what I call a whisky." 95.5 points - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2016
Readers may remember the high standard set by the original 16-year-old Glenlivet Nadurra, discontinued around 2015 due to shortages of older maturing stock. It was replaced by a range of no-age-statement (NAS) cask-strength bottlings including Oloroso Matured, Peated Cask Finish and this First Fill American Oak expression. Thankfully, the follow-ons maintained the quality of the original. In particular, if you enjoyed Nadurra 16YO, you can be pretty confident here as the wood regime is the same. Matured entirely in x-Bourbon casks, 'First Fill' typifies the distillery's style offering up deep scents of poached pear and ripe green apple over beeswax and vanilla. The orchard fruit theme continues in the second pass adding milk chocolate, orange cake, light pepper and clove. A precocious sniff! The palate builds with flavours of honey, vanilla and tea biscuits; quite spicy and concentrated, thinning out momentarily before a stewed pear sweetness almost breaks through the spicy oak, carrying the aftertaste in rebounds. A little water helps it along but it's fine to drink uncut. As one of the more engaging Glenlivets of recent years, this release serves as a reminder that NAS whisky isn't necessarily retrograde. 59.1% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered. Batch FF0117 tasted.
Other reviews... mmm...a sumptuously rich delivery, and though the oils are healthy there is never a threat to the complexity....Red liquorice and treacle pudding fills the mid-ground; walnut oil subtly adds a further oaky presence....a long interweaving between the oak and the barley, although it is the malt which fades faster.... now that is what I call a whisky. 95.5 points - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2016
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- 92
Midleton Very Rare Blended Irish Whiskey (700ml) - 2025 BottlingCounty Cork, IRELAND$399. 00Bottle$4788.00 DozenABV: 40%Other reviews... Combining six Midleton distillate styles in celebration of the distillery’s 200th anniversary, the nose has toffee, new leather, green apple, vanilla, lavender honey, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, red chile, and nutty notes. Apple pie, toffee, vanilla, and cinnamon keep this centered in its signature style, but the nutmeg and chile heat kick against the 40% ABV, adding mandarin peel, barley sugar, grain sweetness, and pot still spices to the finish. 92 points - whiskyadvocate.com
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- 89
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Espolon Blanco Tequila (200ml) - Glass FlaskJalisco, MEXICO$23. 99Bottle$287.88 DozenABV: 40%Crafted at the San Nicolas distillery in Arandas, the Los Altos (Highlands) region of Jalisco; Espolon Tequila is made from 100% agave, debuting in 2010 with a Blanco (unaged) and Reposado, followed by an Anejo in 2015. Pinas (the heart of the agave) are cooked for 18 to 20 hours (versus the industry average of 12) with the distillation process lasting 5½ hours (versus the industry average of 3½). In both cases, the intention is to obtain a richer and more intense flavour.
The striking packaging is inspired by classic nineteenth century artwork, featuring the iconic rooster, a symbol of Mexican national pride. An eye catching addition to any bar. When choosing your tequila, look for '100% agave', an essential bit of information vital for a great and true tequila experience. Inferior products such as 'Jose Cuervo Especial' can consist of as little as 50% agave, with the balance a mixture of corn syrup and grain alcohol, leaving you with a nasty hangover the next day.
Espolon Blanco has a crystal clear, silvery appearance and offers herbaceous, green capsicum and fresh cut horseradish-like notes. Later, undertones of candle wax and smoke are evident making for an impressively complex aroma. The palate is light to medium bodied, a little broad and sweet; waxy, briny and with a delicate twist of white pepper but lacks the vibrancy we look for in Blanco Tequila. 40% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... Espolon Blanco Tequila is hefty with agave character, peppery but with a smooth, silky body. The finish brings up more pepper and heat than I’d like. Little hints of vanilla in the body make this more complex than you’d expect at a price level like this. Not quite a knockout, but definitely worth a try. - drinkhacker.com
...The mild aroma hints at green bell peppers; the flavor also has a distinct vegetal note, mixing bell and jalapeño peppers along with agave. Finishes long, with white pepper and ginger sparks. 88 points - wineenthusiast.com
Clear. Aromas of waxy honeycomb, dried tropical fruits, delicate pickling spices, and creamy meringue. Super smooth and silky with a dryish medium-to-full body. Graceful tropical flower blossom, dates, minerals, and subtle roasted pepper notes illuminate the finish. Incredibly clean, pure and elegant. International Review of Spirits Award: Gold Medal 94 points (Exceptional) - tastings.com
















































