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- Rum of the World (Worthy Park) Single Cask 8 Year Old Cask Strength Jamaica Rum (700ml)JAMAICA$169. 99Bottle$2039.88 DozenABV: 55%
300 bottles only of this natural strength, single cask beauty were bottled exclusively for an Australian Rum Club. Distilled from molasses in 2016 using a traditional double retort pot still at the award winning Worthy Park Estate in Lluidas Vale, Jamaica, this funky and flavourful expression spent 8 years in a single American Oak cask, first at origin in tropical Jamaica and then sent to Europe to undergo continental aging. Bottled in 2024 at 55% Alc./Vol. lends to its full bodied and complex profile that includes notes of banana, pineapple, menthol, nutmeg, leather, oak & creme brulee. Perfect to sip neat, or add to a big bold cocktail.
- 2019 Habitation Velier Hampden LROK 5 Year Old Cask Strength Jamaica Pure Single Rum (700ml)JAMAICA$260. 00Bottle$3120.00 DozenABV: 60.5%
Falling into the LROK marque (Light Rum Owen Kelly) at 200-400 gr/hlpa of esters, this unusual Velier brings some of whisky's historical practices to rum. Indeed, maturation in a combination of nine Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso sherry casks has given it a patina that recalls certain Scottish single malts. This is a low ester Hampden, yet rich, dense and full of vigour. The flavour profile takes us into increasingly autumnal territories, eclipsed by a very pleasant herbal bitterness. Bottled at barrel proof with no sugar added. 60.5% Alc./Vol.
Notes from the bottlers... Aroma: Full, heady. Revealing delicious cocoa, liquorice, balsamic notes (cedar), autumnal tones (dried leaves, lichen) and herbal infusions (thyme, bay leaf), the aroma palette beams with fresh complexity. Allowed to breathe, citrus fruit fragrances (orange, mandarin), apricot, sandalwood and wax bring great nobility. Taste: Rich, dense. The flavour palette is full of energy and takes us to even more autumnal lands (porcini mushroom, truffle, chestnut). A very pleasant herbaceous bitterness (gentian, mint) arrives at the perfect time to refresh the taste buds. Emery cloth and walnut stain add the finishing touches to this colourful ensemble. Finish: Long, rich. Intensifying the aroma palette’s chocolate character, the tasting becomes very rich (chocolate cake, .clair). Increasingly powdery (cinnamon, rice, ginger), it lingers on flavours of raisin and dates. The empyreumatic retro-nasal olfaction (diesel, fuel oil) marks the Hampden signature.
- Papalin Haiti 6 Year Old Vatted Rum (700ml)HAITI$189. 99Bottle$2279.88 DozenABV: 54.1%
Readers who purchased the previous edition will be familiar with Luca Gargano's Papalin project, marking a return to the ancient tradition of rum blending, and with a transparency that's welcomed by rum purists. The inaugural release was a four year old, while the latest is a six year old with a twist - ex Sherry casks have been employed. The blend of seven barrels from three Clairin distilleries includes Sajous, Vaval and Casimir. Each was pot distilled and tropically aged for six years at the Port-au-Prince distillery in casks that previously held Oloroso sherry from the House of Lustau. As you'd expect from the provenance, this is a rum big on aromatics and complexity, ranging from rooty (ginger), medicinal (cough drop) and slightly camphoraceous notes through to more typical Clairin characteristics of vegetal sugar cane, toffee, curry, turmeric and cocoa. It should be blast for lovers of agricole or anyone intrigued by Caribbean styles of yesteryear. 54.1% Alc./Vol.
- 2020 Habitation Velier Providence 4 Year Old Cask Strength Haiti Pure Single Rum (700ml)HAITI$230. 00Bottle$2760.00 DozenABV: 55%
In collaboration with the Barbancourt family and Vittorio Capovilla, Velier's Pure Single Rum collection sees the 'Providence' label make a return, this time with an age statement. Haiti's Port au Prince Distillery is the source of the 2020 edition, a blend of 14 ex-Caroni casks, distilled in a Müller pot still using fresh Cristalline syrup from cane grown in Saint-Michel-de-l’Attalaye. With an ester content of 265 g/hlpa and decanted straight from the casks, the rum is a bright and fresh expression underscored by notes of cane sugar, tropical fruits, florals, spices and vanilla. Tropically aged in Haiti and bottled in 2024 at 55% Alc./Vol., it's another testament to Haitian rum's ancestry and glory.
Notes from the bottlers... Colour: Vibrant Golden Yellow. Aroma: Rich and voluptuous. Opening with spices (pepper, clove), camphor and tropical fruits (ripe banana), the aroma palette then develops more vanilla and medicinal registers (arnica). Allowed to breathe, cane honey and warm cane sugar flood the air, pepped up by a very pleasant salinity. Taste: Lively yet creamy. Alongside delicate liquorice, honey (geranium) and vegetal notes of sugarcane, the flavour palette wavers between candied lemon and pineapple. Sweet spices (ginger, cinnamon) and vanilla pod softly coat the taste buds. Finish: Long, silky. The finish is juicy (pineapple), slightly tannic (cane wood) and heady (iris butter), before becoming richer (vanilla flan) and more tropical (coconut, lychee). The retro-nasal olfaction reveals candied notes (pear, Mirabelle plum, ginger), herbaceous tobacco leaf aromas and precious woods (sandalwood, cedar).
- 2011 Worthy Park 11 Year Old Special Cask Series Cognac Cask Jamaica Rum (700ml)JAMAICA$199. 99Bottle$2399.88 DozenABV: 55%
Cognac would seem to be a complementary match for a rum's secondary maturation, hence this addition to the Special Cask Series. Distilled in the iconic Forsyths Double Retort Pot Still at the Estate in Jamaica in 2011, then tropically aged, the initial 8-year spell in ex-Bourbon wood was followed by a further 3 years in barrels that had previously contained Cognac. Eight casks make up this limited edition release, equating to 1056 bottles world-wide. 55% alc./vol.
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Yamamoto Leona Sparkling Shochu Yuzu (375ml)JAPAN$27. 99Bottle$335.88 DozenABV: 8%Closure: CorkMade with Japanese yuzu citrus and authentic barley shochu, this spritz brings a touch of finesse to a refreshing classic. The yuzu shines with its vibrant, tangy character, lifted by subtle notes of lemon verbena and fresh grass. The shochu base adds depth and roundness to the pure citrus, while the gentle sweetness and lively effervescence balance the zest. Crisp and invigorating, it’s an ideal companion for the warmer months. Enjoy chilled on its own, over ice, or topped with soda for an extra-refreshing spritz.
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Sawanotsuru 100 Nin No Kikizakishi Junmai Sake (720ml)Hyogo, JAPAN$35. 99Bottle$431.88 DozenABV: 18.5%Closure: Screw CapFounded in 1717, Sawanotsuru is one of Japan’s oldest breweries. Their 100 Nin No Kikizakishi is crafted from premium Yamada-Nishiki rice and presented as a Junmai Nama Genshu—unpasteurised, undiluted, with a 70% polishing ratio. Produced using advanced ultrafiltration, it pours brilliantly clear, with a crystalline purity that carries through to the nose. Aromas are delicate and restrained, showing faint hints of green melon and nougat. The palate follows suit, understated yet refined, with subtle notes of white strawberry, yoghurt, and nougat emerging on closer inspection. A sake of quiet elegance and refreshing clarity, best enjoyed chilled.
- Rikyu-Gura Myo-Cha Matcha Sake Liqueur (500ml)Osaka, JAPAN$39. 99Bottle$479.88 DozenABV: 8%Closure: Screw Cap
Rikyu-Gura crafts their traditional Myo-Cha matcha sake liqueur using flavourful Uji matcha tea from Kyoto. The result is a harmonious balance of refined sweetness with the gentle bitterness and mellow savoury tones of the tea. Versatile and engaging, it can be enjoyed neat over ice, topped with soda for a refreshing lift, or even with milk to highlight the richness and depth of the matcha.
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Sawanotsuru Koshujikomi Umeshu (720ml)Hyogo, JAPAN$54. 99Bottle$659.88 DozenABV: 11%Closure: Screw CapSawanotsuru craft their Koshujikomi Umeshu plum wine with aged Junmai sake and Nanko ume plums, brewed in the traditional Kimoto style and matured for over three years. In the glass it shows a burnished copper hue, reflecting its age. Aromas of yellow plum and nectarine lead, supported by hints of nougat, cream frosting, and a touch of fresh red apple for lift. The palate is weighty and viscous, carrying a sense of gravitas from the extended ageing, with layers of red currant, ripe plum, and nectarine unfolding in impressive depth. Luxurious yet balanced, it is best served chilled in a rocks or brandy glass to release the aromatics, and would pair beautifully with grilled beef, hot pot, or even late alongside chocolate desserts.
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2024 Puech-Haut Argali RosePays d'Oc, FRANCE$34. 99Bottle$419.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 2 Years (2025-2027)ABV: 12.5%Closure: Glass StopperPuech-Haut’s lighter coloured style of rosé is akin to what the French call "Vin Gris", usually enjoyed with Summer Mediterranean dishes like grilled fish, tian (a cold vegetable flan) and salads, but also as an aperitif with finger foods. Made as a "Rose de presse" (juice straight off the press), the grapes are pressed rather than macerated (as is the case in a "Rose de Saignee").
Chateau Puech Haut employ Grenache and Cinsault for this wine, which is fermented in thermo regulated stainless steel over twenty days to increase flavour intensity.Gorgeously textured and wonderfully intense with a long super moreish finish.
Very pale salmon pink tinged colour. Delighting the olfactory senses are fragrant aromas of peach, raspberry, strawberry and pomegranate which mix with whiffs of musk and wet stone. Gorgeously textured with a supple feel, and wonderfully intense, the palate is layered with peach, raspberry, strawberry and musk flavours. Stony back drop with flashes of pomegranate also making an appearance. Fresh acidity with a long slippery finish that makes a second glass impossible to resist. Blissful Summer drinking.
Drink over the next 1-2 years
Alc. 12.5%Other Reviews…..
Silvery pink wine. Super-juicy, like a crush of blood orange, raspberries and early-season strawberries. Sharp and round at the same time. Tremendous energy. Lemongrass and basil-leaf sherbet, verbena-leaf freshness. Smooth as a pebble.
17/20
JancisRobinson.com -
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2025 Shaw & Smith Sauvignon BlancAdelaide Hills, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$29. 99Bottle$359.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 2 Years (2025-2027)ABV: 12%Closure: StelvinFabulously intense, lip smacking Sauvignon Blanc.
2025 is the 36th vintage produced of this benchmark Adelaide Hills Sauvignon Blanc. Fruit is sourced from Shaw & Smith’s estate vineyards at Balhannah and Lenswood, complimented by fruit from a small number of highly valued growers.Brilliant water like core with a faint greenish tinge around the edges. Pungent tropical fruit, lime and green apple scents leap from the glass with some subtle herbaceous grassy and mineral notes sitting in the background. Lip smacking passionfruit, lime and green apple fruits burst across the palate with fabulous intensity. Crisp mineral infused acidity with delicate grassy characters lying underneath. Amply powered, it has a long, snappy finish.
Drink over the next 1-2 years.
Alc. 12%Other Reviews….
Perhaps one of Australia's most recognisable white wines, or at least one that delivers reliable quality and drinkability each year. It's charming in its glide and gloss to texture, a little bite of freshness through the finish. The perfume and palate match well in green pear, light passionfruit and guava notes, pretty citrus lift and a faint riff of green herbs. A good intensity and concentration of flavour. It's pretty and pitch perfect; nails the variety and has a sense of upfront charm. Drink by 2027.
93 points
Mike Bennie – James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion - Sazerac Barrel Select Chardonnay Cask Straight Rye Whiskey (750ml)Kentucky, UNITED STATES$119. 99Bottle$1439.88 DozenABV: 45%
Part of the Sazerac Company's July Releases in Australia which feature a collection of exclusive, barrel-select whiskies from some of the most respected names in the game. Leading the charge is 'Kentucky Chardonnay', a crisp and expressive single barrel of Sazerac Rye that showcases the whiskey's classic spice, turned up a notch. Clean, crisp, and lingering, the spice rides long — cinnamon bark, peppercorn, and oak char — but never overwhelms. A gentle return of orchard fruit and a subtle musky note keeps it refreshing and refined, just like a well-balanced Chardonnay on a hot day. 45% Alc./Vol.
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2022 Sons of Eden Zephyrus ShirazBarossa, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$37. 99Bottle$455.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 8 Years (2025-2033)ABV: 14.5%Closure: StelvinSons of Eden is a partnership between winemaker Corey Ryan and viticulturist Simon Cowham who both learnt their trades in the vineyards and cellars of Eden Valley. The name of this wine is taken from Zephyrus, the Greek god of the west wind who is often depicted as a horse. The vineyards of the Barossa are regularly buffeted by cooling Westerly winds creating an ideal temperature range in which to slowly ripen Shiraz.
The 2022 Zephyrus is a blend of 10 different Shiraz parcels located throughout a wide range of vineyard sites within the cooler climate Eden Valley (44%) and warmer Barossa Valley (56%) regions. The vines are aged between 25-60 years old. Each parcel of fruit was fermented with varying levels of whole-bunch fruit clusters (between 10% to 35%). Maturation took place in a mix of new (35%) and seasoned French oak hogsheads for a period of 12 months.Rich, sumptuous and undeniably powerful with lavish layers of fruit carrying a luxurious feel.
Dense inky black heart with a very deep dark red black hue. Intoxicating scents of blackberry, liquorice and dark plum waft out of the glass complimented by some subtlety smoked vanillin cedar, fennel, mocha and peppered earth notes. Rich, plush and concentrated, the moreish palate has an opulent coating of blackberry, liquorice and dark plum fruits. Vanillin cedar, spicy fennel, subtle earthy mocha and pepper characters lend further interest. Boasting magnificent power and depth it has a velvety yet underlying sturdy tannin structure. Concludes exceptionally long and sumptuously rich yet retains a sense of refinement.
Drink over the next 6-8 years.
Alc. 14.5%Other Reviews….
Deep crimson in the glass with aromas of macerated doris plum, black cherry and blackberry fruits, cut with hints of baking spices, licorice, dark chocolate, cedar, panforte, pan juices and earth. Weighty, with impressive depth and ferrous-edged tannin grip, fading with a crème-de-cassis-like intensity to the fruit. Drink by 2036.
95 Points
Dave Brookes – James Halliday’s Australian Wine CompanionBrooding aromas of blackcurrants, mulberry bush, cassia bark and wild blackberries. The palate is full-bodied with fine tannins, bright acidity and a generous mouthfeel, showing fresh notes of blood plums, sarsaparilla, violets, graphite and pepper. Very giving and generous, with a beautiful aromatic lift. Drink or hold. Screw cap.
95 Points
JamesSuckling.com -
- 96
2024 A. Rodda Whitlands ChardonnayWhitlands, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$46. 99Bottle$563.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2025-2031)ABV: 13%Closure: StelvinRich, concentrated and beautifully shaped.
Winemaker Adrian Rodda spent more than 10 years at Oakridge wines before moving to Beechworth to set up his own operation. Formally labelled as Baxendale, the 2024 release has been renamed Whitlands and is sourced from a site planted in 1995. Fermented and matured in 500 litre French oak puncheons (35% first use) for a period of 12 months on lees, it was then transferred to tank for a further 3 months on lees prior to bottling.
Brilliant very pale straw colour with green highlighted edges and a watery hue. White peach, nectarine and dried honey scents drift though the nostrils with plenty of intensity. Lending further complexity are notes of biscuity oak, cashew, nougat and gun flint. Rich, concentrated and beautifully shaped, mouth filling white peach, pear and ripe nectarine fruits are layered across the palate with a fresh, creamy feel. Biscuity nougat, dried honey, cashew and gentle gun flint elements extend across the back half. Perfectly pitched acidity lending energy to the long, powerful and textured finish.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
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2021 Domaine Bouchard Pere et Fils Beaune-Greves Vigne de l'Enfant Jesus Premier CruBurgundy, FRANCEReduced from $499.00$399. 00Bottle$4788.00 DozenABV: 100%Closure: CorkLight on it’s feet, it boasts superb power and a long, supple finish.
Domaine Bouchard Père et Fils is one of the most respected names in Burgundy, yet despite their renown, it seems the market has not yet fully appreciated just how good the wines currently being produced are. They are the largest owner of Grand Cru and Premier Cru vineyards in Burgundy, this includes prized plots such as Montrachet, Chevalier Montrachet, Chambertin, Bonnes Mares, and Meursault Perrieres.
Founded in 1731, the subsequent nine generations of the Bouchard family has amassed an impressive 130ha of vineyards, including nearly 100 separate climats. It's perhaps this large size, contrasting the current trend for tiny producers with a cult following that has meant Bouchard are not front and centre in the minds of many Burgundy drinkers. A true shame as Bouchard are making some of the best wines in their history.Dark red core with black toned edges and a red tinged hue. Leading the way with a perfumed like intensity are aromas of violets, red to dark cherries, rhubarb and strawberry which are overlaid with spicy vanillin cedar, earth, dried herb and spice notes. Rich dark cherry, strawberry, spicy red plum and red liquorice fruits expand across the elegant palate like a peacocks tail. Earth, vanillin cedar, subtle bramble and dried herb elements lend further complexity. Light on it’s feet yet boasting superb power, it has seamlessly integrated, grainy tannins and a perfectly balanced freshness. Finishes long, supple and enveloping yet sturdy.
Drink over the next 8-10 years.
Alc. 13%Other Reviews….
Here’s a deep and complex 2021 Beaune 1er Cru with stacks of dark earthy complexity as well as abundant red fruit character and a touch of smoky oak. The serious tannin structure engages the turbo, driving the wine relentlessly forward on the ample palate. Excellent freshness, too. Sustainable. Drinkable now, but best from 2025.
95 points
Stuart Pigott - JamesSuckling.comThis wine is among the most successful Beaune premier crus in 2021. The aromas begin with mulberry and cassis fruit with notes of earth, menthol, and smoke. Rich and substantial on the palate, it features surprisingly full body, firm tannins and rewarding length. The grapes are from the Bouchard monopole of nearly four hectares within Beaune Grèves. In 2021, 30% were fermented as whole clusters to ensure complexity and freshness. This should open well with a few years in bottle and age over the next two decades. Drink 2027-2045.
94 points
Charles Curtis MW - Decanter -
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2006 Wendouree Shiraz MalbecClare Valley, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$199. 00Bottle$2388.00 DozenABV: 13.2%Closure: CorkOther Reviews....
More purple than the Shiraz Mataro; consistently with the colour, has more drive and focus; the mouthfeel and length of the medium- to full-bodied palate are excellent, with almost juicy fruit sparking off the fine-grained tannins. Great now, great in another 15 years.
96 points
James Halliday’s Wine Companion -
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Imbue Distillery Zingy Yuzu Fruit Gin (700ml)Melbourne, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$79. 99Bottle$959.88 DozenABV: 41%Made by first steeping Yuzu zest in Imbue's Aussie dry gin, then distilling the skins to extract the fragrant oils. Cordial-like, ripe citrus aromas are balanced by a touch of peel and light juniper. Flavours of Meyer lemon pulp and peel combine with a warming gin base, the natural acidity of the citrus nicely captured. With soda it flattens and takes on a fruit-tingle / lemon sorbet character. Dilute with restraint or add a lemon wedge to revive the vibrancy. Unfiltered, so some sediment may be apparent. This is not a production fault. 41% Alc./Vol.
- Glendronach Ode To The Valley Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)Highlands, SCOTLAND$139. 99Bottle$1679.88 DozenABV: 46.2%
Part of the core range that launched in late 2024. It includes three NAS expressions highlighting sherry maturation. Ode to the Valley uses sherry casks with Ruby Port casks from Portugal in support. The others are Ode to the Embers, a peated expression matured in Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez casks, and Ode to the Dark, which relies on Pedro Ximénez casks. 46.2% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... Nose: more Port than sherry, which shows as a mustiness. Rather thin and tart fruity notes, such as red plums, cranberries and raisins, along with orange peels. Underneath it shows an alcoholic note and young wood. Then muesli, a certain sour earthy note and roselle tea. Mouth: still high on alcohol, with hints of raspberry eau-de-vie and plum wine, more roselle and cranberry juice. Some darker blackberry underneath, as well as some cold coffee, cocoa and a slightly bloated vegetal note. Then hints of ginger and plain malty notes too. Finish: quite short, with more sour berries, wood spice and hints of cocoa. A very basic malt that is lacking weight and feels a bit diluted, allowing the sourness and alcohol to shine through. Too superficial and not particularly flattering for a series that wants to pay tribute to sherry casks. - whiskynotes.be
...when we are presented with these new marketing-led NAS whiskies, we almost feel sorry for the distillery, and because we find glimpses of "the good old days" in them, we want to like them but realistically we have to just come to the conclusion that they are too young and too expensive for what they are. Unfortunately that's how Brown-Forman "positioned" the range, and hence it'll just sit on the shelves, together with the now vastly overpriced 15 and 18. A shame, because Glendronach used to be my favourite distillery. - whiskybase.com
- Cadenheads Original Collection Ben Nevis 11 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)Highlands, SCOTLAND$179. 99Bottle$2159.88 DozenABV: 46%
The importer notes "Ben Nevis has many faces, as I sometimes think that when you get a new bottle from this super distillery, you really don’t quite know what you are going to get."
We second those comments. He adds, "With the new 2024 bottling from Cadenhead, the guessing game continues as this all ex bourbon cask mature example is all floral and fruity on the nose, but on the palate that unique oiliness is very much evident." Official notes read, “Creamy. Wholegrain cereal, malty, gooseberries. Kiwi skin, flint notes, salted caramel, barley sugar & barley drops.” 46% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... Medium-bodied, with the rowan berries making a return alongside a slightly dirty, earthy character. Rich and rounded with a smooth undercurrent of vanilla. Medium-long, still carrying some of that earthy “dirtiness,” but now turning sugary sweet. Vanilla and herbs in the background. A whisky with a rugged charm. - whiskysaga.com
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Waubs Harbour Salt Marsh Limited Edition Single Malt Australian Whisky (500ml)Tasmania, AUSTRALIA$240. 00Bottle$2880.00 DozenABV: 49.4%The first of its kind for Waubs Harbour - peated whisky for non-peated drinkers, made by lightly smoking Tasmanian barley with local salt marsh peat, dug by hand. The initial taste anticipates a more citrusy and spritely addition to the range, up until the finish where a superb, tempered sweetness melts in your mouth like salted caramel chocolate. Peat remains indiscernible, at least from a 10 ml sample. Matured in ex-bourbon casks, 556 bottles make up the entire release. 49.4% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.
Notes from the producers... Nose: Honeycomb, vanilla & mineral notes. Palate: Caramel sauce with a sweet, nutty, subtle brown sugared peat influence. Finish: Nutty, earthy, herbaceous, subtle brown sugared peat influence balanced with honeycomb & candy floss.
- Buffalo Trace Single Barrel #8 Story Series #2 Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)Kentucky, UNITED STATES$89. 99Bottle$1079.88 DozenABV: 45%
Story Series #2 is a single-barrel selection from one of those rare honey spots in the warehouses, intended to offer the very best of what the flagship can be: rich, bold, balanced and memorable. Judging by the tasting notes, this should be an all-round richer and sweeter experience compared to your standard BT bottling. 45% Alc./Vol.
Notes from the importers... The first sip delivers a rich hit of dark brown sugar, pecan pie, and charred oak, followed by classic Buffalo Trace notes of toasted vanilla, ripe cherry, and a touch of spiced apple compote. But this barrel sings louder than most — everything is dialed up, with layers of maple glaze, nutmeg, and a hint of dark chocolate that give it a deeper, more luxurious profile.
- Cadenheads Original Collection Girvan 33 Year Old Single Grain Scotch Whisky (700ml)Lowlands, SCOTLAND$320. 00Bottle$3840.00 DozenABV: 46%
Good reports from various sources on this single grain from the giant Grant's facility in the Lowlands. Official notes read, “Chewy. Brandy snaps, marzipan, carrot cake. Coconut macaroon, orange essence, butterscotch”. 46% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... “The cereals are very varied and intense, ranging from airy oats to sweet corn, crispy wheat grains and puffed rice, malted barley, rustic rye, millet. Brioche, all coated in caramel. Ethereal almond, cloud of milk. On the palate, vanilla intervenes, it is slightly fruity but the cereals remain predominant. Very light spices, mirabelle plums and green apples. Deep finish, but could be longer, custard, sponge cake, white grapes, fudge, resin, cinnamon. Very good grain whisky, I still regret that the alcohol content is not a little higher, it is a little light on the palate”. - whiskybase.com
- Eagle Rare Single Barrel #6 Chocolate Fantales Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)Kentucky, UNITED STATES$139. 99Bottle$1679.88 DozenABV: 45%
Apparently, this is different from the standard Eagle Rare 10, however, the importers haven't disclosed why or how. We can only assume the barrels selected featured flavours similar to the taste of Choclate Fantales. 45% Alc./Vol.
Notes from the importer... Silky & elegant starting with hints of milk chocolate, fudge brownie, and caramel toffee leap from the glass, evoking the unwrapping of a fresh Fantale. As it opens up, hints of vanilla bean, a slight cherry note & backdrop of old oak and leather.
- 2012 Worthy Park 10 Year Old Special Cask Series Calvados Cask Jamaica Rum (700ml)JAMAICA$189. 99Bottle$2279.88 DozenABV: 45%
The Special Casks Series is a collection of molasses rums distilled, aged and blended at Worthy Park aimed at exploring different secondary maturations. Distilled in 2012 in the Forsyths double retort copper still, in this example, the initial 8-years in ex-bourbon barrels followed time in barrels that had previously contained Calvados (apple brandy) for a further 2 years. Eight barrels were finally blended before bottling without chill filtration in 2022. Expect subtle apple, woody aromas and flavours in an approachable, nuanced sipping rum. 45% Alc./Vol.
- Cadenheads Original Collection Tullibardine 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)Highlands, SCOTLAND$179. 99Bottle$2159.88 DozenABV: 46%
Other reviews... A release from August of this year [2024]. Colour: gold. Nose: bursting with oranges – if you’re as fond of them as I am, you’re in for a treat. Jaffa cakes, honey, a touch of olive oil (Spanish, of course) and freshly peeled oranges. There’s also a hint of macarons and amaretti biscuits. Honestly, on the nose, it’s wonderfully done, but that’s often the case with good palo cortado. Mouth: yes, very good, especially considering the relatively modest price. Chocolate, walnut cake (that’s quite pronounced), turrón, hazelnut spread and peanut butter, roasted pecans… All of it works like a charm. Finish: perhaps its slightly weaker point, with some flinty notes, leather, and a touch of bitter orange taking the lead at this stage. Comments: frankly, this is a lovely little Tully. By the way, there is indeed a 'Tully' distillery in Washington State, USA, though I don’t believe I’ve tried anything from them. And let’s not forget Grandtully in Scotland, though that one closed back in 1910. 86 points - whiskyfun.com
...Taste: It’s not without some oak and the accompanying spices you’d expect, but there’s also a buttery sweetness, dried figs and just a tinge of papaya. Also fennel. Not the most complex though. Finish: Short to medium. Lingering spices, cocoa powder and nutmeg. Not the most expressive single malt, and the oak influence isn’t insubstantial either. A decent drinker that nonetheless doesn’t quite capture the imagination. - wordsofwhisky.com
- Cadenheads Original Collection Ardmore 11 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)Highlands, SCOTLAND$179. 99Bottle$2159.88 DozenABV: 46%
Independent bottlings of Ardmore are invariably more exciting than official releases, and as followers of this make will know, the distillery is not shy in using a good dose of peat. At Cadenheads, this bottling was a big favourite with the tasting panel who described it as "a bit of a beast." They say there's also a layer of sweetness, demonstrated by strawberry jam, wine gums and caramelised sugar notes, no doubt derived from the lengthy cask finishing which was x-Ruby Port. 46% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... “Less robust and rugged than I was expecting. Ashy on the finish but faintly, more cracked black pepper, a coal bunker, figs, tobacco and ground clove. Flashes of aniseed midway, dark chocolate, baked potato skin. A gentle smokiness throughout, assisted by bacon fat, embers and orange zest. Wholemeal bread and a farm yard vibe... Fresh manure that hits the spot”. - dramface.com
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Glen Grant 25 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND$1399. 00Bottle$16788.00 DozenABV: 46%One in a trio that make up Glen Grant’s “Glasshouse Collection.” At the time of writing, these are the oldest expressions in the distillery’s permanent lineup. The 25yo comes matured in oloroso sherry casks and x-bourbon barrels, bottled at 46% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... Part of the distillery’s Glass House Collection, which also includes a 30 year old and a 21 year old. Earthy and dry, with cut grass aromas at first, then licorice, underripe banana, and orange peel. Sweeter and viscous on the palate, with apples, plums, vanilla, a hint of orange, baking spice, and black pepper. The finish is medium-length, with more vanilla. Sweet, fresh, syrupy, delicious, and lively for a 25 year old. 93 points - whiskyadvocate.com
...Dehydrated pear, apple juice, light baking spice, and freshly baked challah rolls start off the nose. It’s quite light in character, with touches of oak and a tiny bit of pine sap, but still fragrant enough for individual scents to stick around long enough in the nostrils. Salty taffy develops over the course of minutes, adding polite sweetness and salinity that pairs well with the wood scents. The whisky is comparatively richer at first sip, which is both highly viscous and richly spiced, like milk caramel infused with nutmeg, vanilla extract, and mint sprigs. Tart green apple, orange bitters, and unripe pineapple form a backbone of fruit that builds toward the midpalate. Taken together, they’re a nice foil to the spicy sweetness, the whisky never quite settling fully into sweet or sour but existing harmoniously at their intersection throughout most parts of the sip. The finish turns toward macchiato and baking chocolate, topped with a barely-there layer of thin, woody caramel. A final pop of peeled apple skins and campfire embers wraps things up with a kiss of cooked fruit. This begs return after return to the glass and nearly warranted an even higher score. - drinkhacker.com
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- 95
- ABV may vary
Sagamore Spirit Cask Strength Straight Rye Whiskey (700ml)UNITED STATES$149. 99Bottle$1799.88 DozenABV: 56.1%Sagamore are based in Baltimore, Maryland, a state that held one-third of the US rye whiskey supply in 1939. They're committed to putting Maryland back on the map as the premier distiller of rye. The company started out sourcing from MGP distillery in Lawrenceburg, but as of 2017 began distilling their own whiskeys from two different straight ryes – a high rye content and a lower rye content which allows corn and malted barley to play a larger role. This yields smoother and sweeter notes in the finished product. Whiskies are matured for seven years before being blended in small batches. Each barrel ages to a slightly different proof, which means batches will land at a slightly different ABV.
Other reviews... Wow! What a way to start another Whisky Bible tasting day. 95 points - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2024
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- 95
- Special Order Product – Delayed Dispatch
2022 Chalk Hill Alpha Crucis Old Vine GrenacheMcLaren Vale, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$56. 99Bottle$683.88 DozenMinimum 6 bottlesCellar: 6 - 8 Years (2031-2033)ABV: 14%Closure: StelvinRich, concentrated and powerful yet tense and chiselled in it’s feel.
Sourced from 90 year old bush vines with 20% whole bunch inclusion. Deep dark red heart with black tinged edges and a vibrant red purple tinged hue. Red to dark raspberry, red liquorice and cherry aromas infused with pepper soar out of the glass. Some crushed rock and vanillin spice notes are also evident. Rich and concentrated yet chiselled in its feel, delicious red to dark raspberry, ripe red cherry and liquorice fruits are sculptured by muscular tannins and energetic acidity. Tense and powerful, chalk, crushed rock, vanillin spice and pepper elements extend across the back half. Finishes long, fresh and juicy yet tightly wound and focused. Dual Trophy winner for best Grenache in Show at the 2024 National Wine Show and Royal Adelaide Wine Show.
Cellar 6-8 years.
Alc. 14% -
- 93
2023 Domaine Metrat et Fils Constance ChiroublesBeaujolais, FRANCE$33. 99Bottle$407.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 5 Years (2025-2030)ABV: 13%Closure: StelvinA mid weighted, amply fleshed Beaujolais that finishes fresh, spicy and juicy.
From 60 year old vines. Deep black dark purple heart with a dark purple red hue. A mix of sour to dark cherry, strawberry, earthy incense, Herbs du Provence and spice aromas greet the nostrils with admirable intensity. Rich morello to dark cherry and strawberry fruits infused with earthy incense characters carry a well fleshed feel across the mid weighted palate. Spicy herbs du Provence also chime in. Slightly grainy tannins with the fresh, spicy finish loaded with juicy fruit.
Drink over the next 4-5 years.
Alc. 13% -
- 91
- Special Order Product – Delayed Dispatch
2023 J. Moreau & Fils Les Coches Pinot NoirVin de France, FRANCE$27. 99Bottle$335.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 3 Years (2025-2028)ABV: 13%Closure: StelvinA juicy, amply fruited Pinot.
Deep dark red core with black toned edges and a dark red hue. Ripe morello and dried cherry aromas mix with anise, earthy incense and spicy dried herb notes. Juicy morello and dark cherry fruits meld into a ripe strawberry, anise, earthy incense and spicy dried herb back drop. Ripe, gently chewy tannins with a fleshy feel to the amply fruited mid length finish.
Drink over the next 2-3 years.
Alc. 13% -
- 93
- Special Order Product – Delayed Dispatch
2021 Thierry Laffay Chablis Premier Cru VaillonsChablis, FRANCE$79. 99Bottle$959.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 4 Years (2025-2029)ABV: 12.5%Closure: CorkLively and sculptured with a dry, tense finish.
Bright yellow straw colour with a watery hue. Captivating the olfactory senses are gorgeous pear, lime, oyster shell and subtle dried honey aromas with some wet stone notes trailing off into the distance. Lime, green pear and Granny Smith apple fruits are sculptured by lemony acidity with some chalky mineral characters lingering across the back half. Lively, it finishes dry and tense.
Drink over the next 3-4 years.
Alc. 12.5% -
- 89
- Special Order Product – Delayed Dispatch
2023 Trentham Estate ‘Estate Grown’ Pinot NoirMurray Darling, Vic, AUSTRALIA$16. 99Bottle$203.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 2 Years (2025-2027)ABV: 13.5%Closure: StelvinAn easy going, fruit forward Pinot.
Semi translucent red to dark red colour with black toned edges and a light red hue. Ripe cherry and strawberry aromas mix with hints of mint, earth and spice. Juicy cherry and strawberry fruits overlay an earthy mint and spice back drop. Fleshy textured it has polished tannins and an easy going fruit forward finish.
Drink over the next 1-2 years.
Alc. 13.5% -
- 94
2024 Sella & Mosca Cala Reale Vermentino di SardegnaSardinia, ITALY$29. 99Bottle$359.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 1 Years (2025-2026)ABV: 13.5%Closure: Diam CorkTerrific concentration and textural shape with zingy fruit lining the palate.
Brilliant pale straw colour with flashes of green to the edges and a watery hue. Delightful lime and green apple aromas infused with fresh herbs jump out of the glass followed by some citrus and stony mineral notes. Terrific concentration and textural shape with zingy lime, green to red apple, guava and pear fruits flooding the mouth. Infusions of fresh herbs and mineral elements lend further interest. Crisp acidity with a long, wonderfully fresh and beautifully fleshed finish. A superb example of Vermentino.
Drink over the next year.
Alc. 13.5% -
- 94
- 95
- Special Order Product – Delayed Dispatch
2022 Robin Brockett Fenwick Vineyard Pinot NoirBellarine Peninsula, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$36. 99Bottle$443.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 5 Years (2025-2030)ABV: 13%Closure: StelvinMid weighted and fleshy with a medium to long supplely textured finish.
Aged for 12 months in French oak with the inclusion of whole bunches in the ferment. Dark red core with black toned edges and a red tinged hue. Intense ripe dark cherry, strawberry and anise aromas are complimented by some toasty cedar, dried herb, forest floor and spicy rhubarb notes. Fleshy in its feel, the mid weighted palate features ripe dark cherry, strawberry and plum fruits over an anise, brambly cedar, earth and spicy dried herb back drop. Polished tannins with a medium to long supplely textured finish.
Drink over the next 4-5 years.
Alc. 13%Other Reviews….
From a 26-year-old vineyard in Wallington on the Bellarine Peninsula. A bright ruby red. Even more perfumed and lifted than the 2021 release. Aromas of wild strawberry, pomegranate and peony. Silky textured, this medium-bodied wine has excellent mid-palate richness while remaining extremely light on its feet. Another delightful and well-made wine from Robin Brockett. Drink by 2029.
95 Points
Philip Rich – James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion -
- 95
- 95
- 94
2024 Rivulet Glaziers Bay Pinot NoirTasmania, AUSTRALIA$49. 99Bottle$599.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 8 Years (2025-2033)ABV: 13%Closure: StelvinCaptivating aromas with a rich, fleshy textured mid weight palate and long expansive finish.
Deep dark red core with black toned edges and a vibrant red to dark red hue. Captivating aromas of violet, dark cherry, strawberry and anise sail out of the glass with a perfumed like intensity. Forest floor, spicy cedar and dried herb notes ensue. Rich, fleshy textured dark to black cherry, anise and strawberry flavours fan out across the mid weighted palate like a peacocks tail. Smoky cedar, forest floor and spicy dried herb elements are also evident. Excellent power wave with fine grained tannins and a long expansive finish.
Drink over the next 6-8 years.
Alc. 13%Other Reviews…..
Pinot noir sourced from the Elsewhere vineyard in the Huon Valley; 20% whole bunch this year, matured for 10 months in French oak (30% new). An uptick in new oak this year for those playing at home, but the balance is bang on once again. Red cherry, raspberry and cranberry notes with medina spice, amaro, char siu, Chinese barbecue joint, twiggy bits and bobs and shiitake. Stony and composed on the palate. This has powdered riverstone tannins, a briny driveline and a stony finish that shows great tension and resolve. Nice one. Drink by 2036.
95 Points
Dave Brookes – James Halliday’s Australian Wine CompanionThis too is dry-grown on the Elsewhere Vineyard in the Huon Valley. 175 dozen were produced. 20% whole bunches and 30% new oak.
This wine is still settling, as if still rehearsing its lines and/or songs, but the set list that it has at its disposal is killer. The depth of fruit here, the inbuilt complexity, the wave of perfectly formed tannin and extension through the finish; every aspect is top notch. It tastes of both black cherries and red plums, cedarwood and cream, but it’s the tobacco and undergrowth characters humming away in the background and that rumble of earth-shot tannin that really draws you in. Be patient. This will be excellent. Drink 2027-2033+
94 Points
Campbell Mattinson – The Wine Front -
- 94
2024 Gill Estate Rivah TempranilloVictoria, AUSTRALIA$19. 99Bottle$239.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 3 Years (2025-2028)ABV: 12.5%Closure: StelvinJuicy dark fruits with slightly chewy tannins and a long savoury finish.
Dark red in colour with black tinged edges and a dark red hue. Fragrant dark to black cherry and liquorice scents sail out of the glass followed by some scorched earth, dried herbs and spicy incense like notes. Juicy dark and morello cherry fruits are intermeshed with liquorice, earthy incense and spicy dried herb characters. Slightly chewy tannins with a long savoury finish.
Drink over the next 2-3 years.
Alc. 12.5% -
- 93
- 92
2023 Dandelion Vineyards Damsel of the Barossa MerlotBarossa, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$23. 99Bottle$287.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 3 Years (2025-2028)ABV: 14%Closure: StelvinRich spicy dark fruits with a ripe, fleshy textured and tobacco laced finish.
Matured in older French oak barriques for a period of 20 months. Dense inky black colour with a deep dark red black tinged hue. Ripe dark plum and mulberry scents fill the nostrils with whiffs of liquorice, dried herbs, earthy tobacco and spice also evident. Rich and quite plump in it’s feel, the mid weighted palate is layered with spicy dark plum and mulberry fruits which meld into a cedary tobacco dried herb and earth back drop. Fine grained tannins with a ripe, fleshy textured, tobacco laced finish.
Drink over the next 2-3 years.
Alc. 14%Other Reviews….
Ripe red plum, mulberry and red cherry fruits with notes of fine spice, vanillin oak, earth, some drying meadow herbs, quince paste, licorice and purple flowers. Plush and plummy on the palate with a mulberry lift, fine, silty tannins for support and a chalky vibe as it slowly trails off. Drink by 2035.
92 Points
Dave Brookes – James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion -
- 89
Ballykeefe Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey (700ml)IRELAND$139. 99Bottle$1679.88 DozenABV: 46%A 30ml sample yields aromas of cereals and cream tea biscuits leading into a rounded, medium-bodied delivery, mimicking the nose as it glides over the tongue, leaving a residual oily, pot still character. Juicy middle; ends warming, crisp, vaguely fruity (dried apples, pears). Rebounds with a vanilla-wafer flourish. An easy-going personality with typical Irish pot still delicacy. 46% Alc.Vol. Non-chill filtered.
Other reviews... Medium golden straw color. Aromas and flavors of green apple and lemon, green grains, wet grass, and oatmeal raisin cookies with a silky, lively, dry medium body and a compelling, medium-to-long finish imparting accents of tart green apple, honey, lemon curd on white bread with caraway seeds, and spring meadow. A nice Whiskey with a good future; a solid example of the style. 88 points - tastings.com
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- 91
- 92
Ballykeefe Single Malt Irish Whiskey (700ml)IRELAND$139. 99Bottle$1679.88 DozenSlightly more expressive than its Pot Still sibling, the aroma conjures frail scents of balsa wood, hay, poached pears in wine, green apples and light vanilla. It's also a more delicately textured whiskey suggesting flavours of sweet cereals and stewed orchard fruits, building succulence, ending crunchy, lipsmacking and gently spiced. Like a lightly fruited Speysider, but of an altogether softer variety. 46% Alc./vol. Non-chill filtered.
Other reviews... Light gold color. Aromas and flavors of partially baked bread dough, birch soda and cherry wood, under ripe musk melon, and black pepper with a satiny, lively, dry medium body and a peppery, interesting, medium-length finish displaying notes of pepper and baking spices in fresh bread dough, tart green fruit, dark honey, and parchment. Very tasty with loads of potential demanding your attention to pick out all of its complexities. 89 points - tastings.com
This single malt opens with a punchy and pungent nose, leading with barnyard, wet hay, and honey. Over time, these aromas drift away and chamomile tea with honey, spearmint, hot pretzels, and wildflowers emerge. The palate is complex, too. Sweet tea, marzipan, and sweet granola stand on the front lines, with black pepper, faint cayenne, and forest floor reinforcement. The finish is long, rich, and floral, fading to hay and cereal grains. 92 points - whiskyadvocate.com
Notes from the producers... Nose: A Gentle nose with notes of Toasted Oak, Citrus and Coconut, resolving to Apple Sponge.Taste: At first Malt and Fruit dominate with Mango and a hint of ripe Banana. Then Toffee Apple fading to Crème Brûlée. Finish: Long finish with notes of Apple Custard and a hint of Cloves.
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- 93
- 92
- Special Order Product – Delayed Dispatch
2022 Auld Family Wines ShirazBarossa Valley, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$19. 99Bottle$239.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 5 Years (2025-2030)ABV: 14.8%Closure: StelvinRichly fruited with slightly chewy tannins and a pepper laced finish.
Dense pitch black colour with a deep dark red black hue. Elevated dark plum and liquorice aromas are trailed by smoky vanillin cedar, fennel and peppered meat notes. Rich dark plum, liquorice and black cherry fruits adorn the medium to full bodied palate. Scorched earth and peppered meat elements lie underneath. Slightly chewy tannins with a lengthy finish that has some blackpepper threaded through it.
Drink over the next 4-5 years.
Alc. 14.8%Other Reviews….
This is a cracking Barossa Shiraz from a superb vintage and seriously good value. The colour here is a deep bruised plum and the nose gives us notes of chocolate, spices, smoked meats, dried herbs, plums and chocolate. A sappy, fresh style with good energy. Impressive length, fresh acidity, supple tannins and a lingering finish. The palate sees more plums, black fruits, and white pepper to the fore. Enjoy this now and for the next six to eight years. Drink 2024-2032.
92 Points
Ken Gargett – WinePilot.com -
- 96
- 96
- Reduced
2021 Nicks Secret TW Blewitt Springs ShirazMcLaren Vale, South Australia, AUSTRALIAReduced from $59.99$19. 99Bottle$239.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 8 Years (2025-2033)ABV: 14.5%Closure: StelvinFrom one of the big names in South Australia, renown for producing wines out of the Barossa and McLaren Vale, this label is the proprietors personal project which is mostly centred around single site expressions. Normally selling for around $60, this Shiraz is sourced from 32 year old vines located in the famed Blewitt Springs sub district. Maturation took place in French oak hogsheads for a period of 12 months.
An exemplary Blewitt Springs Shiraz at a bargain basement price.
Impenetrable inky black heart with a very deep dark red black hue. Flooding the nostrils are blackberry, liquorice and ripe black cherry aromas complimented by some vanillin cedar, fennel, scorched earth and blackpepper notes. Rich and opulent yet muscular in it’s stance, the full bodied palate is saturated with succulent blackberry, liquorice and black cherry fruits which are shaped by sculptured tannins. Extending across the back half are vanillin cedar, earthy fennel and blackpepper elements. Concentrated and powerful it has a long, generously endowed yet robust conclusion.
Drink over the next 6-8 years.
Alc. 14.5%Other Reviews….
This was such a good vintage in McLaren vale and Blewitt Springs, and it shows itself superbly in this excellent wine. There's lots of power here, but it's perfectly controlled and harnessed to release into its sustained finish. The aromas are spicy, dried herb and dark plummy blackberry. The palate has a firm richness and concentration with even hints of dark chocolate and lightly dusted coffee grinds. But it is that punchy, intense fruit that triumphs and emerges in the finish. It's a wine of tremendous brightness and energy.
96 Points
Ray Jordan – WinePilot.comImpressive and rich, yet stylish and graceful, the wine shows dark fruit intensity, smoked game, star anise, liquorice, and cedar characters on the nose. The palate displays excellent concentration and plump mouthfeel, combined with layers of grainy tannins, making it sturdy and structured with a sustained, satisfying finish. At its best: now to 2040.
96 Points
Sam Kim – Wine Orbit -
- 95
- 93
- Reduced
2021 Nicks Secret TTN Cabernet SauvignonMcLaren Vale, South Australia, AUSTRALIAReduced from $39.99$14. 99Bottle$179.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2025-2031)ABV: 14%Closure: StelvinFrom a renown McLaren Vale winery, this brilliant value Cabernet was sourced from vines aged between 25 and 50 years old. Each parcel of fruit was harvested and handled separately. After fermenting on skins for 10 days, the fruit was transferred to a combination of new (15%), second- and third-use French oak barrels where it was matured for 15 months.
Deeply fruited and concentrated yet refined, this Cabernet delivers terrific bang for your buck.
Dense pitch black heart with a deep dark red black tinged hue. Sailing through the olfactory senses are ripe blackcurrant aromas infused with a mix of black olive and tobacco notes. Spicy vanillin cedar, earth, mulberry and bay leaf notes also chime in. Rich, fleshy blackcurrant and ripe mulberry fruits are intermeshed with cedary tobacco, infusions of bay leaf, subtle earthy black olive and spice elements. Seamlessly integrated fine grained tannins provide ample structure. Excellent concentration and depth with a long deeply fruited yet refined finish.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 14%Other Reviews….
Gorgeously composed and expressed, the wine shows blackcurrant, dark cherry, dried herb and roasted nut aromas on the nose. The palate is equally satisfying with succulent fruit intensity combined with fine texture and chalky tannins, making it wonderfully harmonious and structured. At its best: now to 2033.
95 Points
Sam Kim – Wine OrbitAs the name implies, the intensity of this Cabernet is titanic: green bell pepper, mint, bay leaf, green peppercorn, cedar, black olive tapenade, tobacco, pencil lead, blackberry, blackcurrant, and black cherry. The list goes on. Concentration, power, succulence, and drive—this is a Cabernet that ticks all the boxes for old-world Cabernet lovers. Drink 2024-2032.
93 Points
Lisa Cardelli – WinePilot.com -
- 91
- Special Order Product – Delayed Dispatch
2024 Gundog Estate Wild SemillonHunter Valley, New South Wales, AUSTRALIA$34. 99Bottle$419.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 3 Years (2025-2028)ABV: 11%Closure: StelvinLight and zippy with a refreshingly fruity finish.
Brilliant water like core with distinct highlights of green around the outskirts. Lime zest and Granny Smith apple scents are followed by whiffs of lemon butter and flinty mineral notes. Light and zippy, lime and green apple skin flavours are featured over delicate orange and mineral elements. Crisp acidity with a refreshingly fruity finish.
Drink over the next 2-3 years.
Alc. 11% -
- 92
- Special Order Product – Delayed Dispatch
2024 Forage Supply Co. Baby Face No. 6 Field BlendBarossa Valley, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$29. 99Bottle$359.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 3 Years (2025-2028)ABV: 13.5%Closure: StelvinLush and concentrated with a long succulent finish.
A blend of Grenache, Carignan and Montepulciano. Dark red in colour with black toned edges and a red to dark red hue. Dark raspberry, ripe cherry and liquorice aromas leap from the glass with some vanillin spice and faint earth notes also evident. Juicy dark raspberry, liquorice and cherry fruits show terrific intensity and possess a luscious mouth feel. Vanillin confectionary and spicy earth the undercard. Velvet smooth tannins finishing long and succulent.
Drink over the next 2-3 years.
Alc. 13.5% -
- 92
2024 Pasqua Capitolo 44 Pinot GrigioVenezie, ITALY$14. 99Bottle$179.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 1 Years (2025-2026)ABV: 12%Closure: StelvinA delicious, slippery textured Pinot Grigio that delivers great value.
Brilliant very pale straw almost water like colour. Pear and red apple aromas mix with hints of honeysuckle and wet stone. Delicious pear and red apple fruits glide across the palate with a slippery textural feel. Excellent intensity with subtle lime and wet stone elements lingering underneath. Brisk acidity with a long gorgeously rounded finish. Great everyday drinking.
Drink over the next year.
Alc. 12% -
- 93
2023 Adalia Singan SoaveVeneto, ITALY$33. 99Bottle$407.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 1 Years (2025-2026)ABV: 12%Closure: Diam CorkA crisp, invigorating Soave with refreshing pear, lime and green apple fruits.
Brilliant pale straw colour with highlights of green around the edges and a watery hue. Delightful pear, lime and green apple skin aromas enchant the olfactory scents with some wet slate and saline notes also evident. Refreshing pear, lime and green apple fruits are underscored by wet slate and infusions of fresh herbs. Crisp acidity with a river stone like feel to the long invigorating finish.
Drink over the next year.
Alc. 12% -
- 93
- Special Order Product – Delayed Dispatch
2022 Snake & Herring Dirty Boots Cabernet SauvignonMargaret River, Western Australia, AUSTRALIA$23. 99Bottle$287.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2025-2031)ABV: 13.5%Closure: StelvinMid weighted with finely chiselled tannins and a refined, savoury conclusion.
Midnight black core with a deep dark red black tinged hue. Elevated blackcurrant, black olive and mulberry aromas intermingle with cigar box, earth and spicy herb notes. Mid weighted, blackcurrant and mulberry fruits meld into a dried herb, cedary tobacco, earth and spicy black olive back drop. Finely chiselled tannins provide structure. Concludes refined and savoury with a sturdy feel.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 13.5%