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2023 Chateau de la Chaize Bourgogne Gamay NoirBeaujolais, FRANCE$36. 99Bottle$443.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 3 Years (2025-2028)ABV: 12.5%Closure: Diam CorkLight and supple with crunchy underlying acidity and an elegant finish.
Dark red core with black shaded edges and a bright red hue. Fragrant sour and red cherry aromas infused with fresh herbs drift through the nostrils. Some cranberry, winter strawberry, stalky earth and spice notes are also apparent. Light in body and carrying a supple flow across the palate are sour to red cherry, cranberry and winter strawberry fruits which are underpinned by crunchy acidity. Lingering through the back half are some earth, dried herb and spice characters. Fine tannins finishing fresh and elegant.
Drink over the next 2-3 years.
Alc. 12.5% -
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2024 Tellurian MarsanneHeathcote, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$27. 99Bottle$335.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 3 Years (2025-2028)ABV: 13.5%Closure: StelvinRich, expansive and possessing a glycerol like texture.
Brilliant pale straw colour with green tinted edges and a watery hue. Peach, apricot and honeysuckle aromas drift through the nostrils with whiffs of ginger spice also evident. Rich, expansive and possessing a glycerol like texture peach, apricot and honeycomb flavours coat the palate. Some nougat and ginger spice like characters linger in the back end. Nicely integrated acidity buoys the long, lush and enveloping finish.
Drink over the next 2-3 years.
Alc. 13.5%Other Reviews…..
Aged on lees; barrel fermentation in seasoned French oak. Varietally true and expressive from that first whiff of honeysuckle, citrus and white peach. Offers a ripe, deep dive into marsanne where citrus and stone fruit flavours are tied nicely to subtle nougat, almond and textural beeswax leesy notes. Well defined in its youth, it can only improve with age. Drink by 2031.
93 Points
Jeni Port – James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion -
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2023 Coldstream Hills Pinot NoirYarra Valley, Victoria, AUSTRALIAReduced from $32.99$29. 99Bottle$359.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2025-2031)ABV: 13%Closure: StelvinSupple and moreish, this is seductive Yarra Valley Pinot at it’s best.
Situated in the picturesque Yarra Valley, Coldstream Hills was established in 1985 by James and Suzanne Halliday. The fruit for this wine was sourced from low yielding vineyards in the Lower and Upper Yarra Valley with a variety of handling and fermentation techniques, including the use of whole bunches employed. Maturation took place in a combination of seasoned and new French oak for a period of 8 months.
Dark red core with black shaded edges and a red to dark red hue. Perfumed like nose with aromas of violet, dark cherry, strawberry and anise followed by hints of spicy cedar, dried herbs and forest floor. Moreish red to dark cherry, strawberry and subtle anise flavours are supplely draped across the palate. Spicy vanillin cedar, delicate dried herb infusions and forest floor elements extend across the back half. Expansive and possessing more than ample power, it has velvet smooth tannins and a long seductive finish.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 13%Other Reviews…..
Some whole bunches and matured in a combination of seasoned and new oak (25%). A very bright crimson. Gorgeous aromatics redolent of picked red cherries, wild strawberry and potpourri. Equally vibrant and energetic on the palate, it's so well balanced that, while delicious now, it will continue improving for quite a few years to come. That it's so well priced is the icing on the cake. Drink by 2031.
95 Points
Philip Rich – James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion -
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- Special Order Product – Delayed Dispatch
2023 Kooyonga Creek Heathcote ShirazHeathcote, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$24. 99Bottle$299.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 4 Years (2025-2029)ABV: 15.4%Closure: StelvinRich and oaky with a strong toasty vanillin oak component overwhelming the finish.
Aged in French oak barrels for 18 months with 5% Tempranillo included in the blend. Impenetrable inky black heart with a very deep dark red black hue. Ripe black cherry and liquorice aromas fill the nostrils followed by some blackberry, vanillin cedar and peppered fennel notes. Rich and oaky, opulent blackberry and liquorice fruits are pitted against a strong toasty vanillin oak component which overwhelms the back half and finish. Some earthy dark chocolate and peppered fennel characters are also evident. Ripe sturdy tannin structure with toasty vanillin oak dominating the aftertaste.
Drink over the next 3-4 years.
Alc. 15.4% -
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- Special Order Product – Delayed Dispatch
2023 Helen & Joey Estate Re’ Em Pinot NoirYarra Valley, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$76. 99Bottle$923.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 4 Years (2025-2029)ABV: 12.6%Closure: StelvinLight in body with a vibrant juicy feel and savoury finish.
Semi translucent red to dark red colour with black toned edges and a bright red hue. Fragrant scents of violet, red cherry and strawberry blossom out of the glass trailed by some forest floor, delicate rhubarb and dried herb notes. Light in body, the palate has a vibrant juicy feel with red cherry, strawberry and rhubarb flavours to the fore. Subtle forest floor and spicy cedar elements the undercard. Fine grained tannins with a fresh, savoury finish.
Drink over the next 3-4 years.
Alc. 12.6%Other Reviews....
A light, bright crimson red. A highly perfumed nose of strawberries, cranberries, rose petal and light incense notes. Light to medium bodied, this gentle and well-crafted wine builds nicely in intensity across the palate. The tannins are discreet and persistent, and this will continue to blossom over the next few years. Drink 2024 - 2029.
94 Points
Philip Rich - Halliday's Australian Wine CompanionJames Halliday's Wine Companion -
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2024 Rob Hall Harriet's Vineyard Pinot NoirYarra Valley, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$42. 99Bottle$515.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2025-2031)ABV: 13.5%Closure: StelvinRich and texturally supple, showcasing Pinot Noir’s trademark power without weight quality.
Harriet’s vineyard, planted in 1996 and named after Rob Hall’s mother, is managed in sections with each one picked individually to create separate batches which undergo a variety of fermentation techniques in order to promote greater complexity. Includes 15% whole bunches with maturation taking place in a 50/50 mix of 1-year-old puncheons and seasoned hogsheads.
Semi translucent red colour with black toned edges and a light red hue. Displaying a perfumed like intensity the nose feature violet, dark cherry, strawberry, anise and rhubarb aromas over brambly cedar, forest floor and subtle fresh herb notes. Rich and texturally supple across the palate it has Pinot Noir’s trademark power without weight quality. Unfolding like a peacocks tail are expansive red to dark cherry, strawberry, rhubarb and subtle anise flavours. Delicate spicy vanillin cedar, forest floor, dried herb and bramble elements sit underneath. Silky smooth tannins with a long, moreish finish.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 13.5% -
- Nick's Import
2014 Signatory Vintage Whitlaw 10 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)Orkney Islands, SCOTLAND$89. 99Bottle$1079.88 DozenABV: 46%"...as a HP fan you can't go wrong..." - whiskybase.com
Whitlaw is a pseudonym that indies sometimes use for Highland Park. The name is derived from the Whitlaw Hills which are not far from the distillery. Elsewhere selling for around $125 in Australia, the price is an absolute steal for quality HP! Matured in re-char barrels for the full ten years before bottling at 46% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... Yes, it needs a little time to get out of the rut, then there are a lot more red fruits; the HP orange is also there. Plus mandarin and a dash of lemon. I'm imagining heather smoke knowing that it's an HP... but the style is unmistakably distinctive. Typical sherry spices and aromas, albeit rather subliminal, but an Italian herb garden is there. Nuts, spices come up: nutmeg, sandalwood - lots of sandalwood appears over time and becomes stronger and stronger. - whiskybase.com
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2024 Hill-Smith Estate Eden Valley ChardonnayEden Valley, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$23. 99Bottle$287.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 5 Years (2025-2030)ABV: 13%Closure: StelvinRich and well fleshed with a refined, mid weighted palate.
Wild fermented and matured in fine grained French oak barrels for a period of 6 months. Brilliant very pale straw colour with a distinct tint of green to the edges and a watery hue. Nosing offers up white peach and nectarine scents which mix with biscuity nougat, faint cashew and whiffs of gun flint. Fleshy white peach and nectarine fruits are delivered with plenty of richness across the refined, mid weighted palate. Notions of dried honey, biscuity nougat, delicate cashew and infusions of gun flint lend further interest across the back half. Nicely shaped it finishes long and fresh.
Drink over the next 4-5 years.
Alc. 13% -
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2024 Rob Hall Full Moon Vineyard ChardonnayYarra Valley, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$42. 99Bottle$515.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2025-2031)ABV: 13%Closure: StelvinRich and textured with a persistent finish that carries a beautifully rounded feel.
Brilliant very pale straw colour with highlights of green around the edges and a watery hue. Elevated pear and ripe nectarine scents drift through the nostrils followed by some baked apple, dried honey, biscuity nougat, light cashew and spice notes. Rich creamy textured flavours of peach, pear and dried honey are layered across the mid weighted palate. Biscuity nougat, cashew and spice elements are dispersed across the back half. Nicely balanced acidity with a persistent finish that carries a beautifully rounded feel.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 13% -
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- Special Order Product – Delayed Dispatch
2021 Fowles Farm to Table ShirazVictoria, AUSTRALIA$17. 99Bottle$215.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 2 Years (2025-2027)ABV: 14.3%Closure: StelvinA richly fruited yet savoury Shiraz.
Opaque black dark red colour with a dark red hue. Spicy dark cherry and liquorice aromas mix with dried herb, earth and pepper notes. Rich dark to black cherry and liquorice fruits meld into an earthy dried herb and peppered smoked meat back drop. Slightly grainy tannins with a savoury mid length conclusion.
Drink over the next 1-2 years.
Alc. 14.3% -
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2024 Kooyong Massale Pinot NoirMornington Peninsula, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$36. 99Bottle$443.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2025-2031)ABV: 13%Closure: StelvinLight, savoury and fresh with an elegant red fruited finish.
Semi translucent dark red colour with black toned edges and a light red hue. Fragrant violet, red cherry and strawberry aromas emanate out of the glass followed by whiffs of anise, forest floor and spicy cedar. Light, savoury and fresh, the palate is decorated with red cherry and strawberry fruits which meld into a forest floor, dried herb and spicy cedar back drop. Fine grained tannins with an elegant red fruited finish.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 13% - 2022 Yamazaki Limited Edition Tsukuriwake Selection Single Malt Japanese Whisky (4 x 700ml)JAPAN$9999. 00Bottle$119988.00 Dozen
Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product pictured.
The 2022 Yamazaki Limited Edition Tsukuriwake Selection is a prestigious collection that delves into the foundational elements of Yamazaki's single malt craftsmanship. "Tsukuriwake," translating to "artisanship through a diversity of making," encapsulates the philosophy behind this quartet of expressions, each representing a unique facet of the distillery's blending artistry. This limited edition set offers a unique opportunity to experience the individual components that constitute Yamazaki's renowned single malt. Each bottle provides insight into the distillery's meticulous approach to whisky-making, making it an invaluable addition for collectors and connoisseurs alike.Tasting notes from Suntory...
Mizunara
Nose: Rich and elegant, featuring custard cream and cinnamon.
Palate: Gentle on the tongue, aromatic and round with spiced sweet notes.
Finish: Distinctive deep woody notes reminiscent of Japanese incense.
Puncheon
Nose: Green apple, mature pear, acacia honey, with a hint of vanilla.
Palate: Clean, velvety, and mild, featuring delicate butterscotch notes.
Finish: Oaky woodiness complemented by subtle sweetness.
Peated Malt
Nose: Subtly smoky with green herbal nuances.
Palate: Gently peated, revealing hints of earthiness, pineapple, and citrus.
Finish: Complex with lingering peatiness.
Spanish Oak
Nose: Dried raisins and prunes, accented by hints of sundried tomatoes.
Palate: Delicately rich with subtle acidity.
Finish: Buttery texture with lingering acidity and a touch of bitterness.
Please note: Due to the status of this product, it is company policy that extra security measures are in place for online transactions. Payment by credit card will attract additional security procedures and delay dispatch. Payment made using either PayPal or via Bank Transfer can ensure a much faster dispatch time. -
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- Batch may vary
Habitation St Etienne Parcellaire Rhum Blanc Agricole Rum (700ml) - 55%MARTINIQUE$129. 99Bottle$1559.88 DozenABV: 55%Aiming to demonstrate the nuances of Agricole Blanc, HSE is focusing on different cane varieties and terroirs. "Parcellaire #2" is a distillation of pure sugar cane juice from the Verger and Coulon plots in 2019. The R570 cane variety, also called "golden cane" or "straw cane" has been harvested. Creole distillation and resting in steel tanks has captured classic agricole aromatics of green olive brine, mustard pickles, unripe citrus, wax and white pepper. Grassy, pungent and a little fiery, the profile extends to flavours of castor sugar and baking spices with green capsicum lifting the finish. So typical of the category at high strength, this perky, peppery spirit is completely engaging on its own, but will pop in exotic cocktails. 55% Alc./Vol. Tasted from a 30ml sample.
Other reviews... The differences between the regular run of blancs from HSE and this one can be chalked up to miniscule divergences deriving from batch variation rather than anything so refined. Admittedly though, I’m not a professional sommelier, and lack the experience such people bring to sensing gradations of wine hailing from neighboring vinyards in France – so someone with a more finely tuned snoot may take more away from this than I did. But I liked it. I liked it a lot. Above, I wrote that really good whites are either cheerfully rude or deceptively polite: this one tilts slightly more towards the latter while still remembering its objurgatory antecedents. It’s an enormously drinkable dram, near perfect strength, with wonderfully delicate and strong tastes mixing up both sweet and salt in a terrific white rhum. You could drink it alone or mix it as you please, and you’d enjoy it either way, with nothing but a nod of appreciation for what HSE have achieved here with such seeming effortlessness. And for its price? This thing may just be an undiscovered steal. - thelonecaner.com
- Manoir Kinkiz Cidre Cornouaille Dry Apple Cider (750ml)Normandy, FRANCE$24. 99Bottle$299.88 DozenABV: 5%
Located 70km south of Normandy, Manoir du Kinkiz produce cider from twenty one varieties of apples grown on 30ha of orchards just outside Quimper, a commune in Brittany. This is a fantastic introduction to 'serious' cider, as it displays the characteristics that distinguish traditional, quality French cider from Australian commercial cider while remaining approachable. The style is semi-sweet, somewhat astringent, and some find it has a 'funky' character comparable to some blue cheese. 5% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... A beautiful clear amber color, this pearling bubbly beaut from Manoir Kinkiz is footy on the nose with notes of barnyard and wet hay, but it’s also full of overripe apple and leather aromas. The front is a wave of juicy apple sweetness and gushing effervescence. This gives way to the more leathery flavors, which lead to the delicate soft tannic finish. This is a superb cider, another prime example of the quality of AOC/AOP French Cidres. - ciderexpert.com
Notes from the producers... a golden cider with fruity aromas... full-bodied, sweet and bitter, leaving a pleasant freshness on the palate. Quenches thirst, complements meals and enlivens delicious cuisine. Serve with roast pork & apple sauce or cheese & fruit platters.
Food matches: Norman gastronomes have long known cider works brilliantly with a surprising variety of dishes. Consider the classic match of roast pork with crackling and apple sauce, braised pork or rabbit deglazed with cider or roast duck served with red cabbage and apples. Goats cheeses, especially chevre styles work particularly well with cider. Slightly sweeter styles of cider, such as those produced from pears will accompany desserts like apple pie, tarte tartin, or quince flavoured ice cream.
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2023 Nicks Secret GFR McLaren Vale ShirazMcLaren Vale, South Australia, AUSTRALIAReduced from $21.99$15. 99Bottle$191.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 5 Years (2025-2030)ABV: 14.5%Closure: StelvinSourced from five of McLaren Vale’s best vineyards, this Nicks Secret offer is from one of the regions most loved winemakers. Maturation took place in a mix of 90% French and 10% American oak. One parcel only at this price – be quick!
Rich, seductively fruited and velvety, this is a classically crafted McLaren Vale Shiraz from one of the region's most loved winemakers.
Dense pitch black heart with a deep dark red black tinged hue. Flooding the nostrils are ripe blackberry and liquorice scents which are intertwined with some black cherry, dark chocolate, smoky vanillin cedar and peppered earth notes. Rich, velvety and succulent, the palate is swamped with concentrated blackberry, liquorice and ripe black cherry fruits. Spicy vanillin oak, traces of earthy dark chocolate and pepper the side act. Silky smooth tannins with a long, sumptuous finish.
Drink over the next 4-5 years.
Alc. 14.5%
Other Reviews.....
The *** is ****’ special Shiraz that he leverages fund-raising for cancer research. It’s a ripper in its own right as an all-encompassing McLaren Vale Shiraz sourced from five different district vineyards, warmer to cooler sites across the region for a range of varying parcels before bringing together this everyday yet standout wine. It’s bloody delicious with fresh and lively crimson fruits, a pleasing depth of flavour and mid-weight power, supported by well judged oak (mostly French) for spice rather than timber. A genuine understanding and expression of that much-loved sweet spot of McLaren Vale Shiraz goodness.
95 points
Tony Love - WinePilot.com - Manoir Kinkiz Cidre Fouesnant Semi-Dry Apple Cider (750ml)Normandy, FRANCE$22. 99Bottle$275.88 DozenABV: 5%
For those new to French cider or just looking for something different from the sweeter, mass-produced ciders common in Australia, Manoir Kinkiz 'Fouesnant' is the place to start. Older apple varieties are harvested from orchards located in Pays Fousnantais. Pressing is done when the fruit is fully ripe, from late September to December. Fermentation is slow, ending with natural fermentation in the bottle for about two and a half months, infusing a fine bubble. Recognised for its pleasant bitterness, roundness and persistent aromas of fresh apple, fresh butter and hazelnut, this 'semi-dry' expression is most commonly enjoyed as an aperitif or with light snacks. 5% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... Clear gold pour with heavy carbonation. Moderate to strong apple aroma with some tannins, funk and mineral presence. Taste is semi-sweet with a nice apple flavor backed by some earth and barnyard. Moderate acidity. - ciderexpert.com
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2024 Best’s Great Western Young Vine Pinot MeunierGreat Western, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$42. 99Bottle$515.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 5 Years (2025-2030)ABV: 12.5%Closure: StelvinFresh, juicy and light in it’s flow with a savoury finish.
Semi translucent bright red to dark red colour with black shaded edges and a light red hue. Fragrant violet, red cherry, strawberry and anise scents lead the way trailed by some dried clove, bramble and spice notes. Fresh, juicy and light in it’s flow, the palate is decorated with cherry and strawberry fruits. Traces of rhubarb, red liquorice, dried clove and spicy earth sit underneath. Lively acidity and fine grained tannins with a savoury yet fruity finish.
Drink over the next 4-5 years.
Alc. 12.5% -
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2023 Chateau Tanunda Old Vine ShirazBarossa Valley, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$42. 99Bottle$515.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2025-2031)ABV: 14.5%Closure: StelvinRich and plush with velvety tannins and a long juicy finish that has ample freshness.
Aged for 18 months in American oak. Pitch black in colour with a deep dark red black tinged hue. Ripe black cherry, dark plum and liquorice aromas are married to toasty vanillin oak, earthy fennel and spicy pepper notes. Rich and plush, the full bodied palate is awash with dark plum, liquorice and black cherry fruits. Excellent concentration with notions of toasty vanillin oak, earthy fennel and pepper lying underneath. Velvety tannins with a long juicy finish that has ample freshness.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 14.5%Other Reviews……
This is the other wine in the new range of Old Vines and what a cracker it is. After gentle basket pressing, this wine went to American oak barrels for a year and a half. It has given the final wine a sleek, plush and generous nature which works wonderfully well. A deep red hue, there is real concentration here. We have notes of raspberries, truffles, plums, black fruits, leather and cocoa powder. A wine of power, focus and concentration, this really needs a few years in the cellar before opening (not that you won’t enjoy it earlier if patience is not your thing). After that, it will drink beautifully for the following ten to twelve years. A very long finish with fine, silky tannins, the palate sees the emergence of notes of soy and beef stock. Terrific stuff and in comparison, with some prestige releases from the region, brilliant value.
Drink 2025-2037.
95 Points
Ken Gargett – WinePilot.com - Le Pere Jules Pays d'Auge Poire Bouche Semi-Dry Pear Cider (750ml)Normandy, FRANCE$26. 99Bottle$323.88 DozenABV: 4%
The cider market in Australia is dominated by large-volume brands produced on an industrial scale by multinational beer companies. All that is changing as quality European examples reach our shores. Few realise what a wonderful history cider has in many European cultures. Texts mention events such as Louis XI's ban on the production of beer, to use the barley to ease a famine stricken population. Farmers subsequently looked for alternative palliatives, and so a passion for cider was born. The Normans popularised cider after their conquest of England in 1066, and Spaniard Guillaume Dusus brought new apple varieties to Normandy in the 16th Century. With him, improvements in fermentation techniques led to better quality. Later, to curb the dominance of imported brandy, cider was distilled, transforming into the divine spirit we know as Calvados! (Apple Brandy).
European cider frequently distinguishes those producers at the high end of the passion scale. The ciders of Leon Despiches et Fils are a case in point, being wonderful expressions from Saint Desir, just outside Lisieux in the heart of Pays d'Auge. Organically grown pears are sourced from trees between seventy five and one hundred years old and include 35% Poire Verte de Manerbe, 35% Poire de Blanc and 30% Poire de Grise. Lightly filtered with a fine natural bubble, the style is described as semi-sweet with lovely freshness and finesse making an excellent match with seafood. 4% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... Clear pale gold colored pour. Heavy carbonation. Moderate wild and funky aroma. Moderate to strong juicy pear flavor that has a hint of horse blanket. Light bodied. Moderate acidity. - cognacexpert.com
Food matches: Norman gastronomes have long known cider works brilliantly with a surprising variety of dishes. Consider the classic match of roast pork with crackling and apple sauce, braised pork or rabbit deglazed with cider or roast duck served with red cabbage and apples. Goats cheeses, especially chevre styles work particularly well. Slightly sweeter styles of cider, such as those produced from pears will accompany desserts like apple pie, tarte tartin, or quince flavoured ice cream.
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2024 Plantagenet Angevin RieslingGreat Southern, Western Australia, AUSTRALIA$27. 99Bottle$335.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 8 Years (2025-2033)ABV: 13%Closure: StelvinA zesty Great Southern Riesling that shows plenty of tension and focus.
Brilliant very pale straw colour with flashes of green around the outskirts and a watery hue. Lime, lemon and green apple scents burst out of the glass trailed by some chalky talc and mineral notes. Crunchy lime, lemon and Granny Smith apple fruits are threaded by a line of zesty acidity which lends tension and focus. Chalky talc and steely mineral elements extend across the long crisp finish.
Drink over the next 6-8 years.
Alc. 13% - Fournier Poire Cidre Pear Cider (750ml)Normandy, FRANCE$22. 99Bottle$275.88 DozenABV: 2%
Made from a blend of sweet and sour pears from the Domfrontais appellation, Fournier's pear cider is lower in alcohol than most Australian equivalents. Summed up as sweet and smooth tasting, it was awarded a Silver Medal in 2011 at the Concours Agricole de Paris. 2% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... Made with pears from the company's Domfrontais orchards, this perry again comes free of sugar or colourings. Speaking of which, it pours a clear, pale gold. Moderately sweet aroma of fresh pears, apple skins, and faint honey. Medium body, lively carbonation. Sweet and tart pears on the palate at first... Finishes dry with lemon, very faint funk (hay) and faint pears, the latter spilling into the aftertaste, which stays sour and vinegary. Very low bitterness. If you like high acidity as much as I do, this fruity perry might be for you. - ciderexpert.com
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2023 Vasse Felix Filius Cabernet SauvignonMargaret River, Western Australia, AUSTRALIA$22. 99Bottle$275.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 8 Years (2025-2033)ABV: 14%Closure: StelvinEstablished in 1967, Vasse Felix is one of Margaret River’s founding estates. Known as the ‘son of’ Vasse Felix Cabernet Sauvignon the Filius Cabernet Sauvignon is made in a more fruit forward style designed for earlier drinking. The 2023 vintage is a blend of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Malbec and 1% Petit Verdot matured in a combination of 1-7 year old French oak barriques for a period of 10-12 months.
An impressive sub $25 Cabernet from one of Margaret River’s premier estates.
Dense pitch black heart with a deep dark red black tinged hue. Captivating aromatics of red to black currant and mulberry enchant the olfactory senses followed by some cedary tobacco, dried herb and spicy black olive notes. Rich blackcurrant and ripe mulberry fruits are layered across the mid weighted palate with an impressive degree of intensity. Cedary tobacco, earth and spicy bay leaf elements extend across the back half. Showing ample freshness, it has structured yet integrated tannins, concluding with classic Margaret River refinement and length.
Drink over the next 6-8 years.
Alc. 14%Other Reviews….
Consistently one of the best cabernets from WA. It’s designed to express its best qualities as a young wine, with its brightness and energy immediately apparent. It’s a blend of cabernet with a small amount of malbec, an important variety at Vasse Felix. Smooth and seamlessly structured with a sublimely elegant expressive palate. It’s medium-bodied with a fine boned structure. Subtle use of oak and fine tannins adds support. The best yet.
94 Points
RayJordanWine.com.au
Abundant black-fruit aromas supported by spices, cedar, crushed stones and violets. The medium-bodied palate has a creamy texture and finely tuned, generous tannins with so much purity of fruit. Grown further away from the ocean with a more continental feel. Delicious and early-drinking yet serious. Drink or hold. Screw cap.
94 points
JamesSuckling.com -
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2020 Whistling Eagle Vineyard Eagles Blood ShirazHeathcote, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$54. 99Bottle$659.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2025-2031)ABV: 14.5%Closure: StelvinA seductive Heathcote Shiraz that boasts ample power and a plush textural feel.
Renown as one of Heathcote’s leading growers and viticulturalists, Ian Rathjen also produces small parcels of wine under his own label, Whistling Eagle. Matured in French oak (30% new) for a period of 18 months, the Eagles Blood Shiraz is his ultimate expression of the Cambrian terroir displaying spectacular colour, depth and power.
Pitch black core with a deep dark red black tinged hue. Heady aromatics of ripe blackberry, liquorice and dark plum waft out of the glass complimented by some vanillin cedar, fennel and peppered earth notes. A rich, silky flow of opulent blackberry, liquorice and dark plum fruits decorate the full bodied palate. Vanillin oak, subtle earthy mocha and peppered fennel characters also chime in. Boasting ample power and a plush textural feel, it has velvet smooth tannins and a long seductive finish.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 14.5%Other Reviews…..
One sniff and you are standing on the mineral-rich soils of Heathcote, surrounded by the warm, inviting scents of the local bush. This is an evocative wine, of the place, of the dirt, capturing both the natural generosity of Heathcote shiraz and its environment beautifully, artfully. Earth, bush mint, undergrowth, acacia, briar, cassis, black cherry, anise and red licorice join forces with well-mannered oak to seduce. Seduction complete. Drink by 2038.
96 Points
Jeni Port – James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion -
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2020 Angove The Medhyk ShirazMcLaren Vale, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$59. 99Bottle$719.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 8 Years (2025-2033)ABV: 14.5%Closure: StelvinRich, plush and seductive yet refined.
Produced from 55 year old vines with maturation taking place in a combination of old and new French oak for a period of 17 months. Dense inky black in colour with a deep dark red black tinged hue. Ripe blackberry and liquorice aromas leap out of the glass followed by some dark plum, toasty vanillin cedar and peppered earth notes. Rich and plush yet not overly heavy across the palate, seductive blackberry, liquorice and dark plum fruits are intermeshed with vanillin cedar, subtle earth and pepper elements. Velvet smooth tannins with a long, opulent yet refined finish.
Drink over the next 6-8 years.
Alc. 14.5%Other Reviews…..
From three estate sites, Willunga on black clay, the loam of the Warboys Vineyard and 1940s vines in Blewitt Springs; 17 months in new and seasoned French oak. This is lusciously rich, supple and textured, with cascading blackberry, loganberry and dark plum fruits, salted licorice, bitter chocolate, preserved black cherry and toasty oak notes. It’s keenly crafted, with balance and enough tension, though it’s certainly sitting at the fuller end of the spectrum. Drink by 2034.
94 Points
Marcus Ellis – James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion -
- 88
- Special Order Product – Delayed Dispatch
2023 Poggio Dei Principi SangioveseEmilia-Romagna, ITALY$22. 99Bottle$275.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 2 Years (2025-2027)ABV: 12.5%Closure: StelvinMid weighted and savoury with slightly chalky tannins leading into a dryish finish of modest length.
Deep dark red black tinged colour with a dark red hue. Spicy dark cherry aromas mix with earth, tobacco and dried herb notes. Mid weighted, savoury palate with dark cherry fruits interwoven with dusty earth, subtle tobacco and spice. Slightly chalky tannins with a dryish finish of modest length.
Drink over the next 1-2 years.
Alc. 12.5% -
- 88
- 95
- Special Order Product – Delayed Dispatch
2021 Max & Me Boongarrie Vineyard ShirazEden Valley, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$59. 99Bottle$719.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 3 Years (2025-2028)ABV: 13%Closure: StelvinAn indifferent Eden Valley Shiraz with some earthy barnyard like characters running through it and a rather abrupt finish.
Pitch black heart with a dark purple black tinged hue. Nosing offers up some plummy liquorice aromas along with hints of barnyard, vanillin cedar and spicy earth. Rich, opulent and polished with plum and liquorice fruits fading into a spicy vanillin cedar and subtle earthy barnyard back drop. Bright acidity and polished yet sturdy tannins with a silky textured yet rather abrupt finish.
Drink over the next 2-3 years.
Alc. 13%Other Reviews…..
A beautifully pure expression of the Boongarrie vineyard from the cracking 2021 Eden Valley vintage. It sits bright magenta-splashed crimson in the glass with lifted aromas of macerated satsuma plum, boysenberry and crunchy blueberry fruits cut with hints of spice, citrus blossom, licorice, chocolate, berry flan, olive tapenade and earth. It sports excellent fruit purity and detail, a mineral-laden acid cadence and a powdery tannin architecture with a real sense of harmony and verve. In my eyes, it's the best release yet from this vineyard. Drink by 2033.
95 Points
Dave Brookes - James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion -
- 85
2011 Compagnie des Indes (Epris Distillery) 8 Year Old Single Cask Cask Strength Brazil Rum (700ml)BRAZIL$179. 99Bottle$2159.88 DozenABV: 53.2%Distilled in a multi-column still at the Epris Distillery, this blend of molasses and cane juice-based rums was summed up by Compagnie des Indes as "sweet and savoury with notes of BBQ sauce & Xérès vinegar." Zero sugar has been added. From a 30ml sample, the aromas need coaxing to get beyond basic scents like balsa wood and hints of molasses. On the palate, the sugars are matched by tingling spices, closing acidic, lean with nipping alcohol. Some sweetness recovers late in the aftertaste, but the lack of definition makes this odd-ball rum feel more like an oak-charged, cask strength Armagnac. 53.2% Alc./vol. Non-chill filtered. 293 bottles produced.
Notes from the bottlers... Nose: rich and powerful, with notes of toffee, fudge and macadamia nuts with strong whiffs of molasses. Mouth: first a salty flavour (salted butter caramel), then grilled meat and dark chocolate. Finish: a sweet bitterness remains all along the tasting right until the end.
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- 93
- 92
2023 Famille Hugel Classic Pinot GrisAlsace, FRANCE$49. 99Bottle$599.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 4 Years (2025-2029)ABV: 13%Closure: Diam CorkLusciously fruited with ample weight and shape finishing dry and spicy.
Brilliant pale straw to straw colour with a watery hue. Elevated pear and red apple aromas mix with hints of honeysuckle, quince and spice. Luscious pear and red apple fruits carry ample weight and shape across the palate with notions of quince and wet slate in the background. Brisk underlying acidity with a dry finish that has a dash of spice to it.
Drink over the next 3-4 years.
Alc. 13%Other Reviews…..
A properly dry pinot gris that is a model of balance and harmony, the creaminess balanced by discreet freshness on the medium-bodied palate. I love the fresh melon and orange blossom aromas. Just a hint of tannin in the finish adds a bit of tension. Drink now.
92 Points
JamesSuckling.com -
- 95
- 95
2023 Mayfield Vineyard Eighteen Fifteen ChardonnayOrange, New South Wales, AUSTRALIA$34. 99Bottle$419.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 5 Years (2025-2030)ABV: 13%Closure: StelvinRich and creamy textured finishing long, fresh and refined.
Brilliant pale straw colour with a distinctive green tint around the outskirts and a watery hue. Elevated pear, nectarine and dried honey aromas are complimented by biscuity nougat, cashew and gun flint notes. Rich and creamy textured, the palate is layered with pear, nectarine, dried honey and cashew flavours. Some citrusy nougat and gun flint elements sit underneath. Finishes long, fresh and refined with a lingering spicy cashew element.
Drink over the next 4-5 years.
Alc. 13%Other Reviews…..
Maturation in French puncheons and hogsheads, of which 35% was new. Regular lees stirring and full mlf. Lemon sherbet, dandelion and chamomile flowers. A hint of cantaloupe and papaya. Buddha's hand citrus and tangerine oil. Quite a lot of savoury notes this vintage, cumin, paperbark and cold tea leaf. Mlf shows in its churned butter creaminess, and oak surrounds its tropical and citrus fruit core. Again, this wine over-delivers in value at its price. Drink by 2028.
95 Points
Shanteh Wale - James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion -
- 92
2024 Poggio Dei Principi Pinot GrigioVeneto, ITALY$22. 99Bottle$275.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 1 Years (2025-2026)ABV: 12%Closure: StelvinA fresh, slippery textured Pinot Grigio.
Brilliant pale straw colour with a watery hue. Leaping out of the glass are aromas of pear, lime and red apple followed by whiffs of honeysuckle and musk. The fresh, slippery textured palate is flavoured with pear, red apple and lime fruits. Some wet stone accents linger through the back half. Dry with brisk acidity and a supple, river stone like feel to the medium to long finish.
Drink over the next year.
Alc. 12% -
- 93
2024 Les Peyrautins RosePays d'Oc, FRANCE$17. 99Bottle$215.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 2 Years (2025-2027)ABV: 12.5%Closure: StelvinA tasty, slippery textured Rose with fresh, tingly acidity.
Pale salmon pink colour. Intense strawberry, raspberry and musk aromas fill the nostrils with some wet stone notes also evident. Slippery textured, the delicious palate is decorated with spicy raspberry, peach and musk flavours. Fresh, tingly acidity with some delicate strawberry and wet stone characters lingering through the long, dry and very tasty finish.
Drink over the next 1-2 years.
Alc. 12.5% -
- 93
2015 d’Arenberg The Footbolt Shiraz Cellar Museum ReleaseMcLaren Vale, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$32. 99Bottle$395.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 4 Years (2025-2029)ABV: 14.5%Closure: StelvinRich, lush fruit framed by firm muscular tannins with some tertiary elements beginning to come through.
Aged in a mix of new and used French and American oak for a period of 12-18 months. Impressive colour displaying a pitch black heart along with a deep dark red black hue. Pronounced dark plum, blackberry and liquorice aromas are interwoven with earth, spicy vanillin cedar and faint leather notes. On the palate rich, lush dark plum, liquorice and blackberry fruits are framed by firm muscular tannins. Spicy vanillin cedar, earthy dark chocolate and leather elements extend across the back half. Amply fleshed and concentrated it has a grippy medium to long finish.
Drink over the next 3-4 years.
Alc. 14.5% -
- 94
2022 Luna Estate Pinot NoirMartinborough, NEW ZEALAND$24. 99Bottle$299.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 4 Years (2025-2029)ABV: 13.5%Closure: StelvinRich and mouth filling with a fleshy texture.
Dark red core with black toned edges and a light red to red hue. Ripe dark cherry, plum and anise aromas mix with hints of dried herbs, earth and spicy cedar. Rich mouth filling dark plum, ripe cherry, strawberry and anise flavours are layered across the mid weighted palate. Spicy cedar, earth and dried herb elements the undercard. Concentrated and fleshy textured it has polished yet underlyingly sturdy tannins. Concludes long, ripe and spicy.
Drink over the next 3-4 years.
Alc. 13.5% -
- 91
- Special Order Product – Delayed Dispatch
2024 Hay Shed Hill ChardonnayMargaret River, Western Australia, AUSTRALIA$29. 99Bottle$359.88 DozenMinimum 6 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 5 Years (2025-2030)ABV: 12.5%Closure: StelvinElegant and fresh yet retaining a faint creamy feel with a restrained mid length finish.
Fermented and matured in French oak barriques for a period of 11 months. Brilliant pale straw colour with highlights of green around the outskirts and a watery hue. Nectarine, white peach and subtle dried honey scents drift through the nostrils followed by whiffs of biscuity oak and citrus. Elegant and fresh yet retaining a faint creamy feel, white peach, nectarine and citrus fruits meld into delicate biscuity oak, dried honey and flint elements. Restrained mid length finish.
Drink over the next 4-5 years.
Alc. 12.5% -
- 93
- Special Order Product – Delayed Dispatch
2024 Two Tonne TMV Pinot NoirTasmania, AUSTRALIA$34. 99Bottle$419.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2025-2031)ABV: 12.7%Closure: StelvinLightly weighted with fresh, juicy fruit finishing elegant and savoury.
Dark red in colour with a bright light red hue. Perfumed aromas of violets, red to dark cherries, anise and wild strawberries sail out of the glass followed by some subtle forest floor and spicy fresh herb notes. Fresh and juicy with strawberry, red cherry and anise flavours spread across the lightly weighted palate. Infusions of fresh herbs and delicate spicy cedar ensue. Lively acidity and polished tannins with an elegant and savoury mid length finish.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 12.7% -
- 93
- Biodynamic
- Organic
2024 Picollo Ernesto GaviPiedmont, ITALY$29. 99Bottle$359.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 2 Years (2025-2027)ABV: 12.5%Closure: StelvinZesty lime and crunchy green apple fruits with a long, zippy mineral flecked finish.
Brilliant very pale straw colour with green tinted edges and a watery hue. Leaping from the glass are aromas of pear and lime followed by some green apple, melon and wet stone notes. Casting a racy feel across the palate are zesty lime and crunchy green apple fruits infused with a mix of fresh herbs, wet slate and a saline like minerality. Crisp acidity with a long, zippy mineral flecked finish.
Drink over the next 1-2 years.
Alc. 12.5% -
- 93
- 93
- 93
2024 Saracco Moscato d’Asti (375ml) – Half BottlePiedmont, ITALY$19. 99Bottle$239.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 2 Years (2025-2027)ABV: 5.5%Closure: StelvinLusciously fruited and spritzy with a light, airy feel.
Described by Vinous Media wine critic Ian D'Agata as the 'DRC of Moscato d'Asti', this is a captivating example of Moscato. A frisky spritz flows through the water coloured base that has a faint greenish tinge around the edges. Fragrant scents of grape juice, pineapple, rosewater and musk leap out of the glass with whiffs of orange blossom also evident. Luscious sultana grape, tropical fruit and musk flavours dance across the energized palate with a light airy feel. Some juicy mango fruits also chime in. Refreshing acidity with a long effervescent finish.
Drink over the next 1-2 years.
Alc. 5.5%Other Reviews....
375ml here. Gary Sweet here reporting for duty. A lot of moscato is kind of awful, but the good ones are delightful. Happy to say this falls into the latter category.
Peach iced tea, mint, a slightly savoury almond and nutty edge, some rosewater perfume. It’s sweet but finds balance with a tight cut of acidity, tingly bubbles, and heaven forbid, it also has a gently phenolic grip to it, and again that almost marzipan richness on a finish of good length, with a peach fuzz and white grape freshness to close. Benchmark stuff. Proper moscato. A sugar rush, yes, but so balanced and good to drink. YUM. Drink 2026-2027.
93 points
Gary Walsh - The Wine FrontA benchmark Moscato d'Asti that perfectly balances luxurious richness with brilliant acidity. The wine captures pure sunshine, exhibiting pristine floral aromas and fresh stone fruit that flow seamlessly into a palate of remarkable clarity and definition. The effervescence carries the sweetness with grace and precision, demonstrating why this variety finds its highest expression in Asti. A masterclass in what makes Moscato d'Asti special, showing both power and delicacy in perfect harmony.
93 points
Wine Enthusiast -
- 90
2016 Compagnie des Indes (T.D.L. Distillery) 8 Year Old Single Cask Trinidad Rum (700ml)TRINIDAD$179. 99Bottle$2159.88 DozenABV: 43%Aligned to the island style, best represented by Angostura, but made by Trinidad Distillers Limited. Cola, touches of honeycomb, vanilla and a hint of sarsaparilla on the nose. Leans towards the lighter side; pure and just a little zesty, fading grassy, pleasantly dry, warming. Lends itself to refreshing cocktails. 43% Alc./Vol. 424 bottles. Tasted from a 30ml sample.
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2013 Compagnie des Indes (D.D.L. Distillery) 9 Year Old Single Cask Cask Strength Guyana Rum (700ml)GUYANA$199. 99Bottle$2399.88 DozenABV: 57.6%Sourced from the Diamond Distillery and distilled in the legendary Port Mourant wooden pot still. The expressive nose features heady notes of overripe tropical fruits, mango and papaya, becoming creamier after air contact. Quirky in its combination of banana bread, mango chutney, Indian spices and drying oak, lingering with fresh fruit cake, unaged grappa and warm, bittersweet sensations. An agricole-like wildness to this. Ticks many boxes if highly distinctive, all-natural Caribbean rum is your thing. 57.6% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered. 290 bottles produced. Tasted from a 30ml sample.
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- 92
- Special Order Product – Delayed Dispatch
2024 Common Molly Single Vineyard GrenacheBarossa Valley, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$26. 99Bottle$323.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 3 Years (2025-2028)ABV: 14%Closure: StelvinRich and plump with a luscious and slightly jammy finish.
Dark red black tinged colour with a dark red hue. Black raspberry, spicy ripe plum jam and morello cherry aromas flood the nostrils with some liquorice, earth and cinnamon notes also evident. Rich and plump with sweet black raspberry, liquorice and morello cherry flavours delivered with ample concentration. Plum jam and spicy earth characters lie underneath. Velvet like tannins finishing long, luscious and slightly jammy.
Drink over the next 2-3 years.
Alc. 14% -
- 90
- 90
2020 Conde Valdemar CrianzaRioja, SPAIN$27. 99Bottle$335.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 3 Years (2025-2028)ABV: 14%Closure: StelvinA fleshy medium weight Tempranillo blend with chewy tannins and a ripe, juicy finish.
A blend of 82% Tempranillo, 11% Mazuelo, 4% Graciano and 3% Maturana matured for 18 months in American oak barrels. Totally opaque black dark red colour with a dark red hue. Sweet black raspberry and liquorice aromas mix with vanillin earth and spice notes. Making a fleshy medium weight entrance onto the palate are rich black cherry and black raspberry fruits which overlay a vanillin spice, liquorice and earth back drop. Chewy tannins with a ripe, juicy mid length conclusion.
Drink over the next 2-3 years.
Alc. 14%Other Reviews…..
A juicy and well-balanced Rioja with spiced plums and a touch of chocolate. Slightly light but crunchy, with a medium body and a juicy, medium-long finish extended by creamy wood spices. A nice, friendly Rioja crianza. Drink now.
90 Points
JamesSuckling.com -
- Nick's Import
2000 Signatory Vintage Braeval 23 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND$350. 00Bottle$4200.00 DozenABV: 60.4%We've only managed to secure a small number of Braevals in the past, so we jumped on this well-aged expression as soon as we saw it. Located in the far south of the Speyside region, Braeval shares the honour of being the joint highest distillery in Scotland, along with Dalwhinnie. The house style is unpeated, light and floral. This is one of 603 bottles released under Signatory's Cask Strength label, charged from a refill Oloroso Sherry butt, distilled in 2000 and bottled in 2023 without chill filtration. 60.4% Alc./Vol.
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- 95
2024 Ironcloud The Alliance ChardonnayFerguson Valley, Western Australia, AUSTRALIA$34. 99Bottle$419.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2025-2031)ABV: 13.8%Closure: StelvinBeautifully fleshed, concentrated and mouth filling.
Brilliant pale straw colour with highlights of green around the outskirts and a watery hue. The nose features aromas of nectarine, grapefruit, biscuity oak, roasted almond and gun flint. Beautifully fleshed and concentrated, mouth filling flavours of white peach, nectarine, subtle dried honey and roasted almonds engulf the palate. Rich, full and creamy textured yet fresh it has nuances of citrusy nougat and gun flint lying underneath. Superb drive with a long voluminous finish.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 13.8% -
- 94
Itinerant Spirits Vansetter Coffee Liqueur (700ml)Ballarat, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$64. 99Bottle$779.88 DozenABV: 20%Itinerant Spirits teamed up with local roasters, Karon Farm Coffee to create this "built for cocktails" liqueur that uses Vansetter Vodka as a base with added Panela sugar and orange peel. The opening aromas have an earthy, bitter dark chocolate quality, softened by air contact, accenting roasted coffee beans and liquorice bullets. Silky on entry, espresso and cocoa flavours bring a natural bittersweetness as well as a sense of elegance; The finish is pleasantly drying without compromising length or authentic coffee character. On its own, it's a breezy, relaxed alternative to more saccharine styles and our first choice for Espresso Martinis. 20% Alc./Vol. Batch 0001 tasted.
Notes from the producers... Chocolate, caramel and coffee with a hint of orange.
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- 91
2011 Compagnie des Indes (Darsa Distillery) 12 Year Old Single Cask Guatemala Rum (700ml)GUATEMALA$179. 99Bottle$2159.88 DozenABV: 43%Distilled from molasses in 2011 at Darsa Distillery (Destiladora de Alcoholes y Rones Sociedad Anónima). A shy nose is compensated by good power and balance on the palate; Plantain and raw sugar flavours, a grassy freshness and suggestions of iced coffee and milk chocolate through the aftertaste. Besides its naturalness and effortless delivery, this has a concentration punching above its ABV. 352 bottles produced. 43%.Alc./Vol. Tasted from a 30ml sample.
- The Famous Grouse 21 Year Old Blended Scotch Whisky (700ml)Perth, SCOTLAND$450. 00Bottle$5400.00 DozenABV: 43%
Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some light creasing/scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product not pictured.
Debuting in the 1980s, these long discontinued bottlings of the Famous Grouse were the real deal, with a good proportion of well-aged Macallan making it into the mix. As you can imagine, the quality of the whisky was high, and reportedly, mostly drawn from x sherry casks. It was also an expensive blended malt to maintain, hence production ceased around the time of this edition in 2007. The contents are matched by a luxurious presentation. 43% Alc./Vol. -
- 95
- 95
- Reduced
2020 Nicks Secret CMKY Barossa ShirazBarossa Valley, South Australia, AUSTRALIAReduced from $58.00$16. 99Bottle$203.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 4 Years (2025-2029)ABV: 15.5%Closure: StelvinWith a history stretching back to the early 1900’s, this esteemed Barossa producer is renowned for crafting decadently rich, old-school Shiraz. Retailing at $58.00 ex-cellar door and boasting several years of bottle age this is in prime drinking form, delivering exceptional value for those seeking a classic Barossa experience.
Extravagantly rich and voluptuously textured this is a quintessential example of old school Barossa Shiraz.
Impenetrable inky black heart with a deep very dark red black hue. Hedonistic aromas of dark plum, liquorice and mocha are sent wafting through the nostrils followed by some vanillin oak, earthy dark chocolate and spice notes. The rich, voluptuous full bodied palate is drenched with lavish dark plum, liquorice, scorched earth and mocha flavours. Also chiming in are spicy vanillin oak and dark chocolate elements. Concentrated, power packed and opulently textured, it possesses silky smooth tannins, gliding through to a long, plush finish. Super seductive stuff!
Drink over the next 3-4 years.
Alc. 15.5%Other Reviews....
Fine Barossa Shiraz which spent eighteen to twenty-four months in oak barrels. The colour is an inky maroon. A beautifully crafted wine with a nose exhibiting notes of chocolate, cassis, blackberries, smoked meats and some deftly handled oak. There is bright acidity here, with exemplary balance and great length. A wine which is dense but dances across the palate. An exquisite example of the style and one which will provide immense pleasure over the next decade. Drink 2025-2035.
95 Points
Ken Gargett – WinePilot.com -
- 95
- Nick's Import
2022 Domaine des Escaravailles Le Ventabren CairanneCairanne, Southern Rhone, FRANCE$32. 99Bottle$395.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 5 Years (2025-2030)ABV: 14.5%Closure: CorkRich and concentrated with a muscular structure and long seductive finish.
Domaine des Escaravailles Le Ventabren is typically a blend of 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 10% Carignan that is aged in concrete vats for 12 months. The Grenache and Carignan vines are 60 years old whilst the Syrah comes from 30 year old vines.
Deep black dark red colour with a dark red hue. Aromas of black raspberry, black cherry and liquorice flood the nostrils trailed by some scorched earth, herbs du Provence and pepper notes. Rich, concentrated and possessing a muscular structure, the medium to full bodied is awash with black raspberry, liquorice and black cherry fruits. Notions of scorched earth and peppered dried herbs lie underneath. Amply powered it has ripe chewy tannins and a long seductive yet mildly robust finish.
Drink over the next 4-5 years.
Alc. 14.5%















































