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2021 Cloudy Bay Te Koko Sauvignon BlancMarlborough, NEW ZEALAND$89. 99Bottle$1079.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 5 Years (2025-2030)ABV: 13.5%Closure: StelvinTexturally mouth filling and superbly concentrated, this is one of New Zealand’s benchmark Sauvignon Blancs.
Brilliant pale straw colour with greenish tinged edges and a watery hue. Intense gooseberry, citrus and green apple aromas infused with herbaceous grassy notes flood the nostrils. Hints of grapefruit, asparagus and flinty mineral notes ensue. Mouth filling flavours of herbaceous gooseberry, citrus and grapefruit are complimented by grassy asparagus like characters, pencil shavings and flinty mineral elements. Superbly concentrated, it has crisp acidity and a long, dry finish.
Drink over the next 4-5 years.
Alc. 13.5%Other Reviews…..
Te Koko is arguably the wine that launched the concept of premium Sauvignon Blanc in New Zealand in the 1980s—no mean feat. On the nose, this 2021 Te Koko Sauvignon Blanc leads with pink grapefruit, nashi pear, white pepper, layers of crushed shells and brine, with hints of vanilla pod and star anise. In the mouth, all of the above with additional cut fennel, suggestions of marzipan, graphite and white pepper. There is a gentle lees texture and brilliant length of flavor. Excellent wine. The only reason you could possibly not like this wine is if you don't like Sauvignon Blanc, and even then, I'd insist that you try it. 13.5% alcohol, sealed under screw cap. Drink 2023-2036.
95+ Points
Erin Larkin – Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate - Overeem Distillery Core Range Trio Gift Pack (3 x 50ml)Tasmania, AUSTRALIA$74. 99Bottle$899.88 Dozen
A delightful little gift for someone wishing to explore the core range of Overeem Single Malt Whiskies. The gift Box contains 3 x 50ml miniatures of Overeem's Bourbon, Port, & Sherry Cask Matured Single Malt Whiskies, all presented at 43% ABV 'Distiller Strength'.
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- Nick's Import
Edradour Cream Liqueur (700ml)Highlands, SCOTLAND$49. 99Bottle$599.88 DozenABV: 17%The Edradour Cream Liqueur has been specially formulated for the distillery using only the finest ingredients, which naturally include Edradour single malt whisky! Delicious on its own, in coffee or poured over ice cream (don't mix it with carbonated drinks). Refrigerate once opened as this is a milk product.
Notes from the producers... Nose: Creamy with malt expectancy. Palate: A satisfying touch of Edradour. Silky smooth and creamy with a distinct butterscotch, chocolate flavour. Finish: Mellow aftertaste with a hint of hazelnut. 17% Alc./Vol.
Various reports from visitors to the distillery include comments like, "As someone who’s not a fan of the likes of Baileys this is simply divine. Not heavy to drink and leaves a fantastic aftertaste too."
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2014 Jasper Hill Georgia's Paddock ShirazHeathcote, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$130. 00Bottle$1560.00 DozenABV: 15%Closure: CorkOther Reviews....
(aged for 15 months in French and American oak barrels, 20 percent of them new) Inky ruby. Highly perfumed aromas of blue fruit and cherry preserves, potpourri, vanilla and candied licorice. Lush and palate-staining but also surprisingly lithe, offering sappy blueberry, cassis and cherry-vanilla flavors and hints of allspice and violet. Dusty tannins sneak up with air and fold steadily into the densely packed fruit, which dominates the long, smooth finish. Drink 2022 - 2031.
93 points
Josh Raynolds - Vinous
Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2014 Shiraz Georgia's Paddock gives pronounced black forest cake, prunes and blackberry preserves nose with hints of anise, sandalwood, baking spices and espresso. Packed with full-bodied opulence in the mouth, the tannins are ripe and velvety while the finish is effortlessly harmonious. Love it. Drink 2016 - 2032.
94 PointsLisa Perrotti-Brown - Robert Parkers Wine Advocate
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2023 Benanti Etna BiancoSicily, ITALY$49. 99Bottle$599.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 3 Years (2025-2028)ABV: 12.5%Closure: Diam CorkLime, guava and green apple fruits with a long textural finish laced with mineral and saline characters.
Brilliant pale straw colour with a subtle greenish tinge around the edges and a watery hue. Aromas of pear, apple and lime delicately infused with smoky volcanic rock are followed by hints of guava and spice. Nicely rounded on entry, the palate features lime, guava and green apple fruits over a volcanic rock and minerally saline like back drop. Brisk yet integrated acidity with a long textural finish laced with mineral and saline characters.
Drink over the next 2-3 years.
Alc. 12.5%Other Reviews…..
Etna in north-east Sicily is better known for its reds than whites, but the best examples of the latter, made from the local grape Carricante, can be spectacular, somewhere between a Burgundian Aligoté and a top Soave in style. This is totally unoaked, but draws richness from six months of lees’ ageing. Stony and intense, with notes of lime, fennel and lemon juice, steely, palate-cleansing acidity and a mineral tang. Best drunk with the Mediterranean sun on your face, but it’ll cheer you up in winter too.
93 Points
TimAtkin.com -
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2012 Jasper Hill Georgia's Paddock ShirazHeathcote, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$150. 00Bottle$1800.00 DozenABV: 13.5%Closure: CorkOther Reviews....
Inky purple. Wild, intensely perfumed bouquet evokes dark fruit preserves, candied licorice, woodsmoke and violet oil. Plush, palate-staining cassis and blackberry flavors are lifted by juicy acidity and a strong jolt of peppery spices. Opens up with aeration, picking up a hint of medicinal bitterness that plays nicely with the powerful fruit. Sappy, peppery and strikingly long, with silky tannins coming on late to add grip. This one deserves some patience.
93+ points
Josh Raynolds - Vinous -
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2024 Giant Steps ChardonnayYarra Valley, Victoria, AUSTRALIAReduced from $37.99$34. 99Bottle$419.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 5 Years (2025-2030)ABV: 12.8%Closure: StelvinA mid weighted, beautifully proportioned Yarra Valley Chardonnay.
Brilliant pale straw colour with glistening green tinged edges and a watery hue. Elevated pear and nectarine aromas are interwoven with dried honey, biscuity oak, nougat and subtle gun flint notes. Mid weighted with a rich, gently creamy feel, the palate is decorated with ripe nectarine, pear and dried honey flavours. Biscuity oak, spicy nougat and traces of gun flint the undercard. Beautifully proportioned, it finishes long and refined.
Drink over the next 4-5 years.
Alc. 12.8%Other Reviews…..
An even split of upper and lower Yarra fruit; both estate grown and from growers. Less mlf than last year. Smells fleshy with aromas of stone fruits, together with a little pink grapefruit and light citrus notes. It's both approachable and gentle, even as a young wine, but the balance for drinking now or cellaring in the short to medium term is absolutely spot on. Drink by 2029.
95 Points
Philip Rich – James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion -
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- Biodynamic
2023 Domaine Saint-Damien Plan de Dieu Cotes du Rhone Villages Vieilles VignesCotes du Rhone Villages, Southern Rhone, FRANCE$32. 99Bottle$395.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2025-2031)ABV: 14.5%Closure: CorkA blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Mourvèdre sourced from the lower terraced parcels of the Plan de Dieu lieu-dit, in the commune of Violès. The Grenache vines are over 70 years old and come from two sites, one planted on red clay and the other on galets (smooth river-worn pebbles). The younger Mourvèdre vines are planted on sandy soil. The wine is fermented for 30 days in concrete vats, then matured for 10 months in a mix of concrete tanks and large old 50 hL oak foudres.
Energetically fresh and bursting with rich, juicy fruit this an uber delicious Cotes du Rhone not to be missed!
Deep black dark red colour with a dark red hue. Delightful aromas of dark cherry, crushed raspberry and red liquorice stream out of the glass with terrific intensity followed by some provincial herb, blueberry and peppered earth notes. Rich and succulent, the mid weighted palate combines freshness with concentration delivering juicy dark cherry, dark raspberry and liquorice fruits over a back drop of scorched earth and peppered meats. Boasting excellent power it has ripe, slightly chewy tannins and a long gorgeously fruited finish that’s highly energetic.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 14.5%Other Reviews….
Darker strawberries, framboise, spring flowers, and some Provençal, peppery nuances emerge from the 2023 Côtes Du Rhône Villages Plan De Dieu Vieilles Vignes, a beautifully textured, medium-bodied 2023 that has ripe tannins and terrific balance.
91-93 Points
JebDunnuck.com -
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2023 Umani Ronchi Casal di Serra Verdicchio Classico SuperioreCastelli di Jesi, ITALY$32. 99Bottle$395.88 DozenClosure: StelvinVerdicchio is one of the most widely planted white grape varieties in the Marche region of central Italy. First produced in 1983 this is Umani Ronchi’s flagship Verdicchio. Grapes are selected from four vineyards ranging from 8 to 30 years old, with fermentation taking place in stainless steel tanks and the wine given approximately 5 months lees contact to build its textural attributes.
Other Reviews….
Lemons, biscuits and seashells on the nose. Touch of acacia honey. It’s crisp and tangy with a medium body and a tasty, waxy finish. From organically grown grapes. Drink now.
91 points
JamesSuckling.com -
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- Special Order Product – Delayed Dispatch
2022 Pegasus Bay Pinot NoirWaipara Valley, NEW ZEALAND$69. 99Bottle$839.88 DozenMinimum 6 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2025-2031)ABV: 13%Closure: StelvinRich and supple on entry with a graphite like feel coming through on the lengthy finish.
Fermented with 40% whole bunches and matured in French oak barriques (30% new) for a period of 15 months. Dark red core with black toned edges and a red to dark red hue. Intense black cherry and dark plum aromas infused with a mix of dried clove and graphite are trailed by some stalky cedar, bramble and spice notes. Making a rich, supple entrance are lush black cherry and anise flavours which overlay a smoked meat, spicy cedar, clove and bramble back drop. Fine, slightly grainy tannins with a graphite like feel coming through on the lengthy finish.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 13%Other Reviews….
I've long loved the pinot noirs from Pegasus Bay. There's a minerally vibe that always draws me in. Complex and meaty with herbal and floral nuance that keeps shifting in the glass, keeping the old schnozz on its toes. The interplay of fruit, acidity and tannin is fascinating; kinetic and sinewy with a gentle struck-flint reduction lending added complexity as the wine slowly trails off. Drink by 2036.
94 Points
Dave Brookes – James Halliday’s Australian Wine CompanionDried strawberries, cedar and fresh rose petals come through clearly. Some citrus. Medium-bodied with firm, creamy tannins and a juicy finish. Lovely texture and fruit to this. Really nice to drink now but better in three or four years. Screw cap.
94 Points
JamesSuckling.com -
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2021 Domaine Clarendon SyrahMcLaren Vale, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$32. 99Bottle$395.88 DozenCellar: 5 - 6 Years (2030-2031)ABV: 14%Closure: Diam CorkRich, opulent fruit framed by a robust tannin structure and tense acidity.
Dense pitch black heart with a deep dark purple black hue. Powerful ripe blackberry, liquorice, dark plum and dark chocolate scents waft from the glass followed by some vanillin cedar and subtle peppered earth notes. Rich, opulent blackberry, liquorice and dark chocolate fruits are framed by a robust tannin structure and tense acidity. Some dark plum, earthy blueberry and spicy vanillin cedar the support act. Finishes fresh, slightly muscular and long.
Cellar 5-6 years.
Alc. 14%Other Reviews….
A whiff of reduction defines the nose before forest, spruce and red and blue fruit accents tumble across licorice tannins. It’s compressed and taut at the end. Perhaps less accessible than the sumptuous '22s, but a very fine opening act all the same. Drinkable now, but best from 2025.
93 Points
JamesSuckling.comFrom the highest vineyard in McLaren Vale at 350m; 70/30% seasoned/new French oak. Pulpy and open, a wash of boysenberry, lilac and violet, iodine and brambly wild fruits, blackberry pastille, soft licorice, black tea and potpourri. This is meaty and intense, loaded with character and the typically drying, long-drawing tannins of this address, but there’s plenty of fruitful levity and an appealing peppery savouriness through the finish. Drink by 2030.
94 Points
Marcus Ellis - James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion -
- 91
- Special Order Product – Delayed Dispatch
2024 St. Leonards Cabernet FrancRutherglen, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$27. 99Bottle$335.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 5 Years (2025-2030)ABV: 13.5%Closure: StelvinRed and lush with red to dark fruits and a fleshy medium length finish.
Totally opaque black dark red colour with a dark red hue. Red to black currant and red liquorice aromas intermix with dusty earth, tobacco and spicy dried herb notes. Rich and possessing a lush feel across the medium bodied palate, red to dark currant fruits are featured over earth, tobacco and spicy dried herb elements. Fine grained tannins with a fleshy medium length finish.
Drink over the next 4-5 years.
Alc. 13.5% -
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- Special Order Product – Delayed Dispatch
2022 Carlos Raposo Impecavel Touriga NacionalDao, PORTUGAL$39. 99Bottle$479.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 4 Years (2025-2029)ABV: 13%Closure: CorkMid weighted, very dry and elegant with earthy barnyard and leather characters persisting through the finish.
Pitch black heart with a deep dark red hue. Ripe morello and black cherry aromas intermix with aniseed, scorched earth, herbs du Provence and hints of leather. Mid weighted, very dry and elegant across the palate, morello and black cherry fruits meld into a smoked meat, peppered herb, earthy barnyard and leather back drop. Vibrant acidity and fine grained tannins with earthy barnyard and leather characters persisting through the finish.
Drink over the next 3-4 years.
Alc. 13%Other Reviews…..
This has an expressive nose of violets, blackberries and crushed rocks. The palate is vibrant, with pure, delineated fruit. Shows concentration, but is racy and balanced. Amazing price for the quality. Made from 40- to 60-year-old vineyards with the grapes completely destemmed. Part of it undergoes carbonic maceration. Drink now.
92 Points
JamesSuckling.com -
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2020 Jim Barry Assyrtiko Cellar ReleaseClare Valley, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$37. 99Bottle$455.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 3 Years (2025-2028)ABV: 12.5%Closure: StelvinVibrant, energised feel with racy lime and Granny Smith apple fruits underpinned by zingy acidity.
Still looking as fresh and youthful as ever, it has a water like core and green tinged surrounds. Lifted pear and lime aromas have a subtle oily toast overlay with some green apple and flint notes also evident. Vibrant, energised feel with racy lime and Granny Smith apple fruits underpinned by zingy acidity. Some delicate pear, gun flint and mineral elements extend across the back half. Finishes long and zesty.
Drink over the next 2-3 years.
Alc. 12.5%Other Reviews…..
Tasted December 2020. Delicate aromatics at first. A puff of Mediterranean herbs and lemon blossom, but of course all the action is on the palate. Steely, tight and linear, with wet stone and lime juice. The acidity is pure talc and the finish pristine. Lip-smacking and delicious. Drink by 2028.
95 Points
Jane Faulkner – James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion -
- 94
2021 Praeter Langhe NebbioloPiedmont, ITALY$69. 99Bottle$839.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 5 Years (2025-2030)ABV: 14.5%Closure: Diam CorkFragrant aromatics and juicy red fruits framed by a stern tannin structure.
100% whole bunch fermented. Semi translucent red to dark red colour with black toned edges and a light brick red hue. Fragrant red cherry, rose petal, red liquorice and raspberry aromatics are intertwined with dried herbs, earth and spice. Juicy red to dark cherry, red liquorice and raspberry fruits are framed by a stern tannin structure. Lingering through the back half are dried herb and spicy earth nuances. Bright acidity with a grippy feel to the savoury conclusion.
Drink over the next 4-5 years.
Alc. 14.5% -
- 94
- Special Order Product – Delayed Dispatch
2023 Gilberts RieslingMount Barker, Western Australia, AUSTRALIA$29. 99Bottle$359.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 8 Years (2025-2033)ABV: 11%Closure: StelvinTense and taut with crisp, racy acidity finishing very dry and steely.
Brilliant water like core with greenish tinged edges. Leaping from the glass are zesty lime, lemon and orange rind scents which are followed by some mandarin and steely mineral notes. Tense and tautly structured, crisp, racy acidity provides laser like focus to the lemon, lime zest and Granny Smith apple fruit. Chalky talc, wet steel and flinty mineral elements ensue. Finishes very dry and steely.
Drink over the next 6-8 years.
Alc. 11% -
- 93
- Special Order Product – Delayed Dispatch
2023 McArthur Ridge Southern Tor Pinot NoirCentral Otago, NEW ZEALAND$46. 99Bottle$563.88 DozenMinimum 6 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 5 Years (2025-2030)ABV: 14%Closure: StelvinRipe and fleshy with a smooth, deeply fruited finish.
Deep dark red core with black toned edges and a dark red hue. Intense dark plum and anise aromas fill the nostrils trailed by some toasty oak, earthy dried herb and spice notes. Ripe and fleshy the mid weighted palate features dark plum, anise and strawberry flavours over a toasty oak, earth and spicy dried herb back drop. Polished tannins with a smooth, deeply fruited finish.
Drink over the next 4-5 years.
Alc. 14% -
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- Special Order Product – Delayed Dispatch
2023 Escarpment ChardonnayMartinborough, NEW ZEALAND$39. 99Bottle$479.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 4 Years (2025-2029)ABV: 13%Closure: StelvinA mid weighted, nicely fleshed Chardonnay that shows good freshness.
Barrel fermented and aged on lees in French oak barriques for a period of 11 months. Bright straw colour with flashes of green around the edges and a watery hue. Aromas of grapefruit and citrus lead the way followed by hints of biscuity oak and gun flint. Mid weighted and nicely fleshed, the palate features pear, nectarine and grapefruit flavours over biscuity oak, bees wax and subtle infusions of gun flint. Good freshness with a long, rounded finish.
Drink over the next 3-4 years.
Alc. 13%Other Reviews…..
A refined chardonnay with sliced apples, pineapple, nougat, and hints of vanilla. Medium-bodied, this has tangy fruit flavors and a limey finish. Barrel-fermented. Screw cap. Drink now.
93 Points
JamesSuckling.com -
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2024 Tellurian Bush Vine GrenacheHeathcote, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$27. 99Bottle$335.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2025-2031)ABV: 14.8%Closure: StelvinRich, juicy and vibrant mid weighted Grenache.
Fermented and matured in a mix of clay amphora and seasoned French oak. Dark red core with black toned edges and a vibrant red purple tinged hue. Dark raspberry, liquorice and dark cherry aromas sail out of the glass followed by fresh herb, delicate earth and pepper notes. Rich, juicy and vibrant the mid weighted palate is awash with dark raspberry, liquorice and ripe cherry fruits. Infusions of fresh herbs and subtle peppered earth elements lie underneath. Energetic acidity with silky smooth tannins and a long succulent conclusion that has a bright youthful feel to it.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 14.8%Other Reviews…..
This is the first vintage for the maker producing a bush vine grenache. It offers a lovely depth of flavour across the middle palate while rejoicing in the grape's upfront ripe cherry and blueberry fruits. Generous at first but drills down into a solid fruit and oak base wrapped in fine tannins. Licorice, rosemary and black pepper meld with an enduring sweet-fruited juiciness, which is undoubtedly the star. Drink by 2030.
92 Points
Jeni Port - James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion -
- 96
- 96
- Reduced
2016 Jim Barry The McRae Wood Shiraz Cellar ReleaseClare Valley, South Australia, AUSTRALIAReduced from $69.99$64. 99Bottle$779.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2025-2031)ABV: 14%Closure: StelvinRich and concentrated with robust tannins lending some grip onto the long generous finish.
In 1964 Jim Barry and his wife Nancy purchased 70 acres of prime farm land from their friend and neighbour, Duncan McRae Wood where they planted their first Shiraz vineyard. The McRae Wood Shiraz is made from declassified Armagh fruit and other top parcels of grapes from the family’s other Clare Valley vineyards.
Pitch black dark red core with a dark red black tinged hue. Heady ripe blackberry, dark plum and liquorice aromas fill the nostrils followed by some vanillin cedar, hints of choc mint, earth and spice. Rich, concentrated ripe blackberry, dark plum and liquorice fruits engulf the mouth with an opulent feel. Dark chocolate, vanillin cedar, earth and spice elements extend across the back half. Robust yet integrated tannins lend some grip onto the long generous finish.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 14%Other Reviews…..
This is no pushover in the company of The Armagh, and it's a whole lot easier to enjoy, even though the day for each is long off. Here the fruits are rounder, the tannins following suit - even touches of red/purple fruits here. Once again, a wine to be respected. And enjoyed. Drink by 2046.
96 Points
James Halliday – Australian Wine Companion -
- 97
- Reduced
2021 Nicks Secret PH Single Vineyard McLaren Vale ShirazMcLaren Vale, South Australia, AUSTRALIAReduced from $44.99$29. 99Bottle$359.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 8 Years (2024-2032)ABV: 14.5%Closure: StelvinSouth Australian vineyard baron and wine mogul Warren Randall recently purchased this high profile McLaren Vale estate and with it he has undertaken a smart packaging revamp of the brand. Produced from a vineyard planted in 1991, this superb Shiraz was matured in French oak puncheons, of which 26% were new and the remaining 1-3 year old oak for a period of 15 months. Only the best barrels were selected for the final blend.
Plush, powerful and opulent, this is rich, sumptuous McLaren Vale Shiraz at its absolute best.
Impenetrable pitch black heart with a very deep dark red black hue. Soaring from the glass are heady ripe blackberry and liquorice scents which are complimented by some dark plum, gently toasted vanillin cedar, dark chocolate and spicy fennel notes. Rich and lavish in its feel across the palate, opulent blackberry, liquorice, dark chocolate and dark plum flavours engulf the mouth. Vanillin oak, subtle earthy fennel, mocha and spice characters form the underbelly. Boasting fantastic power, textural volume and velvety tannins it concludes very long, plush and seductive.
Drink over the next 6-8 years.
Alc. 14.5% -
- 95
Chartogne-Taillet Hors Serie Grand Cru (V19) Extra Brut ChampagneChampagne, FRANCE$380. 00Bottle$4560.00 DozenABV: 12.5%Closure: CorkChartogne-Taillet is the home of some of the most exciting wines in Champagne. Alexandre Chartogne is a perfectionist in his approach to viticulture and winemaking, something he picked up from his mentor Anselme Selosse. Key to his approach is the importance of expressing terroir above all else. With that in mind, Alexandre separately vinifies a myriad of plots spread across 11 hectares of vineyards in Merfy and the neighbouring villages of Chenay and Saint-Thierry. Over half the parcels are ploughed by horse, and no pesticides, herbicides or synthetic fertilizers are used. In the winery, all fermentations are wild, and malolactic fermentation is not blocked. Alexandre favours wooden barrels or demi-muids for fermentations, and low dosage levels are used which allow the grapes to speak of their place.
Unlike the main stable of Merfy-sourced wines, this is grown on a cadre of plots in Avize and Oger in the Côte des Blancs. The patchwork of seven plots, located on both the plains and the slopes, contributes to the overall harmony. Chemin de Châlons, Pierre Vaudon, Fosse le Prêtre and Mont Chenevaux, located on the plain, have plenty of sun exposure and a chalky soil profile with very thin (20cm) topsoils. Mont de Cramant is located at the beginning of the slopes, with deeper soils that are likewise rich in chalk. Les Roches Hautes and Les Barmonts are higher again and experience cooler conditions, resulting in taut, linear wines. The wines rests in 228-, 350- and 600-litre barrels before maturing on lees for 4-5 years and receiving a dosage of 1-3 g/L.
Other Reviews....
Chartogne’s 2019 Blanc de Blancs Hors Série hails from several parcels in Avize, predominantly situated on the lower slopes where the topsoil is thinnest—ranging from a mere 20 centimeters to one meter in some plots. These southeast-facing vineyards benefit from generous sun exposure, with soils composed of sand, clay and silt layered over a chalky bedrock. In the cellar, the wine is matured in a combination of 228- and 600-liter oak barrels. Already expressive—shaped by a sunny vintage in a rich terroir—it unfurls in the glass with a bouquet of honeysuckle, pear, white peach and lemon oil. On the palate, it is full-bodied and concentrated yet vividly vibrant, energized by mouthwatering acidity that lends both balance and tension. Combining muscularity with structural finesse, it was disgorged in June 2024 with a dosage of just one gram per liter. This wine promises to evolve gracefully over time. Drink 2025-2039.
95 points
Kristaps Karklins - Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate -
- 95
Chartogne-Taillet Les Orizeaux (V19) Extra Brut ChampagneChampagne, FRANCE$230. 00Bottle$2760.00 DozenABV: 12.5%Closure: CorkChartogne-Taillet is the home of some of the most exciting wines in Champagne. Alexandre Chartogne is a perfectionist in his approach to viticulture and winemaking, something he picked up from his mentor Anselme Selosse. Key to his approach is the importance of expressing terroir above all else. With that in mind, Alexandre separately vinifies a myriad of plots spread across 11 hectares of vineyards in Merfy and the neighbouring villages of Chenay and Saint-Thierry. Over half the parcels are ploughed by horse, and no pesticides, herbicides or synthetic fertilizers are used. In the winery, all fermentations are wild, and malolactic fermentation is not blocked. Alexandre favours wooden barrels or demi-muids for fermentations, and low dosage levels are used which allow the grapes to speak of their place.
Along with Les Barres, Orizeaux is perhaps Chartogne’s best-known vineyard. This north/south orientation parcel of Pinot Noir is much more calcareous than Les Barres and the roots plunge deep—over four meters into the soil. Planted in 1970, the parcel has always been highly prized by Alexandre Chartogne and his father before him, as the wine reflects both the generosity of the sandy soil and the mineral quality of the limestone bedrock.
Other Reviews....
Disgorged in March 2024 with a dosage of 1.15 grams per liter, the 2019 Blanc de Noirs Orizeaux originates from a neighboring parcel to Les Barres, boasting both southern and northern exposures. Planted to Pinot Noir in 1970, the site is defined by 1.6-meter-deep soils of sand and fragmented limestone overlying chalk bedrock. The wine is matured in seasoned oak barrels ranging from two to nine years of age. Already flamboyant in its youth, it opens with a deep bouquet of crisp yellow apple, warm pastries and orange zest. Texturally rich and layered, it is ample and multidimensional, culminating in a long, saline finish. Among the more extroverted wines in Chartogne’s portfolio, it remains controlled by ripe yet racy acidity, striking a fine balance between intensity and elegance. Drink 2025-2034.
95 points
Kristaps Karklins - Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate -
- 96
Chartogne-Taillet Heurtebise (V19) Extra Brut ChampagneChampagne, FRANCE$230. 00Bottle$2760.00 DozenABV: 12.5%Closure: CorkChartogne-Taillet is the home of some of the most exciting wines in Champagne. Alexandre Chartogne is a perfectionist in his approach to viticulture and winemaking, something he picked up from his mentor Anselme Selosse. Key to his approach is the importance of expressing terroir above all else. With that in mind, Alexandre separately vinifies a myriad of plots spread across 11 hectares of vineyards in Merfy and the neighbouring villages of Chenay and Saint-Thierry. Over half the parcels are ploughed by horse, and no pesticides, herbicides or synthetic fertilizers are used. In the winery, all fermentations are wild, and malolactic fermentation is not blocked. Alexandre favours wooden barrels or demi-muids for fermentations, and low dosage levels are used which allow the grapes to speak of their place.
The Chardonnay vines were planted on the Heurtebise plot in 1972, 1985, 1986 and 2010. Exposure is a solar direct-south, but the strong winds that tear through this place mean there's always ample freshness to be found. The soil composition is Thanetian sands mixed with clay on sandstone, and the area is prone to fluctuations covering both water stress and retention. It's one of Alexandre's most variable sites overall, one that has very different requirements depending on the season. Likewise, once off the vine, the wines also tend to take on greater influence from any intervention in the cellar, particularly aging in oak. Crystalline minerality and mouth-watering tension are always evident from this site. Disgorgement is just four grams per litre.
Other Reviews....
The 2019 Blanc de Blancs Heurtebise is a single-vineyard expression that spotlights the singular terroir of Merfy, rooted in sandy soils with components of silt and clay, resting atop sandstone. Produced from Chardonnay vines planted between 1980 and 1985, it is aged entirely in 228-liter barrels—predominantly from Cavin—with a modest proportion of new oak. Disgorged in April 2024 with a dosage of 2.4 grams per liter, it reveals a bouquet of white blossoms, lemon zest and freshly baked brioche. The palate is medium-bodied, incisive and poised, with laser-like acidity that carries a core of pristine fruit to a long, mineral finish. It is the most linear and tensile wine in the range, even more so than the Chemin de Reims from the same vintage. Drink 2025-2039.
96 points
Kristaps Karklins - Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate -
- 93
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- Nick's Import
2024 Chateau Guiraud (375ml) Pre-Arrival OfferSauternes, Bordeaux, FRANCE$66. 99Bottle$803.88 DozenClosure: CorkRanked one step down the Sauternes appellation pyramid from the legendary Chateau d'Yquem is Chateau Guiraud. The wine is produced from certified organic vines with an average age of about 20-30 years old. The cepage is 65% Semillon and 35% Sauvignon Blanc. Ageing takes place in French oak for approximately 18 months.
Other Reviews....
The 2024 Guiraud is a bold, luscious Sauternes. Apricot jam, chamomile, passion fruit, spice and burnt sugar convey notable intensity to match the wine's creamy, ample feel. Guiraud is a rich, heady Sauternes, but all the elements are impeccably balanced. Drink 2029-2044.
94-96 points
Antonio Galloni - VinousThis shows good concentration and sweetness with a light saline character to the dried pineapple, mangoes, honey and spices. Medium to full body with medium acidity and a long, round finish.
93-94 points
James SucklingSilky smooth on the palate, not as much fruit or acidity intensity as I was expecting, this is still a little compact and closed with a quiet aromatic expression. Opens up a little after a few minutes with orange zest, peach blossom, pear and quince alongside some toasted caramel and vanilla touches. Good quality but needs a bit more time to fully open. Drink 2027 - 2039.
93 points
Georgina Hindle - DecanterDark burnt orange gold, spiralling white flower aromatics, this is great quality, thoroughly enjoyable, subtle spiced cumin and tumeric, sweetly succulent apricot and nectarine juice without being heavy. 12.6 hl/ha yield, Sandrine Garbay estate director.
94 points
Jane Anson - Inside BordeauxConditions of Pre Arrival Offer:
There is no minimum order unless stated.
All wines are 750ml unless indicated otherwise.
Payment is due at the time of ordering to secure stocks.
The wines are being collected and shipped in refrigerated containers and are due to arrive in late 2027.
Nicks Wine Merchants reserve the right to pass on any changes in Government duties and taxes and delivery charges from the date of order to the date of final delivery of the wine.
Errors and omissions excepted.
Delivery charges may apply - these can be determined by visiting the Freight Rates page.
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- Nick's Import
2024 Chateau Larcis Ducasse Pre-Arrival OfferSaint Emilion, Bordeaux, FRANCE$125. 00Bottle$1500.00 DozenClosure: CorkOther Reviews....
The 2024 Larcis Ducasse was showing well during our tasting, revealing ripe, expressive aromas of violet, dark berries, smoke, pencil lead and subtle oak. Medium to full-bodied, layered and seamless, it is both lively and elegant with a juicy core of fruit and velvety tannins that gently assert themselves on the youthfully chalky finish. The fruit appears perfectly ripe—avoiding the over-ripeness observed in some recent vintages—allowing the wine to convey the character of its limestone terroir. The blend is composed of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc. Drink 2026-2040.
92-94 points
Yohan Castaing - Wine AdvocateThe 2024 Larcis Ducasse is dense, powerful and imposing, almost surprisingly so. All of the wine's intensity is in the mid-palate. Black cherry, plum, mocha, lavender, chocolate and cinnamon meld together in the glass, but it is the wine's mind-blowing balance that stands out most. This is another stellar showing from Larcis Ducasse. There's real potential here. Tasted four times. Drink 2034-2054
94-97 points
Antonio Galloni - VinousAn excellent wine from this challenging vintage. It shows good depth and density of fruit with fine, silky tannins, but it’s nevertheless reactive. Juicy and quite polished, with a round core of fruit on the medium-bodied palate before a long, elegant finish. Lovely precision and focus from the filigreed tannins. 85% merlot and 15% cabernet franc.
96-97 points
Zekun Shuai - JamesSuckling.comA blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc, aged in a mix of new and once-used barrels along with foudre, the 2024 Château Larcis Ducasse shows ripe black cherries, darker berries, loamy earth, and integrated oak. Medium-bodied, it reveals a round, layered, seamless mouthfeel, velvety tannins, and terrific balance.
94-96 points
Jeb DunnuckConditions of Pre Arrival Offer:
There is no minimum order unless stated.
All wines are 750ml unless indicated otherwise.
Payment is due at the time of ordering to secure stocks.
The wines are being collected and shipped in refrigerated containers and are due to arrive in late 2027.
Nicks Wine Merchants reserve the right to pass on any changes in Government duties and taxes and delivery charges from the date of order to the date of final delivery of the wine.
Errors and omissions excepted.
Delivery charges may apply - these can be determined by visiting the Freight Rates page.
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- Nick's Import
2024 Chateau Suduiraut (375ml) Pre-Arrival OfferSauternes, Bordeaux, FRANCE$67. 99Bottle$815.88 DozenClosure: CorkChateau Suduiraut are among the leading estates in Sauternes, with a history dating back to the 15th century. Over that time the property has expanded to now encompass 200 hectares with 92 hectares under vine, including prime vineyard parcels in the most elevated area of Sauternes alongside Chateau d'Yquem. The team at Suduiraut are passionate and uncompromising in their commitment to quality, ensuring only the finest grapes are selected over multiple passes in the vineyard, before expert vinification and a strict selection at final blending.
Other Reviews....
The 2024 Suduiraut offers up a beguiling mix of passion fruit, mango, pineapple and tangerine oil. Even with 130 grams of residual sugar, the 2024 is not an especially opulent Sauternes. I especially admire its freshness. What a beautiful and expressive wine. Drink 2030-2054.
94-96 points
Antonio Galloni - VinousThe complete opposite of the 2022 vintage. Fresher and less unctuous, with more delicate fruit, but there is still plenty of botrytis. Spices, sweet pineapple, lemons, marmalade, wax, fresh mangoes and bitter herbs. Medium lusciousness, with a round, creamy finish. 130 grams of sugar.
95-96 points
James SucklingExotic citrus, orange blossom, honeyed mint, and floral notes all shine in the 2024 Château Suduiraut, a rocking gem of a Sauternes that's medium-bodied, has a concentrated, layered, rich mouthfeel, beautiful acidity, and a great finish. It's loaded with classic Sauternes magic.
95-97 points
Jeb DunnuckConditions of Pre Arrival Offer:
There is no minimum order unless stated.
All wines are 750ml unless indicated otherwise.
Payment is due at the time of ordering to secure stocks.
The wines are being collected and shipped in refrigerated containers and are due to arrive in late 2027.
Nicks Wine Merchants reserve the right to pass on any changes in Government duties and taxes and delivery charges from the date of order to the date of final delivery of the wine.
Errors and omissions excepted.
Delivery charges may apply - these can be determined by visiting the Freight Rates page.
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- 92
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- Nick's Import
2024 Chateau Rayne Vigneau (375ml) Pre-Arrival OfferSauternes, Bordeaux, FRANCE$59. 99Bottle$719.88 DozenClosure: CorkOther Reviews....
The 2024 Rayne Vigneau is a powerful, authoritative wine. Candied lemon peel, marzipan, dried flowers, mint and light tropical inflections fill out the layers. Rayne Vigneau offers terrific persistence, capped off with a slightly phenolic edge that adds quite a bit of character. Drink 2030-2054.
92-94 points
Antonio Galloni - VinousSpices, ginseng, sweet lemons and pineapple on the nose. Sweet and slightly saline, this has medium body and a waxy finish.
92-93 points
Zekun Shuai - JamesSuckling.comMarmalade, bitter orange, citrus, saffron, quince, liqourice root, enjoyable, luscious. 110g/l residual sugar, harvest from the 12th of October
90 points
Jane Anson - Inside BordeauxConditions of Pre Arrival Offer:
There is no minimum order unless stated.
All wines are 750ml unless indicated otherwise.
Payment is due at the time of ordering to secure stocks.
The wines are being collected and shipped in refrigerated containers and are due to arrive in late 2027.
Nicks Wine Merchants reserve the right to pass on any changes in Government duties and taxes and delivery charges from the date of order to the date of final delivery of the wine.
Errors and omissions excepted.
Delivery charges may apply - these can be determined by visiting the Freight Rates page.
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- Nick's Import
2024 Chateau La Tour Blanche (375ml) Pre-Arrival OfferSauternes, Bordeaux, FRANCE$62. 99Bottle$755.88 DozenClosure: CorkChateau La Tour Blanche takes its name from the founder of the estate, Jean Saint Marc du Latourblanche, and is one of the most respected producers in Sauternes. The 40 hectares of vines used for their grand vin are planted in one large parcel with a prime location close to the Ceron river, and the soils are a mix of gravel, clay, sand, and limestone. Planted here is a combination of 83% Semillon, 12% Sauvignon Blanc, and an unusually high proportion of Muscadelle at 5%. The Semillon is aged in 35% new, French oak barrels for 16 to 18 months, while the Sauvignon Blanc and the Muscadelle are aged for 16-18 months in stainless steel vats before blending and bottling.
Other Reviews....
The 2024 La Tour Blanche is creamy and resonant, with fine balance to match its understated personality. Hints of passion fruit, pineapple, mint, lemon confit and exotic white flowers grace the palate. The 2024 finishes with lovely brightness and a clean mineral touch. Drink 2028-2044.
92-94 points
Antonio Galloni - VinousUnctuous, fruity and charming. Apricots, sweet spices and some honey. Medium-bodied and delicious with a densely fruity, relaxed finish.
92-93 points
James SucklingGood succulence and push of citrus fruit with crisp edges. Lime, green apple and some mango sweetness with wild honey and cooling almost minty touches too.I like this, it has mouthwatering acidity which gives a zing as well as pristine fruit and bite. Sweetness is there too in the background, toffee and salted caramel. Really enjoyable. Drink 2025 - 2038.
93 points
Georgina Hindle - DecanterConditions of Pre Arrival Offer:
There is no minimum order unless stated.
All wines are 750ml unless indicated otherwise.
Payment is due at the time of ordering to secure stocks.
The wines are being collected and shipped in refrigerated containers and are due to arrive in late 2027.
Nicks Wine Merchants reserve the right to pass on any changes in Government duties and taxes and delivery charges from the date of order to the date of final delivery of the wine.
Errors and omissions excepted.
Delivery charges may apply - these can be determined by visiting the Freight Rates page.
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2023 Bosward BarberaBarossa Valley, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$29. 99Bottle$359.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 4 Years (2025-2029)ABV: 12.5%Closure: StelvinLight, inky and vibrant with a savoury flavour profile.
Deep black dark red core with a dark purple red hue. Aromas of freshly crushed cherries, blueberries and liquorice infused with fresh herbs drift through the nostrils. Some inky earth and spice notes are also apparent. Light, inky and vibrant in it’s feel the palate has a savoury flavour profile of sour to red cherries and blueberries over earth, infusions of fresh herbs and spice. Slightly chalky tannins with lively acidity finishing energetic and elegant.
Drink over the next 3-4 years.
Alc. 12.5%Other Reviews…..
Jeez, these Bosward wines present some serious value for money across the range. Here, it's a flavour-packed barbera full of juicy plum and blueberry along with raspberry and wild strawberry top notes. Mid-weighted, pure and crunchy with plenty of spice, sarsaparilla, pressed flowers and earthen tones. It's a real easy-drinking style, light on tannin and a tangy, vivid disposition. It's a wee beauty. Drink by 2030.
94 Points
Dave Brookes - James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion -
- 91
- 92
- Special Order Product – Delayed Dispatch
2018 Tim Adams Cabernet MalbecClare Valley, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$23. 99Bottle$287.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 3 Years (2025-2028)ABV: 14.8%Closure: StelvinMedium bodied with rich black fruits framed by assertive tannins that lead into a dry, grippy finish.
Dense pitch black heart with a deep very dark red black tinged hue. Expressive blackcurrant and liquorice aromas infused with mint are trailed by some vanillin cedar and subtle earthy mocha notes. On the medium bodied palate, rich blackcurrant and liquorice fruits are framed by a firm assertive tannin structure. Mint, toasty vanillin cedar and spice elements lie in the background. Dry, grippy medium length finish.
Drink over the next 2-3 years.
Alc. 14.8%Other Reviews….
This delivers a bigger-boned red in a well-balanced way. Lots to get stuck into. The perfume is scented like black cherry, chocolate truffles, hazelnut, mint and stewed plum. Flavours lean into forest berries, plum, mocha and some faint malty characters, with firm, dusty tannins lending chew. All up, a pleasing, bold red of a winter-warmer ilk. Drink by 2035.
92 Points
Mike Bennie – James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion -
- 93
- Special Order Product – Delayed Dispatch
2023 Thistledown Gorgeous Old Vine GrenacheMcLaren Vale, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$22. 99Bottle$275.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 2 Years (2025-2027)ABV: 14%Closure: StelvinA soft, juicy Grenache that finishes long and luscious.
Dark red core with a light red to red tinged hue. Spicy dark raspberry and cherry aromas have a smoky clove like overlay with some peppered earth notes also present. Soft and juicy, the palate features dark raspberry and liquorice fruits over a scorched earth, dried herb and spicy pepper back drop. Velvet smooth tannins with a long, luscious finish.
Drink over the next 1-2 years.
Alc. 14% -
- 94
2024 Montalto Pennon Hill Pinot NoirMornington Peninsula, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$32. 99Bottle$395.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2025-2031)ABV: 13.5%Closure: StelvinDeliciously fruited with a supple flow finishing long, savoury and silky.
Semi translucent red to dark red colour with a light red hue. Fragrant violet, red cherry, strawberry and spicy rhubarb scents sail out of the glass followed by some brambly dried herb and forest floor notes. Delicious red cherry, strawberry and rhubarb fruits have a supple flow across the palate with notions of forest floor, dried herbs, subtle brambly cedar and spice ensuing. Velvet smooth tannins finishing long, savoury and silky.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 13.5% -
- 94
- Special Order Product – Delayed Dispatch
2024 Vino Vagabond Pinot NoirYarra Valley, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$27. 99Bottle$335.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 5 Years (2025-2030)ABV: 13.5%Closure: StelvinDelicious, supple entrance with a gentle tang to the savoury finish.
Semi translucent red to dark red colour with black toned edges and a light red hue. Fragrant aromas of violet, cherry, strawberry and rhubarb infused with clove blossom from the glass with some bramble, forest floor and spice notes also evident. Delicious dark cherry, strawberry and rhubarb flavours make a supple entrance over a back drop of spicy dried herb, bramble and forest floor characters. Lively acidity and fine grained tannins with a gentle tang to the savoury finish.
Drink over the next 4-5 years.
Alc. 13.5% -
- 95
2024 Montalto Pennon Hill ChardonnayMornington Peninsula, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$32. 99Bottle$395.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2025-2031)ABV: 13%Closure: StelvinMid weighted with a gentle creamy textural feel, finishing fresh, refined and long.
Brilliant pale straw colour with highlights of green around the edges and a watery hue. Attractive white peach, pear and dried honey scents are complimented by cashew, biscuity nougat and spice notes. Mid weighted and possessing a gentle creamy textural feel, the palate is layered with fleshy white peach, pear and dried honey flavours which meld with notions of biscuity oak, citrusy nougat and delicate spicy cashew elements. Finishes fresh, refined and long.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 13% -
- 94
- 93
2023 Fraser Gallop Estate Parterre ChardonnayMargaret River, Western Australia, AUSTRALIA$49. 99Bottle$599.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2025-2031)ABV: 13%Closure: StelvinFresh, elegant and nicely concentrated.
Wild yeast fermented and matured in barrel for a period of 8 months. Brilliant very pale straw colour with distinct highlights of green around the edges and a watery hue. Drifting out of the glass are aromas of nectarine, pear and grapefruit delicately infused with gun flint. Some citrus, biscuity oak and spice nuances ensue. Fresh and elegant, the palate is layered with energised citrus, pear and grapefruit flavours. Faint biscuity oak and flinty mineral elements lie beneath. Nicely concentrated and fleshed it has lively acidity and a highly refreshing finish.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 13%Other Reviews…..
It’s true this needs more time to settle. It’s nervy, flinty, full of energy and twitchy acidity. If opened today, let it breath to tease out the white nectarine and citrus, ginger fluff cake aromas, nougat and a touch of honeycomb. Some moreish sulphides in the mix, a slip of creamy lees, judiciously handled cedary oak and a fine palate all add to its appeal. Drink by 2033.
93 Points
Jane Faulkner – James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion -
- 93
2024 Paul Osicka Heathcote GrenacheHeathcote, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$32. 99Bottle$395.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 5 Years (2025-2030)ABV: 14%Closure: StelvinLight to medium bodied, silky and juicy with a gentle amaro like tang to the savoury finish.
Translucent red core with black toned edges and a light red hue. Jumping out of the glass are spicy raspberry and strawberry jam scents infused with mint. Some clove and peppered earth notes are also apparent. Silky textured the light to medium bodied palate features juicy cherry and raspberry fruits over a mix of red liquorice, spicy dried clove, mint and peppered earth elements. Sturdy yet velvet like tannins with a gentle amaro like tang to the savoury finish.
Drink over the next 4-5 years.
Alc. 14% -
- 91
- Special Order Product – Delayed Dispatch
2024 Mount Riley Pinot GrisMarlborough, NEW ZEALAND$17. 99Bottle$215.88 DozenMinimum 6 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 2 Years (2025-2027)ABV: 13.5%Closure: StelvinGenerously fleshed with crisp acidity and a luscious dry to off dry finish of ample length.
Bright pale straw to straw colour with a watery hue. Initial pear and red apple scents are followed by whiffs of quince and faint honeysuckle. Generously fleshed ripe pear and red apple fruits adorn the palate with notions of quince, musk and honeysuckle lying beneath. Crisp acidity with a luscious dry to off dry finish of ample length.
Drink over the next 1-2 years.
Alc. 13.5% -
- 93
- Special Order Product – Delayed Dispatch
2023 Provenance Golden Plains ChardonnayVictoria, AUSTRALIA$29. 99Bottle$359.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 5 Years (2025-2030)ABV: 13.2%Closure: StelvinCreamy textured mid palate with an elegant and lively finish.
Brilliant pale straw colour with subtle flashes of green to the edges and a watery hue. Delightful white peach, nectarine and dried honey aromas stream through the nostrils followed by hints of crème brulee, nougat and spice. Fleshy white peach, nectarine and citrus flavours adorn the mid weighted palate with traces of crème brulee and spicy nougat sitting underneath. Fresh acidity counterpoints the creamy textured mid palate. Finishes elegant and lively.
Drink over the next 4-5 years.
Alc. 13.2% -
- 94
- 92
2024 Rob Hall ChardonnayYarra Valley, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$27. 99Bottle$335.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 5 Years (2025-2030)ABV: 13%Closure: StelvinMedium bodied and nicely shaped with a creamy texture feel.
Brilliant pale straw colour with greenish tinged edges and a watery hue. Drifting through the olfactory senses are aromas of pear and nectarine which meld with dried honey, cashew and citrusy nougat notes. Nicely shaped with a creamy texture feel upon entry, pear and nectarine fruits are featured over a dried honey, cashew and spicy nougat back drop. Perfectly judged acidity with a long cream tinged finish.
Drink over the next 4-5 years.
Alc. 13%Other Reviews…..
A blend of fruit from Healesville, Gladysdale and Panton Hill. Bright green gold. An immediately accessible wine with its aromas of ripe stone fruits, fresh guava and a touch of spice. The palate is flavoursome with just enough acidity to keep it both gently structured and balanced. Drink by 2028.
92 Points
Philip Rich – James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion -
- 95
- Reduced
2024 Oakridge Yarra Valley ChardonnayYarra Valley, Victoria, AUSTRALIAReduced from $29.99$26. 99Bottle$323.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2025-2031)ABV: 13%Closure: StelvinGenerous in its flavour yet possessing a refined, glossy feel.
Oakridge’s Yarra Valley Chardonnay is consistently one of the best value’s coming out of the valley. Fruit is sourced from the cool slopes of the upper Yarra Valley notably Gladysdale (Willowlake) and Wandin East (Barkala) with some also coming from Coldstream.
Fermented in barrel and matured on lees for 9 months. Brilliant pale straw colour with hints of green around the edges and a watery hue. Drifting through the nostrils are scents of white peach, nectarine and dried honey followed by biscuity nougat and subtle gun flint notes. Generous in its flavour yet possessing a refined, glossy feel, white peach, nectarine and dried honey are featured over a biscuity oak, nougat and gun flint infused back drop. Nicely shaped it finishes long and fresh with a hint of emerging creaminess.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 13% -
- 93
2023 Minuty Prestige RoseProvence, FRANCE$39. 99Bottle$479.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 2 Years (2025-2027)ABV: 12.5%Closure: Diam CorkSupplely textured with brisk acidity and a long slippery finish.
Pale salmon pink tinged colour. Aromas of peach, raspberry and strawberry evolve out of the glass followed by hints of musk and wet slate. Showing more intensity than the nose, delicious peach and raspberry fruits decorate the palate with notions of strawberry, musk and wet stone lying underneath. Supplely textured it has brisk acidity and a long slippery finish.
Drink over the next 1-2 years.
Alc. 12.5% -
- 94
- 94
- 93
- Reduced
2023 Nicks Secret Barossa Valley YP Grenache Cinsault MataroBarossa Valley, South Australia, AUSTRALIAReduced from $24.99$14. 99Bottle$179.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 2 Years (2025-2027)ABV: 13.1%Closure: StelvinProduced by a husband and wife team, this Grenache blend is designed to deliver a juicy, unpretentious and joyous wine that still retains plenty of interest. It delivers all that in spades. Sourced from several vineyards located throughout the Barossa, it’s a blend of 46% Grenache, 39% Cinsault and 15% Mataro with a portion of whole bunch fermentation. Maturation taking place in seasoned oak for a period of 8 months.
A juicy and joyous blend that makes for fabulous everyday drinking.
Red to dark red colour with black toned edges and a light vibrant red hue. Showing good aromatic lift are attractive red raspberry and red liquorice aromas which are trailed by some fresh herb, red cherry and peppered earth notes. Carrying a fresh, bouncy feel across the light to mid weighted palate are juicy red raspberry and red liquorice fruits. Infusions of fresh herbs, earth and peppered clove lend further interest. Polished tannins with a long red fruited finish that’s energetic and quite succulent.
Drink over the next 1-2 years.
Alc. 13.1%Other Reviews....
*** do a great job with their *** , a blend of grenache, cinsault and mataro, this year 46/39/15%. As the name suggests, it's built for 'drinkin, not thinkin', with a vibrant hue, bouncy, lifted aromatic profile and an airy flow of red fruits, spice, amaro and floral tones on the palate. I'd label this 'chill-safe' if the weather dictates such terms; it's great, light drinking. Drink by 2029.
94 Points
Dave Brookes – James Halliday’s Australian Wine CompanionA blend of Grenache, Cinsault and Mataro from the Barossa providing a cute spin on the traditional blend. Lifted notes of florals with a slightly earthy rose petal character dominant. The medium bodied palate has such beautiful mouthfeel with a smooth seamlessly integrated oak and tannin combination. The sweet fruit is balanced with a slightly minerally savouriness to complete a terrific little wine. Drink 2024-2032.
93 Points
Ray Jordan – WinePilot.com*** are the masters of reliable drinking and here we go again with the latest * release. Translating to 'unpretentious wine', that sums up what **** do ever so perfectly. Such a versatile blend, this medium-bodied delight delivers in spades.
A blend of Grenache, Cinsault and Mataro (46/39/15), I felt the Cinsault really talks bringing energy, buckets of cranberries and red apple crunch. Loaded with bright cherries, raspberries, chorizo, pan juices, cured meat, cinnamon and earthy spices, it is such an inviting and sessional red wine. Clever blending and fabulous drinking, you are winning with this in your glass.
Drink to five years.
93 Points
QWineReviews.com -
- 94
- 95
- Special Order Product – Delayed Dispatch
2024 Thistledown Sands of Time Old Single Vineyard Blewitt Springs GrenacheBlewitt Springs, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$84. 99Bottle$1019.88 DozenMinimum 6 bottlesCellar: Drink now - 8 Years (2025-2033)ABV: 14.5%Closure: StelvinA fresh, succulent Grenache redolent in vibrant red fruits.
Includes 33% whole bunch fruit with maturation taking place in a combination of oak and concrete tanks for a period of 10 months. Semi translucent bright ruby red colour with a light red hue. Fragrant red raspberry, cherry and red liquorice aromas gently infused with fresh herbs are trailed by some vanillin confectionary notes. Fresh and succulent the light to mid weighted palate is redolent in vibrant red raspberry, red liquorice and red cherry fruits. Delicate earth and vanillin spice elements the undercard. Slight grainy tannins with a long red fruited finish that’s bright and elegant.
Drink over the next 6-8 years.
Alc. 14.5%Other Reviews…..
From a 1957 patch in Blewitt Springs. Trott Vineyard. 33% whole bunch.
Very aromatic, ripe raspberry, rosehip, exotic spice, slight liquorice, orange peel. Medium to full-bodied, but bright, but good concentration, raspberry, balanced acidity, fine stony tannin, albeit with some firmness, and excellent length, with something of an amaro tang on the finish and some peanut flavour. Super wine. It’s maybe a little warmer and more breathy than the Charming Man, but gee, it has impact and power. Drink 2025-2034.
95 Points
Gary Walsh – The Wine Front -
- 88
Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (700ml)Kentucky, UNITED STATES$99. 99Bottle$1199.88 DozenABV: 47%Heaven Hill's latest innovation, Toasted Barrel is created using the brand's base model, Elijah Craig Small Batch as a starting point. Derived from a 78% Corn, 12% Malted Barley and 10% Rye mash bill, the whiskey gets its sweet, unique taste from a finishing process that's rarely encountered in American distilling. The company explains, "The process begins with fully matured Small Batch, which is dumped and then re-entered at barrel proof into a second, custom toasted new oak barrel designed in partnership with Independent Stave Company. Made with 18-month air dried oak, the finishing barrel is first toasted and then flash-charred using a moderate toast temperature and toast time. An extensive research and development process resulted in a final barrel toast profile bringing forward dark sugar flavors within the wood to create a balance of smokiness and sweetness after months of finishing.” The end product tastes quite different to the distillery's core lines. 47% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... Initially reticent on the nose, with time this reveals gooey caramel, pralines, Hershey's milk chocolate, and a touch of charred mint leaves. It's chewy and occasionally sharp on the palate, with oodles of roasted nuts, polished oak, mint, peppery spice, dark chocolate, licorice, tobacco ash, and char. The medium-length finish holds tingling white pepper, unsweetened chocolate, and more polished oak. 88 points - whiskyadvocate.com
...Elijah Craig’s finishing process results in a sweeter, spicier, and admittedly more tannic end product than Michter’s and the Brown-Forman products. Importantly, this finishing process maintains the “straight bourbon” class and type designation, as new charred barrels are used for both the original aging and secondary finishing process (though they are so lightly charred they are referred to as “toasted”)....With Small Batch Elijah Craig typically having an age of 9 years or more, adding secondary aging in a new toasted oak barrel is no small feat. Moreover, this not-so-common technique adds a layer of dimension to the base bourbon. So while it's certainly premium price territory, it’s in line with other major brands that have gone through the additional work required to rebarrel a bourbon in a second new barrel. - breakingbourbon.com
- That Boutique-y Whisky Company 11 Year Old Tennessee Straight Bourbon Whiskey (700ml)Tennessee, UNITED STATES$159. 99Bottle$1919.88 DozenABV: 45.8%
A release of 254 bottles, That Boutique-y Whisky Company have got hold of another well-aged batch from Tennessee, releasing it in 700ml bottles to join its collection of 'Label Editions'. The Boutique-y gang can't disclose the provenance, but this style is only made by a few producers. They've also spelt whisky without an 'e' - a big clue for bourbon buffs... (It's because the distillery is in Cascade Hollow. It's charcoal mellowed and one of the oldest Tennessee producers - and, no, it's not Jack Daniels!) 45.8% Alc./Vol. Non-chill filtered.
Notes from the bottlers... Nose: Rich notes of caramelised brown sugar, toasted oak, and creamy vanilla join cinnamon spiced apples, buttery pastry, and gingersnaps. Palate: Caramelised nuts open the way, with rich layers of buttery oak char leading to earthy notes of vanilla and tobacco. Finish: Cigar box spice, a hint of sweet maple syrup, oaken vanilla, and ginger.
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- Special Order Product – Delayed Dispatch
2024 Catlow & Company King Valley Pinot BlancKing Valley, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$30. 99Bottle$371.88 DozenMinimum 6 bottlesABV: 12.8%Closure: Diam CorkOther Reviews....
Feel the Fruit Tingle pop that bursts onto the tongue; this youngster has some electric energy up its vinous sleeve. Lots of lemony brightness to explore – Meyer lemon, lemon pastille, zest and sorbet – with peach, pear and Golden Delicious apple wrapped tightly in lively, bright acidity. Plenty of zip here but it also carries good weight with some textural appeal. Drink 2025-2028.
93 Points
Jeni Port - Halliday's Australian Wine Companion -
- 95
- 93
2023 Catena High Mountain Vines ChardonnayMendoza, ARGENTINA$32. 99Bottle$395.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 4 Years (2025-2029)ABV: 13%Closure: Diam CorkFor over four generations, the Catena family has grown vines in the foothills of the Andes Mountains in Mendoza, Argentina. Laura Catena, great-granddaughter of winery founder Nicola Catena, is currently at the helm. Produced from a blend of four vineyards harvested at different times, this excellent Chardonnay is matured for 10-12 months in French oak barrels of varying ages.
Rich and concentrated yet fresh with a wonderfully textured, stony like feel.
Brilliant pale straw colour with highlights of green around the edges and a watery hue. Elevated white peach and pear scents stream out of the glass complimented by hints of dried honey, wet slate and an oyster shell like minerality in what is a Chablisique like sniff. Rich and concentrated yet stony like in it’s feel, the palate is layered with delectable white peach, pear and lime fruits. Wet slate, infusions of fresh herbs and a smoky oyster shell like minerality ensue. Wonderfully textured and fresh it has a long wet stone laced finish that also has a dash of spice to it.
Drink over the next 3-4 years.
Alc. 13%Other Reviews....
Fresh and creamy notes of pie crust, lemon curd and toast. Bright, juicy and elegant on the palate with a fluid, lengthy finish. A very good value here. Drink now.
93 Points
JamesSuckling.com