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Massena The Eleventh Hour Shiraz 2009 - SPECIAL STRAIGHT DOZEN PRICE

Dan Standish and Jaysen Collins have produced Barossa shiraz (predominantly Greenock fruit) at its best…

94 points from Halliday for the 08 in his 2011 Australian Wine Companion: "Impenetrable colour; an opulent array of essency black fruits, dark chocolate, mulled spices and mocha; the palate is unctuous, showing deep levels of concentrated sweet fruit, followed by chewy tannins to conclude; a rich wine, perfect for a cold night."
**When purchased as a STRAIGHT DOZEN .. ONLY $35**
RRP $40

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Of previous vintages..... Wine Advocate: “The 2006 Shiraz “Eleventh Hour” comes from 60 to 125-year-old vines that were saved from the bulldozer at the “eleventh hour”. It spent 20 months in used French oak hogsheads. Crimson-colored, it offers an alluring aroma of vanilla, coconut, smoked meat, and wild blueberry. Medium to full-bodied, this ripe, tasty Shiraz is remarkably light on its feet. There is enough soft tannin to safely cellar this wine for 2-3 years and drink it through 2020.” 90-92 points. Jay Millar, Parker’s right hand man. International Wine Cellar: “Saturated red. Compelling bouquet of blueberry, cherry compote, violet and Asian spices. Sappy dark berry flavors are velvety and round, with peppery spice adding nerve. Gains sweetness and power with air, finishing with outstanding clarity and thrust. Deeply flavored but not heavy, this deftly combines richness with energy.” Josh Raynolds who works with Steve Tanzer - 92 Pts.

Price: $420.00

Kilikanoon Covenant Shiraz 2007 - LAST BOTTLES REMAINING!

Torzi Matthews Frost Dodger Eden Valley Shiraz 2010

Domenic Torzi's vineyard was planted in 1996 on very low yielding soils in Mt Mackenzie, up in a frost proned area of eden valley. 2010 vintage has produced complex layers of flavour in this handcrafted wine, wild yeasts, some whole bunch fermentation and grapes being dried on racks (Domenic Torzi has adopted some of his italian heritage by drying the grape a bit like the valpolicella amarone or appassamento technique) predominantly french oak has produced gorgeous plush blackberry fruit, hints of cherrys, aniseed , spice, raspberry with more-ish savoury leather on the finish. Day two we see exquisite layers and dimensions with more char grilled meats and boot leather come more to the fore...Gorgeous wine - this is eden valley shiraz at it's best! .....Seriously do not miss this

"This is the best release of the appassimento dry racked version that I’ve tasted ...Cinnamon dusted blueberries, black fruits, chocolate covered raisins, caramel, pepper spice and all manner of smooth delights. Hints of leather, meat and coffee grounds set it off. Structured by buoyant acidity and long, fine drying tannin which assures it never loses a sense of purpose either. Easy to indulge in now although I’d be keen to see how it evolves over time." Jeremy Pringle, Wine Will Eat Itself.

Price: $31.99

Sons of Eden Remus 2010

Amazing old vine shiraz (1.5 tonne/acre) produced from their 50 year old Eden valley vineyard (500 meters above sea level gives cooler ripening season) produces shiraz with superb aromatics, intensity and finesse. 22 mths in French oak ..This is my favourite Sons wine because of its iron fist in a velvet glove character. Decant this wine for at least two hours or cellar for 10 years! 2010 was a terrific season - this new release is more refined perhaps than the 2009.

Do not miss out..minuscule production of this top shelf drop. 96 points James Halliday for the 2009 and listed in the Best of the Best: “From two low-yielding vineyards with vines over 50 years old. Deep but vivid purple-crimson; given Rolls Royce treatment in the winery, including 22 months in predominantly new French oak hogsheads. A perfectly balanced medium - to full-bodied wine, with delicious dark cherry and spice aromas and flavours, the palate finishing with fine, lingering tannins. 250 dozen made.” RRP $65

Price: $55.99

Zema Family Selection Shiraz 2004 - LAST REMAINING BOTTLES

Bird in Hand Nest Egg Shiraz 2008 - LIMITED STOCK!

Teusner The Riebke Shiraz 2010 ( 375 ml half bottle)

Merlin Saint Joseph Rouge 2007 - LAST BOTTLES!

François Merlin, a shy, modest man worked for René Rostaing (one of the great names of Côte Rôtie) as Chef de Viticulture for over 10 years where he gained his understanding of terroir. In 1987 he planted his first vines and was also able to buy some existing vines. The wines remain a bit of a secret but Merlin is often one of the first cited by other top producers when asked their favourite local producer..

Produced from vineyards in the north of Saint Joseph, France in 2007 (a great vintage), this wine has more in common with its near neighbour of Cote Rotie. 100% Syrah with old vine intensity (50% vines planted 1968) with perfume and elegance. His red Saint Joseph looks rather like a little Cote Rotie and comes from 2 parcels aged 18 and 40 years old located in the north of the appellation. His goal is to make fresh long complex wines rather than unctuous ones without losing the fruit purity of the vineyard. Superb Saint Joseph with depth, intensity and freshness …this wine needs to be decanted or alternatively cellar for up to 10 years.

RRP: $78

Price: $65.99

Coates The Syrah 2010

Duane Coates is one of the quiet achievers of the Australian Wine Scene (Masters in Oenology and an MBA from Adelaide University & soon to become a Master of Wine). His winemaking philosophy is simple: the highest quality fruit from sustainable vineyards (some organic), harvest when properly ripe and a natural winemaking approach (minimal intervention - wild yeasts, unfined, no additions of tannin, enzyme and acid). Huon Hooke said: “Every wine I’ve tasted of McLaren Vale’s Duane Coates has been excellent…” Highly impressive wines – a style that bridges the gap between fruit driven Australian style and savoury complex wines of old world Europe.

Fruit from McLaren Vale & Langhorne Creek blend matured for 20 mths in fine French French oak… This wine has oodles of purity, depth and sophistication. It is delicious and over delivers in spades…… yes could be double the price but we won't tell Duane !

94 Points James Halliday's Australian Wine Companion 2013 ... "Dense purple-crimson, clear and bright on the rim, although neither fined or filtered; certainly comes from the big end of town, full-bodied and effusive, yet not clumsy; black fruits of every description, licorice, bitter chocolate and a nice dab of oak from 20 months in barrel all work very well, tannins providing the bow to tie the parcel."

Leading UK wine writer Matthew Jukes is also impressed ... "Blending fruit from two of the most important regions in the country to make a wine entitled "The Syrah" means that a statement is most certainly being made with this wine. That the nose and palate match up to the enigmatic label and famous origins speaks volumes for the skill involved here. Not surprisingly one of the richest wines in our line-up, this South Australian classic manages to keep its feet on the ground on account of its ultra fine tannins and compact mid-palate. A decanter is an essential piece of paraphernailia when drinking this wine."

RRP $25

Price: $19.99

Ashton Hills Lone Star Shiraz 2003

Ashton Hills has the oldest pinot vineyard in the Adelaide Hills. Stephen George wears 3 winemakers’ hats, one for his Ashton Hills wines coming from his estate vineyard high in the Adelaide Hills, one for Galah Wines and the other for the iconic Wendouree in Clare. He refers to his dry grown Piccadilly Valley vineyard planted back in 1982 as the “Burgundy of the Adelaide Hills”. Much experimentation with pinot noir clones (15 clones planted) and trellising has resulted in sublime pinot noir. Ashton Hills has received many awards including the coveted 5 Red star rating from James Halliday.

Stephen George says: “The grapes for this wine cropped at a low ton and a half per acre and the wine was matured in new and seasoned French oak for two years. ...darkly coloured and concentrated; drink now with meats or cheese ...”

James Halliday in his 2009 Australian Wine Companion said “Generous, ripe black fruits, dark chocolate and licorice, particularly meritorious for the vintage; ripe tannins, and anice savoury twist on the finish.” 90 Points. Drink to 2023.

Drank this at a dinner party recently
( coincidentally 2 bottles of this were on the table!) and everbody was so thrilled with it that we had to bring more back in! This medium bodied red ( screw cap) is a delight- rich ripe fruit, savoury twist, velvety texture finishing bright and juicy. Love this.....

RRP: $29

Price: $24.99

David Hook Old Vines Shiraz 2009 - LAST BOTTLES REMAINING!

Winemaker, David Hook planted the original Pothana chardonnay vineyard 27 yrs ago in Belford, in the north of the Lower Hunter Valley on his family’s grazing property. He “cut his teeth” along side Murray Tyrrell, worked at Lakes Folly and widely as a flying winemaker in France and Spain. With 25 years experience, he makes exceptional wines with regional and varietal character to reflect the place of origin.

Sourced from the original Belford Vineyard planted 27 years ago (low yields less than 2 t/acre). Rigorous fruit selection (best fruit from original block). Handpicked fruit and fermented in open fermenters, hand plunged and basket pressed. 12 mths maturation in French oak. This full bodied red is blessed with concentrated layers of flavour of blackberries, blueberries, hints of meatiness, pepper and spice. Great length of flavour and ripe more-ish tannins. Bring on the roast! Soft and approachable now (Decant this) but will cellar for up to 6 years.

Price: $42.99

Spinifex Bete Noir 2008 - LAST BOTTLES REMAINING!

94 POINTS - James Halliday's 2011 Australian Wine Companion.

“Bright purple-crimson; a particularly expressive and fragrant bouquet with spicy black fruits, the medium- to full-bodied palate with licorice and more warm spice notes. Rating 94” James Halliday.

100% Shiraz from the Barossa and Eden Valleys Top shelf shiraz - balanced shiraz with extraordinary depth of fruit and spice, meatiness, licquorice and a very long finish. Winemaker Pete Schell had long resisted making a single varietal wine, something which was synonymous with the Barrossa and with which most people were familiar. It was hanging over him... it was his “Bete Noir”. Glad he gave into it because this wine is superb. Recommend decanting and watch how the flavours evolve! or time in the cellar. Limited.
RRP: $49

Price: $44.99

Bannockburn Shiraz 2006- Limited last bottles

$Kangarilla Road \"Devils Whiskers\" Shiraz 2010 ** 6 pack Special **$

Kangarilla Road "Devils Whiskers" Shiraz 2010 6 pack Special

I am often afflicted with Devils Whiskers- 2 little marks appear on my top lips when drinking rouge!

Robert Parker is fan of this leading McLaren Vale winery: ".. a knack for turning out high quality efforts...all classic McLaren Vale cuvees with a sense of balance and restraint suggestive of European influence however there is no compromise of the wines flavours or ripeness levels.”

My favourite wine of the lineuop at a recent tastings- extraordinary fruit and structure for a $30 wine. Powerful shiraz with concentration , structure and moreish tar (french oak) on finish with fragrance and suppleness on palate ( splash of viognier in blend) Definitely a wine of yin and yang. Decanting this wine revealed so many dimensions over the evening. Superb drinking here.
94 points from Halliday ".. a high quality McLaren Vale shiraz, replete with layers of black fruits, dark chocolate and licorice, firm but fine and ripe tannins, and all the oak that is necessary."

92 Points Campbell Mattinson, The Wine Front .. "Better, cooler vintage conditions have had a noticeable – positive – impact on these Kangarilla Road reds. It’s a warm, rich shiraz but it doesn’t burn with alcohol and the fruit has a fresher edge. Blackberries, plums, chocolate and a tip of raspberry. Some toasty oak. Some loamy notes. A web of fine-grained tannin through the finish. Hard to fault."
RRP $37
6 pack Special PRICE $168 (only $28 A BOTTLE)

Price: $168.00

Kangarilla Road Shiraz 2009 - LIMITED STOCK!

Massena The Eleventh Hour Shiraz 2008 -VERY LIMITED

Dan Standish and Jaysen Collins have produced Barossa shiraz (predominantly Greenock fruit) at its best…
94 points from James Halliday in his 2011 Australian Wine Companion: "Impenetrable colour; an opulent array of essency black fruits, dark chocolate, mulled spices and mocha; the palate is unctuous, showing deep levels of concentrated sweet fruit, followed by chewy tannins to conclude; a rich wine, perfect for a cold night."

RRP $40

More Details
Of previous vintages..... Wine Advocate: “The 2006 Shiraz “Eleventh Hour” comes from 60 to 125-year-old vines that were saved from the bulldozer at the “eleventh hour”. It spent 20 months in used French oak hogsheads. Crimson-colored, it offers an alluring aroma of vanilla, coconut, smoked meat, and wild blueberry. Medium to full-bodied, this ripe, tasty Shiraz is remarkably light on its feet. There is enough soft tannin to safely cellar this wine for 2-3 years and drink it through 2020.” 90-92 points. Jay Millar, Parker’s right hand man. International Wine Cellar: “Saturated red. Compelling bouquet of blueberry, cherry compote, violet and Asian spices. Sappy dark berry flavors are velvety and round, with peppery spice adding nerve. Gains sweetness and power with air, finishing with outstanding clarity and thrust. Deeply flavored but not heavy, this deftly combines richness with energy.” Josh Raynolds who works with Steve Tanzer - 92 Pts.

Price: $42.99

Teusner Albert shiraz 2010 (6 pack)

Fuit sourced from two low yielding unirrigated 45 and 90 yr old vineyards in Barossa's Gommersal & Ebenezer district.

Smokey and tarry notes complement the rich black fruits with hint of aniseed. Full bodied with round opulent flavours of ripe blackberries and plums. The finish is long and luscious with beautifully balanced tannin, acidity and oak (24 mths in French oak). 2010 was a terrific vintage ( long season with no adverse weather). Cellar for up to 10 years. Decanting this wine is a must!

Halliday review for the 08: "Dark chocolate and savoury smoked meat nuances sit pleasantly atop rich black fruit; the palate follows the theme with impressive concentration, turned earth, tar, blackberry and chewy tannin in abundance; rich and ripe, but not overdone, the finish is long, fleshy and harmonious. 95pts" RRP $50

Price: $258.00

Radford Shiraz 2007

Winemaker Ben Radford has produced another cracking Shiraz. Of this vintage he said: "Another very dry year with extremely small yields, ... This gave a more spicy,
peppery character to the wine than previous years – quite savoury and very “Rhone like”. Great aromatic spices – white pepper, star anise & ripe berry fruits were evident during ferment which has carried through to the finished wine with additional layers of mocha chocolate and lovely rounded tannins."

James Halliday - FIVE STAR WINERY - HIGHLY RECOMMENDED - 94 POINTS "Strong purple-red; spicy peppery aromas to the bouquet are reflected in the lively medium-bodied palate, helping lift the finish, and showing none of the toughness of many '07s; excellent line and length. Drink 2022" RRP$44

Tasted this week- this is as good as Eden Valley shiraz can be- love the elegance and balance of this wine.
Our price $39.99

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Ben Radford, current winemaker at Rockford, has spent close to a decade making wine in South Africa, Burgundy and Canada. Ben and his wife Gill have the oldest riesling vineyard in beautiful Eden Valley planted in 1930. Ben & Gill are making spectacular wines in miniscule quantities...5 star rating from Halliday and listed as one of the 10 best new wineries. Their Riesling and shiraz are a must-a balance of intensity and delicacy. Do not miss out.

Price: $39.99

Teusner The Independent Shiraz Mataro 2011

“The irony of independence - you rarely achieve it standing alone” ... so the slogan says on this fine blend of Barossa Shiraz (50%) and Mataro (50%) - a reference to the grape growers who have helped Teusner achieve greatness. The fruit was sourced from low yielding, ancient vines in the Northern Barossa – Ebenezer, Kalimna and Moppa. Kym Teusner says “As always the winemaking is hands off and we let the fruit tell its own story. The result is a brooding, complex wine that sings of the earth from where it came and the toil of our growers that tend the vines....two things that we at Teusner are very proud of.” We are impressed with the quality here following a challenging vintage in 2011...no doubt rigorous fruit selection did the trick and quality came up trumps.... Gold Medal Adelaide Wine show is testament to this.

92 Points – “A sensational young and bright red that marries together two classic red varietals that shine bright in the Barossa; blue fruits, red berries and lovely dark-purple floral lift too, really alluring wine. The palate is beautifully fresh and bright, lively and modern”. Nick Stock, Good wine Guide 2013

RRP: $25

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Gary Walsh from The Wine Front on the 2010: 94 Points. "... if you have a taste for terrific Barossa Shiraz and Mataro at under $20, then do yourself a favour.
It’s a slinky devil all coated in warm choc-licorice and ripe blackberry, seasoned back to into shape with the dried herb and earthiness of Mataro Magic. Medium to full in weight with fine silky silty tannin and an effortless flow of sweet and savoury black fruit filling ... And all this satisfaction delivered for under $20?"

2009 Voted "Best value red wine for 2011" by The Age/SMH Good Wine Guide 2011 by Nick Stock ..."...The palate’s formidably structured and carries plenty of rich fruit flesh, with sturdy tannins, long and true. Very dense, and packs in as much flavour as you could ever hope for, with enough balance to hold it all together. TALK ABOUT OVER DELIVER!” 94 points

Price: $17.99

Teusner Avatar 2008

Leading Barossa vintner, Kym Teusner has produced extraordinary wine here!! A classic Rhone blend 60% grenache 20% shiraz 20% mataro. The grenache and mataro fruit is all sourced from low yielding dry grown 70 to 85 yr old vineyards.

Dark cherries, kirsch, red berry grenache fruit with layers of spice, some earthy, leathery and roast meat characters beautifully integrated on the palate (16 mths maturation in old French oak has brought out the earthy, savoury characters in the grenache) with long fine persistent tannins. Kissed by some bottle age, enjoy this classic Barossa GSM.

"Great colour; has greater structure, complexity and density than the deliciously juicy ’09 Joshua; there is an array of licorice, poached blood plum, spice and polished leather on the bouquet and perfectly balanced palate; finishes with ripe, soft tannins.Grenache/Mourvedre/Shiraz. Drink by 2023 " 95 points James Halliday Wine Companion tasted: 30/8/2010
RRP $40

Price: $29.99

Spinifex La Maline 2010 - SPECIAL STRAIGHT DOZEN PRICE!

This new release comes up trumps...

Shiraz Viognier put Spinifex on the wine map! In the words of winemaker Pete Schell .."La Maline is the finest, most feminine Shiraz cuvee that we produce each year, co-fermented with a small portion of white grapes, typically Viognier (4% in 2009).

94+ points Campbell Mattinson, The Wine Front "Elegant power. This shiraz from Spinifex does a fair version of it. It’s light on its feet and elegant but there’s no doubting the persuasive fruit power here. It’s deep, man. Berries, cherries, plums and a toasty, tarry element. Floral notes too. A juicy wine. Finely stitched tannin. Excellent length. This is pretty special."

95 points James Halliday "Very different to the Bete Noir, with an effusive and supple array of juicy red and black fruits on the medium-bodied palate; there are ample oak and fluffy tannins to add texture, but it's the fruit that does the talking. The name is not a play on Guigal's La Mouline, but (minus the 'La') is French for crafty or cunning."

96 points Nick Stock 2013 Good Wine Guide. "One of the stars in the Barossa shiraz stakes. This has a deep and brooding style to it, with very concentrated ripe dark berry fruits, dark, stony notes, graphite and cedary oak in the mix. The palate is beautifully judged with fine, long tannins delivering a savoury impression that has plenty of brooding purple and black fruit flavour set throughout. Long, taut and commanding wine; needs time."

95 points Huon Hooke "Lovely, clean, plum and spice flavours of balance and harmony. Marvellous texture and length. Excellent wine. Oak is very background here. Very elegant."
Our Price $56 a bottle when you buy a Straight Dozen!

Price: $672.00

Spinifex Indigene 2009 - LAST BOTTLES REMAINING

97 POINTS James Halliday 2012 Australian Wine Companion TOP RATED SHIRAZ BLEND in BEST OF THE BEST!

"Deep purple-crimson; there is a bottomless well of ripe black fruits on the bouquet and velvety rich, medium- to full-bodied palate, and no hint of elevated alcohol or dead fruit; wonderful complexity and length, and tantalising glimpses of what the wine will offer over coming decades." 97 points James Halliday.

"This is something akin to a top-end Châteauneuf-du-Pape - very approachable and keenly balanced." 93 points. Nick Stock, Good Wine Guide, 2012.

"Back to its Shiraz Mataro duel in 2009, Indigene is a yardstick wine for Spinifex; its shape and flavours pave a very original path ... Bold, seductive aromas that run from Indian spice to red berries to briar and back to herbs. It’s complex and heady, yet inviting, with plumes of scent evoking the character of the wine from afar. One of those you can whiff from the table. The palate is firm yet layered, with a textural feel that moves in an ovoid fashion – it opens with blueberry and mulberry, plumes into a soft yet dense pouch of fruit and spice, then finishes lithe and earthy, yet lingers with a very fine trail of sweet raspberry. The tickle of sweetness so very pretty. More right hook then left jab. Bring tha Mataro; a great wine." The Wine Front.
RRP $70 Our price $59.99

Price: $59.99

$Cuilleron Saint Joseph \'L\'Amarybelle\' 2009 - LAST BOTTLES REMAINING!$

Cuilleron Saint Joseph 'L'Amarybelle' 2009 - LAST BOTTLES REMAINING!

Vines from 20-40 years old, grown on steep terraces of shallow sand over granite.
‘Inky ruby. Wilder and more assertively perfumed than the Pierres Seches, displaying scents of dark fruit compote, licorice and black cardamom. Broad, palate-coating cassis and boysenberry flavors show an attractive spiciness and become smokier with air. Chewy tannins add grip to a spicy, nicely persistent finish.’ 90 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar
RRP: $66

$Cuilleron Saint Joseph \$ More Details
“Yves Cuilleron is a superstar of the Northern Rhône” thewinedoctor.com

"Since I can remember, I've always loved tastings and good food. Wine has been part of my family's history for four generations. The estate wasn't destined for me, but my passion for winemaking drew me back to my roots, and in 1987 I took over my father's estate." Yves Cuilleron
“In the space of a decade, Yves Cuilleron has established himself as one of the leading lights of France’s Northern Rhône region. He’s a modernist, but not overly so: his wines straddle neatly the divide between traditionalists and the new-wave, in the sense that they retain their sense of place, but express their site in a slightly more approachable, immediate way. There's purity to the fruit, and where new oak is used it isn't excessive.” Wineanorack.com

Price: $56.99

$Cuilleron Saint Joseph \'Les Pierres SÃ¨ches\' Syrah 2009$

Cuilleron Saint Joseph 'Les Pierres Sèches' Syrah 2009

‘Hints of smoke and black olive. Sappy and chewy but surprisingly lithe; the red and dark berry and bitter chocolate flavors are at once taut and rich, thanks to lively minerality. Finishes with fine-grained tannins and lingering smokiness. I like this wine's energy.’ 89 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar
RRP: $57

$Cuilleron Saint Joseph \$ More Details
“Yves Cuilleron is a superstar of the Northern Rhône” thewinedoctor.com

"Since I can remember, I've always loved tastings and good food. Wine has been part of my family's history for four generations. The estate wasn't destined for me, but my passion for winemaking drew me back to my roots, and in 1987 I took over my father's estate." Yves Cuilleron
“In the space of a decade, Yves Cuilleron has established himself as one of the leading lights of France’s Northern Rhône region. He’s a modernist, but not overly so: his wines straddle neatly the divide between traditionalists and the new-wave, in the sense that they retain their sense of place, but express their site in a slightly more approachable, immediate way. There's purity to the fruit, and where new oak is used it isn't excessive.” Wineanorack.com

Price: $49.99

Old Plains Alluvium Old Vines Cabernet Shiraz 2008

Joint venture between old friends Domenic Torzi and Tim Freeland, Old Plains Wine Co source grapes grown from the last remaining old vine vineyards in the Adelaide Plains. Full of dark fruit power that only hand made basket pressed wines can offer...the cabernet adds glorious structure and fine grained tannins. A touch of bottle age offers beautiful drinking.

94 Points from Gary Walsh at The Wine Front.. "Plenty of come-hither, nutty vanilla oak laid down over black fruits with black strap liquorice and mint adding interest. It’s full-bodied, ripe and luscious but not over-powering or heavy – layers of fruit loll on a thick mattress of velveteen tannins. Flavours of blood plums and savoury oak crop up on the finish. Somewhat obvious, although pretty and highly appealing. No question marks over quality and integrity either. "

Price: $28.99

Lost Valley Shiraz 2008 - LIMITED STOCK!

M. Graillot Domaine Des Lises Crozes Hermitage Rouge 2009 - LAST BOTTLES LEFT

Maxime Graillot has served a long apprenticeship under his father, Alain Graillot the leading Domaine in Crozes Hermitage..

The Wine Spectator writes “ ..in the space of 17 years Alain Graillot has established a reputation for making his Crozes Hermitage the most sought after of the appellation. ..They are a special favourite with the most prestigious restaurants in France….”

Max's main job is winemaker at Domaine Alain Graillot but we were seriously impressed with this from his own label – fruit sourced from his 30 year old organically grown vineyard (soil comprises gravel and ‘les gallets” alluvial pepples - give minerality to the wines) located in Beaumont-Monteaux, south east of Crozes Hermitage. Handpicked fruit, 10-20% whole bunch ferment, 12 months in old Bourgogne oak. We love the fragrance, opulence, purity and savoury complexity of this medium to full bodied Syrah. Gorgeous wine, very approachable, delivering quality and value in spades! Sante!
RRP $50

Price: $43.99

Kangarilla Road Shiraz 2010 - STRAIGHT DOZEN BUY

Robert Parker is fan of this leading McLaren Vale winery: ".. a knack for turning out high quality efforts...all classic McLaren Vale cuvees with a sense of balance and restraint suggestive of European influence however there is no compromise of the wines flavours or ripeness levels.”

2010 was a great vintage in McLaren Vale. Winemaker says ... "will be the strongest since 2006 and we are excited by the quality of grapes and the resultant wines post fermentation. Great depth of flavour with loads of vibrant juicy black currant and plum. 2010 gave us wonderful natural structure with an abundance of silky tannins complemented with nicely integrated oak resulting in a lingering flavour. Enjoy now and over the next 5 years."
This is a super buy at this price!

Price: $204.00

Harewood Estate Shiraz Cabernet 2010 ( straight Dozen)

Harewood has had extraordinary success in just 5 years - awarded the elusive 5 red star rating, the highest recognition possible from James Halliday, (awarded to top 6.5% of wineries).

Rich Frankland River Shiraz (70% ) has been blended with selected parcels of Cabernet Sauvignon (30%) from Mount Barker. Rich, powerful red - black cherry, licquorice and tarriness (thanks to the Franklin River shiraz) complemented by more elegant Cabernet flavours of blackcurrant, chocolate and mint (cabernet provides aroma, structure, acid and tannin) . Gorgeous full bodied red from WA!
RRP $24

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About the 2009 vintage.... Five Stars, 94 points - James Halliday's 2012 Australian Wine Companion .."as good as they come, with its medium- to full-bodied array of black fruits, cedary oak and ripe tannins. A multi-medal winner, this is outstanding value, and has the balance to carry past 2020."
Gold Medal - 2010 Boutique Wine Show of Western Australia
Gold Medal - 2010 Royal Hobart International Wine Show
Silver Medal - 2010 Australian Small Winemakers Show
Silver Medal - 2010 Qantas Wine Show of Western Australia

Price: $216.00

Teusner Avatar 2011 - STRAIGHT DOZEN BUY!

Kym Teusner was crowned king by Gourmet Traveller Wine Magazine as Young Winemaker of the Year in 07. He has produced extraordinary wine here!! Often referred to as the big brother to their un-oaked Joshua GMS, the 2011 Avatar release has a little more Shiraz in the blend than other recent vintages and Teusner consider it their stand out wine of the vintage. Grenache still dominates the blend with spice and red-fruited lift and Mataro adds earthiness and some resounding bass notes. This classic Rhone blend consists of Grenache 49%, Shiraz 30% Mataro 21% - the grenache and mataro fruit is all sourced from low yielding dry grown 70 to 85 yr old vineyards.

91 Points – “This rolls out with a darker colour and shows plenty of shiraz impact, with blackberry fruits and gently earthy spice, some lifted peppery notes too. The palate’s ripe and dense, with solid black and blue fruit flavours, ripe tannins and a slightly resiny oak streak”. Nick Stock, Good Wine Guide 2013.
RRP $39

Only $27 a bottle when you buy a straight dozen.

Price: $324.00

Harewood Estate Frankland River Shiraz 2008

Mount Langi Ghiran Billi Billi Shiraz 2005

Scotchmans Hill Shiraz 2010

Crafted by renowned Geelong producer, this is classy cool climate shiraz (100% estate grown fruit) with concentrated dark berried fruit, licorice, smoked meats and plenty of spice (thanks to maturation in French oak). Reminds me of the northern rhone wines. This offers terrific drinking pleasure.

95 points James Halliday .. "Deep purple-crimson; hand-picked and destemmed (not crushed) into small fermenters for a five-day pre-fermentation soak, then wild yeast-fermented before spending 15 months in new to four-year-old French barriques; has a striking vibrancy of flavour to its red and black fruits, with spice and licorice also in play on the long, medium-bodied palate."

92 Points Gary Walsh The wine Front .. "It’s black and it’s very fragrant. Black fruit, cracked black pepper, roast meat, perfumed dried herbs and flowers – a little creamy oak. A flood of flavour, almost chalky tannin, some warmth and tangy acidity – pump up the volume. Meaty and spicy with a beefy peppery finish. And pretty good value with it."

Price: $24.99

Graillot Syrah 2010

96 POINTS and BEST OF THE BEST SHIRAZ in James Halliday's Australian Wine Companion 2013.
95 POINTS The Wine Front.

Graillot Syrah 2010 is a collaboration between Bibendum importer, Robert Walters and Alain Graillot, one of France’s most respected wine growers from the leading Domaine in Crozes Hermitage. The Wine Spectator said of Graillot “ ..in the space of 17 years Alain Graillot has established a reputation for making his Crozes Hermitage the most sought after of the appellation. ..They are a special favourite with the most prestigious restaurants in France….”

Alain and Robert were very attracted by the idea of coming together to produce a sophisticated, restrained and linear expression of Australian Syrah from what they felt was a “special piece of dirt” in Heathcote Victoria. Alain Graillot, was recently described as “... the man who makes Syrah that tastes like Pinot...” His obsession with elegance shines through in his wines. The conditions of Alain’s involvement were simple: only if he was able to produce the highest quality wine with the kind of elegance for which he is renowned and that he likes to drink, would he be willing to put his name to this project. Initially fruit was sourced from across a single vineyard, yet now they work with only one plot (nicknamed ‘Clos Graillot’) an east-facing parcel of vines ... the wines from this parcel consistently stood out for their fragrance, lacy fruit and elegant tannins. The vines are tended without any herbicides or pesticides. The grapes are handpicked, left to ferment without any yeast additions and are not fined or filtered. Almost no new oak has been used and sulphur is kept to a minimum (none was used at bottling for example).

The nose is expansive with wild red and dark berries, smoke, ink, and some crushed fresh herbs on the nose, with an intensely mineral, graphite quality so typical of the Mt Camel Ranges. The palate is fine and pulpy, as much Pinot as Syrah, with lacy, textured raspberry, blackberry and lively, fresh acidity and ultra fine tannins. A very seductive texture with a lovely interplay of plump fruit and savoury notes. Decant this wine to reveal layers… even better the next day!
RRP $60

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96 points and Best of The Best Shiraz in James Halliday’s 2013 Australian Wine Companion ... “a super-elegant medium-bodied syrah that includes 10% whole bunches, plum and black cherry filling the bouquet and palate alike. It has great line, length and balance, but the key to the wine is its texture, built on fine tannins and totally integrated oak.”
95 points Campbell Mattinson, The Wine Front ... Elegance, purity and precision are the traits both men both desire and elevate; power is secondary to these considerations ... as it unfurls, it draws you thoroughly in. Dryness, tension, gristles of spice, seeds, smoke and herbs. All these savoury notes come wrapped in boysenberried fruit flavour, though as you can probably tell – this wine does not live in a fruit-driven house. It’s all the things it wants to be: elegant, tremendously fine, unimpressed by the mainstream. Every time I put it in my mouth I could see long sharp lines in my mind, like a sketch. It’s all angles and lines, as opposed to a big rubber stamp of ink-filled flavour. It is what it is and uncompromisingly so, but it does not force its point of view. It’s a quiet but insistent syrah. It’ll either be your thing, or it won’t be.”

Price: $46.99

Kilikanon Oracle Shiraz 2009

WINERY OF THE YEAR; 96 POINTS and "Best of the Best" Shiraz in James Halliday's 2013 Wine Companion.
Flagship wine of Kilikanoon, old vine Clare shiraz comprising the best 4 vineyard parcels from vines planted by Kevin Mitchell's father Mort in the 60's and 70's. Made in an opulent and regional style to benchmark the best of Clare Valley terroir. Kilikanoon Oracle Shiraz has twice been awarded World's Best Shiraz from the world's most prestigious wine shows. The Oracle Shiraz was also listed on Langton's Classification in 2010 in only its tenth year of production making it the youngest winery to have a wine listed on Langton's Classification.

This is powerful stuff!! A wine that needs decanting to reveal layers of ripe plums, black fruits, licorice, freshly roasted coffee beans. Super premium shiraz that needs time in the cellar (up to 15 yrs careful cellaring). Do yourself a favour!
RRP: $90
*For a limited time SPECIAL PRICE!**

Price: $69.99

Kilikanoon Killermans Run Shiraz 2011 - STRAIGHT DOZEN BUY

Special / Sale Price - Stella Bella Skuttlebutt Shiraz Cabernet 2009 - STRAIGHT DOZEN SPECIAL!

Derived from an ancient nautical term, "skuttlebutt" was the vessel of water at which people would gather to chat and from which the grapevine of social gossip did sprout. As such, the chance to catch up with friends over a glass of good wine is the perfect occasion for Skuttlebutt!

This fine Shiraz Cabernet blend comes from leading Margaret River winery Stella Bella and Red Winemaker of the Year (Campbell Mattinsons Big Red Wine Book). Found in the finest restaurants, Stella Bella wines were awarded the coveted 5 red star rating from James Halliday in his 2012 Wine Companion and have won countless awards and trophies at leading wine shows.

From their second label Skuttlebutt, the 2009 Shiraz Cabernet brims with blackberries, blood plums and spice balanced with ripe tannins, great length of flavour and well integrated French Oak (The Cabernet provides fine grained tannins, structure and minty complexity).

91 points Ray Jordan, The West Australian "Nice to see a value-for-money red with a bit of age on it at release. Warm and generous, medium-bodied fruit. Appealing mix of licorice, dark plum and spicy chocolate. The palate is soft and generous with plenty of structure and flavour. Excellent for drinking over the next couple of years."

90 Points Gary Walsh, The Wine Front "Shiraz Cabernet from Margaret River is perhaps the road less travelled, but it seems to work pretty well there too. Mint and gum leaf, but in a nice sort of twiggy regional way, red and black fruit, bit of smoke. A wine of composure and even drinking charm – light tannin, soft medium bodied appeal and a clean finish. Nutty old oak is welcome. Much to like here, and admire, but mainly it’s just good drinking wine."

RRP$22 ** Only $15 a bottle when you buy as a straight dozen!!**

Price: $264.00
Price: $180.00

Bird in Hand Nest Egg Shiraz 2007 - LAST STOCK REMAINING!

Greenock Creek Roennfeldt Road 2006 - VERY LIMITED!

Established in 1978, Greenock Creek is a 'boutique' Barossa winery owned by Michael & Annabelle Waugh. Their old dry grown, low yielding vineyard (planted in the 1940s) produce wines of extraordinary depth and character. They produce a minuscule 2500 cases per year - their cellar door is only open 36 days a year because they sell out every year to their mailing list. Not surprising this limited production winery has achieved cult-status - (their Roennfeldt Road Shiraz is classified as "Outstanding" in Langtons Australian Wine Classification). The world's most influential wine critic, Robert Parker Jr of The Wine Advocate said .. "If I had to select the number one Australian winery, it would be hard not to choose the Greenock Creek Winery ... these are thrilling, world-class wines that are about as compelling as wine can be."

Hallelluia! I've reached nirvana! This explosive full blooded Shiraz is made for the longhaul from ancient old, dry grown vines planted in the 1940's. 2006 was a great vintage producing profound depth/concentration of fruit which swallows up the new oak (36 months maturation in new American oak and 2 yrs in bottle prior to release). Densely packed palate with firm and finely grained tannins balanced by refreshing acidity. Layer upon layer of flavours are revealed on day 2, 3 & 4 of opening ranging from sweet blood plums, lavendar, blackberry jam, tar, roast meat, gun powder, leather and on she goes... Descriptors do not do this extraordinary wine justice. Despite all the richness and power there is a gorgeous finesse and elegance revealed here too. Will cellar for 35 years!! Is Grange overpriced !? This is the wine that settles that score! Be quick here....
1995, '96, '98 and 2002 have all been rated 100/100 by Robert Parker. Of the '95 Roennfeldt Road Shiraz Robert Parker said ... " this is one of the greatest Shiraz I have ever tasted."
RRP $320

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Evocative review by flamboyant wine writer Phillip White ..95 points "It’s like being shot in the mouth: I tasted salty blood and bone chips. There were definite indications of grapes there once I recovered from being shot, but that took a long time. There is a lot to learn here. I think next time I try it, I’ll approach it like the vinous equivalent of Lagavulin 16 yo. Single Malt Islay Whisky, for that is close to its mighty austerity and concentration. And then it shape-changes again, and becomes a sort of XXX-rated adult dessert liqueur. It is virtually impossible to point, but I suspect this will become a much-discussed and mythologised glory by 2040."

Price: $269.99

Teusner Avatar GSM 2011

Kym Teusner was crowned king by Gourmet Traveller Wine Magazine as Young Winemaker of the Year in 07. He has produced extraordinary wine here!! Often referred to as the big brother to their un-oaked Joshua GMS, the 2011 Avatar release has a little more Shiraz in the blend than other recent vintages and Teusner consider it their stand out wine of the vintage. Grenache still dominates the blend with spice and red-fruited lift and Mataro adds earthiness and some resounding bass notes. This classic Rhone blend consists of Grenache 49%, Shiraz 30% Mataro 21% - the grenache and mataro fruit is all sourced from low yielding dry grown 70 to 85 yr old vineyards.

91 Points – “This rolls out with a darker colour and shows plenty of shiraz impact, with blackberry fruits and gently earthy spice, some lifted peppery notes too. The palate’s ripe and dense, with solid black and blue fruit flavours, ripe tannins and a slightly resiny oak streak”. Nick Stock, Good Wine Guide 2013.
RRP $39 (see also Straight Dozen buy)

Price: $27.99

Greenock Creek Seven Acre Shiraz 2008 - VERY LIMITED

Established in 1978, Greenock Creek is a 'boutique' Barossa winery owned by Michael & Annabelle Waugh. Their old dry grown, low yielding vineyard (planted in the 1940s) produce wines of extraordinary depth and character. They produce a minuscule 2500 cases per year - their cellar door is only open 36 days a year because they sell out every year to their mailing list. Not surprising this limited production winery has achieved cult-status - (their Roennfeldt Road Shiraz is classified as "Outstanding" in Langtons Australian Wine Classification). The world's most influential wine critic, Robert Parker Jr of The Wine Advocate said .. "If I had to select the number one Australian winery, it would be hard not to choose the Greenock Creek Winery ... these are thrilling, world-class wines that are about as compelling as wine can be."

Fruit from 25 year old shiraz vines grown on rich red soils followed by 27 months in seasoned American oak produce shiraz with more density, power, structure and opulence. This wine needs some time in the cellar or some hours in the decanter.
94 Points The Wine Advocate “... pronounced notes of blackberry and black cherry preserves with some blueberries, figs, spice box, coffee and cedar. Crisp, full and rich, it has firm fine-grained tannins with a long espresso and dark chocolate laced finish."
RRP $65

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93 points Philip White... "This wine has gnarly grumpiness. It is obviously a wine from vines which have their feet deep in tough ground, which is exactly what those ancient quartzites and dolomitic siltstones are. ... Beautiful sweet sweaty syrups are the heart of this evaporated wonder. There are no pretty bits; just the slinky syrup. The essence. Briar and leather and fig are all squeezed in, prune, juniper, ripe blueberries and beets. The palate is strapping, lithe and sluggish."

Price: $57.99

Massena The Eleventh Hour Shiraz 2007 - LAST BOTTLES REMAINING!

Dan Standish and Jaysen Collins have produced Barossa shiraz (predominantly Greenock fruit) at its best… “Eleventh Hour” comes from 60 to 125-year-old vines that were saved from the bulldozer at the “eleventh hour”.

Nick Stock The Good Wine Guide says: "Massena has found its groove and this shiraz shows the innate power of the Barossa Valley presented in Jaysen Collins and Dan Standish's soulful style. Ripe black fruits and gentle, sweet, earthy complexity, sinewy tannins and a sweet sweep of oak through the finish all add up to convincing style. Already very approachable, there's plenty more to come. 92 points".

James Halliday .. " rich, ripe and sweet fruit courses through the palate, its substantial wake suggesting higher alcohol than it in fact has."

Price: $38.99

The Wendouree 2001 Museum Release 6 Pack - LIMITED STOCK!!

Greenock Creek Alices Shiraz 2008

Established in 1978, Greenock Creek is a 'boutique' Barossa winery owned by Michael & Annabelle Waugh. Their old dry grown, low yielding vineyard (planted in the 1940s) produce wines of extraordinary depth and character. They produce a minuscule 2500 cases per year - their cellar door is only open 36 days a year because they sell out every year to their mailing list. Not surprising this limited production winery has achieved cult-status - (their Roennfeldt Road Shiraz is classified as "Outstanding" in Langtons Australian Wine Classification). The world's most influential wine critic, Robert Parker Jr of The Wine Advocate said .. "If I had to select the number one Australian winery, it would be hard not to choose the Greenock Creek Winery ... these are thrilling, world-class wines that are about as compelling as wine can be."

From 15 year old vines grown on superb rich red Barossa soil. 27 months in seasoned american oak. We were very impressed with this Barossa beauty - she is rich n robust, ripe, balanced and a bargain! Decant this wine.
93 Points The Wine Advocate .. “Very deep garnet-purple colored ... pronounced blackberry and black cherry compote aromas overlying anise, chocolate box, vanilla, cedar and cloves. Full-bodied with very crisp acid and very firm fine grained tannins, this is a beautifully produced Shiraz with great balance and persistence."

RRP $50

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93 points Phillip White. "..This vineyard produces incredibly plush, fleshy flavour which this year has been neatly offset with some edgy, spicy oak and the acrid prickle of the dust and stone and pronounced aniseed and licorice tints. The 08 fig and prune duo are obvious .. the palate’s slinky, and seems to be wrapped like sinew, muscle and chubby fat around a whiprod acid spine."

Price: $37.99

Xanadu Shiraz 2010

John and Eithne Lagan planted their first vines in 1977 in what is now considered one of the oldest vineyards in Margaret River. Xanadu now has a long history of producing wines of distinction, accolades and a reputation as one of the finest wineries in the region.

Single vineyard wine all sourced from the Stevens Road Vineyard, 14 mths maturation in French oak (1/3 new). This beautiful shiraz (reminds me of France's northern rhone) is medium to full bodied. fragrant, elegant and balanced. Margaret River shiraz is so delicious and seriously underated. Enjoy this bargain!

"Xanadu’s stocks sure have risen in recent years. This release saw about 40% new oak, and includes a tiny portion of viognier. So clean, composed and complete. This is how to make a twenty-something-dollar red wine. Good fruit intensity without anything excessive. Plushness of texture, without syrupyness. An itch of spice, but only that. And then enough swagger to the tannin to know that you’ve got a good/excellent glass of red on your hands, made by a winemaker confident enough to build a few layers into it ... its quality is obvious. 95 points, Campbell Mattinson The Wine Front
RRP $29

Price: $21.99

$Cuilleron Les Vignes d\'a Cote Syrah 2011$

Cuilleron Les Vignes d'a Cote Syrah 2011

In 1987 Yves took over his family wine estate (after 4 generations) located in Verlieu (in the town of Chavanay) and since that time he has built an entirely new winery. He has acquired additional vineyards (domaine is now 52 hectares) that cover appellations, including Saint Joseph, Cote Rotie, Cornas, Condrieu, Saint Péray and a series of Vin de Pays from the Collines Rhodaniennes.

His philosophy in the vineyard is simple and very much a sustainable approach, no insecticides/pesticides only organic ones, majority is high density planted (competition between vines enhances fruit quality), handpicked fruit (much of vineyard is on terraces). Similarly in the winery a natural approach: wild yeasts, no additions, open fermenters (temperature controlled), maturation in french oak barriques and foudres (his wines are more about purity of fruit and he goes easy on the oak).

We always feel that winemakers are only as good as their entry level wines. This wine proves Yves’ class. This is far from entry level quality wine and is made with the same care and love as the rest of his wines. This is super smart syrah ... Lovely tense and yet plush fruit with classic violet lift and hints of more-ish smoky tar. Gorgeous balance and length in this fine medium bodied offering. We love this delicious wine and call it “Baby Côte-Rôtie”. Do not miss out on a box of this!
RRP $30

$Cuilleron Les Vignes d\$ More Details
“Yves Cuilleron is a superstar of the Northern Rhône” thewinedoctor.com

"Yves Cuilleron has become one of the bright shining stars of the northern Rhone” Robert Parker

“In the space of a decade, Yves Cuilleron has established himself as one of the leading lights of France’s Northern Rhone...He is a modernist but not overtly so his wines straddle neatly the divide between traditionalists and the new-wave, in the sense that they retain their sense of place, but express their site in a slightly more approachable, immediate way. There's purity to the fruit, and where new oak is used it isn't excessive.” Wineanorack.com

Price: $25.50

This product has sold out.

Langmeil Barossa Valley Floor Shiraz 2010 - 6 PACK BUY!

At its heart of the famous Barossa Valley is its Valley Floor, a highly prized strip of prime viticultural land which is the very foundation and forms the essence of this wine, a true taste of the Barossa. Langmeil is home to what is believed to be the worlds oldest surviving shiraz vineyard, planted in 1842. Fruit from old vines (some 100 yrs old), hands-on winemaking, gentle de-stemming, open fermentation and basket pressing, minimal filtration and no fining - this is pure Barossa Shiraz.

2010 was an exceptional vintage in the Barossa .. This has juicy fruit balanced wonderfully with briary and sweet spice. Full bodied with great complexity, hints of cedar and smokey notes which, in combination, flows through to the lengthy and youthfully austere finish.
RRP $34 ... Only $24.50 when you buy as a straight 6 pack.

Price: $147.00

Langmeil Barossa Valley Floor Shiraz 2010

At its heart of the famous Barossa Valley is its Valley Floor, a highly prized strip of prime viticultural land which is the very foundation and forms the essence of this wine, a true taste of the Barossa. Langmeil is home to what is believed to be the worlds oldest surviving shiraz vineyard, planted in 1842. Fruit from old vines (some 100 yrs old), hands-on winemaking, gentle de-stemming, open fermentation and basket pressing, minimal filtration and no fining - this is pure Barossa Shiraz.

2010 was an exceptional vintage in the Barossa .. This has juicy fruit balanced wonderfully with briary and sweet spice. Full bodied with great complexity, hints of cedar and smokey notes which, in combination, flows through to the lengthy and youthfully austere finish. Enjoyed this at a wedding recently and was struck by it's juiciness depth and elegance. This is gorgeous shiraz
RRP $34

Price: $24.50

Turners Crossing Shiraz Viognier 2007

Turners Crossing, planted by Paul Jenkins in 1999 and named after the local farmers crossing at Loddon River in Victoria's Bendigo in the late 1800s. Much celebrated and zealous winemaker, Sergio Carlei was so impressed with the consistent quality and balance of fruit produced on the vineyard (warm days to ripen fruit and cool nights impart vibrancy/freshness and savoury more-ish leather/tarriness in the flavour spectrum) that he was quick to strike up a business partnership with Paul to create Turners Crossing wines. The vineyard's unique red sandy clay soils over limestone (like the Coonawarra) provide great drainage and high ph ideal for vines to access all the trace elements and minerals needed in the soils which translates to consistency of quality. Low yields and much care and attention - use of organic fertilisers and dry mediteranean summers means minimal disease pressure and no need for chemical sprays in the vineyard.

Sergio employs long maceration, wild yeast co-fermentation of 95% shiraz and 5% viognier followed by 24 months maturation in French oak. 2007 was a drought year (yields were down 40%) producing concentrated, muscular/structured wine that needed time. After 6 years bottle age in the wineries cellar ... Eureka! This fine wine has come into its own!

Gorgeous synergy of rich black fruits, spice, complexity, finesse with great power/length, firm, silky tannins balanced by raspberry freshness on the finish. This back vintage beauty is drinking magnificently now with another 3 or 5 years cellaring potential. We tasted this alongside their newly released 2010 (96 points and listed in Best of Best in Halliday's latest book) and preferred this 2007. Yum and joy to bottle age! This bargain is our quality and value wine of the year! Do not miss out here!

Halliday rated this 94 points: "Incredibly ripe redcurrant and blackberry bouquet with a suggestion of bay leaf in the background; very warm on entry, there is a generous quality to the fruit; the tannins sit apart at this stage, but given the dimensions of the wine, time will be of great assistance." March 2009.
RRP $24

Price: $18.99

Bannockburn Shiraz 2008 - **STRAIGHT DOZEN BUY**

Turners Crossing Shiraz Viognier 2007 - STRAIGHT DOZEN SPECIAL!

Turners Crossing, planted by Paul Jenkins in 1999 and named after the local farmers crossing at Loddon River in Victoria's Bendigo in the late 1800s. Much celebrated and zealous winemaker, Sergio Carlei was so impressed with the consistent quality and balance of fruit produced on the vineyard (warm days to ripen fruit and cool nights impart vibrancy/freshness and savoury more-ish leather/tarriness in the flavour spectrum) that he was quick to strike up a business partnership with Paul to create Turners Crossing wines. The vineyard's unique red sandy clay soils over limestone (like the Coonawarra) provide great drainage and high ph ideal for vines to access all the trace elements and minerals needed in the soils which translates to consistency of quality. Low yields and much care and attention - use of organic fertilisers and dry mediteranean summers means minimal disease pressure and no need for chemical sprays in the vineyard.

Sergio employs long maceration, wild yeast co-fermentation of 95% shiraz and 5% viognier followed by 24 months maturation in French oak. 2007 was a drought year (yields were down 40%) producing concentrated, muscular/structured wine that needed time. After 6 years bottle age in the wineries cellar ... Eureka! This fine wine has come into its own!

Gorgeous synergy of rich black fruits, spice, complexity, finesse with great power/length, firm, silky tannins balanced by raspberry freshness on the finish. This back vintage beauty is drinking magnificently now with another 3 or 5 years cellaring potential. We tasted this alongside their newly released 2010 (96 points and listed in Best of Best in Halliday's latest book) and preferred this 2007. Yum and joy to bottle age! This bargain is our quality and value wine of the year! Do not miss out here!

Halliday rated this 94 points: "Incredibly ripe redcurrant and blackberry bouquet with a suggestion of bay leaf in the background; very warm on entry, there is a generous quality to the fruit; the tannins sit apart at this stage, but given the dimensions of the wine, time will be of great assistance." March 2009.
RRP $24
Our Special Straight Dozen Price is $17.99 a bottle.

Price: $215.88

Turners Crossing Shiraz Viognier 2010

Turners Crossing was planted by Paul Jenkins in 1999 and named after the local farmers crossing at Loddon River in Victoria's Bendigo in the late 1800s. Much celebrated and zealous winemaker, Sergio Carlei was so impressed with the consistent quality and balance of fruit produced on the vineyard (warm days to ripen fruit and cool nights impart vibrancy/freshness and savoury more-ish leather/tarriness in the flavour spectrum) that he was quick to strike up a business partnership with Paul to create Turners Crossing wines. The vineyard's unique red sandy clay soils over limestone (like the Coonawarra) provide great drainage and high ph ideal for vines to access all the trace elements and minerals needed in the soils which translates to consistency of quality. Low yields and much care and attention - use of organic fertilisers and dry mediteranean summers means minimal disease pressure and no need for chemical sprays in the vineyard.

Sergio employs long maceration, wild yeast co-fermentation of 95% shiraz and 5% viognier followed by 24 months maturation in French oak. Sergio says about this wine: "The wine is very deep red in colour, the aroma has intense and concentrated ripe black fruits with no overt jammy elements and some complex spiciness and savoury elements and less apparent Viognier aromatics (hints of spicy apricots). The very warm year produced an intense palate which is complementary to the aromas, rich, round and full in weight with intense fruit and some savoury, earthy elements, lovely framing spicy persistent tannins and lingering balanced mineral acidity. The wine is very complex and represents the classical Bendigo Terroir in an excellent year. Although the wine is rich and full now and drinks very well, it can also benefit with further bottle aging."

95 points James Halliday "Everything about this wine is impressive, from its vibrant cherry and plum fruit through to its fine, spicy tannins that run through much of the palate, and its impressive finish and aftertaste"

93 points, Campbell Mattinson, The Wine Front "Big, lifted, aromatic style. Viognier is slightly jarring. Plums, mint, pepper-spice, and a stonefruity sweetness. Lots of come-hither appeal for sure. Lots of succulent, well-ripened, smooth fruit. Impeccable tannin. Length is good too"

Ralph Kyte-Powell, SMH/The Age "A top-notch Bendigo shiraz viognier blend that avoids the eucalypty traits of some central Victorian reds. Instead, it offers complex, elegant aromas of raspberries, glace cherries, spice and milk chocolate. The palate follows through smooth and seamless, medium bodied and succulent in flavour, with a sinewy backbone of fine tannins that should support some bottle age. First-class Victorian regional wine. Wine of the week' 12 Feb 2013.
RRP $24 Special price $17.99

Price: $17.99

$Cuilleron CÃ´te-RÃ´tie \'Terre Sombres\' 2010$

Cuilleron Côte-Rôtie 'Terre Sombres' 2010

“Yves Cuilleron is a superstar of the Northern Rhône” thewinedoctor.com

"Yves Cuilleron has become one of the bright shining stars of the northern Rhone” Robert Parker.

In 1987 Yves took over his family wine estate (after 4 generations) located in Verlieu (in the town of Chavanay) and since that time he has built an entirely new winery. He has acquired additional vineyards (domaine is now 52 hectares) that cover appellations, including Saint Joseph, Cote Rotie, Cornas, Condrieu, Saint Péray and a series of Vin de Pays from the Collines Rhodaniennes. His philosophy in the vineyard is simple and very much a sustainable approach, no insecticides/pesticides only organic ones, majority is high density planted (competition between vines enhances fruit quality), handpicked fruit (much of vineyard is on terraces). Similarly in the winery a natural approach: wild yeasts, no additions, open fermenters (temperature controlled), maturation in french oak barriques and foudres (his wines are more about purity of fruit and he goes easy on the oak).

The dream 2010 vintage has been praised and lauded so much- it is often referred to as the vintage of a generation (yields were down in 2010 which makes it even more scarce!). Jancis Robinson was even more heroic in her description of the 2010 season and said : “Low yields of exceptionally good quality. 2010, one of the best years in the northern Rhone - possibly the best in history!

‘Terre Sombres’ refers to the brown soil of the renowned lieux-dits in the north of the appellation, in the municipality of Ampuis. Fruit sourced from a 1.8 hectare high density planted vineyard. 18 months in barriques. A deep, complex nose of black fruit, spice and liquorice, with delicate oaky notes that will age for a good 15 years. Dense concentrated wine- full of structure, drive and finesse. LIMITED

‘Inky purple. Sexy, intense aromas of black raspberry, bacon, Asian spices and cola. Lush, sweet and broad, with lively acidity lifting the dense flavors of red and dark berries and violet. Finishes sappy, tactile and very long, with lingering spiciness and excellent energy.’ 92-94 points - Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, Mar/Apr 12
VERY LIMITED

$Cuilleron Côte-Rôtie \$ More Details
“In the space of a decade, Yves Cuilleron has established himself as one of the leading lights of France’s Northern Rhone...He is a modernist but not overtly so his wines straddle neatly the divide between traditionalists and the new-wave, in the sense that they retain their sense of place, but express their site in a slightly more approachable, immediate way. There's purity to the fruit, and where new oak is used it isn't excessive.” Wineanorack.com

Price: $155.99

Cuilleron Cornas ‘Les Vires’ 2010

“Yves Cuilleron is a superstar of the Northern Rhône” thewinedoctor.com

"Yves Cuilleron has become one of the bright shining stars of the northern Rhone” Robert Parker.

In 1987 Yves took over his family wine estate (after 4 generations) located in Verlieu (in the town of Chavanay) and since that time he has built an entirely new winery. He has acquired additional vineyards (domaine is now 52 hectares) that cover appellations, including Saint Joseph, Cote Rotie, Cornas, Condrieu, Saint Péray and a series of Vin de Pays from the Collines Rhodaniennes. His philosophy in the vineyard is simple and very much a sustainable approach, no insecticides/pesticides only organic ones, majority is high density planted (competition between vines enhances fruit quality), handpicked fruit (much of vineyard is on terraces). Similarly in the winery a natural approach: wild yeasts, no additions, open fermenters (temperature controlled), maturation in french oak barriques and foudres (his wines are more about purity of fruit and he goes easy on the oak).

The dream 2010 vintage has been praised and lauded so much- it is often referred to as the vintage of a generation (yields were down in 2010 which makes it even more scarce!). Jancis Robinson was even more heroic in her description of the 2010 season and said: “ Low yields of exceptionally good quality. 2010, one of the best years in the northern Rhone - possibly the best in history!"

From vines on granite soils in the central part of the hillside in Les Cotes, a district in the south of the commune; two-thirds of the vines were planted in 1911. “Les Vires” refers to the local name for terraces. 18 months spent in barriques. A wine with ripe and spicy aromas, rounded and velvety on the palate, with a fresh finish and rich, well-integrated tannins. Plenty of power/structure in this beauty and needs several hours decanting but recommend laying this down for 4 or 5 years or for up to at least 15 years. LIMITED

‘Opaque purple. Deep, smoky aromas of black and blue fruit preserves, pipe tobacco and incense, with an intense spicy overtone. Fleshy blackberry and boysenberry flavors are enlivened by cracked pepper and allspice qualities. Finishes focused and long, with a vanilla-accented note of candied dark berries.’ 92-94 points - Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, Mar/Apr 12.
RRP $145

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“In the space of a decade, Yves Cuilleron has established himself as one of the leading lights of France’s Northern Rhone...He is a modernist but not overtly so his wines straddle neatly the divide between traditionalists and the new-wave, in the sense that they retain their sense of place, but express their site in a slightly more approachable, immediate way. There's purity to the fruit, and where new oak is used it isn't excessive.” Wineanorack.com

Price: $139.99

$Cuilleron St. Joseph \'Les Serinesâ�� Syrah 2010 - LIMITED$

Cuilleron St. Joseph 'Les Serines’ Syrah 2010 - LIMITED

In 1987 Yves took over his family wine estate (after 4 generations) located in Verlieu (in the town of Chavanay) and since that time he has built an entirely new winery. He has acquired additional vineyards (domaine is now 52 hectares) that cover appellations, including Saint Joseph, Cote Rotie, Cornas, Condrieu, Saint Péray and a series of Vin de Pays from the Collines Rhodaniennes. His philosophy in the vineyard is simple and very much a sustainable approach, no insecticides/pesticides only organic ones, majority is high density planted (competition between vines enhances fruit quality), handpicked fruit (much of vineyard is on terraces). Similarly in the winery a natural approach: wild yeasts, no additions, open fermenters (temperature controlled), maturation in french oak barriques and foudres (his wines are more about purity of fruit and he goes easy on the oak).

The dream 2010 vintage has been praised and lauded so much - it is often referred to as the vintage of a generation (yields were down in 2010 which makes it even more scarce!). Jancis Robinson was even more heroic in her description of the 2010 season and said : “Low yields of exceptionally good quality. 2010, one of the best years in the northern Rhone - possibly the best in history!"

This wine from old vines was made to age ... best to wait 4-5 years, but it can cellar 15 years or more. ‘Les Serines’ refers to the local name for Syrah. This has a complex and powerful nose of black fruits, spice, liquorice and delicate toasted notes. Full bodied/powerful, terrific length and velvety tannins. LIMITED

‘Opaque purple. High-toned aromas of dark berries, floral oil, star anise and black pepper. Silky and perfumed in the mouth, with terrific thrust and lift to its concentrated blackberry and violet pastille flavors. Show excellent clarity and sappiness on the bright, perfumed finish.’ 91-93 points - Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, Mar/Apr 12
RRP $95

$Cuilleron St. Joseph \$ More Details
“Yves Cuilleron is a superstar of the Northern Rhône” thewinedoctor.com

"Yves Cuilleron has become one of the bright shining stars of the northern Rhone” Robert Parker

“In the space of a decade, Yves Cuilleron has established himself as one of the leading lights of France’s Northern Rhone...He is a modernist but not overtly so his wines straddle neatly the divide between traditionalists and the new-wave, in the sense that they retain their sense of place, but express their site in a slightly more approachable, immediate way. There's purity to the fruit, and where new oak is used it isn't excessive.” Wineanorack.com

Price: $89.99

Spinifex Bete Noir 2010 - SPECIAL STRAIGHT DOZEN PRICE!

100% Shiraz from the Barossa and Eden Valleys. Top shelf shiraz - balanced shiraz with extraordinary depth of fruit and spice, meatiness, licquorice and a very long finish. Winemaker Pete Schell had long resisted making a single varietal wine, something which was synonymous with the Barrossa and with which most people were familiar. It was hanging over him... it was his “Bete Noir”. Glad he gave into it because this wine is superb. Recommend decanting and watch how the flavours evolve! or time in the cellar.

94 Points James Halliday "... a very complex and potent wine, its medium to full-bodied palate built on a structure of savoury, ripe tannins running from start to finish on the palate, and fusing the black fruit flavours into a single line."

95 points Huon Hooke - "Oak-tinged aromas of toasted barrels, caramel, dark chocolate and a vague hint of fruitcake. Sweet fruit entry, elegant and fleshy, ripe and charming, with lush fruit and juicy sweetness. Elegant and balanced, with persuasive fine-grained tannins which linger. Superb wine."

93 points Nick Stock, 2013 Good Wine Guide - "A rich and swarthy wine that has some handy structure to carry all the weight and flavour _ aromas of tarry dark berry fruits and dark earth here too. The palate offers strong, swarthy and sturdy tannins that carry ripe, rich and dense dark fruit flavours; a little spicy twist through the finish."

92 points Campbell Mattinson, The Wine Front "... This wine presents impeccably well in the glass, all aromatic and complex, and should cellar admirably."
Our Price $30.50 when you buy as a Straight Dozen!

Price: $366.00

Mount Langi Ghiran Cliff Edge Shiraz 2003

Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Great Dividing Range in the Grampians region of Victoria Mount Langi Ghiran is undoubtably one of Australia's greatest shiraz producers and consistently rated 5 Red Stars by James Halliday. Mount Langi Ghiran Cliff Edge Shiraz is second only to their flagship shiraz Mount Langi, 100% premium cool climate estate grown fruit which has benefited from bottle age in the winery's cellar.

We tried the 2003 alongside our remaining bottle of 2005 and wow, it held its head high! We don’t imagine being able to find another wine again of this calibre that has been carefully cellared for 10 years and beautifully mellowed under screwcap for this price anytime soon!

2003 was a drought year which saw great concentration of fruit flavours, structure and tannins. James Halliday rated it 93 points back in 2011 and wrote ...”Good colour; medium to full-bodied; attractive, complex array of black fruits and spices; good oak and tannins. Drink till 2015.”
Superb medium bodied shiraz with oodles of sophistication - predominantly estate grown fruit, french oak and some bottle age. Whiff of white pepper, mouthcoating dark berry fruit, licorice with wonderful balance and length. Bottle age has contributed complexity and silky fine grained tannins in this exceptional shiraz. Still plenty of vibrancy and life in this fine wine.
RRP $34

Price: $17.99

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