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Harewood Estate Denmark Pinot Noir 2009

Winemaker James Kellie (formerly of Howard Park) has had extraordinary success in just 5 years - trophies galore and the elusive 5 red star rating (the highest recognition possible from James Halliday, Australia's most influential wine critic awarded to top 6.5% of wineries).

Complex wine- black cherry and plum, dark chocolate, liquorice and spice. Plenty of rich and supple tannins complemented by a long and spicy finish. 100% handpicked estate grown fruit (Rare Burgundian clones isolated by Dijon University from best Pinot vineyards in Burgundy) 20 yr old vineyard, 12 mths maturation in French oak.

Hard work is definitely paying off..unquestionably the best Pinot out of WA for the price.

"Deep colour and deeply fruited; savoury smoky bacon and black plum aromas are framed by a gentle lick of cinnamon; the palate is generous, varietal and quite soft to conclude." James Halliday.
RRP: $24.00

Price: $18.99

Akarua Central Otago Cadence Pinot Noir 2006

Must try the wines from this leading Kiwi pinot noir producer in Bannockburn, Central Otago. Central Otago produces extraordinary pinot noir that is incredibly consistent .. all the rain falls in Milford on the western side of the alps so Bannockburn and Gibbston Valley in CO to the east of the alps are in a rain shadow. They are definitely giving Burgundy a run for their money!
All estate grown fruit, very burgundian in style, extraordinary concentration of fruit, depth, complexity and elegance. I tasted the 06's a few weeks back and it was only after day 2 that the wine started to unravel layers of flavour, concentration to give insight to what bottle age will do. This needs to be decanted or cellared. Top notch pinot.

RRP $ 60

Price: $52.99

Sons of Eden Zephyrus Shiraz Viognier 2007

Wise Eagle Bay Margaret River Shiraz 2006

Torzi Matthews Frost Dodger Eden Valley Shiraz 2008

Dalzotto King Valley Barbera 2005 (12 pack )

Special / Sale Price - Groom Barossa Shiraz 2006

Concentrated layers of flavour in this shiraz of rich dark fruits, plum, liquorice, spice: Great length and seamless texture of fine tannins, balanced American oak and velvet. All fruit sourced from their low yielding Kalimna vineyard
next door to Penfolds Grange mother source
vineyard. Decant this wine for a few hours or cellar for 5 or 10
years. This wine has it all -depth of fruit, intensity and balance.
Halliday 96/100. Limited stock. Every cellar needs a case of this fine stuff.

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Daryl Groom was the Penfolds winemaker for years and has spent the last decade as chief winemaker at Geyser peak in the Napa. His sister and brother-in-law David look after their vineyards in Lenswood in the Adelaide Hills and Kalimna in the Barossa. Daryl comes home regularly to make the wines. His wines are rich and elegant -he does not do jammy, tannic or oaky wines. Another Halliday 5 Stars! Intensity and balance is what his wines are about and they are the Best of the Barossa!

Price: $62.00
Price: $53.99

Radford Dale Shiraz 2005

Eden valley shiraz at it's best. 500 metres altitude gives cooler nights and mornings and produces shiraz with great aromatics and acidity with raspberry kick. One of my favourite red wines at the "Artisans of the Barossa" tasting. concentrated dark berry, raspberry, hints of mocha, aniseed, gentle use of savoury French oak. Only 600 cases of this handcrafted wine.
*Very limited stock*
RRP: $ 36.00

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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: $32.99

David Hook The Gorge Shiraz 2007 ( 12 pack)

Arlewood Estate Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon 2004

This fine producer hails from Wilyabrup in the heart of Margaret River's best Cabernet country.. Their vineyard is down the road from Cullen and across the road from Vasse Felix. The new release 2004 is a stunning example of cabernet. Characterised by intense dark fruits, soy and cassis, with an earthy, savoury, structure, the wine spends 2 yrs in the finest French oak barriques and a further 2 yrs in bottles before release.

Peter Forestal, listed it in Sunday Times Magazine Top 100 “A nice one from an excellent line of Cabernets at this Wilyabrup vineyard: Silky smooth, rich and concentrated blackcurrant and dark plum flavours with a touch of elegance”. Bring on the roast!This fine cab will benefit decanting or time in the cellar.RRP $45

Price: $35.99

Juniper Estate Margaret River Shiraz 2003

Hamelin Bay Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon 2001

Rockburn Pinot Noir 2007

Rockburn takes its name from the rugged, rock-strewn, burnt landscape of Central Otago. The region is renowned for its stunning scenery of rugged mountains and picturesque lakes. Nestled on the 45th parallel it shares a climate that is similar to Burgundy, the great Pinot Noir producing region of the world.

It won 2 Trophies and Gold, including Champion Red Wine at the 2008 Air New Zealand Awards…Sixteen international and local judges including Chairman of the Judges, Steve Smith MW (Craggy Range), have expressed that "a Pinot Noir such as this can only come from one place in the world, Central Otago. Very distinctive and open aromas of red cherry, plum and wild thyme notes are enticing and quite complex. The palate is likewise open juicy and forward but becomes quite serious and long with lovely fine tannins and dried herb and earth notes. Beautiful fruit extremely well crafted."

It also picked up Gold at the San Francisco International Wine Competition, Gold at the NZ International Wine Show and Liquorland Top 100. It was also awarded 5 stars in NZ's Cuisine magazine and Gourment Travellers Wine mag.

Sold out in NZ. We have a small allocation RRP$65 Our price $57.99

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The elite gold or trophy was a first for winemaker Malcolm Francis ( four vintages at Felton Road) before joining Rockburn as their chief winemaker for the 2006 vintage. Rockburn Pinot Noir 2006 also won gold 2007 Bragato Wine Awards, Top 100 Blue Gold in the Sydney International, 5 stars in Nov 07 issue Cuisine magazine.

Price: $57.99

Valli Gibbston Valley Pinot Noir 2006

Grant Taylor learnt the ropes as chief winemaker at Gibbston Valley Estate for 13 yrs. Grant is widely regarded as new Zealand's pinot guru. His aim is to produce top shelf single vineyard pinot noirs highlighting the different sub regions of central otago. Gibbston Valley is generally speaking cooler than Bannockburn and produces more fragrance and elegance.

2006 was a warmer year and outstanding in Gibbston Valley. Outstanding pinot wild blackberry, dark cherry, cinnamon spice...layers of flavour and depth unravel with air. Beautiful texture richness and balance here in this fine pinot. Decant this wine. See reviews below
RRP$69 Our price $62.99

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Reviews
Good deep, bright red. Wild berry, minerals and exotic spices on the captivating nose complicated by dried herbs and flowers, no doubt due to the inclusion of some whole clusters. Sappy, spicy, sweet and concentrated, with pungent, chewy flavours of blackberry, exotic spices, orange peel and minerals. Kept quite vibrant by brisk acids and some apparent CO2 Very firmly built and long pinot. . 91 points, Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar Sept/Oct 07

A more masculine style, beautifully put together, with an alluring violet-tinged aroma and black-fruit richness. 5 stars, Cuisine Magazine, Top 10 NZ Pinots, November 2007.

The markedly superior 2006 is deeply coloured, finely scented and supple, with rich cherry and plum flavours, beautifully ripe, fresh and vibrant. It’s a classy, complex wine with excellent harmony and length. 5 stars – Michael Cooper’s 2008 Buyer’s Guide to NZ Wines.

Price: $62.99

$Tommaso Bussola Ripasso \'Ca del Laito\' 2003 - Veneto, Italy$

Tommaso Bussola Ripasso 'Ca del Laito' 2003 - Veneto, Italy

Fine Valpolicella red blend (Corvina 40%, Molinara 45% Rondinella & others 15% DOC: Valpolicella Superiore) made by highly regarded winemaker Tommaso Bussola.

He used the ripasso technique, where grapes are fermented over last year's Amarone skins to impart cherry, raisins and chocolatey characters. Great fruit sourced from naturally low yielding vineyards.

Italian wine critic Nicolas Belfrage MW says Bussola’s wines display “…a depth and intensity of sheer fruit difficult to find anywhere in the world of wine…”

Huon Hooke could not contain his enthusiasm and said “the 03 Ca del Laito Ripasso, a deliciously soft, rich fleshy red was the best value buy of the tasting” SMH Good Living.

Drink this top shelf red with a rich meat dish RRP $48 Our Price $42.99

Price: $42.99

Special / Sale Price - Ravensworth Shiraz Viognier 2007

94 POINTS - 5 RED STAR RATING - James Halliday's 2011 Aust Wine Companion.

“A most attractive wine, with lifted red fruit contribution from the viognier component; the tannins are fine, and the oak perfectly balanced and integrated. All in all elegance. Retasted at Winewise '09 (from whence this note originates), top gold in its class. Rating 94.” James Halliday.

Winemaker, Bryan Martin has a day job working at Clonakilla as Tim Kirk’s right hand man. Ravensworth is his own label and I love this shiraz because it has it all!..juicy rich fruit, savoury depth and freshness…It is the continental climate of Murrumbateman ( hot days followed by cold nights and mornings) which means the shiraz ripens fully producing natural raspberry freshnesss with a savoury licorice, tarriness and spice. It is a bit like the wines from Cote Rotie in France…Top Gold in Winewise Wine show and Hallidays pick as shiraz of the show. They write: "“... A spicy, complex Canberra district shiraz with vibrant red fruits aromas and flavours. Everything about this wine reflects exceptional viticulture and winemaking. The oak and tannin management are exemplary. This wine will grow in bottle. GOLD”

A recent review from Gary Walsh of Winorama to back up my humble thoughts….
“Perfumed aromas of dark fruit, cherry, licorice, spice, jasmine and creamy vanilla oak. Initially plenty of apricot and florals but given time the flamboyant viogner influence retreats discreetly into the background. On the palate medium bodied with a mix of red and black fruits, spice, vanilla cream and some meaty savoury flavours. Beautiful smooth fine grained tannins. It feels lively and well balanced with a supple texture. Long spicy stonefruit finish. Lots of charm and complexity” 93/100 Can't go wrong with this!
RRP: $36.00

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A couple of reviews about their 06:

"Vigorous, juicy, quality wine, full of galloping flavour. It races through the mouth and sucks you back for more (I swear officer, it was the wine's fault). Lots of spice, lots of aniseed-like flavour, flashes of lavender and vanilla and racy, lacy tannins. A complete wine, and a lovely wine." 92/100 Campbell Mattinson The Big Red Wine Book

Price: $36.00
Price: $27.99

Picardy merlot, cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc 2007

Teusner The Joshua Grenache Mataro Shiraz 2009

94 POINTS - 5 RED STAR RATING - Rated "OUTSTANDING VALUE FOR MONEY" - James Halliday's 2011 Aust Wine Companion.

“Super bright and vibrant, with crunchy, clearly defined blackberry fruit framed by attractive mocha notes; the palate is fruitful on entry, and then moves to great depths of minerals and licorice; long, satisfying and eminently slurpable, no need to wait for this wine to come around. Grenache/Shiraz/Mataro. Rating 94.” James Halliday.

Kym Teusner was crowned king by Gourmet Traveller Wine Magazine as 07 Young Winemaker of the Year. A wine that displays copious amounts of fresh red berry fruits (grenache) and dusty tobacco leaf, without the intrusion of oak influence. A splash of mataro adds to the earthy complexity, whilst a little shiraz is used for structure and weight. RRP $30

Price: $22.99

Massena The Eleventh Hour 2007

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

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.
RRP $40 - Clearance Special 1 cases remaining

Price: $32.99

Massena The Moonlight Run Barossa 2006

The inspiration for this wine was inspired by the repetitive nightly drive to the Clare Valley from the Barossa for Vintage 1999. During the drive home, Dan Standish and Jaysen Collins would crave a "soft slurpy wine to wash down a hard night's work. Out of this ideal we decided to make a Grenache based wine to be enjoyed whenever the mood takes hold"

Nick Stock: “Aren't these guys in a purple patch? Fragrant florals and spicy Mourvédre, ripe berry fruits in spades. The palate's been wound together with clever hands and skilled blending here delivering a smooth ride home.” 93 points

International Wine Cellar: "Dark red. Exotically perfumed aromas of raspberry, cherry compote, cola and smoky minerals. Deep in flavor but focused and energetic, offering vivid red fruits and zesty minerality. Finishes with vivacious red fruit notes, fine-grained tannins and refreshing cut. 91 Pts."

Campbell Mattinson: "This is a blend of grenache, shiraz, mataro and cinsaut. It's a lovely drop, flush with flavours of dark fruitcake and sandalwood (really), cedarwood and caramel. If that sounds a bit /sweet' it's not really - there's lots of sweet ripe fruit flavour, but it's dry and grainy through the finish. Good drinking red. Drink: 2008-2012. 90 points."

RRP $29

Price: $25.99

Special / Sale Price - Skillogalee Cabernets 2000- Museum Release

Skillogalee wines took its name from legend that goes back to the 1840's when explorer/pioneer, John Horrocks became lost and survived on a `Skilly' (gaelic word meaning broth) made of grass and seeds.

This fine blend of cabernet sauvignon , cabernet franc and malbec (all co-fermented) sourced from dry grown low yielding ( 1.5 tonnes/acre) vineyard in Clare. This wine has transformed into a complex velvety red of rich dark fruits, savoury earthy and tobacco with hints of fresh mint thanks to a few years of bottle age. Elegant cabernet blend with lush ripe fruit and beautifully integrated oak. The refreshing backbone of natural acidity has kept this red young and exhuberent.....this red is not showing any dried fruit characters yet and has got easily another 5 years to develop further. RRP $46

** Bargain for a 10 year old red!**

Price: $46.00
Price: $25.99

$Bird in Hand \"Two in the Bush\" Shiraz 2007$

Pisa Black Poplar Pinot Noir 2006

Pisa Range estate was a narrow 12 hectare block of sheep grazing land - lined with Lombardy and grand old Black Poplar trees nestled at the base of the snow-capped Pisa Range,( 10km north of Cromwell in Central Otago) when Warwick and Jenny Hawker bought it in 1995.

The vineyard now covers some thirty-three hectares of flat and terraced land at Pisa located in Central Otago. This area, which sits on the 45th parallel, is bordered by Lake Dunstan on one side and the rugged Pisa Range on the other and is proving to be a prime pinot noir growing site in the region.

Intense, black cherries, blood plums spice , good depth….Next day layers of flavour , briary, earthy and beautiful round fruit..... RRP $65 Our price $54.99

Reviews

Not (yet) among the best known of New Zealand’s wave of top Pinot Noir producers, Pisa Range is a rising star. The bright cherry flavours of Central Otago are matched by some fascinating notes of wild herbs that meld well with the toasty oak. 5/5 Robert Joseph – London Telegraph 26/6/08.

Enticing, powerful spicy, cedary aromas. The fruit is intense and varietal while the palate is very tight, displaying great finesse and balance. The silky smooth tannins carry the wine to a very long finish. This is their pinot so far – it drinks beautifully now, but really needs another 4-5 years. Outstanding. - Winewise Volume 24 Number 1, April 2008.

This was among my top wines at an extensive tasting of 55 Central Otago pinot noirs from the 2006 vintage. An intense and oaky wine with good density and an attractive layer of cherry and spice flavours. Balanced and complex. – 5 stars, 96 points, Bob Campbell – Gourmet Traveller Wine Magazine Dec/Jan 2008.

Grown at Pisa Flats, north of Cromwell, in Central Otago, this is an enticingly scented wine. The 2006 vintage was handpicked and matured for a year in French oak barriques (one-third new). Classy, rich and supple, it’s a classic regional style with full, ruby colour, sweet-fruit flavours of cherries and spices seasoned with toasty oak, and the backbone to mature well. Impressively concentrated and finely textured, it’s the best wine yet under this label. – 5 stars, Michael Coopers 2008

Buyers Guide - NZ Wine
Awarded a Gold Medal at 2007 Wine Style Asia Awards (4th Edition) held in Singapore, 22-26 October, 2007

Enticing, powerful spicy, cedary aromas. The fruit is intense and varietal while the palate is very tight, displaying great finesse and balance. The silky smooth tannins carry the wine to a very long finish. This is their pinot so far – it drinks beautifully now, but really needs another 4-5 years. Outstanding. Winewise Volume 24 Number 1, April 2008.

Price: $54.99

Zema Family Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2004

100 % estate grown fruit (very low yields) from this leading Coonawarra vineyard located on terra rossa strip ensures wines of exceptional depth of flavour true to the Coonawarra terroir. If ever there is an example of great wines being made in the vineyard, Zema is it! This highly regarded and awarded producer was not only given the elusive 5 star winery rating by Halliday but also best of the region. Their reds are all cellarworthy.

Ralph Kyte-Powell, Melbourne Age said: ”Without great fanfare, they produce an excellent range of red wines without too much mucking around. Family Selection is Zema’s top wine. This 2004 Cabernet is an outstanding example … Sweet, blackcurrant syrup aromas meet the nose, with hints of black olive and a floral note. Perfectly weighted cedary oak plays its part well, and the palate is ripe and complete, finishing in perfectly balanced ripe tannins.”.
95 points from James Halliday. One for the cellar.
RRP $50

Price: $44.99

Kilikanoon Prodigal Grenache 2006

Here's a bit of what Englishman Matthew Jukes wrote about the 2005.... My enthusiasm is the same.

"Strap yourself in for a roller coaster ride, because this spectacular wine is a white knuckle treat.... This dense, dark brooding red is made from the woefully underrated red grape Grenache.... Grenache forms the engine room of Chateauneuf du Papes, and it is this complex flavour spectrum and inert power that Prodigal Grenache has in spades..... You must decant it because there is a lot of energy in this wine that needs to be organised, ordered and aligned in a decanter before you dive in...... I tasted it last week and went back to it over the next 3 days and it kept opening up and revealing more and more layers of crushed plum and spice...

Staggering value for money, this is a wine that is drinking beautifully now, but has five or more years ahead of it to perform wonders for you."

2006 Prodigal Silver BEST IN CLASS 2009 International Wine & Spirit Competition. Tasting notes from the judges at IWSC

“Dark magenta colour with an earthern red edge. Old vine complexity on the nose, graphite, ironstone, roasting spices, currants and voluptuous framboise. This is a very beautiful, complex and generous Grenache, fleshy and sweet, dusty tannins and a long earthy herbal peppery finish. A very serious wine which is deliciously approachable.”

Price: $29.99

Quinta de la Rosa Vale da Clara Tinto Portugal 2006

Hamelin Bay Five Ashes Vineyard Rose 2007

Carrick Pinot Noir 2007

Carrick growers were part of the original growers who formed Mt Difficulty a few yrs back. Cairnmmuir Vineyard was planted in 1994 ( first vineyard to take advantage of the hot Cairnmuir Terraces in Bannockburn) An Additional 6 ha of Dijon clones were planted.

2007 was a great vintage and regarded as a benchmark year in Otago. Lifted aroma of violets….muscular dark cherries, hint aniseed, spice. Plenty of depth and structure. Needs a couple of yrs in cellar.

RRP $55

Reviews

Reasonably dense, fruity Pinot Noir with strong ripe black and red cherry flavours and an appealing suggestion of violet/floral. The wine is supported by firm, ripe tannins. A little closed at this stage and with potential to develop well. 91 points, 4 stars, Bob Campbell, Bob’s Wine Reviews July 2008.

The Bannockburn label has emerged as a regional classic. The 2007 vintage was matured for a year in French oak barriques (33% new). Rich and youthful in colour, it is finely scented and flowing, with concentrated cherry, plum and slight coffee flavours, savoury, complex notes and a rich, resounding finish.. Dense yet approachable, it’s a sophisticated wine, for drinking 2010+. 5 stars - Michael Cooper’s Buyer’s Guide to NZ Wines, 2009 Edition

Price: $47.99

$Bird in Hand \"Two in the Bush\" Merlot Cabernet 2007$

Radford Shiraz 2006

Eden valley shiraz at it's best. 500 metres altitude gives cooler nights and mornings and produces shiraz with great aromatics and acidity with raspberry kick. One of my favourite red wines at the "Artisans of the Barossa" tasting. Concentrated dark berry, raspberry, hints of mocha, aniseed, gentle use of savoury French oak. Still slightly closed but let it breathe and it will open up and it will reward!

Other reviews... The Canberra Times "Like drinking velvet and licorice with layers of bright red fruits, this is a superb modern Eden Valley shiraz that I found hard to resist sampling again and again. 5 stars"
Nick Stock from WBM rates it Top 100 August 09 "Distinctive Eden Valley spice and fragrance with enough power to place this at the front of the new-wave pack. Dark fruits and dark spices, some pepper and fragrant cedary oak all settling nicely into place; the palate moves to red fruits amid find tannins and fresh, bright acid crunch. Terrific structure and balance” 93 pts Halliday

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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: $32.99

Teusner The Albert Shiraz 2006

What an intense shiraz! -fruit 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). Cellar for up to 10 years. Decanting this wine is a must!

Some Reviews:

Halliday 95 points : “ palate reveals a layered …complex & powerful array of flavours & texture, plenty of fine tannin and all of the elements indicate a long and fruitful existence.”

Gary Walsh from Winorama said "This is pretty much how I like my Barossa Shiraz and it’s a magnificent example of the style"

Campbell Mattinson's reviewed this wine in Winefront Monthly "Monumentally good. Wish I had tasted this when I was doing the TOP 101 REDS - this would have bolted it in. I adore it. It tastes of meat and pepper, rich dark fruits and mint-shot cedar. It carries the style beautifully. There is even a hit of gunpowder-like flavour in there (and I have sucked on a few guns in my time, believe you me - the average winemaker is NOT averse to sticking a gun to my head). Just a great Barossan red - with personality to burn. Drink 2008-2018. 95 points."

RRP: $52

Price: $43.99

$Clonakilla O\'Riada Shiraz 2007$

Bird in Hand Nest Egg Cabernet Sauvignon 2007

Chain of Ponds Novello Rosso Sangiovese, Grenache 2008

Curly Flat Pinot Noir 2007

95 POINTS - BEST OF THE BEST WINERY OF REGION - 5 RED STARS - James Halliday's 2011 Australian Wine Companion.

“Good crimson-purple hue ... as ever, a complex and powerful wine, with black cherry and plum up front, then spicy/savoury/forest notes accompany the fruit on the back-palate and finish. No doubting the security of the screwcap in protecting freshness. Rating 95.” James Halliday.

Long regarded as one of Australia's finest producers of Pinot Noir, this new 2007 release from Curly Flat is extraordinary ….Comprises up to 33 different parcels of pinot ( multiple clones 114,115,MV6, Mariafield & D5V12) producing superb aromatics, dark cherry flavours, spice, forest floor with complexity, structure and tension followed on by long, lip smacking finish…. Classic stuff. Stock is limited.
RRP $58 Our price $45.99

Reviews -Curly Flat Pinot Noir 2006
"….supple, velvety red fruits open the story, and persisting while complex spicy/foresty notes whisper in the background. Pleasure now or later. 13.5% alc. Drink 2016” 95 points James Halliday.

"... Curly Flat pinot noir has been on a steady rise but this is one out of the box. Jumps from the glass. Heady with perfume, strongly flavoured (for a pinot noir) and then keenly structured, and persistent, through the finish. This is a thrilling wine and inexpensive, in pinot noir terms, for the quality delivered. Quality cedary oak is laced through darkly cherried fruit flavour. Foresty elements. Earthen elements. Sappy elements. A stunning release. 95 Points " - Campbell Mattinson, The Wine Front

"18/20. Drink 2010-20 Very exotic nose with immediate appeal. Already pretty complex. Lovely freshness and tension but strong mulberry flavours too. Great natural acidity. …. Second bottle: Even more vibrant nose. Real punchy racy stuff with lovely fruit and acidity." - Jancis Robinson, jancisrobinson.com.

Price: $45.99

Harewood Shiraz 2007

94 POINTS - 5 RED STAR RATING - James Halliday's 2011 Aust Wine Companion.

“Has won top awards (in several lesser wine shows) and it's not hard to see why; crimson-purple, it weaves red and black fruits, French oak and silky tannins into a picture-perfect tapestry. Rating 94.” James Halliday.

Frankland River produces some of the best shiraz in Australia and James Kellie has sourced the fruit from the region's best low yielding vineyards. I love this wine because it is so damn complex .. ripe plum, ripe blackberry, dark chocolate and tarry/ liquorice flavours (reminiscent of the Rhone Valley). All this thanks to the regions warm days and cool nights, low rainfall and "mean" gravely soils. Rich complex red with fine grained tannins and layers of complexity. This wine needs decanting or some time (5-10 years) in the cellar.
"Has won top awards (in several lesser wine shows) and it's not hard to see why: crimson-purple, it weaves red and black fruits, French oak and silky tannins into a picture-perfect tapestry. 94 points." James Halliday.

RRP $34

Price: $27.99

Teusner Astral Series FG Riebke shiraz 2006

Eastern Peake Intrinsic Pinot Noir 2006

Eastern Peake vineyard was established in 1983 on a high plateau overlooking the Creswick valley, 25km north-west of Ballarat, the vineyard sits at 430m on top of the Great Dividing Range. Weathered basalt soils and good marginal climatic conditions contribute to these complex and unique wines. This smart Pinot is made in miniscule quantities.

"Norm Latta had no intention of making wine when he planted Eastern Peake Winery that same year. His pinot went into what was then Mount Chalambar bubbly. When that label disappeared, he decided to make his grapes into serious wine. Latta and his son Owen now make a pinot that is among the finest in the land.

This is fragrant and tangy smelling with currant and raspberry. Attacks tight and cumquat tangy and then builds lovely creamy, raspberry, woodsy flavours. Fabulous stuff that will evolve well in bottle for at least five years." - Review by Tim White, Age Melbourne Magazine, June 2009.

RRP $48

Price: $41.99

Domaine Duroche Gevrey-Chambertin 2006

Third generation vigneron Giles Duroché with his son Pierre own and operate Domaine Duroché. Since taking over management of the Gevrey-Chambertin vineyards and winery from his father Philippe in 1980, Giles has continued his father?s program of site acquisition in the commune. Today the Domaine works with more than 8 hectares of vines (owned and en fermage) across 8 appellations. Their holdings include sites in three Premier Cru and three Grand Cru vineyards including the venerable Clos-de-Beze.

Very smart Gevrey-Chambertin particularly for the price but this Pinot needs some time.

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Extract from “The Wines of Burgundy” (2008) by Clive Coates MW:

GILLES DUROCHE

Phillip Duroche started off with 3 ha in 1954 on the death of his father, and slowly built up this domaine to the present size before handing over the reins to his son Gilles at the end of the 1980s.

This is a very efficient set up, with a spotlessly tidy cellar in the center of the village. There is total destemming, a few days’ prefermentation maceration, a twelve to fifteen day cuvaison, and no fining. The vines in the Champeaux are still quite young, dating from 1986, and those in the Latricieres and the Estournelles are only twenty five years old or so, though in the Clos-de-Beze they are venerable. Over the last decade, the quantity of new oak has been increased, and yields lowered. Quality is now very good, and the wines are rich and succulent."

Price: $62.99

Labyrinth Viggers Vineyard Pinot Noir 2005

Scotchmans Hill Swan Bay Pinot Noir 2008

Harewood Estate Shiraz Cabernet 2008

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 ( 60% ) has been blended with selected parcels of Cabernet Sauvignon (40%) 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!
"Elements of leafy cabernet and spicy shiraz combine with great effect; juicy red fruits on entry, with slightly stricter dark fruits coming through on the finish; lots of energy and life in this wine. 92 points" James Halliday.
(07 won - 3 Golds (Hobart, Small Winemakers Show, 2 silver medals. 92 pts Halliday)
RRP: $24

Price: $18.99

Teusner The Independent Shiraz Mataro 2008

“The irony of independence - you rarely achieve it standing alone” ... so the slogan says on this fine blend of Barossa Shiraz (60%) and Mataro (40%) - a reference to the grape growers who have helped Teusner achieve greatness.

Halliday says: "Essency aromas of blackberry.....the palate is warm, unctuous and fleshy and finishes with an ironstone minerality thanks in no small part to the work of the mataro:chewy and lipsmacking to conclude. Drink to 2018 "93 pts

Campbell Mattinson from The Wine Front says: "Very easy to sip on and enjoy. It’s all about the fruit - plums and aniseed and leather. Has a good dollop of fruit sweetness but flashes of savoury spice too......so deliciously drinkable. Dry, understated tannin is a nice feature."
RRP: $25

Price: $18.99

Kilikanoon Blocks Road Cabernet Sauvignon 2006

Galah Clare Valley Cabernet Malbec 2002

Prized fruit for this wine was sourced from the Wendouree vineyard (mostly from the “newer” 1911 plantings – now 99 years old!).

Stephen George said:” Wendouree vineyard is an incredible piece of dirt- even in severe drought the vineyard is green when the rest of Clare is irrigating madly – the dry grown vineyard roots have burrowed down so deep over the years to find water and all the trace elements needed……This impeccable source indicates the wines’ promise:- big and chewy without being syrupy, sweet, woody and alcoholic, and with years ahead of them…..the 02 Galah table wines could easily cellar for another 15 years ” Stephen George calls this his favourite of the Galah Wines.

“This classic blend has exciting cassis and eucalypt aromas, with marmitey and leather characters now developing over an under-layer of great soft tannin and acidity, suggesting it can handle more time in the cellar. Other vintages also provide plenty of adventure.” 94 points Tony Love, The Advertiser April 09.

Decant this wine for at least 4 hours (this is still tight on opening) or cellar carefully up to 2020. Serve with hearty meat dishes. Limited.

RRP: $37

Price: $27.99

Ashton Hills Reserve Pinot Noir 2008

"BEST OF THE BEST - Pinot Noir" by James Halliday 2011 Wine Companion - 96 points - 5 RED STAR WINERY.

“Relatively light, but bright, hue; fractionally more purple than the Estate; very stylish, and in the mainstream of the Ashton Hills style, with spices and savoury notes surrounding the plum and black cherry fruit. Trophy Adelaide Hills Wine Show '09 Rating 96” James Halliday.

“This release of Ashton Hills Reserve Pinot Noir was a trophy winner at the Adelaide Hills Wine Show. Easy to taste why. Awesome. Floored me from the first sip. Gloriously expressive, but characterized by its long, smoky, stalky, minerally length. Has precision written all over it. Lots of upfront flavour, but it then drills on and on. Perfect tannin structure.....this is a brilliant wine. 96 Points" Campbell Mattinson

The 2007 was voted “ Best New World Pinot” and 19/20 points by Decanter magazine.

According to Stephen George: “The “Reserve” wine is from our own vineyard, it’s currently made from 2 clones and was matured in 100% new French oak. It is designed to be the longest living of our pinots and is best drunk after at least 5 years. The Reserve is a youthful purple/red in colour and has a complex nose with fruit already being joined by spice, forest-floor and umami ( google it)!. The oak has added to the wine’s structure without swamping its flavours while tannin and mouth watering yet only moderate natural acidity act as a foil for the powerful, silkily textured, sweetly fruited palate. For further integration and complexity drink the wine from 2013."

The 2007 was voted “ Best New World Pinot” and 19/20 points by Decanter magazine. This newly released 2008 is a definite step up…
RRP: $78

Price: $59.99

Ashton Hills Estate Pinot Noir 2007

Gold Medal/ Top of Class 2008 Cool Climate Wine Show.
Stephen George says: “Our “Estate” wine is from our own 26 year old vineyard and is made from a handful of low-bearing vines – and also the reserves for that matter – are made in the same way. The nose of the ’07 Estate jumps out of the glass.....The forest-floor/gamey aromas follow on to the fruit-sweet, silky palate which has power without weight. Moderate tannin and good natural acidity with beautiful texture and a long, lingering finish.”

95 points Halliday.

“This 2007 is a rage of scent. It’s spicy, cherried, sour and sweet, the flavour strong but the weight light. It was matured in second and third use French oak for 12 months, and there is no overt oak flavour.... It flourishes through a tangy finish and had me begging for more. Super drinking and super recognizable as Ashton Hills.” Rated : 93 Points Campbell Mattinson

Selected by Nick Stock , John Duval and Stephen Pannell for Adelaide Review -Hot 100:
" Stephen George asserts himself as king of
the Hills once again when it comes to pinot noir. Ripe dark berries and exotic spicey complexity- fragrant and dynamic. Silky tannins and bright acidity hold the line beautifully amid fleshy curvaceous fruit." RRP: $52

Price: $39.99

Ashton Hills Piccadilly Valley Pinot Noir 2009

** 2008 VINTAGE HAS NOW SOLD OUT ***

2009 was heralded as a top vintage in the Adelaide Hills. It was a much cooler longer vintage without the heatwave of 08... a higher proportion of whole bunch ferment and the cooler vintage has resulted in a much more structured Pinot. While the Piccadilly Valley Pinot is made to be approachable at only a year or two, the 09 has significant cellaring potential and we recommend giving this some time in the cellar first.

“Piccadilly Valley” is Ashton Hills’ entry level or “village” wine with all grapes coming from the Adelaide Hills’ coldest....wine sub-region, the Piccadilly Valley. About half the wine comes from 16 of our clones (selections) with the remaining grapes being purchased from two neighbouring growers. The three vineyards have amongst them the oldest pinot vines in The Valley and are all managed in such a way to ensure small crops with maximum flavour and concentration.

RRP: $36

More Details
ABOUT THE 2008 VINTAGE:....

"Grape ripeness at Ashton Hills in 2008 coincided with a 15 day record breaking heat-wave in March. Because all our varieties and clones ripened at the same time we picked everything and stockpiled it for a week or so at 4 degrees C before even thinking about crushing. The result for the 2008 Piccadilly Valley wine is a lot of flavour and a little more alcohol than usual. Due to the use of some bunch stalks in the fermenting wine there’s also a bit more tannin. Being a natural preservative this will extend the wine’s cellaring potential." Stephen George, Winemaker.

“Owner/winemaker Stephen George was one of the pioneers of pinot noir in the Adelaide Hills. It shows some colour development; as always, has an extremely expressive and complex bouquet with forest undergrowth and spicy red fruits; the palate is a precise replay of the bouquet, with great length and immaculate balance.“ 96 points & Halliday’s Top 100 Wines for 2009 – The Weekend Australian November 14-15, 2009

Price: $29.99

David Hook Barbera 2009

Winemaker, David Hook planted the original Pothana chardonnay vineyard 27 yrs ago in Belford, in the north of the Lower Hunter 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.

This native grape of piedmont in Italy grows well in the Hunter. Traditional fermentation in open vats with hand plunging followed by maturation in old oak for 12 mths. Classic varietal characters of dark cherry, leather and spice. This medium bodied red is balanced by good acidity (barbera and sangiovese retain more acidity than shiraz and cabernet) and firm velvety tannins.
Bring on the pasta and pizza. Salute!

Price: $25.99

David Hook Old Vines Shiraz 2007

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 (fruit quality was great from 2007) 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! Decant this or cellar for up to 8 years. RRP $45

Price: $36.99

Fools Bay Dirty Bliss Grenache Shiraz 2008

Stella Bella Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2007

"BEST OF THE BEST - CABERNET BLEND" - 96 points. Rated "Outstanding Value For Money" - James Halliday's 2011 Australian Wine Companion

“Fragrant and pure black and redcurrant aromas lead into a precise, beautifully structured medium- to full-bodied palate, with emery board tannins drawing out the finish, as does cedary oak; very good line, length and balance. Rating 96.” James Halliday.

Winemaker, Janice McDonald can do no wrong! This leading Margaret River winery continues to excell with this outstanding wine. 2007 vintage is hailed to be the best ( and fastest -it was all over in 20 odd days due to the warm/hot summer) in the Margaret River in over a decade. Intensity, purity of fruit, superb line, length and balance here. Do not hesitate here.

Halliday was impressed too: " Fragrant and pure black and redcurrant aromas lead into a precise, beautifully structured medium to full bopdied palate, with emery board tannins drawing out the finish, as does cedary oak; very good line length and balance. 96 points" and Listed Best of the Best James Halliday Wine Companion 2011

Red Blend Of The Year in Campbell Mattinson & Gary Walsh's Big Red Wine Book 2010/2011:
"Fabulous. Seems to flood flavours into every corner of your mouth. Chocolate, earth, gravel, blackcurrant, redcurrant and swerves of lovely oak. Medium-bodied, dry and savoury with earthy, firm, fine-grained tannins. Walsh described it as a wine of 'grinningly good proportions.' A bloody good wine all over. Drink 2011-2022" 96 points.

Price: $26.99

Stella Bella Skuttlebutt Shiraz Cabernet 2007

Spinifex Taureau 2008

94 POINTS - Rated "Outstanding Value for Money." James Halliday's 2011 Australian Wine Companion.

“Good bright colour; a fragrant bouquet with the Spinifex stamp all over it, the texture silky and fine, the fruit flavours in a seamless whole ranging from light red to dark black, tannins playing a wholly positive role. Tempranillo/Graciano/Carignan/Cabernet Sauvignon. Rating 94” James Halliday.

An exotic blend of “Espana” : Tempranillo, Graciano, Carignan, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Sweet aromatics followed by complex, layered palate with dark cherries, stewed plums and savoury, almost beefy flavours. Beautiful structure and a long, refreshing finish. Drinking well now or cellar for 5 years. Winemaker Pete Schell says he wanted to make a wine that was – big, gutsy and upfront... hence “Taureau” – The Bull was born!
RRP: $37

Price: $24.99

Spinifex Bete Noir 2008

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. Needs decanting (at least 4 hours - watch how the flavours evolve!) or time on the cellar. Limited.
RRP: $49

Price: $36.50

Special / Sale Price - Jed Wines Malbec 2008

Each year, Jed’s three young Australian winemakers travel to the Uco Valley in Argentina to craft wines that express the unique characters of this acclaimed alpine region. They were hugely impressed with the Uco Valley in Mendoza (450 year history of winemaking) as a unique place to make wine with its fresh snowmelt water (from the Andes), crisp mountain air, high altitude ( 1250 m) and pure UV light.

Mendoza is famous for producing the world’s finest Malbec but it is the cooler sites of Uco Valley that have recently been discovered as the best. This pristine environment produces naturally balanced wines which require minimal intervention in both the vineyard and winery.
Beautifully fragrant “vino tinto” (malbec grape is reknowned for its aroma of violets and roses) with cascading flavours of wild blackberries, aniseed, leather and spice. Love the intensity of fruit on the palate and fine grained silky tannins. Beautiful balance in this fine medium bodied red. Sip on this and you will hear the accordion and feel the intensity and style of tango!

Price: $25.00
Price: $20.99

Blewitt Springs Adelaide Plains Shiraz 2000

Special / Sale Price - Merlin Saint Joseph Rouge 2007

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 some time in the cellar alternatively double decant and drink on day 2.
Limited Stock.

Price: $72.99
Price: $59.99

Coates Organically Grown McLaren Vale Syrah 2006

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.

A rich, profoundly complex wine made in a traditional, Old World style.
RRP: $36

Price: $30.00

Coates Consonance Syrah/Cabernet 2007

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.

This is my favourite Coates wine (McLaren Vale Shiraz and Langhorne Creek Cabernet matured in French oak) -deep dark fruit which reeks of allure and complexity thanks to structure and fine grained tannins of the cabernet sauvignon. Thumbs up! RRP: $25

Price: $19.99

Coates Consonance Syrah 2007

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.

This McLaren Vale/Langhorne Creek blend matured in French and American oak has the goods. RRP: $25

Price: $19.99

Scotchmans Hill Pinot Noir 2008

94 POINTS - BEST OF THE BEST WINERY & 5 RED STAR RATING - James Halliday's 2011 Aust Wine Companion.

“Strong clear colour; good expression of pinot varietal character from start to finish, with plum, spice and a touch of black cherry characters; very good mouthfeel and balance. Rating 94.” James Halliday.

Crafted by renowned Geelong pinot producer, which is very burgundian in style. 100% Estate grown fruit (low yielding 1.5 tonnes per acre) from vines up to 30 years old ( Clones MV6, 114 Burgundy, 115 Burgundy & D5V12). A complex aroma of cherry and plum characters with a hint of beetroot and earth. Lively varietal characters of cherry and spice make way to beetroot and cherry flavours together with well balanced spicy oak, sweet leather and a touch of stalk throughout the mid palate. Scotchmans Hill has a lovely balance of fine tannins and fresh acidity which complement the concentrated fruit flavours. Well structured with a long and flavorsome finish, displays all the character of the finest Pinot Noir. This is a baby and recommend decanting this or one for the cellar.

RRP: $40

Price: $23.99

Special / Sale Price - Quinta de la Rosa Dou Rosa Tinto 2007

Quinta de la Rosa and the Bergqvist family have been making port from their spectacular steep-terraced vineyards on the banks of the Douro (near Pinhao) since the early 19th century. Since the decline of port consumption they have been making some very impressive red table wine…Jorge Moreira, winemaker of the year by the Revista dos Vinhos (the “Decanter magazine of Portugal” at their annual dinner in Feb 2010) since taking the reins as winemaker in 2002 has taken the quality of their wines to another level.
We were very impressed with this medium to full bodied red made from the port grape varieties (Touriga Nacional, Touriga Francesa, Tinta Barroca and Tinta Roriz and Touriga Franca grapes from the Upper Douro valley). Purity of dark cherry fruit with twist of leather, raspberry, savoury tar and spice. Firm and yet silky tannins balanced by savoury French oak and with some good acid kick on the finish!

Price: $29.00
Price: $25.50

Waitiri Creek Pinot Noir 2006

2006 was a superb vintage in central otago producing plenty of intensity and finesse here.

Alistair Ward and Paula Ramage planted the original vineyard in Gibbston Valley in the early 90’s and another vineyard was planted in the warmer Bannockburn sub-region more recently. Vineyard philosophy aims for a natural balance between vine and microclimate with an organic approach to maximize fruit quality. Small batch winemaking from low yielding vines- Result is superbly crafted pinot noir.

All fruit sourced from original Gibbston Valley vineyard.. Layers of flavour & aroma of dark cherries, juicy garden plums, whiff of roast lamb, spice and dried mountain herbs. Seamless palate although quite tight and youthful with plenty of tension. Made very much in the burgundian elegant style. This is Top Shelf. RRP $60
Blue Gold – 2008 Sydney International Wine Competition

94 Points - “This is a wine to fall in love with, with its brooding and seductive fruit…” Angus Hughson, World Wine – The Imported Hand Book

Price: $54.99

Fools Bay Beached Shiraz Cabernet 2008

Fools Bay is the second label of premium Barossa vineyard, Hentley Farm ( located on the banks of Greenock Creek, Seppeltsfield which is home to a number of Grange vineyards, hailed by many winemakers as the best sub region for shiraz in the Barossa – it has won awards galore in its 13 yrs including prestigious 5 star winery rating from Halliday).
What a red! The blend comprises of 86% shiraz 16% cabernet sauvignon followed by some maturation in old French oak. All shiraz fruit is estate grown from Hentley Farm. The cabernet provides some herbaceous characters and fine grained tannins. Don’t be “fooled” by the label or the price! This is seriously smart wine with its juicy blackberry and blackcurrant fruit, spice and ripe tannins. Staggering quality and value in this opulent red. Previous Gold Medal Winner at Barossa Valley Wine show. RRP $19

More Details
Fools Bay is named after the Hentschke Family’s (Hentley Farm owners) sandy South Australian Mallee farming property. You think you are at the beach but you are fooled as there is no water to be seen, though plenty lies beneath the sand. Rossy Reeves a co-owner of the property and popular artist painted the picture of a “Barry” the lazy viticulture worker who is useful as “teats on a bull” and is off to the beach – loosely based on a former employee. Adding to this each label includes a light-hearted, far-fetched story about the farm.

Price: $14.99

Clonakilla Shiraz Viognier 2008

The 2008 was a glorious vintage in Murrumbateman without the heatwave that struck South Australia. It included 6% co-fermented Viognier.....Thrilling wine-one for the cellar. Many glowing reviews below

“As expected the wine is young and buoyant, with a highly fragrant perfume of red fruit, fresh blackberry, violets, roast meat and a little tar; the palate reveals the true potential of this superb wine, with a cascading array of flavours and thrillingly silky tannin, poised acidity and a peacock’s tail on the very long and precise palate. " 97 points James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2010

“Building towards a crescendo of richness and strength, this is a stellar wine of rare balance, poise and elegance. Its floral, musky and spicy bouquet of pristine black and red berries, ground pepper and cedar/vanilla oak precede a silky-smooth, supple and seamless palate whose piercingly intense berry/plum flavours, briary undertones and seasoned oak deliver exceptional length and harmony. Precisely focused, it finishes quite savoury and spicy, with emphatic depth and presence. 97 points 2020-2028+”
- Jeremy Oliver, June 11, 2009

95 pts Campbell Mattinson

SOLD OUT

Price: $76.99

Spinifex Indigene 2008

"BEST OF THE BEST - SHIRAZ BLEND" James Halliday's 2011 Australian Wine Companion. 96 points.

“Much deeper colour than Esprit; a profound wine in every way, obviously made from older, lower-yielding vines; here black fruits and licorice take centre stage, with a velvety texture and very long finish. Rating 96.” James Halliday.

A blend of 53% Shiraz, 37% mataro, grenache 10% sourced from old vineyards in Barossa and Eden Valley. Handpicked fruit, wild yeasts, open fermenters, french oak. Striking aromatic complexity-dark plums, cherries, licorice, meaty, tar and earth. Rich palate with superb balance and structure...Peter Schell winemaker has done incredibly well here. This is a baby and needs cellaring 5 yrs for the layers of flavour to unfold. Decant for the afternoon before drinking. Recommend careful cellaring up to 10 years..Top Shelf. Limited

"Indigene is Spinifex’s top-level blend of shiraz, mataro and grenache. It’s a pearler. It tastes minerally and funky at first but given air, it’s a wash with delicious flavours of cedarwood, cloves, dark cherries, five-spice and probably a good many other things. It’s complex, smooth, and persistent. It has out-and-out sex appeal too. It’s very easy to review, because it’s very obviously excellent. 94 points". Campbell Mattinson The Wine Front

Price: $47.99

Spinifex Lola 2009

A complex and exciting blend of Semillon, Marsanne, Ugni Blanc, Vermentino and Viognier. A savoury Mediterranean style white with a subtle yet deep bouquet of citrus rind, almond nougat, hay and frangipani flowers and pear. Medium bodied, lovely mid palate texture and freshness! Decant this wine.
When quizzed on the name of this wine, Pete Schell said that most wines seem to fall into a “masculine” or a “feminine” style. When he first made this wine back in 2001, he felt it couldn’t be categorised – it was a bit of both. Like the song “Lola” says “she walked like a woman and talked like a man”.
James Halliday wrote in his 2010 Wine Companion: "..delivers a distinctly European styled wine... full on the finish, texture is the key. 91 points" RRP $28

Price: $19.99

Spinifex Papillon 2008

A terrific value Rhone styled red made of a blend of lightly oaked Grenache (66%),Cinsault (18%) and Mataro (16%). Lifted (like a “papillon” – butterfly) and fragrant with aromas of crushed raspberries and spice, peppercorns, sandalwood and roses and a medium bodied personality in the mouth. This is bright and lively medium bodied red at its best.

Campbell Mattinson in his Big Red Wine Book 09/10 wrote: "It’s Grenache dominant, so there’s a sense of light sweetness to it but, gee, it’s easy to be mighty impressed with this. It tastes of red dirt and raspberry, licorice..and it has structure and flavour and deliciousness down pat. We love this kind of wine, so it’s pandering to us — but pander on, Papillon! 5 Stars."

James Halliday gave them 91 points in his 2010 Wine Companion and said: "Certainly a fun time wine; bright and juicy with appealing spice and a strong sense of red and blue fruit; lively, almost squeaky, acidity provides a juicy and lifted finish."
RRP: $30

Price: $22.99

Spinifex Esprit 2007

A blend of Shiraz (36%), Grenache (26%), Mataro (25%), Carignan (7%) and Cinsault (6%). Complex aromatics of red currents, sour cherry, pomegranate and hints of freshly roasted coffee. Medium to full bodied, fresh dry palate with layers of intense red fruit, dried herbs and spice flavours. Lingering finish with a firm tight structure. At our recent tasting, Pete Schell, winemaker, declared that if he could only ever make one wine again, this would be it, he’d “die a happy man”. Like the name says, it has truely captured his “spirit”.

Campbell Mattinson awarded the 07 Esprit as Red Blend of the Year in the Big Red wine Book 2009 -2010: “Last year’s release was super, and this just edges it out – for quality. The value is striking, too. As both a mouth-filling hit of flavour and a thrilling example of how complex a young red can be, it can’t be beaten....Brilliant wine.”

James Halliday said in his 2010 Wine Companion said: "..clearly defined raspberry fruit is backed seamlessly by spicy shiraz, and meaty mataro; palate is lively, and exhibits pronounced perfume; tightly focused and very inviting on the juicy finish. 94 points. 5 Red Star Winery".
RRP: $38 Last 3 cases.

Price: $28.50

Spinifex Rose 2009

"BEST OF THE BEST - ROSE" - 94 points. Rated "Outstanding Value for Money." James Halliday's 2011 Australian Wine Companion.

“In inimitable Spinifex style, a bridge between Australia and the South of France (or even northern Spain); gentle red fruits are within a web of gossamer tannins and spice; very good balance and length. Rating 94. ” James Halliday.

A complex Provencal style with subtle and discreet aromatics of raspberry, rose petals, strawberries, quince, and savoury spice. The palate is bone dry with flavours ranging through cherry, red currents, savouriness and a refreshing dryness from acidity and fine tannins. 2009 was a spectacular vintage in South Australia and this gorgeous savoury Rosé is a leader in its field. Recommend decanting this wine.

Campbell Mattinson of The Wine Front wrote: .....It’s then as fresh as you’d expect and hope it to be, with strawberry and melon and twig-like flavours. If you’d tasted this blindfolded, you would pick this as a white wine. It’s crisp and fragrant with a warm, flavoursome finish. 91 Points.

RRP: $28 Only 2 cases left.

Price: $19.99

Torzi Matthews Vigna Cantina Sangiovese 2008

Eden Valley producer Dominic Torzi with italian heritage has done well here..delicious dark cherry fruit,pot pourri, leather, fresh herbs and spice. Good length, grippy tannins and structure. Recommend decanting this to show its true colours.

"For another side to the big shiraz world that is the Barossa three sub-regional sources - Gomersal, Moppa and Kalimna - go into this small-run, hand made rustic sangio that has all the cherry boxes and lipsmacking tannins and acidity you'd expect from the variety." 92 POINTS Tony Love Adelaide Advertiser Indulge Aug 09

"Deep Red. Sexy aromas of cherry-vanilla, dried flowers, mint and brown spices. Lush, slightly sweet red and dark berry flavors are given grip by a bitter cherry skin quality and framed by velvety tannins. A broad, fleshy, almost liqueur-like style of sangiovese, with strong finishing spiciness and very good persistence" 90 POINTS Josh Raynolds, Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar - Jul/Aug 09

RRP $22

Price: $18.99

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