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Harewood Estate Denmark Pinot Noir 2010

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.

2010 is a bit bigger and more structured than the 2009 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

Price: $18.99

Teusner Salsa Rose 2011

Salsa is a Spanish word meaning sauce - it must be winemaker Kym Teusner's sauce! Made because of his particular aversion to many Aussie roses (often sweet and acidified to create zing!). A blend of grenache shiraz mourvedre fruit grown specifically for rose.. that is grapes picked with plenty of natural acidity and freshness, cold soaked for 24 hours and fermented (dry style) and matured in old oak on lees to impart creamy texture to the wine. Made in the dry provencal style. Seriously good sauce - the ultimate lunch wine.

Campbell Mattinson from Winefront loved the 09 “A blend of Mataro, Grenache and Shiraz which the marketing man for Teusner tells me is the Rosé equivalent of La Taché. Nice cheeky rosy red with red fruits and an attractive floral perfume. It’s not too dry, nor too sweet, just juicy and well balanced with excellent length of flavour. A little clip of grip and herb on the finish is a lovely touch. Seriously drinkable. 92pts” RRP $ 20

Price: $15.99

Special / Sale Price - Teusner The Riebke Shiraz 2010

Cascading sweet dark fruit (all Ebenezer- northern Barossa fruit from the Riebke brothers vineyard), dark chocolate and savoury smoked meat character with spicy French oak and firm velvety tannins. Incredible value for money here. Winemaker Kym Teusner thinks this newly released 2010 is up there with his best riebke's..another great vintage in 2010. RRP $24

96 POINTS and Voted Top 100 Wines of 2011 and Top Red under $20 category by James Halliday "...the fragrant bouquet exudes plum and blackberry fruit, promptly picked up by the stylish medium-bodied palate; here those flavours are joined by perfect tannins, oak purring along in the background. So great is the balance that the wine will live forever, however enjoyable it is now."

Price: $24.00
Price: $17.99

Sons of Eden Zephyrus Shiraz Viognier 2008

Wise Eagle Bay Margaret River Shiraz 2005

Torzi Matthews Frost Dodger Eden Valley Shiraz 2008

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. 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 red cherries, hints of fresh mint, aniseed , spice, raspberry with more-ish savoury leather on the finish. Very smart

91 points from eRobertParker.com

RRP: $ 37.00 Winter Clearance $27.99

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Voted Top 100 Wines in Adelaide Advertiser Nov 2010 - 93 Points "Employing a traditional Italian method of drying fruit on racks to concentrate its juice before crushing, this wine is a regular in our best picks; here the 2008 is rich, ripe and bold with sweetly spiced berry compote that still doesn't lose its bright - lights of blueberry and mulberry fruit electricity"

Price: $31.99

Arlewood Estate Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon 2007

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. 2007 was a great year and this is a stunning example of cabernet. Characterised by intense dark fruits, soy and cassis, with an earthy, savoury, structure, the wine spends 2 years in the finest French oak barriques and a further 2 years in bottle before release - a rarity these days for a winemaker to hold back their release to allow all the elements to integrate. Will open up beautifully with a some air and reward the patient up to 2030!
91 points - eRobertParker.com
90 points from Halliday ..."Great colour; ... with essency cassis and black olive; ... a very concentrated and pure core of fruit that will find its way to the top in the future; needs time."

RRP $45

Price: $34.99

Arlewood Cabernet Merlot 2009

This fine producer from Wilyabrup in the heart of Margaret River's best Cabernet country has a rapidly emerging pedigree. Opulent and concentrated blackcurrant and dark cherry flavours, great length of flavour with ripe fine grained tannins with seamless integration of french oak. 60% Cabernet Sauvignon 40% Merlot. 2009 was a superb season producing outstanding balance here -will not disappoint. Decant this wine

UK wine writer Oz Clarke got excited : “Where have these guys been hiding? .... This is simply breathtaking wine. It does wear a kind of serious look on its face, like all Margaret River Cabernets do...it’s just that this red has a truly classic depth of flavour – blackcurrants and black plums mixed with cherry ..... And it’s bone dry...”

RRP $24

Price: $18.99

Juniper Estate Margaret River Shiraz 2003

Special / Sale Price - Sons of Eden Kennedy 2010

Sons of Eden co-owners, Corey Ryan ("cut his teeth" as winemaker at Henschke for 10 yrs) winemaker and Simon Cowham ( ex-viticulturist Yalumba) have come up trumps again!

This wine is so damn good it reminds me why I love the wine business! A superb example of Barossa Grenache, Shiraz, Mourvedre blend, 16 mths in old French oak. Concentrated dark cherry fruit, spice, tarry depth, silky tannins. Decant/drink with balsamic marinated roast lamb. 2010 was another terrific vintage - long season without any adverse weather.

5 Stars Australian Wine Vintages 2009 Edition

Newly released 2010 has the goods! Great follow up on to the 2009 Gold at Winewise (Australia's most prestigious boutique wine show) Sons of Eden also won Trophy for most successful exhibitor at the Winewise show in 2011.

Price: $25.00
Price: $19.99

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

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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: $68.99

Kilikanoon Killermans Run Shiraz 2009 - STRAIGHT DOZEN BUY

Picardy merlot, cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc 2007

Teusner Joshua Grenache Mataro Shiraz 2009

**Trophy Barossa valley Wine Show**

“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 a bottle

Price: $23.99

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

Bird in Hand Two in the Bush Shiraz 2010

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….layers of flavour , briary, earthy and beautiful round fruit.....

RRP $65

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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

"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 "

"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"

"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

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

Price: $54.99

Special / Sale Price - Kilikanoon Prodigal Grenache 2006 - STRAIGHT CASE BUY

** LIMITED STOCK **

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.”

RRP: $408 a dozen ($34 a bottle)

** NOW ONLY $336 ** WHEN PURCHASED AS A STRAIGHT DOZEN ($28 a bottle).

Price: $408.00
Price: $336.00

Quinta de la Rosa Vale da Clara Tinto Portugal 2006

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 2010

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: $39.99

Teusner Albert Shiraz 2009

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). 2009 was a terrific vintage ( long season with no adverse weather). Cellar for up to 10 years. Decanting this wine is a must!

Halliday review of their 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: $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 $48.99

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: $48.99

Harewood Shiraz 2007

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

“Has won top awards ...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.

Winner of 2 trophies and 2 Golds including "Best Shiraz of Show" at 2009 Australian Boutique Wine Awards.

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.

RRP $34

Price: $27.99

Teusner Astral Series FG Riebke shiraz 2006

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...

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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

Scotchmans Hill Swan Bay Pinot Noir 2010

Denis Clair Cotes De Beaune Villages 09

This fine bourgogne rouge got my attention in a tasting earlier this year!

Most respected French critic, Michel Bettane wrote: “[Domaine Denis Clair] A very united, generous family: a family with good taste and beautiful vines on the best terroirs of Saint-Aubin and Santenay. All of this explains the success this domaine has achieved over some twenty years” Today Denis ( the mayor of Santenay) works closely with his son, Jean-Baptiste, who has had a major impact in improving both quality and style of the wines in recent years. This latest release, from the exceptional and much-praised 2009 vintage, is certainly the finest and most immediately delicious Denis Clair Côtes de Beaune we have seen. This is classic Pinot Noir, not to mention classic Côtes de Beaune, this time fully adorned with all the bells and whistles of a perfect Burgundian harvest.

This fine wine comprises several parcels from Côtes de Beaune Villages AOC. Around 90% of the fruit is de-stemmed and given a 10 day ‘cold soak’ maceration before completing fermentation in barrel, of which 10% is new. In short traditional methods are utilised to give terroir centre stage. Right now the wine is bright, intense and energetic; packed with lifted cherry fruit and hints of musk and redcurrant. It’s a very pretty wine, suave and pure with juicy acidity and suave tannins framing the lovely glowing fruit. With some age you will find it gaining more richness and opulence, more texture and body. Either way it is a wonderfully graceful, medium-bodied ‘gastronomic’ pinot noir that comes from the chalky slopes above Santenay. This volumptous wine has depth, balance and is a delight to drink! Sante RRP $44

Price: $36.99

Teusner Round Two Cabernet Sauvignon 2008

Girlan Lagrein 2010

Lagrein is generally the most impressive red grape of the Alto Adige region in the far north of Italy when yields are controlled (which they are at Girlan). This variety is deeply coloured and can have fruit character reminiscent of dark cherries.

Thanks to careful vineyard selection, low yields and subtle oak handling, Girlan producers a dark, richly aromatic red with fine tannins and real freshness. Stylistically, it is perhaps most comparable to the medium bodied red wines of Savoie, made from the Mondeuse variety. On the other hand this wine is unique in an almost pinoesque kind of way! Girlan’s 2010 has a really vibrant personality to match its intense purple colour. This wine is full of life.. it’s bright and crunchy with perfumed cherry, fresh tobacco, wild berry aromas and flavours. Decant this so it can open out. RRP RRP $31 Our price $27.99

Price: $27.00

Bress Silver Chook Pinot Noir 2010 - STRAIGHT DOZEN SPECIAL!

Winemaker, Adam Marks has made his mark (pardon the pun!) as one of our most progressive vintners at Victoria's Bress wines. His European approach and belief is that one region cannot produce a range of wines of equally high quality - instead he matches varieties to regions.

We like his affinity with Rudolph Steiner's bio-dynamics and natural approach in the vineyard (no chemical fertilisers) and winery (natural yeasts and no fining or filtering reds and minimal sulphur additions).

This Pinot sourced from Yarra and Macedon hits the spot! It represents extraordinary value with unique personality (lovely purity of fruit), depth, complexity and balance for pinot at this price. RRP: $27

CHRISTMAS SPECIAL ... ONLY $21pb when you buy a STRAIGHT DOZEN of this wine!)

Price: $252.00

Special / Sale Price - Bress Silver Chook Pinot Noir 2010

Winemaker, Adam Marks has made his mark (pardon the pun!) as one of our most progressive vintners at Victoria's Bress wines. His European approach and belief is that one region cannot produce a range of wines of equally high quality - instead he matches varieties to regions.

We like his affinity with Rudolph Steiner's bio-dynamics and natural approach in the vineyard (no chemical fertilisers) and winery (natural yeasts and no fining or filtering reds and minimal sulphur additions).

This Pinot sourced from Yarra and Macedon hits the spot! It represents extraordinary value with unique personality (lovely purity of fruit), depth, complexity and balance for pinot at this price. (Also available...Straight Dozen Chrissy Special $252)

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Adam Marks wrote..."Whilst living and winemaking in the Yarra Valley, I discovered the joys of breeding and showing chickens. This passion led me to visit France in 1996 to witness first hand their traditional methods of breeding chickens and I dedicate our wines to the famous chickens of France and what they represent – artisan production using traditional, age old methods."

Price: $27.00
Price: $21.99

Pira Barolo Vigna Rionda 2005

“One of Piedmont’s new superstars… these are wines of extraordinary complexity and breathtaking richness. The spectacular offerings from Pira’s vineyards in and around Serralunga d’Alba are among the more riveting examples.” Robert Parker.

Pira’s vineyards are in the three most prestigious crus in the Serralunga commune: “Margheria,” “Marenca," and “Rionda”. The first Barolo was produced only as recently as 1993, but the winery and winemaker, Giampaolo Pira has received many accolades from the international press since that time. Vinification takes place in horizontal fermentation tanks at a controlled temperature for 7 to 10 days. The wine is refined for 24 months in new barriques made of French oak.
To the eye, Barolo Vigna Rionda has an intense burgundy red colour. The bouquet is very complex and elegant, with subtle suggestions that range from wild berries to sweet tobacco and deep, intriguing balsamic hints. To the palate, the wine is very rich, opulent and balanced, and is remarkably persistent. Bigger bolder, more new oak modern in style … Decant this fine wine and serve with bold food RRP $265 Special Price $195

Price: $195.00

Tiefenbrunner Castel Turmhof Lagrein 2009

$Giacomo Conterno \'Cascina Francia\' Barolo 2006$

Giacomo Conterno 'Cascina Francia' Barolo 2006

There is no greater traditional Barolo producer than Giacomo Conterno!

"As with so many 2006 Barolos, time is going to be an essential ingredient as these youthful wines are tight, muscular, super tannic and powerful. Only time mellows all that ...Lurking beneath its imposing structure and weighty tannins, is Cascina Francia's tell-tale spice notes - anise, loicorice, tar and roses melded with cleansing acidity, savoury too with a persistent, long finish. Still sleeping so give this time ad consider it a cellar addition for up to 20 plus years. And if there is a Barolo that can sway people to the beauty and majesty of nebbiolo, (this) is it." Jane Faulkner Oct 2010.

Huon Hooke - 18.5 points..."Very fragrant and complex bouquet. Very tight tannin palate. Lean, angular, finely structured, with superb pure-fruit flavour and structure .. firm and yet supple tannins. Very rich and complex; no need for barriques to build more complexity into this wine. Great line and length; superb vino."

RRP: $350

Price: $235.00

Stella Bella Skuttlebutt Shiraz Cabernet 2008

Cigale Mataro Shiraz Grenache 2009

The Cigale range is the second label made by Pete Schell of Spinifex fame. This Rhone inspired blend (43% Mataro, 31% Grenache, 26% Shiraz) shows his mastery of blending so each varietal component contributes different flavours and textures. Fruit has been sourced from six different Barossa Valley vineyards - the Mataro from 90 year old bush vines in Koonunga Hill and Grenache from vines between 30 and 90 years old. Mataro gives the wine earthiness and complexity; Grenache perfume and aromatic spiciness; Shiraz structure and depth . The final blend is aged 14 months in seasoned French oak producing and delightful wine with lifted fruit aromatics: dark cherry, ripe and sour plums. On the palate it is full-bodied with flavours that mirror the aromas; blueberry, mulberry, leather, bay leaf and currants. Fine, lightly drying grape tannins give the wine freshness on the finish. It is excellent drinking now but will cellar 2-3 years. Superb value. RRP$25

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Peter Bourne review “... follows in the footsteps of his Spinifex Papillon ($28) with similarly fresh, bright flavours and concentrated yet light-footed structure. The flavours are of redcurrants and blackcurrants, with a touch of blackberry and fresh aniseed. The tannins are mild-mannered, making it a perfect partner to spicy chorizo sausages.”

Price: $18.99

Spinifex Vallee des Roches 2009

"The Shiraz fruit for this wine comes from a site sitting at around 420 metres on the eastern edge of the Barossa. The ‘Rocky Valley’ has provided base materials for other Spinfex wines, but winemaker Pete Schell and his partner Magali Gely decided it was good enough to bottle on its own. It’s all about provenance for this wine. The 2009 vintage simply demanded a single vineyard bottling. An explosive entry with cinnamon, cloves and fenugreek then pitch-black berry fruit and an underlying, gentle stemminess. The palate fills with forest berry flavours and again shows some suggestion of stems, but with wet earth, and more of the quixotic spice of the bouquet. Though there is some cool feralness going on, it pulses with freshness and verity of fruit. Undeniably a super energy to this wine; it’s power packed yet without meaty obtrusion, and finishes very long. An exciting entry to the Spinifex stable, though a bit more straight up and down. 93 POINTS" The Wine Front.

Price: $90.00

Chateau Mont-Redon Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2008 - STRAIGHT CASE BUY

Chateau Mont-Redon Chateauneuf-du-Pape 08

Malenchini Chianti Colli Fiorentini 2009

Chateau Mont-Redon Cotes du Rhone Rouge 2007

Scotchmans Hill Swan Bay Shiraz 2010 - STRAIGHT CASE BUY

Palacios Remondo â��La Vendimiaâ�� Garnacha-Tempranillo 2010

Palacios Remondo ‘La Vendimia’ Garnacha-Tempranillo 2010

Alvaro Palacios is one of the "rock stars" of modern Spanish wine making best known for his work in revitalising the region of Priorat and his ultra-pricey "Grand Cru", L'Ermita. This though is from his family property in Rioja, where he has worked his magic in reinvigorating the old vineyards and bringing the winemaking up to the state of the art.

Unfiltered, biodynamic Rioja with Garnacha predominant, and bearing the hallmarks of the wonderful 2010 vintage in Spain. Mid-weight, utterly complete, ravishingly spiced and with great harmony of tannin, acid and perfume. Alvaro’s precise-yet-barely-tutored wines always speak gently but unfailingly of the earth in which they grow, and this hallmark’s in spades here. Red-black fruits in red dirt bespeak this, the jewel vineyard of Rioja Baja. Awesome, softly gloving fruit tannin is the heart from which ever-so-pleasant fruit radiates a warm glow. Gentle, earthily-fruited, classy, delicious.

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This is the family estate of Alvaro Palacios. It’s the star property of Rioja Baja, quite high up, devoted to Garnacha-led blends and all about the smell, taste and texture of the red clay dirt and local herb influence. Predominantly Garnacha, then Tempranillo with Graciano and Mazuelo.

Price: $27.99

$Pira Dolcetto d\'Alba 2008$

Bruno Giacosa Falletto Barbaresco 2005 - VERY LIMITED

Bruno Giacosa is arguably the greatest producer in Piedmont.

“The Giacosa tradition is that of a commerciante on the highest level” Nicolas Belfrage, Barolo to Valpolicella.

“His genius lies in selecting the finest grapes, a talent learnt from his grandfather Carlo.” Garner & Merritt, ‘Tar and Roses’.

Bruno Giacosa’s keen eye and age old relationships helped him to consistently source from a number of great vineyard sites around Barbaresco. Most of these are 4 decades and older and make many wines which are now quite famous for their owners. Fruit comes from prestigious Asili and Rabaja vineyards. This is a powerful 05, with the full range of Giacosa Barbaresco aromas of cedar, violets, raspberry, chocolate and truffle, layers of flavour. Enchanting balance, elegance and finesse here. Superb…Very limited RRP $250

Price: $189.99

Brezza â��Santa Rosaliaâ�� Nebbiolo dâ��Alba 2009

Brezza ’Santa Rosalia’ Nebbiolo d’Alba 2009

In Australia, the name Brezza has become synonymous with Barolo, Barbera and Dolcetto from Piedmont. It’s a combination of the hospitality shown by the Brezza family in their Hotel Barolo (in the town of Barolo itself) and the robust, authentic and value wines Enzo Brezza produces in his winery below the Hotel.

The lighter soils, west facing exposure of these small patches of Nebbiolo, in the middle of elite Barolo country, results in a lighter bodied and more fruity style. The first characters are of roses, orange and red fruits, although it opens up slowly to more (it is Nebbiolo, after all!) notes of dried herb, spice and fennel seed. The tannins are Nebbiolo as well, firm but vibrant. More open and accessible example (still recommend decanting this) but certainly has the savoury moreish tarriness that screams out for food….procuitto, roast meat. RRP $44

Price: $34.99

Palacios Remondo La Vendimia 2010 - STRAIGHT CASE BUY

Alvaro Palacios is one of the "rock stars" of modern Spanish wine making best known for his work in revitalising the region of Priorat and his ultra-pricey "Grand Cru", L'Ermita. This though is from his family property in Rioja, where he has worked his magic in reinvigorating the old vineyards and bringing the winemaking up to the state of the art.

Unfiltered, biodynamic Rioja with Garnacha predominant, and bearing the hallmarks of the wonderful 2010 vintage in Spain. Mid-weight, utterly complete, ravishingly spiced and with great harmony of tannin, acid and perfume. Alvaro’s precise-yet-barely-tutored wines always speak gently but unfailingly of the earth in which they grow, and this hallmark’s in spades here. Red-black fruits in red dirt bespeak this, the jewel vineyard of Rioja Baja. Awesome, softly gloving fruit tannin is the heart from which ever-so-pleasant fruit radiates a warm glow. Gentle, earthily-fruited, classy, delicious.

SPECIAL PRICE WHEN YOU BUY AS A STRAIGHT DOZEN ... ONLY $312 (that's $26 per bottle)

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This is the family estate of Alvaro Palacios. It’s the star property of Rioja Baja, quite high up, devoted to Garnacha-led blends and all about the smell, taste and texture of the red clay dirt and local herb influence. Predominantly Garnacha, then Tempranillo with Graciano and Mazuelo.

Price: $312.00

Scotchmans Hill Pinot Noir 09 ( 12 pack)

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 very smart a baby and recommend decanting this or one for the cellar.

RRP: $42

Price: $294.00

Bird in Hand Shiraz 2010 - STRAIGHT DOZEN SPECIAL!

SPECIAL PRICE WHEN YOU BUY A STRAIGHT DOZEN OF THIS WINE!

* Gold Medal at 2011 Adelaide Show *
Bird in Hand (Highly regarded and awarded Adelaide Hills producer) are going from strength to strength.

Beautiful aromatic nose of blackberry, balanced by hints of licorice,black olives and spice. Palate is rich, round with ripe tannins and beautifully integrated French oak. One for the cellar - recommend 3 to 8 yrs. Recommend decanting!
RRP$32

Our Price when you buy 12 bottles of this wine is only $288 (that's only $24 per bottle!)

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Review of the 2009:
"Deep purple-crimson; the aromatic bouquet is reflected in the bright red and black fruit flavours of the medium-bodied palate, with spice and pepper plus cedary French oak extending its finish. 94 Points." James Halliday 2011 Aust Wine Companion.

Price: $288.00

Spinifex La Maline 2009

96 points James Halliday and Best of the Best in Shiraz Viognier class in 2012 Australian Wine Companion

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).

"...the fragrant bouquet is more lifted and fruit-focused, the elegant, medium-bodied palate with impeccable balance and length, the tannins very fine." 96 points James Halliday.

"Has the candied lift of Viognier, making its immediate presence known. Some meaty, gamey notes, then a cavalcade of pretty red berries and raspberry. The palate is juicy, tinged with fruit sweetness but given a good shape with lemony, fresh acidity. Very long and fine; it’s a surprising form the wine holds as the assumption would be more cloy and richness. Still, primary fruit drives the wine, with some firmness from both oak and fruit tannin, letting the mouth hold the good, persistent, fruit flavours. Perhaps showing some infantile simplicity in its current incarnation, but attractive nonetheless." 91 points, The Wine Front.

Price: $58.99

Spinifex Indigene 2009

97 points James Halliday 2012 Australian Wine Companion and Best of the Best in Shiraz Blend category....

"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."

Price: $58.99

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

Lost Valley Shiraz 2008 - STRAIGHT CASE BUY

$Cuilleron Saint Joseph \'L\'Amarybelle\' 2009$

Cuilleron Saint Joseph 'L'Amarybelle' 2009

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: $62

$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: $56

$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

By Farr Farrside Pinot Noir 2009

By Farr’s most masculine pinot, a wine of robust structure and savouriness (due to the black volcanic soils I am assured and more stems in ferment -55 % whole bunch fermentation)

Mix of Dijon clones, wild fermentation, followed by 18 months in 50% new French oak. This pinot is top shelf and was the most popular pinot of our tasting

97 points and Top Rated Pinot in James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion 2012

“...the density of the bouquet leaves you in no doubt this is an imperious pinot, the palate fully living up to the message from the bouquet, with layer-upon-layer of dark fruits playing tag with the ripe tannins that provide texture and structure on the long finish.”

95 points Campbell Mattinson The Wine Front “The Farrside pinot noir is grown only 300 metres from the plot where the Sangreal pinot noir is grown, and yet the two vineyards are picked two weeks apart. Terroir at play. This is a pinot noir with a deep, dark heart. It’s naturally fermented with fifty percent whole bunches. It’s rich with dark, cherry-berried fruits and smoky, peanutty oak. The tannin of the Sangreal is rippled and grunty; here it’s slatey and firm. Terrific intensity from start to finish. Interspersed layers of savouriness and fruitiness. Outstanding. “

Price: $63.99

By Farr Sangreal Pinot Noir 2009

This north facing vineyard is planted on the original house block and it is the magic dust (red ironstone soil on limestone) that give a haunting fragrance to this pinot.

Sangreal is now 15 years old and is one of Australia’s top Pinot Noirs as befits its name, Sangreal which means Holy Blood or the Holy Grail.

60% whole bunch fermentation and 60% in new oak has produced the ‘‘hallmark” perfumed bouquet. This is the most seamless and perfumed of the By Farr single vineyard Pinots.

97 points and the Top Rated Pinot in James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion 2012
“…..the bouquet has a rich and complex array of dark berry fruits, shifting up a gear on the positively voluptuous palate, which opens strongly and does not back off at any stage. Despite all this, it is a wine of finesse.”

95 points Campbell Mattinson The Wine Front...“ This is a beautiful wine. Class act. It’s great now and it should age terrifically too. Marzipan, twigs. Dense wine with lots of grunty, grainy tannin. Rich array of spices and dust and non-fruit elements. Violets. Bitter aftertaste in the most positive of ways. .... Challenging wine. Uncompromising too. Love it.”

Price: $71.00

By Farr Tout Pres Pinot Noir 2008

My favourite wine of the tasting-more structured again than the Farrside with great palate length, tension, fine ripe tannins and wonderful finesse.

Flagship wine in the By Farr stable.. Tout pres means “closely planted” vines (based on rationale that competition between vines produces more intensely flavoured fruit) 100% whole bunch fermentation produces plenty of savoury, forrest floor complexity.

Winemaker Garry Farr says ... “.. exceptional length, true texture and mouth-feel for ageing potential. The nose is more savoury than fruit. Fine layered delivery continually building a palate of excellent balanced rich fruit, of cherry/plum fruit and oak seamlessly welded on the very long and earthy sustained palate, to form a powerful expression of my very special site. Wow! 5-8 years of pure pleasure ahead.”

96 points James Halliday “...an exceptionally long and intense wine.” VERY Limited .. TREAT Yourself !! Winery sold out. LAST 6 dozen in the land

Price: $99.00

Teusner The Gentleman Cabernet Sauvignon 2010

Poggio Al Sole Chianti Classico 2009

Owner and winemaker Giovanni Davaz's picturesque vineyard ( 50 years old) lies in the heart of Chianti Classico in the hills south of Florence. Natural farming and low yields of his sangiovese create wines with incredible power; dark, brooding colours, intense extraction of fruit and formidable, yet well-integrated tannins. What is fascinating about the wines of Poggio al Sole is despite the concentration and power, the aromas are wonderfully complex and delicate.Only physiologically ripened fruit and slow vinification allow such highly evolved aromas to accompany such power.

This Chianti Classico is 100% sangiovese with aromas of black raspberry, cherry with rustic meaty, leathery oak. Gorgeous plush fruit on the palate followed by long finish with bright acidity. Nothing else to say to say but Allelulia ! She is closed and reserved on opening and nee to decant this!! 2009 was a great vintage in Tuscany..We are happy with this new release after 2008 was awarded re Bichieri, the highest possible accolade from Gambero Rosso, Italy's wine bible for the 2008!

Top scoring chianti classico from 2008 by Steve Tanzer of renowned International Wine Cellar! This wine oozes class and pedigree but you must decant this! Roast meat is calling. RRP$46

Price: $39.99

Camigliano Rosso di Montalcino 2006

Camigliano is one of the earliest Montalcino producers in Tuscany. Plenty of history at this estate - their castle served as a watchtower in medieval times. Winemaker Lorenzo Laudi has improved quality of their wines since he took over. Hallmark of his wines are seriousness combined with drinkability.

Sangiovese at its best ...an absolute delight and sipping it all I hear is pavarotti singing nessun dorma... Do not miss out here...Last 6 dozen in the land!

As reviewed in Gourmet Travellers Top Italian Wines Under $50 this was rated in the TOP 12! "100 per cent sangiovese....savoury in style, yet still had all-round support for its complexity and balance. Otton wrote: “ This is different. Cinnamon, dark fruits and hints of orange peel. It ripples across the palate.” The developed flavours prompt suggestions of chocolate and dried herbs and the tannins, while quite dry, are even through the mouth. It’s ready now and demands red meat dishes.”
RRP $53 Special $39.99

Price: $39.99

Catena Zapata Malbec 2008 - STRAIGHT DOZEN SPECIAL

Jed Limited Release Malbec 2008 - STRAIGHT CASE BUY

Old Plains Alluvium Old Vines Cabernet Shiraz 2008

Old Plains Terreno Old Vines Grenache 2008

Joint venture between old friends Torzi Matthews and Tim Freeland, Old Plains Wine Co source grapes grown from the last remaining old vine vineyards in the Adelaide Plains.

"It is a stunner of a Grenache. Very ripe black-fruit and aniseed aromas with a slightly meaty overtone, then a concentrated palate with focus, power and balance. Superb flavour and at 15 per cent alcohol it’s harmonious. Very long-finishing and concentrated. Drink now to 15 plus years. 94 points. Huon Hooke SMH Wine of the Week." Huon Hooke 94 points.

"..Excellent intensity ...Notes of blackberry nip, tar, fresh raspberry and lots of spicy, earthy character. Both oomph and nuance ...Violetty-aftertaste. Rather delicious." 92 points Campbell Mattinson The Wine Front.

"...I cant believe these blokes can do this at this price: It's the best bargain about." 93 points. Philip White.

RRP $30

Price: $25.99

Bodegas Exopto Bozeto Rioja 2010

Bodegas Exopto is one of the new wave of modern winegrowers and quality wine makers in Rioja - Outstanding, well tended, cool vineyards on rocky soils, very old vines and low yields (the total opposite to the trend of mass produced, American oaked wine of the region).

Passionate artisan winemaker, Tom Puyaubert (in fact a Frenchman who married an Espanola!) is fanatical in his focus on their vineyard: 50-100 year old Tempranillo and 70 year old Garnacha vineyard located in Rioja Alavesa (600 metres altitude and the coolest in Rioja). He uses French oak and is producing small quantities of top quality vino (3000 cases – miniscule production for Rioja). Robert Parker’s right hand man, Jay Millar from Wine Advocate is a fan: “Exopto Cellars three new releases are all outstanding”. No doubt about it Exopto is a Riojan star in the making!

Formerly known as “b.b” (short for big bang) the wine has been renamed Bozeto (sketch) due to a copyright issue in Spain. He has produced a beautifully balanced medium bodied red blend ( 50% Garnacha, 30% Tempranillo, 20% Graciano) plush with raspberry, blackberry, cedar, spice. leather and tar.

Love this gorgeous rioja and the knockout price!

RRP: $25

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Jay Millar from Internationally renowned The Wine Advocate rated it 90+ and said "...Aromas of crushed pepper, balsam wood,violets, cinnamon, and blackberry inform the nose of a sweetly-fruited, vibrant, well-balanced Rioja. It can be approached now but has the stuffing to fill out for another 1-2 years. This outstanding value will deliver plenty of enjoyment through 2018+."

Price: $19.99

Ashton Hills Reserve Pinot Noir 2009

This is Ashton Hills' flagship wine, 100% estate grown fruit made from all 18 Pinot clones, (only three were used in the hot 2008 vintage). Matured in 100% new French oak barriques and a third of blend was whole bunch fermented. It is designed to be cellared and is best drunk after at least 5 years.

This serious wine is tightly knit and closed on opening but with a little air it revealed beautiful aromatics, profound energy, depth of flavour, complexity, and finesse. With fine ripe tannins and plenty of grip, it has the goods and a terrific future. Patience and a few years in the cellar will be hugely rewarding!

James Halliday was very impressed: "tighter, finer and more precise than the Estate, still bound up on itself and needing longer for the spicy floral aromas and silky tannins to open up, whereupon it will be the superior wine of the two." 95 points 2012 Aust Wine Companion.
RRP $78

Price: $59.99

Ashton Hills Estate Pinot Noir 2009

The “Estate” wine comes from Ashton Hill's 29 year old vineyard and is made from low-bearing vines followed by maturation in French oak. Cellar this for up to 5 yrs. Spectacular 2009 vintage resulted in all 18 pinot clones used.

Happy result is a gorgeous pinot of great depth of flavour, complexity, finesse and tension. Thrilling wine and with some time will reveal more dimensions. Designed for cellaring up to 5 yrs-the structure of this 09 will enable it to age much longer.

"... has the unmistakable Ashton Hills stamp of texture missing from almost all other Adelaide Hills pinots; the fragrant bouquet leads with spiced plum that is picked up by the multi-flavoured, multi textured palate. 95 points James Halliday 2012 Aust Wine Companion.

RRP $53

Price: $39.99

Coates Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot Malbec 2008

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.

78% Langhorne Creek Cabernet, 11% Adelaide Hills Merlot, 11% Robe Malbec. 24 months in 20% new French oak. Reminds me of a fine Medoc or St Julien. Decant to reveal the true colours of this fine wine
RRP: $36

Price: $31.99

Coates Langhorne Creek Touriga Nacional 2009

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.

14 days on skins; 18 months in 20% new French oak. Unfiltered. RRP: $36

Price: $31.99

Coates Tenison Pinot Noir 2009

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.

From Robe, Limestone Coast. 50% whole bunch ferment: 12 Mths in 1 to 3 yr old French oak. Smart pinot offering-bold masculine style

Price: $21.99

Wendouree Shiraz Mataro LIMITED STOCK

We have very limited quantities available of:

Wendouree Shiraz Mataro 2001 @$79
Wendouree Shiraz Mataro 2004 @$89
Wendouree Shiraz Mataro 2006 @$89
Wendouree Shiraz Mataro 2005 @$89

Email your wish list to rhys@thevinepress.com or call 02 9908 4994

Some interesting commentary by Andrew Caillard MW:
"Wendouree Shiraz Mataro with its deep colour, blackberry liquorice fruit and iron-fisted tannins belongs to a stable of wines which intensely articulate vineyard character, regional provenance, the personalities of winemakers present and traditional winemaking practice. The fruit is generally "bigger berried and medium bodied" compared to other blocks. However the particularity of house style remains a "constant" because of the high skin to juice ratio and the exceptionally high seed content in the fruit (especially Shiraz). Vinification takes place in open stainless steel-lined open slate fermenters, with regular plunging. The wine is matured in fine grained 20% new and used Seguin Moreau oak for 12 months.

Price: $0.00

Wendouree Shiraz Malbec LIMITED STOCK

We have very limited quantities available of:

Wendouree Shiraz Malbec 1998 @ $120 a bottle
Wendouree Shiraz Malbec 2001 @$79
Wendouree Shiraz Malbec 2005 @$79
Wendouree Shiraz Malbec 2006@$79

Email your wish list to rhys@thevinepress.com or call 02 9908 4994

Included some interesting commentary by Andrew Caillard MW:
"Vigneron Tony Brady believes his old vines, first planted in 1893, get to "seed maturity at lower Baumé levels". Wendouree Shiraz Malbec, with plenty of blackberry/plum/mulberry and menthollike fruit, fine, rusty, almost unyielding tannins, is a strong, firm maturation style wine with plenty of lasting power. The wine is vinified in open stainless steel-lined fermenters, and matured for 12 months in 20% new and seasoned French oak. This is a house style that is true to its origins and heritage. It reflects "the reality of place; the wine has been made from the same vineyards for so long the characteristics don't really change beyond the effect of vintage."

Price: $0.00

Wendouree Shiraz LIMITED STOCK

We have very limited quantities available :

Wendouree Shiraz 1998 @$195
Wendouree Shiraz 2003 @$110
Wendouree Shiraz 2006 @$175
Wendouree Shiraz 2008 @$185

Email your wish list to rhys@thevinepress.com or call 02 9908 4994

Some interesting commentary by Andrew Caillard MW:
"The spectacularly individual Wendouree Shiraz has remained true to its origins since Alfred Percy Birks planted the vineyard in 1893. The vines, still producing fruit, are derived from the original James Busby Collection via the Adelaide Botanical Gardens. Wendouree possesses an important cultural and historical identity. The winery is listed as an "indicative place" on the register of the National Estate. Roly Birks, who put up his winemaking boots after 60 vintages, continued winemaking at Wendouree until 1983. Lita and Tony Brady, now veteran winemakers of nearly forty vintages, purchased the venerable property in 1974. The integrity and heritage of Wendouree are remarkably preserved. This is very much a 19th century working winery. The wines are strongly recognisable with an emphasis on fruit power, concentration and weight. The tannin structures are tightly knit and incredibly muscular.

The Wendouree unirrigated vineyards are located on an easterly ridge towards the northern end of the Clare Valley. The soils are shallow and meagre with red loam over "skilly" limestone. In recent years a vertical shoot positioning trellising system has been introduced to optimise sunlight and to protect the fruit from ultra violet light. Natural cultivation practices are the norm. The low-yielding (three to four tonnes per hectare), beautifully formed old Shiraz vines, tortured and serpentine (many from the original plantings), are unique, producing small berries with thick skins and a very high seed content. "Singularity of vineyard character" is achieved by being "slaves rather than masters." The fruit is vinified in stainless steel lined open fermenters. Maturation takes place in roughly 20% new oak for around a year. It typically possesses a core of blackberry/ black olive aromas with complex iodine/ wet bitumen/ animal hide characters. Although there is clarity and buoyancy of fruit on the palate, the tannins are rusty and vice-like. The oak barely shows through. It has been described as "an iron fist in velvet glove" type wine.

There are remarkably few older bottles in circulation. This is largely explained by the way Wendouree wine was sold. Until 1974, the wines were bottled and marketed by merchants. Most of these were blended rather than single varietal wines. Some old Seabrook bottlings have been sold at auction in recent times. Bottled under screw cap from the 2009 vintage.

Price: $0.00

Wendouree Cabernet Malbec- LIMITED STOCK

We have very limited quantities available of:

Wendouree Cabernet Malbec 1997 @$79 a bottle
Wendouree Cabernet Malbec 2001@$79
Wendouree Cabernet Malbec 2002@$99
Wendouree Cabernet Malbec 2005 @ $89

Email your wish list to rhys@thevinepress.com or call 02 9908 4994

Included some interesting commentary by Andrew Caillard MW:

"In many respects the Cabernet Malbec is an old fashioned wine, yet it articulates vineyard character and maintains an unbroken continuity of style rarely found on the contemporary wine scene. The Malbec component, which derives from four blocks planted between 1898 and 1960, provides complexity and interest. Vinification takes place in open stainless steel lined slate fermenters with regular hand plunging. After draining the skins are hand shovelled into a traditional basket press. Maturation takes place in a combination of around 20% new and seasoned French oak. This is a profoundly individual wine with intense bright fruit, underlying maturation notes and firm but pronounced vice-like tannin structures.
Andrew Caillard MW

Price: $0.00

Wendouree Cabernet Sauvignon LIMITED STOCK

We have very limited quantities available of:

Wendouree Cabernet Sauvignon 98 @$140 a bot.
Wendouree Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 @$110
Wendouree Cabernet Sauvignon 2008@110

Included some good commentary from Andrew Caillard MW:

"Wendouree Cabernet Sauvignon derives from the cool central and western areas of the historic Wendouree vineyard. The soils are shallow and meagre with red loam over 'skilly' limestone. A vertical shoot positioning trellising system has been introduced to optimise sunlight and to protect the fruit from ultra violet light. Natural cultivation practices are the norm. The vines are dry-land farmed with no supplementary irrigation. The cooler central block with its smaller berries is known for its "spicy characters and very firm almost astringent tannins". The western side brings "floral" notes and a softer structure. Winemakers Lita and Tony Brady, together with longstanding consultant Stephen George, make a wine that profoundly articulates the individual character of this unique and important vineyard site. There is a strong belief that "good practice over time permeates both a reputation and a place." After vinification in open fermenters, the wine completes fermentation and remains in stainless steel until November before maturation in around 25% new and seasoned Seguin Moreau French oak for 12 months. This is a muscular cellaring style with fragrant dark chocolate/ cassis/ herb aromas, superb volume, fine strong sinewy tannins and underlying savoury oak. Wendouree Cabernet Sauvignon reflects an enduring winemaking philosophy that allows the wine to speak of itself. The sheer physicality of winemaking is hardly laissez faire but there is a strong belief that "manipulation eradicates vineyard character".

Price: $0.00

Longhop Cabernet Sauvignon 2010

Longhop is a winemaking venture between high school friends, Tim Freeland and Dominic Torzi (of leading Eden Valley winery, Torzi Matthews) and these guys have taken the notion of overdelivering ( wine quality for price) to another realm.... Definite standing ovation from us for this first release.

"It’s a bargain as a drink-now proposition, but it will cellar well for 4-8 years, if you so desire. Might even go longer than that. It tastes of blackcurrant, dust, eucalypt and toasty vanillin oak. It has enough tannin, but not too much. Enough flavour, without being in any way over-blown. It’s the kind of balanced, well-made, well-flavoured, over-delivering wine that once upon a time put Australia on the map. 92 points." Campbell Mattinson, The Wine Front.

"...wildly intense, licoricey, syrupy wine with sinblack tannins that suck all the blood clean outta your lips... ...Stunning value! 92 points" Philip White

RRP $20 Special Price $15.99

Price: $15.99

Longhop Shiraz 2010

Longhop is a winemaking venture between high school friends, Tim Freeland and Dominic Torzi (of leading Eden Valley winery, Torzi Matthews) and these guys have taken the notion of overdelivering ( wine quality for price) to another realm....

Now in its 6th vintage this wine continues to amaze - serious quality fruit from 15 to 50 year old vines from the Adelaide Plains (bulk of fruit from One Tree Hill - famous for Penfolds St Henri !) - whole bunch open ferment, hand plunged, basket pressed, 14 months in French and American oak. This red should be double the price ( Don't tell Domenic!)

"It’s ripping value ..fleshy and flavoursome but dry and structured too... Blackberries, menthol, nutty oak and cloves. The texture’s creamy, the flavour substantial, the length of flavour excellent. It’s likely to be one of the best value reds of the year. " 92 points Campbell Mattinson, The Wine Front.

"It's rich, spicy, aniseed-like wine, with an almost sinister fresh-hewn blackwood edge, which is from pips and skins as much as seasoned oak. It has no jam, but a tantalising elegance for its intensity, and will become a true beauty with five years under the house. 91+ points." Philip White

Flavours and layers continued to reveal themselves 4 and 5 days after opening this superb red. Do not be put off by the price, this is serious booze! A must have for this winter RRP$20

Price: $15.99

$Eden Road \"The Seedling\" Shiraz 2009$

Eden Road "The Seedling" Shiraz 2009

Sourced from the Hilltops and Canberra districts, this flavourful and elegant shiraz has to be one of the finest value for money examples I've tasted in a long while....reminiscent of the wines of the southern Rhone

Cascading raspberry,blackberry and dark cherry fruit with some black pepper and meaty savoury characters...One juicy wine with fine silky tannins to close. "This'll get Canberra on the map in a big way.." 91 points Nick Stock SMH/Age Good Wine Guide 2011. Startling quality and value here- do not miss out on this !!

RRP $18

$Eden Road \"The Seedling\" Shiraz 2009$ More Details
"This'll get Canberra on the map in a big way, with a meaty spicy oak sitting across brambly summer-berry fruits, mixed red florals and spice. The palate sweeps through on bright, fluffy tannins and delivers supple, juicy snap; really lively and flavoursome dark fruits throughout." 91 points. Nick Stock, The Age/SMH

Price: $14.99

Sons of Eden Pumpa Shiraz Cabernet 2009

VERY LIMITED! ONLY 175 CASES MADE!
Named as a tribute to Len Pumpa, a pioneering Eden Valley grower back in the 1920s who preserved the vineyards that they are custodians of today. Co-owners, Corey Ryan (cut his teeth" as winemaker at Henschke for 10 yrs) winemaker and Simon Cowham (ex-viticulturist Yalumba) have weaved their magic with this new release. A fine blend of shiraz (80%) cabernet (15%) & tempranillo (5%) from Eden Valley (50 odd yr old vineyard with minuscule yields 1- 2 ton / acre) followed by 15 months in predominantly French oak....Plush aromatic dark cherry fruit complemented by cedar and wintergreen notes of cabernet sauvignon and a touch of tempranillo which adds a savoury undertone and softens the fine grained and textured tannins. Very smart rouge.

RRP:$25

Price: $21.99

$Remondo \'La Montesa\' Rioja 2007$

Remondo 'La Montesa' Rioja 2007

Alvaro Palacios is one of the "rock stars" of modern Spanish wine making best known for his work in revitalising the region of Priorat and his ultra-pricey "Grand Cru", L'Ermita. This though is from his family property in Rioja, where he has worked his magic in reinvigorating the old vineyards and bringing the winemaking up to the state of the art. The results are exemplified with La Montesa- His blend of Garnacha, Tempranillo, Graciano and Mazuelo from great old vines is aged in old French oak. Think intense blood plum, dark cherries, blackberries, wild thyme thru' to wood spice, tobacco and earth balanced by a lick of raspberry freshness. My favourite red of our Spanish tasting - elegant, savoury, long and beautifully stylish. Do not miss out on this spectacular Rioja!

RRP: $49

Price: $42.99

Harewood Red Rabbit 2010 * STRAIGHT DOZEN BUY *

Roda Sela 2008

Often referred to as “the Grand Cru of Rioja”, Bodega Roda is a landmark in the old Riojan city of Haro. From the underground drives to the dedicated, floor-heated malolactic cellar, everything Roda does speaks of precision and fastidious attention to detail. Fruit from each of its 17 vineyards is vinified separately and only after a year in barrel are decisions taken about the wines' ultimate designation. Irrespective of this though, Roda's ground-breaking R&D work on the phenolic maturity of Tempranillo means that all their wines are famed for their ethereal balance, elegance and finesse. From Sela through to their flagship Cirsion, the wines progress from the red-fruit spectrum to the black, all the while increasing in concentration and complexity, while retaining that signature finesse and balance.

Fruit (96% Tempranillo with Graciano) is from vineyards in excess of 30 years (some up to 80 years old), grown organically, aged in French barrels, neither filtered nor fined. Each vintage is made "on its merits" to reflect style of the vintage (rather than an application of a recipe). ...Aromatic, fresh red berry thru' to black fruit, some dark chocolate and tar/roast meat underneath with fine silky tannins. Ooodles of class and sophistication in this fine red.

RRP: $66

Price: $59.99

Bannockburn Pinot Noir 2008

Wonderfully lifted perfume of violets, dark cherries and spice, cinnamon, some forest floor characters. Profound richness, complexity and balance on the palate. With a high proportion of whole bunch fermentation this fine pinot needs to be decanted to open out and reveal all the layers. Alternatively cellar this for 3 or 4 yrs.

“I tasted this 2008 Bannockburn pinot noir over two days but truth is, it jumped from the blocks –and tasted good every time I put it in my mouth. I guess you have to like the Banockburn style, but this is a super pinot noir. It’s herbal and stalky but it has dimension: of aroma and flavour. It booms from the glass and reaches to all corners of your mouth. It tannin hits and spreads. It’s not the brigthest pinot noir to look at, but it tastes fresh and alive: of dried tobacco and twigs, sappy cherries and forest floor. Best of all is the finish: it fans out. It’s a wine with a certain flamboyance.” 96 points. Campbell Mattinson

RRP: $65

Price: $49.99

Wycroft Forbury Pinot Noir 2009

Situated 4km west of the Wairarapa town of Masterton, Wycroft Vineyard is on the silt/loam and gravel terrace built up by the adjoining Waipoua River. The Masterton district pioneered New Zealand’s first successful vineyard in the late 19th century until the prohibition movement forced its closure. Only in the last 30 years have vineyards been replanted in Masterton, nearby Gladstone and Martinborough, and the region is now a world-recognised producer of fine wines.

The top Dijon clones are close-planted on low fruiting wires in the intensive Burgundian manner; low cropping levels ensures only premium fruit is harvested.

Huon Hooke got excited about it and awarded it 95pts: "A limited production, reserve-level pinot from Wairarapa, near Martinborough, this is a delicate, ethereal yet succulent style of pinot, with lovely strawberry and cherry fragrance, a hint of confectionery and a palate that builds towards the finish in a classic “peacock’s tail”. Delicious. Now to 2016." SMH Good Living Wine, 19/4/11. Our price $42.99

Price: $42.99

Ashton Hills Piccadilly Valley Pinot Noir 2010

Kangarilla Road Shiraz 2009 ** STRAIGHT DOZEN BUY **

$Kangarilla Road \"Devils Whiskers\" Shiraz 2009$

Kangarilla Road "Devils Whiskers" Shiraz 2009

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. 94 pts Halliday. Superb drinking here. RRP $37

Price: $29.99

$Kangarilla Road \"Devils Whiskers\" Shiraz 2009 **STRAIGHT DOZEN PRICE**$

Kangarilla Road "Devils Whiskers" Shiraz 2009 STRAIGHT DOZEN PRICE

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. 94 pts Halliday. Superb drinking here. RRP $37

STRAIGHT DOZEN PRICE $336 ($27 A BOTTLE)

$Kangarilla Road \"Devils Whiskers\" Shiraz 2009 **STRAIGHT DOZEN PRICE**$ More Details
James Halliday says: "Slightly more purple to the colour; a very attractive medium-to full-bodied wine, with more obvious fruit richness (even though the alcohol is lower) ... but shares the balance and elegance; full-flavoured plum and black cherry fruit with integrated oak and tannins. Rating 94 Drink 2024"

Price: $336.00

Curly Flat Pinot Noir 2008

Newly released Pinot and it has the goods!

Notes from the winery:
"Bouquet: A generous, complex and seductive bouquet, showing strong aromatics. There are both red and black fruits – red and black cherry, plums. Lots of secondary characters – dried flowers, chocolate, some white pepper and other spices; earthy, toasty oak, hint of tobacco and cigar box
Palate: Speaks of Pinot Noir and place. Medium plus palate weight, with dancing acidity, lots of fine powdery tannins and savoury fruit. The complexity of the bouquet flows through into the palate, supported by integrated oak, to give a long, lingering finish
Overall Impression: A complex aromatic Pinot Noir with loads of primary and secondary layers. While drinking well now, the components are still integrating and developing further, thus will benefit from further time in bottle. A wine with fine acid, well suited to food
Cellaring: Eight to ten years, probably more.

RRP $57

Price: $47.99

Balnaves of Coonawarra The Blend 2009

Vintage 2009 produced wines with fine characters and elegant structures. Blended principally from Cabernet Sauvignon (72%), Merlot (22%) and Cabernet Franc (6%). The blend spent 12 months in new (40%) and second fill French oak from St Martin, Taransaud and Sylvain cooperages before fining and bottling in Sept 2010 under screwcap.

The nose is fresh with dark fruits, a touch of vine leaf and mint and subtle milk chocolate oak characters. The palate is elegant and fine with fresh black fruits and a soft finish.

5 Red Star Winery from James Halliday Australian Wine Companion 2011 ... "The wines are invariably excellent, often outstanding, notable for their supple mouthfeel, varietal integrity, balance and length; the tannins are always fine and ripe, the oak subtle and perfectly integrated. Coonawarra at its best" RRP$24

More Details
Balnaves are a small family owned wine company in the heart of the famous Coonawarra Terra Rossa strip. First started in 1976, the vineyard has grown steadily and now covers a total of 56 hectares of Coonawarra Terra Rossa soil - the principal variety planted is Cabernet Sauvignon, which accounts for 70% with the remainder taken up by Merlot, Shiraz, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Chardonnay. The vineyard is divided into small blocks of between one and two hectares, which take into account depth of soil, trellis design, vine clone and row direction. The quality of wine produced from these small blocks is evaluated each year and recorded. This practice proves the validity of the French concept of "terrior" or the effect that microclimate; geological features and other factors have on the quality of the wine produced. Such effects are clearly seen in the small Balnaves vineyard at Coonawarra.

Price: $18.99

Domaine Remejeanne CÃ´tes du Rhone Les Chevrefeuilles 2009

Domaine Remejeanne Côtes du Rhone Les Chevrefeuilles 2009

“Proprietor Rémy Klein is one of the most consistently top-flight winemakers among the Côtes du Rhone producers.”
Robert Parker, eRobertParker.com

“ Klein laughingly dismisses the suggestion that he adheres to a winemaking philosophy. It occurs to me that this makes him, perhaps the best kind of winemaker: committed, yet completely open –minded” Decanter Magazine Beverley Blanning MW

Rémy Klein (makes wines that proudly speak of their place, Sabran) high up in the hills with soils comprised of sand and limestone. He picks his fruit a bit earlier than most resulting in a range of fresh, highly refined Côtes du Rhône wines brimming with fruit and character. There is a purity and freshness ( cooler temperature/ more natural acid resulting altitude) in his wines quite distinct from many of the Côtes du Rhones produced at lower altitudes and on alluvial soils.

Les Chevrefeuilles (means honeysuckle) is a rouge that pays homage to the great multi-varietal Rhône blends including Grenache, Syrah, Mourevèdre, Carignan, Cinsaut and Counoise (which perhaps adds a peppery nuance on the finish) – Plenty of old vine fruit which is sorted and destemmed before a long maceration in tank (about three weeks), and the wine spends one year in tank prior to bottling. The blend works brilliantly with powerful black fruit and spice aromas and the herby/earthy touches that come from old vine Carignan and friends: lavender, violets, thyme, bayleaf and warm stones.
This fragrant/ delicate medium bodied red is extraordinary for the price. Here is your chance to understand all the hype about the 2009 vintage in the Rhone! Do not miss out on this extraordinary wine Their Cotes Levant 2009 sold out so quickly – be snappy because this will too!!

RRP: $28

Price: $23.99

Di Majo Norante Moli Rosso Montepulciano 2008

$Domaine de l\'Oratoire Cairanne (CÃ´tes du RhÃ´ne) Reserve des Seigneurs Rouge 2009$

Leroy Gevrey Chambertin Fonteny 1re Cru 1999

About Domaine Leroy:
It is almost impossible to put into words the significance of Madame Lalou Bize-Leroy and her Domaine Leroy estate in the world of wine. Clive Coates MW poses the rhetorical question: "Is this the greatest estate in Burgundy?" and answers: “How do you determine great? Is it size? Is it quality? Is it price? Is it reputation? Is it the amount of media cover- age?” However, you do compute it, the greatest domaines of Burgundy today must be those under the control of Lalou Bize: The Domaine Leroy and her own Domaine d'Auvenay. The estates of Jadot, Faiveley and Bouchard Pe?re et Fils are far larger; that of Romane?e Conti the most splendid in terms of percentage of grand terroir, but for nobility of it's wines, pride of place must go to Leroy and to Domaine d'Auvenay. The sheer concentration, depth and intensity that Lalou Bize manages to squeeze into her bottles is breathtaking.

Domaine Leroy has been cultivated biodynamically since 1989 and specializes in making wines from vineyards with the lowest yields in Burgundy, producing tiny quantities of high-priced Grand and Premier Cru wines. Lalou Bize –Leroy is still a quarter owner of Domaine de la Romanee-Conti.

This Geverey Chambertin from arguably the top vintage in the last couple of decades is still a baby and requires several hours in a decanter or years in the cellar to reveal an extraordinary pinot of profound intensity, a myriad of layers and dimensions, structure and finesse.

Price: $389.00

Domaine Leroy Bourgogne Rouge 1999

"Lalou Bize-Leroy stands alone at the top of Burgundy's quality hierarchy. Because she is a perfectionnist, and because she has had the courage to produce wines from low yield and bottle them naturelly, without fining or filtration" Robert M. Parker Jr.

Lalou said of this wine over recent lunch: "Already a Burgundy". Velvety on the palate with generous aromas/flavours of raspberries, wild strawberries, with briary forest floor characters and hints of truffles. Remarkable freshness and purity (great acid backbone) for a decade old Bourgogne but this is Leroy, renowned for muscular and powerful wines. Elegance with firm tannins on the palate … Simply one of the most beautiful examples of Pinot Noir.

Our price $59.99

More Details
About Domaine Leroy:
It is almost impossible to put into words the significance of Madame Lalou Bize-Leroy and her Domaine Leroy estate in the world of wine. Clive Coates MW poses the rhetorical question: "Is this the greatest estate in Burgundy?" and answers: “How do you determine great? Is it size? Is it quality? Is it price? Is it reputation? Is it the amount of media cover- age?” However, you do compute it, the greatest domaines of Burgundy today must be those under the control of Lalou Bize: The Domaine Leroy and her own Domaine d'Auvenay. The estates of Jadot, Faiveley and Bouchard Pe?re et Fils are far larger; that of Romane?e Conti the most splendid in terms of percentage of grand terroir, but for nobility of it's wines, pride of place must go to Leroy and to Domaine d'Auvenay. The sheer concentration, depth and intensity that Lalou Bize manages to squeeze into her bottles is breathtaking.

Domaine Leroy has been cultivated biodynamically since 1989 and specializes in making wines from vineyards with the lowest yields in Burgundy, producing tiny quantities of high-priced Grand and Premier Cru wines. Lalou Bize –Leroy is still a quarter owner of Domaine de la Romanee-Conti.

Price: $59.99

Special / Sale Price - Picardy Tete de Cuvee Pinot Noir 2007

Tete De Cuvee means the best of the vintage. This wine was born through Bill and Dan's love of the great Burgundies and their desire to make the best Burgundian style Pinot Noir in Australia.
The fruit for this flagship wine undergoes vigorous crop-thinning and leaf plucking in vineyard to emphasise structure and ageing potential.

They grow 5 different clones and is minimally cropped at 5 tonnes per hectare (35 hectolitres per hectare like burgundy) and has all of the leaves hand plucked from the fruiting zone.

Bill and Dan believe that the great wines from Burgundy have fruit flavours at the lower end of the ripeness spectrum on the back palate, giving them length and complexity. Therefore, the fruit for this wine is picked less mature. It is also made with heavier emphasis on structure and cellarability.
In The Winery- To give this wine the huge structure and longevity which it has, it is cold macerated for longer periods, fermented with a higher portion of whole bunch fruit (to extract more tannin), fermented warmer for longer with a higher permanent skin contact area. It is then pressed harder to get more extraction. The resultant wine is then matured in new to four year old oak for 12 months. It is matured in bottle until the Pannell Family feel that it is drinking at its optimum potential. The Pannell Family are confident that the Picardy Tete de Cuvee will continue to drink superbly long after it has been released.

2007 vintage was nearly as good as 2005. The wines from 2007 are superb with a little more elegance than 2005 but still long lived.

RRP: $65

Price: $65.00
Price: $58.99

Picardy Tete de Cuvee Pinot Noir 2006

Tete De Cuvee means the best of the vintage. This wine was born through Bill and Dan's love of the great Burgundies and their desire to make the best Burgundian style Pinot Noir in Australia.
The fruit for this flagship wine undergoes vigorous crop-thinning and leaf plucking in vineyard to emphasise structure and ageing potential.

They grow 5 different clones and is minimally cropped at 5 tonnes per hectare (35 hectolitres per hectare like burgundy) and has all of the leaves hand plucked from the fruiting zone.

Bill and Dan believe that the great wines from Burgundy have fruit flavours at the lower end of the ripeness spectrum on the back palate, giving them length and complexity. Therefore, the fruit for this wine is picked less mature with a heavier emphasis on structure and cellarability.
In The Winery-focus is on the huge structure and longevity which the wine has, it is cold macerated for longer periods, fermented with a higher portion of whole bunch fruit (to extract more tannin), fermented warmer for longer with a higher permanent skin contact area. It is then pressed harder to get more extraction. The resultant wine is then matured in new to four year old oak for 12 months. After barrel maturation it is given a very light filtration and bottled. It is then held in bottle until the Pannell Family feel that it is drinking at its optimum potential. The Pannell Family are confident that the Picardy Tete de Cuvee will continue to drink superbly long after it has been released.

2006 vintage was a very cool, long, late and damp vintage which produced great Pinot Noir.

RRP: $65 LIMITED

More Details
"Bold and fully aware of its intentions with stems, smoke and stalks with plum and strawberry fruit backed with fine cedar/vanilla oak. Light to medium bodied but powerful with a firm dry palate offering freshness and a mix of red fruits, plum, stalk and ash. It flows through the mouth with purpose and finishes long and dry. Borderline for stalky characters but I find beauty here. 94 points." Gary Walsh The Wine Front.

Price: $54.99

Elio Grasso Barolo Vigne Ginestra Casa MatÃ¨ 2006

Elio Grasso Barolo Vigne Ginestra Casa Matè 2006

Honest expressions of the terroir of Monforte d'Alba, which generally produces a bigger, more tannic style of Barolo than those from La Morra or Barolo itself. Without doubt, Elio & Gianluca Grasso are one of the great producers of Piedmont. Pedigree and class here. Gambero Rosso 1 star. Nebbiolo is all lampia clone. Cold soaked pre ferment to bring to the fore more primary fruit / floral characters.

Atonio Galloni, Robert Parker's right hand man at The Wine Advocate was very impressed and had this to say : “ The 2006 Barolo Ginestra Casa Mate is simply marvelous. Sweet, balsamic and layered, this powerful Barolo covers the palate with endless dimensions to its fruit, showing exceptional richness and density. The wine continues to blossom beautifully in the glass with myriad expressions of dark, perfumed fruit that are hard to fully capture with words. This is class personified, but the tannins will require a measure of patience. Still, it is impossible to miss the wine’s pedigree and significant potential. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2031." 96 points.

RRP $170

More Details
More glowing reviews:
Wine Spectator 97 Points ..."Full of sweet, ripe plum, cherry, licorice and eucalyptus notes, this is a powerful red. Its tannins are just as gripping, keeping everything in check and ensuring a long life. Fresh, mineral finish. Best from 2014 through 2035"

International Wine Cellar 94 Points ... "Good full red. Reticent nose offers strawberry, nuts, mocha and brown spices ("more typical Barolo," notes Grasso, and less red-fruity at this stage). Fat, sweet and deep; showing more texture than the Gavarini but less open to inspection today. This really explodes on the back half, finishing with superb breadth and length and a perfume of dried flowers. Big, dense tannins and a firm acid spine give this a serious structure.

More from Antonio Galloni: ...."I was deeply impressed with the Barolos I tasted this year from Elio and Gianluca Grasso. This is an important vintage for the Grasso family, and readers will want to get their hands on these exceptionally pure, beautiful wines before they disappear. In discussing their 2006s, many producers draw comparisons with their 1989s. This is one of the cases where such a comparison seems fitting. Speaking of which, readers may want to take a look at my notes on Grasso’s 1989s (and 1990s, too) in my “What About Now” feature in this issue. Grasso farms three vineyards in Monforte; Ginestra, Gavarini and Runcot, all of which have their own unique qualities. Harvest times can vary as much as 7-10 days from parcel to parcel. The Barolos are fermented using the traditional submerged cap method and see a full month of maceration on the skins. Malolactic fermentation is done in steel, and the wines are subsequently aged in cask. Despite all of their success, Elio, Marina, Gianluca and Francesca Grasso, along with their cellarmaster Enrico Marchisio, remain some of the most unassuming, humble and classy people readers will meet in Piedmont. 96 Points”

Price: $149.00

Elio Grasso Dolcetto 2010

Honest expressions of the terroir of Monforte d'Alba, which generally produces a bigger, more tannic style of Barolo than those from La Morra or Barolo itself. Without doubt, Elio & Gianluca Grasso are one of the great producers of Piedmont. Pedigree and class here. Gambero Rosso 1 star.

100% estate grow fruit. 30 year old vineyard. Nebbiolo and Dolcetto get cold soaked initially to enhance more primary fruit and floral characters. 2010 vintages has produced the goods.

Wow..rich fruit with more-ish depth of tar and minerality, great concentration, length and balance. This producer makes the finest dolcetto that I have ever tasted. New 2010 release will not dissappoint.

Antonio Galloni ( Robert Parker's Right hand man at The Wine Advocate was very complementary):
"The 2010 Dolcetto d’Alba dei Grassi is fabulous. Grasso’s approach in the vineyard gives the Dolcetto just that extra little bit of dimension and complexity to the fruit, without abandoning a true, varietal expression. The wine shows excellent minerality and focus in a tense, wiry style that is typical of the year. I loved it. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2015.

Elio Grasso remains the most under-appreciated of Piedmont’s top growers. Make no mistake about it, these wines can easily hold their own with the best from the region. When one factors in price, these are easily some of the finest ageworthy wines on the planet." 90 points.

RRP $42

Price: $35.99

Montevertine Pergole Torte 2007

Montevertine at Radda in the heart of the Chianti hills has been cultivated since 11th century. In 1967, Sergio Manetti bought Montevertine as a holiday house. He lovingly restored the house to its original state, planted 2 hectares of wine, & set up a small cellar. The idea was to produce some wine for friends and customers-the reputation of the wine spread quickly gaining a loyal following. Enjoyed cult-like status in Italy since 1971.

Very Limited- enquire prior to purchase

"(100% sangiovese; 13% alcohol) Deep, full red. Complex, gorgeous nose melds ripe red cherry, tobacco, iron, cinnamon and a floral element. Suave and bright, but fatter and deeper than the Montevertine, with perfectly integrated acidity to buffer its voluptuous texture and captivating flavors of ripe red cherry, spicy plum, liquorice and underbrush. Finishes broad, with compellingly mouthcoating tannins and outstanding length. A great wine and another example of the incredible heights sangiovese can achieve in the right hands and in the right terroirs, such as Radda, where Montevertine
is located." Ian d'Agata 97 points

RRP $195

More Details
Another review:

"The 2007 Le Pergole Torte (Sangiovese) is a rock star wine, and then some. The sheer integrity and purity of the fruit is breathtaking, as is frankly everything about this wine. Wonderfully rich, deep and seductive, the 2007 Pergole Torte shows gorgeous clarity and polish, stunning aromatics and the finest of tannins. It needs time to develop the breadth of its full potential but is strikingly beautiful even at this admittedly early stage. The 2007 Pergole Torte shows the heights Sangiovese can reach. It will give even the finest Grand Cru Burgundies a run for their money. Simply put, the 2007 is a wonderful counterpart to the profound and much firmer 2006. It is a must-have bottle. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2032. 96 points"

Antonio Galloni, Wine Advocate

Price: $169.99

Montevertine 2007

Montevertine at Radda in the heart of the Chianti hills has been cultivated since 11th century. In 1967, Sergio Manetti bought Montevertine as a holiday house. He lovingly restored the house to its original state, planted 2 hectares of wine, & set up a small cellar. The idea was to produce some wine for friends and customers. The reputation of the wine spread quickly gaining a loyal following and has enjoyed a cult-like status in Italy since 1971.

Very Limited

"A mainly sangiovese wine with small amounts of canaiolo nero and colorino; 13% alcohol). Bright red. Wonderfully floral, pure aromas of sour red cherry, cranberry and violet. Bright and minerally on entry, then tight and youthfully acidic in the middle, with hints of marzipan, fresh red berries and citrus fruits. Boasts an exhilarating sugar/acid balance and a firm tannic spine, finishing juicy and bright, with a crunchy texture and noteworthy precision. This exceptional wine explodes with perfume and flavour. Even better than the great 2001, this is a true monument to the greatness that can be achieved by sangiovese blended with canaiolo nero." Ian d'Agata 93 points
RRP $110

Price: $89.99

Special / Sale Price - 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: $30.00
Price: $23.99

David Hook Shiraz Viognier 2008 - 12 PACK

** STRAIGHT DOZEN SPECIAL **

Experienced winemaker David Hook has worked everywhere from Tyrrells to Lakes Folly and in France, Spain.

08 was a difficult vintage in the Hunter so David Hook supplemented this Shiraz (72% Hunter) with 20% Mudgee and 5% McLaren Vale shiraz. The remainder is viognier.

Campbell Mattinson from The Wine Front says: "..It's all come together very nicely. It tastes pencilly and chocolately, presumably courtesy of oak, before ripe flavours of cherry and blackberry shoulder forward ... nice bit of tannin grip... smoky, green-tinged edges .. help give the wine a good deal of personality ... Ready to drink now, and is very good buying at the price. 90 points."

RRP: $264

** NOW ONLY $180 ** WHEN PURCHASED AS A STRAIGHT DOZEN. ($15 A BOTTLE!)

Price: $180.00

Massena The Eleventh Hour Shiraz 2008

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

(Also... see our special price when purchased as a straight dozen)...

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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: $38.99

Massena The Moonlight Run Barrosa GSM 2009

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"

James Halliday gave the 2008 94 points in his 2011 Australian Wine Companion: "Blackberry pastille bouquet, with liquorice, spice and a touch of ginger; the palate is warm, unctuous and in complete balance with all its parts; a very attractive undercurrent of Provencal herbs comes through on the finish, providing savoury complexity."

RRP $29

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Reviews for the 06 vintage:

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."

Price: $22.99

Spinifex Rose 2009

“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.

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

RRP: $28

Price: $21.99

Teusner Albert shiraz 2009 (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). 2009 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: $252.00

$L\'Oratoire P\'tit Martin Cotes du Rhone 2009$

Wise Eagle Bay Shiraz 2007 ** SPECIAL STRAIGHT DOZEN PRICE **

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

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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: $38.99

Torzi Matthews Vigna Cantina Sangiovese 2009

Eden Valley producer Dominic Torzi with italian heritage has done well here..delicious dark cherry fruit, pot pourri, leather, fresh herbs and spice. Brunello, Piccillo and Grosso sangiovese clones were used. Good length, grip and structure.

This 09 vintage was an exceptional season in the Barossa.

RRP $25

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Some reviews of 08 vintage:

"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

Price: $18.99

$Domaine de l\'Oratoire St-Martin Cotes Du Rhone 2009$

Domaine de l'Oratoire St-Martin Cotes Du Rhone 2009

“This is possibly the best domaine in the entire Côtes du Rhône-Villages area…The wines are full, intense and concentrated, surprisingly sophisticated. At less than half the price of a top Châteauneuf this domaine offers splendid value for money.” Clive Coates.

“This is one of the most highly respected estates in the southern Rhone. Almost every insider speaks of l’Oratoire Saint-Martin, run by Frederic and Francois Alary, as an example of a perfectly managed, impeccably manicured vineyard as well as meticulous winemaking.” Robert Parker

Oratoire vineyards have been in the Alary family's hands since the 1600s! It is certified organic vineyard (predominantly between 60-100 years old) and employs biodynamic practices as well. The Domaine is doing everything to produce the finest fruit quality- very low crops ( 28hl/ht in 2009), gentle handling of fruit and wine, large, neutral oak for both fermentation and aging have made a significant impact.

Vineyard sites are high up on the hill behind Cairanne (most southern Rhone wines come from the flats) near Rasteau and look out to Gigondas and down at Châteauneuf du Pape. They have a soil profile rich in limestone and clay which lends elegance and complexity to these full bodied reds.

The power of the great 2009 harvest reveals purity of fruit, spice and plenty of structure in this fine red blend 80% Grenache with balance of Mourvedre, Syrah, Counoise and Vaccarèse. Cellar this or decant this fine wine, it will not dissappoint. RRP: $34 Limited

Price: $29.99

Francois Labet Bourgogne Rouge Vieilles Vignes 2009

Ridiculous pedigree for the price & remarkable story here for bourgogne from much hyped and accoladed 2009 vintage.

Hand harvested and sorted ( unheard of for bourgogne level being sorted) organic fruit from 40 yr old vines (hence vielles vignes) Chorey lès Beaune. Made by François Labet (pioneer in natural viticulture and the largest vineyard holder in Grand Cru Clos de Vougeot) at Château de la Tour. Cold soaked for 1 week, 50% whole bunches retained, open topped fermentation (wild yeasts), 12 mths barrel maturation ( 10% new), bottled under stelvin without filtration.

This medium bodied red has the goods with a chewy core and plenty of complex fruit ( 50% whole bunch) - savoury rather than overtly sweet with an inky depth and superb length. This is a baby and needs some time in cellar... Decant. RRP: $35

Price: $26.99

Don David Reserve Tannat 2009 - SPECIAL STRAIGHT DOZEN PRICE

Vineyard located high in the northern region of Salta (approx 3000 metres altitude). Lovely rich ripe fruit (Made with some carbonic maceration which gives the wine aromatic lift) fined grained tannins and a more-ish savoury tarriness with a hint of licorice. Gorgeous purity of fruit and length of flavour. Very different in style to a French madiran (south west France) where the tannat variety is traditionally made in a more tannic, astringent fashion. My favourite red from our recent Argentine tasting.

The '08 vintage was recently awarded BEST RED WINE IN THE WORLD in the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles 2010 among nearly 7000 wines from 49 different countries. The 2009 release is a terrific follow up- the growing seasons are very consistent in Salta thanks to the Andes ( create a rain shadow so no rain during harvest) RRP $33

Straight Dozen Price $336

Price: $336.00

Don David Reserve Tannat 2009

Vineyard located high in the northern region of Salta (approx 3000 metres altitude). Lovely rich ripe fruit (Made with some carbonic maceration which gives the wine aromatic lift) fined grained tannins and a more-ish savoury tarriness with a hint of licorice. Gorgeous purity of fruit and length of flavour. Very different in style to a French madiran (south west France) where the tannat variety is traditionally made in a more tannic, astringent fashion. My favourite red from our recent Argentine tasting.

The '08 vintage was recently awarded BEST RED WINE IN THE WORLD in the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles 2010 among nearly 7000 wines from 49 different countries. The 2009 release is a terrific follow up- the growing seasons are very consistent in Salta thanks to the Andes ( create a rain shadow so no rain during harvest) RRP $33

Price: $29.99

Jed Limited Release Cabernet Franc 2008 - STRAIGHT DOZEN SPECIAL PRICE

Jed Malbec 2010 - STRAIGHT DOZEN SPECIAL PRICE

Mendoza is famous for making the worlds best Malbec. While wine has been made in Mendoza for over 400 years, only recently, have the higher and cooler vineyard sights in the Uco Valley been identified as some of the best. The cooler climate fosters the development of the bright cherry flavours in this wine and provides a fine tannin structure. Jed Malbec is made in a traditional medium bodied style. 70% aged in 2nd/3rd use French/American oak to showcase the trademark fine/ ripe tannins of Mendoza Malbec.

This beautifully fragrant “vino tinto” has 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! RRP: $25

Special 12 pack price $225

Price: $225.00

Alpamanta Malbec 2007 - STRAIGHT DOZEN SPECIAL PRICE

Teusner The Independent Shiraz Mataro 2010

“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.” According to Kym “2010 was not far behind 09 and a great vintage in the Barossa ... a long season with plenty of structure" He thinks this 2010 will give the 09 ( trophy Barossa Show) a run for its money.

RRP: $25

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92 points, Nick Stock, The Good Wine Guide 2012:
"The 2010 is a 50/50 split between the two varieties and shows nicely ripened, concentrated red fruits and darker, more savoury black liquorice. The palate's framed in dark mocha flavour, with fine and ripe tannins at the core - quite juicy, lithe and fresh."

Gary Walsh from The Wine Front: 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

Quinta de la Rosa Douro Tinto 2005

Quinta de la Rosa and the Bergqvist family have been making port from their spectacular steep-terraced vineyards on the banks of the Douro (nr Pinhao) since the early 19th century and since the decline of port consumption they have been making some very impressive red table wine…Jorge Moreira (winemaker of the yr 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.

Full bodied red made from 100% estate grown and handpicked fruit ( the port grape varieties Tinta Roriz , Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca and Tinta Barroca) and matured in french oak.
Profoundly complex red - purity of fruit, depth and balance here- Very limited.

Norwegian wine writer, Tom Marthinsen said of the La Rosa 2005 ‘the best red wine from La Rosa ever. 92 points. Jorge Moreira has really got to grips with this wine since he has been in
charge of winemaking at La Rosa’

Price: $38.99

Valli Gibbston Valley Pinot Noir 2007

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 cooler ( critical grapes have a long hang time on vine to ripen and develop complexity and elegance- sometimes not picked until May) than Bannockburn and produces more fragrance and elegance.

First vineyard in the valley to be planted in true north to south direction, maximizing the amount of sunlight hours the vines receive- contributes dramatically to the uniform ripening of fruit, a critical factor in Pinot Noir quality. Cropped at only1kg/vine to ensure perfect ripeness.

RRP $70

Price: $66.99

Charlotte Sounds Marlborough Pinot Noir 2010

Torzi Matthews Schist Rock Shiraz 2009

Domenic Torzi, artisan producer from Eden Valley named this wine after the clay covered shaley schist rock bed their vineyard sits upon.
-This shiraz got us all excited! Got the critics into a buzz of excitement last year too and sold out within months of release and no doubt this will too.

Campbell Mattinson from The Wine Front is very enthusiastic: "... has become a keen favourite in recent years. Almost wait for it to come in nowadays. Sweet-fruited, supple, generous and delicious. Easy to see why it’s rapidly gained such a fan base – and why this release should too. Blueberry and blackberry fruit flavours. Maybe a minimal amount of spicy, toasty, musky oak – though the fruit quickly takes over. Modest tannin but what’s there is ripe and fine. Floral nuances. Lovely. 91 Points” .

Other reviews:
.."it certainly delivers an incredible mouthful for this minuscule price...If this came from Verona in a posh Italian bottle it would cost you $80 - $90" Phillip White, The Independent Weekly.

"Inky purple. Candied black fruits, licorice, black pepper and cocoa powder on the nose and palate, lifted by a violet nuance. Seamless and fruit-driven, with a silky texture and no obvious tannins." Stephen Tanzer (Renowned US wine writer)

90 points from eRobertParker.com

RRP $21

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Domenic Torzi (from an Italian family that settled in Adelaide Plains in the 1950s) has got Jancis Robinson’s attention. She said: "….Domenic Torzi is typical of the new generation of Australian wine artisans, hand-making wine from a small patch of vines, taking an extraordinary risk by planting vines in a frost pocket on the gentle slopes of Mt McKenzie in the Eden Valley because he and his partner Tracy Matthews were convinced that the naturally low yields on the poor soils here and the particular flavours were worth risking the frosts that had driven those who originally planted vines here in the early 20th century away. Their ten hectares of vines went into the ground in 1996 …… the beautiful Eden Valley, its unpaved roads lined with gums, is often overlooked….. “
100% estate grown fruit, wild yeasts. Top shelf Eden valley producer with 5 star winery rating from James Halliday.

Price: $17.99

This product has sold out.

Charlotte Sound Pinot Noir 2010 - STRAIGHT DOZEN SPECIAL PRICE

"Made by the people at Scotchmans Hill, and as I always like to say, Marlborough Pinot Noir may be a fair way from being the ultimate or the best region for Pinot, but it makes for a lovely drink at a decent price more often than not. Typical Kiwi Pinot smells – red fruits, spice, a little sap and some attractive creamy oak. It’s light and fresh with a slightly creamy texture mingling with the more sappy acidic main thrust……it’s lovely to drink – has good balance, high drinkability and an easy going sort of charm. Lots to like here. Rated : 90. Gary Walsh from The Wine Front comments about the 2008.

We are happy with this newly released offering. Quite a smart juicy little number...

RRP: $28 Special Straight Dozen Price $216

Price: $216.00

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 medium to full bodied red from WA! Gold medals at WA Boutique Wine Show, Small Winemakers Show & Hobart.

"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.
RRP: $24

Price: $18.99

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 Lone Star Shiraz 2003

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

Ashton Hills Reserve Pinot Noir 2008 - LIMITED STOCK!

"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: $64.99

Ashton Hills Estate Pinot Noir 2008 - LIMITED STOCK.

Trophy Cool Climate Wine Show '09.

Stephen George says: "This is from our 26 yr old vineyard and is made from a handful of our 18 pinot clones. It was matured in the French oak that was used for our previous two Reserve pinots and is designed to have a life of at least five years...yields in 08 were slightly above average ... and the wine's richness and full flavour reflect the hot vintage."

“Clear colour with the first traces of development; a fragrant bouquet of spiced berries leads into a long, intense palate, red fruits, spice and forest neatly offsetting each other. 95 points. “ James Halliday.

"I don't know how Stephen George does it, but I'm almost never disappointed by an Ashton Hills pinot noir. As a new release, or with age. A wine of impeccable balance. It's sappy and smoky, tangy and tight, with oodles of sour cherry and charcuteire-like flavours. It's buoyant with aroma and tasty through the finish. Nice strike of tannin. Good sense of power. Can't fault it. 94 points." Campbell Mattinson The Wine Front.
RRP: $52

Price: $39.99

Ashton Hills Piccadilly Valley Pinot Noir 2009

** LIMITED STOCK **

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

LIMITED STOCK BE QUICK!

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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: $33.99

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: $39.99

Fools Bay Dirty Bliss Grenache Shiraz 2008

Vynfields Pinot Noir 2008

** LIMITED STOCK **

Vynfields is a boutique orgarnic/biodynamic vineyard, owned by John Bell and Kaye McAulay who are both very passionate about producing premium Pinot Noir using traditional methods.

Fragrant rich black plum, cherry, spice and a hint of liquorice....the palate is full bodied with exquisite layers of berry fruit and earthy notes and complex rich flavours. This pinot has the goods!

CUISINE MAGAZINE Nov 2009 – 5 STARS – “There is an endearing brambly, funky quality to this new release, with a side order of Martinborough spice.”
INTERNATIONAL WINE & SPIRITS COMPETITION (UK) – SILVER
Winestate - 5 STARS from Michael Cooper – “Invitingly scented, impressively concentrated red, grown organically. Full-coloured, with a savoury, spicy bouquet leading into a complex, vibrantly fruity and deeply flavoured palate. Built to last, but also delicious in its youth.”

RRP $56 WINTER CLEARANCE

Price: $44.99

Special / Sale Price - Stella Bella Skuttlebutt Shiraz Cabernet 2008 - STRAIGHT DOZEN SPECIAL!

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 2008 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).

RRP$22 Our Price only $180 (thats $15 per bottle) when you buy a Straight Dozen of this wine

Price: $264.00
Price: $180.00

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: $25.99

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: $44.99

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.

RRP: $72

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: $30.99

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 12 pack

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: $235.00

Coates Barrel Fermented Robe Pinot Noir Rose 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.

100% saignee Pinot Noir, barrel fermented and aged on lees in French oak for 5 months. 4 grams residual sugar. Vibrant red berry aromas, savoury palate, great length and a zippy, dry finish.
RRP: $22

Price: $18.99

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: $28.99

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!
RRP $30

Price: $25.99

Waitiri Creek Pinot Noir 2008

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.

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

RRP $55

Price: $47.99

Clonakilla Shiraz Viognier 2009

Winewriter, Max Allen is a huge fan of Clonakilla wines and describes them as: “ ..some of the country’s most breathtakingly beautiful wines”

Excellent wines and pioneers of shiraz viognier which remains the best example in Australia.
2009 vintage is no exception- producing extraordinary wine!

97 points James Halliday Australian Wine Companion 2011

"Deeply coloured; the bouquet is almost backward and is slow to reveal the intricate layers of black fruits that lie therein; time reveals succulent black fruits, minerals, fine spices and a touch of fresh garden herbs; the palate delivers a wonderful mixture of opulent fruit, savoury complexity, and silky fine tannins that persist for an incredibly long time; only at the very end do you get a glimpse of the fine oak in use; certain to be long-lived. Drink 2025"

96 points - Campbell Mattinson The Wine Front: "The rise in status of Clonakilla Shiraz Viognier over the past decade has been phenomenal. It is now a contender for the mantle of ‘Australia’s best red wine’...It’s a superb release. It is so silken, so finely tannic, and so persistent. It tastes of roasted meats, dark cherries, boysenberries and a wild array of spices. The way its tannin curls through the finish is quite astonishing. This is a soft and fairly open release; it’s so well balanced, and mellifluous, and inherently complex that you can pretty much get maximum enjoyment from it now, in its extreme youth. It will of course age long-term if you desire."

Price: $99.00

Spinifex Indigene 2008

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

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: $54.99

Spinifex Papillon 2009

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 from The Wine Front wrote: "...This is sweet, light-flavoured and licoricey with a raspberried underpinning and the odd earthen note. It’s meant for young, fresh, joven-style drinking and at that, it’s very bloody good. It’s deceptive – at first it seems light and simple, but the more you drink it, the more it offers up. Including a whole heap of fun. Rated : 90 Points"

James Halliday in his 2011 Aust Wine Companion wrote: "A blend of Grenache/Cinsaut/Mataro that has a light, but very bright, magenta hue; entirely driven by its lively array of red fruits, tannins and oak missing in action. For immediate enjoyment whenever, where ever. 90 Points."

RRP: $30

Price: $22.99

Spinifex Rose 2010 (12 PACK)

“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.

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

RRP: $28 DOZEN Special $240

Price: $240.00

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