Australia
Australia
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West Australian Wine Review (97)
Cooler season has resulted in this distinctly linear almost Burgundy-like expression of Margaret River Chardonnay. It's one of the tightest Pierro Chardonnays that I can recall, but I suspect it will age to reveal some of those beautiful vineyard qualities. Chalky minerality with a little butterscotch and savoury notes turning the screws to tighten a focussed finish. Beautifully integrated palate.Inc. VAT£658.87 -
Halliday Wine Companion (98)
Named after the family matriarch. Selection of the best parcels of fruit from the Polish Hill River estate. pH 2.93, TA 8.23 g/L, RS 3.1 g/L. Pikes' flagship, but also a Clare Valley flagship. It's not often a 6-month-old riesling can be described as luscious, but that's the impact of this wine. It's citrus focused, of course, and it also has keynote acidity, but it's the honeyed mouthfeel and flavour that hits the jackpot.Inc. VAT£199.24 -
Jeb Dunnuck (95)
Another gem in the lineup, the 2016 Shiraz Barossa & Eden Valleys is equal parts from each region brought up in foudre. Its deep ruby/purple color is followed by scents of black raspberries, currants, incense, Christmas spice, and sage, with exotic peppery notes developing with time in the glass. Full-bodied, deep, silky and layered, on the palate, it’s another brilliant wine from this family that’s going to keep for over a decade.Inc. VAT£997.27 -
Jeb Dunnuck (95)
Another gem in the lineup, the 2016 Shiraz Barossa & Eden Valleys is equal parts from each region brought up in foudre. Its deep ruby/purple color is followed by scents of black raspberries, currants, incense, Christmas spice, and sage, with exotic peppery notes developing with time in the glass. Full-bodied, deep, silky and layered, on the palate, it’s another brilliant wine from this family that’s going to keep for over a decade.Inc. VAT£487.24 -
Vinous (93)
Deep, shimmering ruby. Dried cherry, blackberry, licorice and woodsmoke on the spice-inflected nose. Concentrated black and blue fruit, floral pastille and mocha flavors are braced by a spine of juicy acidity. Shows firm, spicy cut on the persistent finish, which features steadily emerging tannins and a hint of bitter cherry pit.Inc. VAT£602.69 -
Vinous (95)
Opaque violet. Intense, perfumed kirsch, blackberry, violet, incense and baking spice scents, along with savory hints of olive paste and botanical herbs. Shows impressive depth as well as energy to the appealingly sweet red and dark fruit preserve, fig paste and licorice flavors. Hefty but shows unlikely finesse as well, finishing impressively long and smoky, with the floral and spice notes repeating. Raised in used French and American oak hogsheads.Inc. VAT£137.60 -
The Rockford Moppa Springs Shiraz 2018, hailing from the esteemed Rockford estate located in South Australia's Barossa Valley, is a harmonious medley of elegance and bold flavours. Using dry-grown grapes, this Shiraz is subjected to traditional open-top fermentation, enhancing the wine's depth and complexity. The meticulous attention to detail is evident in the captivating fusion of lush fruit notes and fine tannins that offers ample structure. A showcase of the warmth and power of the Barossa, this wine's palate boasts a rich tapestry of peppery spice, dark chocolate, and ripe blackberries.
An incarnation of the winemaker Robert O'Callaghan's philosophy, the Rockford Moppa Springs Shiraz 2018 stays true to its roots, celebrating the traditional winemaking techniques and regional character. This wine is a testament to the prowess of Barossa Valley's terroir and the resolute passion for excellence embodied in every bottle at Rockford Estate.
Inc. VAT£353.09 -
Delight your palate with the exquisite nuance of the Rockford Moppa Springs Shiraz 2019. This illustrious vintage personality hails from the sun-drenched terroirs of Moppa Springs, in Australia's renowned Barossa Valley. Conceived in the sturdy hands of winemaking legends at the prestigious Rockford winery, this Shiraz bears a playful blend of luscious berry flavours and subtle spice undertones.
The crafting process diligently honoured tradition, employing open fermenters and basket pressing techniques. This extraordinary fermentative ballet lends the wine its graceful complexity. The Rockford Moppa Springs Shiraz 2019 ages for 20 months in well-seasoned American and French oak, manifesting a balanced interplay of fruit density and oak-whispered depth.
Prepare for an immersive sensory journey—an aromatic symphony of blackberry, pepper, and light mocha, a palate echoing with succulent fruit richness, and a lingering finish that conjures memories of whispered vineyard tales. A distinct pleasure for the discerning wine connoisseur—Rockford Moppa Springs Shiraz 2019 truly demonstrates mastery in a bottle.
Inc. VAT£399.89 -
The Rockford Rod & Spur Shiraz Cabernet 2019 is an exquisite blend, hailing from the esteemed Rockford winery nestled in South Australia's iconic Barossa Valley. This remarkable wine showcases the perfect marriage of Shiraz's hearty spice with the strength and structure of Cabernet Sauvignon. Produced through traditional basket pressing, the Rockford Rod & Spur Shiraz Cabernet 2019 highlights the winemakers' commitment to preserving artisan winemaking methods. Its luscious palate exhibits abundant ripe blackcurrant, plum, and hints of chocolate with an elegantly spiced finish, revealing layer after layer of intense, complex flavours. Rockford’s dedication to quality and respect for time-honoured techniques results in an exemplary wine, reflective of its authentic Barossa roots – making the Rockford Rod & Spur Shiraz Cabernet 2019 a must-have for any serious collector or those seeking the decadent indulgence of a truly premium South Australian wine.
Inc. VAT£446.69 -
James Suckling (95)
This has very attractive, ripe-blackberry and dark-plum aromas with blueberry and earthy, spicy notes, too. There’s composure and concentration on the palate, showing very even-paced tannin and fruit. Full-bodied, yet balanced. Long, blackberry and blueberry flavors. The tannins hold long and smooth. Drink or hold. Screw cap.Inc. VAT£236.44 -
Halliday Wine Companion (96)
A beautiful grenache, clarity its watchword: colour, aroma, varietal expression and aftertaste. Perfumed red berries of every description flow through the light to medium-bodied palate where pomegranate is foremost in shaping mouthfeel and flavour. Irresistible now or in 10 years hence.Inc. VAT£259.24 -
Halliday Wine Companion (99)
A block regenerated by the Pannells since they purchased it in '12, it produces small berries in small bunches of intensely flavoured grapes. Hand-picked, 10 days on skins, pressed to French puncheons for 19 months maturation. It is the only unblended wine so far made and sold under the Koomilya banner, 4560 bottles made. It is a wine of beauty, with effortless poise and flawless fruit that is medium to full-bodied at most. How long will it live? Try 40 years.Inc. VAT£618.04 -
James Suckling (97)
An outstanding grenache from old bush vines in the Smart Vineyard, perched up on the Clarendon ridge line. This has an edge of white pepper and pomegranate with notes of bright raspberries and fresh leaves. This wine fuses elegance and power with a sleekly defined palate that carries real intensity in 2018. The structure is keenly tailored. Long and taut, red-fruit finish. Drink or hold. Screw cap.Inc. VAT£229.24 -
Halliday Wine Companion (90)
Super-ripe fruit, yet vibrant, with plenty of richness across the palate.Inc. VAT£618.58 -
Halliday Wine Companion (98)
Sourced from 3 vineyards in Piccadilly, Lobethal and the estate’s high-elevation Lenswood block. Whole-bunch pressed, fermented and matured on lees in French barriques and puncheons. The first thing that strikes you is an elegance that is so fundamental to the style and respectful to the elite fruit within. The faintest of oak lifts adds a complexity to start, but the energy and concentration of the fruit become the prime focus on the palate. It's all about chardonnay's finest flavours and a vibrant acidity to drive it long into the future.Inc. VAT£255.64 -
Wine Advocate (98)
If you were to assess a wine based solely on its length of flavor, then this 2016 Autumnus Shiraz would do nothing but stun you. The rivulets of velvety, plush fruit rolls across the palate and undulate through the long, lingering finish. What a wine! Wow. As to the flavors, there's Christmas cake spice, black cherries, aniseed and licorice, dark chocolate, raspberries, mulberries, a few damsons, blood plums, beetroot, pastrami and pink peppercorns. A symphonic display. But, for me, more than the flavor and more than the length (both formidable elements in their own rights), the texture is the real highlight. The tannins are so smooth, so shapely and so streamlined that it barely beggars belief. This is what I will remember about this wine in the future: the tannins. Awesome.Inc. VAT£508.82 -
Allow us to introduce the spectacular Spee Wah Murray Darling Crooked Mick Viognier 2015, a splendid expression of exquisite Australian viticulture. Produced in the sprawling Murray Darling region, this charming white wine bears the signature of renowned winemakers, Spee Wah. Celebrated for their dedication to sustainable wine production, this Spee Wah offering is crafted from Viognier grapes, carefully nurtured to maturity.
Upon uncorking, this 2015 vintage bestows a striking aromatic profile blending rich apricot and lush floral notes. Abounding with a vibrant palate, it showcases layers of ripe stone fruit flavours harmoniously offset by a deft minerality and a subtle spice undertone. The finish is languidly persistent, affirming the Spee Wah Murray Darling Crooked Mick Viognier 2015 as a wine of superb structure and enchanting complexity.
Incredible solo or with Asian-inspired dishes, it's a testament to the masterful craft of Spee Wah, carrying the indelible imprint of its sun-kissed Australian terroir with unmistakable elegance.
Inc. VAT£198.04 -
Wine Advocate (100)
The 2022 Lamella Shiraz has a little secret held within, and it's one not noted on the label. Within this cuvée, is just two barrels of fruit from the Stonegarden Vineyard, the original Lamella Vineyard, before the current Huttonvale Farm. Stonegarden was planted in the Eden Valley in the middle 1800s and is a historic site. The wine rises with Chinotto and blood orange, black tea and pressed flowers. It is, in its quiet way, kaleidoscopic and mottled ... it does not stay still, it gently moves across the palate like sunlight over the course of a day. The long finish speaks of raspberry pip and sandalwood, pomegranate, Boscobel rose and even the softest suggestion of scraped vanilla pod. If you have the benefit of time, I would recommend tasting this on both day one and day two. As I see it, day two has all of the complexity of day one, with the added seamlessness and silk that only time can bring. This is the most alluring Lamella I can recall ever tasting on release, despite many previous releases' flirtation with perfection. 100% whole bunch.Inc. VAT£622.93 -
Wine Advocate (96-98)
Mint, sage and thyme accent blackberry and black cherry fruit in the 2018 The Schubert Theorem Shiraz. Full-bodied and rich without being heavy, it finishes tremendously long, with silky, cocoa-powder-like tannins. It should drink well for a couple of decades.Inc. VAT£700.93 -
Wine Advocate (98)
The 2020 The Schubert Theorem Shiraz was made with fruit from the Roennfeldt Road vineyard in Marananga, with 70% whole bunches in the ferment. This is the only cuvée in the collection that sees any inclusion of a different maturation vessel: the northeastern corner of the vineyard goes into concrete, because it retains the pure blue fruit characters that so define the wine. When one considers the dirt that is in this vineyard (and I ask you, without dirt, just where would we all be?), when one sees its black, shaley sparkle, one can get a sense of what to expect in the wine. It is always the black, brooding beast of the pack, but there is always—and I repeat, ALWAYS—a core of very pure fruit at its heart. This year is no different, and it is encased in fine but structuring tannin. It soars long across the palate, and yet within it, this wine is elegant and pliable. If the Lamella is the intriguing, pretty wine, and The Standish is the savory powerhouse, then The Relic is the iron fist–velvet glove... which makes this the enigma. I cannot overstate how attracted I am to the prowling, slinking nature of it. The tannins here—of all the wines—have a blueberry skin gravel to them; they are chalky and fine and a little bit gritty… excellent. This is a sensation, in every respect. A hot contender for best wine in the release this year.Inc. VAT£525.73 -
Wine Advocate (98-100)
The 2018 The Standish Shiraz (a sample blend from barrel) is a bit stalky (it's about 50% whole cluster), but it's gorgeously perfumed, with hints of herbal tea, raspberries, blackberries and licorice. It just exudes complexity, while also being full-bodied, plush and creamy, with a long, elegant finish. This seamless beauty is a candidate for perfection.Inc. VAT£682.84 -
James Suckling (98)
Such concentrated blueberry and cherry aromas, as well as violets and fresh-earth aromas. This delivers an immediate sense of richness with chocolate in the mix, too. Very pure. The palate has a very resolved feel with deep, essence-like fruit flavors that hold a rich, plum and blackberry line that drives long and very even. This is really something. Drink over the next decade.Inc. VAT£483.73 -
Wine Advocate (96)
The 2020 The Standish Shiraz was made with fruit from the Laycock family vineyard, in Greenock. The first vintage was 1999. This vintage saw 30% whole bunches in the ferment. It offers notes of red dirt, a bit of blood, salted heirloom tomato and satsuma plum. This is concentrated, compacted, plush, dense and muscular, with notes of ras el’hanout, allspice, torched cinnamon and salted Dutch licorice. This wine is like playing "Magic Eye." There’s a lot going on, but if you relax, a pattern emerges and the detail becomes obvious for all to see. Within the fine but plushly tannic frame, there is saltbush and bay leaf, exotic spice and cascading layers of berry fruits. The dirt in which the roots are entangled similarly shows its colors—and these are red, ochre, earth and dust. At first glance, the foolish and the rash will overlook this for being singularly muscular and full-bodied, but like all the best IYKYK (if you know, you know—wink wink) scenarios, there is far more than meets the palate here. Another blockbuster Standish.Inc. VAT£567.73 -
Wine Advocate (98)
The 2022 The Standish Shiraz is again providing me with the opportunity to assess bottles two days apart, and how different they are. The freshly opened bottle, as we would all experience upon our first opening, is tight and fresh, with cracked fennel seed, black peppercorns, cumin and ras el'hanout, then dried blueberries and licorice, hints of arnica and raspberry. It's cool and mineral, with a graphite finish. I cannot overstate how much better the wine tastes after two days. All of the edges smooth out, and it is composed and complete ... what a wine. Balance and harmony in a single swoop. It's savory, though. Super.Inc. VAT£567.73 -
Wine Advocate (99)
The 2020 The Relic Shiraz-Viognier is made with fruit from the Hongell family vineyard in Krondorf, with 15% to 20% whole bunches in the ferment and 1% Viognier skins co-fermented. This is the best I’ve seen it. There’s something about the combination of the hot year and the diminished yields—it has recoiled and recompressed the Viognier on top of and into the Shiraz and brought them into balance/harmony. Beneath its floral and stone fruit guiles is a pool of savory, muscular, red-dirt Shiraz. There is bacon fat and pure berry fruit and spice for days… I’ve recently looked at a previous vintage of this wine alongside an older but immaculate Chateau d’Ampuis, and while their origins were clear in the glass, the Relic proved an Australian perspective more than relevant. The balance between the varieties—and the classic push/pull of sweet and savory—is more harmonious this year than in any I can remember, and the only thing I am more excited about when I consider this wine is what I will say next year, through the lens of an excellent, cool and elegant year. What a fine pair they will make.Inc. VAT£525.73 -
Wine Advocate (98+)
The 2022 The Relic Shiraz-Viognier contains 2% Viognier skins, and this addition presents in this vintage as a core of raspberry and pomegranate. It is pure fruited and powerfully aromatic, as this cuvee always is. Interestingly, I am tasting this wine from two different glasses: one opened two days ago, one opened this morning. They are quite different, telling us once again that oxygen really is a friend to this producer, especially if choosing to drink these wines young. While the bottle opened two days ago is complete, balanced and utterly refined, it speaks more of its florals and fruit than it does its savory register of spice and complexity. However, the wine opened today has nuances of bacon fat and exotic spice. It is tightly coiled and springy and nowhere near as giving as the former. So, choose your own path. This vintage is a prettier, finer but no less long or coiled version of itself, and it will prove to be one of the greats in the cellar. The tannins certainly are a highlight for me. Built for age but also, in the framework of this beautiful season, absolutely available to you right now. An effortless beauty, here.Inc. VAT£621.73 -
Experience the distinct southern Margaret River terroir with the sublime Stella Bella Suckfizzle Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2002. This fine wine is a product of Stella Bella, renowned for their dedication to creating world-class expressions of classic grape varietals. Made through rigorous selection of only the finest fruit, the Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc grapes were fermented separately with indigenous yeasts to preserve their unique characters before blending.
The result is a complex and layered wine, boasting a vibrant acidity highlighted by a luscious texture. A nose of lemon zest and freshly cut grass gives way to intricately woven palate notes of blackcurrant leaf, cardamom spice and subtly integrated French oak. The Stella Bella Suckfizzle Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2002 stands as a testament to the meticulous winemaking process, carrying an expression of its territory that is both unique and extraordinary.
Inc. VAT£284.69 -
Hailing from the esteemed wine region of Margaret River in Western Australia, the Stella Bella Suckfizzle Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2004 is the epitome of fine winemaking. A true manifestation of meticulous viticulture and innovative vinification, it's crafted by Stella Bella, known for their commitment to producing small quantities of world-class wines. This complex yet elegant ensemble of Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc, hand-picked from low-yielding old vines, undergoes fermentation in new French oak barrels, offering it an illustrious depth of flavour. Expect delightful hints of fig, citrus and underlying minerality, adorned with a tantalising, long finish. Aged for 10 months on lees, this opulent wine reflects the perfect harmony of power and finesse. Hailed by critics, the Stella Bella Suckfizzle Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2004 resonates with the subtle sophistication you'd expect from an age-worthy white. A must-have addition to any fine wine collection.
Inc. VAT£435.64 -
The Stella Bella Suckfizzle Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2007 truly stands out as an exemplar of Margaret River's subtlety and sophistication. Crafted by the acclaimed winemaker, Stella Bella, the wine hails from the southernmost vineyard in the region, sourcing only the finest Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc grapes. This vintage, barrel-fermented and matured for ten months, exudes a delightful complexity and textured palate. Vivid notes of citrus and tropical fruits are balanced with an underpinning minerality and crisp acidity, leading to an enduring finish. Stella Bella's commitment to traditional winemaking methods helps fashion this exquisite blend, resulting in a wine that deftly integrates depth, intensity, and finesse. The Stella Bella Suckfizzle Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2007 expertly encapsulates the mastery of its terrain and terroir with its nuanced flavours and poised elegance, providing a sublime experience for the most discerning of palates.
Inc. VAT£435.64 -
The Western Australian (98)
This is a remarkable wine that captures the essence of this variety in a way not seen before in Australia. It’s a medium-bodied wine yet the palate delivers deep and complex flavours through to an exceptional finish. Has a European gravelly, grainy mouthfeel that carries plenty of intensity albeit delivered with such poise and almost shy coyness.Inc. VAT£503.09
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West Australian Wine Review (97)
Cooler season has resulted in this distinctly linear almost Burgundy-like expression of Margaret River Chardonnay. It's one of the tightest Pierro Chardonnays that I can recall, but I suspect it will age to reveal some of those beautiful vineyard qualities. Chalky minerality with a little butterscotch and savoury notes turning the screws to tighten a focussed finish. Beautifully integrated palate.In Bond£517.00 -
Halliday Wine Companion (98)
Named after the family matriarch. Selection of the best parcels of fruit from the Polish Hill River estate. pH 2.93, TA 8.23 g/L, RS 3.1 g/L. Pikes' flagship, but also a Clare Valley flagship. It's not often a 6-month-old riesling can be described as luscious, but that's the impact of this wine. It's citrus focused, of course, and it also has keynote acidity, but it's the honeyed mouthfeel and flavour that hits the jackpot.In Bond£150.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (95)
Another gem in the lineup, the 2016 Shiraz Barossa & Eden Valleys is equal parts from each region brought up in foudre. Its deep ruby/purple color is followed by scents of black raspberries, currants, incense, Christmas spice, and sage, with exotic peppery notes developing with time in the glass. Full-bodied, deep, silky and layered, on the palate, it’s another brilliant wine from this family that’s going to keep for over a decade.In Bond£799.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (95)
Another gem in the lineup, the 2016 Shiraz Barossa & Eden Valleys is equal parts from each region brought up in foudre. Its deep ruby/purple color is followed by scents of black raspberries, currants, incense, Christmas spice, and sage, with exotic peppery notes developing with time in the glass. Full-bodied, deep, silky and layered, on the palate, it’s another brilliant wine from this family that’s going to keep for over a decade.In Bond£390.00 -
Vinous (93)
Deep, shimmering ruby. Dried cherry, blackberry, licorice and woodsmoke on the spice-inflected nose. Concentrated black and blue fruit, floral pastille and mocha flavors are braced by a spine of juicy acidity. Shows firm, spicy cut on the persistent finish, which features steadily emerging tannins and a hint of bitter cherry pit.In Bond£483.00 -
Vinous (95)
Opaque violet. Intense, perfumed kirsch, blackberry, violet, incense and baking spice scents, along with savory hints of olive paste and botanical herbs. Shows impressive depth as well as energy to the appealingly sweet red and dark fruit preserve, fig paste and licorice flavors. Hefty but shows unlikely finesse as well, finishing impressively long and smoky, with the floral and spice notes repeating. Raised in used French and American oak hogsheads.In Bond£112.00 -
The Rockford Moppa Springs Shiraz 2018, hailing from the esteemed Rockford estate located in South Australia's Barossa Valley, is a harmonious medley of elegance and bold flavours. Using dry-grown grapes, this Shiraz is subjected to traditional open-top fermentation, enhancing the wine's depth and complexity. The meticulous attention to detail is evident in the captivating fusion of lush fruit notes and fine tannins that offers ample structure. A showcase of the warmth and power of the Barossa, this wine's palate boasts a rich tapestry of peppery spice, dark chocolate, and ripe blackberries.
An incarnation of the winemaker Robert O'Callaghan's philosophy, the Rockford Moppa Springs Shiraz 2018 stays true to its roots, celebrating the traditional winemaking techniques and regional character. This wine is a testament to the prowess of Barossa Valley's terroir and the resolute passion for excellence embodied in every bottle at Rockford Estate.
In Bond£275.00 -
Delight your palate with the exquisite nuance of the Rockford Moppa Springs Shiraz 2019. This illustrious vintage personality hails from the sun-drenched terroirs of Moppa Springs, in Australia's renowned Barossa Valley. Conceived in the sturdy hands of winemaking legends at the prestigious Rockford winery, this Shiraz bears a playful blend of luscious berry flavours and subtle spice undertones.
The crafting process diligently honoured tradition, employing open fermenters and basket pressing techniques. This extraordinary fermentative ballet lends the wine its graceful complexity. The Rockford Moppa Springs Shiraz 2019 ages for 20 months in well-seasoned American and French oak, manifesting a balanced interplay of fruit density and oak-whispered depth.
Prepare for an immersive sensory journey—an aromatic symphony of blackberry, pepper, and light mocha, a palate echoing with succulent fruit richness, and a lingering finish that conjures memories of whispered vineyard tales. A distinct pleasure for the discerning wine connoisseur—Rockford Moppa Springs Shiraz 2019 truly demonstrates mastery in a bottle.
In Bond£314.00 -
The Rockford Rod & Spur Shiraz Cabernet 2019 is an exquisite blend, hailing from the esteemed Rockford winery nestled in South Australia's iconic Barossa Valley. This remarkable wine showcases the perfect marriage of Shiraz's hearty spice with the strength and structure of Cabernet Sauvignon. Produced through traditional basket pressing, the Rockford Rod & Spur Shiraz Cabernet 2019 highlights the winemakers' commitment to preserving artisan winemaking methods. Its luscious palate exhibits abundant ripe blackcurrant, plum, and hints of chocolate with an elegantly spiced finish, revealing layer after layer of intense, complex flavours. Rockford’s dedication to quality and respect for time-honoured techniques results in an exemplary wine, reflective of its authentic Barossa roots – making the Rockford Rod & Spur Shiraz Cabernet 2019 a must-have for any serious collector or those seeking the decadent indulgence of a truly premium South Australian wine.
In Bond£353.00 -
James Suckling (95)
This has very attractive, ripe-blackberry and dark-plum aromas with blueberry and earthy, spicy notes, too. There’s composure and concentration on the palate, showing very even-paced tannin and fruit. Full-bodied, yet balanced. Long, blackberry and blueberry flavors. The tannins hold long and smooth. Drink or hold. Screw cap.In Bond£181.00 -
Halliday Wine Companion (96)
A beautiful grenache, clarity its watchword: colour, aroma, varietal expression and aftertaste. Perfumed red berries of every description flow through the light to medium-bodied palate where pomegranate is foremost in shaping mouthfeel and flavour. Irresistible now or in 10 years hence.In Bond£200.00 -
Halliday Wine Companion (99)
A block regenerated by the Pannells since they purchased it in '12, it produces small berries in small bunches of intensely flavoured grapes. Hand-picked, 10 days on skins, pressed to French puncheons for 19 months maturation. It is the only unblended wine so far made and sold under the Koomilya banner, 4560 bottles made. It is a wine of beauty, with effortless poise and flawless fruit that is medium to full-bodied at most. How long will it live? Try 40 years.In Bond£499.00 -
James Suckling (97)
An outstanding grenache from old bush vines in the Smart Vineyard, perched up on the Clarendon ridge line. This has an edge of white pepper and pomegranate with notes of bright raspberries and fresh leaves. This wine fuses elegance and power with a sleekly defined palate that carries real intensity in 2018. The structure is keenly tailored. Long and taut, red-fruit finish. Drink or hold. Screw cap.In Bond£175.00 -
Halliday Wine Companion (90)
Super-ripe fruit, yet vibrant, with plenty of richness across the palate.In Bond£477.00 -
Halliday Wine Companion (98)
Sourced from 3 vineyards in Piccadilly, Lobethal and the estate’s high-elevation Lenswood block. Whole-bunch pressed, fermented and matured on lees in French barriques and puncheons. The first thing that strikes you is an elegance that is so fundamental to the style and respectful to the elite fruit within. The faintest of oak lifts adds a complexity to start, but the energy and concentration of the fruit become the prime focus on the palate. It's all about chardonnay's finest flavours and a vibrant acidity to drive it long into the future.In Bond£197.00 -
Wine Advocate (98)
If you were to assess a wine based solely on its length of flavor, then this 2016 Autumnus Shiraz would do nothing but stun you. The rivulets of velvety, plush fruit rolls across the palate and undulate through the long, lingering finish. What a wine! Wow. As to the flavors, there's Christmas cake spice, black cherries, aniseed and licorice, dark chocolate, raspberries, mulberries, a few damsons, blood plums, beetroot, pastrami and pink peppercorns. A symphonic display. But, for me, more than the flavor and more than the length (both formidable elements in their own rights), the texture is the real highlight. The tannins are so smooth, so shapely and so streamlined that it barely beggars belief. This is what I will remember about this wine in the future: the tannins. Awesome.In Bond£416.00 -
Allow us to introduce the spectacular Spee Wah Murray Darling Crooked Mick Viognier 2015, a splendid expression of exquisite Australian viticulture. Produced in the sprawling Murray Darling region, this charming white wine bears the signature of renowned winemakers, Spee Wah. Celebrated for their dedication to sustainable wine production, this Spee Wah offering is crafted from Viognier grapes, carefully nurtured to maturity.
Upon uncorking, this 2015 vintage bestows a striking aromatic profile blending rich apricot and lush floral notes. Abounding with a vibrant palate, it showcases layers of ripe stone fruit flavours harmoniously offset by a deft minerality and a subtle spice undertone. The finish is languidly persistent, affirming the Spee Wah Murray Darling Crooked Mick Viognier 2015 as a wine of superb structure and enchanting complexity.
Incredible solo or with Asian-inspired dishes, it's a testament to the masterful craft of Spee Wah, carrying the indelible imprint of its sun-kissed Australian terroir with unmistakable elegance.
In Bond£149.00 -
Wine Advocate (100)
The 2022 Lamella Shiraz has a little secret held within, and it's one not noted on the label. Within this cuvée, is just two barrels of fruit from the Stonegarden Vineyard, the original Lamella Vineyard, before the current Huttonvale Farm. Stonegarden was planted in the Eden Valley in the middle 1800s and is a historic site. The wine rises with Chinotto and blood orange, black tea and pressed flowers. It is, in its quiet way, kaleidoscopic and mottled ... it does not stay still, it gently moves across the palate like sunlight over the course of a day. The long finish speaks of raspberry pip and sandalwood, pomegranate, Boscobel rose and even the softest suggestion of scraped vanilla pod. If you have the benefit of time, I would recommend tasting this on both day one and day two. As I see it, day two has all of the complexity of day one, with the added seamlessness and silk that only time can bring. This is the most alluring Lamella I can recall ever tasting on release, despite many previous releases' flirtation with perfection. 100% whole bunch.In Bond£500.00 -
Wine Advocate (96-98)
Mint, sage and thyme accent blackberry and black cherry fruit in the 2018 The Schubert Theorem Shiraz. Full-bodied and rich without being heavy, it finishes tremendously long, with silky, cocoa-powder-like tannins. It should drink well for a couple of decades.In Bond£565.00 -
Wine Advocate (98)
The 2020 The Schubert Theorem Shiraz was made with fruit from the Roennfeldt Road vineyard in Marananga, with 70% whole bunches in the ferment. This is the only cuvée in the collection that sees any inclusion of a different maturation vessel: the northeastern corner of the vineyard goes into concrete, because it retains the pure blue fruit characters that so define the wine. When one considers the dirt that is in this vineyard (and I ask you, without dirt, just where would we all be?), when one sees its black, shaley sparkle, one can get a sense of what to expect in the wine. It is always the black, brooding beast of the pack, but there is always—and I repeat, ALWAYS—a core of very pure fruit at its heart. This year is no different, and it is encased in fine but structuring tannin. It soars long across the palate, and yet within it, this wine is elegant and pliable. If the Lamella is the intriguing, pretty wine, and The Standish is the savory powerhouse, then The Relic is the iron fist–velvet glove... which makes this the enigma. I cannot overstate how attracted I am to the prowling, slinking nature of it. The tannins here—of all the wines—have a blueberry skin gravel to them; they are chalky and fine and a little bit gritty… excellent. This is a sensation, in every respect. A hot contender for best wine in the release this year.In Bond£419.00 -
Wine Advocate (98-100)
The 2018 The Standish Shiraz (a sample blend from barrel) is a bit stalky (it's about 50% whole cluster), but it's gorgeously perfumed, with hints of herbal tea, raspberries, blackberries and licorice. It just exudes complexity, while also being full-bodied, plush and creamy, with a long, elegant finish. This seamless beauty is a candidate for perfection.In Bond£553.00 -
James Suckling (98)
Such concentrated blueberry and cherry aromas, as well as violets and fresh-earth aromas. This delivers an immediate sense of richness with chocolate in the mix, too. Very pure. The palate has a very resolved feel with deep, essence-like fruit flavors that hold a rich, plum and blackberry line that drives long and very even. This is really something. Drink over the next decade.In Bond£384.00 -
Wine Advocate (96)
The 2020 The Standish Shiraz was made with fruit from the Laycock family vineyard, in Greenock. The first vintage was 1999. This vintage saw 30% whole bunches in the ferment. It offers notes of red dirt, a bit of blood, salted heirloom tomato and satsuma plum. This is concentrated, compacted, plush, dense and muscular, with notes of ras el’hanout, allspice, torched cinnamon and salted Dutch licorice. This wine is like playing "Magic Eye." There’s a lot going on, but if you relax, a pattern emerges and the detail becomes obvious for all to see. Within the fine but plushly tannic frame, there is saltbush and bay leaf, exotic spice and cascading layers of berry fruits. The dirt in which the roots are entangled similarly shows its colors—and these are red, ochre, earth and dust. At first glance, the foolish and the rash will overlook this for being singularly muscular and full-bodied, but like all the best IYKYK (if you know, you know—wink wink) scenarios, there is far more than meets the palate here. Another blockbuster Standish.In Bond£454.00 -
Wine Advocate (98)
The 2022 The Standish Shiraz is again providing me with the opportunity to assess bottles two days apart, and how different they are. The freshly opened bottle, as we would all experience upon our first opening, is tight and fresh, with cracked fennel seed, black peppercorns, cumin and ras el'hanout, then dried blueberries and licorice, hints of arnica and raspberry. It's cool and mineral, with a graphite finish. I cannot overstate how much better the wine tastes after two days. All of the edges smooth out, and it is composed and complete ... what a wine. Balance and harmony in a single swoop. It's savory, though. Super.In Bond£454.00 -
Wine Advocate (99)
The 2020 The Relic Shiraz-Viognier is made with fruit from the Hongell family vineyard in Krondorf, with 15% to 20% whole bunches in the ferment and 1% Viognier skins co-fermented. This is the best I’ve seen it. There’s something about the combination of the hot year and the diminished yields—it has recoiled and recompressed the Viognier on top of and into the Shiraz and brought them into balance/harmony. Beneath its floral and stone fruit guiles is a pool of savory, muscular, red-dirt Shiraz. There is bacon fat and pure berry fruit and spice for days… I’ve recently looked at a previous vintage of this wine alongside an older but immaculate Chateau d’Ampuis, and while their origins were clear in the glass, the Relic proved an Australian perspective more than relevant. The balance between the varieties—and the classic push/pull of sweet and savory—is more harmonious this year than in any I can remember, and the only thing I am more excited about when I consider this wine is what I will say next year, through the lens of an excellent, cool and elegant year. What a fine pair they will make.In Bond£419.00 -
Wine Advocate (98+)
The 2022 The Relic Shiraz-Viognier contains 2% Viognier skins, and this addition presents in this vintage as a core of raspberry and pomegranate. It is pure fruited and powerfully aromatic, as this cuvee always is. Interestingly, I am tasting this wine from two different glasses: one opened two days ago, one opened this morning. They are quite different, telling us once again that oxygen really is a friend to this producer, especially if choosing to drink these wines young. While the bottle opened two days ago is complete, balanced and utterly refined, it speaks more of its florals and fruit than it does its savory register of spice and complexity. However, the wine opened today has nuances of bacon fat and exotic spice. It is tightly coiled and springy and nowhere near as giving as the former. So, choose your own path. This vintage is a prettier, finer but no less long or coiled version of itself, and it will prove to be one of the greats in the cellar. The tannins certainly are a highlight for me. Built for age but also, in the framework of this beautiful season, absolutely available to you right now. An effortless beauty, here.In Bond£499.00 -
Experience the distinct southern Margaret River terroir with the sublime Stella Bella Suckfizzle Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2002. This fine wine is a product of Stella Bella, renowned for their dedication to creating world-class expressions of classic grape varietals. Made through rigorous selection of only the finest fruit, the Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc grapes were fermented separately with indigenous yeasts to preserve their unique characters before blending.
The result is a complex and layered wine, boasting a vibrant acidity highlighted by a luscious texture. A nose of lemon zest and freshly cut grass gives way to intricately woven palate notes of blackcurrant leaf, cardamom spice and subtly integrated French oak. The Stella Bella Suckfizzle Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2002 stands as a testament to the meticulous winemaking process, carrying an expression of its territory that is both unique and extraordinary.
In Bond£218.00 -
Hailing from the esteemed wine region of Margaret River in Western Australia, the Stella Bella Suckfizzle Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2004 is the epitome of fine winemaking. A true manifestation of meticulous viticulture and innovative vinification, it's crafted by Stella Bella, known for their commitment to producing small quantities of world-class wines. This complex yet elegant ensemble of Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc, hand-picked from low-yielding old vines, undergoes fermentation in new French oak barrels, offering it an illustrious depth of flavour. Expect delightful hints of fig, citrus and underlying minerality, adorned with a tantalising, long finish. Aged for 10 months on lees, this opulent wine reflects the perfect harmony of power and finesse. Hailed by critics, the Stella Bella Suckfizzle Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2004 resonates with the subtle sophistication you'd expect from an age-worthy white. A must-have addition to any fine wine collection.
In Bond£347.00 -
The Stella Bella Suckfizzle Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2007 truly stands out as an exemplar of Margaret River's subtlety and sophistication. Crafted by the acclaimed winemaker, Stella Bella, the wine hails from the southernmost vineyard in the region, sourcing only the finest Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc grapes. This vintage, barrel-fermented and matured for ten months, exudes a delightful complexity and textured palate. Vivid notes of citrus and tropical fruits are balanced with an underpinning minerality and crisp acidity, leading to an enduring finish. Stella Bella's commitment to traditional winemaking methods helps fashion this exquisite blend, resulting in a wine that deftly integrates depth, intensity, and finesse. The Stella Bella Suckfizzle Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2007 expertly encapsulates the mastery of its terrain and terroir with its nuanced flavours and poised elegance, providing a sublime experience for the most discerning of palates.
In Bond£347.00 -
The Western Australian (98)
This is a remarkable wine that captures the essence of this variety in a way not seen before in Australia. It’s a medium-bodied wine yet the palate delivers deep and complex flavours through to an exceptional finish. Has a European gravelly, grainy mouthfeel that carries plenty of intensity albeit delivered with such poise and almost shy coyness.In Bond£400.00
