Australia
Australia
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Vinous (91)
Deep ruby. Vibrant, spice-accented red and blue fruit aromas are complemented by suggestions of cigar box and candied flowers. In a juicy, energetic style, showing very good clarity to the bitter cherry and cassis flavors. Turns sweeter with air and finishes long and smooth, with just a hint of fine-grained tannins.Inc. VAT£180.80 -
(1x75cl) 2016James Suckling (97)
A very complex flinty and hazelnut style that has a strong play of fine French oak on the nose. Plenty of layers to the aromas here from white peaches and nectarine fruits to grapefruit and lemons. Immense grapefruit and citrus depth on the palate with warm oak spices and well-layered savory threads. Long and effortless power. Drink now. Screw cap.Inc. VAT£92.00 -
Wine Enthusiast (97)
One of the most renowned Chardonnays in Australia, the latest release is a knockout. A cool vintage allowed for gorgeous natural acidity and bright fruit to shine. Being the most cellarworthy of the Vasse Chards, Heytesbury is always structuredand more oak driven when young. It opens with heady aromas of toasted nuts, flint, seashell, vanilla pod and a seaweed-like umami note amid melon and lemon curd. The palate is fabulously fresh with textural complexity, and lingering nut, saline and citrusnotes on the lengthy finish.Inc. VAT£345.49 -
The Real Review (98)
Bright mid-yellow colour, with an exuberant bouquet of grapefruit, cashew nuts and a faint smoky patina, the palate likewise flavoured and singing with a superb purity. Great refinement, intensity, line and length. A finesse wine, the grapefruit flavour so concentrated it gives an impression of sweetness—which of course it has none. A stunning chardonnay.Inc. VAT£438.72 -
Halliday Wine Companion (98)
It’s been a joy to watch the evolution of Heytesbury over the past decade or so, as it's one of the great Australian chardonnays. Whatever vintage conditions have thrown at it, and with tweaks along the way, the nucleus remains steadfast: quality, excellent fruit and a second-to-none level of detail in the winemaking. This is an evocative wine. Pristine and sublime. Funky sulphides rockin’ it while a gossamer thread of acidity holds everything in line – the citrus flavours, the texture, the wine totally enveloping the oak and, while it’s a powerhouse of flavour, there’s a purity to this. It’s such a contrast. How does it achieve that?Inc. VAT£443.89 -
(6x75cl) 2022Halliday Wine Companion (97)
If one wine typifies the current state of Australian chardonnay (complex, superfine, detailed and majestic) as much as a wine of place, Heytesbury could possibly be it. There’s a lot of fruit power this vintage, yet still, a tightly coiled style in youth. A millefeuille of flavour – grapefruit, lemon salt, white nectarine and complex savoury nuances, the oak and lees folded into the wine. There’s an intriguing zinc character too, a little flinty and funky with mouth-watering acidity. Moreish and compelling all the way through. Mesmerising.Inc. VAT£345.49 -
The Real Review (98)
Deep red/purple colour with a very fresh, nuanced, aromatic bouquet loaded with blue and red fruits, cedar and high-toned flowers, violets to the fore. A totally gorgeous bouquet, very fresh and primary but also complex and detailed. Very fine tannins; extremely long carry. A supremely elegant, sublime wine that finishes right out with impressive extension. Clearly, the best Tom Cullity to date. (17% malbec; 1% petit verdot)Inc. VAT£743.98 -
The West Australian (99)
Highly perfumed aromas strike immediately. There is that combination of fruit sweetness and fine chalky minerally tannins. Loads of blackcurrant and juicy plum with a dollop of chocolate and mocha cut with floral and dried herb notes. Bright and energetic at every turn with subtlety and elegance. Delivers with a degree of understatement and restraint yet gathers pace and momentum as it drives through to the finish. The tannins are more in the powdery space with that slightly aspirin-like oak influence bringing it all together seamlessly and harmoniously. This is classic cabernet in its varietal makeup with a firm spine and length. The malbec has brought a vibrant red fruit juiciness into the equation. The finest wine yet from Vasse Felix. It’s 2016 without the tannin and 2014 without the opulence.Inc. VAT£301.99 -
The West Australian (99)
Highly perfumed aromas strike immediately. There is that combination of fruit sweetness and fine chalky minerally tannins. Loads of blackcurrant and juicy plum with a dollop of chocolate and mocha cut with floral and dried herb notes. Bright and energetic at every turn with subtlety and elegance. Delivers with a degree of understatement and restraint yet gathers pace and momentum as it drives through to the finish. The tannins are more in the powdery space with that slightly aspirin-like oak influence bringing it all together seamlessly and harmoniously. This is classic cabernet in its varietal makeup with a firm spine and length. The malbec has brought a vibrant red fruit juiciness into the equation. The finest wine yet from Vasse Felix. It’s 2016 without the tannin and 2014 without the opulence.Inc. VAT£140.00 -
(6x75cl) 2015For those seeking sophistication and depth, the Wakefield St. Andrews Riesling 2015 is a sublime choice. Hailing from the renowned Clare Valley in South Australia, it captures Wakefield's meticulous and passionate winemaking approach. The St. Andrews vineyard, its treasured fruit source, gifts a stunning golden hue, revealing intense citrus and floral notes on the nose. Upon tasting, the palate is greeted by a symphony of lime and grapefruit, met by soft mineral undertones.
This vintage was harvested during the cool nightly temperatures, preserving the fruit’s natural acidity and aromatic qualities. Wakefield's skilled craftsmanship and time-honoured techniques facilitate the slow, steady fermentation in stainless steel tanks, helping to develop its exemplary depth and complexity. The Wakefield St. Andrews Riesling 2015 forms part of their ultra-premium range and is a developing testament to their commitment to produce wines that can stand with the finest on the global stage.
Inc. VAT£161.60 -
Wine Advocate (94)
The blockbuster 2004 Shiraz Springflat’s inky/purple color is followed by a wine that pushes concentration to the limit. Made from tiny yields of 1.5 to 1.8 tons of fruit per acre, aged in 50% new and 50% 1 and 2 year old oak (half American and half French) barrels, it is a huge, rich, backward Shiraz that still assaults the palate and olfactory senses. Forget this big, structured, intense 2004 for 2-3 years and drink it over the following 15 or more.Inc. VAT£100.67 -
Wine Advocate (95)
The 2006 Springflat Shiraz is 100% varietal aged in 100% new French and American oak. The nose offers up an array of cedar, saddle leather, boysenberry, blackberry, and blueberry compote. This is followed by a sweetly fruited, opulent wine with layers of spicy flavors, earth notes, and spice box. Balanced and exceptionally long, this large-scaled effort will evolve for another 5-7 years and be at its best through 2031.Inc. VAT£127.90 -
Emanating from the premium vineyards of Western Australia, the Woodside Valley Baudin Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 is a true connoisseur's delight. This lustrous Cabernet Sauvignon has been matured in French oak barrels, offering an extraordinary balance of tannins and fruit profiles. The meticulous cultivation process under cool maritime-influenced climate imparts a distinctive depth to its full-bodied palate.
Characterised by intricate layers of well-ripened blackcurrants, delicate chocolate undertones and a hint of earthy complexity, the Woodside Valley Baudin Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 exhibits great finesse. Ingeniously crafted by Woodside Valley Estate, a respected producer known for their attention to detail and unwavering quality standards, this wine is a testament to their expertise.
The 2004 vintage speaks volumes of the terroir's unique characteristics, making this wine a superb choice for those seeking a tasting experience replete with the essence of Australian vineyards. Indulge in the remarkable Woodside Valley Baudin Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 - a wine that truly stands in a class of its own.
Inc. VAT£292.40 -
Andrew Caillard MW (100)
Deep crimson. Lovely pure blackcurrant elderberry herb garden aromas with hints of espresso/ roasted chestnut notes. Beautiful concentrated wine with blackcurrant elderberry chinotto herb flavours, fine-grained and plentiful yet vigorous tannins, superb mid palate richness and integrated roasted chestnut/ cedar oak notes. Finishes chalky firm with a long inky/ graphite plume. Made for the long haul. Powerfully expressive yet unforced wine with superb vinosity, richness, density and volume. Superb. The fruit derives from the V&A (Victoria & Albert) and Nursery Vineyards, both located on classic terra rossa soils. From a dry, mild to warm growing season. Wait a few years to let it unfold, 2025-2050.Inc. VAT£390.46 -
(6x75cl) 2020
The Real Review (97)
Impressively dense, dark, glass-staining colour with a strong tint of purple. Concentrated and superripe blackberry aromas, bright and intense and beautifully ripe with minimal herbal accents. Nuances of tar and licorice as well. It's full bodied and rich, concentrated and ample, with lashings of supple, fine-grained tannins and a long carry. A powerful wine but one that glides across the palate effortlessly. A beautiful and long-term cabernet.Inc. VAT£552.04 -
(6x75cl) 2021
Halliday Wine Companion (98)
16 months French oak hogsheads and barriques (31% new, the balance one to six years old) and 22 months in bottle prior to release. A cacophony of blackberries, Bing cherries and elderberries. Blackcurrant leaf, acaí and prune skin. Black coffee, vanilla pod, ash and charcoal. Acidity wisps about the palate like magic, a mesh of thread-like tannins pull and draw the focus. A hint of dark chocolate bitters; the wine finishes perky with echoing tunes of granite. It's just so centered and chic. Pure cabernet poise.Inc. VAT£519.12 -
Yabby Lake Block 6 Pinot Noir 2017 epitomises the elegance and finesse characteristic of premium cool-climate viticulture. Sourced from Yabby Lake’s prestigious Block 6 vineyard in the heart of the Yarra Valley, this Pinot Noir benefits from meticulously managed vine canopies and optimal ripening conditions. Hand-harvested grapes undergo a gentle fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, preserving delicate aromatics and vibrant acidity. Aged for 12 months in French oak barrels, the wine develops subtle vanilla and spice notes without overshadowing its intrinsic fruit profile. Crafted by the esteemed Yabby Lake winery, renowned for their commitment to sustainable practices, the 2017 vintage displays a nuanced palate of dark cherry, raspberry, and earthy undertones, supported by silky tannins and a lingering finish. Perfectly poised to cellar or enjoy now, Yabby Lake Block 6 Pinot Noir 2017 is a testament to exceptional craftsmanship and terroir expression.
Inc. VAT£133.73 -
(6x75cl) 2018Halliday Wine Companion (96)
Hand-picked and sorted, gently destemmed leaving 25% whole bunches in traditional oak ferment, 3-4 days cold soak, 14 days on skins, pressed to French puncheons for 11 months maturation. Exceptional colour; super supple mouthfeel, a velvety mid-palate balanced by savoury/foresty glimpses on the finish. Retasted in '20, vibrant and still in primary mode with juicy pinot fruit. A drink-to date is largely irrelevant.Inc. VAT£430.40 -
Halliday Wine Companion (96)
Hand-picked and sorted, gently destemmed, partial whole berry adherence for stems, 4 days cold soak, wild-fermented, 14 days on skins, pressed to tight-grain puncheons for 8 months maturation. A layered palate interleaving velvety fruit and hints of forest on the long, medium-bodied palate. Trophy Best Pinot Noir Mornington Peninsula Wine Show.Inc. VAT£154.13 -
(1x75cl) 2018The Yabby Lake Pinot Noir Single Vineyard 2018 epitomises exceptional viticulture and craftsmanship from Tasmania’s renowned Yabby Lake region. Hand-harvested from meticulously selected blocks, the grapes benefit from the vineyard’s unique terroir, characterised by cool maritime influences and well-drained soils. Fermented using native yeast strains in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, this Pinot Noir undergoes a meticulous vinification process to preserve its elegance and complexity. The wine is aged for 12 months in French oak barrels, imparting subtle vanilla and spice notes while maintaining its vibrant fruit profile. Expertly produced by the acclaimed Yabby Lake Estate, known for sustainable farming practices and dedication to quality, the 2018 vintage exhibits a harmonious balance of ripe red berries, delicate floral nuances, and a refined earthy undertone. With its silky tannins and lingering finish, the Yabby Lake Pinot Noir Single Vineyard 2018 is a distinguished choice for connoisseurs seeking a quintessential expression of fine Australian Pinot Noir.
Inc. VAT£100.13 -
James Suckling (98)
This is a strong cross-regional combination. Immense depth of olives, cassis, blue plums and iodine with blackberries, earthy nuances, fragrant baking spices and chocolate. The palate is beautifully assembled with deep-set tannins that carry long and majestic. Rich dark-fruit flavors. A landmark first release that will drink well for decades. Drink from 2024.Inc. VAT£551.58 -
Matthew Jukes (19.5+)
2013 is a powerhouse, with density, structure and presence, but it is not a heavy wine! Instead, this is a cerebral, through-provoking number with layer upon layer of savoury, noble fruit. The differences between the yin and yang of these two vintages is also evident in the blend. 2012 was made of 79% Cabernet (of which 27% was Barossan and the lion’s share was from Coonawarra) and 21% Barossa Shiraz. In 2013 KG marries 55% Coonawarra Cabernet with 45% Barossa Shiraz. This is a more ‘historical-Aussie-claret-shaped’ wine and the extra splash of Barossa Shiraz helps to bring flesh to the upright, masterful Cabernet.Inc. VAT£482.76 -
Halliday Wine Companion (97)
It falls safe into the hands of excellence. It has the shape, complexity, fruit power, overall balance and then the length to make its price-tag look justifiable. It's going to age like an absolute beauty. Both intricately and firmly tannin, ripped with blackcurrant, lightened by mint and slipped with undergrowth and cedar wood characters. Nothing is overdone and yet everything has a presence, a power.Inc. VAT£227.06 -
Halliday Wine Companion (97)
It falls safe into the hands of excellence. It has the shape, complexity, fruit power, overall balance and then the length to make its price-tag look justifiable. It's going to age like an absolute beauty. Both intricately and firmly tannin, ripped with blackcurrant, lightened by mint and slipped with undergrowth and cedar wood characters. Nothing is overdone and yet everything has a presence, a power.Inc. VAT£567.62 -
The Real Review (98)
This wine is continuing to build, and is now showing a glorious perfume, the aromatics similar to the 2012, which set a very high standard that this vintage reaches and arguably surpasses. Spicy and ultra-complex, with shiraz and Barossa both evident in the wine. It's very intense, taut and concentrated, as well as finely-textured and incredibly long in the mouth. A great wine of wonderful purity and harmony. (74% Coonawarra cabernet, 26% Barossa shiraz)Inc. VAT£551.58 -
Matthew Jukes (20++)
You have seen my MoneyWeek article above and this time that is all you are getting. This wine WILL feature in my 100 Best Australian Wines Report 2021-22, which WILL be released this year. Forgive me for the capitals, but I have had enough of this pandemic and so I am pressing on regardless. You already know my score, but here it is again and it certainly bears repeating. But before I type this perfect number again I would like to inform you that I tasted 450 bottles of 2020 En Primeur Bordeaux this year and I would, of course, love you to download this Report from this website. The reason for mentioning this is that none of them warranted a perfect score, so I hope that this underlines just how remarkable it is that The Caley has done this twice in five years and also, with an average of 19.6/20, this accounts for my lofty headline at the top of this article.Inc. VAT£227.06 -
Matthew Jukes (20++)
You have seen my MoneyWeek article above and this time that is all you are getting. This wine WILL feature in my 100 Best Australian Wines Report 2021-22, which WILL be released this year. Forgive me for the capitals, but I have had enough of this pandemic and so I am pressing on regardless. You already know my score, but here it is again and it certainly bears repeating. But before I type this perfect number again I would like to inform you that I tasted 450 bottles of 2020 En Primeur Bordeaux this year and I would, of course, love you to download this Report from this website. The reason for mentioning this is that none of them warranted a perfect score, so I hope that this underlines just how remarkable it is that The Caley has done this twice in five years and also, with an average of 19.6/20, this accounts for my lofty headline at the top of this article.Inc. VAT£551.58 -
The Real Review (99)
Good depth and hue of colour it's still purple-tinted at this age. The bouquet is fresh and bold, replete with forest-floor/mint and dried-herb nuances, while the palate is very powerful, concentrated, full-bodied and firmly constructed. Deep-set cassis fruit as well, still partially in hiding. This is a dense, power-packed cabernet-driven red with abundant tannins. Tremendously long finish. A magnificent wine, which has what it takes to age and reward cellaring for the long term. (80% Coonawarra cabernet, 20% Barossa shiraz)Inc. VAT£242.66 -
The Real Review (97)
Ink black core, deep ruby and purple tones into the rim. Heady nose of ripe mulberry, ironstone, anise and cedar shavings. The palate fills with plush blue and purple fruits, an instant realisation that many elements are in play, all melded with a seamless purity that impresses. Savoury notes of ferrous minerals, dark spices and mocha all build this wine up whilst fine, gravelly tannins ensure that intensity translates to a driven and incredibly long palate. This is just a pup but so approachable in its texture, will build even more as it ages.Inc. VAT£440.98 -
Vinous (96)
The 2015 The Signature cellar release is powerful yet understated with mulberry, blackberry and clove spice against a backdrop of beautifully integrated oak. This is rich, fleshy and still youthful, with a lovely even flow. Its fruit power and tension are still holding strong. The 2015 is getting close to its peak but has plenty left to give over at least a decade, if not two.Inc. VAT£367.18
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Vinous (91)
Deep ruby. Vibrant, spice-accented red and blue fruit aromas are complemented by suggestions of cigar box and candied flowers. In a juicy, energetic style, showing very good clarity to the bitter cherry and cassis flavors. Turns sweeter with air and finishes long and smooth, with just a hint of fine-grained tannins.In Bond£130.00 -
(1x75cl) 2016
James Suckling (97)
A very complex flinty and hazelnut style that has a strong play of fine French oak on the nose. Plenty of layers to the aromas here from white peaches and nectarine fruits to grapefruit and lemons. Immense grapefruit and citrus depth on the palate with warm oak spices and well-layered savory threads. Long and effortless power. Drink now. Screw cap.In Bond£74.00 -
Wine Enthusiast (97)
One of the most renowned Chardonnays in Australia, the latest release is a knockout. A cool vintage allowed for gorgeous natural acidity and bright fruit to shine. Being the most cellarworthy of the Vasse Chards, Heytesbury is always structuredand more oak driven when young. It opens with heady aromas of toasted nuts, flint, seashell, vanilla pod and a seaweed-like umami note amid melon and lemon curd. The palate is fabulously fresh with textural complexity, and lingering nut, saline and citrusnotes on the lengthy finish.In Bond£270.00 -
The Real Review (98)
Bright mid-yellow colour, with an exuberant bouquet of grapefruit, cashew nuts and a faint smoky patina, the palate likewise flavoured and singing with a superb purity. Great refinement, intensity, line and length. A finesse wine, the grapefruit flavour so concentrated it gives an impression of sweetness—which of course it has none. A stunning chardonnay.In Bond£347.00 -
Halliday Wine Companion (98)
It’s been a joy to watch the evolution of Heytesbury over the past decade or so, as it's one of the great Australian chardonnays. Whatever vintage conditions have thrown at it, and with tweaks along the way, the nucleus remains steadfast: quality, excellent fruit and a second-to-none level of detail in the winemaking. This is an evocative wine. Pristine and sublime. Funky sulphides rockin’ it while a gossamer thread of acidity holds everything in line – the citrus flavours, the texture, the wine totally enveloping the oak and, while it’s a powerhouse of flavour, there’s a purity to this. It’s such a contrast. How does it achieve that?In Bond£352.00 -
(6x75cl) 2022
Halliday Wine Companion (97)
If one wine typifies the current state of Australian chardonnay (complex, superfine, detailed and majestic) as much as a wine of place, Heytesbury could possibly be it. There’s a lot of fruit power this vintage, yet still, a tightly coiled style in youth. A millefeuille of flavour – grapefruit, lemon salt, white nectarine and complex savoury nuances, the oak and lees folded into the wine. There’s an intriguing zinc character too, a little flinty and funky with mouth-watering acidity. Moreish and compelling all the way through. Mesmerising.In Bond£270.00 -
The Real Review (98)
Deep red/purple colour with a very fresh, nuanced, aromatic bouquet loaded with blue and red fruits, cedar and high-toned flowers, violets to the fore. A totally gorgeous bouquet, very fresh and primary but also complex and detailed. Very fine tannins; extremely long carry. A supremely elegant, sublime wine that finishes right out with impressive extension. Clearly, the best Tom Cullity to date. (17% malbec; 1% petit verdot)In Bond£600.00 -
The West Australian (99)
Highly perfumed aromas strike immediately. There is that combination of fruit sweetness and fine chalky minerally tannins. Loads of blackcurrant and juicy plum with a dollop of chocolate and mocha cut with floral and dried herb notes. Bright and energetic at every turn with subtlety and elegance. Delivers with a degree of understatement and restraint yet gathers pace and momentum as it drives through to the finish. The tannins are more in the powdery space with that slightly aspirin-like oak influence bringing it all together seamlessly and harmoniously. This is classic cabernet in its varietal makeup with a firm spine and length. The malbec has brought a vibrant red fruit juiciness into the equation. The finest wine yet from Vasse Felix. It’s 2016 without the tannin and 2014 without the opulence.In Bond£245.00 -
The West Australian (99)
Highly perfumed aromas strike immediately. There is that combination of fruit sweetness and fine chalky minerally tannins. Loads of blackcurrant and juicy plum with a dollop of chocolate and mocha cut with floral and dried herb notes. Bright and energetic at every turn with subtlety and elegance. Delivers with a degree of understatement and restraint yet gathers pace and momentum as it drives through to the finish. The tannins are more in the powdery space with that slightly aspirin-like oak influence bringing it all together seamlessly and harmoniously. This is classic cabernet in its varietal makeup with a firm spine and length. The malbec has brought a vibrant red fruit juiciness into the equation. The finest wine yet from Vasse Felix. It’s 2016 without the tannin and 2014 without the opulence.In Bond£114.00 -
(6x75cl) 2015
For those seeking sophistication and depth, the Wakefield St. Andrews Riesling 2015 is a sublime choice. Hailing from the renowned Clare Valley in South Australia, it captures Wakefield's meticulous and passionate winemaking approach. The St. Andrews vineyard, its treasured fruit source, gifts a stunning golden hue, revealing intense citrus and floral notes on the nose. Upon tasting, the palate is greeted by a symphony of lime and grapefruit, met by soft mineral undertones.
This vintage was harvested during the cool nightly temperatures, preserving the fruit’s natural acidity and aromatic qualities. Wakefield's skilled craftsmanship and time-honoured techniques facilitate the slow, steady fermentation in stainless steel tanks, helping to develop its exemplary depth and complexity. The Wakefield St. Andrews Riesling 2015 forms part of their ultra-premium range and is a developing testament to their commitment to produce wines that can stand with the finest on the global stage.
In Bond£114.00 -
Wine Advocate (94)
The blockbuster 2004 Shiraz Springflat’s inky/purple color is followed by a wine that pushes concentration to the limit. Made from tiny yields of 1.5 to 1.8 tons of fruit per acre, aged in 50% new and 50% 1 and 2 year old oak (half American and half French) barrels, it is a huge, rich, backward Shiraz that still assaults the palate and olfactory senses. Forget this big, structured, intense 2004 for 2-3 years and drink it over the following 15 or more.In Bond£77.00 -
Wine Advocate (95)
The 2006 Springflat Shiraz is 100% varietal aged in 100% new French and American oak. The nose offers up an array of cedar, saddle leather, boysenberry, blackberry, and blueberry compote. This is followed by a sweetly fruited, opulent wine with layers of spicy flavors, earth notes, and spice box. Balanced and exceptionally long, this large-scaled effort will evolve for another 5-7 years and be at its best through 2031.In Bond£99.00 -
Emanating from the premium vineyards of Western Australia, the Woodside Valley Baudin Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 is a true connoisseur's delight. This lustrous Cabernet Sauvignon has been matured in French oak barrels, offering an extraordinary balance of tannins and fruit profiles. The meticulous cultivation process under cool maritime-influenced climate imparts a distinctive depth to its full-bodied palate.
Characterised by intricate layers of well-ripened blackcurrants, delicate chocolate undertones and a hint of earthy complexity, the Woodside Valley Baudin Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 exhibits great finesse. Ingeniously crafted by Woodside Valley Estate, a respected producer known for their attention to detail and unwavering quality standards, this wine is a testament to their expertise.
The 2004 vintage speaks volumes of the terroir's unique characteristics, making this wine a superb choice for those seeking a tasting experience replete with the essence of Australian vineyards. Indulge in the remarkable Woodside Valley Baudin Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 - a wine that truly stands in a class of its own.
In Bond£223.00 -
Andrew Caillard MW (100)
Deep crimson. Lovely pure blackcurrant elderberry herb garden aromas with hints of espresso/ roasted chestnut notes. Beautiful concentrated wine with blackcurrant elderberry chinotto herb flavours, fine-grained and plentiful yet vigorous tannins, superb mid palate richness and integrated roasted chestnut/ cedar oak notes. Finishes chalky firm with a long inky/ graphite plume. Made for the long haul. Powerfully expressive yet unforced wine with superb vinosity, richness, density and volume. Superb. The fruit derives from the V&A (Victoria & Albert) and Nursery Vineyards, both located on classic terra rossa soils. From a dry, mild to warm growing season. Wait a few years to let it unfold, 2025-2050.In Bond£306.50 -
(6x75cl) 2020
The Real Review (97)
Impressively dense, dark, glass-staining colour with a strong tint of purple. Concentrated and superripe blackberry aromas, bright and intense and beautifully ripe with minimal herbal accents. Nuances of tar and licorice as well. It's full bodied and rich, concentrated and ample, with lashings of supple, fine-grained tannins and a long carry. A powerful wine but one that glides across the palate effortlessly. A beautiful and long-term cabernet.In Bond£444.00 -
(6x75cl) 2021
Halliday Wine Companion (98)
16 months French oak hogsheads and barriques (31% new, the balance one to six years old) and 22 months in bottle prior to release. A cacophony of blackberries, Bing cherries and elderberries. Blackcurrant leaf, acaí and prune skin. Black coffee, vanilla pod, ash and charcoal. Acidity wisps about the palate like magic, a mesh of thread-like tannins pull and draw the focus. A hint of dark chocolate bitters; the wine finishes perky with echoing tunes of granite. It's just so centered and chic. Pure cabernet poise.In Bond£414.00 -
Yabby Lake Block 6 Pinot Noir 2017 epitomises the elegance and finesse characteristic of premium cool-climate viticulture. Sourced from Yabby Lake’s prestigious Block 6 vineyard in the heart of the Yarra Valley, this Pinot Noir benefits from meticulously managed vine canopies and optimal ripening conditions. Hand-harvested grapes undergo a gentle fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, preserving delicate aromatics and vibrant acidity. Aged for 12 months in French oak barrels, the wine develops subtle vanilla and spice notes without overshadowing its intrinsic fruit profile. Crafted by the esteemed Yabby Lake winery, renowned for their commitment to sustainable practices, the 2017 vintage displays a nuanced palate of dark cherry, raspberry, and earthy undertones, supported by silky tannins and a lingering finish. Perfectly poised to cellar or enjoy now, Yabby Lake Block 6 Pinot Noir 2017 is a testament to exceptional craftsmanship and terroir expression.
In Bond£108.00 -
(6x75cl) 2018
Halliday Wine Companion (96)
Hand-picked and sorted, gently destemmed leaving 25% whole bunches in traditional oak ferment, 3-4 days cold soak, 14 days on skins, pressed to French puncheons for 11 months maturation. Exceptional colour; super supple mouthfeel, a velvety mid-palate balanced by savoury/foresty glimpses on the finish. Retasted in '20, vibrant and still in primary mode with juicy pinot fruit. A drink-to date is largely irrelevant.In Bond£338.00 -
Halliday Wine Companion (96)
Hand-picked and sorted, gently destemmed, partial whole berry adherence for stems, 4 days cold soak, wild-fermented, 14 days on skins, pressed to tight-grain puncheons for 8 months maturation. A layered palate interleaving velvety fruit and hints of forest on the long, medium-bodied palate. Trophy Best Pinot Noir Mornington Peninsula Wine Show.In Bond£125.00 -
(1x75cl) 2018
The Yabby Lake Pinot Noir Single Vineyard 2018 epitomises exceptional viticulture and craftsmanship from Tasmania’s renowned Yabby Lake region. Hand-harvested from meticulously selected blocks, the grapes benefit from the vineyard’s unique terroir, characterised by cool maritime influences and well-drained soils. Fermented using native yeast strains in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, this Pinot Noir undergoes a meticulous vinification process to preserve its elegance and complexity. The wine is aged for 12 months in French oak barrels, imparting subtle vanilla and spice notes while maintaining its vibrant fruit profile. Expertly produced by the acclaimed Yabby Lake Estate, known for sustainable farming practices and dedication to quality, the 2018 vintage exhibits a harmonious balance of ripe red berries, delicate floral nuances, and a refined earthy undertone. With its silky tannins and lingering finish, the Yabby Lake Pinot Noir Single Vineyard 2018 is a distinguished choice for connoisseurs seeking a quintessential expression of fine Australian Pinot Noir.
In Bond£80.00 -
James Suckling (98)
This is a strong cross-regional combination. Immense depth of olives, cassis, blue plums and iodine with blackberries, earthy nuances, fragrant baking spices and chocolate. The palate is beautifully assembled with deep-set tannins that carry long and majestic. Rich dark-fruit flavors. A landmark first release that will drink well for decades. Drink from 2024.In Bond£450.00 -
Matthew Jukes (19.5+)
2013 is a powerhouse, with density, structure and presence, but it is not a heavy wine! Instead, this is a cerebral, through-provoking number with layer upon layer of savoury, noble fruit. The differences between the yin and yang of these two vintages is also evident in the blend. 2012 was made of 79% Cabernet (of which 27% was Barossan and the lion’s share was from Coonawarra) and 21% Barossa Shiraz. In 2013 KG marries 55% Coonawarra Cabernet with 45% Barossa Shiraz. This is a more ‘historical-Aussie-claret-shaped’ wine and the extra splash of Barossa Shiraz helps to bring flesh to the upright, masterful Cabernet.In Bond£393.00 -
Halliday Wine Companion (97)
It falls safe into the hands of excellence. It has the shape, complexity, fruit power, overall balance and then the length to make its price-tag look justifiable. It's going to age like an absolute beauty. Both intricately and firmly tannin, ripped with blackcurrant, lightened by mint and slipped with undergrowth and cedar wood characters. Nothing is overdone and yet everything has a presence, a power.In Bond£186.00 -
Halliday Wine Companion (97)
It falls safe into the hands of excellence. It has the shape, complexity, fruit power, overall balance and then the length to make its price-tag look justifiable. It's going to age like an absolute beauty. Both intricately and firmly tannin, ripped with blackcurrant, lightened by mint and slipped with undergrowth and cedar wood characters. Nothing is overdone and yet everything has a presence, a power.In Bond£465.00 -
The Real Review (98)
This wine is continuing to build, and is now showing a glorious perfume, the aromatics similar to the 2012, which set a very high standard that this vintage reaches and arguably surpasses. Spicy and ultra-complex, with shiraz and Barossa both evident in the wine. It's very intense, taut and concentrated, as well as finely-textured and incredibly long in the mouth. A great wine of wonderful purity and harmony. (74% Coonawarra cabernet, 26% Barossa shiraz)In Bond£450.00 -
Matthew Jukes (20++)
You have seen my MoneyWeek article above and this time that is all you are getting. This wine WILL feature in my 100 Best Australian Wines Report 2021-22, which WILL be released this year. Forgive me for the capitals, but I have had enough of this pandemic and so I am pressing on regardless. You already know my score, but here it is again and it certainly bears repeating. But before I type this perfect number again I would like to inform you that I tasted 450 bottles of 2020 En Primeur Bordeaux this year and I would, of course, love you to download this Report from this website. The reason for mentioning this is that none of them warranted a perfect score, so I hope that this underlines just how remarkable it is that The Caley has done this twice in five years and also, with an average of 19.6/20, this accounts for my lofty headline at the top of this article.In Bond£186.00 -
Matthew Jukes (20++)
You have seen my MoneyWeek article above and this time that is all you are getting. This wine WILL feature in my 100 Best Australian Wines Report 2021-22, which WILL be released this year. Forgive me for the capitals, but I have had enough of this pandemic and so I am pressing on regardless. You already know my score, but here it is again and it certainly bears repeating. But before I type this perfect number again I would like to inform you that I tasted 450 bottles of 2020 En Primeur Bordeaux this year and I would, of course, love you to download this Report from this website. The reason for mentioning this is that none of them warranted a perfect score, so I hope that this underlines just how remarkable it is that The Caley has done this twice in five years and also, with an average of 19.6/20, this accounts for my lofty headline at the top of this article.In Bond£450.00 -
The Real Review (99)
Good depth and hue of colour it's still purple-tinted at this age. The bouquet is fresh and bold, replete with forest-floor/mint and dried-herb nuances, while the palate is very powerful, concentrated, full-bodied and firmly constructed. Deep-set cassis fruit as well, still partially in hiding. This is a dense, power-packed cabernet-driven red with abundant tannins. Tremendously long finish. A magnificent wine, which has what it takes to age and reward cellaring for the long term. (80% Coonawarra cabernet, 20% Barossa shiraz)In Bond£199.00 -
The Real Review (97)
Ink black core, deep ruby and purple tones into the rim. Heady nose of ripe mulberry, ironstone, anise and cedar shavings. The palate fills with plush blue and purple fruits, an instant realisation that many elements are in play, all melded with a seamless purity that impresses. Savoury notes of ferrous minerals, dark spices and mocha all build this wine up whilst fine, gravelly tannins ensure that intensity translates to a driven and incredibly long palate. This is just a pup but so approachable in its texture, will build even more as it ages.In Bond£347.50 -
Vinous (96)
The 2015 The Signature cellar release is powerful yet understated with mulberry, blackberry and clove spice against a backdrop of beautifully integrated oak. This is rich, fleshy and still youthful, with a lovely even flow. Its fruit power and tension are still holding strong. The 2015 is getting close to its peak but has plenty left to give over at least a decade, if not two.In Bond£286.00
