Australia & NZ
These far-flung wine regions may be referred to ‘new’ when compared against the historic European wine regions, but they have a long winemaking history. Spared from Phylloxera, Australia in particular has world's highest concentration of venerable vines and legendary producers such as Penfolds, Henschke and Tyrell’s have been around for over 150 years. Though for many years piggybacking on Europe’s successes, branding their own wines as ‘Chablis’, ‘Hermitage’ etc., Australia now have created a real identity of their own, making inimitable styles like Coonawarra Cabernet or Hunter Valley Semillon.
New Zealand doesn’t quite have as an extensive history but has established itself in an astonishingly short amount of time as a reliable source of whistle clean, distinctive examples of varietals like Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc.
Australia & NZ
| Product Name | Region | Qty | Score | Price | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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|
Western Australia | 1 | 97 (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£166.00 |
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Wine Advocate (97)The 2019 Burnside Vineyard Chardonnay is flinty, spicy and lean, with curry leaf, a hint of Champion Ruby (rolling tobacco in Australia—think Golden Virginia) and a bit of saltbush (local flora). It is very smart. The cooler year is moderated by the close proximity to the beach here—it is briny and so good. I could drink a lot of this. It has a beautiful clean finish. Excellent. |
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South Australia | 5 | - |
Inc. VAT
£358.40 |
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South Australia | 1 | 94-96 (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£100.13 |
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Wine Advocate (94-96)The 2002 Shiraz Reiver is aged in 100% French oak, of which 70% is new. Sweet floral, black, and blue fruit aromas soar from the glass of this black/purple-colored 2002. Extremely full-bodied, deep, and chewy, with tremendous purity as well as texture, it is a remarkably well-balanced behemoth from South Australia that should age effortlessly for 15+ years. Barrel samples of three 2002s revealed tremendous potential in what appears to be the finest efforts Mitolo has yet produced. There are 300-400 cases of each, and all three are scheduled to be bottled in October. Kudos to young importer (31 years old!) Ben Hammerschlag for unearthing these potential superstars. |
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South Australia | 4 | 96 (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£357.64 |
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Wine Advocate (96)Named after a mythical monster, the 2005 Shiraz Savitar emerges from rocky, low vigor soils, and was aged for 16 months in primarily new French oak barrels. Dazzling aromas of acacia flowers, blueberries, crushed rocks, graphite, licorice, and espresso roast emerge from this tightly knit but intense, fleshy, rich effort. Its multilayered palate, huge body, sweet tannin, and “monster” finish suggest this brilliant wine will be drinkable between 2008 and 2020. It is a superb example of McLaren Vale Shiraz. |
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South Australia | 1 | 94 (HWC) |
Inc. VAT
£282.19 |
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Halliday Wine Companion (94)Sourced from the proprietary Lopresti vineyard, known as the 'Chinese Block'. Near Wilunga, this is a warmer zone. Hand picked and placed in drying crates to undergo appassimento; this elevates tannins while concentrating fruit in a shift of the phenolic makeup, imparting a firm, ferrous savouriness. Unabashedly big, yet far from jammy, as a welcome result. Asian spice, blood stone, bitter amaro and cherry pith, with a verdant echo of cabernet in the background. |
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South Australia | 2 | - |
Inc. VAT
£329.69 |
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South Australia | 2 | 92 (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£278.46 |
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Wine Advocate (92)Once you taste a few of a producer's wines side by side, you really start to get a feel for stylistic preference between warm vintages and cool ones. I surprise myself by saying here that I prefer the warmer vintages at Mollydooker (this does not make it right) because the sunshine and ease with which ripening can occur in a warmer year really seems to suit the plush, high-octane style being proliferated here. So, this 2021 Blue Eyed Boy Shiraz is far more on the blue fruit spectrum than the 2020, which has a complex array of sweet/savory/spice characters. The detail here errs to blackberry, blood plum and resin—a spicy, full-bodied Shiraz. Not for the faint of heart. |
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South Australia | 3 | - |
Inc. VAT
£335.60 |
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South Australia | 1 | 92 (WS) |
Inc. VAT
£350.05 |
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Wine Spectator (92)Compelling and aromatic, with details of palo santo, sandalwood and sarsaparilla and a core of chocolate-covered cherries, espresso and wild blackberry notes. The tannins are thick and concentrated, but integrated seamlessly, adding to the impact of this lovely wine. Drink now through 2036. 6,132 cases made, 3,892 cases imported. |
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South Australia | 1 | 94 (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£418.86 |
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Wine Advocate (94)Mollydooker's 2018 Carnival of Love Shiraz is more red-fruited and structured than I expected, given the wine's stated 16% alcohol. Raspberries and cedar mark the nose, with hints of chocolate, espresso and baking spices. In the mouth, it's full-bodied, dense and powerful, with ripe but firm tannins supporting the bright berry flavors, then easing into a long, velvety and mouthwatering finish. It should drink well for around a decade, but if you're shy of tannins, you may want to wait another year or two before opening. |
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South Australia | 1 | - |
Inc. VAT
£393.29 |
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South Australia | 1 | 92 (WS) |
Inc. VAT
£650.51 |
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Wine Spectator (92)Thick, with sink-your-teeth-into-them tannins and powerful, ripe blackberry, huckleberry and blueberry flavors that show aromatic accents of allspice, Earl Grey tea, vanilla bean, milk chocolate and dried violet on the finish. Drink now through 2036. 45,165 cases made, 32,950 cases imported |
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South Australia | 1 | 90 (WS) |
Inc. VAT
£172.49 |
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Wine Spectator (90)Fresh and inviting, with a meaty character to the red berry and spice flavors, finishing with a pleasant fleshiness. Shiraz, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now through 2018. |
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South Australia | 2 | 91 (WS) |
Inc. VAT
£438.11 |
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Wine Spectator (91)Expressive and fragrant, a bold red with toffee, salted caramel and black walnut liqueur notes set against ripe plum, maraschino and black cherry notes. Details of cardamon and clove linger with plush tannins on the long, expressive finish. Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Drink now through 2035. 10,076 cases made, 7,193 cases imported. |
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Western Australia | 1 | 97 (WAU) |
Inc. VAT
£585.95 |
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The West Australian (97)The 2017 vintage was one of the milder vintages in WA. The latest Moss Wood captures this vintage perfectly and is without doubt one of the more restrained and tightly framed Moss Woods of recent years. Not the opulence of 2014 or the firm power of the 2016. Yet it retains the elegance, perfume and soft approachability that is Moss Wood. And hidden within is a wine that I suspect will still be drinking beautifully in 30 years. Make sure you decant it even now before drinking. |
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Western Australia | 1 | - |
Inc. VAT
£415.18 |
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Western Australia | 1 | 98 (TWA) |
Inc. VAT
£374.75 |
|||||
The Western Australian (98)High expectations accompany iconic labels such as Moss Wood, especially following on from the powerful 2020. This elegantly styled 21 vintage steps up and delivers, even in its youth. This is a wine built for cellaring and, as such, it was day two when the full gamut of flavours and textures opened up, in all their magisterial glory. Think boysenberry, blueberry essence and blackberries with nuances of nori, black olive, cedar and oak toast. There’s boundless flavour intensity and a nervy freshness and silkiness to the mouthfeel. Quite the feat of engineering to craft something so substantial yet with such lightness of touch. Stunning. |
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Victoria | 1 | 97 (HWC) |
Inc. VAT
£525.40 |
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Halliday Wine Companion (97)100% destemmed and fermented with as many whole berries as possible. Left to soak for four days, pre-fermentation with one pump over per day, then plunged three times per day. 15 months in French barriques (25% new). A bright crimson red. Perfumed and seductive even at this early stage. Aromas of wild red berries, gentle spice, dark rose and bracken. Concentrated and structured with very fine, sinewy and savoury tannins. A brilliant, non-mainstream Yarra Valley pinot that's been built to go the distance. |
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Victoria | 1 | 99 (HWC) |
Inc. VAT
£536.96 |
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Halliday Wine Companion (99)Stands proudly at the head of the Mount Mary portfolio. A blend of 44% cabernet sauvignon, 30% merlot, 16% cabernet franc and 5% each of malbec and petit verdot, each variety handled according to its structure. Open/static fermenters, wood/stainless steel, 10-14 days on skins, 35% new oak from a range of coopers and forests, 16-20 months in barrel. Mesmerisingly silky, with a kaleidoscope of fruit and secondary flavours. |
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Central Otago | 1 | - |
Inc. VAT
£95.33 |
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The Mt Difficulty Pinot Noir Long Gully 2010 exemplifies the pinnacle of Martinborough’s esteemed viticulture. Grown in the renowned Long Gully vineyard, this Pinot Noir benefits from the region’s unique terroir—rich alluvial soils and a temperate climate that foster optimal grape maturation. Hand-harvested with meticulous care, the grapes undergo gentle fermentation in stainless steel tanks to preserve their delicate aromas and vibrant fruit character. The wine is then aged for 12 months in French French oak barrels, imparting subtle complexity without overshadowing its intrinsic elegance. On the palate, the Mt Difficulty Pinot Noir Long Gully 2010 reveals layers of ripe cherry, plum, and earthy undertones, complemented by fine tannins and a lingering finish. Produced by the esteemed Mt Difficulty winery, known for their commitment to sustainable practices and artisanal craftsmanship, this vintage stands as a testament to their expertise and passion for fine wine. Perfect for discerning connoisseurs, it promises an exquisite experience with every sip. |
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South Australia | 1 | - |
Inc. VAT
£96.53 |
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|
The Murdoch Hill Apollo Pinot Noir Piccadilly Valley 2021 epitomises elegance and complexity from one of Australia’s premier cool-climate regions. Grown in the pristine terroir of Piccadilly Valley, the vineyards benefit from maritime influences and well-drained soils, fostering the delicate balance essential for exceptional Pinot Noir. Handpicked at optimal ripeness, the grapes undergo meticulous fermentation using indigenous yeasts, enhancing the wine’s nuanced character. A portion of the wine is aged in French oak barrels, imparting subtle tannins and a refined structure without overshadowing the varietal’s inherent finesse. This 2021 vintage reveals vibrant aromas of cherry, raspberry, and earthy undertones, complemented by a silky texture and a lingering finish. Murdoch Hill, renowned for their commitment to sustainable viticulture and artisanal winemaking, presents this Pinot Noir as a testament to their dedication to quality and expression of place. Perfect for discerning palates seeking sophistication and depth in every sip. |
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| Product Name | Region | Qty | Score | Price | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Western Australia | 1 | 97 (WA) |
In Bond
£120.00 |
|||||
Wine Advocate (97)The 2019 Burnside Vineyard Chardonnay is flinty, spicy and lean, with curry leaf, a hint of Champion Ruby (rolling tobacco in Australia—think Golden Virginia) and a bit of saltbush (local flora). It is very smart. The cooler year is moderated by the close proximity to the beach here—it is briny and so good. I could drink a lot of this. It has a beautiful clean finish. Excellent. |
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|
|
South Australia | 5 | - |
In Bond
£278.00 |
|||||
|
|
South Australia | 1 | 94-96 (WA) |
In Bond
£80.00 |
|||||
Wine Advocate (94-96)The 2002 Shiraz Reiver is aged in 100% French oak, of which 70% is new. Sweet floral, black, and blue fruit aromas soar from the glass of this black/purple-colored 2002. Extremely full-bodied, deep, and chewy, with tremendous purity as well as texture, it is a remarkably well-balanced behemoth from South Australia that should age effortlessly for 15+ years. Barrel samples of three 2002s revealed tremendous potential in what appears to be the finest efforts Mitolo has yet produced. There are 300-400 cases of each, and all three are scheduled to be bottled in October. Kudos to young importer (31 years old!) Ben Hammerschlag for unearthing these potential superstars. |
|||||||||
|
|
South Australia | 4 | 96 (WA) |
In Bond
£282.00 |
|||||
Wine Advocate (96)Named after a mythical monster, the 2005 Shiraz Savitar emerges from rocky, low vigor soils, and was aged for 16 months in primarily new French oak barrels. Dazzling aromas of acacia flowers, blueberries, crushed rocks, graphite, licorice, and espresso roast emerge from this tightly knit but intense, fleshy, rich effort. Its multilayered palate, huge body, sweet tannin, and “monster” finish suggest this brilliant wine will be drinkable between 2008 and 2020. It is a superb example of McLaren Vale Shiraz. |
|||||||||
|
|
South Australia | 1 | 94 (HWC) |
In Bond
£214.49 |
|||||
Halliday Wine Companion (94)Sourced from the proprietary Lopresti vineyard, known as the 'Chinese Block'. Near Wilunga, this is a warmer zone. Hand picked and placed in drying crates to undergo appassimento; this elevates tannins while concentrating fruit in a shift of the phenolic makeup, imparting a firm, ferrous savouriness. Unabashedly big, yet far from jammy, as a welcome result. Asian spice, blood stone, bitter amaro and cherry pith, with a verdant echo of cabernet in the background. |
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South Australia | 2 | - |
In Bond
£252.00 |
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South Australia | 2 | 92 (WA) |
In Bond
£210.00 |
|||||
Wine Advocate (92)Once you taste a few of a producer's wines side by side, you really start to get a feel for stylistic preference between warm vintages and cool ones. I surprise myself by saying here that I prefer the warmer vintages at Mollydooker (this does not make it right) because the sunshine and ease with which ripening can occur in a warmer year really seems to suit the plush, high-octane style being proliferated here. So, this 2021 Blue Eyed Boy Shiraz is far more on the blue fruit spectrum than the 2020, which has a complex array of sweet/savory/spice characters. The detail here errs to blackberry, blood plum and resin—a spicy, full-bodied Shiraz. Not for the faint of heart. |
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|
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South Australia | 3 | - |
In Bond
£259.00 |
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South Australia | 1 | 92 (WS) |
In Bond
£249.00 |
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Wine Spectator (92)Compelling and aromatic, with details of palo santo, sandalwood and sarsaparilla and a core of chocolate-covered cherries, espresso and wild blackberry notes. The tannins are thick and concentrated, but integrated seamlessly, adding to the impact of this lovely wine. Drink now through 2036. 6,132 cases made, 3,892 cases imported. |
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|
|
South Australia | 1 | 94 (WA) |
In Bond
£327.00 |
|||||
Wine Advocate (94)Mollydooker's 2018 Carnival of Love Shiraz is more red-fruited and structured than I expected, given the wine's stated 16% alcohol. Raspberries and cedar mark the nose, with hints of chocolate, espresso and baking spices. In the mouth, it's full-bodied, dense and powerful, with ripe but firm tannins supporting the bright berry flavors, then easing into a long, velvety and mouthwatering finish. It should drink well for around a decade, but if you're shy of tannins, you may want to wait another year or two before opening. |
|||||||||
|
|
South Australia | 1 | - |
In Bond
£305.00 |
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|
|
South Australia | 1 | 92 (WS) |
In Bond
£498.00 |
|||||
Wine Spectator (92)Thick, with sink-your-teeth-into-them tannins and powerful, ripe blackberry, huckleberry and blueberry flavors that show aromatic accents of allspice, Earl Grey tea, vanilla bean, milk chocolate and dried violet on the finish. Drink now through 2036. 45,165 cases made, 32,950 cases imported |
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|
|
South Australia | 1 | 90 (WS) |
In Bond
£121.00 |
|||||
Wine Spectator (90)Fresh and inviting, with a meaty character to the red berry and spice flavors, finishing with a pleasant fleshiness. Shiraz, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now through 2018. |
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|
|
South Australia | 2 | 91 (WS) |
In Bond
£321.00 |
|||||
Wine Spectator (91)Expressive and fragrant, a bold red with toffee, salted caramel and black walnut liqueur notes set against ripe plum, maraschino and black cherry notes. Details of cardamon and clove linger with plush tannins on the long, expressive finish. Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Drink now through 2035. 10,076 cases made, 7,193 cases imported. |
|||||||||
|
|
Western Australia | 1 | 97 (WAU) |
In Bond
£469.00 |
|||||
The West Australian (97)The 2017 vintage was one of the milder vintages in WA. The latest Moss Wood captures this vintage perfectly and is without doubt one of the more restrained and tightly framed Moss Woods of recent years. Not the opulence of 2014 or the firm power of the 2016. Yet it retains the elegance, perfume and soft approachability that is Moss Wood. And hidden within is a wine that I suspect will still be drinking beautifully in 30 years. Make sure you decant it even now before drinking. |
|||||||||
|
|
Western Australia | 1 | - |
In Bond
£326.00 |
|||||
|
|
Western Australia | 1 | 98 (TWA) |
In Bond
£293.00 |
|||||
The Western Australian (98)High expectations accompany iconic labels such as Moss Wood, especially following on from the powerful 2020. This elegantly styled 21 vintage steps up and delivers, even in its youth. This is a wine built for cellaring and, as such, it was day two when the full gamut of flavours and textures opened up, in all their magisterial glory. Think boysenberry, blueberry essence and blackberries with nuances of nori, black olive, cedar and oak toast. There’s boundless flavour intensity and a nervy freshness and silkiness to the mouthfeel. Quite the feat of engineering to craft something so substantial yet with such lightness of touch. Stunning. |
|||||||||
|
|
Victoria | 1 | 97 (HWC) |
In Bond
£419.50 |
|||||
Halliday Wine Companion (97)100% destemmed and fermented with as many whole berries as possible. Left to soak for four days, pre-fermentation with one pump over per day, then plunged three times per day. 15 months in French barriques (25% new). A bright crimson red. Perfumed and seductive even at this early stage. Aromas of wild red berries, gentle spice, dark rose and bracken. Concentrated and structured with very fine, sinewy and savoury tannins. A brilliant, non-mainstream Yarra Valley pinot that's been built to go the distance. |
|||||||||
|
|
Victoria | 1 | 99 (HWC) |
In Bond
£429.56 |
|||||
Halliday Wine Companion (99)Stands proudly at the head of the Mount Mary portfolio. A blend of 44% cabernet sauvignon, 30% merlot, 16% cabernet franc and 5% each of malbec and petit verdot, each variety handled according to its structure. Open/static fermenters, wood/stainless steel, 10-14 days on skins, 35% new oak from a range of coopers and forests, 16-20 months in barrel. Mesmerisingly silky, with a kaleidoscope of fruit and secondary flavours. |
|||||||||
|
|
Central Otago | 1 | - |
In Bond
£76.00 |
|||||
|
The Mt Difficulty Pinot Noir Long Gully 2010 exemplifies the pinnacle of Martinborough’s esteemed viticulture. Grown in the renowned Long Gully vineyard, this Pinot Noir benefits from the region’s unique terroir—rich alluvial soils and a temperate climate that foster optimal grape maturation. Hand-harvested with meticulous care, the grapes undergo gentle fermentation in stainless steel tanks to preserve their delicate aromas and vibrant fruit character. The wine is then aged for 12 months in French French oak barrels, imparting subtle complexity without overshadowing its intrinsic elegance. On the palate, the Mt Difficulty Pinot Noir Long Gully 2010 reveals layers of ripe cherry, plum, and earthy undertones, complemented by fine tannins and a lingering finish. Produced by the esteemed Mt Difficulty winery, known for their commitment to sustainable practices and artisanal craftsmanship, this vintage stands as a testament to their expertise and passion for fine wine. Perfect for discerning connoisseurs, it promises an exquisite experience with every sip. |
|||||||||
|
|
South Australia | 1 | - |
In Bond
£77.00 |
|||||
|
The Murdoch Hill Apollo Pinot Noir Piccadilly Valley 2021 epitomises elegance and complexity from one of Australia’s premier cool-climate regions. Grown in the pristine terroir of Piccadilly Valley, the vineyards benefit from maritime influences and well-drained soils, fostering the delicate balance essential for exceptional Pinot Noir. Handpicked at optimal ripeness, the grapes undergo meticulous fermentation using indigenous yeasts, enhancing the wine’s nuanced character. A portion of the wine is aged in French oak barrels, imparting subtle tannins and a refined structure without overshadowing the varietal’s inherent finesse. This 2021 vintage reveals vibrant aromas of cherry, raspberry, and earthy undertones, complemented by a silky texture and a lingering finish. Murdoch Hill, renowned for their commitment to sustainable viticulture and artisanal winemaking, presents this Pinot Noir as a testament to their dedication to quality and expression of place. Perfect for discerning palates seeking sophistication and depth in every sip. |
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