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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|
Marlborough | 1 | 97 (BC) |
Inc. VAT
£111.72 |
|||||
Bob Campbell MW (97)Seresin’s flagship pinot noir deserves its exalted status. It offers a seductive sweet and silken first impression revealing a structure of ripe, sappy tannins on its lingering finish. Layers of ripe fruit interspersed with subtle floral and herb characters demonstrate real complexity. Approachable now, this wine deserves at least another 4-5 years careful cellaring to reveal its true colours. 2/3/2017 Drink 2017 to 2024 |
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Marlborough | 1 | 91 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£104.52 |
|||||
Vinous (91)Despite being more than six years old, this structured offering is still a tough nut to crack, remaining resolute and firm. While the gentle midpalate is filled with unadulterated plum, herbal and spice flavors, there is a firm tannic structure, which is emphasized by firm acidity, leaving a rather upright conclusion. This will require patience and a love of acidity. Tea leaves and festive spices linger on the long finish. Unfined and unfiltered, so expect it is to be slightly hazy in color. |
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South Australia | 1 | 97 (JS) |
Inc. VAT
£112.92 |
|||||
James Suckling (97)Such a deep nose, with a wide spectrum of candied citrus, fresh butter and stunning, leesy complexity. Great concentration and restrained richness, with wonderful mineral freshness give this near-perfect balance. So much drive at the extremely long, lemon and lime-zest finish. Drink or hold. Screw cap. |
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South Australia | 1 | 98 (HWC) |
Inc. VAT
£258.72 |
|||||
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. |
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South Eastern Australia | 1 | - |
Inc. VAT
£143.52 |
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|
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. |
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South Australia | 2 | 92+ (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£358.40 |
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Vinous (92+)(64% mataro and 36% old-vines shiraz) Dense ruby. Explosive bouquet of spiced cherry, plum, blackberry, creme de cassis, roasted coffee and cured meat. Mouthfilling, dense and verging on sweet, but with impressive structure and youthful tannins. Sexy oak spices add sweetness to the finish. A deeply concentrated, weighty wine that's wound-up right now and needs at least three years of cellaring. |
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Marlborough | 1 | - |
Inc. VAT
£99.72 |
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|
Embark on a sensory adventure with the exceptional Spy Valley Envoy Johnson Sauvignon Blanc 2013. From the acclaimed climes of Marlborough, New Zealand, this celebrated vintage is a perfect representation of the producer's meticulous precision and craftsmanship. Spy Valley is known, globally, for their intuitive use of both traditional and innovative winemaking techniques, yielding a broad and luscious palette of wines. The Envoy Johnson Sauvignon Blanc 2013 is an exceptional product of their craft. Blended exclusively from small batches, the wine is fermented using native yeasts in seasoned French Oak barrels. This marriage of Old World tradition and New World innovation begets a wine of intense character and complexity, featuring an intoxicating bouquet of tropical fruit, structured by a keen mineral edge. Unravel layers of flavour with each sip of the Spy Valley Envoy Johnson Sauvignon Blanc 2013, a wine that truly tests the boundaries of what New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc can accomplish. |
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South Australia | 1 | 96-98 (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£684.64 |
|||||
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. |
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South Australia | 1 | 99 (JS) |
Inc. VAT
£496.24 |
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James Suckling (99)Unbelievable! Another insane wine. The length of this is endless. The blue fruits and Asian spices are mind-blowing. It’s medium- to full-bodied with a mouth full of polished and refined, creamy tannins. It goes on for minutes. Endless. Seamless and gorgeous. Leave this for years ahead if you can keep your hands off it. Better after 2025. |
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South Australia | 6 | 98+ (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£628.73 |
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Wine Advocate (98+)I'm excited to taste this, as it was my favorite cuvée last year. It usually changes year to year, given the seasons, and I like that. It's usually the only cuvée to enjoy the benefits of an alternate vessel—a concrete egg—and this year, the 2022 The Schubert Theorem Shiraz joins the Relic and the Standish as well. The impact of the egg in this wine is one of refinement, or so I see it; it retains a purity of fruit at the core, which speaks to the chalky tannins that spool through the finish. They're chewy and seductive and really great. It's a beautiful release—not shimmering like the 2021, but textural and fine and elongated in its way. It's a beguiling wine, a thinking wine. And, as with the other wines tasted alongside, the bottle that has been open for two days is infinitely more complete; however, it must be noted that this review is built on the freshly opened bottle. |
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South Australia | 2 | 90 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£524.00 |
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Vinous (90)(aged for 30 months in three-year-old French oak; this fruit at one point was allegedly purchased by Penfolds for its Grange bottling) Full ruby. Porty, superripe aromas of black cherry, crushed blackberry and gunflint. Fat, sweet, superripe and highly concentrated, with liqueur-like flavors of black fruits, dark chocolate and nuts. Not quite thick but its port-like ripeness will be a bit extreme for some tasters. Fans of this style will love it. (Epicurean Wines, Seattle WA |
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South Australia | 1 | 98-100 (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£131.06 |
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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. |
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South Australia | 1 | 98-100 (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£587.15 |
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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. |
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|
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South Australia | 2 | 98 (JS) |
Inc. VAT
£492.64 |
|||||
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. |
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|
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South Australia | 1 | 96 (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£496.24 |
|||||
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. |
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South Australia | 6 | 98 (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£627.73 |
|||||
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. |
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South Australia | 1 | 99 (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£498.64 |
|||||
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. |
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South Australia | 1 | 98+ (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£510.64 |
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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. |
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Western Australia | 1 | - |
Inc. VAT
£346.69 |
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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. |
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Western Australia | 1 | - |
Inc. VAT
£346.69 |
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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. |
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Auckland | 1 | - |
Inc. VAT
£189.60 |
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Renowned for elegance, the Stonyridge Larose 2004 is a sublime creation from the acclaimed Waiheke Island in New Zealand. Produced by Stonyridge Vineyard, this exquisite Cabernet-dominant Bordeaux blend intricately weaves flavours of blackcurrant and dark chocolate with a touch of cedar. Meticulously crafted, the vintage was cultivated in the vineyard's sheltered, north-facing slopes, blessed with the perfect microclimate for ripening Cabernet. The process of hand harvesting, meticulous sorting, and traditional basket pressing reveals the expertise behind every bottle. This remarkable wine, nurtured in French oak barrels, is an opulent testament to Stonyridge's commitment to excellence. The Stonyridge Larose 2004 shines with a depth of flavour that is complex yet harmonious, embodying the quintessence of New Zealand's winemaking prowess. An enigmatic addition to any wine enthusiast's collection, this sumptuous red leaves a lasting impression, reflecting the passionate craftsmanship of its makers. |
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Western Australia | 1 | 98 (TWA) |
Inc. VAT
£504.80 |
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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. |
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| Product Name | Region | Qty | Score | Price | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Marlborough | 1 | 97 (BC) |
In Bond
£90.00 |
|||||
Bob Campbell MW (97)Seresin’s flagship pinot noir deserves its exalted status. It offers a seductive sweet and silken first impression revealing a structure of ripe, sappy tannins on its lingering finish. Layers of ripe fruit interspersed with subtle floral and herb characters demonstrate real complexity. Approachable now, this wine deserves at least another 4-5 years careful cellaring to reveal its true colours. 2/3/2017 Drink 2017 to 2024 |
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|
|
Marlborough | 1 | 91 (VN) |
In Bond
£84.00 |
|||||
Vinous (91)Despite being more than six years old, this structured offering is still a tough nut to crack, remaining resolute and firm. While the gentle midpalate is filled with unadulterated plum, herbal and spice flavors, there is a firm tannic structure, which is emphasized by firm acidity, leaving a rather upright conclusion. This will require patience and a love of acidity. Tea leaves and festive spices linger on the long finish. Unfined and unfiltered, so expect it is to be slightly hazy in color. |
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|
|
South Australia | 1 | 97 (JS) |
Inc. VAT
£109.20 |
|||||
James Suckling (97)Such a deep nose, with a wide spectrum of candied citrus, fresh butter and stunning, leesy complexity. Great concentration and restrained richness, with wonderful mineral freshness give this near-perfect balance. So much drive at the extremely long, lemon and lime-zest finish. Drink or hold. Screw cap. |
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|
|
South Australia | 1 | 98 (HWC) |
In Bond
£197.00 |
|||||
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. |
|||||||||
|
|
South Eastern Australia | 1 | - |
In Bond
£101.00 |
|||||
|
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. |
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South Australia | 2 | 92+ (VN) |
In Bond
£278.00 |
|||||
Vinous (92+)(64% mataro and 36% old-vines shiraz) Dense ruby. Explosive bouquet of spiced cherry, plum, blackberry, creme de cassis, roasted coffee and cured meat. Mouthfilling, dense and verging on sweet, but with impressive structure and youthful tannins. Sexy oak spices add sweetness to the finish. A deeply concentrated, weighty wine that's wound-up right now and needs at least three years of cellaring. |
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|
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Marlborough | 1 | - |
In Bond
£80.00 |
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|
Embark on a sensory adventure with the exceptional Spy Valley Envoy Johnson Sauvignon Blanc 2013. From the acclaimed climes of Marlborough, New Zealand, this celebrated vintage is a perfect representation of the producer's meticulous precision and craftsmanship. Spy Valley is known, globally, for their intuitive use of both traditional and innovative winemaking techniques, yielding a broad and luscious palette of wines. The Envoy Johnson Sauvignon Blanc 2013 is an exceptional product of their craft. Blended exclusively from small batches, the wine is fermented using native yeasts in seasoned French Oak barrels. This marriage of Old World tradition and New World innovation begets a wine of intense character and complexity, featuring an intoxicating bouquet of tropical fruit, structured by a keen mineral edge. Unravel layers of flavour with each sip of the Spy Valley Envoy Johnson Sauvignon Blanc 2013, a wine that truly tests the boundaries of what New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc can accomplish. |
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South Australia | 1 | 96-98 (WA) |
In Bond
£550.00 |
|||||
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. |
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|
|
South Australia | 1 | 99 (JS) |
In Bond
£393.00 |
|||||
James Suckling (99)Unbelievable! Another insane wine. The length of this is endless. The blue fruits and Asian spices are mind-blowing. It’s medium- to full-bodied with a mouth full of polished and refined, creamy tannins. It goes on for minutes. Endless. Seamless and gorgeous. Leave this for years ahead if you can keep your hands off it. Better after 2025. |
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|
|
South Australia | 6 | 98+ (WA) |
In Bond
£504.00 |
|||||
Wine Advocate (98+)I'm excited to taste this, as it was my favorite cuvée last year. It usually changes year to year, given the seasons, and I like that. It's usually the only cuvée to enjoy the benefits of an alternate vessel—a concrete egg—and this year, the 2022 The Schubert Theorem Shiraz joins the Relic and the Standish as well. The impact of the egg in this wine is one of refinement, or so I see it; it retains a purity of fruit at the core, which speaks to the chalky tannins that spool through the finish. They're chewy and seductive and really great. It's a beautiful release—not shimmering like the 2021, but textural and fine and elongated in its way. It's a beguiling wine, a thinking wine. And, as with the other wines tasted alongside, the bottle that has been open for two days is infinitely more complete; however, it must be noted that this review is built on the freshly opened bottle. |
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|
|
South Australia | 2 | 90 (VN) |
In Bond
£416.00 |
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Vinous (90)(aged for 30 months in three-year-old French oak; this fruit at one point was allegedly purchased by Penfolds for its Grange bottling) Full ruby. Porty, superripe aromas of black cherry, crushed blackberry and gunflint. Fat, sweet, superripe and highly concentrated, with liqueur-like flavors of black fruits, dark chocolate and nuts. Not quite thick but its port-like ripeness will be a bit extreme for some tasters. Fans of this style will love it. (Epicurean Wines, Seattle WA |
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South Australia | 1 | 98-100 (WA) |
In Bond
£106.00 |
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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. |
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|
|
South Australia | 1 | 98-100 (WA) |
In Bond
£470.00 |
|||||
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. |
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|
|
South Australia | 2 | 98 (JS) |
In Bond
£390.00 |
|||||
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. |
|||||||||
|
|
South Australia | 1 | 96 (WA) |
In Bond
£393.00 |
|||||
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. |
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|
|
South Australia | 6 | 98 (WA) |
In Bond
£504.00 |
|||||
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. |
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|
|
South Australia | 1 | 99 (WA) |
In Bond
£395.00 |
|||||
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. |
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|
|
South Australia | 1 | 98+ (WA) |
In Bond
£405.00 |
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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. |
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Western Australia | 1 | - |
In Bond
£271.00 |
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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. |
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Western Australia | 1 | - |
In Bond
£271.00 |
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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. |
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Auckland | 1 | - |
Inc. VAT
£189.60 |
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Renowned for elegance, the Stonyridge Larose 2004 is a sublime creation from the acclaimed Waiheke Island in New Zealand. Produced by Stonyridge Vineyard, this exquisite Cabernet-dominant Bordeaux blend intricately weaves flavours of blackcurrant and dark chocolate with a touch of cedar. Meticulously crafted, the vintage was cultivated in the vineyard's sheltered, north-facing slopes, blessed with the perfect microclimate for ripening Cabernet. The process of hand harvesting, meticulous sorting, and traditional basket pressing reveals the expertise behind every bottle. This remarkable wine, nurtured in French oak barrels, is an opulent testament to Stonyridge's commitment to excellence. The Stonyridge Larose 2004 shines with a depth of flavour that is complex yet harmonious, embodying the quintessence of New Zealand's winemaking prowess. An enigmatic addition to any wine enthusiast's collection, this sumptuous red leaves a lasting impression, reflecting the passionate craftsmanship of its makers. |
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Western Australia | 1 | 98 (TWA) |
In Bond
£400.00 |
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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. |
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