The best

• red wine
• white wine
• champagne
• rosé
• whisky
• spirits
• beer

deals in Australia

Barr-Eden Estate is a storied piece of land situated at the crest of Mengler’s Hill, one of the highest points of viticulture in Australia. Well-known grape-grower Joel Mattschoss first acquired fruit from the site, which sits atop the ancient goldfields of the Eden, in 2014, to produce the first small batch Love Over Gold wine with Frenchman Pierre-Henri Morel. After the passing of the estate’s owner, Barossa icon, Bob McLean, in 2015, a venture began between the two, along with friends Michael Twelftree and Tim Hower, to become the new custodians of this special property of great pedigree. The vines at Barr-Eden Estate were planted in 1928 and 2018 is turning out as an excellent Eden Valley Vintage. The bunches are formed with a long framework and very loose clusters and picked at optimum ripeness. Bunch thinning manages low yields and high quality fruit. Coming from a 95-year-old vineyard, the old vines are able to withstand heat spikes, as well as its elevation which brings cooler night temperatures. Destemmed by hand, berry by berry and fermented slowly over weeks. Ten percent whole-bunch Gentle pigeage was performed twice daily with the natural ferment progressing at a cool temperature. Once ferment was complete and after 24 days, free run was drained to a 2 year old extra tight grained French puncheon. Love Over Gold possesses a core of ripe and defined fruit with tannins that are coating and very long, it will age effortlessly over 20 to 25 years.

This Cabernet Sauvignon gives pronounced flavours of chocolate, red berries and black cherry skins with echoes of light tobacco and bramble on the finish.

Vasse Felix, Margaret River's founding wine estate, was established by Dr Thomas Brendan Cullity in 1967. Among his first plantings were Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec vines, from which he produced the estate's first red wine. The Tom Cullity descends from these original vines and represents the pinnacle of Vasse Felix. The inaugural release will be in May 2017, coinciding with Vasse Felix's 50th Anniversary.

The nose is intense and multi-faceted. Notes of blackcurrant and cedar are interwoven into a sophisticated expression that constantly intrigues. Harmony and balance are immediately apparent in this elegant, medium to full-bodied wine. The palate is assertive yet refined, with concentrated flavours of blackcurrant, berry and olive supported by subtle cedar spice from the oak. This is a premium Cabernet Sauvignon reflecting the unique terroir and pristine environment of the Coonawarra.

Essence of blackcurrant. Bay leaves, licorice, tobacco and musky oak. One of those wines that seems to cascade through the mouth. Tremendous purity, freshness, elegance. Great release. Not much need be said. Pure velvet. Pure length. Drink 2019-2032.

The flagship of the Torbreck stable. Recently been elevated to 'Exceptional' status in Langton's Fine Wine Classification, it is a wine of utmost power and density. Famous for rich concentration and opulent power, this exceptional Australian Shiraz is as popular abroad as it is at home. Definitely one to place in the cellar and simply forget about - let the patience reward you over 10 or more years time.

Henschke Mount Edelstone is one of the most important single vineyard sites in Australia. The 90 year old vines has been producing a single vineyard Shiraz since 1952 and is one of Australia's truly great wines. The nose has sweet ripe plum and blueberry aromas and the palate is intense and deeply flavoured. While enjoyable upon release, this is a wine that will enjoy a decade or more in the cellar.

Château Brane-Cantenac sits in a prime position on the plateau of Cantenac and makes full use of its excellent terroir. No doubt something that Baron de Brane was aware of and along with his viticultural talents were the reasons behind the estates rise to fame. Now tended by the Lurton family, the wines continue to be in great hands. Of the 2009 vintage, Henri Lurton is known to have said that the winery was enveloped in aromas of raspberry and blackberry even before fermentation began! Even though fruit ripeness is an obvious trait, the balance and structure of the wine are also clearly evident which will see the wine age for a decade or two more.