Yarra Yering Carrodus Cabernet
Yarra Yering Carrodus Cabernet, Yarra Valley The Carrodus range wines from Yarra Yering are part of very limited special reserve group. As reserve wines, they are only made in exceptional years and are named for Dr Bailey Carrodus, who founded of Yarra Yering in 1969. I take small parcels from specific sections of the vineyard, the original 1969 plantings and make a barrel or two of a single variety. - Sarah Crowe An initiative from chief winemaker Sarah Crowe, who takes small parcels from specific sections of the vineyards. These reserve wines aren't bottled every year and cover single variety bottlings of Viognier, Pinot Noir, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. Dr Carrodus was respected for his blending ability so I take grapes he would have blended and bottle them as single varieties The wines need to be exceptional, I want to produce the most ethereal wines I can for these small bottlings. - Sarah Crowe The Carrodus wines are made gently, with moderate use of oak, with the aim of highlighting the varietal expression of the very best grapes that Yarra Yering can produce. Essential for Yarra Valley collectors, these wines will live long in the cellar.
Vega Sicilia Valbuena
Yalumba The Octavius Shiraz
Australia's oldest family owned winery, Yalumba produce a quintessential Barossa Shiraz here with the Octavius. Refined and elegant, its full of incredible fruit complexity that never looks over-ripe or jammy. A true Australian classic.
Château Brane-Cantenac Margaux
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.
PAVILLON ROUGE DU Chateau Margaux Second wine of Chateau Margaux
The second wine of Chateau Margaux came about partly due to misfortune - when an attack of phylloxera decimated the vineyards, necessitating a replanting of the majority of their vineyards. The lack of grapes eliminated the possibility of a First Growth Quality wine and led to the production of their second wine - the Pavillon Rouge de Chateau Margaux, the first official vintage of which was released in 1906. Renowned as a sterling example of a second wine, the 2016 has been hailed as a particularly superb vintage. Medium-bodied, silky, intense and tannic, it continues its impressive trajectory year upon year.
Château Malescot St-Exupéry Margaux
Investment has served Chateau Malescot St-Exupery well, with better winemaking practices resulting and fruit sources fine-tuned with more detailed viticulture. The estate was purchased by the Zuger family in 1955, with recent generations leading this evolution of the wines. It''s a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and a dash of Petit Verdot as found in the vineyards, though this will vary according to ''house style''. The wines are glossy, pure, finessed in youth and tend to mellow quietly with time in cellar. Expect around 30 years potential for this wine.
Greenock Creek Creek Block Shiraz
Producing only genuinely Estate wines, Greenock Creek is the lifelong labour of Michael & Annabelle Waugh. These wines are typically full of intense Barossan power, often paired with the heat to boot. Yields are, as Andrew Caillard puts it, impossibly low - leading to both concentration of flavour and a cultish following. Explore the Museum
Sandalford Prendiville Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
St Hugo Vetus Purum Cabernet Sauvignon
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.
