TARDIEU-LAURENT Cuvee Speciale, Chateauneuf-du-Pape

Since taking over the estate from his father in 1992, Jean-Paul Daumen has become one of the most talented and revered winemakers in all of France regularly producing some of the top wines of the vintage. Made from a blend of 75% Grenache, 10% Cinsault, 5% Syrah, 5% Mourvedre and 5% other miscellaneous varieties, the Lieu-Dit Clavin vineyard is located 3 metres away from the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation boundary. Dense midnight black core with a deep dark red hue. Aromas of black cherry, liquorice and scorched earth mix with herbs du Provence and peppered meat notes. Cascading waves of rich, chewy textured black raspberry, black cherry and liquorice fruits engulf the palate with great power. Scorched earth, dried meat and peppered herb elements lie underneath. Ripe muscular tannins firm up the finish and provide some grip to the long robust, richly fruited yet fresh aftertaste. Cellar 5-6 years. Alc. 14.5%

The Vieille Julienne Chateauneuf Du Pape Les Hauts Lieux 2021 is a stunning representation of the famed Chateauneuf-du-Pape region in France. This vintage, produced by the esteemed Domaine de la Vieille Julienne, boasts a deep ruby red color with a brilliant clarity. On the nose, aromas of ripe black cherries, plums, and blackcurrants intertwine with hints of spice, leather, and earthiness. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and rich, with a beautiful balance of tannins and acidity. Flavors of dark berries, cocoa, and pepper dance across the tongue, leading to a long and elegant finish. This wine is a true expression of the terroir, showcasing the unique character and complexity of Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Enjoy now or cellar for further development.

From vines grown at around 250 metres above sea level, the 2018 is a wonderfully aromatic, supple and juicy Côtes du Rhône, that's medium-bodied and filled with plenty of blackberry and dark cherry fruit as well as hints of lavender and thyme, and some anise as well. Although there's some pulpy fruit, the finish is crisp and mouthwatering. "Domaine la Réméjeanne takes some tracking down. Yet its one of those places that is worth a special journey, as the Michelin Guide would put it. We made the pilgrimage to Sabran a couple of years ago to revisit this wonderful producer, one that we had worked with in the distant past. We wont bore you with the tales of wrong turns and rural misadventures. Suffice to say, the north western hills of the Côtes du Rhône appellation is striking country the Rhône valley in your rear-view mirror and the foothills of the Cevennes ahead. Scenery aside, time spent with main man Rémy Klein, a look at the vineyards and a tasting of the Réméjeanne wines told us that this was a producer we needed to start working with again. These are wines that proudly speak of their place high up in the hills with soils comprised of sand and limestone. This highly distinctive terroir results in a range of fresh, highly refined Côtes du Rhônes brimming with fruit and character. They are far cooler and purer than many of the Côtes du Rhônes produced at lower altitudes and on alluvial soils and this stylistic difference suits us right down to the ground." Bibendum

Spinifex Esprit is a Grenache Mataro blend that has a vibrant, youthful and fresh palate driven by a tangy herb infused line of red fruit red currant, sour red plum, pomegranate and marjoram that gains warmth and depth turning to tobacco, game, cedar and darker fruit to close. Pulpy, fleshy fruit is drawn long with plum skin acids and stony tannins.

Plum, lifted cherry, spice, fine tannin, silky & plush mouth feel; easy drinking, mid weight wine. Made from friends of Ulithorne's vineyards in the sub region of Blewitt Springs, McLaren Vale that show bright, primary, lifted fruit flavours.

The Kennedy is a blend of old vine Barossa Grenache, Shiraz and Mourvèdre. Its named in honour of the legendary Barossa vignerons who were instrumental in planting these old precious vineyards. Grenache from 50-year-old vines dominates the blend and all varieties are fermented separately at very warm temperatures for optimal extraction of colour, tannins and flavour. Kennedy is matured in seasoned French hogsheads and puncheons for up to 16 months.