Unmistakably, Grange, this 2012 vintage is complex, flamboyant and lifted. An aromatic multi-cultural characteristics. The earthiness is well integrated with the aromas of dark fruits, grounded coffee, red liquorice and black olives, which leads to a firmly structured finish.
PENFOLDS Superblend 802.B Cabernet Shiraz, South Australia 2018 Australias most lauded winery has amalgamated their classic varietals for the coveted 2018 blend, sourcing fruit from Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Coonawarra, Wrattonbully, Robe and Clare Valley. An impressive example of Cabernet Shiraz, the 802.B reflects the revered red labels curiosity, innovation and vision for producing elevated Australian wines. Time and time again. A blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon and 45% Shiraz blended after fermentation, then matured for 19 months in French oak hogsheads. The 2018 displays complex aromas of dark spiced fruit, graphite, soy, and chocolate with a hint of cedary oak. The palate is layered and sleek with pure and intense fruit flavours, and tannins that are mineral and fine. Medium to full-bodied, silky and delicate, with a long, lingering finish, the 802.B is a true collector's dream.
Château Léoville-Las-Cases is classified as a 2nd Growth, but can rightfully claim to produce wines equal and superior to some 1st growths. Léoville's label (Grand Vin de Léoville du Marquis de Las Cases) doesn't mention the
Penfolds Bin 95 Grange Shiraz is Australian wine royalty the equal of any 1st Growth or Grand Cru. The architect of the modern Australian wine industry, Max Schubert, first created his masterpiece back in 1951 and released his first commercial vintage in 1952. Grange is a superbly perfumed and concentrated wine that combines the intense fruit and ripe tannins while extracting the nuances of new, fine grained American Oak after 20 months careful maturation. Known to be capable of ageing gracefully for well over 20 years, the 2007 Grange is certain to become another classic. Born out of a difficult vintage with low rainfall and higher than average summertime temperatures, the resulting wine is nothing more than a triumph of skill and terroir.
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.
Guigal are one of the cornerstones of the Côte Rôtie appellation after Etienne Guigal founded the estate in 1946, tending vines that have produced world class wines for over 2,000 years. The 2005 Côte Rôtie is a blend of 89% Syrah and 11% Viognier is a truly remarkable wine from vintage that was considered difficult by many. That is impossible to tell when enjoying a bottle of this 100 Robert Parker pointed Côte Rôtie that is voluptuous and complex. Still tightly wound and a little shy, the 2005 will age easily for 20+ years which should be considered mandatory.
Elegant and aristocratic kaleidoscope of aromas, an abundance of fruit flavours, blackberry, mulberry and blueberry with supporting complexity of mint, eucalypt, rhubarb, Turkish delight and cinnamon. The palate offers a rich tapestry of enjoyment and fulfilment of flavours of raspberry, strawberry and boysenberry to name a few. Made by Jim Barry.
Vinedo Chadwick Cabernet is the top tier red from the winery owned by the Chadwick–Errázuriz family. Composed of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, it is full bodied with incredible length and fruit-forward complexity. Viñedo Chadwick is the culmination of the Chadwick family’s wish to honour Errazuriz patriarch Don Alfonso Chadwick Errazuriz with an ultra-premium wine fit to take on the best examples on the world stage. The initial 1999 vintage was an immediate critical success, and in 2014, it became the first Chilean wine to have ever been awarded 100 points (by James Suckling).
Château Palmer is considered one of the worlds first 'Super Seconds' (although actually classified as a third growth), a term relating to the top echelon of producers that fall outside of the ancient 1st Growth classification. Margaux's Château Palmer was named after a British general who fought under Wellington. It has been stated by quite a few wine critics that this could possibly be the finest Château Palmer ever produced. An amazing claim considering how phenomenal the 2005 was and is yet to be. Masses of concentrated aromas and flavours that will keep your senses entertained for hours on end. A truly remarkable achievement that will repay the patient cellarer over the next 30 years.
Although this wine is plush, dense and rich, it possesses a compelling percussion and balance. Right up there with Grange and Hill Of Grace as one of Australia's best Shiraz, and from one of the greatest vintages too!