The Great Bonza Reserve Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon
It's made by the talented John Quarisa, who has enjoyed a “distinguished career as a winemaker spanning over 20 years” (Halliday). John likes his wines to express big personality and juicy fruit and value for money – he’s certainly achieved that here! Ripe and round blackberries conspire with flavours of plum and cinnamon spice. On the palate, rich red berries and brewed coffee make for a very appealing wine.
Pikes Wilfred's Block Clare Valley Cabernet Shiraz
The Pike brothers established Pikes winery in the Polish Hill sub-region of the Clare Valley in 1984, renovating an old stone shearing shed to house their winery and cellar door. Neil is the veteran winemaker (he’s done 38 vintages in Clare); Andrew the seasoned viticulturist (he spent 22 years working for big names like Wynn’s Coonawarra and Southcorp before establishing Pikes). Together they turn out formidable wines that earn plenty of show medals and critical acclaim. Their richly textured 2017 'Wilfred's Block' really is magnificent. A definitive Australian blend of inky, slatey Cabernet and sumptuous, spicy Shiraz, it’s a contemplative wine – the layers of flavour will reveal themselves slowly – and perfect for winter sipping. It will cellar well until 2032, but is still drinking beautifully now. Decant, pour into big glasses, and savour with good food and good friends.
Kilikanoon Baudinet Blend Clare Valley Grenache Shiraz Mataro
Blue Pyrenees Estate Red Blend
Ulithorne Nova Duo
Château Ramage La Batisse
If you’re a long-standing customer who enjoys a drop of decent mature Bordeaux, chances are you’ve heard of Château Ramage La Batisse. If you haven’t, it’s a remarkable cru bourgeois from the Haut-Médoc that’s only a short stroll from First Growth Châteaux Lafite and Mouton Rothschild. Our Bordeaux Buyer Jean-Marc Sauboua has known the family for years and they always give him first refusal on their latest releases. Which is lucky for us – and you – because the family hoard their finest vintages for years, only parting with them when they’re ready to enjoy. This 2015 is supple and approachable now, but will develop over the next few years and maintain peak form for a few after that. Open an hour or two before serving with your Sunday roast.
RedHeads Princess of Thieves
A striking creature with a most lustful heart, the night is her ally in performing her craft. She strives to obtain a ruby red treasure, of unsurpassed beauty and value past measure. A calling in life, her great reason to live, she takes what she wants but chooses to give. Adrian Hoffmann is the source of the Mourvèdre and Grenache. Old vines, big flavour, just what you would expect from his Ebenezer vineyards. The other part - the Shiraz - has come from Redheads' long-time partner in crime John Kalleske over in Koonunga. Bright, lifted red fruit aromas of sweet cherry and plum combined with floral and turkish delight characters. Subtle savoury notes, dark morello cherry and red plum characters. A mid-weight GSM with softly woven tannins.
Domaine Martin Rasteau
The Côtes du Rhône are home to many rich, warming reds that can be serious bargains, and those entitled to the Villages appellation promise even greater intensity and fruit power. Such has been the quality in Rasteau that the area was promoted in 2010 to full AOP status, putting it on a par with mighty Gigondas next door. Indeed, Domaine Martin can claim a key part in securing this promotion. The property goes back to 1905, when Julien Martin bought the 5-hectare estate. In 1947 his son Jules took over, expanding the vineyards and building a winery. Today it is run by David and Eric Martin, grandsons of the founder.This Grenache-based blend (70% Grenache, 20% Shiraz and 10% Mourvèdre) from the Cote de Rhone opens with earthy, herbal aromas mingling with hints of blackberry and raspberry. Herbal-scented dark fruit flavours drive the supple palate with smoked meat and spicy notes adding complexity.