Penfolds 65F Cabernet-Shiraz, South Australia
WENDOUREESHIRAZ
A spectacularly individual wine, Wendouree Shiraz typically possesses a core of blackberry black olive aromas with complex iodine, wet bitumen, animal hide characters. The low-yielding beautifully formed old Shiraz vines, tortured and serpentine (many from the original plantings), are unique, producing small berries with thick skins and a very high seed content. The fruit is vinified in stainless steel lined open fermenters. Maturation takes place in roughly 20 percent new oak for around a year. Although there is clarity and buoyancy of fruit on the palate, the tannins are rusty and vice-like. It has been described as "an iron fist in velvet glove" type wine. Bottled under screw cap from the 2009 vintage.
Philipponnat La Remissonne Premier Cru Extra-Brut
Philipponnat Le Leon Grand Cru
Champagne Larmandier Bernier 1er Cru Rosé de Saignée (Base 21. Disg. Feb 24) Non-Vintage
Champagne Laherte Frères Les 7 (Solera 05 21. Disg. Nov ) Non-Vintage
Champagne Bérêche et Fils Ludes Premier Cru Le Cran (Disg. Jul )
The Champagne Bérêche et Fils Ludes Premier Cru Le Cran (Disg. Jul 2024) 2017 is a stunning example of the quality and craftsmanship that can be found in the Champagne region of France. This vintage, produced by renowned winemaker Raphael Bérêche, displays a pale golden color with delicate bubbles dancing in the glass. On the nose, aromas of green apple, citrus, and brioche entice the senses. The palate is crisp and refreshing, with notes of lemon, pear, and a hint of toasted almonds. This champagne boasts a fine balance of acidity and minerality, with a long, elegant finish. It is a true reflection of the terroir and the skill of its producer. Enjoy now or cellar for a few years to fully appreciate its complexity and depth. Santé!
Champagne Laherte Frères Les Vignes d'Autrefois Extra Brut
Disgorged November 2022. 100% old-vine Pinot Meunier. Les Vignes d’Autrefois (‘vines of another time’) is made from a single four-tonne press of grapes from old vines planted between 1947 and 1964. These grow in several chalky terroirs in Chavot and Mancy. The sites in Chavot (La Potote and Les Rouges Maisons) sit on deep clay and silt soils, with a presence of flint and small stones. In Mancy are Les Hautes Norgeailles and Les Bas Putroux, where the vines are rooted in clay soils over chalk. Viticulture for these sites is entirely biodynamic. As well as referencing the age of the vines, the name also refers to the fact that these vines are all massal selections (i.e. non-clonal). There is even a soupçon of ungrafted vine material scattered throughout these vineyards. Aurélien uses old Burgundy barrels for aging (including some sourced from Montille and Leroux), and there was no malolactic conversion. The wine aged for seven months in barrel, followed by 30 months on lees in bottle. The very low dosage of 3 g/L allows the iodine minerality of these chalky terroirs to sing. This is emblematic of the quality at Laherte today and reflects the fruit’s tension and low-yield intensity. It offers a wonderful balance between penetrating, spicy, fleshy red fruit and salty, racy deliciousness—one of the great Meunier bottlings of Champagne.
Champagne Bérêche et Fils Grand Cru Mailly Champagne Blanc de Noirs (Disg. Jul )
The Champagne Bérêche et Fils Grand Cru Mailly Champagne Blanc de Noirs (Disg. Jul 2023) 2018 is an exquisite offering from esteemed winemaker Raphael Bereche in the Champagne region of France. Crafted from 100% Pinot Noir grapes, this Blanc de Noirs showcases a beautiful pale gold color with delicate bubbles dancing in the glass. On the nose, enticing aromas of ripe red apples, brioche, and hints of toasted almonds greet the senses. The palate is elegant and complex, with flavors of stone fruits, lemon zest, and a touch of minerality leading to a long, crisp finish. This vintage 2018 Champagne is a true representation of the Grand Cru terroir of Mailly and will only continue to improve with age. Enjoy now or cellar for even greater depth and complexity. Salut!
Champagne Pascal Agrapart Grand Cru Avizoise Blanc de Blancs (Disg. Jul 24)
The Champagne Pascal Agrapart Grand Cru Avizoise Blanc de Blancs (Disg. Jul 24) 2018 is a standout example of the renowned quality and finesse of Champagne. This vintage 2018 offering from the esteemed Agrapart estate in France showcases the purest expression of Chardonnay, with a striking pale golden colour and a fine, persistent bead. On the nose, delicate aromas of white flowers, lemon peel, and toasted brioche give way to a complex palate of ripe green apple, citrus, and subtle mineral notes. The mouthfeel is rich and creamy, yet perfectly balanced with a refreshing acidity that leads to a long, elegant finish. This champagne is a testament to the mastery and dedication of Pascal Agrapart, and is sure to impress even the most discerning of palates. Enjoy now or cellar for future enjoyment.