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The Triolet blend, first produced at this vineyard in 1987, was inspired by the white wines of Graves, Bordeaux. Each variety is picked at optimum ripeness, and is usually fermented separately. The characteristics of optimum ripeness are different for each variety. We pick the Sauvignon blanc after the strong herbaceous flavours have disappeared, the Semillon when the acid is not too harsh, and the Muscadelle when the flavour intensity peaks.

Complex and savoury with attractive fruit purity, the Rippon Mature Vine Pinot Noir is a blend of Rippons oldest vines. It is the farm voice, a wine of superb structure, depth and typicity.

Compelling and convincing, with florals, currants and blackberries, not too sweet; it has a savoury edge, with the oak seamlessly integrated. Perfectly ripe tannins with poise and presence ensure that this is lovely now, but will be more so in years to come.

Although this Pinot noir's deep purple colour is not necessarily an indication of quality, its intensity is a magnificent and seductive feature. The usual Dry River aromas of Christmas spice, pipe tobacco and plum are all in attendance. Initially this wine seems savoury, dark and brooding but elegant red berry and raspberry characters are not to be missed. This tension between dark and light, spice and fruit, opulence and restraint is a result of the blend of the three vineyards, Dry River, Craighall and Lovat with all three contributing their specific vineyard characteristics to the final wine. The juicy, sappy and dense fruit fills out the palate providing a full and fleshy mouth-feel. The acidity provides focus and a thoroughfare for the wine towards the back with a dapple of oak influence for support and additional complexity. While transparent tannins are no hindrance to the front palate, the soft nature of this wine is not to be misjudged.

DOMAINE SYLVIE ESMONIN Cote de Nuits-Village , Burgundy

PLACE OF CHANGING WINDS Between Two Mountains Pinot Noir, Macedon Ranges

These wines are renowned as much because of the estates prestigious holdings as for their lush fruit, generous oak and polished countenance. Expect vivid florals and dense blue to darker fruit accents, with abundant spice. There are two major names associated with the domaine. The first is Etienne Camuzet, a political figure, his name frequently appears in litigation to decide which parcels of vineyard might or might not be included as part of a grand cru. His holdings were ultimately bequeathed to a distant relative, Jean Méo. At this stage the vineyards were leased and the wine sold off in bulk. Domaine-bottling only began in 1985 and reached full throttle with the arrival of son, Jean-Nicolas Méo in 1989. Jean-Nicolas focused on the worlds greatest Burgundy markets: the United States and Japan. The other name, however, is the great Henri Jayer. Jayer was a sharecropper early on and the Jean-Nicolas mentor. The Frères et Soeurs label connotes the passing of the baton to the younger generation and the outsourcing of fruit as an upscale negoçe. Based in Vosne, this stands to be a Bourgogne of heady florals and an exotic allure.

Étoile is the ultimate expression of CHANDON: an ambitious passion project that redefines Australian luxury. Twenty-five years ago, winemaking Director Dan Buckle, had a first taste of the great wines of the world he had previously only dreamed of. A new benchmark for Australian sparkling 25 years in the making. The finesse and complexity opening a new vista of what was possible. With Étoile, this dream is realised: a multi-vintage composition based on eight Chandon Vintage Brut reserves, together representing hundreds of base wines and rounded out with extended ageing. It reflects the ceaseless quest of the Chandon community of past and current winemakers to create the most exceptional sparkling wines. It’s a toast to the free thinkers, the pioneers, the stargazers. Étoile considers the wealth of what can be achieved when free of the limitations of singularities. By focusing on the blend, Chandon have crafted a finely tuned cuvée with no rough edges, that shines like a polished gem. Étoile is about balance, length of palate and complexity drawing from the art of blending. Awards: • James Halliday's 2023 Australia's top 20 champagnes & sparkling wines - 97 Points. • 2024 James Halliday Wine Companion: Gold Medal – 97 Points.