Savaterre Shiraz
The Savaterre vineyard is elevated at 430m above sea level and is farmed along organic principles. No pesticides are used. An incredibly complex, lifted, lively and intense nose. Exotic aromas of smoked meats, dried red rose, allspice, clove, dark plum, dark cherry ,blackberry, mulberry, mandarin, violets, sandalwood, bay and funky undergrowth. This aroma really revs me up, it continues to evolve as time goes by. This wine is alive! Complexity, poise, sinewy acid, fine tannins wrapped around a sleek core of pristine dark fruit. A wine thats slightly reduced and smelling of undergrowth now that transforms in the glass and continues to seduce. This is Terroir. This is Savaterre.
Savaterre Chardonnay
Sourced from dry-grown, hand tended vines in the north east of Victoria, this Beechworth Chardonnay from Savaterre will surely convince even the most hardened Chardonnay critic that modern Australian Chardonnay is of supreme world-class standard. Keppell Smith handcrafts a Chardonnay of utmost power and concentration that produces a length of flavour that borders on the immortal.
Wynns Michael Shiraz
Wynns Michael Shiraz is a 'best-of-vintage' Shiraz from Wynns vineyard sites in Coonawarra and is named after David Wynn's youngest son. Made in the years that best show Coonawarra's unique terroir, this latest release displays the qualities that have made the 'Michael' one of the most highly regarded of all Australian Shiraz with aromas of red currants, cherries and raspberry that mesh every so well with the olive and white spice characters. The palate follows with an elegant structure bursting with dark brooding spice and succulent ripe tannins.
Lake's Folly Cabernets
Australia's first boutique winery, Lake's Folly Cabernets is an Australian wine treasure. More Bordeaux in nature than most, the Cabernets is a wine of pristine purity and elegance. With a sense of place that can be tasted in every bottle across all vintages, Lake's Folly Cabernets is a must have for all serious wine collectors and lovers. The 2010 is a young, robust version that will require some time in the cellar to really show its complex characteristics and refined palate.
By Farr Chardonnay
Gary Farr is still one of Victoria's true Chardonnay maestro's and his Chardonnay By Farr is another example. Taken from the original By Farr vineyard, this is a clearly a wine of true clarity and finesse. Flavours of melon and hints of spice with wonderful oak integration mean this wine is simply delicious upon release, but handle some careful medium-term cellaring.
Château Rieussec Sauternes
Château Reissec is a classic Château that sits high on one of the most elevated sites in Sauternes. The classic Château have produced wines of extreme elegance that are highly regarded of the best of the region. Less unctuous as others, Rieussec have outstanding bouquet, defined individuality and breathtaking concentration of flavour.
Ata Rangi Pinot Noir
Many class Ata Rangi as the quintessential 'New World' Pinot Noir, the best example of the variety outside of Burgundy. It's hard to argue when you let the supple, dark berry and spiced fruit pass your lips. Considered 'Grand Cru' in New Zealand, Ata Rangi was awarded the inaugural Tipuranga Teitei o Aotearoa classification, cementing its pedigree.
Te Mata Bullnose Syrah
The Bullnose Syrah from Te Mata is one of New Zealand's original Syrah wines, having been made since 1992. Vineyard partners, Michael Morris and Peter Cowley - both car enthusiasts - named the wine after the pre-1928 Morris Cowley car, nicknamed Bullnose due to its distinctive radiator. The Bullnose is a single vineyard wine from Hawke's Bay that shows characters that are aromatic, savoury, and elegant. It's an expression of syrah which, when well stored, develops and intensifies in bottle with medium term cellaring.
Oakridge 864 Pinot Noir
Oakridge 864 Pinot Noir is a true single vineyard expression of Pinot Noir by one of the Yarra Valley's premier producers. A nose of dark cherry and plum greets you followed by a palate that is both concentrated and dense. Fruit flavours of framboise, dark cherry and forest floor carry off a truly remarkable Pinot.
Elderton Command Shiraz
Elderton's Command Shiraz is one old school Barossa Shiraz. Named because of the special treatment the quality fruit 'commanded', this is a Shiraz of foreboding concentration. The fruit for this 'Excellent' Langton's classified Australian icon comes from the century old Elderton vineyard located on the banks of the Para River and is matured in a mixture of French and American oak. This allows the wine to retain its driven power while also giving the wine a level of complexity and balance unique to this region and producer. Elderton's Command can be enjoyed by lovers of ripe and rich fruit early, yet will reward the truly patient with a wine of true beauty when left alone to mature for a decade.