$100 and over
Cullen Diana Madeline
Vanya Cullen continues to amaze the world with her brilliantly flavoursome and elegant Cabernet named after Di Cullen, a true pioneer. Vanya is also pioneering in her own style with the introduction to 100% bio-dynamics and the results are to there to be seen by all. The highest possible Langon's Classification is bestowed upon this wine and with it's agability is one for the true wine lover and collector. [Biodynamic]
Château d'Issan Margaux
The 2010 Chateau d'Issan is 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot, showing 'classic Margaux' in its perfume, finesse and apparent elegance. Soils are gravel and clay, which contributes to the high-tones of perfume from the wine, and though an estate that is neccesarily clawing its way back to a higher profile, is doing so with deeds in bottle over showmanship. On its side, the vineyard is dense with older vines that naturally offer lower yields, allowing for a higher quality of fruit for the winemaking team, in turn producing a wine of stellar quality from 2010.
Château Gloria St-Julien
Château Gloria is the lifes work of Henri Martin, who's Cabernet based wines are very individualistic. The Château has never joined the Syndicat des Crus Bourgeois. This allows Henri to be a little more creative and produce wines of great concentration for prices that are easily approachable. The 2008 is a great example of the Château Gloria style and has been rated 90 points by Robert Parker Jnr.
Te Mata Coleraine
Chateau Haut-Brion
Sena Cabernet Merlot Carmenere, Aconcagua Valley, Chile
Chiles answer to first growth Bordeaux, Viña Seña is one of the countrys most sought after wines. In his reviews and commentary on the wine, James Suckling has played a significant role in highlighting Viña Señas credentials as world-class. While comparisons to Mouton Rothschild or Harlan can and have (again, Suckling) been made, one of the more interesting features of this wine is how well it drinks when young. For a Cabernet-based blend in this class, Viña Seña leaps out of the gate showing cassis and fresh blueberries. This is altogether very gratifying but theres so much more in store. The length, depth and breadth make this a great working example of what we mean when we talk about three-dimensionality. High-wire act acidity and strong-man fruit, this circus of sensory pleasure is even more appealing considering that for the price of one Bordeaux first growth, youll have six of these. Hedonists take note.
Te Mata Estate Coleraine
Brilliant magenta, Coleraine '16 entices with concentrated rose syrup, fresh, fragrant raspberry, wild strawberry, ripe plum, thyme and cedar. Offering superb depth and complexity, Coleraine '16 is defined by a precise, lazer-edge of pure, bright, red fruit. Framed by tight acid and silky tannins, all this extends elegantly into an exquisite and super-fine crescendo, giving exceptional length and finesse to the wine. Each parcel of grapes was destemmed before a traditional warm, plunged fermentation and extended maceration on skins. The resulting wines were then run to predominately new French oak barrels for 18 months' maturation. Throughout this time, they were regularly topped and racked. The separate wines were blended in January 2017 then egg white fined during their second winter in barrel. The finished wine was then bottled in December 2017. The final blend is 51% cabernet sauvignon, 47% merlot and 2% cabernet franc. Established in 1896, Te Mata Estate remains family owned, producing internationally recognized wines exclusively from its Hawkes Bay vineyards. A temperate maritime climate with low rainfall, due to the rain shadow from mountains to the west, ensures Te Matas sites make the most of every vintage. At the heart of Te Mata Estate are the Havelock Hills Vineyards - the first legally-protected vineyards in New Zealand. Te Mata has five sites on these free draining, north-facing slopes. Soils to the east are mostly sandy loam over a sandstone base, and towards the west are sandy loam over a thin layer of clay and a silica pan. The distinctive shape of the hills is due to their comparative youth, in geological terms. At the meeting point of two tectonic plates, sandstone has been pushed up then worn away relatively quickly leaving a landscape of steep and gentle slopes, and terraces ideal for grape-growing. Under vine for over 120 years, and including some of the oldest grape growing sites in New Zealand, the Havelock Hills are protected for their distinct character, special ambience and unique viticultural heritage.
Te Mata Coleraine Cabernet Merlot
The Te Mata Coleraine is concentrated and complex with elegant cassis and fine grain tannins. Close to a true Bordeaux style with the fruit being sourced from the North Island region of Hawke's Bay in New Zealand. Recommended cellaring of up to 15 years from harvest.
Parker Coonawarra Estate First Growth Cabernet Sauvignon
Made from the most distinguished grapes on the Parker Estate. A beautiful blend of Cab Sauv, Cab Franc and Merlot.
Wantirna Estate Amelia Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot
From a unique vineyard site in Melbourne's eastern suburbs the Egan family have been producing this beautiful Bordeaux-styled red since 1997; cassis and cedar characters with admirable length. Adorned with artwork from Melbourne cartooning icon, Leunig, the Amelia is firmly established within the Langton's Classification of Australian Wine and is a must have for all serious wine collectors.
