$100 and over
Penfolds Grange
Unmistakably, Grange, this 2012 vintage is complex, flamboyant and lifted. An aromatic multi-cultural characteristics. The earthiness is well integrated with the aromas of dark fruits, grounded coffee, red liquorice and black olives, which leads to a firmly structured finish.
Hewitson 66 Barossa Valley Shiraz
A special release from winemaker Dean Hewitson, the titled “66” referring to his winery address on the fabled Seppeltsfield Road, For Tony Love it's a "...a supremely finessed, singular expression where the fruit and oak marriage is everything, just a glimpse of smoky bacon, just a faint whiff of eucalypt, all expertly woven and expressed with a contemporary vitality in the palate, seasoned generously with a black pepper spice character, concluding in an elite wrapping of gastronomic Amaro-like bitterness." (Toy Love, WinePilot). For Ken gargett "This is a class effort. The palate sees the emergence of notes of soy, cloves and blackberries. There is fine balance, impressive length and the finest of tannins. Wonderful stuff, which will surely drink beautifully for the next ten to twenty years. Barossa at its best.96pts" (Ken Gargett, WinePilot). Sam Kim, Wine Orbit scores it a whopping 98pts "Immensely complex and perfumed, the bouquet presents black and blueberry, violet, tapenade, star anise, and stylish oak characters. The concentrated palate exhibits exceptional depth and weight, wonderfully framed by velvety texture and finely infused tannins. It is opulent and substantial, yet refined and harmonious, with a persistent and gratifying finish. Gorgeously proportioned and balanced, ensuring its gracious development."
Curtis Ancestor McLaren Vale Shiraz
We have dated our family tree back to 1471, where Paolo Curtis started wine production on the original Curtis family property “la cavata” near cassino, central Italy. We made this wine to commemorate the sacrifice & toil of centuries of hard work that have led us to now. This Shiraz fruit was hand-picked from 80-year-old vines, gently destemmed & cold soaked on skins for 14 days, Fermented slowly for a further 14 days. Giving time to allow slow extraction of colour & silky tannins. This extra time allows the wine to develop a great depth of flavour & palate structure. The ferment is slowly pressed straight into a mixture of French & American oak barrels The magic happens over the next 24 months where the wine will develop and integrate into a special montage of flavourful delights. aromas of ripe red berries, vanilla & Coconut. Full-Bodied palate structure with a complex mix of flavours, Ripe red berries, coconut, chocolate & spice. Great middle palate sweetness with well-integrated oak characters. well balanced & long silky tannin finish.
Pirramimma The Descendant McLaren Vale Shiraz
Dowie Doole The Banker McLaren Vale Shiraz Cabernet
Tuck into an opulent McLaren Vale Shiraz Cab brimming with classic regional richness, class and complexity from the perfectly-sited vineyards of Dowie Doole, now in the confident and skilled hands of winemaker Chris Thomas. Enjoy rich plummy Shiraz showing classic McLaren Vale generosity and complexity, balanced by firm, fine grained tannins and savoury Cabernet backbone. Notes of dark fruit, hints of cassis, bay leaf, coffee bean and liquorice carry through to a long luxurious finish. Founders Drew Dowie and Norm Doole, both visionary and passionate about sustainability, have always been nuts about McLaren Vale geology – the sandy soils of Blewitt Springs and the ancient rocks of Tatachilla in particular. They paired up to form DOWIE DOOLE in 1995, and then, in 2015, sold it to their chief winemaker and fellow devotee Chris Thomas, who has worked at many top wineries including Fox Creek and Serafino Wines in McLaren Vale – as well as in Burgundy, France. Norm and Drew own neighbouring estates, one in each locale mentioned above, and both have sold one of their premium vineyards to ‘DD’ in order to boost its overall potential. Norm Doole’s California Road vineyard and Drew Dowie’s Tintookie vineyard at Blewitt Springs.
Dandelion Vineyards Faraway Tree of McLaren Vale Grenache
Winemaker Elena Brooks has a unique ability to heighten the aromatic power and flavour of Grenache, and this wine is her pinnacle release of the variety.Bright medium to deep ruby. Seductive florals, strawberry, violets, raspberry jube and rose petal. An amalgam of gentle flavours with sweet cherry and strawberry, over satin-soft tannins with superb length. A beautifully made wine.
Chateau Yaldara 1847 Grand Pappy's Barossa Valley Shiraz
When it comes to the quality and price ($320 a bottle!) of this outstanding Shiraz, the term Super Premium is an understatement. The story of this winery began in, you guessed it, 1847. After the proclamation of a land grant by the Governor for the historic Rowland Flat property, Bavarian immigrant Johann Gramp planted what was the first commercial vineyard in the Barossa Valley. 1847 winery now encompasses some 200 acres of premium estate vineyards. “There's a bright, spicy crunch to the best of '17 Barossa shiraz. This is a refreshingly medium-bodied style laced with red cherries, greengage plums and a hint of black pepper. Tangy acid line and a fine tannin grid carry a finish of impressive persistence... 95pts” (Halliday Wine Companion, Tyson Stelzer).
Bleasdale Inveniam Viam Cabernet Malbec
‘Inveniam Viam’ means ‘I Shall Find a Way’ in Latin. MMXIX is the Roman Numerals for the vintage 2019. The story on the back label: “ Never has a phrase better embodied Bleasdale’s founder, Frank Potts. A man who joined the navy at age nine, emigrated to South Australia at age 21 with naught but a carpentry set to his name, who then proceeded to establish a vineyard and winery that would carry on his legacy for more than 170 years and counting.” The story on the inside of the presentation box: “Inveniam Viam perfectly captures the spirit of Bleasdale’s founder, Frank Potts, and his unwavering determination to overcome challenges and pursue innovation. In 1836 at the age of 21, Frank Potts emigrated to South Australia with nothing but a carpentry set to his name. He built a sailing boat to trade salt, which led to a commission to build a ferry. During his work on the ferry, Frank passed through Langhorne Creek, where he would later purchase the first sections of land and establish Bleasdale in 1850. Frank planted vineyards and developed an innovative system of levees and floodgates to take advantage of the natural flooding from the Bremer River, which still benefits the region today. In addition to his winery and house, Frank built a forge and became a skilled blacksmith to craft his own metal tools and equipment. Upon his retirement, he returned to his passion for boat-building and created several more river vessels.
Blue Pyrenees Estate Richardson Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Dandelion Vineyards Moonrise Kingdom of McLaren Vale Shiraz Grenache Petite Sira
"A smart blend" (Halliday) with Golds, Platinum and 94-96pt scores. From the very gifted winemaker Elena Brooks. "Flavours skip through sour plum, wild raspberry, blackberry pastille, soft licorice, ground ginger, dark rye, mace and a certain tarriness, measured but robust tannins closing out. It’s a smart blend, pulpy, chewy, multi-layered and bursting with flavour. 95pts” (Marcus Ellis, The Halliday Wine Companion). "Rich and intense on the palate with loads of blue fruits and dark earth minerality... it rolls long and weighty with supple tannins ensuring the drive is clear, focused and very long. 95pts” Stuart Knox, The Real Review). Ken Gargett, WinePilot adds that it is "Stunning stuff... A silky palate, very long and seamless with soft and sleek tannins. An enticing style which is utterly delicious. 96pts".
