Established in 1896, Te Mata Estate remains family owned, producing internationally recognized wines exclusively from its Hawke's Bay vineyards. The Estate's ownership varied frequently until John and Wendy Buck acquired it in 1978. John and Wendy instigated a twenty-year development program, which commenced with the restoration of the original winery building and the replanting of all of the original vineyards, as well as the acquisition of new vineyard sites. Elston is named for Elston Hall in Nottinghamshire, the ancestral home of Charles Darwin’s family. Darwin’s ‘theory of natural selection’ forms the basis of modern evolutionary theory, the foundation of biology. The wyvern symbol of Elston Hall appears on the label. The superb quality of the 2021 vintage was immediately apparent in the fully ripe grapes that were hand-harvested from their separate, individual plots within Te Mata Estate’s vineyards. Each parcel was gently whole-cluster pressed, cold settled and racked to new and seasoned French oak barrels for fermentation. The resulting wines remained in contact with their yeast lees, with a number going through malolactic fermentation. The finest lots were selected for further maturation, spending a total of 11 months in barrel. Brilliant white gold in the glass, Elston Chardonnay ’21 has wonderfully intense aromas of golden peach, apricot, and lemon zest. Focused but flowing - this is a wine of precision, power, and poise. On the mouth-watering palate there’s oodles of ripe, white-fleshed fruit, nougat and nutmeg, integrated fine oak tannin, and just a flick of salinity. A long line of sweet citrus acidity, and ripe Hawke’s Bay chardonnay fruit, runs through here. Resplendent in its charms, Elston Chardonnay ’21 would match with the best grilled lobster you can get. Or just sit and watch the wine unfold over several hours with a soft-ripened white cheese.

The Cotat estate has a fascinating history that began in 1947 when brothers Francis and Paul started cultivating Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir on the slopes of the renowned "Monts Damnés" in Chavignol. They produced a single cuvée, each bottling under their own labels. Upon their retirement, the estate was divided between their sons, François and Pascal. François continues the family tradition, crafting exceptional Sancerre wines in an organic, old-school style. These wines are known for their distinctive, full-flavored character and are sometimes considered "atypical" to the Sancerre appellation. Pascal Cotat, despite being one of the smallest producers in France with only 2 hectares of vineyards, has earned a remarkable reputation in the Fine Wine world. He is renowned for creating Sauvignon Blancs that possess exceptional aging potential. Pascal's vineyards in Chavignol, specifically the Grande Côte and the Monts Damnés, are home to vines that are over 40 years old, adding to the quality and character of his wines. With a unique approach to harvesting, Pascal waits two weeks longer than other producers in Sancerre, resulting in wines with outstanding ripeness. The winemaking process at Cotat is meticulous, with both wines being fermented in old barrels and aged for 6 to 8 months before being bottled in the spring without any fining or filtration, preserving their natural essence. In a meeting with Pascal in September 2022, he expressed relief regarding the small volumes of the 2020 and 2021 vintages. He was content with the "classic Sancerre" quality of the fruit, which was scheduled to be harvested the day after the meeting. The dry season created optimal conditions for healthy ripening and enhanced aromatics. Moreover, there was some beneficial rain in September that contributed to a 30% increase in yields compared to the low-yielding 2021 vintage, approaching average yields. Cotat wines have gained a reputation for being old-style Sancerre, distinct from the norm found today. They are rich, full-flavored and sometimes not bone-dry. Renowned wine critic Robert Parker has praised Cotat wines, describing them as some of the finest Sauvignon Blancs he has ever tasted. Prepare to be captivated by the power and allure of Domaine Pascal Cotat Sancerre Les Monts Damnes 2022. This wine exudes a commanding presence, with a remarkable fusion of white fruit and white truffle notes. Its solar essence shines through, delivering a sharp and mineral profile that is truly captivating. The overall experience is one of cohesion and precision. Every sip reveals a wine that is masterfully crafted, with a chiseled elegance that demands attention. However, be warned that this wine possesses an irresistible allure that may lead you to consume it all too quickly. This immense Sauvignon Blanc, harvested at perfect ripeness, hails from a legendary plot characterized by limestone and marl soils. The grapes from this plot are the first to be harvested, even before the esteemed Grande Côte. During the five-day harvest period on the 2.3-hectare estate, the bunches reach an impressive alcohol volume of up to 14.6%. Pascal Cotat adheres to a philosophy of minimal intervention, allowing the wine to express its true character. There is no gluing or filtration involved in the winemaking process, ensuring that the wine retains its natural integrity. With an annual production of 18,000 bottles, Domaine Pascal Cotat Sancerre Les Monts Damnes is a sought-after wine that finds its way to 24 countries. However, it is worth noting that this extraordinary Sauvignon Blanc would benefit from a stay in your cellar for a period of 5 to 10 years, allowing it to reach its full potential.

Product Description The Irrewarra Chardonnay 2024 is a testament to precision winemaking, showcasing the unmistakable touch of By Farr. Sourced from a mature, dry-grown plot planted in 2001 by the Calvert family, this Chardonnay is as refined as it is expressive. Set in a climate distinctly different from the other By Farr vineyards, this site benefits from abundant rainfall and free-draining soils, resulting in fruit with intense minerality and impeccable acidity. The combination of these unique terroir influences, alongside a touch of careful oak maturation, creates a wine of great depth and freshness. A perfect reflection of its origins, the 2024 release is beautifully mineral, with vibrant citrus notes and complex layers of peach, nuts, and subtle toast. Its backbone of bright acidity lifts the wine, creating a balanced and refreshing finish. It’s a bottle that speaks to both the drinker and the drink itself, making it perfect for those moments when you just want to indulge in a glass alone, contemplating the elegance of its structure. Maker: By Farr is the brand of the Farr Family, started in 1994 by Robyn and Gary on a north facing slope in the township of Bannockburn in the Moorabool Valley. The Original wines where Chardonnay by Farr, Viognier by Farr, Shiraz by Farr and Pinot Noir by Farr now known as Sangreal by Farr. Overtime with the help of Cassie and Nick the vineyards have expand to adjoining neighbouring properties and eventually greater expression of the single site wines that we have today because of the pieces of dirt that we love to farm. The wines of By Farr are built around complexity, layered structure and undeniable length that places them in the highest regard by both consumers for their drinkability and age worthiness or critics around the world for their individuality. Vineyard: The Irrewarra Vineyard site has now been in the hands of the Farr family and team for 12 years. The vineyard was planted by the Calvert family in 2001 to a mixture of clones on own roots. It is predominantly pinot noir with 6 acres and accompanied by 2 acres of chardonnay. The vineyard sits at the top of the slope facing large water reserves ‘Salt Lake’ and the ‘Calvert Lough’ to the north. It generally takes 10 years for a new planting to bed down there roots and show consistent characteristics. Well it has also taken 10 years to truly unlock the potential of the Western District site. With the support of owners John and Browynn Calvert, the soil management and vine health give wines of unique cool climate viticulture. They are a cooler expression By Farr. Tasting Notes NOSE – Vibrant Citrus & Complexity Bright citrus aromas mingle with hints of peach and subtle toasty oak, setting the stage for the wine’s intricate complexity. The minerality comes forward in the nose. PALATE – Lively and Mineral Beautifully slippery, full of citrus and delicate peach notes, underpinned by a remarkable backbone of acidity. The touch of oak adds a rounded texture, and there’s an elegant vibrancy to the wine. FINISH – Fresh and Clean Clean, crisp, and refreshing, leaving a lingering citrus note that perfectly complements the wine’s mineral backbone. It’s a wine that beckons you back for another sip and a long, lingering finish.

The colour of gold struck through with green, this Riesling shows classic lime and mineral aromas with a touch of gooseberry. Rich and full-bodied, the citrus and tropical fruit flavours are underpinned by crisp acidity.