Te Mata of one of New Zealand's great wineries producing wines of outstanding quality and consistency. This is deliciously dry with citrus and floral aromas; ripe with concentrated lime and passionfruit on a long, fine palate.

The fall of communism in Hungary saw many new beginnings, and one of note for wine lovers was the formation of The Royal Tokaji Company by wine-writer Hugh Johnson, and a consortium of foreign investors with the sole vision of revitalising the magnificent sweet wines of Hungary. The Royal Tokaji Company today is a benchmark for the noble wines of the region, from their 3 Puttonyos wines at around 60-90 grams per litre of residual sugar through to the intense Essencia at 450-850 grams, they are wines that offer the drinker a unique insight to one of the great wine styles of the world. In truly exceptional years Royal Tokaji selects the finest berries from its finest vineyards and carefully produces a few barrels of Single Vineyard Aszú. 2017 was such a year, just the eighth this century, showing exceptional richness, structure and backbone balanced by lively acidity - a truly volcanic vintage. Summer was hot, so we began the Aszú berry harvest in early September and continued to pick steadily in the ideal autumn weather. In particular October provided three textbook weeks for fine quality Aszú, with day after day of early morning mists, afternoon sunshine and drying winds. The Aszú wines show great structure, plenty of botrytis, depth and freshness with excellent complexity, all attributes of long ageing potential. The excellent Aszú berries with good structure and perfect botrytis were macerated in fermenting must for two days. After pressing and finishing fermentation in barrel the wines were filled into Hungarian oak casks in our extensive, deep underground cellars to mature for over two years. The final blends were carefully crafted in the spring of 2020. Bottled at 203.3 grams of residual sugar per litre. Nyulászó (meaning “a good place to catch hares”) is a celebrated First Growth vineyard overlooking the village of Mád. Its volcanic bedrock is overlaid with rich, brown clay interspersed with lighter rhyolite tuff, consistently producing racy, perfumed, elegant wines with a steely backbone. This wine is lively and elegant, highly perfumed on the nose with ripe peach and apricot on the palate balanced by silky acidity. The finish is long and incredibly complex.

Clemens Hill was founded over 20 years ago in a remarkable setting within the bucolic Coal River Valley. The wines of Clemens Hill are and will always be, an expression of the whims of nature inexorably bound to the wisdom of winemaking. Indeed, the pursuit of a vinous expression of place takes precedence over the pursuit of accolades, but perhaps as a result of that philosophy, over time the wines have become festooned with prizes and accolades. Clemens Hill vineyard nestles into the north-east facing slopes of the ancient glacial carving that is the Coal River Valley. It sits just 75m above sea level and is cooled by maritime valley breezes while capturing the bright crystalline sun. It enjoys both shelter and exposure. Rainfall is a capricious 500mm per annum, so it is supplemented with irrigation in times of stress. Flinty minerality with hint of nougat, white peach and mouth-watering lime citrus on the nose. A punchy, powerful palate with delicious salty caramel richness right at the end. On the finish, the fruit powers through and the acid hits a crystal clean note.

Nick Spencer Wines is a small Canberra based wine company dedicated to producing exceptional, hand crafted wines that honour their local landscape. Producing award winning wines for nearly two decades, Nick’s passion and remarkable talent for considered, quality wines is evident in every bottle. Following four years at the famed University of Adelaide campus, Nick was awarded a degree in Oenology in 2000. Nick has worked for notable producers across the industry, including Rosemount, Coldstream Hills, Madew Wines, Tertini Wines, and led the team at Eden Road Wines for almost a decade before starting his own label with Nick Spencer Wines. A proud Australian wine maker, Nick is particularly passionate about the beautiful NSW regions of Gundagai and Tumbarumba. His winemaking expertise have been widely recognised by the industry, in 2009 Nick was honoured to win the Jimmy Watson Memorial Trophy. In 2011 Nick was a Len Evans Tutorial Scholar and a finalist in the Young Guns of Wine, that year he also won the National Wineshow Trophy for Best Shiraz. In 2014 Nick was a finalist in the Gourmet Traveller Wine Winemaker of the Year awards. His wines are regularly recognised by James Halliday, most recently being noted in the top ten best new wineries for 2019. Gruner Veltliner is a white grape variety native to Austria, Slovakia, Hungary and Czech Republic. In Australia Gruner is planted exclusively in cooler regions such as the Tumbarumba, The Adelaide Hills and Tasmania. Gruner is often compared to other varieties such Riesling with slightly more volume, texture and more approachable acidity. The texture and volume of this varietal means it is a very ver satile wine to match with foods. It is well suited to the bold flavours of Vietnamese cuisine such as summer rolls and noodle salads. Mexican foods such as fish tacos are also a great match and of course schnitzel and other fried foods. Nick Spencer Gruner Veltliner 2022 displays aromas of grapefuit, stone fruits, citrus and subtle spice. The palate is vibrant and juicy with lovely salivating acidity and texture.

Domaine Sylvain Cathiard stands as a testament to the dedication and passion of the Cathiard family. This small domaine, established by Sylvain Cathiard's grandfather in the 1930s, carries with it a rich history rooted in the legendary Domaine de la Romanee Conti and Domaine Lamarche. Sylvain's father, Andre, lovingly nurtured the domaine from 1969 until 1985, when the reins were passed on to Sylvain himself. In the following years, Sylvain embarked on a journey to develop his own vineyards, renting parcels from his father and other vignerons. Soon after he acquired his father's original vineyards solidifying his commitment to the craft. In 2006, Sylvain's son, Sebastien joined him marking the beginning of a new chapter for the estate. Together, they formed Sylvain Cathiard et Fils, a collaboration that combines tradition with a fresh perspective. Since 2011, Sebastien has taken the helm, carrying on the family legacy while Sylvain enjoys a well-deserved retirement. Spanning across 5 hectares, the vineyards of Domaine Sylvain Cathiard grace the appellations of Vosne-Romanée, Nuits-St-Georges and Chambolle-Musigny. Of significant note is their tiny parcel in Romanée-St-Vivant, situated just below the iconic Romanee Conti. Here, they proudly hold the title of the smallest land-owner of this magnificent Grand cru. Every aspect of vineyard work is executed with meticulous attention to detail by Sebastien, his wife, and a dedicated team. Embracing organic principles, they prioritize the natural harmony of the vines, although certification has not been sought. When it comes to winemaking, Sebastien adopts a hands-off approach, allowing the wines to evolve naturally. Whole-cluster fermentation takes place, with the juice cold settled for approximately 10 days. The wines then undergo a skin contact period of 22 to 30 days. Maturation occurs over 18 months in oak barrels, sourced primarily from tonellerie Remond and Francois Freres. The percentage of new oak used varies across the appellations, with village wines aged in roughly 1/3rd new oak and 2/3rds of 1-year-old oak. Premier Crus see a balance of 50% new oak and 50% 1-year-old oak, while Grand Crus are aged in two new barrels and one one-year-old barrel. Since 2000, the wines have not been fined or filtered, allowing them to express their true character. Sebastien Cathiard's wines exude an unparalleled sense of harmony, with a soft and elegant texture that speaks to their finesse. Since taking over the domaine, Sebastien has listened attentively to those fortunate enough to taste alongside him. As a result, he has gradually reduced the percentage of new oak used for aging, allowing the fruit to shine with natural intensity and balance. The Vosne-Romanées, in particular, have garnered a reputation as some of the finest in the village.Each bottle from Domaine Sylvain Cathiard is a testament to the fully mature vineyards that have yielded fruit of exceptional quality. With a limited production of around 50 barrels in a good vintage, these wines are a true embodiment of passion, tradition and the pursuit of excellence. The Sylvain Cathiard Bourgogne Aligote 2022 is a brilliant addition to the Cathiard range, showcasing the unique character of this grape variety. Crafted from a small amount of Aligote sourced from vines in the Hautes Cotes, with 95% coming from 30-80-year-old vines in the village of Villers-la-Faye above Corgoloin, and the remaining 5% from vines in Nuits St Georges planted in 2011. In the glass, this wine reveals a bright and pure white hue that invites exploration. On the nose, enticing aromas of fresh apple, citrus and greengage captivate the senses, offering a refreshing and invigorating experience. It is a medium-bodied wine with a forward nature, displaying excellent depth and polish. Fermented and matured in stainless steel tanks, this Aligote exemplifies Cathiard's commitment to preserving the wine's brightness and purity. The 100% destemming process, which is a characteristic of all Cathiard red wines, ensures the expression of intensity and purity that is synonymous with the winemaker's style. On the palate, the Sylvain Cathiard Bourgogne Aligote 2022 unfolds with a honeyed texture that is almost incisive, delivering juicy flavors that dance across the taste buds. There is a subtle presence of tannins that adds a touch of structure, lending a pleasing sensation on the tongue. The acidity is well-balanced, providing a refreshing lift without being overly sharp or astringent. The finish is long and satisfying, leaving a lasting impression of deliciousness. This wine embodies an uncomplicated yet nuanced style, capturing the essence of Aligote in its purest form.

Christophe Patrice, a winemaker from the village of Beine in Chablis, has a deep connection to the land and winemaking. In 1996, he joined his family's business but later established his own vineyard in 2006. In 2011, he acquired the prestigious Daniel Roblot estate, expanding his domaine to 22 hectares. The vineyards span across Beine, Courgis, and Chablis, showcasing the region's diversity. Sustainability and respect for the land are paramount to Christophe, who follows a lutte raisonnée approach to vineyard management. With low planting density, the vines have space to thrive. Stainless steel tanks are used to vinify the wines, preserving the pure essence of the Chardonnay fruit. From Petit Chablis to Chablis Premier Cru Beauregard, Christophe's portfolio reflects his dedication to excellence. Christophe Patrice's winemaking approach is marked by meticulous attention to detail and a deep understanding of the unique qualities of Chablis terroir. Sustainability is a central focus, with vineyards in Beine, Courgis, and Chablis managed carefully to preserve the land for future generations. The winemaking process emphasizes harmony between nature and craftsmanship, with grapes pressed and fermented exclusively in stainless steel tanks to allow the true character of Chardonnay grapes to shine without oak influence. Malolactic conversion and lees aging add complexity and texture to the Chablis wines, while the VdF Chardonnay follows a different path, showcasing vibrant fruit character without malolactic conversion or lees aging. All wines are vegan-friendly, crafted with ethical and environmentally conscious practices. Chablis is a highly acclaimed white wine hailing from the northernmost part of Burgundy, France. Its reputation lies in its distinctive character and ability to showcase the specific qualities of its terroir. Unlike many other Chardonnay wines, Chablis is typically not aged in oak barrels, resulting in a refreshing and mineral-driven flavour profile. The cool climate and limestone-rich soil of the region contribute to its unique taste, featuring hints of citrus, green apple, and a flinty mineral essence. Chablis wines are categorized into various appellations, such as Grand Cru and Premier Cru, signifying the finest vineyard locations. The sheer purity and refinement of Chablis have made it a sought-after choice among wine enthusiasts worldwide. The Domaine Christophe Patrice Chablis 2022 enchants with its radiant golden hue, captivating the senses from the first glance. Delicate and alluring, the nose reveals an intense bouquet of white flowers and vibrant citrus fruit, harmoniously intertwined with a mineral symphony of flint and gunflint. On the palate, this white wine unfurls with a lively and mineral-driven character, showcasing the essence of lime zest, crisp green apple and the subtle touch of stones. Meticulous winemaking techniques have resulted in a wine of remarkable richness and complexity, unveiling intriguing aromatic nuances reminiscent of fresh croissant and baked apple. Crafted exclusively from Chardonnay grapes, this Chablis embraces its pure expression, free from the influence of oak, allowing the bright and mineralic qualities of the variety to shine through. It stands as a testament to the exceptional quality of Chardonnay and serves as a true reflection of the esteemed Chablis region, an embodiment of the winemaker's skill and dedication, Christophe Patrice.

Established in 1998, Shadowfax is a boutique winery located just 30 minutes from Melbourne in the heart of Werribee Park. Dedicated to creating high-quality and handcrafted wines, Shadowfax is renowned for its Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Riesling and Shiraz, as well as a selection of highly limited, single-vineyard wines. The winery takes its name from J.R.R. Tolkien's classic, The Lord of the Rings, where Shadowfax was chief among horses. Contemporary in design and function, Shadowfax's unique architecture reflects an attempt to create a harmony between the winery and its natural surroundings. Designed by award-winning architects Wood Marsh, the winery's rusted sheet metal exterior and terracotta interior evoke the best of Australian wine heritage. At Shadowfax, the team is passionate about allowing each vineyard site to express its unique character, with the grapes grown reflecting the site and telling their own story. The vineyards are grown depending on their own requests, with the team always listening and tasting to ensure the vineyard's needs and wants are met. Shadowfax is not afraid of new ideas, experimentation, trials and tribulations, all while having fun doing so. The vineyard is allowed to do the talking, using the wine glass as its stage. Shadowfax is a winery that truly cares about the land and the wines it produces, resulting in some of the most exceptional wines in the region. Shadowfax Wines is a premium winery with vineyards located in some of the most unique and sought-after regions in Australia. The Little Hampton single vineyard site near Trentham sits at 730m above sea level, making it one of the coolest in the Macedon Ranges. The deep red volcanic loams over hard basalt outcrops give Little Hampton a unique balance between aromatics and power, producing exceptional fruit, particularly Pinot Noir, which forms the flagship Little Hampton Pinot Noir. Other vineyards include Straws Lane, planted in the 1980s to Pinot Noir and Gewurztraminer near Hesket, Midhill, with slightly acidic and well-drained red volcanic soils and Werribee, which produces powerful and robust K Road Shiraz and unadulterated Minnow wines. The Pyrenees vineyard produces Shiraz with natural spicy aromas, a full palate and long fine tannins, thanks to the inland location at the foothills of the Pyrenees Mountain range. Shadowfax Wines' commitment to minimal intervention in the winery and precision farming results in wines that are vibrant, pure and drinkable. The Shadowfax Geelong Pinot Gris 2022 is a delightful wine that showcases a light white straw color with a green hue and brilliant clarity. The aroma is complex, with nectarine and lychee fruits complemented by nori and mineral flint. There is a focus and depth to the nose, with barrel-derived complexities and floral notes complementing the more primary fruit aromas. On the palate, nectarine and apricot immediately wash across, with papaya, ginger and fresh florals adding length and lusciousness. The palate is generous, but the healthy acidity maintains vitality and zest, with a touch of saltiness on the finish. This is a great example of maritime Pinot Gris. This wine pairs well with salmon and cream cheese bagel, nori roll and three cheese souffle. The viticulture of this wine involved a wet winter and cool spring in Geelong, setting up the growing season. Small crops fully ripened with a warm summer while retaining good acidity. The winemaking process involved firmly whole bunch pressing the hand-harvested fruit to release the full Pinot Gris flavor profile. Natural fermentation occurred in older French barrels, with the wine left to unwind and age slowly on its ferment lees to add generosity.

This emblematic domain in Saint-Aubin is also a major producer in the Côte d’Or, and other quality areas of Burgundy. Their expertise has been handed down from father to son since the 19th century, along with groundbreaking work to help the appellation Saint-Aubin to shine. Domaine Roux was started in 1885 with a plot of vines bought by Louis Roux in the village of Saint-Aubin. His grandson Marcel Roux, born in 1927, played a pivotal role in the development of the domain, extending the holdings to over 25 hectares in Saint-Aubin, Chassagne-Montrachet, Puligny-Montrachet, Meursault and Santenay. He was a leading light in establishing the reputation and value of the Saint-Aubin appellation around the world. The Saint-Aubin appellation extends over an altitude vineyard that produces white wines of good quality, and whose reputation continues to grow. Its area is 1.6 square kilometres, on an area set back from those of Puligny and Chassagne. The wine landscape is very hilly and is therefore home to several climates with very variable exposures and soils. Local appellations and wines classified in Premier Cru are spread over four zones. This Saint-Aubin has a beautiful coloration with golden highlights. When young, it combines aromas of white flowers, flint, green almond, and orange-flower. Richer fragrances come with age: beeswax and honey, marzipan, ambergris, and cinnamon. This is a firm and flattering wine - it becomes fleshier and fuller with time. This is a wine with real breeding.

Pooley was established in 1985 when the family planted 10 rows of Riesling & 7 rows of Pinot Noir on their property at Coal River in Southern Tasmania. This wine comes off those first planted Riesling vines. Such an enticing wine from the first sniff; jasmine, grapefruit & white flowers on the nose, while the palate reveals lavender, lime zest, green apple & fennel. Seductive stuff. The Cooinda Vale vineyard is ideally positioned facing northeast overlooking the Coal River in southern Tasmania. On the 43.5 Latitude line, the vineyard is planted on northeast facing slopes at 130m above sea level. This is a unique microclimatic location, being well protected from prevailing winds but still highly influenced by maritime conditions. The long growing season, which can extend into May, with high sunshine hours, predominately winter rainfall and the occasional frost and snow, combine to provide an excellent condition for cool climate grape varieties, such as Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Riesling and Chardonnay. Initially the nose is a little shy with fresh notes of citrus peel and blossom. The palate is typical Cooinda Vale, refined and elegant with lemon sherbet, cumquat and marmalade. Strong acid profile with a persistent finish.