Family owned Villa Maria Estate has been rated as New Zealands

Founded by Steve Planthaber, originally from Adelaide but post school left for the South Island of New Zealand. A move to Marlborough with his partner Kirsty Sutherland cemented his love for all things wine. Hard not to be inspired when meeting the Sutherland’s who were one of the pioneers of viticulture in the region, part of the original success of Cloudy Bay followed by establishing their own estate Dog Point. Steve was keen to find his own path and after 12 years running the production and operations at Cloudy Bay decided to begin his own wine brand, Settlement. Settlement, named after the stunning Amphitheatre single vineyard site in the Omaka Valley, is dedicated entirely to the production of organic, old vine single vineyard expressions of very special sites in Marlborough. Doesn’t get any more Southern Valley than this site, right in the Omaka Valley. High density of clay in this soil, lots of very good Pinot Noir sites in this sub-region. The Settlement Vineyard is the youngest of the 4 sites, planted in 2009 but a beautiful amphitheater, steep hillside vineyard, 4000 vines per hectare so high density plantings. North/North West facing. Hand picked/sorted, 70% destemmed/30% wholebunch. Short pre soak then wild fermented in tank, Pressed to barrel then aged for 18 months in French oak, 35% new. Francois Freres and Mercurey Oak. Complex, youthful, pure and fresh. Aromas and flavours of dark red cherry and fruit spices, there’s mineral rock and stone quality, plum and black currant. Delicious on the poalate, but still very youthful, a taut texture driven my tannins and acidity, but cushioned by a core of fruit that collectively will see this wine age well. Dry and lengthy on the finish with flavours that mirror the bouquet. Best drink from 2024 through 2034. Excellent. - Cameron Douglas MW, 94 Points

Billecart-Salmon Le Clos Saint Hilaire Brut The name Billecart-Salmon comes from the joining of two families by the marriage of Nicolas François Billecart and Elisabeth Salmon. "The mark of Billecart is made not by the heavy foot?all of concentration, power and presence, but rather by the fairy touch of delicacy and crystal/clear fidelity."- Tyson Stelzer, The Champagne Guide. From a 1 hectare clos in Mareuil-sur-Aÿ; planted exclusively to pinot noir since 1964; yielding a minuscule 4045hL/hectare, less than one bottle per vine; harvested in two passes at full ripeness; two cuvées vinified in situ; fully fermented in oak; zero dosage; just 35007500 bottles, only made in top vintages.

Every now and then, in life and in wine, we are presented with unique opportunities to express ourselves and create something truly remarkable. When these rare opportunities arise, we need to capture, nurture and develop them so that their potential is fulfilled. So when Torbreck were given the opportunity to work with one of the most famous vineyards in the Barossa Valley, they were determined to use all their experience to ensure the resulting Shiraz was truly remarkable.

The perfect counterpoint to its other half in the Hentley Farm stable, The Beast, The Beauty is made from cooler climate Shiraz and co-fermented with a dollop of Viognier. Utterly seductive like some dark pool calling you to dive in, it is complex, elegant and aptly named.

dArenberg The Stump Jump Shiraz is a deep ruby red hued wine presenting a crimson haze. A whiff of the wine pleases your nose with dark and red fruit aromas including perfumes of blackberry, mulberry, raspberry and plum. These fragrances are replicated on the rich palate, where they intermix with flavours of liquorice, vanilla, baking spice, and subtle earthy notes. Supported by fine tannins, these magnificent characters offer a creamy and succulent mouthfeel. The finish is long and refreshing. This delightful Shiraz has been crafted for immediate consumption, but can also be cellared for 2 to 5 years from vintage. Serve this enticing red wine alongside deer burger served with Quebec cheese and barbecue sauce to unveil its full flavour potential.