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The best of the best at every price point from Australia's most highly curated online wine and spirits list.
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2021 Domaine Garnier & Fils Mont de Milieu Chablis Premier CruChablis, FRANCE$74. 99Bottle$899.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 5 Years (2024-2029)ABV: 12.5%Closure: CorkBased in Ligny-les-Chatel on the northern fringe of the Chablis appellation, Domaine Garnier & Fils has been family owned since 1789 with brothers Jerome and Xavier Garnier currently overseeing the winemaking and management. Jerome works the vineyards, while Xavier makes the wines, and together they are leading a group of newer producers finding their voice in the northern most part of Chablis. Organic farming is practiced in the vineyards, and fermentation occurs with natural yeasts before the wines are matured in a mix of very large barrels and stainless steel tanks.
Brilliant pale straw colour with straw green tinged edges and a watery hue. Jumping out of the glass are scents of pear infused with a mix of wet stone and smoky mineral notes. Hints of dried honey and oyster shell follow on. Delicious pear and lime fruits carry lovely textural shape across the palate with notions of wet slate, subtle dried honey and flinty oyster shell like characters lurking underneath. Brisk integrated acidity. Excellent concentration with the long, well proportioned finish infused with a saline like minerality.
Drink over the next 4-5 years.
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2023 Paul Osicka Majors Creek Vineyard GrenacheHeathcote, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$29. 99Bottle$359.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2024-2030)ABV: 14.5%Closure: StelvinProduced from Paul Osicka’s small bush vine Grenache planting, planted on a sandy hill with red/orange clay this delicious Grenache was matured in seasoned oak for a period of 8 months.
Dark red core with black toned edges and a light red hue. Showing wonderful aromatic lift out of the glass are dazzling aromas of red raspberry, cherry and red liquorice gently infused with fresh herbs, scorched earth, vanillin spice and pepper. Juicy red to dark raspberry, ripe cherry and liquorice fruits are piled across the palate with magnificent intensity and a velvety feel. Infusions of crushed rock, fresh herbs and pepper lie underneath. Bursting with energy it has silky tannins and a long flowing finish that’s super succulent.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 14.5%Other Reviews…..
The 2022 was minute quantities, a single barrel, maybe not quite that after personal consumption and samples went out – this 2023 release, from a cooler year, was more abundant, though limited by the bush vine vineyard planting likewise. To the end of the 2023 season the vines were farmed organically. It spent 21 days on skins.
It’s got the right mojo. Tension of fine, granitic tannin, a sour-tart cherry fruit spectrum, a sense of botanical/amaro-like pleasing bitterness, a chinotto like strand through the wine. It’s sappy and got some crunch, decidedly savoury, a touch into the pleasing medicinal spectrum almost with a wash of bergamot and black tea characters. It feels just about all about fruit character and quality. So refreshing, medium weight more or less, plenty of a sense of complexity. This is my kind of drinking, but should please a legion of grenache-ophiles in tandem. Drink 2024-2030.
94 points
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1792 Full Proof Single Barrel Select Cask Strength Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) - Whiskey Hunt Australia & B.R.A.S.S. SelectionKentucky, UNITED STATES$179. 99Bottle$2159.88 DozenABV: 62.5%After been named Jim Murray's World Whiskey of the Year in 2020, the demand for Full proof and Full proof single casks from 1792 has been steady. Now Whiskey Hunt Australia together with BRASS have landed their own barrel. Founded in 2020, the Bourbon Rye Australia Sipping Society is a Facebook group of passionate American whiskey fans who share news and tasting notes. Two years waiting and their whiskey is finally here - an eight year old overproof expression of the standard 1792 bottling, but hand picked from a selection of samples. It's good bourbon, plain and simple, albeit on the woodier side. The nose is packed with caramel and pecan pie leading into drier notes of oak shavings, peppermint rock candy and a slightly terpenic character that suggests pine buds or green wood. In the mouth it delivers the kind of dense, oily whiskey you almost chew through uncut, yet there's complexity enough; caramel fudge, banana cake, peach flan and bittersweet oak emerge along side more subtle notes of liquorice all-sorts and maraschino. Cinnamon, clove and nutmeg enliven and lengthen the finish. Add water and the experience is dulled so you lose a lot of the nuance. This is best as a slow sipper, meaning it would be wasted on friends who'll drown it in Coke. Pour it over a couple of ice cubes, sit back and relish the flavours that unfold. Distilled in 2014 and bottled at full proof in late 2022, the barrel yield was 156 bottles at 62.5% Alc.Vol without chill filtration.
Notes from BRASS..."A nose that will entice even the newest of full proof drinkers! Flavourful notes of honey and a hint of spice, this drops a winner in my eyes!" - Nadia (BRASS Admin)
"A soft and understated nose for it's strength, but its flavour makes up for it with lashings of sweet toffee and warm vanilla, caramelised wood char and an ultra smooth finish. A whiskey not to be overlooked." - Roman (BRASS Admin)
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Aberlour Forest Reserve 10 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND$89. 99Bottle$1079.88 DozenABV: 40%Recently re-packaged and subtitled 'Forest Reserve', Aberlour's 10 year old is one of the world's top selling single malts. Along with the new look, there's been a slight change to the maturation regime - this expression has had an additional finishing in French Limousin oak barrels after spending most of its time in Bourbon and Sherry casks.Other reviews... [Original 10YO bottling] Orange-amber hue. Inviting aromas of orange marmalade and Sherry. Moderately full-bodied with mouth-coating viscosity. Well-balanced flavors of honeycomb, heather, oloroso Sherry, and citrus peel with a hint of herbaceous peat. Finishes with a warm, satisfying glow of alcohol. A sure bet as a digestif.
91 points (Exceptional) - tastings.comFounded on its current site by James Fleming in 1879, the village ‘Aberlour’ (Gaelic for Mouth of the Chattering Burn) became nationally famous in the 19th century for its orphanage. The town has preserved much of its historical character. Original houses, built of stones taken from the bed of the Spey, mingle with more recent buildings and landscaped public gardens. Aberlour's spectacular setting on the banks of the Spey makes it easy to see what made it such an attractive place to found a community and a distillery. Built alongside the Lour burn, Aberlour uses pure spring water that rises through peat and granite from Ben Rinnes. The St Drostan Well stone was erected to mark the location of the spring, which was used by St Drostan to baptise the local population in the 7th century, and is also featured on Aberlour’s label.
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2023 Ad Hoc Cruel Mistress Pinot NoirPemberton, Western Australia, AUSTRALIA$17. 99Bottle$215.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 5 Years (2024-2029)ABV: 13.5%Closure: StelvinThe Pemberton region in Western Australia is renown for it’s Pinot Noir. Winemaker Larry Cherubino utilises his local knowledge and relationships with growers to consistently produce the Cruel Mistress Pinot at a level that delivers exceptional value for money.
Fruit was fermented using a combination of wild fermentation and selected yeasts. Maturation took place in 1-3 year old French oak barrels for 6 months.A delicious everyday drinking Pinot that’s year in year out one of the best value for money Pinots on the market.
Semi translucent bright red to dark red colour with black toned edges and a light red hue. Delightful red cherry and strawberry aromas are followed by hints of anise, rhubarb, forest floor and spicy cedar. Savoury red to dark cherry, strawberry and rhubarb flavours glide across the palate with notions of dried herbs, forest floor and spicy cedar lying underneath. Possessing a fleshy feel it has polished fine grained tannins and shows ample power. Finishes long and highly delectable. Fantastic everyday drinking.
Drink over the next 4-5 years.
Alc. 13.5% - 2016 Adelphi Ardmore 7 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)Highlands, SCOTLAND$169. 99Bottle$2039.88 DozenABV: 61.1%
Drinkers who don't mind a bit of smoke, "but not too much" are gravitating to Ardmore. It remains the only Highland distillery to have consistently produced peated malt since its inception. What's more, local peat is used, giving it a sense of place that differentiates it from Island styles. The peat is said to contribute a smokey sweetness to the malt, instead of a strong maritime or medicinal character. Ardmore's output remains largely reserved for the Teacher's blend. This Adelphi selection was matured in a single refill oloroso Sherry butt and is limited to 634 bottles. 61.1% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.
Other reviews... "A real well balanced dram where I could quite happily work through the entire bottle - I wasn't expecting a great deal, but have been pleasantly surprised." - whiskybase.com
- 2019 Adelphi White Peak 5 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt English Whisky (700ml)UNITED KINGDOM$220. 00Bottle$2640.00 DozenABV: 57.8%
Based in Derbyshire and founded in 2017, the White Peak Distillery debuted its first single malt in 2022. Adelphi have cottoned on to the quality from the get go. No doubt it's partly down to White Peak's unhurried approach. They start with local brewer’s yeast and an uncommonly long fermentation that captures a distinctive new make spirit before it goes into a cask. This youthful edition was distilled in 2019 and matured in a re-charred red wine barrique. It's described as a bit of a surprise, fantastically juicy with notes of red berries and almonds. The outturn was 323 bottles at 57.8% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.
- 2015 Adelphi Penderyn 8 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Welsh Whisky (700ml)WALES$260. 00Bottle$3120.00 DozenABV: 56.9%
From the Penderyn distillery, the first Welsh distillery in over a century, named for the small village of Penderyn near which it's situated. Originally employing a single Faraday still, this 2015 distillate may include some pot still material, as two traditional pot stills were added in 2014. The selection from Adelphi produced 247 bottles from a first-fill bourbon barrel. 56.9% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.
Other reviews... "I'm not sure what cask has been used, but it has elevated this Pendenryn into an extraordinary Welsh dram - a lovely balance that would go well with a decent breakfast overlooking the Welsh coast." - whiskybase.com
- 2011 Adelphi Benrinnes 13 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND$220. 00Bottle$2640.00 DozenABV: 54.4%
Yet another sherry driven malt in Adelphi's latest outturn is this middle-aged Benrinnes drawn from a refill oloroso hogshead. The wide cuts at this distillery play a part in creating a robust and meaty spirit. Adelphi's selection yielded 292 bottles at 54.4% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.
- 2018 Adelphi Ardnamurchan 5 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)Highlands, SCOTLAND$240. 00Bottle$2880.00 DozenABV: 58%
Adelphi, the owners of Ardnamurchan, have rather cheekily bottled their own product under the Adelphi label! We know how brilliant young Ardnamurchan can be, so no complaints. Two casks, both first-fill Oloroso butts (one containing peated spirit and another unpeated) were blended together in a larger than usual outturn for this indie, so there's a little bit more to go around! 1403 bottles at 58% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.
Other reviews... "Thick mouthfeel with tar, charcoal and a hint of porter. Then some smoked paprika powder, fennel and prosciutto. Slivers of red fruits as well, but also gentle baking spices. Warming. Comforting. Finish: Medium to long. Somewhat dry. A tinge of oak spices. Slightly resinous. A tad jammy." - whiskybase.com
- 2008 Adelphi Glen Elgin 15 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND$230. 00Bottle$2760.00 DozenABV: 55.6%
It’s unlikely that Glen Elgin will become a major brand anytime soon, given how important it is to blenders. A combination of long, slow ferments, and distillation coupled with worm tubs yields a particularly fruity spirit. Adelphi have seasoned this selection in a refill oloroso sherry butt. The outturn was 487 bottles at 55.6% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.
"We are in sherry territory. Has anyone noticed/felt that there are not as many around as there once were? One tires of ‘sherry bombs’ when the strong influence of previous contents overpowers, though this being Adelphi, there are also highly commendable attributes. Though perhaps not my preferred style these days, that doesn’t stop me from admiring this as objectively as I can. It’s a reminder that Adelphi knows how to select a cask. Just don’t expect much [if any] Elgin to come through." - whiskybase.com
- 1992 Adelphi Longmorn 32 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND$1699. 00Bottle$20388.00 DozenABV: 49.9%
This Longmorn from a refill bourbon hogshead is the oldest bottling in the latest Adelphi range. An appropriate choice, perhaps, as the distillery celebrates its 130th anniversary in 2024. It's also making a comeback, with a new core of age statements including an 18 and a 22 year old. Long ageing has tipped this cask strength gem just under the 100 proof mark landing it at 49.9% Alc./Vol. 222 bottles are on offer. Non chill filtered.
Notes from the bottlers... a sublime, alluring and complex character, with notes of lavender and violets, apricot, custard cream, tart grapefruit, key lime pie and macadamia nut... floral and fruity, but with a pleasant liqueur-like bitterness and appropriate heft.
- 2005 Adelphi Trinidad Distillery Single Cask 19 Year Old Cask Strength Trinidad Rum (700ml)TRINIDAD$399. 00Bottle$4788.00 DozenABV: 58%
A single cask selection of molasses-based rum, distilled in 2005 and left to mature in a bourbon barrel resulting in lots of fruit and funk. Trinidad Distillery remains one of the largest rum distilleries in the Caribbean, yet cask strength independent bottlings are seldom encountered. 244 bottles produced at 58% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.
Notes from the bottlers... On the nose, aromas of old rubber tires and unripe banana mix with overripe paya, guava and powerboat petrol. A lighter and brighter side shines through on the palate, with glorious powdered citrus fruit juice and oversweet lemonade, sherbet dip, Italian ice and blue raspberry softening that boozy funk from the nose.
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2020 Alheit Vineyards Cartology Chenin Blanc SemillonWestern Cape, SOUTH AFRICA$79. 99Bottle$959.88 DozenABV: 13.3%Closure: CorkCartology means the study of maps or charts and the wine itself can be seen as a vinous map or tapestry of the Cape. It’s intended to be a picture of the Cape seen through the lens of her old vineyards in a given vintage. The cuveé is composed of parcels of mature dryland bushvines of heritage grapes, namely Chenin Blanc (93%) and Sémillon (7%). The Chenin comes from parcels in the Skurfberg, Perdeberg, Upper Blaauwklippen, False Bay and Tygerberg. The Sémillon comes from the old La Colline block in Franschhoek.
The grapes were hand sorted and whole bunch pressed. The resulting juice was very lightly settled with no additions and wild fermented in either cements eggs, clay pots, foudres or old barrels of various sizes. After fermentation the wine was kept on lees for around twelve months, then rested in tank on fine lees without fining for a further six months prior to bottling.Other Reviews....
The 2020 Cartology is blended with 7% Semillon and is essentially an amalgam of Alheit's vineyards, whole bunch pressed and kept on the lees for 12 months. It has a very different nose compared to the "Hereafter Here": more minerality, touches of white tea and broom filtering through the citrus fruit. The palate is very harmonious, spicy and focused, gently building in the mouth towards that finish with a dab of saffron and stem ginger. Wonderful persistence and just a wine that grabs you, demands attention. This is simply outstanding. Drink 2023-2040.
95 points
Neal Martin - VinousThis racy white delivers macerated raspberry and apricot fruit accented by delicate dried chamomile and milled white pepper notes. Light- to medium-bodied, with a backbone of rapierlike acidity wrapped in a honeyed, lightly mouth-coating texture. Minerally finish. Chenin Blanc and Sémillon. Drink now through 2027. 972 cases made.
92 points
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2020 Alheit Vineyards Hemelrand Vine GardenWestern Cape, SOUTH AFRICA$74. 99Bottle$899.88 DozenABV: 13.1%Closure: CorkHemelrand Vine Garden is a white field blend that changes every year depending on the vintage conditions, as the idea behind is to bottle a wine just as the vineyard produces it. The Hemelrand vineyard, situated on the Hemel & Aarde Ridge at 360 meters above sea level on gravelly clay and Sandstone, was planted in 2010 to Chardonnay, Roussanne, Verdelho, Chenin blanc and Muscat Blanc a petit grain. As mentioned, the proportions of the different grapes produced significantly varies each vintage. The 2020 release is composed of 32% Chardonnay, 25% Roussanne, 25% Chenin, 13% Verdelho and 5% Muscat.
The grapes were hand sorted in the vineyard and whole bunch pressed. The resulting juice was very lightly settled with no additions and wild fermented in old barrels of various sizes. After fermentation, the wine was kept on lees for around twelve months, then rested in tank on fine lees without fining for a further six months prior to bottling.Other Reviews....
The 2020 Hemelrand Vine Garden comes from a field blend albeit planted in rows that makes it easier to manage. It is aged on the gross lees for 12 months. It has a wonderful bouquet with yellow plum, honeysuckle and a very slight petrolly scent, all supremely well defined. The palate is very well balanced with a saline entry, fine tension with a pithy, lightly spiced finish that lingers with touches of stem ginger and fennel. Maybe my pick of Alheit's 2020s? This is a profound white Rhône blend that will be fascinating to watch age in bottle. Drink: 2023-2038.
95 points
Neal Martin - VinousA vivid white, revealing rapierlike acidity enmeshed with flavors of white raspberry and peach, dried thyme and pickled ginger, with minerally stone and saline accents. Tightly meshed and linear, but opens nicely on the palate, layering the fruit character with a rich hint of graham cracker on the juicy finish. Chardonnay, Roussanne, Chenin Blanc, Verdelho and Muscat. Drink now through 2030. 687 cases made.
92 points
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2023 Allegrini Corte Giara Pinot GrigioVeneto, ITALY$19. 99Bottle$239.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 1 Years (2024-2025)ABV: 12.5%Closure: StelvinThe Corte Giara range is an offspring of the famous Allegrini family in the Valpolicella region. Together with a few select winegrowers, they created a concept centred around modern and eclectic wines, representing great value for money, with international varietals through to Amarone, Recioto and other classic wines of the Veneto region.
Brilliant pale straw colour with a subtle glimmer of green around the edges and a watery hue. Delightful pear and red apple scents enchant the olfactory senses with a faint whiff of honeysuckle, musk and spice also evident. Beautifully shaped with a slippery, well rounded feel, the palate features delicious pear, red apple skin and spicy lime fruits over a delicate quince and wet stone back drop. Showing excellent intensity it has brisk underlying acidity and a long, moreish finish.
Drink over the next year.
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Angel's Envy Bourbon (750ml)Kentucky, UNITED STATESReduced from $119.99$99. 99Bottle$1199.88 DozenABV: 43.3%Lincoln Henderson is an iconic Brown-Forman master distiller who helped develop several well-known brands, including Woodford Reserve, Gentleman Jack and Jack Daniel's Single Barrel. His son, Wes, went onto found Angel's Envy. Before his father's passing in 2013, Lincoln worked on selecting and perfecting the blend for the brand. This is his pride and joy, and unusually for Bourbon, it's finished in French oak Ruby Port Barrels for up to six months. If you’re after a premium Bourbon that’s affordable while delivering a little something extra, this should work. Charry oak, candied citrus peels and cherry ripe chocolate come together on the nose with hints of sticky date in tow. Come back after further air contact and you get more nuanced wine input. It’s a one of a kind Bourbon bouquet that follows through on the palate with spiced plums, blueberry bubble gum and semi-ripe raspberries alongside more familiar Bourbon notes. The finish extends that cherry ripe dark chocolate overlay with soft rye spices, moderate astringency and more vanilla and chocolate. A trailblazer when it was first released in 2011, at around six years old, it's a Kentuckian with a delicious twist. Holding it back is a somewhat tame ABV. Look out for the high-strength bottlings, but expect to pay much, much more. 43.3% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... A beautiful, mouthwatering newcomer to the whiskey scene. Named for the “angel's share,” the portion that evaporates from the barrel during the aging process, this golden amber spirit is finished in Port barrels, which explains those juicy red-fruit notes that slide into the long finish. Look for orange peel, vanilla and roasted nut flavors, too. 98 points - wineenthusiast.com
...Cherry cough syrup, cinnamon French toast, spearmint gum, boiled peanuts, dried flowers, hay, and a hint of sandalwood on a sweet and earthy nose. Creamy texture on a bitter palate, with dried cherries and strawberries, cinnamon sugar, and chocolate. With water there is tart cherry cobbler. Good length on a woody finish, with some vanilla cream and spice.
88 points - Ted Simmons 2021, whiskyadvocate.com...Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey finished in a port pipe. This is veteran master distiller Lincoln Henderson’s newest creation, and it’s a beauty. Richly textured, silky, and well-rounded, with ripe berried fruits, candied tangerine, light toffee, maple syrup, and creamy vanilla, sprinkled with spice (cinnamon, hint of mint). Smooth, silky finish, and dangerously drinkable! The port pipe notes dovetail perfectly. Lovely just the way it is, but it’s begging for a cigar. My only gripe: why not 45 or 50% ABV? But I’m splitting hairs. I really enjoy this stuff!
93 points - Reviewed by: John Hansell (Spring 2011), whiskyadvocate.com“Five Stars, Highest Recommendation” - spiritsjournal.com
...Muted vanilla, light oak, and leather swirl together and are joined are dashes of green peppercorn and syrup-soaked raisins. For being finished for 3-6 months, you’d expect more of an impact from the port barrels. However, this isn’t the case. While the flavors present are nice, the mouthfeel is on the thinner side, which detracts from their impact... If you haven't explored barrel finished bourbons yet, Angel’s Envy Port Finished Bourbon is a good start. It’s not so influenced that you’ll be turned off if you discover you're more of a traditionalist, and if you find that you like it, you’ll have a suitable introduction to a range of barrel finished products to further explore. On top of that, it provides a really nice subtle twist for lower proof cocktails. Credit needs to be given to this trailblazer of a product, however it also needs to be realized that this bourbon leaves you wanting just a bit more. - breakingbourbon.com
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2022 Antinori Peppoli Chianti ClassicoTuscany, ITALY$36. 99Bottle$443.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 4 Years (2024-2028)ABV: 13.5%Closure: Diam CorkAntinori’s Peppoli was first made in 1985 and year in year out proves to be a reliable, great value Chianti Classico. Produced from predominately Sangiovese grapes, the wine was aged for approximately 9 months in large Slavonian oak casks with a small parcel in stainless steel tanks to preserve the freshness of fruit.
Dark red in colour with black shaded edges and a red to dark red hue. Lifted red to dark currant and dark cherry aromas infused with dried herbs and tobacco are followed by some earth and spice notes. Fleshy red to dark currant and dark to black cherry fruits carry medium body weight and are flanked by some tobacco, dried herb and spicy earth elements. Finishes slightly dryish with chewy tannins and bright underlying acidity. The savoury finish generously endowed with fruit.
Drink over the next 3-4 years.
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- Nick's Import
Appleton Estate 15 Year Old Black River Casks Rum (700ml)JAMAICA$149. 99Bottle$1799.88 DozenABV: 43%A tribute to the iconic Black River, the source of limestone-filtered water used to craft Appleton's rums, and according to some reports, timber from the crocodile infested mangroves south of the estate is used in some of the barrels (other sources say they're just 40-gallon American oak casks). Regardless, this blend of pot and column still rums was rated as one of the Top 100 Spirits of 2021 at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge and has received unanimous praise from rum lovers globally. 100% tropically aged in Jamaica. 43% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... Intoxicating bouquet of orange blossom, banana bread, crème brûlée, papaya, Sichuan peppercorn, and high-toned dunderfunk. Elegant and smooth on the palate, with vanilla bean, chocolate covered strawberries, and sweet smoke coming forward before a long, tropical finish dotted with tobacco takes over. 95 points - Extraordinary, Ultimate Recommendation - Ultimate Spirits Challenge 2021
...Anyone familiar with the Appleton house style will find plenty to enjoy here, kicking off with a rich nose that offers ample notes of allspice and cloves, extracted fruit notes, and a restrained hogo character that keeps everything in balance. The palate doubles down on the tiki spice elements, a base of red fruit and figs finding kinship with a healthy cinnamon character. Everything feels like it’s going great up to the finish, which comes across as a bit thin for a 15 year old rum. However, a nice clove character lingers after the fruit fades out.
It may be too expensive for regular use as a mixer, but would certainly excel as one. - drinkhacker.com
...Since I had never heard of Black River in Jamaica, I just had to look it up. It is on the southwest coast of Jamaica about 20 miles south of the Appleton Estate. Back when I visited Jamaica in 1988 and 1996, this part of Jamaica saw no tourism at all. This has obviously changed as there are now safari boats guiding tourists through these mangrove swamps. I gather that some very special wood from this area goes into making the casks that aged this rum. If you are expecting a heavy black char in this rum, you won't find it at all. It is a very good dry rum with the usual no sugar being added, but I still prefer their 8 Year Reserve Blend as my favorite from this island. - rumratings.com
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Arctic Blue Gin (500ml)FINLANDReduced from $79.99$39. 99Bottle$479.88 DozenABV: 46.2%Fallout from 'peak gin' continues with yet another premium brand sacrificed. Take advantage!
Launched in 2017 and created by Master Distiller, Arko Ryynänen and Michelin starred chef, Jaakko Sorsa, the Arctic Blue Gin range is distilled at Nordic Premium Beverages Distillery located in the small village of Ilomantsi in Eastern Finland. The company behind the operation is also the country's oldest winery. Produced using botanicals from the freezing northern regions of Finland, Arctic Blue has been described as "like walking through a wild bilberry forest on a misty morning." Boasting powerful aromas of juniper, liquorice root, grapefruit and tart red berries, it's a medium to full-bodied, vibrant, warming gin with piney juniper, coriander seed, citrus zest and a burst of white pepper adding length and depth to the palate. Wild berries from the forests of North-Karelia are key botanicals, and the berry notes are amplified with minimal water (or tonic), which also turns the gin cloudy white. Non-chill filtered. 46.2% Alc./Vol. Batch #33 tasted from a 30ml sample.
Other reviews... Awarded double-gold medal in 2018 at the World Spirits Awards. Best gin and Spirit of the Year 2018.
...Arctic Blue Gin delivers an abundance of Nordic character with fragrant pine notes, subtly fruity bilberry and delicate florals. These three pillars of the flavour profile are beautifully supported with undertones of cardamom, coriander seeds and anise, and the mouthfeel is smooth, full and crisp. With Tonic Water, the piney juniper notes are elevated further alongside floral rose, while the bilberry character brings a very gentle sweetness that lingers enjoyably. It is a skilfully constructed and characterful gin that certainly transports your mind to the pine forests of Finland. - Paul Jackson, theginguide.com
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Ardbeg Smoketrails Manzanilla Edition Single Malt Scotch Whisky (1000ml) with Free Ardbeg T-shirt & MugIslay, SCOTLANDReduced from $310.00$249. 99Bottle$2999.88 DozenABV: 46%Get a FREE Ardbeg t-shirt and mug with every order containing a Smoketrails purchase. Maximum one t-shirt and mug per order.*
The first edition in Ardbeg’s inaugural travel retail series. One litre, 46% NCF.
'Smoketrails' is the name for Ardbeg's new and first-ever collection of single malts exclusively dedicated to the travel market. Launched in late 2022 with annual batches in the pipeline, each edition will be a marriage of Ardbeg aged in American oak with Ardbeg matured in secondary casks sourced from around the world. This is the first edition, employing Manzanilla (dry) Sherry casks from Sanlúcar de Barrameda on Spain’s Atlantic coast. Light and fresh in style, Manzanilla sherries are aged close to the sea and are typically bone dry with a salty tang - well matched to Ardbeg's island profile.
Distillery Manager, Colin Gordon says, “For each Smoketrails release we’ll pack our suitcase and zig zag across the globe in search of new flavour adventures...With a unique batch code on this and future bottlings, we hope Ardbeggians will jump at the chance to get their hands on this delectable, collectable dram when they are on their travels.”
Ardbeg’s Master Distiller, Dr Bill Lumsden adds “In Ardbeg Smoketrails Manzanilla Edition, salty sea spray and deep, nutty notes mingle with pungent aromas of soot, dark chocolate and Brazil nuts. Clouds of pine and fennel fill the senses with notes of saddle soap and aniseed trailing gently behind. All I have to say to anybody who lays their hands on a bottle is… get ready for a smoky blast!” Available at selected airports around the globe, we've sourced a small parcel for Australian devotees who might otherwise miss out. 46% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.
Other reviews... I've just seen that this one is still available in travel retail, for a price that's much lower than in regular shops. They were having dozens at Basel airport just last week, for example. It is a vatting of ex-American oak (Heaven Hill?) and ex-manzanilla casks. I remember some superb ex-fino Ardbeg around Feis 2005, but I'm not sure we've already tried some ex-manzanilla 'beg. But was Dr Bill's idea to add saltiness to saltiness? Let's see, while it's mentioned on the label that it should display some 'saddle soap'… Remember horses are another specialty of Jerez… Colour: straw. Nose: frankly, the territory of an (unsherried, ha) Ardbeg and that of some manzanilla are so close to each other that I'm finding this nose particularly tautological. Fresh walnuts shouting out, green apples and lemons, some chalk, a touch of mustard, sea spray, fresh almonds and chalk, then only a wee touch of mutton suet or something like that. Having said all that and while it's classic Ardbeg in my book, it is not really 'big'. Mouth: perhaps a little too much grittiness, fresh oak at first, making it bitterish (bell pepper, walnut skin), but also loads of salt, as expected. It feels young for sure. Cold ashes, lemon skin, tart cider apples, lemon jellybeans… I find it relatively simple, but Ardbeggy enough. Finish: rather long, still salty. Or, let's say it triggers a lot of saltiness. Walnuts and mustard in the aftertaste. Comments: now, what to do with a litre of this, if you've also got a bottle of the superior Ten in your cabinet? And I'm afraid I couldn't recognise any notes of saddle soap, but that is me. Don't get me wrong, it's some very good Ardbeg that we could quaff with langoustines on the shore of the Guadalquivir, in Sanlucar. 86 points - whiskyfun.com
Notes from the producers... Nose: Lemon peel. Gentle smoke, not too peaty, more bonfire than medical. Some fruity notes. Taste: Sweet, toffee notes, milk chocolate, then the citric notes from the nose are coming back. Smoke is rather gentle. Finish: Long. Now reconcilable peaty, yet sweet.
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- Ardnamurchan AD/ Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)Highlands, SCOTLAND$139. 99Bottle$1679.88 DozenABV: 58.1%
Launched in 2023, we presume this natural strength release is set to be part of the core range. Comprised of 87% peated and 13% unpeated distillate and aged in a combination of 90% bourbon barrel and 10% sherry casks, it comes bottled at a big 58.1% ABV with no artificial colouring or chill-filtration.
Notes from the producers... Nose :Beach bonfire, custard, toffee apples, and black pepper. Palate: Orange zest, earthy peat, vanilla, orchard fruit, oak char, and rich spice. Finish: Smoke and peppery spice linger among ripe tropical fruit.
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- 94
Ardnamurchan AD/ Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)Highlands, SCOTLAND$109. 99Bottle$1319.88 DozenABV: 46.8%The latest release from Ardnamurchan is also their first core range bottling. Simply named "AD/", the batch numbers have been removed, with a redesigned front label featuring the Ardnamurchan lighthouse. 25,200 bottles are on offer worldwide - which sounds like a lot - but it's allocated in Australia. We've grabbed as much as we could. The whisky remains an equal split between peated and unpeated spirit, with 65% bourbon cask and 35% sherry maturation.
Building on the profile of previous editions, AD/ is something akin to Ardmore-meets-young Talisker with a splash of Ledaig thrown in for added depth. The first sniff finds grapefruit, citrus, pepper and saline to the fore with a fabulous coastal / low-key peaty drift that develops as rock-pools then earthier, farmyard notes of lucerne mulch and lanolin. You realise there’s something a bit special about AD/ at first taste; mostly, it's the remarkably sprightly nature of the delivery. It's also relatively dry by Highland standards, so you have to roll it around your mouth to extract more of the fruity malt sweetness (strange as it sounds, winter strawberries come to mind). Vivacious, briney and minerally, with sugar sprinkled grapefruit to finish, some bitter dark chocolate too, AD/ is easily one of the more complex young malts money can buy and a whisky that truly conveys a sense of place - the fact that they’ve already nailed a very distinctive style in itself seems like a near impossible achievement. 46.8% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.
Notes from the producers... Nose - Toasted marshmallows on a pebbled Fascadale beach, minerals, orange oil and popcorn. Palate - Salted popcorn, smores, pebble beach, mineralic, sea salt, briney, lime cordial, charred marshmallows, bitter orange, dark chocolate, smoky old fashioned cocktail.
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- 92
Ardnamurchan AD/ Rum Cask Release Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)Highlands, SCOTLAND$149. 99Bottle$1799.88 DozenABV: 55%“You can feel the “funky”, fruity traces of the rum combine gloriously with the saltier and heavier characters of the distillate.” - Alex Bruce, Ardnamurchan.
Like previous releases, the latest Ardnamurchan captures the distillery's trademark Hebridean freshness in a deliciously moreish malt. Whiskies from eighteen unpeated ex-Bourbon barrels filled in 2016 and thirteen peated ex-Bourbon barrels from 2017 were finished in x-Jamaican rum casks. The expected streak of sweet molasses remains in the shadows, however we're not told what kind of rum the barrels contained. A spokesman for Ardnamurchan has commented that some rums actually have a "...very leafy, green-cast profile", implying that's what was employed here. It would explain why this tastes fairly stereotypical instead of taking Ardnamurchan into completely new territory. The pungency of the nose is slightly restrained, but there's still plenty of peppery spark and invigorating maritime definition on the palate. Beyond the ashy peat and minerality, the whisky unfolds with salt'n'pepper crackers followed by a dry, biscuity malt character sealing the finish. It's getting close to a youthful, cask-strength Talisker but with a more relaxed vibe. 8334 bottles are on offer. 55% Alc./Vol. Non chill-filtered.
Other reviews... Nose: Seems less expressive than most Ardnamurchan. Gentle minerals, somewhat earthy and a soft smokiness, as well as grilled lemons and apricots. Hints of lawn clippings, sandalwood and vanilla pods also. Taste: Driftwood and gentle smoke with sticky honey, white pepper and rhubarb. It has a nice saline quality, as well as notes of walnuts, ashes and marshmallows. Finish: Short to medium. Somewhat leafy with ashy smoke. - wordsofwhisky.com
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- 94
- 92
2020 Argiano NC Non Confunditur Toscana RossoTuscany, ITALY$34. 99Bottle$419.88 DozenCellar: 4 - 5 Years (2027-2028)ABV: 14.5%Closure: StelvinA blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot and 25% Sangiovese from younger vines this is a generously endowed baby super Tuscan. Aging took place in older French oak for just a few months. Totally opaque black dark red colour with a dark red hue. Fragrant ripe black currant and dark cherry aromas drift out of the glass followed by some dusty earth, tobacco and delicate spicy cedar notes. Rich blackcurrant fruit carries plenty of weight across the palate with notions of earthy cedar, tobacco and spice lying underneath. Firmish yet nicely integrated tannins provide a sturdy structure and robust feel to the long generously fruited conclusion.
Cellar 4-5 years.
Alc. 14.5%Other Reviews….
Blackberry with some asphalt and black-cherry aromas follow through to a medium body with firm, polished tannins and a crisp and clean finish. Cabernet sauvignon, syrah, merlot and a splash of sangiovese. Drink or hold.
92 points
JamesSuckling.com -
- 97
2021 Atze’s Corner Eddies Old Vine ShirazBarossa Valley, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$54. 99Bottle$659.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 10 Years (2024-2034)ABV: 15%Closure: CorkNamed in honour of the two Barossans who planted a vineyard in 1912, the Eddies Old Vine Shiraz is a blend of this century plus vineyard along with fruit from a 73 year old vineyard and a block planted in 1975. Maturation took place in French oak hogsheads of which 50% were new for a period of 30 months.
Outstanding colour featuring a super dense and saturating inky black core along with an equally deep black dark red hue. Sent wafting through the nostrils are potent scents of ripe blackberry, liquorice, dark plum and mocha followed by vanillin oak, earthy dark chocolate and spice notes. Rich and voluptuous, the full bodied palate is layered with a thick coating of blackberry, liquorice, dark plum and dark chocolate fruits. Toasty vanillin oak, earthy mocha and spice elements lie underneath. Bold, dense and possessing exceptional power it has a firm yet velvety tannin structure. Concludes very long and opulent yet robust.
Drink over the next 8-10 years.
Alc. 15% -
- 84
- Discontinued
- Nick's Import
- Reduced
Auchroisk Flora & Fauna 10 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLANDReduced from $149.99$99. 99Bottle$1199.88 DozenABV: 43%Despite a name that's notoriously difficult to pronounce, this relatively new distillery (built in 1974) has already garnered a following. It's unusual to find as most of it disappears into the J&B blends. Single malt bottlings are rare, and were originally known as Singleton of Auchroisk. Notes and information about this particular bottling are almost non-existent.Other reviews... Tangy orange on the nose, the malt amplified by a curious saltiness on the palate. 84 points - Jim Murrays Whisky Bible
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- 94
- 95
- Reduced
2017 Nicks Secret BALG Shiraz CabernetBendigo, Victoria, AUSTRALIAReduced from $45.00$14. 99Bottle$179.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 2 Years (2024-2026)ABV: 14.5%Closure: StelvinThis renown central Victorian producer was established in 1969 with the first vineyards planted in Bendigo to Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. With some decent bottle age behind it this well fleshed blend offers great value drinking over the next year or two.
A rich, fleshy central Victorian blend that offers terrific everyday drinking.
Midnight black dark red core with a dark red hue. An elevated combination of liquorice, blackberry and blackcurrant aromas greets the nostrils with complimenting notes of vanillin cedar, earth and choc mint like characters ensuing. Rich dark plum, liquorice and choc mint flavours are seamlessly integrated with vanillin cedar, earth and spice elements. Plush and fleshy in its feel, it carries medium to full body weight and possesses a silken yet underlying sturdy tannin structure. Finishes long and generous with traces of leather making an appearance on the aftertaste.
Drink over the next 1-2 years.
Alc. 14.5%Other Reviews….
Oh boy, I really did love this wine. Despite now being seven years old, its ruby colour illustrates that there’s still a lot of life left in it. This is well and truly confirmed by the aromatics, which show an equal mix between primary and tertiary characters: blackberry, violets, raspberry, dried red and black fruits, dark chocolate, cigar box, and some well-integrated oak. The palate is glorious: silky, concentrated and vivid, with the alcohol never overwhelming but sitting firmly in the background. I also loved how it was great either to sip it by itself or to consume it with food (in my case, a juicy steak and roast veggies). I predict that with a bit more cellaring, the wine will improve even more.
95+ points
Brendan Black – WinePilot.com -
- 95
2021 Balnaves of Coonawarra Cabernet MerlotCoonawarra, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$27. 99Bottle$335.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2024-2030)ABV: 14%Closure: StelvinA blend of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot matured for 13 months in French oak (20% new). Fantastic depth of colour featuring an impenetrable inky black heart along with a deep black dark red hue. Intense blackcurrant and ripe mulberry aromas flood the nostrils with hints of choc mint, vanillin cedar, tobacco and spice also evident. Rich and full yet structured, the palate is awash with blackcurrant, mulberry and choc mint flavours which impart a plush mid palate feel. Backed by firm yet integrated tannins, vanillin cedar, subtle earthy tobacco and spice characters echo across the back half. Excellent concentration and depth concluding long and sturdy.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 14% -
- 96
- Nick's Import
2015 Bauchet Memoire Vintage Brut Premier Cru ChampagneChampagne, FRANCE$89. 99Bottle$1079.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2024-2030)ABV: 12.5%Closure: Diam CorkA blend with 75% Chardonnay and 25% Pinot Noir sourced from Premier Cru vineyards in the Côte des Blancs (Grauves) and the Montagne de Reims (Bisseuil). Aged in Bauchet’s cellars for a minimum of 5 years before disgorgement.
An incredible buy when one considers the rarity of sub $100 vintage Champagne in today’s market.
A buoyant fluffy mousse subsides to reveal a pale straw to straw coloured base that has pale gold edges and a nibble stream of fine bubbles coursing through it. Classic Champagne aromatics with yeast lees, baked bread and brioche scents flowing through the nostrils. Ample in its intensity with trailing notes of pear, cashew and subtle oily toast like elements. Rich mouth filling flavours of pear, baked bread and brioche have an expansive feel across the creamy textured palate. Yeast lees, citrus and delicate oily toast like characters linger underneath. Crisp acidity finishing long, well endowed and complex. Terrific value.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 12.5% -
- 94
- Nick's Import
Bauchet Origine Brut ChampagneChampagne, FRANCE$59. 99Bottle$719.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 4 Years (2019-2023)ABV: 12%Closure: CorkSourced from vineyards in the Côte des Bar, Côte des Blancs and the Montagne de Reims Bauchet's Origine Champagne is made from a blend of 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay (25% of which are reserve wines). It spends a minimum of 24 months on lees before being disgorged.
A very frothy mousse sits atop a pale straw coloured base that possesses an exceptionally fine bead and persistent bead. Aromas of pear and yeast lees meld into baked apple and bready cashew like notes. Rich pear, bready characters and yeast lees have a creamy feel with cashew and subtle baked apple characters ensuing. Dry refreshing finish with a bready yeast lees, citrus, apple and cashew aftertaste. Great value.
Drink over the next 3-4 years.
Alc. 12.5% -
- 94
- Nick's Import
Bauchet Signature Brut Champagne Premier CruChampagne, FRANCE$64. 99Bottle$779.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 5 Years (2019-2024)ABV: 12.5%Closure: CorkEstablished in 1920 the Bauchet family estate covers 34 hectares spread out on 7 different terroirs. The vineyards are located in the Côte des Blancs, the Montagne de Reims and in the Côte des Bar. These direct imports are a great alternative to the big houses of Veuve Clicquot, Moet & Chandon and the like, with their distinctive packaging, quality and keen pricing making them exceptional value for Premier Cru Champagne.
A blend of 80% Chardonnay and 20% Pinot Noir (of which 20% are reserve wines) sourced from Bauchet’s premier cru vineyards located in the Cotes des Blancs and Montagne de Reims. The wine is aged for a minimum of 36 months on lees before being disgorged.
Fluffy white, the mousse shows good hold over a pale straw coloured base that has tinges of pale gold around the edges. Very fine and persistent bead. The nose dispels top notes of yeast lees and citrus, with baked bread, light pear and traces of apple also chiming in. Graceful with a light oily feel, flavours of baked bread and yeast lees dominate over pear, citrus and faint cashew. Finishes dry and crisp with a lengthy aftertaste.
Drink over the next 4-5 years.
Alc. 12.5% -
- 94
- Nick's Import
Bauchet Contraste Blanc de Pinot Noir Extra Brut ChampagneChampagne, FRANCE$69. 99Bottle$839.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 5 Years (2019-2024)ABV: 12.5%Closure: CorkMade with a low dosage from 100% Pinot Noir, 25% being reserve wines, Contraste sees a minimum of 24 months ageing before being disgorged and is sourced from vineyards in the Côte des Bars and the Montagne de Reims.
Good foamy mousse with a pale straw, pale gold coloured base finely threaded by a very persistent bead. Rich, toasty yeast lees aromas merge into baked bread notes with subtle winter strawberry, citrus and brioche also evident. Slightly tighter and leaner as well as drier than the Origine, the palate features a complex flavour profile of oily baked bread, yeast lees, citrus, subtle toasty characters and pear within an elegant airy mouthfeel. Very dry, racy and tightly knit finish with a sculptured medium to long aftertaste.
Drink over the next 4-5 years.
Alc. 12.5% -
- 92
- Discontinued
- Nick's Import
- Reduced
Benrinnes Flora & Fauna 15 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLANDReduced from $169.99$119. 99Bottle$1439.88 DozenABV: 43%"Admirable - that they would have kept this very unusual fat malt within the range." - whiskyfun.com
Benrinnes mavens will know that the distillery started a two-and-a-half distillation from 1974 (similar to Springbank), producing what's been described as "a rather-Mortlach-like meaty spirit" that's also been compared with Clynelish. In 2007 they changed back to a double distillation, however the set up maintains a few production quirks like Mortlach. In addition, Benrinnes is one of the last to use traditional worm tubs for condensation. The Flora & Fauna bottling represents some of last remaining distillate from the 'two-&-a-half-times' era, and epitomises the house style as a heavier malt, matured primarily in European oak. It's one of those sherried styles where the richness of the malt and the sherry find symmetry. This bottling also captures some of that beefy character often associated with the distillery. Rich dried fruitcake flavours feature in a full-bodied delivery, complexed by hints of port-soaked tobacco, malt extract, fruit'n'nut dark chocolate, coffee cake and peppery warmth. The distinctive - almost chewy - mouthfeel is perhaps the defining element here, and retasting over several days found the whisky continued to improve. Kudos to Diageo for bottling Benrinnes at what feels like an appropriate age. 43% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... Right, not totally randomly. Last time I tried this expression that was around the year 2000 (WF 83). A worthy aperitif yet again, I hope. Colour: gold. Nose: there, no truce this time, the whistle blows and we’re in action. Tallow and marrow, parsley, bouillons, ham, onion soup, dry sherry, plus most certainly some umami as well as the 6th aroma, the aroma/taste of fat, which is called oleogustus, apparently (sounds a bit like dog Latin, no?) There’s also a thing called kokumi, but we still need to check that. Mouth: so, kokumi and oleogustus (joking only a bit) and a huge fatness indeed, rarely to be experienced with any whiskies. In short, more tallow and marrow, ground coffee, salt, miso, and Maggi. Spectacular, but perhaps a little unlikely at times. Finish: long, very meaty and salty. Chorizo and beef juice. Really. Comments: totally odd – and admirable - that they would have kept this very unusual fat malt within the range. Perhaps more a sauce than malt whisky, after all. 86 points - whiskyfun.com
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- 95
2020 Best's Great Western Sparkling ShirazGreat Western, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$29. 99Bottle$359.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 8 Years (2024-2032)ABV: 14.5%Closure: Crown SealSparkling Shiraz is a unique Australian wine that’s synonymous with the Great Western region having been in production since the early 1900’s. The base wine for this cuvee is left on yeast lees in bottle for 24 months or more and disgorged in the traditional method. The dosage liqueur contains a small quantity of very old Best’s Liqueur Muscat.
Sparkling Shiraz at Christmas is an Australian tradition and few producers do it as well as Best’s
Carries a fluffy dark red tinged mousse with aplomb. Midnight black dark red coloured base with a fine bead flowing through it. Lusty scents of dark plum, liquorice and blackberry sail from the glass complimented by some vanillin oak, dark chocolate and subtle spicy earth notes. Rich, concentrated and powerful, the mouth filling palate carries a plush texture with dark plum, liquorice, dark chocolate and blackberry flavours plentiful in their volume. Vanillin cedar, light earth and spice characters lie underneath. Long exuberant cream tinged finish.
Drink over the next 6-8 years.
Alc. 14.5%Other Reviews….
Deep colour with a trace of purple in the meniscus, the bouquet sweetly spicy and blackberry scented, with a lift of pepper-spice and fresh herbs. In the mouth it's full and rich, again discreetly spicy, with a modest level of sweetness which leaves the mouth refreshed. Long aftertaste, super satisfying and delicious. The value is amazing. Drink now to 2034.
95 Points
Huon Hooke – The Real Review -
- 95
- 96
- 94
- 94
- Reduced
Billecart-Salmon Brut Rose ChampagneChampagne, FRANCEReduced from $160.00$145. 00Bottle$1740.00 DozenABV: 12%Closure: CorkA blend of 40% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir and 30% Pinot Meunier, Billecart-Salmon Brut Rose is considered the reference point for non vintage Rose Champagne. It consistently outshines other houses in terms of both quality and value for money. Aging takes place on lees for 36 months and the blend includes 40% reserve wines.
A frothy white mousse holds well over a salmon pink coloured base that has a very fine and persistent bead flowing through it. Streaming out of the glass are delightful aromas of peach and strawberry which are followed by hints of brioche, yeast lees and ginger. Racy pear, strawberry and yeast lees flavours meld into subtle baked bread and mineral characters. The satiny textured mid palate counterpointed by crisp nervy acidity on the finish which lends a vividly refreshing effect to the long aftertaste.
Alc. 12%Other Reviews….
The NV Champagne Brut Rose is an attractive pale salmon hue, with a fresh perfume of wild strawberry, ripe peach, white and red flowers, a hint of tropical fruit, and grapefruit. The palate is rounded, with fruit up front and through the mid-palate, and it has a silky and fresh lift. There is a wonderful ease and drinkability to this wine, which delivers balance and finesse. Drink 2022-2037.
94 points
Audrey Frick – JebDunnuck.comBillecart-Salmon is one of my favorite Champagne houses, and their non-vintage Rose (Lot #L85547401905M) is a consistent winner. A delicate pink color is accompanied by gorgeous sweet cherry, strawberry, and mineral-like scents, assertive medium-bodied flavors, a delicate, crisp personality, and surprising depth as well as persistence. A beautiful berry character in the finish adds to this impeccable rose’s captivating style.
94 points
Robert Parker - Wine Advocate #162 (Dec 2005)Composed with 30 per cent from each of pinot noir and pinot meunier, and 40 per cent chardonnay. It has 40 per cent reserve wine, and spends three years on tirage. It is the go-to rosé for wine professionals, with nuances of juicy/poached red berry fruits, yet finishes dry and fresh.
96 points
James Halliday's Top 100 Wines of 2022
Billecart-Salmon has long been at the forefront of the rosé champagne field, their supremely elegant and gloriously fragrant style counting its fans in legions. A beautifully bright rose gold in the glass. Dried strawberries, fading pink petals, ginger and raspberry danish notes. Softy curvy, graceful and elegant through a gently zippy finish. Pink perfection.
95 points
Nick Ryan - Weekend Australian 2024 -
- 95
- 96
2022 Bleasdale Generations MalbecLanghorne Creek, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$26. 99Bottle$323.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2024-2030)ABV: 13.5%Closure: StelvinBleasdale has been growing Malbec since the late 1800’s and produced the regions first Malbec table wine in 1961. Today they are one of the leading exponents of this variety. The fruit for their Generations Malbec was sourced from three estate vineyard blocks and two specialist growers with maturation taking place in a mix of new (10%) and seasoned French oak puncheons for a period of 12 months.
Pitch black in colour with a deep dark purple black tinged hue. Pronounced ripe blueberry, plum and dark cherry aromas intermingle with hints of liquorice, dried herbs, earth, subtle vanillin cedar and spice. Rich and fleshy textured yet elegant, blueberry, dark plum and red liquorice fruits are layered across the mid weighted palate. Charming the back half are dried herb, dusty earth and spicy cedar characters. Slightly dryish fine grained tannins provide an excellent framework. Driven by blue fruit it finishes fresh, refined and long. Winner of 3 trophies and numerous gold medals.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 13.5%Other Reviews….
The fruit comes from three estate blocks and two specialist growers; open fermented with 20% whole berries; on skins eight to 12 days; matured for 12 months in French puncheons (10% new). Deeply coloured, the bouquet and palate hunt as one, with intense aromas of black fruits and clove spice joined by plums on the unexpectedly elegant palate. Bleasdale is the king of Malbec. Drink by 2040.
96 points
James Halliday – Australian Wine Companion -
- 96
- 97
2021 Bleasdale Frank Potts Cabernet BlendLanghorne Creek, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$26. 99Bottle$323.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 10 Years (2023-2033)ABV: 13.5%Closure: StelvinThe founder, the highly inventive, industrious and resourceful Frank Potts (1815 - 1890), to whom this wine is dedicated, was a 19th century genius, and a pioneer who has been described as being “made of the right stuff and well worthy of the grand old land that gave him birth.” He arrived in Australia as a 21 year old, having set sail from Plymouth England, and landing late in 1836. By the 1860’s, he had planted the original 30 acres of vineyard on the banks of the Bremmer Creek. Potts was highly admired - “One meets with extraordinary characters through life, but I doubt whether his equal could be found. In appearance a stranger would take him to be a poor labourer, with a thin, spare figure and long unkempt hair and invariably wearing his shirt sleeves tucked up. Although a most uncouth-looking person, and yet this man is a perfect genius! There is not a single thing mechanical or otherwise undertaken by him which he does not succeed in...” So remarked Inspector Tolmer, who was later to become Commissioner of Police, South Australia. Frank was one of the first to recognise the benefits of red gum. After building several houses for himself, he made tools and a bullock dray to cut down and haul these massive timbers in order to construct a gigantic twin wine press and several enormous wine vats. He also created the irrigation system that's still in place today. What little spare time he might have had was spent building a piano and various race winning yachts!
A triple Trophy winning Cabernet blend that combines rich red to dark fruits with wonderful finesse and polish.
A blend of 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Malbec, 8% Petit Verdot, 6% Merlot and 1% Cabernet Franc with maturation taking place in French oak puncheons and hogsheads (25% new) for a period of 12 months. Dense midnight black colour with a deep dark red hue. Sailing out of the glass are delightful red to black currant and red plum scents laced with violets and bay leaf. Also evident are dusty cedar, faint black olive and spicy tobacco notes. Showing wonderful finesse are rich red to dark currant, red plum and mulberry fruits which caress the mid weighted palate with a supple feel. Tobacco, dusty earth and infusions of bay leaf lurk underneath. Polished, seamlessly integrated tannins with a long, refined conclusion. Winner of 3 trophies.
Drink over the next 8-10 years.
Alc. 13.5%Other Reviews…..
This is a blend of 68/17/8/6/1% cabernet sauvignon/malbec/petit verdot/merlot. Bright crimson-purple hue heralds a very complex wine that has no need of time thanks to its balance, texture and length. It is an outstanding achievement and offers equally exceptional value for money. Top gold at Royal Adelaide Wine Show ’22, gold at Perth Royal Wine Show Awards ’22. Drink by 2041.
97 points
James Halliday – Australian Wine Companion -
- 94
Bleasdale Sparkling ShirazLanghorne Creek, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$23. 99Bottle$287.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 5 Years (2020-2025)ABV: 13.5%Closure: Diam CorkA multi vintage Sparkling Shiraz that contains reserve wines going back to 1997, Bleasdale freshening up the base blend every Spring by adding a portion of new vintage Shiraz to it. Fermentation takes place in open vats before maturation in a mixture of seasoned oak barrels and stainless steel tanks.
A plush, richly flavoured sparkling Shiraz.
A frothy purple tinge mousse shows good hold over a black dark coloured base wine that’s finely threaded by a nibble stream of tiny bubbles. Lifted blackberry, dark chocolate and liquorice scents combine with vanilla, light toast and traces of earth. Rich, full and satiny, the palate is awash with blackberry and liquorice fruits which create a luscious textural feel. Vanillin oak, subtle dark chocolate and earth elements also chime in. Excellent depth and concentration with a long succulent aftertaste. A great match for the Christmas Turkey.
Drink over the next 4-5 years.
Alc. 13.5% -
- 97
- 96
- Biodynamic
2023 Bodega Chacra Cincuenta Y Cinco Pinot NoirPatagonia, ARGENTINA$125. 00Bottle$1500.00 DozenABV: 12%Closure: CorkCincuenta y Cinco comes from vineyards planted in 1955 which gently rest on a sea of pebbles, typical in riverbed soils. It is fermented whole cluster at very low temperatures, enhancing the floral characteristics of the wine. Cincuenta y Cinco has the highest amount of tension of all the Chacra wines while it still retains a comfortable ease.
Other Reviews....
This is incredibly fresh and vivid with orange peel, orange blossoms, cherries and hints of rose stem. Medium-bodied with a sleek and racy palate of creamy, fine tannins and a energetic length and purity. Crunchy. 100% whole cluster. From vineyards planted in 1955. Drink or hold.
97 points
JamesSuckling.comFrom 1955 plantings on gravel. 50% concrete and older oak. Importer: Viticult Spicy, strawberry and raspberry, almond, floral notes, cool herbs. Medium-bodied, indeed, maybe even light-bodied, bright red fruits, electric acidity, so crisp, a stony feel to tannin, really quite ‘mineral’ with a very long finish. Super wine. So expressive and fine. Drink 2024 - 2034+.
96 points
Gary Walsh - The Wine Front -
- 97
- 96
- Biodynamic
2023 Bodega Chacra Mainque ChardonnayPatagonia, ARGENTINA$125. 00Bottle$1500.00 DozenABV: 13%Closure: CorkMainque is a collaboration between Bodega Chacra and famed Burgundy producer Jean-Marc Roulot. Mainque Chardonnay comes from 3 parcels of land with a range of sand, clay, and pebble soils that are all biodynamically farmed. The wine is aged in old barrels from Roulot's domaine in Meursault.
Other Reviews....
Apple, brioche, flint, pear and slate aromas with hints of apple tart follow through to a full body with gorgeous richness and depth, yet it grows on the palate. Very vertical and goes deep. Best ever. Drink or hold.
97 points
JamesSuckling.comA frost year where they lost as much as 60% of some crops. This sees no malolactic, and comes from three vineyard at around 25 years of age, one limestone, one gravel, and one sandy.
Green melon, lemon rind, oyster shell, spice, a light honey floral perfume. Pops with fruit flavour, nectarine, lots of flinty texture, very saline, almond meal, a cool feel, excellent length with grapefruit pith to close. Flavour delivered with impeccable line and length. Super wine. Drink 2024 - 2032.
96 points
Gary Walsh - The Wine Front -
- 97
- Nick's Import
Cuesta Pedro Ximenez Sherry (750ml)Jerez, SPAIN$29. 99Bottle$359.88 DozenABV: 17%Closure: Cork'Cuesta' is a brand owned by the prestigious Sherry house, 'Lustau', produced and bottled from a selection of butts in the Lustau Bodega. The concept is to offer high quality sherries under a separate brand in markets where Lustau is already represented. Yet given the exceptional standard set by the Cuesta PX, one has to wonder whether they've shot themselves in the foot. Aged for a minimum of ten years, this superb solera is produced from sun dried Pedro Ximenez grapes.
A seriously good example of PX and an absolute steal at this direct import price.
Pours a viscous sienna brown colour with a deep green olive tinged hue. Potent scents of raisins, honey and Christmas cake engulfs the nostrils with hints of toffee, marmalade and walnut also present. Exceptionally concentrated and rich, a thick luscious dollop of raisin, honey and Christmas cake like flavours are draped across the palate with notions of marmalade, toffee and subtle dried nuts the back drop. Warm, mellow spirit with an oil like consistency to the mouthfeel. Long sweet, textured aftertaste. An ideal match with vanilla ice cream and Christmas pudding.
Alc. 17% -
- 97
- Reduced
Boll & Cie Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut ChampagneChampagne, FRANCEReduced from $120.00$105. 00Bottle$1260.00 DozenCellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2018-2024)ABV: 12.5%Closure: CorkA Blanc de Blanc (100% Chardonnay), multi-parceled Champagne from 3 different vineyards: Montgeux, Vindey and Mesnil sur Oger that spends a minimum 5 years on lees.
A fine, plentiful white mousse shows excellent hold over a pale straw, pale gold edged base wine that’s finely threaded by an exceptionally persistent bead. Wonderfully rich aromatics of oily baked bread, citrus and yeasty lees flow out of the glass followed by cashew, notions of dried honey and toast. The richness of the nose is reflected in the mouth with concentrated flavours of baked bread, yeast lees and citrus sitting over dried honey, brioche and roast nut like elements. Oily, creamy like textural feel finishing dry with refreshing acidity. Excellent power with a long oily baked bread, yeast lees, cashew, dried honey and roasted almond aftertaste. A rich, creamy Blanc de Blancs Champagne.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 12.5% -
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- 94
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- Reduced
2015 Bollinger La Grande Annee ChampagneChampagne, FRANCEReduced from $299.00$289. 99Bottle$3479.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 8 Years (2024-2032)ABV: 12.5%Closure: Diam CorkA blend of 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay sourced from 11 different crus, mainly Ay and Verzenay for the Pinot Noir whilst for the Chardonnay Chouilly and Avize. Fermented entirely in aged oak barrels.
Pours with a fine satiny mousse which sits over a pale straw to straw coloured base that has gold tinged edges and a fine, energetic bead flowing through it. Heady aromatics of baked bread, oily toast like characters and yeast lees waft through the nostrils, seamlessly integrating with notions of brioche, subtle honeyed almond and citrus notes. Rich, voluminous and full across the palate yet remarkably fresh and energetic, mouth filling flavours of pear, baked bread and oily toast like elements are shaped by vivid acidity. Flashes of citrus, cashew and chalky mineral accents linger across the back half. Concludes long, expansive and satiny with a buttered toast element to the finish.
Drink over the next 6-8 years.
Alc. 12.5%Other Reviews....
Bollinger's 2015 Brut Grand Année is an intriguing wine in that is clearly reflects the decision to pick on the later side in order to avoid vegetal notes derived from the mismatch of alcoholic and phenolic ripeness. "Balance was hard to achieve in 2015," Chef de Cave Denis Bunner notes. "At 10% in sugar, the fruit was simply not ripe. We had to wait to reach the optimal window of ripeness." Bunner also opted to increase the Chardonnay, so the blend is 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay, as opposed to the more typical 70/30 blend, with more Verzenay than Aÿ in the Pinots. Dried citrus peel, sage, menthol, sage, tangerine peel and spice build with some coaxing. Light tropical overtones develop with aeration. There's real density and textural richness here. This will be a fascinating vintage to follow. Stylistically, it is the complete opposite from the much more linear 2014 that precedes it. Dosage is 8 grams per liter.
96 points
Antonio Galloni – VinousThis expressive Champagne features a rich, well-spiced range of flavors chiseled by well-honed, integrated acidity, which lends a racy feel to the ripe black cherry and mulberry fruit and notes of salted almond, pink grapefruit granita, crystallized honey and pickled ginger that ride the raw silk–like mousse. Hints of chalk and spring blossoms play on the clean-cut, lasting finish. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Disgorged May 2023. Drink now through 2040.
96 points
WineSpectator.comThe 2015 Brut La Grande Année was disgorged last year with eight grams per liter dosage. The wine has turned out beautifully, exhibiting a more muscular, old-school Bollinger profile in contrast to the unusually racy, fine-boned 2014 that preceded it. Wafting from the glass with notes of pear, orange oil and white flowers mingled with notions of mocha, toasted hazelnuts and fino sherry, it's medium to full-bodied, layered and textural, with a dense core of fruit framed by chalky structuring extract, concluding with a long, sapid finish. Drink 2025-2045.
95+ points
William Kelley – Robert Parker’s The Wine AdvocateEnticing, fragrant aromas of toast, lemon zest and an earthy-smoky nuance lead to a palate of subtle Bosc-pear, mango, papaya, even pineapple flavors. Lifted by fresh acidity on the medium-bodied palate, the wine keeps unfolding in toasted walnuts, honey and a dash of bitter marmalade. It’s mouth-filling, alive with acidity and full of finesse. Drink or hold.
96 Points
JamesSuckling.comA forward vintage for La Grande Année, with warmth evident in its roasted orange, Comice pear and Mirabelle plum, all polished with a sense of savoury maturity that is very Bollinger at heart. There’s a little more oxygen influence seemingly at play than in the 2014, with brine, nuts and a little dried leaf character already taking this far beyond fruit. The food-friendly chewiness of 2015 is there, but the mousse is supple and the Chardonnay brings the wine to a close with a fine, cooked lemon snap. This will start to show its best integration from 2025 onwards, although it is open for business now. 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay from the Montagne de Reims, Grande Vallée de la Marne and Côte des Blancs, all fermented in small oak barrels and disgorged in May 2023 after seven years on lees. Drink 2025 - 2034.
94 Points
Tom Hewson - Decanter -
- 95
- 94
2021 Brand & Sons Last Sunday Drive Cabernet FrancCoonawarra, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$19. 99Bottle$239.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2024-2030)ABV: 14.5%Closure: StelvinDeep black dark red colour with a dark red hue. Attractive red to black currant and mulberry scents show plenty of elevation out of the glass with vanillin cedar, earth, subtle tobacco and spice notes also evident. Medium bodied the palate is eloquently dressed with rich dark to black currant and mulberry fruits which overlay a vanillin cedar, tobacco, earth and spice background. Gorgeously refined in its feel, it possesses a polished fine grained tannin structure and finishes long, deeply fruited and elegant.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 14.5%Other Reviews…..
Firm, powerful and impressive. There's been a resurgence in varietal cabernet franc wines of late, and this is an excellent example of why. Blackcurrant, cocoa and eucalyptus flavours feel both rock solid and bold in the mouth (in a positive way), leading to a dry, resounding finish. You have to enjoy tannin to go for this because there's plenty of it here, but in that context, it's very good. Drink by 2033.
94 Points
Campbell Mattinson – James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion -
- 95
2021 Brand & Sons Baker’s Run Cabernet SauvignonCoonawarra, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$19. 99Bottle$239.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2024-2030)ABV: 14%Closure: StelvinThe Brand family has a history that dates back to 1852, stretching over six generations. Their winemaking journey began when Eric Brand married Nancy Redman and purchased a vineyard block from the Redman family. The Brands Laira winery was established in 1965 with the first commercial release in 1966. In 1994 Brand’s Liara was sold but the family retained ownership of key vineyards from which they produced premium fruit to sell to other wineries. In recent years fourth generation vigneron Sam Brand took the next step establishing Brand & Sons with initial releases receiving high critical acclaim.
Sourced from a selection of vineyards across Coonawarra, this label take’s it name from Eric Brand’s early career as a baker in the Riverland which he gave up to depart for a new life in Coonawarra. Maturation took place in a mix of new (25%) and second use French and American barrels.
A beautifully shaped Coonawarra Cabernet layered with concentrated red to black fruit at price that delivers terrific bang for your buck.
Impenetrable inky black heart with a deep dark red black hue. Sailing out of the glass with plenty of intensity are delightful red to black currant, mulberry, red liquorice and dried herb scents which mix with vanillin cedar, tobacco and subtle spicy bay leaf notes. Rich red to black currant, red liquorice and mulberry fruits are layered across the mid weighted palate. Spicy vanillin cedar, subtle tobacco and bay leaf elements extend through to the back half. Excellent concentration and drive with beautifully integrated fine grained tannins. Finishes long and refined.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 14% -
- 95
2023 Brave Souls The Lighthouse Keeper RieslingEden Valley, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$19. 99Bottle$239.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2024-2030)ABV: 12%Closure: Stelvin2023 was a cool season with a long slow, and dry, ripening period which delivered pristine Riesling fruit with an abundance of flavour and natural acidity. The fruit for this wine was sourced from two vineyards within the higher altitude and cooler sections of Eden Valley.
Brilliant very pale straw colour with highlights of green around the edges and a watery hue. Intense lime, citrus and orange rind scents are paired with chalky talc and mineral notes. Concentrated lime, citrus and orange rind flavours have a mouth watering effect across the palate with talc, green apple and chalky mineral elements lying underneath. Crisp acidity finishing dry, long and scrumptious.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 12% -
- 96
- 95
- Reduced
2022 Brave Souls The Whaler ShirazBarossa, South Australia, AUSTRALIAReduced from $21.99$19. 99Bottle$239.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2024-2030)ABV: 14.5%Closure: StelvinThe Whaler is a blend of Barossa Valley (75%) and Eden Valley (25%) fruit. The Barossa Valley vineyard is situated on the heavy red soils of the warm western ridge. Grapes from the cooler Eden Valley are sourced from two vineyards situated at either end of the valley, in Moculta and Craneford.
The Barossa Valley component providing fleshy dark berry fruit characters and density, while the Eden Valley component contributes elegance and bright wild berry fruited aromatic lift. A small percentage of whole bunch fruit was included in the ferment with maturation taking place in a mix of new and seasoned hogsheads for a period of 14 months.Powerful fruits, glossy tannins and a plush texture make for an incredibly seductive Barossa Shiraz.
Midnight black core with a dark red black tinged hue. Engaging the olfactory senses are elevated aromatics of dark plum, liquorice and blackberry which are intertwined with hints of dried herbs, vanillin cedar and peppered fennel. Rich, plush and sumptuous, the incredibly seductive palate is flooded with a tidal wave of dark plum, liquorice and blackberry fruits. Evolving across the underbelly are vanillin cedar, fennel, delicate scorched earth and blackpeper elements. Possessing undeniable power and silky smooth tannins it finishes long, super succulent and peppery. A triumphant return to top form for the Whaler.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 14.5%
Other Reviews....
Here's a juicy, purpley-splashed little wine with a thick swell of beautifully ripe plum, blueberry and boysenberry fruits. It sports some gorgeous floral tones – I'm thinking jasmine, citrus blossom and dragonfruit flowers – along with notes of blueberry pie, ironstone, a touch of pepper and charcuterie. It's pretty as a picture and a great role model for contemporary Barossa shiraz at a super-sharp price. Great joyful, bouncy drinking. Drink by 2030.
95 points
Dave Brookes - James Halliday's Australian Wine Companion
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