SIZE

12 PACK, 750ml BOTTLES, $29.99 EACH

PRODUCER

Staete Landt Winery

VINTAGE

2021

COLOUR

White

SUB-REGION, REGION, COUNTRY

Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand

GRAPE

Sauvignon Blanc

Winemaker Notes

Six superb parcels of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc are selected to form the Annabel Sauvignon Blanc. One particular parcel is considered that special that it gets hand-picked for this ‘Grand Cru’ style wine. All parcels provide a unique expression; the ensemble delivers a range of vibrant flavours.

All parcels are fermented with different yeast strains, at different temperatures in order to emphasize the differences in fruit flavours and aromas. Obviously the handpicked parcel is special to us, we let it ferment and mature in barriques for some 5 months. Lees stirring these barrels further helps to creates that small percentage of a creamy / ‘leesy’ component. All this together ellevates the Annabel to a Grand Cru, subtle but complex still very recognisably ‘Marlborough’ Sauvignon Blanc.

94 Points, Wine Orbit  (previous vintage)

Wonderfully fruited and inviting, the bouquet shows crunchy apple, white flesh nectarine, sweet basil and lime peel aromas on the nose. The palate displays excellent weight and fruit intensity together with fine texture and bright acidity, leading to a lengthy delectable finish. 

 

SIZE

6 PACK, 750ml BOTTLES, $37.99 EACH

PRODUCER

Craggy Range Winery

VINTAGE

2022

COLOUR

White

REGION, COUNTRY

Martinborough, New Zealand

GRAPE

Sauvignon Blanc

 

Winemaker Notes

Grown on the lower terrace at Te Muna Road, this wine shows a unique level of texture and complexity. The cooler climate of Martinborough ensures the wine is aromatic with steely minerality while the rocky soils gives intensity of the fruit.

SIZE

6 PACK, 750ml BOTTLES, $176.99 EACH

PRODUCER

Heitz Cellar

VINTAGE

2018

COLOUR

Red

REGION, COUNTRY

Napa Valley, United States

GRAPE

Cabernet Sauvignon

Winemaker Notes

The 2018 vintage was one of exceptional quality for Heitz Cellar. The cooler to moderate temperatures during the growing season allowed us to balance sugar and phenolic maturity in the fruit while maintaining natural acidity to help preserve the fresh characteristics of the vintage. The elegance and balanced structure of the 2018 vintage will make this an incredible wine to drink upon release and will continue to reward with cellar aging.

94 Points, James Suckling

A pure, balanced and fresh Napa cabernet that is not just showing heady concentration and dark fruit. Here you get some violets, nimble flowers, redcurrants, graphite and fine spices. Some oranges, too. Fragrant and nuanced. Medium to full body with tight yet refined tannins. Rather linear, tense and elegant, but lacking neither power nor definition. Better to give it a few years to deliver more complexity.

SIZE

12 PACK, 750ml BOTTLES, $21.99 EACH

PRODUCER

Amalaya

VINTAGE

2022

COLOUR

Red

SUB-REGION, REGION, COUNTRY

Calchaqui, Salta, Argentina

GRAPE

Malbec

 

Winemaker Notes

This wine is made with grapes from Las Mercedes Estate, sandy soil and very poor in organic matter. Mechanical harvest and aging in barrels of 25% of the wine with contributions from Tannat and Petit Verdot.

Brilliant ruby color with violet edges. Strawberries, raspberries and ripe fruit with touch of pepper and spices aromas and elegant floral notes. In mouth, flavors of red fruit, spice and hints of vanilla from aging in French oak. Very nice freshness. Round, soft tannins lead to a delicate, lingering finish.

Previous vintage [97 Points, Decanter World of Wine Awards]

Perfumed attractive nose with layers of spice, crunchy strawberries, ripe red plums and fresh violets. Vibrant on the palate with a lovely freshness in harmony with a dense chocolatey character, ending in an elegant spicy finish.

SIZE

12 PACK, 750ml BOTTLES, $49.99 EACH

PRODUCER

Schug Carneros Estate

VINTAGE

2022

COLOUR

Red

SUB-REGION, REGION, COUNTRY

Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, United States

GRAPE

Pinot Noir

Winemaker Notes

This 100% Pinot Noir cuvée reflects the cool and windy microclimate of the Sonoma Coast AVA. The climate and terroir here provide ideal conditions for low yields, equating to more flavor intensity and longer hangtimes. Cooler temperatures allow Pinot Noir grapes to slowly reach maturity while retaining their natural acidity and preserving the bright flavors of red cherries and raspberries. We ensure the elegant expression in this Pinot Noir by aging in large neutral oak casks, stainless steel, and older French oak barrels to keep new oak flavors to a minimum. Lively acidity on the finish makes it an ideal accompaniment to grilled fish and fowl or barbecued meats.

 

91 Points, Decanter

Pure red fruit character with intense aromas of cherry, cola and forest floor. Lovely focused palate, elegant with a bright acidity.

SIZE

6 PACK, 750ml BOTTLES, $59.99 EACH

PRODUCER

Savage Wines

VINTAGE

2022

COLOUR

Red

REGION, COUNTRY

Western Cape, South Africa

GRAPE

Cinsault

 

Winemaker Notes

Duncan Savage was the winemaker at Cape Point Vineyards' for 14 vintages. In 2011, he started his own label on the side. Through his time at Cape Point, Duncan grew to understand maritime vineyards and crafted a reputation for profound and saline whites with great aging potential; this led him to source grapes for his own project, Savage Wines, from similar maritime and high altitude sites. His wines were met with great acclaim and in 2016 he quit his job to turn his attention to his namesake project. At first he created wine by borrowing other people's wineries but today he uses his own winery in Salt River, Cape Town. Duncan is no doubt one of the best winemakers in South Africa. In fact, Tim Atkin (MW) has proclaimed, "Duncan Savage thinks he hasn't hit his full potential yet. Heaven help his rivals when he does.

SIZE

12 PACK, 750ml BOTTLES, $49.99 EACH

PRODUCER

Schug Carneros Estate

VINTAGE

2022

COLOUR

White

SUB-REGION, REGION, COUNTRY

Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, United States

GRAPE

Chardonnay

Winemaker Notes

Our Sonoma Coast Chardonnay is produced with the minimal use of new oak, to allow the bright varietal character to shine through. It was harvested from select vineyards located in the Sonoma Coast appellation, including the cooler microclimates of western Carneros, southern Sonoma Valley and the Petaluma Gap. It has a spicy apple aroma with hints of nutmeg and cream. Silky textured, it has delicate flavors of fresh fennel, pear and ripe apple. Try it paired with aged cheeses such as Gouda or Manchego, or with delicate seafood dishes, soups and pastas.

94 Points, Tasting Panel

Aromas of lemon sorbet grace the glass, while a creamy texture and alert acidity carries notes of melon, honeysuckle, and a lingering stony minerality. Pineapple, soft peach, and a hint of parchment accents a luxurious finish.

SIZE

6 PACK, 750ml BOTTLES, $32.99 EACH

PRODUCER

Shaw + Smith

VINTAGE

2022

COLOUR

White

SUB-REGION, REGION, COUNTRY

Adelaide Hills, Southeastern Australia, Australia

GRAPE

Sauvignon Blanc

 

Winemaker Notes

Hand picked. Cool fermentation in stainless steel followed by maturation on lees. Early bottling to retain freshness.

Typically it shows a pink grapefruit character, concentration and mid-palate texture, which reflect the carefully selected sites and hand harvesting during the small window of perfect ripeness. Lemon, lime and pink grapefruit aromas and real persistence of flavour. Great balance with bright acidity.

SIZE

12 PACK, 750ml BOTTLES, $23.99 EACH

PRODUCER

Humberto Canale

VINTAGE

2021

COLOUR

Red

REGION, COUNTRY

Patagonia, Argentina

GRAPE

Malbec

 

90 Points, Vinous

The 2020 Malbec Estate was 15% aged in French barrels. The open nose of red fruit offers hints of plum and violets. The tannins are sharp in the mouth but refined, and the freshness is precise before the red fruit returns at the end. A more cosmopolitan profile than previous versions.

Winemaker Notes

A pure expression of Patagonian “Terroir” and Argentinian Malbec. A refined and complex style both in the nose and in the mouth. Its just step through oak gives it an extra dimension that makes it an irresistible wine. A great wine, with structure, intense ruby red color, with amazing notes of red fruits, eucalyptus, spices and black peppers. After a year in bottle it becomes unctuous, intense, concentrated.

SIZE

6 paCK, 750ml BOTTLES, $53.99 EACH

PRODUCER

Craggy Range Winery

VINTAGE

2020

COLOUR

red

REGION, COUNTRY

Hawke's Bay, north island, New Zealand

GRAPE

syrah

 

Winemaker Notes

The vines originate from a Heritage clone of Syrah brought to New Zealand around 150 years ago. Produced from the gravelly soils of the Gimblett Gravels, this distinct Syrah shows an aromatic lift of floral and pepper aromatics with lushness and elegance on the palate. 

Deepest red with a vibrant purple hue. So much lift and perfume. Violets, lavender and maraschino cherries lift from the glass. The palate has hallmarks of the gravels in graphite and black pepper. However, the succulence of fruit and beauty of the fruit speaks to that of a truly iconic vintage.

92 Points, Vinous

While this is a midweight style, it packs a lot of fruit in its delicate frame. This is the first vintage under Australian Julian Grounds and he has gently extracted this Syrah as if it were a Pinot Noir. Expect a finely aromatic, silken texture with delightful agave-like flavors, pepper, black olive and blackberry fruit. The finish has attractive sap, sinew and fragrance. Gorgeous now for its youthful vivacity but will mellow and provide appeal for at least 5-8 years.

SIZE

12 PACK, 375ml BOTTLES, $37.99 EACH

PRODUCER

Schug Carneros Estate

VINTAGE

2021

COLOUR

White

SUB-REGION, REGION, COUNTRY

CARNEROS AVA, United States

GRAPE

Chardonnay

Winemaker Notes

This classic Carneros Chardonnay was grown primarily on the Schug Estate vineyard, with additional barrels from our grower-partners Ricci, Wildcat, and Iund Vineyards. It was fermented and aged on the lees (“sur-lie”) in small French oak barrels, with judicious new oak introduced. Malo-lactic fermentation was not induced, allowing the wine to retain its natural acidity and varietal focus. The result is a wine that is both rich and powerful, while refreshing and elegant on the finish. It has a ripe, spicy tropical bouquet with flavors that suggest citrus, pear and spiced apples. Well-balanced acidity gives it a crisp, clean finish, making it an excellent wine with food. Try it with cream soups, rich seafood, fowl, veal and pasta dishes.

93 Points, Tasting Panel 

Sourced from four vineyards (including the Schug’s Estate vineyard), each lot was fermented separately and aged sur lie in small French oak barrels. Bolstered by toasty cedar and a keen acidity, this balanced white presents notes of orange peel, vanilla wafers, and white flowers. Dynamic and creamy on the mouth.

SIZE

6 PACK, 750ml BOTTLES, $56.99 EACH

PRODUCER

Shaw + Smith

VINTAGE

2021

COLOUR

White

SUB-REGION, REGION, COUNTRY

Adelaide Hills, Southeastern Australia, Australia

GRAPE

Chardonnay

 

Winemaker Notes

Aiming for elegance, restraint and the ability to age, acid is bright and there’s generosity of flavour. Typically it shows white flowers, citrus, and nectarine notes. The 2021 vintage was one of the best on record. Ripe and healthy fruit resulted in a beautifully balanced M3, with great flavours, and fresh acidity right through to the long finish. 

97 Points, James Halliday

Hand-picked, whole bunch-pressed, fermented and matured in French oak. Its crystal clear quartz-green hue signals the ’21 vintage in all its glory, the bouquet and palate a seamless array of nectarine, grapefruit and cashew. The feel and flow of the aftertaste implore a second glass. Drink to: 2030. $55.00; Date: June 2022.

SIZE

6 PACK, 750ml BOTTLES, $79.99 EACH

PRODUCER

Roederer Estate

VINTAGE

NV

COLOUR

Sparkling Rosé

SUB-REGION, REGION, COUNTRY

Anderson Valley, Sonoma County, United States

GRAPE

Pinot Noir, Chardonnay

The Roederer Estate Rosé is full and round with smooth flavors and a fine, persistent mousse. The extra measure of Chardonnay contributes elegance and austerity that balance nicely with the delicate fruitiness of the Pinot Noir.

94 Points, Decanter

This wine exudes class. It displays a wonderful pale pink colour with apricot and copper hue as well as tiny persistent bubbles. Aromas are delicate and refined including a combination of fresh berry fruits, toast, wild flowers and yeasty notes. On the palate it has wonderful creamy texture (two years on the lees have certainly contributed to the textural softness), attractive savoury complexity and a wonderful refreshing finish.

SIZE

6 PACK, 750ml BOTTLES, $53.99 EACH

PRODUCER

Shaw + Smith

VINTAGE

2021

COLOUR

Red

SUB-REGION, REGION, COUNTRY

Adelaide Hills, Southeastern Australia

GRAPE

Shiraz

Winemaker Notes

 

A medium bodied cool-climate Shiraz with  vibrant fruit and spice, in which balance is more important than power. T he Shaw + Smith Shiraz is one of Australia's most iconic cool-climate red wines. With an enviable track record for quality, the reputation of this wine has been built on careful fruit selection from some of the finest Shiraz-growing vineyards in the Adelaide 

96 Points, Andrew Graham (Oz Wine Review)

"No preamble needed – this Shaw + Smith Shiraz 2021 is excellent. It’s so drinkable. That’s the nub of it. Sure, we can swoon about the purple mulberry and beetroot Adelaide Hills fruit opulence or how the slick of vanilla oak lifts it nicely. Or how the tannins are fine and finessed and the moderate alcohol and just-right acidity makes this, well, just right. The ripeness really is perfect – this is so moderate and delightful despite the volume of polished fruit. But, ultimately, it’s just a really enjoyable, full flavoured, gently spicy, polished, generous, round yet not fat, technically perfect modern Australian Shiraz. Wow. 96 Points."

SIZE

6 PACK, 750ml BOTTLES, $329.99 EACH

PRODUCER

Heitz Cellar

VINTAGE

2017

COLOUR

Red

REGION, COUNTRY

Napa Valley, United States

GRAPE

Cabernet Sauvignon

Winemaker Notes

The silky tannins and tightly wound core of this wine are hallmark signs of this vintage’s aging potential. Blackberry, ripe raspberry, cassis liqueur, and briar notes fill the glass and are complemented by an earthy sweetness that Trailside has become synonymous with. Fresh vanilla, toasted nuts, and baking spice characteristics from the Limousin oak give an elegant lift to the ripe fruit notes.

93 Points, Robert Parker

From a vineyard on the eastern side of the Rutherford AVA, the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Trailside Vineyard boasts cedar and dusty earth shadings alongside cherries and redcurrants. It's medium-bodied, with more focus and tension than the Martha's but perhaps a bit less generosity and richness. Long and dusty on the finish, it promises to age well for up to two decades.

SIZE

6 PACK, 750ml BOTTLES, $59.99 EACH

PRODUCER

Savage Wines

VINTAGE

2022

COLOUR

White

REGION, COUNTRY

Western Cape, South Africa

GRAPE

Sémillon, Clairette, Sauvignon Blanc

 

95 Points, Wine Mag

Complex aromatics of fennel, elderflower, blackcurrant, peach and nectarine while the palate is wonderfully harmonious – good fruit weight, creamy texture, the acidity well integrated. Rich and satisfying

Reviewed by Tim Atkin MW

“A best-ever release of Savage White in a challenging vintage, this is a beautifully judged cuvée of Sauvignon Blanc and 25% Semillon, fermented in 20% new wood. Using fruit from Stellenbosch, the Overberg and Villiersdorp, it has a top note of stony reduction, pithy lemongrass and pink grapefruit flavours, scented, spicy oak and a palate of remarkable tension and energy.” 

SIZE

6 PACK, 750ml BOTTLES, $99.99 EACH

PRODUCER

Honig Vineyard & Winery

VINTAGE

2021

COLOUR

Red

REGION, COUNTRY

Napa Valley, United States

GRAPE

 Cabernet Sauvignon

Winemaker Notes

Another classic Honig Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon expressing a lovely combination of black raspberry and cherry enhanced by savoury notes and exotic spices (think Garam Masala) and cocoa nibs. The texture is rich, framed by just the right amount of tannin and acid, giving a sense of perfect balance. While enjoyable upon release, this wine will age gracefully through 2031 and longer if you would like.

93 Points, James Suckling

Attractive dark-fruited character here offering ripe blackcurrants, dark cherries and dark spices with bark and walnut undertones. Full-bodied, polished and chalky with tight-grained tannins and succulent dark berries underneath. Long and mineral finish. 

SIZE

6 PACK, 750ml BOTTLES, $129.99 EACH

PRODUCER

Merry Edwards

VINTAGE

2020

COLOUR

Red

SUB-REGION, REGION, COUNTRY

Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, United States

GRAPE

Pinot Noir

 

Winemaker Notes

The enticing profile of this elegant Pinot Noir was created by blending together individual lots made from several different clonal selections. The grapes come from diverse sites bordering the Sonoma County coast, and each vineyard is influenced by its proximity to the Pacific Ocean, which is just a few miles away. In the late afternoon, marine winds carry cool fog to blanket these sites, sometimes until late the next morning. This weather pattern lengthens the “hang time” of the grapes on the vine, allowing complex flavors to develop.

Personified as a woman, this wine would be a stylish gymnast, a poised beauty with power and grace. Our elegant and lively Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir presents beguiling charms and a strong, supple structure.

94 Points, Wine Enthusiast (2019 vintage)

Creamy red fruit and light stemmy spice adorn this soft, silky wine from coastal sites. It shows an opulent mouthfeel and teases of rose and forest floor. Cranberry, pomegranate and rhubarb come to mind on the palate, as full-bodied tannins and oak contrast it all.

SIZE

6 PACK, 750ml BOTTLES, $77.99 EACH

PRODUCER

Siduri

VINTAGE

2021

COLOUR

Red

SUB-REGION, REGION, COUNTRY

Willamette Valley, Oregon, United States

GRAPE

Pinot Noir

Winemaker Notes

On the nose, cranberry, persimmon, bay leaf, black pepper and autumn mulch. On the palate, black cherry, boysenberry, cinnamon and hints of clove and earth. Pleasantly firm tannins hold the long finish, which is highlighted by juicy acidity and spice. 

Two Pinot Noir lovers, Adam and Dianna Lee, founded Siduri Wines in 1994. They produced only four and a half barrels of Pinot Noir that first vintage. Now they handcraft over 10,000 cases of Pinot Noir from vineyards ranging from Oregon's Willamette Valley down to the Santa Rita Hills and Santa Lucia Highlands AVAs. Each Pinot Noir is created using gravity flow and minimal intervention, with the goal of reflecting the unique terroir of each particular vineyard. Siduri Wines and its sibling, Novy Family Wines have received the Wine Spectator's New York Wine Experience "Critics Choice" recognition a combined seven times since 2004.

SIZE

6 PACK, 750ml BOTTLES, $184.99.99 EACH [on sale: was $209.99]

PRODUCER

Honig Vineyard & Winery

VINTAGE

2018

COLOUR

Red

REGION, COUNTRY

Napa Valley, United States

GRAPE

Cabernet Sauvignon

 

Winemaker Notes

The classic cherry, berry and plum fruit characters that define the Bartolucci Vineyard are once again evident in this bottling. The wine is framed by a sense of warm, spice box characters, toast and vanilla. Concentrated and rich, this age worthy wine is quite enjoyable upon release and will easily continue to be delicious for another 10 years.

92 Points, Vinous

The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Bartolucci Vineyard is laced with the essence of raspberry jam, chocolate, licorice, mocha, dried flowers and mint. Drink this heady, exotic St. Helena Cabernet over the next decade or so.

SIZE

12 PACK, 750ml BOTTLES, $29.99 EACH [ON SALE: WAS $32.99]

PRODUCER

De Martino

VINTAGE

2021

COLOUR

White

REGION, COUNTRY

Itata Valley, Chile

GRAPE

Muscat, Chasselas

Winemaker Notes

Gallardía is a fresh and highly food-friendly wine. This white blend of Muscat and Corinto (Chasselas) from the Itata Valley is aromatic, fresh and crisply acidic in the mouth.

92 Points, Decanter

De Martino is always a reliable name in quality in Chile.  The Gallardia Cinsault is good value, but this has a real intrigue: a blend of 70% Muscat and 30% Corinto (aka Chasselas) from a vineyard planted in 1905.  Aromatic, fresh and dry, its full of mineral-edged stone fruit, gentle nutty tones and brisk acidity.

SIZE

6 PACK, 750ml BOTTLES, $104.99 EACH

PRODUCER

Merry Edwards

VINTAGE

2022

COLOUR

White

SUB-REGION, REGION, COUNTRY

Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, United States

GRAPE

Sauvignon Blanc

 

Winemakers Notes

The aroma of the 2018 Merry Edwards Sauvignon Blanc is compelling, virtually reaching out and grabbing our attention. Yellow peach, melon, guava and crisp Fuji apple are accented with hints of tropical mango and pineapple. Lime, Minneola tangelo and orange blossom lend citrus notes. Accents of dry summer grass, vanilla-toned panna cotta and toasted crème brûlée create complexity. An underlying minerality adds further sophistication. The rich palate coats the tongue balanced with hints of yummy Creamsicle and Ruby Red grapefruit. Refreshing acidity and a mouthwatering finish cap the sensual experience of this exceptional Sauvignon Blanc. Delightful now, with bottle age, this wine will be a knockout!

93 Points, Wine Spectator

A pretty thread of orange water adds an aromatic lift to the core of nectarine, apricot and lemon zest flavors, set on a succulent, fleshy frame. Dried ginger, honeysuckle and melon notes linger on the long, expressive finish. From California.

SIZE

6 PACK, 750ml BOTTLES, $149.99 EACH

PRODUCER

Ramey Wine Cellars

VINTAGE

2018

COLOUR

Red

REGION, COUNTRY

Napa Valley, United States

GRAPE

Cabernet Sauvignon

 

Winemaker Notes

On the old-school side, with a nice grippy structure and a swath of warm earth holding down the fort, while the core of red and black currant reduction notes unwind slowly. Packs heavy tobacco and cast iron on the finish. Best from 2025 through 2034.

94 Points, Jeb Dunnuck

The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley, which includes the addition of 7% Petit Verdot and 2% each of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, pours a deep, nearly opaque blackish red hue. Its classic aromas of toasted cedar, black currants, fresh leather, and tobacco leaf are followed by a full-bodied red with good energy and balance throughout. It offers ripe tannins, a fine, soft texture, and ripe black cherry, fresh violets, and tea leaf. It’s a beautifully expressive wine with great drinkability.

SIZE

6 PACK, 750ml BOTTLES, $68.99 EACH [ON SALE: WAS $77.99]

PRODUCER

Marietta Cellars

VINTAGE

2019

COLOUR

Red

SUB-REGION, REGION, COUNTRY

mcdowell valley, California, United States

GRAPE

SYRAH

 

95 Points, Robert Parker

Deep ruby-purple, the 2019 Gibson Block Syrah has a core of cassis and soaring violet perfume with accents of coffee beans, dark chocolate, aniseed and mint. The full-bodied palate is powerful and concentrated with broody, iron-laced fruits, pleasantly chewy tannins and bright freshness elevating floral perfume on the finish.

Winemaker's Notes

Marietta Cellars sits in the entrance to a small canyon off Alexander Valley. Known as Angeli Ranch after the family who originally settled here in 1886, this property’s vineyards connect gravel swales from the Russian River to terraced knolls invisible from the valley floor. The extremes of this site create a wine that is powerful but has surprising elegance and clarity. 

The Gibson Block is the heart of the McDowell Valley AVA. It is planted with some of the oldest Syrah and Grenache in California. This ancient, dry farmed mixed block next to the original Gibson Homestead has been producing grapes for over a hundred years. Reflecting the hidden property where it is grown, this Syrah is quiet, obscure and profound. Limited in production due to the unique grape source, this wine is built to enjoy with food and will age at least a decade, only increasing in subtleness and complexity.

SIZE

12 PACK, 750ml BOTTLES, $29.99 EACH [ON SALE: WAS 32.99]

PRODUCER

De Martino

VINTAGE

2022

COLOUR

Red

REGION, COUNTRY

Itata Valley, Chile

GRAPE

Cinsault

 

90 Points, Wine Advocate

The 2019 Gallardia del Itata Cinsault has low alcohol, a full degree less than the rose.  They use grapes from the top of the slope for this red, which has the austere presence of the granite soils in the texture.  It has notes of cherries and some herbs and harmonious and serious, with a long-lasting finish

SIZE

12 PACK, 750ml BOTTLES, $27.99 EACH

PRODUCER

Tyrrell's

VINTAGE

2023

COLOUR

White

SUB-REGION, REGION, COUNTRY

Hunter Valley, New South Wales, Australia

GRAPE

Semillon

 

Winemaker Notes

 

Classic Hunter Valley Semillon from another strong vintage. The nose is vibrant with an abundance of citrus fruits and floral elements. The palate is medium bodied, yet intense, with great length and a brisk acidity.

2023 was a classic Semillon vintage in the Hunter Valley, producing full flavoured Semillons with the power and intensity only seen in truly great vintages. This wine is sourced predominantly from our iconic HVD Vineyard, with an average vine age of 30 years.

In the lead up to the 2023 vintage, there was an abundance of rain in spring which gave us great soil moisture heading into the dry months of December and January. The harvest period was relatively stress-free without any adverse conditions such as rain or heat. All of the Semillon cropped well and was in immaculate condition.

After gentle pressing, fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks. The wine then spent a short amount of time on yeast lees to gain extra complexity and mouth feel.

 

91 Points, Decanter (previous vintage)

Based in Hunter Valley, Australia, Tyrrell's produces one of the world's most famous (and delicious) Semillons, Vat 1. This more entry-level wine showcases the typical character of young Semillon, with lime flower perfume on the nose, bracing acidity and a depth of juicy lime citrus fruit on the palate. It's very enjoyable now – try it with sushi – but I'd urge you to buy a bottle or two to lay down. Leave it for a few years and it will start to develop nuttier, toastier characteristics, despite spending no time in oak during vinification. 

SIZE

6 PACK, 750ml BOTTLES, $49.99 EACH [ON SALE: WAS $54.99]

PRODUCER

Boschendal Estate

VINTAGE

2018

COLOUR

Red

SUB-REGION, REGION, COUNTRY

ELGIN, Western Cape, South Africa

GRAPE

PINOT NOIR

 

Winemaker Notes

Translucent ruby with a youthful strawberry edge. An  intricately  structured  wine  with  a  delicate  entry,  blossoming  into  a  poised  concentration  of  wild  berry  flavours  and  oak  spice.  Gains  complexity and richness before ending with a long, finely textured finish. Drinking well already, yet promises greater integration and intrigue for up to 10 years from vintage.

92 points, Decanter World Wine Awards 2021 

"Loaded with complex flavours; fruits, toasted spices, confectionery, herbs. Fine-grained tannin, tight with tart acidity and a long velvety finish."

SIZE

3 PACK, 1500ML BOTTLES, $229.99 EACH

PRODUCER

Felton Road

VINTAGE

2020

COLOUR

Red

REGION, COUNTRY

Central Otago, New Zealand

GRAPE

Pinot Noir

 

96 Points, James Suckling

A very vibrant and ripe Calvert with attractively spicy oak integration, as well as abundant red and dark cherries. Super fragrant. The palate is so silky and plush, packed with concentrated, fresh red-cherry flavor. Blueberry finish. Drink or hold. Screw cap.

SIZE

6 PACK, 750ml BOTTLES, $92.99 EACH

PRODUCER

St. Innocent Winery

VINTAGE

2019

COLOUR

red

SUB-REGION, REGION, COUNTRY

Willamette Valley, United States

GRAPE

pinot noir

Winemaker Notes

Momtazi Vineyard is located in the McMinnville AVA, 7 miles west of McMinnville, Oregon. The Pinot Noir grapes for this wine come from four blocks at the top of the vineyard on a steep, exposed and windblown hillsides. Planted in 1999 and 2004 on thin, poor soils, the vines have a south and SW exposure at an elevation of 680-760'. The vineyard is certified biodynamic by Demeter. 

Dark ruby red color. Deep perfumed aromas of dried red fruit, concentrated tomato paste, turmeric, and red peppercorns are beguiling and draw you in. The mouth begins with fresh dark red fruit that quickly crescendos, radiating blackberries and blueberries, sweet tar, and spices throughout your palate. Lovely textural richness coats your palate (the “umami”), leaving denser tannins and beautifully balanced acidity. As hard to resist as it is now, this vintage of Momtazi will reward your patience. Perfect with earthy dishes with umami like pho, ramen, braised meats, roasts, mushrooms or dishes with eastern spices. 

SIZE

6 PACK, 750ml BOTTLES, $55.99 EACH [ON SALE: WAS $62.00] 

PRODUCER

De Martino

VINTAGE

2019

COLOUR

Red

REGION, COUNTRY

Itata Valley, Chile

GRAPE

País

 

93+ Points, Luis Gutiérrez (Robert Parker Wine Advocate)

There is a wild and rustic side to the 2019 Las Olvidadas Mezcla Tinta, even more noticeable in the 2020 I also tasted. It comes from their vineyard in Santa Cruz de Guarilihue where the ancient vines of País and San Francisco vines are intermixed in the field. 2019 was a dry vintage in Itata, but they managed to keep the wine at 13% alcohol and with mellow acidity. The grapes fermented together after being hand destemmed with a zaranda destemmer like the traditional Pipeño wines, without any additions. The wine was put in barrel for malolactic and 18 months of aging. It's perfumed and intriguing, light to medium-bodied and with a strong personality. 4,371 bottles and 50 magnums were filled in October 2020.

 

SIZE

6 PACK, 750ml BOTTLES, $86.99 EACH

PRODUCER

J Christopher

VINTAGE

2017

COLOUR

Red

REGION, COUNTRY

Willamette Valley, oRegon,  United States

GRAPE

Pinot Noir

Winemaker Notes 

The Medici Vineyard was planted in 1976 by Hal Medici and is consistent of Jory (Volcanic). The vineyard starts at 500ft of elevations and peaks at 900ft. We wer so delighted to be sourcing Pinot Noir & Riesling from the historic site in 2015 that we took over the farming in 2016. 

95 Points, Vinuous

Limpid ruby-red. Pure, expressive red berry, candied rose and exotic spice qualities on the intensely perfumed nose, along with a mineral element that strengthens with aeration. Silky, sweet and penetrating on the palate, offering vibrant raspberry, cherry and floral pastille flavors complemented by suggestions of cola and spicecake. In a seamless, graceful style, showing superb clarity and smooth, rounded tannins on the strikingly long, floral-driven finish.

SIZE

6 PACK, 750ml BOTTLES, $99.99 EACH

PRODUCER

Ramey Wine Cellars

VINTAGE

2021

COLOUR

White

SUB-REGION, REGION, COUNTRY

Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, United States

GRAPE

Chardonnay

 

93 Points, Jeb Dunnuck

Sourced entirely from Charles Ranch and pouring a pale straw color, the 2021 Chardonnay Fort Ross-Seaview is fresh and lifted with aromas of salted lime, sea spray, agave, and green pineapple. On the palate. this medium-bodied white is spritely with notes of crunchy fresh fruit and has a silky soft, stony texture to round out its linear drive. It’s fresh with vibrant energy and ripe fruit, white peach, and fresh flowers. Drink it over the next 6-8 years.

SIZE

6 PACK, 750ml BOTTLES, $224.99 EACH

PRODUCER

Heitz Cellar

VINTAGE

2019

COLOUR

Red

REGION, COUNTRY

Napa Valley, United States

GRAPE

Cabernet Sauvignon

One of Wine Spectator's Top 100 wines of 2023!

92 Points, Wine Spectator

“Expressive, with bramble and black licorice notes leading off,
followed quickly by fresh black cherry and currant preserves.
Features flashes of bay lead and mesquite on the sleek finish,
with a strong mineral underpinning as well.”

Winemaker Notes

 The Ink Grade Estate Vineyard claims a view unbeknownst to most in the Napa Valley, lying in the northeast corner of the Howell Mountain AVA. Terraced throughout due to the extreme slopes, this mountainside vineyard clings to volcanic “tufa” soils. Ink Grade Estate possesses a raw tension that renders fruit of immense intensity and depth. If ever there was a site that imparted a feeling of reverence, Ink Grade is such a place.

The varying and distinctive landscape of the vineyard parcels included in this Cabernet Sauvignon allow for something very complex to come together. With balance across the board, the fruit from the unique parcels each occupy a certain piece of terrain covering much of the Napa Valley with variations in slope and elevation. Incorporating a portion of Howell Mountain Cabernet, the blending notes of this wine are phenomenal with base notes, high notes, and incredible breadth.

The Ink Grade Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon opens with a nose of fresh cassis, pomegranate, and cocoa with elements of thyme, mint, candied orange peels, nutmeg, cloves, and paprika. The palate is linear throughout with a consistent midpalate of bright and lifted acidity and well-integrated raw mountain tannins that close in a persistent finish.

SIZE

6 PACK, 750ml BOTTLES, $52.99 EACH

PRODUCER

Felton Road

VINTAGE

2020

COLOUR

White

REGION, COUNTRY

Central Otago, New Zealand

GRAPE

riesling

 

Winemaker Notes

Beginning with meticulous site selection and vineyard design started in 1991, Felton Road's story is one of refusal to compromise. A strict 100% estate policy with fully organic and biodynamic viticulture (Demeter certified) ensures that our fruit arrives at the winery as pure as it can be, while our entire estate comes as close to true sustainability as is possible. A commitment to hands off winemaking: gravity flow, wild yeasts, wild malo, an avoidance of fining and filtration all help preserve the wine's expression of its terroir. The result is Riesling, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir which accurately express the authenticity and complexity of our unique vineyards.

The nose leads with white florals and crushed stones that overlay aromas of pear, cucumber and lemon zest. The palate is surprisingly expansive as the acidity perfectly integrates with the weight and depth of fruit. A bold and expressive dry Riesling with considerable drive and length. Salivating and contemplative of its schist soils origin. 

SIZE

6 PACK, 750ml BOTTLES, $79.99 EACH

PRODUCER

Marietta Cellars

VINTAGE

2021

COLOUR

Red

SUB-REGION, REGION, COUNTRY

mcdowell valley, California, United States

GRAPE

SYRAH

Winemaker's Notes

The Gibson Block is the heart of the McDowell Valley AVA. It is planted with some of the oldest Syrah and Grenache in California. This ancient, dry farmed mixed block next to the original Gibson Homestead has been producing grapes for over a hundred years. As a result of the vine age and miniscule yield, this wine is dark and intense. White flowers, dried orange peel, and a windswept garrigue of black tea, fig cake and Luxardo cherry floods the nose. A long wall of amaro-like texture fills the mouth, yet the feel is light and lively, and the finish is clean. Delicious with hearty fare now, and built to age. 

95 Points, Robert Parker (Previous Vintage) 

Deep ruby-purple, the 2019 Gibson Block Syrah has a core of cassis and soaring violet perfume with accents of coffee beans, dark chocolate, aniseed and mint. The full-bodied palate is powerful and concentrated with broody, iron-laced fruits, pleasantly chewy tannins and bright freshness elevating floral perfume on the finish.

SIZE

6 PACK, 750ml BOTTLES, $63.99 EACH

PRODUCER

J Christopher

VINTAGE

2018

COLOUR

Red

REGION, COUNTRY

Willamette Valley, oRegon,  United States

GRAPE

Pinot Noir

Winemaker Notes 

The Volcanique cuvée is a selection of outstanding barrels from vineyards we work with in the Dundee Hills. The wine showcases the savory quality, the fruit purity, and the fine-grained texture that characterizes the deep, red volcanic clay of these hills. The 2018 is an excellent example, with its delicately floral fruit aromas, silky texture and structural finesse. As with all of our wines, it has the depth and structure to age gracefully for many years.

94 Points, Wine Spectator

Silky and elegantly layered, with raspberry and strawberry blossom notes, which are accented by orange zest and black tea and linger on a polished finish.

SIZE

6 PACK, 1500ml BOTTLES, $414.99 EACH

PRODUCER

Heitz Cellar

VINTAGE

2019

COLOUR

Red

REGION, COUNTRY

Napa Valley, United States

GRAPE

Cabernet Sauvignon

Winemaker Notes

(Previous Vintage)

The 2018 vintage was one of exceptional quality for Heitz Cellar. The cooler to moderate temperatures during the growing season allowed us to balance sugar and phenolic maturity in the fruit while maintaining natural acidity to help preserve the fresh characteristics of the vintage. The elegance and balanced structure of the 2018 vintage will make this an incredible wine to drink upon release and will continue to reward with cellar aging.

94 Points, James Suckling

A pure, balanced and fresh Napa cabernet that is not just showing heady concentration and dark fruit. Here you get some violets, nimble flowers, redcurrants, graphite and fine spices. Some oranges, too. Fragrant and nuanced. Medium to full body with tight yet refined tannins. Rather linear, tense and elegant, but lacking neither power nor definition. Better to give it a few years to deliver more complexity.

SIZE

6 PACK, 750ml BOTTLES, $609.99 EACH

PRODUCER

Heitz Cellar

VINTAGE

2017

COLOUR

Red

SUB-REGION, REGION, COUNTRY

oakville, Napa Valley, United States

GRAPE

Cabernet Sauvignon

96 Points, Wine Advocate (previous vintage) 

The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Martha's Vineyard barely hints at eucalyptus on the nose, with much more emphasis given to black cherries and cassis. This is full-bodied and rich, nicely balancing richness and texture against linear shape and focus and picking up hints of blueberries and spice on the long, mouthwatering finish. With 112 barrels having been bottled, there's a fair bit of this wine to go around, if one can afford it.

Winemaker Notes

In the mid-1960s, an agreement was made between Joe Heitz and Tom May to source cabernet sauvignon fruit from May’s small Oakville vineyard for Heitz wines. Ever since 1966, Heitz Cellar has been crafting the now illustrious Martha’s Vineyard cabernet sauvignon, one of our three vineyard-designated cabernet sauvignons.

Tucked against the Mayacamas mountains in the celebrated Oakville AVA, with fertile, well-drained soil and afternoon shade, this superior site is home to the unique proprietary cabernet clone which has brought this vineyard legendary status.

“Standing in Martha’s Vineyard, you quickly realize why this site consistently produces a remarkable Cabernet Sauvignon. The vineyard receives gentle morning and early afternoon sunlight and is sheltered from the heat of the late afternoon sun by the mountains. This allows for longer hang time and Martha’s Vineyard is, historically, one of the last vineyards we pick. This ability to leave the fruit on the vine longer than other sites allows for concentration of flavor and softening of tannin to produce a wine so pure in its expression of place. The consistency in showcasing Martha’s Vineyard’s unique mint, bay leaf, dark berry and chocolate notes year after year is a reminder of why this vineyard has commanded a faithful following since the 1966 vintage.” – Brittany Sherwood, Winemaker

SIZE

6 PACK, 750ml BOTTLES, $54.99 EACH

PRODUCER

Drift Estate

VINTAGE

2016

COLOUR

sparkling rose

REGION, COUNTRY

Overberg Highlands, South Africa

GRAPE

Malbec

 

90 Points, James Suckling

A bright orange-pink sparkling with aromas of grapefruit peel, cherries, dried strawberries and biscuits. Saline undertones. Medium-bodied with sharp acidity and medium bubbles. Dry and savory. Drink now.

Winemaker Notes

The sun hesitated and hung above the western mountains, reluctant to lose sight of the valley. This caused earth to suddenly stop its wobbly spin and everything went flying. Cows and sheep and hay bales and trucks went hurtling overhead – flying off over the horizon.

But I was expecting this, because it had happened before. In fact, it happened a lot during spring when the valley was at its most beautiful. I had tied myself to a thick vineyard pole and fastened an ice bucket to my leg with some scrap trellis wire. Carefully placed in the ice bucket was a bottle of Penelope. A champagne flute was strapped to my hand with stretchy, white, electrical tape (because the only other colour I had in the toolbox was yellow and that was obviously going to clash with the colour of the wine). Now I know exactly what you are thinking… “when everything was flying around, how the hell did he keep the bottle in the ice bucket?”

Aha, great question! With an elastic rope tied around the neck, of course. It almost snapped and broke free when earth stopped. My plan would have been dashed had I not also cable-tied the bottle to the ice bucket handle!

Call me OCD, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. Now the recent yoga practice came in handy as I bent down, loosened the wire with my spare hand and watched the cork fly out, followed by the wine. I was ready! I managed to catch about half a glass of the torrent, the rest spraying over the vineyard.

And I watched the sun sit there in the amazed sky and it watched me back. At that moment we both knew how beautiful the valley was, but the sun knew I could also taste it.

This wine is a great accompaniment to our Overberg Highland sunsets and as an aperitif before dinner. It is fresh, creamy, with soft red fruit flavours on the palate and aromas of mangosteen and strawberry. It also pairs brilliantly with seafood like sustainably-farmed oysters and abalone.

We pick the vines early to retain the lively natural acidity which will keep the eventual wine fresh for decades. After traditional whole-bunch basket-pressing, we allow the wine to ferment in old barrels. This allows us to build creamy mouthfeel without imparting any wood flavour to the wine. After a few months’ maturation in barrel, the wine is transferred to their bottles for the secondary fermentation, where the CO2 bubbles are entrapped into the wine in the traditional Champagne method.

SIZE

6 PACK, 750ml BOTTLES, $89.99 EACH

PRODUCER

Felton Road

VINTAGE

2022

COLOUR

White

REGION, COUNTRY

Central Otago, New Zealand

GRAPE

Chardonnay

 

XXXX

SIZE

6 PACK, 750ml BOTTLES, $49.99 EACH

PRODUCER

Pyramid Valley Vineyards

VINTAGE

2020

COLOUR

orange

REGION, COUNTRY

North Canterbury, New Zealand

GRAPE

Pinot gris, uscat

 

Winemaker Notes

Luminous peach/ copper hue, with a reassuring, organic, light haze. Lifted floral aromas leap out of the glass along with orange rind and an earthy complexity. Lovely fine phenolics fill the mouth giving great weight and a moreish texture to the wine. Orange rind, Campari/ Negroni like flavours follow. A great wine to accompany a variety of tapas-style foods. 756 cases of 6 x 750ml produced.

92 Points, Cam Douglas MS

Made with Pinot Gris and using traditional skin contact techniques this wine is indeed orange in appearance with aromas and flavours of peach tea and apricot, fruit spices and wild flowers. There’s a core of mineral chalk and scents of kishmish fruits. Plenty of texture that dances across the palate. Fruit tannins and acidity add texture and length with the flavours of persimmon and apricot, peach, apple and quince. Really quite a lovely wine with best drinking upon purchase.

SIZE

6 paCK, 750ml BOTTLES, $139.99 EACH

PRODUCER

Craggy Range Winery

VINTAGE

2020

COLOUR

red

REGION, COUNTRY

Hawke's Bay, north island, New Zealand

GRAPE

syrah

 

Winemaker Notes

Le Sol (french: the soil) is born of the renowned Gimblett Gravels viticultural appellation with its gravelly soils attracting the sun in summer and insulating the vines in winter. The vines are planted in the stoniest parts of the vineyard to a heritage clone of Syrah brought to New Zealand in the 1840s. Intensively hand managed, the grapes reveal a deep and dark Syrah with purple hues. Le Sol is always aromatically pure with a luscious yet elegant mid-palate and a distinctive fine tannin finish.

Inky purple-red. Enticing aromatics of boysenberry, blueberry, violets, clove and lightly seared meat. The wine exhibits a richness of fruit yet carries an ethereal quality as the fine-grained tannins dance gracefully across the palate.

94 Points, Rebecca Gibb MW (Vinous)

An impressive wine with a firm and powerful structure. While it has an elegant core, the overall impression is dark and brooding, with masses of gravelly tannin holding it all together, making for a wine that begs for bottle age. A lengthy finish offers classic, pepper spice, violets and fresh blackberries that fill the mouth with scent.

SIZE

6 PACK, 750ml BOTTLES, $56.99 EACH

PRODUCER

Felton Road

VINTAGE

2022

COLOUR

White

REGION, COUNTRY

Central Otago, New Zealand

GRAPE

riesling

 

Winemaker Notes

Beginning with meticulous site selection and vineyard design started in 1991, Felton Road's story is one of refusal to compromise. A strict 100% estate policy with fully organic and biodynamic viticulture (Demeter certified) ensures that our fruit arrives at the winery as pure as it can be, while our entire estate comes as close to true sustainability as is possible. A commitment to hands off winemaking: gravity flow, wild yeasts, wild malo, an avoidance of fining and filtration all help preserve the wine's expression of its terroir. The result is Riesling, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir which accurately express the authenticity and complexity of our unique vineyards.

Aromas of citrus peel and ginger combine with a distinct minerality. A burst of sweetness on first sip is immediately complimented by ripe stonefruit and mandarin flavours. The residual sugar quickly becomes secondary once the acidity and vibrancy of the fruit complete the harmonious mouthfeel. A tropical finish that lingers and intrigues.