Chris Ringland Hoffman Shiraz
Chris Ringland Hoffman Shiraz 2006 is a wine for the connoisseur. The palate is complex, with flavours of smoke, liquorice, blueberry and toasty oak on a savoury, super-ripe and gentle structure. For the 2006 vintage, the wine was then aged in new French oak for five years, before blending in preparation for bottling. It's impeccably aged and drinking beautifully now or until 2020.
Chateau Montrose 2me cru classe
Chateau Montrose is a second Grand Cru Classé estate in St-Estephe and is considered one of the leading wine properties of the appellation. Located in the eastern half of the appellation just 800 metres from the Gironde estuary, the propertys proximity to the water provides a unique micro-climate that protects the vines from frost. The Grand Vin is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc, that appears very powerful and austere in its youth, with a backbone of firm tannins that provides exceptional longevity.
Chateau Ducru-Beaucaillou 2me cru classe
Taking its name from its uniquely rocky terroir (beau caillou translates as beautiful stones), and Bertrand Ducru who purchased the estate in 1795, what we know today as Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou as a wine producing estate, has history stretches back to the 13th century. Owned today by The Borie family (who have long-standing roots of their own in Bordeaux), the Chateau is, according to many, producing the best wines in their history at this very moment. The 2016 vintage has already been hailed as yet another monumental success for the winery with Antonio Galloni praising it as simply magnificent.
Chateau Leoville-Las-Cases 2me cru classe
With one of the longest and most pedigreed histories in the Medoc region, Chateau Leoville-Las-Cases has passed through the hands of some of Frances most notable and wealthiest noble families, culminating in the Las Cases family - the final royal family to hold title to the Chateau. Up until the French Revolution, after which large portions of it were sold off, it was one of the largest vineyards in Bordeaux. Today, the estate remains family owned by the Delons, of which brother Jean Hubert and sister Genevieve manage proceedings. Famed for producing a wine of structure, power, and traditional style, the 2016 vintage has earned outstandingly high praise, including a score of 100 from Andrew Caillared and a 19/20 from Jancis Robinson who praised its extraordinary vitality and energy and proclaimed it glorious to taste now.
Chateau Pichon Lalande
The history of Chateau Pichon-Longueville Baron is a tale of two estates. The chateau and vineyard known as Pichon Baron was given in dowry to the founders daughter when she married Jacques du Pichon Longueville. After the death of their descendent, the Baron Joseph de Pichon Longueville, in 1850 the estate was again divided - on his deathbed, he gave what became Chateau Pichon Baron to the men of his family, and what became Chateau Pichon Lalande to the women - resulting in, some say, more masculine and sensuous styles of wine respectively! Between the 1960s and the 1980s, the estate went through a period of rather lacklustre production - however, since 1990, they have been producing, according to many, some of the best wines in their history. The 2016 has earned high praise and glowing comparisons to their legendary 1990 Pichon Baron.
Torbreck RunRig Shiraz
The flagship of the Torbreck stable. Recently been elevated to 'Exceptional' status in Langton's Fine Wine Classification, it is a wine of utmost power and density. Famous for rich concentration and opulent power, this exceptional Australian Shiraz is as popular abroad as it is at home. Definitely one to place in the cellar and simply forget about - let the patience reward you over 10 or more years time.
Paul Jaboulet Aine La Chapelle
Cullen Wines Vanya Cabernet Sauvignon
Named in honour of Vanya Cullens passionate and inspired efforts as a dedicated winemaker and celebrating her love of Cabernet, the Vanya is the ultimate expression of Cullens style - this is Cabernet manifest.
Maison Blue Grandeur Shiraz
2021 Maison Blue , Barossa Valley Shiraz Vintage Conditions The region received good early rains in autumn 2020 to replenish some moisture in the profiles, coming off some driest back to back seasons ever experienced. Winter rains were average and those vineyards that supplemented with irrigation to get moisture to depth set the vines up for spring growth and Spring rains were above average. Temperatures in November were above average without any significant weather events paving the way for a fantastic fruit set. January 24th was the only day Barossa Valley experienced temperature above 40ºC, not surprisingly, the subsequent mild conditions meant bunch and berry size remained average, achieving a great balance between quality and quantity. A vintage that can be described as almost “perfect”, not only ideal sugar ripeness but also physiological ripeness for quality wine production. Vineyard Selection This fruit is sourced from a single vineyard located the heart of Marananga on the renowned western ridge of the Barossa Valley, where the soils are predominantly red-brown loams over red clay, amidst shattered ironstone and quartz. The Shiraz from this vineyard has made Penfolds Grange seven times. Winemaking Daily sampling and tasting of the Shiraz grapes ensured that they were picked at optimal flavour ripeness. The Grapes were hand harvested and were destemmed and crushed into a single 5 tonne open top fermenter where twice daily pump overs were conducted to ensure maximum extraction of colour, flavour and tannins from the grape skins. At the conclusion of fermentation, the wine was pressed to a combination of 100% new American oak hogshead barrels for 19 months. Tasting Evaluation Colour: Brilliant, dense, purple core with a crimson rim. Aroma: Intense aromas of plum, blueberry, blackcurrant, and juniper berry interwoven with wafts of coconut, vanilla bean, liquorice and mocha chocolate. Palate: Fruit flavours of black plum, black cherries and raspberry coat the surfaces of the mouth with density and length. Complex notes of graphite and lead pencil add further complexity. Fruit core is framed by spicy, savoury oak playing a support role. A wine that will only get better with age. Enjoy now over the next 25 years.
