The best

• red wine
• white wine
• champagne
• rosé
• whisky
• spirits
• beer

deals in Australia

Since 1984 Château Rieussec has been the Sauternes property of the Rothschild family, owners of Chateau Lafite. Rieussec, a neighbour of Chateau dYquem, had for generations been a leading producer and was ranked Premier Cru in 1855. Even so, under Rothschild ownership the property has been transformed, with new cellars and winery and far more rigorous grape selection (plus greater use of barrel fermentation and maturation) for the flagship Grand Vin. This has led to Rieussecs clear emergence as a rival to its famous neighbour. Chateau Rieussec is 90% Semillon, with minor contributions from Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle. The property is 110ha with 68ha under vine.

Château Pavie Decesse is a St. Emilion Grand Cru Classé property in the Côtes sub-district, considered the equal of its illustrious neighbour, Chateau Pavie. The origins of both can be traced back to ancient Roman times. The 3.5ha vineyard, on chalky, limestone and clay soils and contiguous with Pavie, is 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc. Following cold maceration, the Chateau wine is vinified in temperature-controlled oak vats. Malolactic fermentation takes place in French oak barrels. The wine is aged in 80% new oak for between 18 and 24 months, depending on vintage character. Production is small, around 650 dozen each year. The hedonistic Pavie Decesse style combines opulent, rich, sensuous textures with minerality, freshness and concentration. Due to its lush style Pavie Decesse drinks well young, yet does develop additional complexity with time in the cellar. Wine quality has been consistently excellent under the ownership, since 1997, of Gerard and Chantal Perse.

Billecart-Salmon Cuvée Nicolas François Billecart Brut, Champagne The name Billecart-Salmon comes from the joining of two families by the marriage of Nicolas François Billecart and Elisabeth Salmon. This prestige cuvée vintage Champagne, first created in 1964, is named in honour of co-founder Nicolas François. "The mark of Billecart is made not by the heavy foot?all of concentration, power and presence, but rather by the fairy touch of delicacy and crystal/clear fidelity."- Tyson Stelzer, The Champagne Guide. 60% Montagne de Reims pinot noir, 40% Côte des Blancs Chardonnay; 18% barrel-fermented in old oak casks; no malolactic fermentation; 4g/L dosage

The Bollinger La Grande Année is the pinnacle of Bollingers Champagne styles and is produced only in the best years. Fruit is sourced entirely from Grand Cru and Premier Cru vineyard sites in Champagne. The base wine was aged solely in old oak barrels, providing additional depth and nutty complexity. After secondary fermentation, the wine is aged on lees for more than five years before disgorgement. La Grande Année shows complexity and richness from the long ageing on lees and oaked base wines used in the cuve. The wine typically displays richness and depth of toast and bready characters, creamy palate texture, chalky minerality and great persistence. A vintage style it can be enjoyed upon release or carefully cellared for up to 10 years.

ROGER POUILLON Les Banchiens Brut Nature, Champagne

A multi-vintage blend of cabernet and merlot made in partnership with Dourthe Bordeaux, blurring the notions of Old and New World. 2020 Merlot from the soils of Bordeaux blended with 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon from distant vineyards in South Australia. Medium-bodied, savoury and complex.