The best

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

deals in Australia

The second wine of Chateau Margaux came about partly due to misfortune - when an attack of phylloxera decimated the vineyards, necessitating a replanting of the majority of their vineyards. The lack of grapes eliminated the possibility of a First Growth Quality wine and led to the production of their second wine - the Pavillon Rouge de Chateau Margaux, the first official vintage of which was released in 1906. Renowned as a sterling example of a second wine, the 2016 has been hailed as a particularly superb vintage. Medium-bodied, silky, intense and tannic, it continues its impressive trajectory year upon year.

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.

Gravel soils make up the primary soil type at Château l'Evangile which is consistent with most of Bordeaux's right bank region of Pomerol. Merlot is the variety of choice in the blend with Cabernet Sauvignon to create a wine full of plushness, vibrant aromatics and smooth, lingering finish. The 2009 vintage was wonderfully kind of all of Bordeaux and Pomerol was no exception with the l'Evangile producing a wine of plushness and warmth as well as one of concentration and power. A classic Pomerol.

Château Figeac is a wine estate that had a very long history. It was once part of the Cheval Blanc estate, whichs soils was well known to be two-thirds of gravel, allowing Cab Sauv, Cab Franc and Merlot to grow flourishingly in the area. The 2010 Figeac, had a beautiful complexity to enjoy now or the longevity to cellar for those who prefers. Wine will benefit from decanting.

As often happens with Calvert, the nose when young is slightly muted and more direct than exotic; pure and fine aromas, not bold and lush. The palate follows on accordingly, with clarity of fruit, roses and florals. Focussed, concentrated yet pure in the mid-palate, with its hallmark mineral texture, its firm but ultimately juicy on the finish. The vines are growing up and were seeing the puppy-fat turn to muscle.

Yalumba The Caley Cabernet Shiraz is the pinnacle of a long winemaking journey of excellence, that rightfully honours one of Yalumbas most adventurous sons. A blend of Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon and Barossa Shiraz, The Caley is a classic marriage of two noble varieties and two great Australian wine regions.