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Harlan Estate 'The Mascot' Cabernet Sauvignon
The domain traces its beginning to the founding in 1984 of Harlan Estate, located in the western hills of Oakville and conceived as a “first growth of California.” In 1996, the family established BOND, a portfolio of “Grand Cru” vineyards whose wines showcase the range of expression of cabernet sauvignon across distinct geographical sites within the Napa Valley. As these varied sites were gradually replanted, many of the young vines contributed to my project. Yet, despite these distinguished origins, my early endeavour could only hint at the individual character embodied by each of our grands vins. The Mascot is a Cabernet Sauvignon predominant blend alongside a balance of Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot & Malbec. It started out as a small project shared among the family, winemaking team and close friends .The wine showed charm and over time drew an affectionate following - so enthusiastic a following that they felt this intimate bottling deserved to have an identity of its own. The team took a little convincing, as the wine existed at first in very small quantities. But as more of the newer vines reached an age appropriate to warrant inclusion in the blend (typically 7 - 12 years) a certain number of barrels could be set aside for this project on an annual basis. Drawing fruit from blocks of recently replanted vineyards, The Mascot shares a glimpse into the evolution of its parent estates: a youthful snapshot of their future. The vineyard’s Harlan, BOND and Promontory are part of a yearly replanting program, albeit a very small percentage of the overall size of the vineyards to maintain vine health. This of course means each estate has a small evolving parcel of younger vines which when ready are selected for The Mascot. Each parcel is made separately at its respective wineries then blended during the middle to later stages of the barrel aging. At the core of the philosophy of The Mascot is the family’s passion to ensure the wine is ready for enjoyment immediately on release, hence its aged for a significant time in barrel and bottle before being made available to purchase. From the start, the principal characteristic of The Mascot was vigor tempered by approachability. We decided to mature the wine a little longer, so that, upon release, it was delicious to drink and intensely vibrant, with the force and depth that enabled extended aging, a wine to enjoy viscerally and without excessive reverence. In short, the wonderful wine to share among friends and family. Following a vintage full of changing conditions and demanding decision points, the steady and pleasant progress of the 2018 vintage left the team, at times, in limbo. Contradictory as it may seem, the dramas that sometimes punctuate the definitive months for the growing season help to frame the winegrowing team’s course of action; yet the tranquil succession of weeks that emerged between spring and fall in 2018 left almost entirely open the question of when to harvest. Healthy rainfall in March and April preceded a benevolent summer, whose mildness was interrupted only briefly by a few warming periods. The fruit of the young vines maintained a measured balance that gave the team little indication that harvest was imminent. Fog and temperate days followed in September, when relying more on instinct than empirical cues they began to pick. This judgment, as well as the gentle nature of the season, is confirmed in the subtle, ethereal power of the vintage, which reveals itself first in the deep, brooding aromas of dark fruit, black tea, and herbal notes. The texture expands around a lifted structure, as powdery tannins gently resolve. This diffused, enigmatic softness is anchored on the mid-palate by a gratifying density, which prepares the senses for a flourish of hidden energy and vivid detail that illuminates the finish.
Henschke Keyneton Euphonium (6 )
An absolute pleasure to drink. Lovely balancing act between the leafier notes and its rich dark fruits. Beautiful really. Tannin is a fine and bracing. It’s good now, but obviously worth keeping. Keyneton Euphonium is a beautiful composition of shiraz from up to 50-year-old vines growing in the Eden and Barossa Valleys, blended with cabernet sauvignon, merlot and cabernet franc from selected vineyards in both regions. The Barossa hills village of Keyneton, pioneered by pastoralist Joseph Keynes in 1842, was a musical and cultural focus for the early settlers, and home to the Henschke Family Brass Band and Henschke winery. This wine was matured in 11% new and 89% seasoned (82% French, 18% American) oak hogsheads for 18 months prior to blending and bottling. Maker Henschke is a prestigious, family-owned winery with a rich legacy that spans over 153 years and six generations. Founded in 1862 by Johann Christian Henschke, the winery began with a modest vineyard in Keyneton, South Australia, and has since grown into one of Australia’s most celebrated wine estates. Located in the renowned Eden Valley wine region, Henschke's vineyards extend across some of the most esteemed wine-growing areas, including the Barossa Valley and Adelaide Hills. Their acclaimed single-vineyard sites, such as Hill of Grace and Mount Edelstone, are a testament to the family's commitment to producing exceptional, site-specific wines that embody the uniqueness of their terroir. The Henschke family’s dedication to excellence has earned them international recognition and accolades. In 2021, they were honoured as Wine Enthusiast’s New World Winery of the Year, further solidifying their global reputation for outstanding craftsmanship. Additionally, Henschke was named Winery of the Year by Halliday Wine Companion, and they proudly carry the Robert Parker Wine Advocate Green Emblem, reflecting their commitment to sustainability and environmentally conscious winemaking practices. With a legacy built on quality and innovation, Henschke continues to shape the future of Australian winemaking while maintaining their foundational values of excellence and respect for the land. Philosophy Henschke’s winemaking philosophy is founded on the belief that the best wines are made in the vineyard. By embracing organic and biodynamic farming practices, the family ensures that their vineyards are cared for with a long-term view, prioritising the health of both the vines and the land. This respect for nature allows the true expression of the fruit to shine through, producing wines that are authentic, balanced, and reflective of their unique environments. Henschke’s approach to farming is not just about sustainability—it’s about building a legacy of responsibility for future generations. This commitment to working with nature rather than against it is evident in every bottle of Henschke wine. The family’s attention to detail, combined with their unwavering focus on quality, has resulted in a portfolio of wines that are globally recognised for their excellence. Henschke’s wines are crafted with the intention of showcasing the distinct characteristics of their vineyards, with each vintage offering a true expression of place. By integrating sustainability into every aspect of their winemaking process, Henschke ensures that their wines will continue to be enjoyed for generations to come, leaving a lasting impact on the world of fine wine. Tasting Notes: Nose - Brooding, Bramble, Graphite Brooding aromas of mulberry, satsuma plum, anise, bramble, spice and graphite. Palate - Full, Plush, Choc-mint Full, rich, fleshy and quite primary and plush in flavour. Lashings of black fruits, sweet spice, choc-mint and a briary earthiness. Finish - Textured, Firm, Lively The tannins are textured, firm and shapely and there’s plenty of lively acidity ensuring the decadent fruit behaves itself.
Henschke Keyneton Euphonium (6 ) + PLUMM Three No 1 The Universal (2 Pack)
Product Information: An absolute pleasure to drink. Lovely balancing act between the leafier notes and its rich dark fruits. Beautiful really. Tannin is a fine and bracing. It’s good now, but obviously worth keeping. Keyneton Euphonium is a beautiful composition of shiraz from up to 50-year-old vines growing in the Eden and Barossa Valleys, blended with cabernet sauvignon, merlot and cabernet franc from selected vineyards in both regions. The Barossa hills village of Keyneton, pioneered by pastoralist Joseph Keynes in 1842, was a musical and cultural focus for the early settlers, and home to the Henschke Family Brass Band and Henschke winery. This wine was matured in 11% new and 89% seasoned (82% French, 18% American) oak hogsheads for 18 months prior to blending and bottling. Elevate your wine experience with the Plumm Three No 1 The Universal glassware. Designed to enhance the flavours and aromas of a wide range of wines, this set includes two beautifully crafted glasses that combine elegance with functionality. Whether you're sipping red, white, or sparkling wines, the Plumm Three No 1 glass is the perfect companion. Its well-balanced, sleek design ensures that each pour is celebrated in style, while the wide bowl allows the wine to breathe, unlocking the full potential of its bouquet and flavours. Ideal for both casual sipping and special occasions, this glassware is a must-have for any wine enthusiast. Maker - Henschke: Henschke is a prestigious, family-owned winery with a rich legacy that spans over 153 years and six generations. Founded in 1862 by Johann Christian Henschke, the winery began with a modest vineyard in Keyneton, South Australia, and has since grown into one of Australia’s most celebrated wine estates. Located in the renowned Eden Valley wine region, Henschke's vineyards extend across some of the most esteemed wine-growing areas, including the Barossa Valley and Adelaide Hills. Their acclaimed single-vineyard sites, such as Hill of Grace and Mount Edelstone, are a testament to the family's commitment to producing exceptional, site-specific wines that embody the uniqueness of their terroir. The Henschke family’s dedication to excellence has earned them international recognition and accolades. In 2021, they were honoured as Wine Enthusiast’s New World Winery of the Year, further solidifying their global reputation for outstanding craftsmanship. Additionally, Henschke was named Winery of the Year by Halliday Wine Companion, and they proudly carry the Robert Parker Wine Advocate Green Emblem, reflecting their commitment to sustainability and environmentally conscious winemaking practices. With a legacy built on quality and innovation, Henschke continues to shape the future of Australian winemaking while maintaining their foundational values of excellence and respect for the land. Maker - Plumm Plumm Glassware is a brand born from a passion for enhancing the wine-drinking experience through beautifully designed and functional glassware. Created by renowned Australian designers, Plumm focuses on crafting glassware that is tailored to elevate the flavours, aromas, and overall enjoyment of wine. Combining innovation with practicality, Plumm's products are designed to be accessible to both everyday wine enthusiasts and connoisseurs. The brand is dedicated to producing high-quality, dishwasher-safe glassware that doesn’t compromise on design or performance. Each piece is meticulously crafted, ensuring that every sip of wine is enhanced with the perfect balance of form and function. Plumm’s commitment to quality extends beyond the aesthetics of their glassware. Through careful research and testing, Plumm’s designers have honed their expertise to create glasses that not only look stunning but are also crafted to enhance the experience of drinking wine. With a focus on versatility, elegance, and durability, Plumm Glassware stands as a trusted name in the world of wine accessories, offering glassware that complements the craftsmanship of the wine it holds. Tasting Notes: Nose - Brooding, Bramble, Graphite Brooding aromas of mulberry, satsuma plum, anise, bramble, spice and graphite. Palate - Full, Plush, Choc-mint Full, rich, fleshy and quite primary and plush in flavour. Lashings of black fruits, sweet spice, choc-mint and a briary earthiness. Finish - Textured, Firm, Lively The tannins are textured, firm and shapely and there’s plenty of lively acidity ensuring the decadent fruit behaves itself.
Henschke Cyril Henschke Cabernet Sauvignon
Henschke's flagship Cabernet is named after the late Cyril Henschke who purchased the Eden Valley property in the 1960s. Stephen and Prue Henschke then established the vineyard with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc vines which produces this intensely perfumed Cabernet. Matured in 100% new French oak for 18 months, this exceptional wine shows blackcurrant and cedar characters balanced with superb fine grained tannin.
Moss Wood Ribbon Vale Cabernet Sauvignon
This wine shows the style of the vintage and quite likely the impact of the small crop. In such years, Cabernet Sauvignon in particular, has a complex but somewhat subdued nose, where the wine hints of the underlying power and complexity but takes years to reveal its true colours. So here we see smouldering red currant, black currant and mulberry, with a floral, violet lift, sitting over cedar and tar. On the palate there is concentration and length - dark fruits combining with firm tannin and leather and tarry notes.
Bremerton Walters Reserve Cabernet
This gorgeous Walters Reserve Cabernet features a deep crimson red colour with dark hues. The attractive bouquet and the lush palate flaunt sharp nuances of blackberry, chocolate and bramble coupled with subtle earthy and savoury undertones. These vibrant elements, supported by a fine and elegant tannin structure, end the wine in a spicy and captivating finish. Drinking well with red meats, game dishes, or a delicious cheese plate.
Mojo In Full Colour Cabernet Sauvignon
Ripe blackberry and cedar-boxy goodness on the nose. The palate follows with ribena jubey-ness with hints of spicy clove framed by soft grapithe like tannins. Fragrant, blackcurrant and supple. Perfect with rich & hearty dishes, as it tends to brighten them. You can never fail with the classic pairing of good old grilled steak, chips and cabernet. South Australia's first vineyards were established in the 1830's. Enjoying a wide range of climates including the cool temperatures of the Adelaide Hills, to the hot summer weather of the Barossa Valley, South Australia is arguably Australia's most diverse wine producing state.It is from these wonderfully diverse regions that winemaker Marty O'Flaherty selects the best varietals to produce Mojo wines. Marty's resounding philosophy is "wine should tell a story about the terroir in which it's grown, needing lots of love but minimal handling by allowing the growers to do what they do best."
Yeringberg Cabernet Sauvignon
Penfolds Bin 407 Cabernet Sauvignon (Gift Boxed)
Penfolds has a rich history dating back to 1844 when Dr. Christopher and Mary Penfold arrived in Australia with a vine cutting and a bold vision. They purchased 500 acres of land in South Australia and began producing tonics, brandies, and fortified wines made from grapes and Australian sunshine. Christopher's planting of vines and his philosophies continue to influence Penfolds to this day. Mary Penfold, the unsung chief of Penfolds, played a significant role in the winery's experimentations, growth and winemaking philosophies. Max Schubert became the company's first Chief Winemaker in 1948 and created the long-lasting Penfolds Grange in the 1950s. The tradition of 'bin wines' began in 1959 with Kalimna Bin 28 becoming the first official Penfolds Bin number wine. Penfolds continues to innovate, with the release of the rare 2004 Kalimna Block Cabernet Sauvignon in 2012 and the 170th anniversary celebration in 2014. Today, Penfolds remains one of Australia's most famed and respected winemakers, driven by generations of visionaries and innovators who strive for excellence in winemaking. First released in 1993 with the 1990 vintage, Bin 407 was produced in response to the increasing availability of high quality cabernet sauvignon fruit. Inspired by Bin 707, Bin 407 offers varietal definition and approachability, yet still with structure and depth of flavour. This is a textbook definition of cabernet sauvignon - varietally expressive Bin 407 highlights the rewards of Penfolds multi-vineyard, multi-region blending, with a core of ripe fruit supported by sensitive use of American and French oak. The Penfolds Bin 407 Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 (Gift Boxed) showcase a wine that has been carefully crafted using a unique blend of maturation techniques and vintage conditions that have resulted in an exceptional South Australian cabernet sauvignon. Maturation for this wine involved 12 months in French (25% new) and American (12% new) oak hogsheads, while the remainder was matured in 1-y.o. French and American oak hogsheads. This maturation process infused the wine with subtle but complex oak flavours that perfectly complement the fruit aromas and flavours. The vintage conditions were ideal for growing the grapes in Coonawarra, Wrattonbully, Padthaway, McLaren Vale, Barossa Valley and Adelaide Hills regions. Padthaway yields were 25% above the norm and the mild summer and autumn conditions in all regions allowed the grapes to ripen evenly and slowly. The wine's crimson red color entices the senses, while the nose opens up with varieties of blackberry, mulberries and violets. Aromas of bay leaf, wet tobacco and baking spices provide further intrigue. On the palate, the wine is concentrated with cool dark fruits and the notes of grilled capsicum and cumin spiced eggplant create a unique savory flavor profile infused by cherry wood smoke and sandalwood. The tannins are firm and persistent, with a hint of bitter dark chocolate. While the wine is lively and energetic, it is built to last and is approachable yet clearly designed for a long spell in the dungeon. This wine is a perfect match for savory dishes and will continue to evolve and develop its complexity until at least 2055.
Chateau Valandraud St. Emilion Grand Cru
In 1989, Jean-Luc Thunevin and Murielle Andraud acquired a small plot of 0.6 hectares in the valley of Saint-Emilion between Pavie-Macquin and La Clotte. In 1991, they produced their first vintage bottled by themselves. Since then, they have acquired other plots and properties, in Saint-Christophe-Des-Bardes, Saint Sulpice de Faleyrens and Saint-Etienne de Lisse. While the first critics called it "garage wine", Château Valandraud, although still unclassified, is nevertheless considered by almost all wine professionals, including Robert Parker, as one of the very first wines of Bordeaux. Château Valandraud was promoted to 1er Grand Cru Classé de Saint Emilion in 2012. Member of the Union of Grands Crus of Bordeaux since 2017. The 2009 Valandraud is a blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc matured in 100% new oak for 22 months.