The focus here for this wine by Fletcher is on what Nebbiolo as a variety can do in Australian terroir. The philosophy behind these wines is to de-construct tradition and start afresh. Driven with obsession and going against the grain, Ann from Fletcher had the foresight to plant small acreage to mixed clones of Nebbiolo in 1998, which officially makes this some of the oldest Nebbiolo in Australia. Meticulously manicured, this vineyard, after the green harvest, is lucky if it produces 2 tonnes to the acre, and the fruit it produces is floral, rich and backed by Nebbiolo's superior tannins.

The addition of the red wine is evident as this is more deeply hued than the NV Rosé. Ripe aromas of cherry, strawberry, rose petal, citrus and yeast give way to impressively voluminous and rich flavors that possess excellent mid-palate concentration.

The Collottes have been grape growers in Marsannay for four generations, but it wasn’t until 1981 that a young, 16 year-old Philippe Collotte bottled the first wine under the name of Domaine Collotte. He subsequently purchased some mature vineyards of about 40 years of age in both Gevrey-Chambertin and Chambolle-Musigny, to further expand the domaine’s repertoire. From two parcels of old vines; one based on Crinoidal limestone (known in France as Calcaire à Entroques), the other Comblanchien. This wine is very perfumed and pure with real depth, yet showing a lovely minerality and elegance, finishing with great length and very fine tannins.

Torbreck is a winery on a mission to become one of the world's great wine brands. Since 1994, they have remained committed to creating exceptional Rhone-style red and white wines that reflect the very best vineyards in Australia's famous Barossa region. Provenance is everything to them, and they believe that the Barossa is the most exciting place to make wine in the world. With a European sense of tradition, Torbreck pays tribute to the vineyards with minimal intervention, creating wines of richness, structure and length that age gracefully. The multi-generational growers, whose descendants arrived here nearly two centuries ago, are the backbone of Torbreck's winemaking aspirations. They work in partnership with the people of the Barossa who grow their fruit, always aiming to get the very best out of their vineyard sites. At Torbreck, they constantly seek to understand the difference between all of these special places in the Barossa and how this combination of soil, climate and farming experience is reflected in unique grape flavors. They are simply custodians, enhancing the innate expressiveness of the wines and enabling them to reveal over time their individual origins and personality. Torbreck is actually named after the forest near Inverness, Scotland where the winery's founder, David Powell worked as a lumberjack after completing university studies. The winemaking style at Torbreck is meticulous and dedicated to producing exceptional wines. They use carefully selected 225-litre oak barriques for maturation, known as Dominique Laurent 'Magic Casks'. The oak is personally harvested from Forêt de Tronçais in Allier, and the staves are aged for 48 to 54 months at an exposed location for maximum seasoning. The staves are then hand-made into barrels and heated over three differing flames for several hours, resulting in a gentle toast due to the remarkable density of the wood. Torbreck's winemaking style reflects their commitment to producing exceptional wines that reflect the unique terroir of the Barossa region. Torbreck The Kyloe Mataro is a wine that exemplifies the importance of terroir, viticulture, and the precise timing of grape picking. For all Torbreck wines, these three factors are instrumental in creating exceptional quality. However, when it comes to Mataro, the picking date holds a special significance. Patience is key when it comes to harvesting Mataro grapes. The winemakers at Torbreck understand the importance of allowing the fruit to reach optimal physiological and flavour ripeness, regardless of sugar levels. This patience and restraint are crucial in producing dense, wild, and beautifully rounded wines. The Barossa Valley's climate provides the perfect conditions for achieving this level of ripeness. It is a place where Torbreck believes some of the finest Mataro wines in the world can be crafted. With Torbreck The Kyloe Mataro, you can expect a wine that showcases the pinnacle of flavour development, as the fruit has reached its optimum stage. This 100% Mataro wine from Torbreck is a testament to the dedication and expertise of the winemakers. It is a wine that truly captures the essence of the Barossa Valley and offers a unique and exceptional tasting experience. Torbreck The Kyloe Mataro 2019 is a captivating expression of Mataro from the renowned Barossa Valley. This vintage showcases the winery's dedication to crafting wines that reflect the unique terroir of the region. In the glass, The Kyloe Mataro 2019 displays a deep, garnet colour, indicating its richness and maturity. The nose is greeted with enticing aromas of dark berries, including blackberries and blueberries, intertwined with hints of dried herbs and earthy undertones. These complex aromas create an alluring invitation to explore further. On the palate, The Kyloe Mataro 2019 reveals a medium to full-bodied profile with a velvety texture. The flavors of ripe black fruits take centre stage, accompanied by subtle notes of black pepper and a touch of smoky oak. The wine showcases a well-balanced structure with refined tannins and a vibrant acidity, adding depth and complexity to the overall experience. The finish is long and satisfying, leaving a lingering impression of dark fruit flavors and a touch of spice.

Built in 1898, Terrazas's winery was built by Sotero Arizu, one of the pioneers in the creation of the wine production market in Argentina. The oldest vineyard Las Compuertas was planted in 1929, designed to produce the ultimate expression of Malbec. Today, Argentina dominates the world in Malbec production and has helped popularize the grape around the world. Surrounded by the high peaks of the Andes, Terrazas's vineyard is located in the heart of Mendoza's Lujan de Cuyo and Uco Valley. With the extremely high altitude, low rainfall and rocky soil, wines made in the region are pushed hard for hydration and nutrients. The results of successful wine in this region develop intensely vivid flavours. The climate also assists in lowering acidity, which assists in the winemakers in producing the purest expression of each wine.

Domaine Sylvain Cathiard stands as a testament to the dedication and passion of the Cathiard family. This small domaine, established by Sylvain Cathiard's grandfather in the 1930s, carries with it a rich history rooted in the legendary Domaine de la Romanee Conti and Domaine Lamarche. Sylvain's father, Andre, lovingly nurtured the domaine from 1969 until 1985, when the reins were passed on to Sylvain himself. In the following years, Sylvain embarked on a journey to develop his own vineyards, renting parcels from his father and other vignerons. Soon after he acquired his father's original vineyards solidifying his commitment to the craft. In 2006, Sylvain's son, Sebastien joined him marking the beginning of a new chapter for the estate. Together, they formed Sylvain Cathiard et Fils, a collaboration that combines tradition with a fresh perspective. Since 2011, Sebastien has taken the helm, carrying on the family legacy while Sylvain enjoys a well-deserved retirement. Spanning across 5 hectares, the vineyards of Domaine Sylvain Cathiard grace the appellations of Vosne-Romanée, Nuits-St-Georges and Chambolle-Musigny. Of significant note is their tiny parcel in Romanée-St-Vivant, situated just below the iconic Romanee Conti. Here, they proudly hold the title of the smallest land-owner of this magnificent Grand cru. Every aspect of vineyard work is executed with meticulous attention to detail by Sebastien, his wife, and a dedicated team. Embracing organic principles, they prioritize the natural harmony of the vines, although certification has not been sought. When it comes to winemaking, Sebastien adopts a hands-off approach, allowing the wines to evolve naturally. Whole-cluster fermentation takes place, with the juice cold settled for approximately 10 days. The wines then undergo a skin contact period of 22 to 30 days. Maturation occurs over 18 months in oak barrels, sourced primarily from tonellerie Remond and Francois Freres. The percentage of new oak used varies across the appellations, with village wines aged in roughly 1/3rd new oak and 2/3rds of 1-year-old oak. Premier Crus see a balance of 50% new oak and 50% 1-year-old oak, while Grand Crus are aged in two new barrels and one one-year-old barrel. Since 2000, the wines have not been fined or filtered, allowing them to express their true character. Sebastien Cathiard's wines exude an unparalleled sense of harmony, with a soft and elegant texture that speaks to their finesse. Since taking over the domaine, Sebastien has listened attentively to those fortunate enough to taste alongside him. As a result, he has gradually reduced the percentage of new oak used for aging, allowing the fruit to shine with natural intensity and balance. The Vosne-Romanées, in particular, have garnered a reputation as some of the finest in the village.Each bottle from Domaine Sylvain Cathiard is a testament to the fully mature vineyards that have yielded fruit of exceptional quality. With a limited production of around 50 barrels in a good vintage, these wines are a true embodiment of passion, tradition and the pursuit of excellence. The Sylvain Cathiard Nuits St Georges 1er Cru Aux Murgers 2021 is an outstanding expression of this renowned Burgundy appellation. Crafted from a .47-hectare parcel of vines planted in 1945 and 1960, located mid-slope and in close proximity to the Vosne-Romanee border. This wine is aged in a combination of 50% new oak and 50% one-year-old oak, adding complexity and structure to the final product. In the glass, this Nuits St Georges 1er Cru reveals a bright red-purple colour that immediately catches the eye. The nose is incredibly enticing, with a pronounced spiciness that could easily be mistaken for a Vosne 1er Cru. Aromas of exotic tea, plum, and dark berries fill the air, setting the stage for a truly captivating tasting experience. On the palate, this wine showcases its pedigree and depth. The richness and concentration of flavors are immediately evident, highlighting the influence of very old vines. The medium-bodied texture is solidly powerful, with harmonious plush tannins that caress the palate. The mid-palate is a standout feature, displaying great depth and a sense of generosity that elevates the overall experience. The persistence of the wine is excellent, leaving a lasting impression on the palate. The lush dark fruit intensity is balanced by valuable acidity, adding a refreshing and vibrant element to the wine's profile. Bright red purple in colour, a little denser than Aux Thorey. This is the more solid of the two, slightly more backward, while the intensity of the lush dark fruit is matched by valuable acidity. The barrel speaks less and the aftertaste stretches out further. Drink from 2026-2033. - Jasper Morris MW, 92-95 Points.