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Marauding Vintners McLaren Vale Governor General Grenache
With origins in Spain and southern France, where he still regularly distinguishes himself, this impressive figure first set foot here in 1840 and today also calls South Australia home. The Governor General may have been around a while but has an eye to the future. He mixes effortlessly, but is bold enough to stand alone. Possessed of great potential strength and power, he more often displays his lighter side, with seductive charm and finesse. For many, his approachable style is very refreshing, and even at his most chilled, you’ll always receive a warm welcome.
Sevenhill Cellars Estate Grown Inigo Clare Valley Grenache
Come savour pure, delicious 91pt Sevenhill Inigo Grenache from vines planted in the 1920s, without a hint of oak. Fresh aromas of strawberries, raspberries, cherries and a nice of cinnamon draw you in, leading to a pretty, finely detailed palate showcasing juicy fruits helmed by tart acidity. Another example of why Aussie Grenache is on the rise. "This is super-pale in the glass, and sets off with a magenta hue. Absolutely vibrant aromas, pretty and fresh; a cascade of pink fruit tumbles over itself to waft toward the nose. The palate is detailed, fresh and pretty, without the muscular, billowing density that grenache can achieve. A fine-boned wine that speaks of sumac strawberries, raspberry Freeza icypole, rhubarb pie, salted licorice and blackcurrant pastille... 91pts" (Erin Larkin, Halliday Wine Companion).
Redman Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
The rich palate shows berry fruit flavour and soft ripe tannins. The finish is also soft and long. This is a classical Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon exhibiting elegance with excellent flavour and structure. A benchmark of the region, enjoy with roast lamb now or cellar it for up to 7 years and watch it evolve!
Patronus 'The Antler' Barossa Grenache
Showing ripe cherry and raspberry aromas following on to fruitcake and blackberry flavours, with well integrated oak and a long velvety finish. An Aussie through and through – try it with barbecued kangaroo!
The Black Pig McLaren Vale Cabernet Sauvignon
McLaren Vale is home to some of Australia's biggest reds and here's a prize example from the bestselling 'Black Pig' - a cassis-rich Cabernet with wall-to-wall black cherry and bramble tones and a delicious lick of menthol.
Tyrrell's Blacksmith's Hut Shiraz
ark Richardson, red specialist at Tyrrell’s calls Heathcote “undoubtedly Australia’s most exciting new red wine producing region.” Buying up vineyards here was the brainchild of Bruce Tyrrell – and it has yielded a red that wins huge numbers of loyal fans every year.
The Black Pig 'The Prize' Mclaren Vale Shiraz
An amazing parcel of rich, dark, concentrated McLaren Vale Shiraz has gone into 'The Prize' ... look forward to a mouthful of powerful dark fruit, a tempting dark chocolate richness, and a silky, spicy, long, long palate. This is a beauty. Enjoy.
Stones & Bones
A frequent Gold medal winner, Stones & Bones is so-called because it’s grown in a landscape littered with ancient boulders and dinosaur fossils. In the modern Portuguese tradition, the wine is a blend of local and international grapes. Touriga Nacional, the backbone of vintage port, joins forces with Syrah, Tinta Roriz and Alicante to produce truly mammoth, rich fruit flavours. Equally impressive is the winemaker, Diogo Sepúlveda, who relaxes after work by cycling or playing football, or, more unusually, bull wrestling! Having worked in Pomerol, then in the Barossa with heirloom Shiraz vines, his credentials for making this rich, old vine Portuguese red are second to none. For maximum enjoyment, decant and serve with a rich beef casserole.
Yarrunga Field Special Reserve Shiraz
Sam Trimboli has been creating bestselling wonders for us for nearly 20 years, so when we asked him for an exceptional Shiraz the great man was happy to oblige. Once again this 2018 'Special Reserve' is made with Shiraz sourced from premium vineyards owned by many of Australia's leading independent growers.
Cuvée du Vatican Réserve de l'Abbé Côtes du Rhône
With his wines acclaimed by critics worldwide, Diffonty is a household name in the southern Rhône. Fine wine expert and Rhône fan Robert Parker described the Diffonty Cuvée du Vatican Châteauneuf wines as “full-bodied, powerful, rich and oozing unmistakable Provençal character”. Comprising mostly Grenache supported by a little Syrah, the Réserve de l’Abbé is made by Jean-Marc with as much care and attention as he affords his top reds. Using grapes from just outside the Châteauneuf boundary, the wine was fermented in traditional wooden and also stainless steel vats before blending and bottling. It’s sumptuous and velvety, with warming red berry and wild herb complexity. Best decanted early, the wine’s ideal served with a hearty casserole.