The story of Sokol Bloser first began in 1971 when Susan Sokol and Bill Blosser first planted vines in Oregon's Dundee Hills. Alex & Alison Sokol Blosser, Siblings, Co-Presidents, and Second Generation Winegrowers, are passionately committed to their families legacy in creating world class wines using sustainable methods. From the start, the Sokol Blosser family was aware of the impact that farming and wine production would have on the environment. Before it was popular, the winery did everything it could to give back to the land. The Sokol Blossers knew preserving the land would help the winery remain family-owned for generations to come. With the skill of their winemaking team and a love for Pinot Noir, the 2021 vintage of Evolution Pinot Noir is so delicious that it will knock your socks off, literally. They sought out to evolve Pinot Noir to make it the anytime wine. It’s the wine for the imaginative food lover. Evolution Pinot Noir celebrates the any-food occasion. Dangerously juicy and fruit-driven with a sophisticated silk. This bottle of Pinot makes enjoying a young Pinot Noir wine so easy to drink and share. The Willamette Valley never fails to produce beautifully fruit flavours in its Pinot. The 2021 Evolution is packed with bright red fruit flavours, heaps of jammyness, a dash cherry pie, and a hint of toasty oak on the finish. A foodies delight, this wine pairs with darn near everything! Pumpkin chipotle soup, glazed pork chops, wild mushroom risotto, even a decadent dark chocolate torte!

d'Arenberg The Footbolt Shiraz is a firm favourite with many McLaren Vale Shiraz lovers and for good reason. This is another great example of the rich, full-bodied style with aromas of ripe blackberry and spice that mingle with minty peppery notes. The palate is full-flavoured, supple in texture with a velvety finish.

Harvested from the estates E block as well as from Upper Ngumby Vineyard, the fruit was immediately destemmed and crushed into static fermenters, prior to inoculation. Acholic fermentation followed, after which the juice was kept on skins for about 3 weeks and matured for 13 months in oak barrels. This Cabernet Sauvignon shows an alcohol level of 13%, exhibiting a bright crimson red colour with purple hues along the edges. Attractive aromas of blackcurrants, leaves, violets and earthy notes flow from the nose, with the supple and rounded palate featuring fresh flavours of dark chocolate, bramble and blackberry. This elegant wine is fit for consumption upon release, also having a cellaring potential of 3 to 5 years so that its flavours and structure can enhance further. Foods like Asian BBQ lamb ribs, Beef Tenderloins, meatballs and grilled steaks taste marvellous with this delicious wine.

As usual, the 2017 RunRig is approximately 2% Viognier. It spent almost 30 months in oak, 40% of which was new. Hints of peach or apricot appear on the nose, alongside notes of hickory smoke, cherries and baking spices. It's full-bodied and concentrated but supple and silky enough to seem lighter in the mouth, showing tremendous length and elegance on the finish, where it adds nuances of cinnamon and cocoa. Rating: 98/100.

Unico Zelo is the project of winemaking couple Brendan and Laura Carter. In their words, their aim is to create “Italian-inspired, textural and site-expressive wines” and “Australian examples of Mediterranean varieties in an approachable and jovial fashion.” There is a bit of a shift this year for Pastafarian, with the inclusion of Sangiovese! The ultimate pasta variety, it must be said. Ask Brendan, Unico Zelo has long been critical of Sangiovese’s future in Australia, but after some recent encounters with other producers' expressions of the variety, they’ve jumped on the bandwagon. Lucky for the winery, it wasn’t far from home, as the fruit is from the lovely Polish Hill River Vineyard. Still, this wine is Nebbiolo through and through, and it’s the perfect marriage with Slovenian Oak for a perfumed, blue fruited and savoury structured Langhe-style Nebb. A touch of Merlot and Nero to add somebody (and a nice little spice too!). Top shelf here, finding an identity all of its own. Great wine.

The 2021 vintage was challenging for Burgundy, with significant temperature fluctuations and an early spring that was followed by a damaging frost. Despite these challenges, the summer months brought a mix of rainy spells and heatwaves, which were balanced out by the cool autumn temperatures of September. This late-ripening period allowed for the grapes to develop vibrant flavors and a beautiful fruit expression. Though volumes were reduced, the 2021 Beaune Teurons 1er Cru Rouge showcases a refined and expressive wine that highlights the floral fragrances and depth of the vintage. This wine pairs excellently with grilled veal tenderloin, wild boar stew, and is a perfect companion to autumn dishes featuring venison. Maker Domaine Chanson, founded in 1750, is one of Burgundy's oldest and most respected producers, renowned for its commitment to producing exceptional wines from the heart of the region. With over 111 acres of Premier and Grand Cru vineyards, the estate spans some of Burgundy's most prestigious terroirs, including Beaune, Gevrey-Chambertin, and Pommard. Since being acquired by the Bollinger family in 1999, Domaine Chanson has undergone extensive restoration, combining time-honoured winemaking traditions with cutting-edge techniques to craft wines of exceptional quality. The estate practices organic viticulture, ensuring that every bottle reflects the purity of the land. Grapes are hand-harvested and vinified with minimal intervention, allowing each wine to showcase the distinctive characteristics of its terroir. The wines are crafted using state-of-the-art facilities, while maintaining a deep respect for history and tradition. Domaine Chanson’s commitment to quality has solidified its place as one of Burgundy’s top estates, producing wines that are as expressive as they are refined. Philosophy At Domaine Chanson, winemaking is rooted in a philosophy that blends tradition with innovation. The estate is dedicated to preserving the natural expression of Burgundy’s terroir, using organic farming practices and minimal intervention in the cellar. This ensures that every wine is a true reflection of its origin, with a focus on balance, freshness, and complexity. Domaine Chanson’s philosophy is centred on sustainability, respect for the environment, and a commitment to quality at every stage of production. From vineyard to bottle, the wines are crafted with precision and care, allowing the character of each site to shine through. The estate’s approach is focused on creating wines that are both elegant and expressive, with an emphasis on showcasing the purest form of Burgundy’s diverse terroirs. NOSE Floral & Fruity Intense aromas of ripe red fruits such as raspberries and strawberries, complemented by floral notes of violet and subtle hints of spice. PALATE Vibrant & Complex A lively attack leads into a complex and well-balanced wine, with a dense texture and a harmonious blend of fruit and spice. FINISH Long & Elegant The finish is long and elegant, with a persistent spiciness, leaving a clean and refined aftertaste. Reviews + Accolades Wine Spectator - 93 Points Jancis Robinson - 16 Points Burghound - 89-92 Points

Domaine Chanson’s Beaune Le Clos des Marconnets 1er Cru Rouge 2021 is a beautifully structured wine from one of the most historically significant vineyards in Beaune. Situated on a hillside in the northern part of the region, the vineyard benefits from limestone and clay soils, producing wines with incredible complexity and depth. This 100% Pinot Noir was harvested under ideal conditions in early September, with the fruit being handpicked and fermented with whole clusters to enhance aromatic complexity and extract deeper colour. The wine is aged in French oak barrels, giving it a well-integrated tannic structure and a finely textured mouthfeel. The 2021 vintage captures the elegance of the terroir, with layers of ripe fruit and floral notes, balanced by a delicate spice and a long, refined finish. This wine pairs beautifully with red meats, such as a roasted fillet of beef or tournedos Rossini, as well as game dishes like venison steak. Its rich fruit profile and balanced acidity also complement aged cheeses. Maker Domaine Chanson, founded in 1750, is one of Burgundy's oldest and most respected producers, renowned for its commitment to producing exceptional wines from the heart of the region. With over 111 acres of Premier and Grand Cru vineyards, the estate spans some of Burgundy's most prestigious terroirs, including Beaune, Gevrey-Chambertin, and Pommard. Since being acquired by the Bollinger family in 1999, Domaine Chanson has undergone extensive restoration, combining time-honoured winemaking traditions with cutting-edge techniques to craft wines of exceptional quality. The estate practices organic viticulture, ensuring that every bottle reflects the purity of the land. Grapes are hand-harvested and vinified with minimal intervention, allowing each wine to showcase the distinctive characteristics of its terroir. The wines are crafted using state-of-the-art facilities, while maintaining a deep respect for history and tradition. Domaine Chanson’s commitment to quality has solidified its place as one of Burgundy’s top estates, producing wines that are as expressive as they are refined. Philosophy At Domaine Chanson, winemaking is rooted in a philosophy that blends tradition with innovation. The estate is dedicated to preserving the natural expression of Burgundy’s terroir, using organic farming practices and minimal intervention in the cellar. This ensures that every wine is a true reflection of its origin, with a focus on balance, freshness, and complexity. Domaine Chanson’s philosophy is centred on sustainability, respect for the environment, and a commitment to quality at every stage of production. From vineyard to bottle, the wines are crafted with precision and care, allowing the character of each site to shine through. The estate’s approach is focused on creating wines that are both elegant and expressive, with an emphasis on showcasing the purest form of Burgundy’s diverse terroirs. NOSE Intense & Floral Intense aromas of ripe blackberries and blackcurrants, interwoven with floral fragrances and subtle earthy undertones that invite deeper exploration. PALATE Fleshy & Complex The wine reveals a beautiful density with fleshy red fruit flavours complemented by delicate tannins, adding complexity and structure, all while remaining vibrant and balanced. FINISH Spicy & Persistent Long and persistent, with lingering spicy notes that carry the essence of the wine’s complexity, leaving a refined and lasting impression. Reviews + Accolades Wine Enthusiast - 93 Points James Suckling - 93 Points Burghound - 90-92 Points

This classic Yarra Valley Shiraz from Yeringberg is showing those trademark Shiraz characters of cracked black pepper and great fruit weight, there is also some good concentration and a long powdery tannin finish.