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Domaine du Pelican Arbois Savagnin Ouillé
This is the emblematic vine of Jura. In Jura, Savignin is mostly used to produce vin jaune, an oxydative wine which has made Jura famous. Domaine du Pélican produces a non-oxydative cuvée (topped up during elevage in the barrel to avoid oxydation, hence called "Savagnin Ouille"). The Savagnin vine belongs to the Traminer family. Since its birth in Montigny-lès-Arsures in 2012, Domaine du Pélican has rapidly established itself as one of Juras leading lights, producing exceptional biodynamic wines that mix finesse with thrilling Jurassien character. The project was born in Taillevent Paris where Guillaume dAngerville, proprietor of the great Volnay estate Marquis dAngerville, was served blind a bottle of Jura Chardonnay from the 2005 vintage. Struck by its quality, Guillaume was taken a back to discover the wine was not from Meursault, let alone anywhere in the Côte dOr. This moment proved the trigger for an exciting new project. Several Jura visits and tastings later and Guillaume was convinced to buy land there. He sought the help of respected Jura geologist Yves Hérody to find the best vineyard sites, a journey which took three years and culminated in a deal with the Château de Chavannes in Montigny-lès-Arsures in 2012 to purchase and lease five hectares. Jean-Marc Brignot sold him another five hectares shortly afterwards and finally in 2014 five hectares were leased from retiring Jura legend Jacques Puffeney. The estate is managed by Guillaumes Volnay Régisseur and partner in Domaine du Pélican, François Duvivier, who runs a team permanently based in the Jura. The vines are between Arbois and Montigny. Vitally all 15 hectares are within 2km of each other, the same as in Volnay, this allows the estate to grow the vineyards bio-dynamically for which some of the necessary treatments need to be made within two hours of preparation. The plots are among Juras finest, the very best being En Barbi and Grand Curoulet. The terroirs here, a mix of marly clay and gravels with varying exposures from north to south, are even more complex than in Burgundy. Whilst a broadly Burgundian approach is employed to wine-making, there is no doubting the individuality and Jurassien personality of the wines. The dAngerville approach in the cellar has always been light-touch, one which is toned down even more for Domaine du Pélican, little new oak is used and élévage is shorter, lasting twelve months as opposed to eighteen in Volnay. Tanks and foudres are employed for ageing the reds, 500 litre casks for the Savagnin and traditional Burgundian barriques for the Chardonnay. The whites are both topped up as opposed to the more common oxidative Jura method. The rigour and investment of the Marquis dAngerville, local know-how and great terroir is proving a potent combination, for these are some of the most Juras most exciting and complex wines.
Bannockburn Grigsby Chardonnay
Bannockburn S.R.H. Chardonnay
This is Bannockburn's flagship white wine, and it's again in imperious form. Named for Bannockburn founder Stuart Reginald Hooper, the SRH Chardonnay uses fruit sourced from just 12 rows of their oldest Chardonnay vines at Olive Tree Hill Vineyard. Here the vines have roots deeply embedded in the ancient marine sediments that form the bedrock in this area, resulting in its signature minerality year after year. This distinct minerality perfectly balances the luscious, golden, powerful fruit that these few vines produce. It's a show-stopping wine and a must for lovers of iconic Australian Chardonnay. "An effete comparison, but this is the most Burgundian chardonnay of the suite... This will age exceptionally well."- 95pts, Ned Goodwin MW (JamesSuckling.com)
Mount Macleod Gruner Veltliner
Perrier-Jouët Blanc De Blanc Non-Vintage
Pale gold with hints of green, PerrierJouët Blanc de Blancs awakens the senses with enticing aromas of hedgerow flowers elderberry, acacia and honeysuckle and tangy citrus. On the palate, its mineral freshness lingers into a surprisingly smooth, mellow finish, which adds to the charm of this delightfully lively, luminous champagne.
Bannockburn Chardonnay
Pale, straw colour with insinuations of green. Overt, ripe varietal fruit characters on the nose - pineapple, citrus and nectarine derived are from the warm vintage conditions. Mineral characters, orange blossom and almond meal along with some lees derived creaminess are all balanced within this multi-dimensional palate.
Thomas Wines Cellar Reserve Braemore Semillon
Irrewarra By Farr Chardonnay
Product Description The Irrewarra Chardonnay 2024 is a testament to precision winemaking, showcasing the unmistakable touch of By Farr. Sourced from a mature, dry-grown plot planted in 2001 by the Calvert family, this Chardonnay is as refined as it is expressive. Set in a climate distinctly different from the other By Farr vineyards, this site benefits from abundant rainfall and free-draining soils, resulting in fruit with intense minerality and impeccable acidity. The combination of these unique terroir influences, alongside a touch of careful oak maturation, creates a wine of great depth and freshness. A perfect reflection of its origins, the 2024 release is beautifully mineral, with vibrant citrus notes and complex layers of peach, nuts, and subtle toast. Its backbone of bright acidity lifts the wine, creating a balanced and refreshing finish. It’s a bottle that speaks to both the drinker and the drink itself, making it perfect for those moments when you just want to indulge in a glass alone, contemplating the elegance of its structure. Maker: By Farr is the brand of the Farr Family, started in 1994 by Robyn and Gary on a north facing slope in the township of Bannockburn in the Moorabool Valley. The Original wines where Chardonnay by Farr, Viognier by Farr, Shiraz by Farr and Pinot Noir by Farr now known as Sangreal by Farr. Overtime with the help of Cassie and Nick the vineyards have expand to adjoining neighbouring properties and eventually greater expression of the single site wines that we have today because of the pieces of dirt that we love to farm. The wines of By Farr are built around complexity, layered structure and undeniable length that places them in the highest regard by both consumers for their drinkability and age worthiness or critics around the world for their individuality. Vineyard: The Irrewarra Vineyard site has now been in the hands of the Farr family and team for 12 years. The vineyard was planted by the Calvert family in 2001 to a mixture of clones on own roots. It is predominantly pinot noir with 6 acres and accompanied by 2 acres of chardonnay. The vineyard sits at the top of the slope facing large water reserves ‘Salt Lake’ and the ‘Calvert Lough’ to the north. It generally takes 10 years for a new planting to bed down there roots and show consistent characteristics. Well it has also taken 10 years to truly unlock the potential of the Western District site. With the support of owners John and Browynn Calvert, the soil management and vine health give wines of unique cool climate viticulture. They are a cooler expression By Farr. Tasting Notes NOSE – Vibrant Citrus & Complexity Bright citrus aromas mingle with hints of peach and subtle toasty oak, setting the stage for the wine’s intricate complexity. The minerality comes forward in the nose. PALATE – Lively and Mineral Beautifully slippery, full of citrus and delicate peach notes, underpinned by a remarkable backbone of acidity. The touch of oak adds a rounded texture, and there’s an elegant vibrancy to the wine. FINISH – Fresh and Clean Clean, crisp, and refreshing, leaving a lingering citrus note that perfectly complements the wine’s mineral backbone. It’s a wine that beckons you back for another sip and a long, lingering finish.
Moss Wood Semillon
This is a wonderfully concentrated wine. Complex on the nose with aromas of lemon, green apple and fig the palate shows lively flavours of citrus and melon and a beautifully textured crisp and long finish.
Clonakilla Riesling
Clonakilla Riesling is an unsung hero of Tim Kirk's stable of beautiful wines. Herbal with white flowers aromas with citrus and stone fruit bouquet, it has a clean, ripe fruit and zesty finish.