'We are tasting the Tyrrell's 2006 Vat 1 semillon, a Hunter Valley wine which, at sevenyears old, is still a juvenile, easily capable of another decade of good drinking. Its longevity is at the very heart of what makes it so astounding. To think of it as a one-year-old is a different story: gangly, acid, water and neutral flavour, not astounding. Vat 1 also shows us you don't have to pay big dollars for greatness.' - Canberra Times, Jeni Port, 10 Apr 2013. Extract from 'What makes a great wine?'

Chalong Bay Rum Tropical Notes Series - Cinnamon is a natural, fine spirit 100% distilled from pure first press Thai sugarcane and distilled with traditional French methods. Following this, it is vapour infused with cinnamon for a unique hit of flavour. Lighter than traditional rhum agricoles or cachacas, and more flavourful and fruity than molasses based white rums, it is particularly adapted to cocktails and mixology. The balance between lightness and its delicate sugarcane and floral aromas allows a wide utilisation in cocktail creation.

Chalong Bay Rum Tropical Notes Series - Sweet Thai Basil is a natural, fine spirit 100% distilled from pure first press Thai sugarcane and distilled with traditional French methods. Following this, it is vapour infused with sweet Thai basil for a unique hit of flavour. Lighter than traditional rhum agricoles or cachacas, and more flavourful and fruity than molasses based white rums, it is particularly adapted to cocktails and mixology. The balance between lightness and its delicate sugarcane and floral aromas allows a wide utilisation in cocktail creation.

At the foot of the majestic Schlossberg hill, in a setting of vines and roses, the Domaine Weinbach "wine stream", named after the small stream that crosses it, was built in 1612 by the Capuchin monks. Sold as national property during the French Revolution, the Estate was acquired in 1898 by the Faller brothers who passed it on to their son and nephew Théo. A great figure in the Alsatian vineyard and ardent promoter of its recognition as an Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée, Théo Faller works for the quality of Alsace wines and the development of their incomparable terroirs and grape varieties. In love with his property, he develops it, enlarges it and embellishes it. From 1979, his wife Colette and his daughters Catherine and Laurence demonstrated the same passion for the great wines of Alsace and the same unfailing attachment to quality. Since 2016, Catherine Faller has been running the Domaine with her sons Eddy and Théo. Cuvée Théo Riesling comes exclusively from the monopole Le Clos des Capucins. The clos is well protected from winds by the surrounding hills and by the walls that enclose it. The soils consist of sand, alluvial pebbles and granitic gravel. Here, the low-cropping vines typically offer up a supple and pithy Riesling that is beautifully accessible when young - a reflection of these sandy soils. As per all Weinbach dry Rieslings, this was whole-bunch pressed, fermented without any yeast additions and matured in very old oak casks for 10 months. Biodynamic. It’s beautifully ripe yet crisp, with flawless clarity and vibrating citric freshness. Expect waves of crunchy citrus pith, florals and stone-fruit juiciness, excellent pulp and precision and driven compact length. Finishing on a mineral/umami note, this is a brilliant Riesling—arguably the most electric young Théo Riesling we have seen for some time. All class. Beautifully ripe yet crisp, with flawless clarity and vibrating citric freshness. Expect waves of crunchy citrus pith, florals and stone-fruit juiciness, excellent pulp and precision and driven compact length. Finishing on a mineral/umami note, this is a brilliant Riesling.

Product Information: 2022 was a sensational vintage for dry riesling from the grand cru sites with granitic soils, such as the Schlossberg. Without a doubt the pinnacle is the Grand Cru Schlossberg Cuvée Sainte Catherine Riesling 2022, which Stuart Piggot describes as "a perfect masterpiece of minerality". Concentrated and still very youthful, with energetic stonefruits are the tip of the iceberg for what is to come. Cuvee Sainte-Catherine is made from the prime mid-slope plots on Schlossberg between 320 and 420 meters above sea level. This combination of altitude, low-vigour soils and low yields is potent and yields a deep, dry, mineral Riesling with intense freshness to balance the wine core of fruit. A worthy investment, for well dressed cellars. Maker: Domaine Weinbach is celebrated as one of Alsace's top producers and, by extension, one of the finest aromatic estates globally. Despite its acclaim, it remains refreshingly modest. Under the stewardship of the Faller sisters, Catherine and Laurence, the Domaine manages 27 hectares of predominantly Grand Cru vineyards, including the renowned Schlossberg. Since 2005, they have embraced biodynamic farming. Domaine Weinbach’s wines, known for their power and purity, rank among the best aromatic whites available today. They offer exceptional quality at a price comparable to top white Burgundies and premium German Rieslings. Positioned at the base of the grand Schlossberg hill, Domaine Weinbach’s "wine stream," named after the small stream that runs through it, was originally built by Capuchin monks in 1612. After being sold as national property during the French Revolution, the Estate was acquired in 1898 by the Faller brothers, who passed it on to their son and nephew, Théo. A prominent figure in Alsace, Théo Faller was a outspoken promoter for the recognition of Alsace wines as an Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée and dedicated himself to enhancing the Estate’s quality and terroir. From 1979, Théo's wife Colette and daughters Catherine and Laurence continued his legacy with a steadfast commitment to excellence. Since 2016, Catherine Faller, alongside her sons Eddy and another Théo, has been at the helm, perpetuating the Domaine’s tradition of producing exceptional Alsace wines. Vineyard: The 2022 releases from Domaine Weinbach underscore the estate’s brilliance. The growing season was notably dry and warm, with no disease pressure affecting the pristine fruit. While the dryness was manageable and did not lead to drought conditions, yields were lower than average. This reduction, however, resulted in wines of remarkable concentration and vibrant fruit flavours. Domaine Weinbach’s wines are renowned for their longevity and consistent high standards, a tradition that has been upheld for decades. Riesling is the star in 2022, with four distinct options. Cuvee Theo, from the sand and gravel of Clos des Capucins, alaways the most approachable. Cuvee Colette stands out for its impressive minerality and power, coming from granite at the base of the Schlossberg hill. The Grand Crus from Schlossberg are exceptional: Schlossberg itself comes from the highest, poorest soil at the top of the hill (98 Points), while Cuvee Sainte-Catherine is made from the prime mid-slope plots on Schlossberg. Stuart Pigott awarded Cuvee Sainte-Catherine 100 points, calling it "a perfect masterpiece of minerality." These are truly timeless wines—worthy of investing in now to enjoy their rewards in the years to come. Nose - Amalfi Lemon, Taut Yellow Fruits, Flint Spray of ripe Amalfi lemon zest, ripe and so fresh, imbued with a touch of smoke - like rocks bashed together. Palate - Stone Fruits, Meyer Lemon, Piercing Acid Ripe, juicy, mouth-watering Amalfi and Meyer lemon are the stars on the clean-cut, taut and stony palate, and their juiciness and aroma make the mouth water Finish - Stony Minerals, Lemon Zest, Mouth Coating Finis The mouth-coating, zesty finish lasts and lasts. Where the other wines have pith, this has zest.

Yarra Yering, well known for their pristine and elegant red wines, also make one of the Yarra Valley's premier Chardonnays. Made solely from the original 1969 plantings, the Yarra Yering Chardonnay is fermented traditionally in open top fermenters and crafted to age in bottle for extended periods. The wine goes through 100% malolactic fermentation which adds complexity and roundness without foregoing natural acidity and structure. Aged in 40% new French oak, this classic white wine combines intense opulence with finesse & textural flintiness.

PIERRE-YVES COLIN-MOREY, Bourgogne Hautes Cotes de Beaune blanc