$50 to $100
Domaine Christian Moreau Père Et Fils Petit Chablis
Domaine Christian Moreau is a highly esteemed and long-standing name in Chablis, known for its exceptional vineyard holdings and rich family history in the region. Led by Christian Moreau and now his son Fabien, who serves as the winemaker and manager, this remarkable estate has quickly established itself as one of the leading producers of Chablis, consistently crafting outstanding wines. The estate boasts magnificent vineyard holdings, carefully accumulated over generations, including an impressive nearly 8 hectares of Grand Cru out of Chablis' total 92 hectares. Notable among these holdings is a single 3-hectare plot in Les Clos, along with .41 hectares in Clos des Hospices dans Les Clos, and smaller plots in Valmur, Blanchots and Vaudesir. This exceptional combination of vineyard sites, old vines, meticulous winemaking and unwavering attention to detail has earned the estate a reputation for producing some of the finest wines in Chablis. While Domaine Christian Moreau has relatively smaller holdings in Petit, village and 1er cru Chablis, the true highlights lie in their remarkable range of Grand Cru vineyards. Since 2013, the vineyards have been certified organic, and recent investments have further improved the quality of the wines. Each vintage showcases the wines' precision, typicity and elegance, while also allowing them to age gracefully and provide immense pleasure throughout their lives. Fabien Moreau, who took over as winemaker in 2002, has already achieved remarkable results. With previous experience in New Zealand and a deep respect for terroir, he brings authenticity, distinctiveness and exquisite quality to the wines of Christian Moreau Pere et Fils. The Petit Chablis originates from vineyards positioned atop the hill of Grand Crus, just meters away from the Grand Cru Valmur. Additionally, a very small 0.4-hectare planting, located at the crest of the hill of Grand Crus above Vaudesir, has been recently added by the Moreau family. This wine impresses with its depth, detail and exceptional value. However, availability is limited due to its small production, second only to the tiny 0.41-hectare plot of Clos des Hospices dans Les Clos. The wines are certified organic and vegan-friendly, further adding to their appeal. The Domaine Christian Moreau Père Et Fils Petit Chablis 2022 is a delightful white wine that showcases the unique typicity of the Chablis terroir. On the nose, this wine offers enticing aromas of chalk, hazelnut and green apple, complemented by hints of ripe yellow plum. The palate is crisp and refreshing, with a lively acidity that brings a sense of vibrancy to the wine. The primary flavors of this Petit Chablis are beautifully expressed, offering a delightful combination of freshness and depth. With its excellent balance and elegant structure, the Domaine Christian Moreau Père Et Fils Petit Chablis 2022 is a true representation of the Chablis style. It is a wine that can be enjoyed now, but also has the potential to age gracefully, allowing for further development of its complexity and character.
Domaine Christian Moreau Père Et Fils Chablis
Domaine Christian Moreau is a highly esteemed and historic name in the world of Chablis. The family has a long-standing history in the region, and the current generation, led by Christian Moreau and his son Fabien, continues to uphold the family's legacy. With their exceptional vineyard holdings, which include nearly 8 hectares of Grand Cru out of Chablis' total 92 hectares, this small yet remarkable estate has quickly established itself as one of the leading producers of Chablis, consistently crafting outstanding wines. While their holdings in Petit, village and 1er cru Chablis are relatively small, the true highlights lie in their range of Grand Cru vineyards. They possess a single holding of approximately 3 hectares in Les Clos, along with 41 hectares in Clos des Hospices dans Les Clos, as well as smaller holdings in Valmur, Blanchots and Vaudesir. These exceptional vineyard sites, combined with old vines, meticulous winemaking and careful attention to every step of production, have resulted in wines that are widely regarded as some of the finest in Chablis. The estate's commitment to organic farming, certified since 2013, has further enhanced the expression of their vineyards. With investments in new tanks and other winemaking techniques, the results are evident in each vintage. The wines of Domaine Christian Moreau Pere et Fils are known for their precision, clear typicity and elegance. They have the ability to age gracefully while providing immense pleasure throughout their lives Fabien Moreau, who took over as winemaker in 2002, has already made a significant impact. With previous experience in New Zealand and a deep respect for terroir, Fabien is a visionary winemaker. The wines of Christian Moreau Pere et Fils are authentic, distinctive and of exceptional quality. The Domaine Christian Moreau Pere et Fils Chablis 2022 is primarily aged in stainless steel, with 15% of the blend seeing barrel aging. The vines used for this wine are over 40 years old and are located in Les Pargues, situated between the Premier Cru sites of Montmains and Vosgros. This terroir has always been highly regarded and produces wines with extra depth and character. The blend also includes grapes from the village of Beru, known for its naturally reductive qualities, and a parcel from behind the hill of Grand Crus towards Fontenay. This combination brings complexity, generosity, coolness, minerality, reserve and finesse to the final blend. Certified organic and vegan-friendly, this Chablis offers flavors of white fruit with a pleasant minerality. It is a perfect choice for an aperitif or pairs well with oysters, shellfish or grilled fish.
Domaine Christophe Patrice Chablis
Christophe Patrice, a winemaker from the village of Beine in Chablis, has a deep connection to the land and winemaking. In 1996, he joined his family's business but later established his own vineyard in 2006. In 2011, he acquired the prestigious Daniel Roblot estate, expanding his domaine to 22 hectares. The vineyards span across Beine, Courgis, and Chablis, showcasing the region's diversity. Sustainability and respect for the land are paramount to Christophe, who follows a lutte raisonnée approach to vineyard management. With low planting density, the vines have space to thrive. Stainless steel tanks are used to vinify the wines, preserving the pure essence of the Chardonnay fruit. From Petit Chablis to Chablis Premier Cru Beauregard, Christophe's portfolio reflects his dedication to excellence. Christophe Patrice's winemaking approach is marked by meticulous attention to detail and a deep understanding of the unique qualities of Chablis terroir. Sustainability is a central focus, with vineyards in Beine, Courgis, and Chablis managed carefully to preserve the land for future generations. The winemaking process emphasizes harmony between nature and craftsmanship, with grapes pressed and fermented exclusively in stainless steel tanks to allow the true character of Chardonnay grapes to shine without oak influence. Malolactic conversion and lees aging add complexity and texture to the Chablis wines, while the VdF Chardonnay follows a different path, showcasing vibrant fruit character without malolactic conversion or lees aging. All wines are vegan-friendly, crafted with ethical and environmentally conscious practices. Chablis is a highly acclaimed white wine hailing from the northernmost part of Burgundy, France. Its reputation lies in its distinctive character and ability to showcase the specific qualities of its terroir. Unlike many other Chardonnay wines, Chablis is typically not aged in oak barrels, resulting in a refreshing and mineral-driven flavour profile. The cool climate and limestone-rich soil of the region contribute to its unique taste, featuring hints of citrus, green apple, and a flinty mineral essence. Chablis wines are categorized into various appellations, such as Grand Cru and Premier Cru, signifying the finest vineyard locations. The sheer purity and refinement of Chablis have made it a sought-after choice among wine enthusiasts worldwide. The Domaine Christophe Patrice Chablis 2022 enchants with its radiant golden hue, captivating the senses from the first glance. Delicate and alluring, the nose reveals an intense bouquet of white flowers and vibrant citrus fruit, harmoniously intertwined with a mineral symphony of flint and gunflint. On the palate, this white wine unfurls with a lively and mineral-driven character, showcasing the essence of lime zest, crisp green apple and the subtle touch of stones. Meticulous winemaking techniques have resulted in a wine of remarkable richness and complexity, unveiling intriguing aromatic nuances reminiscent of fresh croissant and baked apple. Crafted exclusively from Chardonnay grapes, this Chablis embraces its pure expression, free from the influence of oak, allowing the bright and mineralic qualities of the variety to shine through. It stands as a testament to the exceptional quality of Chardonnay and serves as a true reflection of the esteemed Chablis region, an embodiment of the winemaker's skill and dedication, Christophe Patrice.
Thomas Wines Cellar Reserve Braemore Semillon
Domaine Bernard Defaix Chablis
Defaix's Chablis comes from a range of parcels with different vine age and aspects. Aged on fine lees in glass-lined tanks, this is a textural, and uplifting Chablis rich in oyster shell and citrus notes and driving freshness on the finish.
By Farr Chardonnay
Gary Farr is still one of Victoria's true Chardonnay maestro's and his Chardonnay By Farr is another example. Taken from the original By Farr vineyard, this is a clearly a wine of true clarity and finesse. Flavours of melon and hints of spice with wonderful oak integration mean this wine is simply delicious upon release, but handle some careful medium-term cellaring.
Maison des Hâtes Pierrick Laroche Chablis 1er Cru Beauroy
Pierrick Laroche, the proud owner of Domaine des Hâtes, continues the legacy of his family's estate located in the picturesque village of Maligny, in the north-west sector of Chablis. Established by his father in the 1970s, Pierrick's family vineyard holdings have gradually expanded over time, resulting in the current size of around 33 hectares. After obtaining a degree in oenology from Beaune, Pierrick embarked on a journey to gain valuable experience by traveling the world and undertaking various internships. Armed with knowledge and a deep passion for winemaking, he returned home to take over the family vineyards and start producing his own wines. Pierrick's cellars, ingeniously built into the side of a hill in the village, allow for much of the winemaking process to be conducted by gravity ensuring gentle handling of the grapes. The vinification takes place traditionally in stainless steel tanks, while some of the Premier and Grand Cru wines undergo a small portion of aging in used barrels, allowing for a full malolactic fermentation. One of his oldest vineyard plots, Les Châtillons, planted in the early 1970s, sits just behind the hill of the Grand Crus and showcases the meticulous use of barrel aging, which adds complexity and depth to the cuvée. In 2016, Pierrick expanded his range by starting a small négoce operation, sourcing must from friends who predominantly farm on the left side of the river. This addition includes premier crus such as Beauroy, Beauregard and Vau de Vey, as well as the grand cru of Bougros. In 2019, Pierrick inherited 8 acres of vines from his father-in-law in the southern sector of Chablis, around the village of Courgis. This inheritance includes Petit Chablis, 5.5 acres of Chablis and just over half an acre of the premier cru Les Butteaux. Pierrick Laroche's dedication to his craft is evident in every bottle of wine he produces. With a perfect blend of tradition and innovation, his wines showcase the unique terroir of Chablis, captivating enthusiasts with their finesse, complexity and distinct character. As Pierrick continues to nurture and expand his vineyards, he upholds the family legacy while leaving his own mark on the world of Chablis winemaking. The name of Pierrick's Domaine, "hâtes" refers to an old agricultural unit of measure, similar to the English rod. It evokes the long and slender fields used for sowing, where the longer rows made plowing easier with fewer turns. The term "hâtes" was often used to describe such fields. Produced from vines around 30 year age which are not owned by the domaine but from a producer who is a friend of Pierrick. Premier cru Beauroy has a cooler more north and eastern exposition facing Fourchaume on the other side of the Serein river giving wines which are typically finer and more mineral than those from Fourchaume which mostly faces south-west often yielding riper wines. This wine is raised in stainless steel and shows notable precision and detail finishing with real persistence and a finely chiselled structure. The Maison des Hâtes Pierrick Laroche Chablis 1er Cru Beauroy 2022 is an elegant wine that exemplifies the exceptional quality of the Beauroy Premier Cru vineyard in Chablis. Crafted by Pierrick Laroche, this wine reflects his dedication to producing top-notch Chablis. On the nose, this wine offers enticing aromas of citrus, white flowers and a hint of minerality, showcasing the unique characteristics of the Premier Cru terroir. The palate is treated to a harmonious blend of flavors, with crisp citrus notes, ripe orchard fruits and a subtle saline quality that adds depth and complexity. The wine's vibrant acidity provides a refreshing backbone, while the well-integrated oak influence adds a touch of elegance. The 2022 vintage of Maison des Hâtes Pierrick Laroche Chablis 1er Cru Beauroy is characterized by its excellent structure and balance, indicating its potential for aging. While enjoyable now, this wine has the capacity to develop further complexity and depth over the next several years.
Te Mata Cape Crest Sauvignon Blanc
A lovely and unusual Sauvignon Blanc from Hawkes Bay. It is barrel-fermented with a touch of Semillon and Sauvignon Gris. This wine has aromas of citrus blossom, pear and stone fruit and will evolve in the bottle for five years from harvest.
Rieslingfreak No.7 Clare Valley Fortified Riesling Non-Vintage
Product Information: Rieslingfreak No.7 Clare Valley Fortified Riesling will remind you of good white port, but somehow with Riesling aromatics and flavours. There's a hint of nutty oak on the nose, supporting aromas and flavours of sultanas, caramel and butter scotch, orange peel and dried fruits. The wine is a perfect match for a sweet dessert, chocolate or a plate of cheese. Grapes for the No.7 are sourced from the family property, White Hutt, Clare Valley. The juice is partially fermented to 7-8 baume (approx. 140g/L sugar) then fortified with a neutral brandy spirit. Stored in old oak casks to develop for 2 to 4 years. The wine was bottled at three years of age, expressing many of the flavours and aromas of a good fortified Riesling. Maker: Established by John Hughes in 2009, Rieslingfreak started as a passion-project, was born from a long-running love for the Riesling variety. Today the portfolio has grown and evolved to include 19 different Riesling styles! Since the beginning, Rieslingfreak's mission has been to produce quality Rieslings that best represent both style and region. They craft Rieslings that reveal the qualities of essential South Australian wine regions, including Clare Valley, Eden Valley and Polish Hill River. It's easy to get the hang of, each of the Rieslingfreak wines is assigned a number, and the number represents both the region where the grape is grown, and the style of the Riesling in the bottle. The Rieslingfreak collection includes dry, sweet, sparkling, and fortified Riesling styles. There are not many grape varieties in the world that provides a winemaker the same level of versatility that Riesling does. To drive it home, Rieslingfreak’s Belinda Hughes, speaks to the versatility of riesling, “I believe Riesling to be the ultimate versatile variety... from dry to sweet, sparkling to fortified, there is almost nothing riesling can’t do – and do well!" Not only that, the variety has natural capability to hold elevated acid levels making it uniquely suited to delicate dry wines as well as perfectly balanced sweeter styles, and also imparts longevity and enables long-term cellaring. The other thing Riesling does well is its ability to effortless accept oak. To argue oak in Riesling, Anne Hughes, John's mum and source of Clare Valley Riesling, takes the mic. While many Australian makers see oak as an affront in riesling, playing it safe to preserve fruit purity at all costs, the reality is that oak is very traditional. “While the use of oak and wild fermentation is relatively rare in Aussie riesling, the Germans have been using oak vessels with riesling for centuries,” says Hughes. Most of the vats used at Rieslingfreak are so old, the oak flavour in the wines is barely perceptible, this subtle influence imparts a distinctive elegance and an old-world charm that truly sets their wines apart from the rest. Riesling Freak are also boundary pushing, respecting tradition, they've learned the rules to break them. While they certainly embrace the classic steely Aussie style and have paid homage to textured German styles, they go further aiming to push the boundaries of what Riesling means in this country. Anne Hughes says, "Riesling is remarkably well suited as a canvas for more exuberant expressions." The variety's high natural acidity is the key factor, that makes it perfect for oak fermentation and maturation - a vinification more commonly association to Burgundian Chardonnay. Anne explains it best, “natural preservation due to low pH and the delicacy of the base wine allows secondary characters to shine. Why can’t riesling be as textural and complex as a top-shelf barrel fermented chardonnay? Why can’t the winemaker embrace the bolder flair of Antoni Gaudi, rather than the restraint of Da Vinci in creating a riesling of great beauty?” You can find this style, that blurs the line between old and new world in Riesling No.1. Only made in the good years, in a way that distinguishes it from any other Rieslingfreak wine. This wine has been wild fermented in a large-format oak barrel, producing a Riesling with texture and unprecedented complexity; combining subtle, spicy oak notes with delicate tropical and heady floral aromas, strewn together by tight, linear acidity that will drive this wine many years into the future and definitely one for the Rieslingfreaks among us. Vineyard: At Rieslingfreak, grapes are sourced from Clare Valley, Polish Hill River and Eden Valley. Each of these regions and specific vineyards are selected based on their own individual microclimate, the history of the vineyard and the grower’s commitment to their vineyards. Their Clare Valley vineyard is the source of No.7 but also Rieslings - No.3, No.5, No.6, No.9, No.33. Situated in White Hutt and is my family vineyard, owned by Richard and Anne Hughes. This is approximately 5.8 kms north of the Clare township, and is situated 500m above sea level. On their Clare Valley property, they have five different Riesling sites. Each site has a different soil profile, where they use multiple clones on the sites. The majority of the sites have deep red clay, over limestone, providing a fruit driven style of Riesling. Nose - Porty Sultanas, Orange Peel, Butter Scotch Bouquet is straw-like and savoury, accented with orange peel, with a suggestion of nutty oak. Palate - Dried Fruits, Caramel, Zest Flavours of sultanas, caramel and butter scotch, orange peel and dried fruits Finish - Nutty Oak, Citrus Pith, Honey The sweetness is quite moderate. The phenolics and apparently high-alcohol accentuate an appealing bitterness on the finish.