Any price
Marauding Vintners Langhorne Creek Lady Chardonnay
For the Marauding Vintners, real wine is not a commodity, but an expression of people, place and time, where art and nature merge. They know the real deal is often found off the beaten track, and devote time to tracking down the genuine characters. Lady Chardonnay is quite the actress. Born, it's said, from a liaison between a French aristocrat and an uncultivated 'peasant'. She appears the world over in many guises, winning rave reviews in Burgundy, Champagne and select Aussie venues – appearing luscious and well-rounded where the sun shines most, lean and elegant in cooler climes. You'll adore the fresh, modern, beautifully balanced performance she gives here.
Château Ramage La Batisse
If you’re a long-standing customer who enjoys a drop of decent mature Bordeaux, chances are you’ve heard of Château Ramage La Batisse. If you haven’t, it’s a remarkable cru bourgeois from the Haut-Médoc that’s only a short stroll from First Growth Châteaux Lafite and Mouton Rothschild. Our Bordeaux Buyer Jean-Marc Sauboua has known the family for years and they always give him first refusal on their latest releases. Which is lucky for us – and you – because the family hoard their finest vintages for years, only parting with them when they’re ready to enjoy. This 2015 is supple and approachable now, but will develop over the next few years and maintain peak form for a few after that. Open an hour or two before serving with your Sunday roast.
Carravacas de Primicia Rioja
Classic Rioja fans will love this red, with all its moreish, silky, ripe berry fruit tempered by toasty spice. No wonder the late Spanish expert John Radford listed Primicia among his top 20 Rioja bodegas. It’s a family estate, founded by three brothers, and has over the years won many awards. This 2019 is made from 100% strawberry scented Tempranillo, from mature, low yielding vineyards. Winemaker Fernando Domingo matured the wine in American oak barrels for four months – just enough to flatter the fruit with gentle toasty spice and hints of vanilla, while letting plenty of exuberant, youthful, fruit character shine through. A delight on its own, this wine is spot on with garlic chicken, lamb chops with rosemary or a selection of tapas.
30 Mile Riesling
This gorgeously refreshing white is made by the talented John Quarisa, who – aside from winning a coveted Jimmy Watson Trophy – has enjoyed a “distinguished career as a winemaker spanning over 20 years” (Halliday). John likes his wines to express big personality, juicy fruit and value for money. They also have a magic knack of winning Gold – often several times over! Mouthwateringly fresh and bursting with citrus. Lemon and lime run across the palate, with subtle green apple hints. This Gold winner would happily pair with a platter of fresh prawns.
Ognissole Organic Primitivo
Willunga 100 The Tithing McLaren Vale Grenache
The 5Os Project McLaren Vale Montepulciano
Casa Silva Cool Coast Pinot Noir
Tscharke Barossa Valley Shiraz Shiraz Shiraz
Lloyd Brothers Adelaide Hills Estate Picpoul
A 91pt, Great Value delight from the pictureaque Adelaide Hills and the Lloyd Brothers estate "refreshing and pure in its feel. A delicate, seaside kind of white with lemon blossom, kiwi fruit and briny scents. Offers flavours of more kiwi, some lime and soft mandarin-like sweet-sour characters. There's a good extension of flavour and a pleasing, saline minerality through the finish. You can see oysters in its future. It's a great wee drink..." Mike Bennie, The Halliday Wine Companion.