As Bell Hill’s vines penetrate further into their limestone soils, the inimitable character of this site is articulated ever more dramatically in its fruits. This release is more honed and scaffolded than ever, with a frame of firm, finely textured tannins of great focus and persistence. Fantastic exotic depth of sarsaparilla, coal and black fruits […]

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The ascent of its estate pinot noir elevated Rippon to the highest Five Star tier of The Great Pinot Noir Classification of Matthew Jukes and myself this year, and its even more rare Tinker’s Field is on a level of its own, with just 85 cases produced from the oldest vines of the estate. The […]

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All Saints is far from the darkest rare tokays, but don’t be fooled: this is an average of a whopping thirty-five years of age. Its aromas declare its maturity in allusions of a dusty old tractor shed, walnuts and raisins, balanced with youthful notes of cumquat and fig. There’s intensity and focus to the palate, […]

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As Mt Difficulty’s vines plunge their roots ever deeper into the parched moonscape that it Bannockburn, its single vineyard wines build confidence and effortless integration. Beautiful violet perfume and focused black cherry fruit are accented by the subtle exotic overtones of one-third whole bunch fermentation. Tannin framework is both enduringly structured and simultaneously fine and […]

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The great paradox of the finest old fortifieds lies in the skill of the blender in retaining impeccable freshness while building all the theatrics of great maturity. Grand is much deeper in colour than Classic at Stanton & Killeen, reflecting the depth of age packed into this bottle. Savoury dryness juxtaposes with honeyed sweetness as […]

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Wantirna is one of the great cabernets of Victoria, irresistible in its youth, and it will only improve. Breathtakingly floral, with pristine violet and rose petal lift over impeccable cabernet definition of red- and blackcurrants, capsicum, tobacco leaf and cedar. The palate is ultra-fine and superbly refined, built around pristine red fruits and lingering rose […]

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Celebrating its 30th birthday last year, Noble One holds its position among benchmark Australian botrytis semillon, and the 2009 release is outstanding. Its bright, golden honey hue announces glorious aromas of cumquat marmalade, apricot jam and vanilla, with just a hint of savoury reduction. The palate is unctuous, with toffee, crème brûlée and apricot jam, […]

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Pegasus Bay builds pinot noir of proper structure and longevity of international standards. Berry cherry fruits are impeccable, not unusual for New Zealand, but its a beautifully defined mineral tannin structure that really sets it apart. Forty percent new French oak amplifies its mouthfeel and guarantees to sustain it very long. $50 at WineStar and […]

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Celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, the legendary vineyard of Lake’s Folly is an oasis of exceptional cabernet (and friends) in a region of shiraz and semillon. 2011 is one of its great expressions, leaping out of the glass with a beautiful bouquet of lifted violets, dark berry compote and liquorice. The palate melds deep […]

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Chris Pfeiffer commenced his apera 28 years ago when he first began in Rutherglen, back when the style could still be called sherry. Today it boasts an average age of 25 years, infusing a golden honey hue and aromas of walnut and burnt butter. The palate is balanced, persistent and intense, retaining the freshness of […]

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