Australia
Australia
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Western Australia | 1 | 98 (HWC) | $470.00 | |||||
Halliday Wine Companion (98)It’s been a joy to watch the evolution of Heytesbury over the past decade or so, as it's one of the great Australian chardonnays. Whatever vintage conditions have thrown at it, and with tweaks along the way, the nucleus remains steadfast: quality, excellent fruit and a second-to-none level of detail in the winemaking. This is an evocative wine. Pristine and sublime. Funky sulphides rockin’ it while a gossamer thread of acidity holds everything in line – the citrus flavours, the texture, the wine totally enveloping the oak and, while it’s a powerhouse of flavour, there’s a purity to this. It’s such a contrast. How does it achieve that? |
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Western Australia | 1 | 97 (HWC) | $399.00 | |||||
Halliday Wine Companion (97)If one wine typifies the current state of Australian chardonnay (complex, superfine, detailed and majestic) as much as a wine of place, Heytesbury could possibly be it. There’s a lot of fruit power this vintage, yet still, a tightly coiled style in youth. A millefeuille of flavour – grapefruit, lemon salt, white nectarine and complex savoury nuances, the oak and lees folded into the wine. There’s an intriguing zinc character too, a little flinty and funky with mouth-watering acidity. Moreish and compelling all the way through. Mesmerising. |
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Western Australia | 1 | 98 (TRR) | $802.00 | |||||
The Real Review (98)Deep red/purple colour with a very fresh, nuanced, aromatic bouquet loaded with blue and red fruits, cedar and high-toned flowers, violets to the fore. A totally gorgeous bouquet, very fresh and primary but also complex and detailed. Very fine tannins; extremely long carry. A supremely elegant, sublime wine that finishes right out with impressive extension. Clearly, the best Tom Cullity to date. (17% malbec; 1% petit verdot) |
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Western Australia | 1 | 99 (WAU) | $328.00 | |||||
The West Australian (99)Highly perfumed aromas strike immediately. There is that combination of fruit sweetness and fine chalky minerally tannins. Loads of blackcurrant and juicy plum with a dollop of chocolate and mocha cut with floral and dried herb notes. Bright and energetic at every turn with subtlety and elegance. Delivers with a degree of understatement and restraint yet gathers pace and momentum as it drives through to the finish. The tannins are more in the powdery space with that slightly aspirin-like oak influence bringing it all together seamlessly and harmoniously. This is classic cabernet in its varietal makeup with a firm spine and length. The malbec has brought a vibrant red fruit juiciness into the equation. The finest wine yet from Vasse Felix. It’s 2016 without the tannin and 2014 without the opulence. |
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Western Australia | 1 | 99 (WAU) | $153.00 | |||||
The West Australian (99)Highly perfumed aromas strike immediately. There is that combination of fruit sweetness and fine chalky minerally tannins. Loads of blackcurrant and juicy plum with a dollop of chocolate and mocha cut with floral and dried herb notes. Bright and energetic at every turn with subtlety and elegance. Delivers with a degree of understatement and restraint yet gathers pace and momentum as it drives through to the finish. The tannins are more in the powdery space with that slightly aspirin-like oak influence bringing it all together seamlessly and harmoniously. This is classic cabernet in its varietal makeup with a firm spine and length. The malbec has brought a vibrant red fruit juiciness into the equation. The finest wine yet from Vasse Felix. It’s 2016 without the tannin and 2014 without the opulence. |
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Victoria | 8 | 94 (HWC) | $208.00 | |||||
Halliday Wine Companion (94)A blend of pressings of Shiraz (62%)/Cabernet Sauvignon (33%)/Dolcetto (5%) assembled from barrels of 2006 vintage with some 'reserve' barrels of the best vintages over the past 10 years. It is neither fearsomely tannic or alcoholic, rather a medium- to full-bodied wine with licorice, blackberry and blackcurrant fruit flavours. |
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Victoria | 1 | 94 (WA) | $103.00 | |||||
Wine Advocate (94)The blockbuster 2004 Shiraz Springflat’s inky/purple color is followed by a wine that pushes concentration to the limit. Made from tiny yields of 1.5 to 1.8 tons of fruit per acre, aged in 50% new and 50% 1 and 2 year old oak (half American and half French) barrels, it is a huge, rich, backward Shiraz that still assaults the palate and olfactory senses. Forget this big, structured, intense 2004 for 2-3 years and drink it over the following 15 or more. |
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Victoria | 1 | 95 (WA) | $114.00 | |||||
Wine Advocate (95)The 2006 Springflat Shiraz is 100% varietal aged in 100% new French and American oak. The nose offers up an array of cedar, saddle leather, boysenberry, blackberry, and blueberry compote. This is followed by a sweetly fruited, opulent wine with layers of spicy flavors, earth notes, and spice box. Balanced and exceptionally long, this large-scaled effort will evolve for another 5-7 years and be at its best through 2031. |
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South Australia | 30 | - | $103.00 | |||||
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South Australia | 30 | - | $103.00 | |||||
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South Australia | 1 | 92 (HWC) | $256.00 | |||||
Halliday Wine Companion (92)Old-school Coonawarra wrapped within a sheath of contemporary tannin management. Smoother, perhaps, but the region's green olive scented tannins, sinewy and edgy, are strongly genetic. Otherwise, currant, bay leaf and an herbaceous undercarriage of mint, clove and bouquet garni push across a persistent linger. |
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South Australia | 1 | 96 (HWC) | $115.00 | |||||
Halliday Wine Companion (96)Strong purple-crimson; from the first whiff to the finish and aftertaste, the wine has remarkable cohesion, line and balance; there are hints of spice to the essentially black fruits, the French oak evident but seamless, the mouthfeel supple and velvety, the finish with a dry, savoury twist, just what was needed. Screwcap. |
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Western Australia | 2 | - | $298.00 | |||||
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Emanating from the premium vineyards of Western Australia, the Woodside Valley Baudin Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 is a true connoisseur's delight. This lustrous Cabernet Sauvignon has been matured in French oak barrels, offering an extraordinary balance of tannins and fruit profiles. The meticulous cultivation process under cool maritime-influenced climate imparts a distinctive depth to its full-bodied palate. Characterised by intricate layers of well-ripened blackcurrants, delicate chocolate undertones and a hint of earthy complexity, the Woodside Valley Baudin Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 exhibits great finesse. Ingeniously crafted by Woodside Valley Estate, a respected producer known for their attention to detail and unwavering quality standards, this wine is a testament to their expertise. The 2004 vintage speaks volumes of the terroir's unique characteristics, making this wine a superb choice for those seeking a tasting experience replete with the essence of Australian vineyards. Indulge in the remarkable Woodside Valley Baudin Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 - a wine that truly stands in a class of its own. |
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South Australia | 1 | 91 (VN) | $235.00 | |||||
Vinous (91)The 2015 Black Label from Wynns, which debuted way back in 1954 but only sported a black label from 1965, is aged for 18 months in 19% new oak. It has a ravishing bouquet of black cherries, menthol, lavender and pitted black olives, well defined and displaying just the right amount of plushness. The palate offers vibrant red fruit laced with white pepper and clove, plus touches of orange peel. There’s plenty of vibrancy here, and hints of cough candy toward the well-balanced, fresh finish. This is a delightful Cabernet Sauvignon that is à point but will have no problem aging for another 20 years. |
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South Australia | 1 | 100 (AC) | $398.00 | |||||
Andrew Caillard MW (100)Deep crimson. Lovely pure blackcurrant elderberry herb garden aromas with hints of espresso/ roasted chestnut notes. Beautiful concentrated wine with blackcurrant elderberry chinotto herb flavours, fine-grained and plentiful yet vigorous tannins, superb mid palate richness and integrated roasted chestnut/ cedar oak notes. Finishes chalky firm with a long inky/ graphite plume. Made for the long haul. Powerfully expressive yet unforced wine with superb vinosity, richness, density and volume. Superb. The fruit derives from the V&A (Victoria & Albert) and Nursery Vineyards, both located on classic terra rossa soils. From a dry, mild to warm growing season. Wait a few years to let it unfold, 2025-2050. |
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South Australia | 1 | 19.5+ (MJ) | $459.00 | |||||
Matthew Jukes (19.5+)This is the most incredible Wynns Cabernet I can remember. This is a fairly heavy statement because I have been drinking these wines for 35 years and on my website you will find vertical tastings of Wynns epic reds going back to 1957. Wynns is Coonawarra’s most famous and historic wine estate and John Riddoch is its flagship wine. This is one of only a handful of Australian wines sold via La Place de Bordeaux, the elite distribution system for top Bordeaux châteaux and a limited number of top-class vins étrangers. I am convinced this wine will be one of the most sought-after non-French wines since La Place opened up its portfolio to wines like Opus One. With only 35% new French oak barriques and hogsheads involved, the sensational Coonawarra Cabernet is allowed to sing at its purest and most melodic in this spectacular vintage. What amazes me is the extraordinary complexity of perfume, flavour, depth and length in this wine. It expands on the palate in all directions without being a heavy or imposing wine. I have awarded the wine a score of 19.5+/20 in my notes, which puts it in the very highest echelons of cabernet sauvignon in the world. The balance is extraordinary, not least because, at only three years old, it can be swallowed and savoured with ease, and yet there must be three or four decades ahead for this majestic wine. |
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South Australia | 1 | 97 (BC) | $537.00 | |||||
Bob Campbell MW (97)Marries elegance with depth and power, elegance controlling the union. Whereas oak is often very obvious in young Michael releases, here it is just a veneer for the supple plum, black cherry and blackberry fruits, the tannins likewise perfectly pitched. Coonawarra didn't miss out on the great '12 vintage. |
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Victoria | 1 | - | $145.00 | |||||
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Yabby Lake Block 6 Pinot Noir 2017 epitomises the elegance and finesse characteristic of premium cool-climate viticulture. Sourced from Yabby Lake’s prestigious Block 6 vineyard in the heart of the Yarra Valley, this Pinot Noir benefits from meticulously managed vine canopies and optimal ripening conditions. Hand-harvested grapes undergo a gentle fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, preserving delicate aromatics and vibrant acidity. Aged for 12 months in French oak barrels, the wine develops subtle vanilla and spice notes without overshadowing its intrinsic fruit profile. Crafted by the esteemed Yabby Lake winery, renowned for their commitment to sustainable practices, the 2017 vintage displays a nuanced palate of dark cherry, raspberry, and earthy undertones, supported by silky tannins and a lingering finish. Perfectly poised to cellar or enjoy now, Yabby Lake Block 6 Pinot Noir 2017 is a testament to exceptional craftsmanship and terroir expression. |
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Victoria | 1 | 96 (HWC) | $167.00 | |||||
Halliday Wine Companion (96)Hand-picked and sorted, gently destemmed, partial whole berry adherence for stems, 4 days cold soak, wild-fermented, 14 days on skins, pressed to tight-grain puncheons for 8 months maturation. A layered palate interleaving velvety fruit and hints of forest on the long, medium-bodied palate. Trophy Best Pinot Noir Mornington Peninsula Wine Show. |
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South Australia | 1 | 98 (JS) | $601.00 | |||||
James Suckling (98)This is a strong cross-regional combination. Immense depth of olives, cassis, blue plums and iodine with blackberries, earthy nuances, fragrant baking spices and chocolate. The palate is beautifully assembled with deep-set tannins that carry long and majestic. Rich dark-fruit flavors. A landmark first release that will drink well for decades. Drink from 2024. |
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South Australia | 1 | 19.5+ (MJ) | $532.00 | |||||
Matthew Jukes (19.5+)2013 is a powerhouse, with density, structure and presence, but it is not a heavy wine! Instead, this is a cerebral, through-provoking number with layer upon layer of savoury, noble fruit. The differences between the yin and yang of these two vintages is also evident in the blend. 2012 was made of 79% Cabernet (of which 27% was Barossan and the lion’s share was from Coonawarra) and 21% Barossa Shiraz. In 2013 KG marries 55% Coonawarra Cabernet with 45% Barossa Shiraz. This is a more ‘historical-Aussie-claret-shaped’ wine and the extra splash of Barossa Shiraz helps to bring flesh to the upright, masterful Cabernet. |
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