Australia & NZ
These far-flung wine regions may be referred to ‘new’ when compared against the historic European wine regions, but they have a long winemaking history. Spared from Phylloxera, Australia in particular has world's highest concentration of venerable vines and legendary producers such as Penfolds, Henschke and Tyrell’s have been around for over 150 years. Though for many years piggybacking on Europe’s successes, branding their own wines as ‘Chablis’, ‘Hermitage’ etc., Australia now have created a real identity of their own, making inimitable styles like Coonawarra Cabernet or Hunter Valley Semillon.
New Zealand doesn’t quite have as an extensive history but has established itself in an astonishingly short amount of time as a reliable source of whistle clean, distinctive examples of varietals like Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc.
Australia & NZ
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Immerse yourself in the divine indulgence of the Terlato & Chapoutier Saddleback 2016. The synergy between two vinicultural icons - Tony Terlato of Terlato Wines, USA and Michel Chapoutier of Maison M. Chapoutier, France is elegantly embodied in this robust offering. Teased from the Saddleback vineyards of Victoria, Australia, evincing an exacting soil composition mimicking the terroir of Rhone Valley, the wine speaks eloquently of its provenance. The transformative magic of careful selection, traditional destemming, and synchronised fermentation carries a strong hint of dark berries, a melange of spices, coupled with a prolonged, velvety finish. Unfurling in the glass, the Terlato & Chapoutier Saddleback 2016 evolves, expanding its storyline and eventually becoming a full-bodied, rounded introduction to each sip. Invitingly layered, yet masterfully balanced, this Shiraz is a testament to the golden combination of new world ambition and old world tradition. Easily a must-have for any connoisseur's cellar.
$404.00 -
Produced in Victoria, Australia, Terlato & Chapoutier Saddleback 2017 showcases a harmonious fusion of New World boldness with Old World elegance. The result of a collaboration between Anthony Terlato, a revered veteran in the American wine industry, and iconic French winemaker Michel Chapoutier, this Syrah focuses on finesse over power. This wine is hand-picked from a single vineyard, with the choice grapes undergoing minimal handling to preserve their natural character. The intense, rich wine is aged in French oak for 18 months, imbuing it with subtle spice and structured tannins. On the palate, it reveals tantalising notes of wild fruits, black pepper, and spice leading to a lingering, complex finish. Terlato & Chapoutier Saddleback 2017 encapsulates a sophisticated balance of fruit intensity, refined oak, and mature tannins; a testament to the dedicated craftsmanship of this fruitful Franco-American partnership. Such precise attention to detail positions Terlato & Chapoutier's Saddleback 2017 as a must-have addition for any discerning wine collector's cellar.
$221.00 -
The Terlato & Chapoutier Saddleback 2018 is an exquisite blend fashioned in the verdant vineyards of Victoria's Pyrenees region, Australia. Cultivated by esteemed wine producers, Michel Chapoutier, a Rhône icon, and Tony Terlato, an American wine ambassador, this intriguing partnership epitomises an Old World and New World fusion. The majority Shiraz is hand-harvested from the place they fondly dubbed 'Saddleback', following traditional biodynamic practices augmenting the wine's rich character.
Robust and bold, this 2018 vintage bears an ethereal bouquet of bramble fruits, black pepper and liquorice, married beautifully with hints of vanilla, derived from maturation in French oak barrels. The palate unfolds an equally intense depth, finessed by a delicate minerality and layered complexity. Best savoured at its youthful peak, the Terlato & Chapoutier Saddleback 2018 proffers an evocative, tantalising experience for connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike.
$252.00 -
Tantalise your palate with the Terlato & Chapoutier Saddleback S-Block Shiraz 2020, a quintessential expression of collaboration between two globally esteemed wine families, Terlato from Napa Valley and Chapoutier from Rhône Valley. Meticulously cultivated in the nutrient-rich soils of Victoria, Australia, this exceptional drop echoes the region's distinct climate conditions. Handpicked from the Saddleback vine's superior S-block, the Shiraz grapes were matured in custom French oak barrels, amplifying the wine’s depth and richness. Heather colour in hue, it presents a complex symphony of ripe fruits, fine spices, and well-integrated tannins. This Shiraz opens the senses with elegant aromas of blackberry and clove, underpinned by a signature mineral undertone reflecting its provenance. The texture is smooth, marked by a balanced acidity that enhances its long finish. Whether enjoyed now or cellared, the Terlato & Chapoutier Saddleback S-Block Shiraz 2020 is a testimony to masterful winemaking and definitely a fine addition to any wine collection.
$244.00 -
The Terlato & Chapoutier Saddleback S-Block Shiraz 2021 is the product of an esteemed partnership between American wine giant Anthony Terlato and renowned Rhône producer Michel Chapoutier. This exquisite Australian Shiraz is made on the sun-drenched Victorian Pyrenees slopes, with Geelong's cool maritime influences enriching this fruit-forward blend.
Nurtured in tight-grain French oak barrels, this eclectic Shiraz boasts an interplay of power and finesse. Its deep crimson hue introduces a structured palate of dark fruit intertwined with peppery spices, layered in supple, silken tannins. A long, lingering finish exhibits the wine’s meticulous maturation and exemplary vinification.
Chapoutier’s biodynamic philosophy perfectly aligns with Terlato's alchemic finesse to create the spellbindingly unique Terlato & Chapoutier Saddleback S-Block Shiraz 2021, an absolute must-add to your cellar if you appreciate world-class Shiraz.
$244.00 -
(6x75cl) 2005Wine Advocate (93)
The 2005 Alexander Laing Old Vines Grenache was sourced from 100-year-old vines in the Greenock subregion of Barossa. Dark ruby-colored, it has a complex bouquet of damp earth, sage, smoked herbs, espresso, cassis, and kirsch. Velvety-textured with superb depth, it also has well-concealed tannins which will allow the wine to evolve for another 4-6 years. It has a pure, 45-second finish. This outstanding Grenache will drink well through 2020.$184.00 -
(6x75cl) 2005Wine Advocate (94)
There are 2000 cases of 2005 Emigre, a blend of six grape varieties sourced from a range of Barossa sites designed to reflect a “palate” of the Valley. The blocks were cropped at 1 ton of fruit per acre. The composition of the blend is 30% Shiraz, 30% Grenache, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Mourvedre, with the balance Carignan and Muscadelle. The wine was aged from 18-20 months in new French oak. It offers a complex aromatic array of smoky oak, damp earth, pencil lead, clove, pepper, cassis, and blueberry. Supple-textured and very intense, the wine exhibits spicy red and black fruits, with hints of mint and chocolate in the background. It is layered, opulent, and long while maintaining its elegant personality. Give it 5-7 years in the cellar and drink it through 2025.$278.00 -
Vinous (93)
(a blend based on 40% grenache and 25% shiraz) Inky ruby color. Sexy and open on the nose, offering scents of spicy red berries, dusty minerals and fresh flowers. Deeper black and blue fruit flavors show impressive clarity and pick up chewy tannins with aeration. The fruit builds through a long, juicy finish, which leaves sappy blueberry and boysenberry behind. This is already delicious.$268.00 -
(12x75cl) 2005Experience the luxuriant flavour of The Colonial Estate Explorateur Shiraz Barossa 2005, a distinguished vintage crafted with precision in Australia's famed Barossa Valley. This exquisite selection springs from the award-winning The Colonial Estate, globally renowned for their dedication to authentic, high-quality vintages. Known for its intense burgundy hue, the Explorateur Shiraz speaks tactile intensity via an intoxicating bouquet of ripe blackberries, plums, and spice.
Produced through traditional vinification processes, each grape is impeccably hand-selected ensuring the finished bottle mirrors the overarching richness of the Barossa vineyard itself. Relish the symbiotic harmony of French and American oak maturity which has allowed this eminent Shiraz a silkiness that cascades smoothly across the palate, rounded out by a lingering pepper-accented finish. The Colonial Estate Explorateur Shiraz Barossa 2005 promises a decadent sensorial journey, an essential addition to any discerning connoisseur's collection.
$670.00 -
(6x75cl) 2006Vinous (92)
Ruby-red. Intensely floral aromas of fresh red berries, candied cherry and Asian spices. Silky in texture, with midweight raspberry and cherry flavors, tangy mineral bite and late-arriving tannins. Very appealing now, but balanced to reward patience. This is really elegant.$243.00 -
(12x75cl) 2005Vinous (93)
Inky violet. Minty cassis and blackberry on the nose, with an array of floral, herbal and mineral qualities adding interest. Deep and sweet but structured, with powerful dark berry and bitter cherry flavors, firm tannic grip and superb finishing thrust. Gains in sweetness with air but remains balanced, offering a beautifully judged interplay of fruit and tannin.$278.00 -
Halliday Wine Companion (96)
A full-bodied shiraz that reflects cunning winemaking. Whole-berry fermentation has put a rich gloss on the palate without overloading the tannin structure. The predominantly black berry fruit is shot through with licorice, spice and an airbrush of dark chocolate.$215.00 -
James Suckling (97)
I have tasted this producer's wines for a time now and adore the grenaches. Often my preference is for the Sands of Time cuvée but in 2021, a vintage of such effortless quality, This Charming Man ascends. Bitter red-fruit, orange-pastille, tea-tree, dried-thyme, bracken and sandalwood riffs are beautifully compressed by a phalanx of brushwood tannins. Mid-weighted Nebbiolo vibes. Very fine. Extremely long. An exquisite grenache. Drink or hold.$258.00 -
(6x75cl) 2019Wine Advocate (95)
The 2019 The Vagabond Old Vine Grenache is now five years of age, and it's quickly sinking into its more tertiary phase. I do find this commonly in McLaren Vale Grenache; they seem to move quite rapidly here from the vivid nature they possess on release. They stay at this point for a long time, though, which is attractive. The core of fruit on the mid-palate remains, yet it is wrapped in an autumnal sheath of dried figs, cracked autumn leaves, mahogany furniture and old books. It is sitting on the cusp of tertiary here, and I expect it to remain this way for some time. It's bloody, a little meaty, ferruginous and spicy. Fascinating. 14.5% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.$131.00 -
Halliday Wine Companion (95)
One of the most daring releases of recent times, not so much for its blend of shiraz, pinot noir and sauvignon blanc as its bold shot at 100% whole bunch fermentation in the cold, wet '11, from a vineyard so run down it almost didn't crop at all. Bill Downie has worked his magic to create a hauntingly ethereal wine of internal harmony, silky structure and captivating exoticism.$83.00 -
Decanter (85)
Perfumed floral nose with lovely freshness and structure on the palate. Light citrus, lemon and green limey characters.$110.00 -
(6x75cl) 2022The Tinpot Hut, Turner Vineyard Riesling, Marlborough 2022 exemplifies the unparalleled elegance of Marlborough's renowned terroir. Crafted by Turner Vineyard, a distinguished producer celebrated for their meticulous vineyard practices, this Riesling is vinified using sustainably grown grapes harvested at optimal ripeness. The pristine soils of the Turner Valley infuse the wine with vibrant citrus and stone fruit notes, complemented by subtle minerality and a crisp, refreshing acidity. Fermented in stainless steel tanks to preserve its natural purity, the 2022 vintage showcases a brilliant pale straw hue with enticing aromatic complexity. On the palate, layers of lime zest, green apple, and a hint of floral undertones culminate in a long, elegant finish, making it a versatile pairing for fine seafood and Asian cuisine. Tinpot Hut, Turner Vineyard Riesling, Marlborough 2022 is a testament to expert craftsmanship and the distinctive character of New Zealand's premier wine region.
$258.00 -
Decanter (97)
Subtle and elegant nose displaying aromas of apple, gooseberry, meyer lemon and fresh herbs. A lovely playful wine with a crisp acidity and juicy, ripe fruit energy. Polished and textured on the palate.$196.00 -
Halliday Wine Companion (98)
A strikingly beautiful chardonnay with its flowery bouquet bearing witness to the sheer purity of the incredibly long palate, the full palette of chardonnay flavours on display. Nectarine, white peach and grapefruit zest are sewn together by an invisible silver thread of acidity.$131.00 -
Halliday Wine Companion (98)
It seems a gross understatement to say that Tolpuddle has been in fine form as of late, but they have knocked it out the park again with this release from the cooler '23 vintage. The palest of straw in the glass, the aromas crisp and filigreed. Citrus, white peach and nectarine cut with glorious wisps of struck match and flinty complexity. Grilled hazelnuts, deftly-judged vanillin oak, lardo, white flowers, crushed riverstone, clotted cream and sea spray. The wine envelops the imbiber; flavours precise and pure with an umami-rich, mineral cadence, dreamy texture and daubs of spiced oatmeal, grilled peaches and flint. The finish is sustained, the only thing unresolved the need for another (larger?) bottle. An outstanding Australian chardonnay.$527.00 -
James Suckling (99)
This 6th release of Tolpuddle Vineyard pinot noir is the finest work to date, as it shows refinement and true vineyard expression. The fruit aromas are wildly alluring with red and dark cherries, red plums, strawberries, pink grapefruit, blood oranges, peaches and pomegranate. Some light peppery notes and an array of freshly ground, hard brown spices, stony and sappy elements, crushed roses and violets. Very complex. The palate is just as impressive with a strikingly resolved mix of power and elegance. Flavors of red and dark cherries, persimmon, plums and blackberries are encased in a sleeve of helix-like tannins, which also carry long and emanate waves of fresh fruit flavor. Intense red cherries and red plums hold the finish long and pure. This is something special. Drink or hold.$935.00 -
James Suckling (99)
This is a wine we have not yet seen from Tolpuddle. It has such well-curated complexity and whole-bunch influence (40%) sits in the sweet spot. It is concentrated, yet so elegant and the vivid freshness that pervades every aspect of the nose and palate is striking. Aromas of red fruit, such as raspberry, strawberry, red cherry and red plum are framed in spice and fragrance. The palate has such impressive definition and clarity and the tannins are so detailed, fine and clear-cut. Concentrated red and darker cherries are fleshy, yet elegantly focused, and the acidity laces it all up so clearly. So drinkable now and for a decade at least. Screw cap.$662.00 -
Decanter (98)
A longer, cooler vintage has allowed the sum of all the distinctive site components to marry in ideal balance. It’s all there - pretty aromatics; plush, rounded fruit flavours with some stalky grip adding play to the texture, and a cloak of minerality providing an intriguing counterpoint as fine tannins grip at the finish. It’s alluring, enticing you back to keep reading its complexity.$571.00 -
The Real Review (97)
Deep red-purple, bright and clear colour; superb rich ripe black cherry fragrance with a kiss of smoky oak, the palate remarkably full and rich, smooth and fleshy with excellent texture and immediate drinking appeal, although it has the legs to age well too. Serious structure, but also succulent, sweet and plush—almost too much of a good thing. Outstanding pinot noir.$433.00 -
(1x150cl) 2001Wine Advocate (95)
No RunRig was made in 2000. The 2001 RunRig features six single vineyards, an increase from the two or three that went into the RunRig wines from the 1990s. The nose is more restrained than the previous wines, and the palate is as well, with an undeniable power that surges through the finish. This is tightly wound and closed for the most part, with length that continues long after the wine is gone. This bodes well for its future. 14.5% alcohol, sealed under natural cork.$419.00 -
Halliday Wine Companion (96)
Deep colour and hue; highly fragrant, spiced blackberry aromas; the intensity of flavour hits the mouth like a gale, the inbuilt tannins neither hard nor dry. Controlled oak. The '04 should be celestial. Cork.$535.00 -
Halliday Wine Companion (96)
Deep colour and hue; highly fragrant, spiced blackberry aromas; the intensity of flavour hits the mouth like a gale, the inbuilt tannins neither hard nor dry. Controlled oak. The '04 should be celestial. Cork.$1,090.00 -
(6x75cl) 2004Wine Advocate (99)
The 2004 RunRig essentially typifies everything I love about the 2004 vintage in Barossa. It has energy and focus, softness where it matters and length above all. The texture of this wine on the palate is superb—silky, seamless, long, gracious. This is balanced, harmonious, sensational. That's about all that needs to be said about this. It is absolutely excellent and aging slowly. 14.5% alcohol, sealed under natural cork.$1,160.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (96-98)
Unbelievably rich and decadent, the 2005 Torbreck Run Rig shows bright, slightly volatile aromas of dark fruit, meat, blood, campfire, chocolate and sweet oak. The slight volatile notes detract but the overall size and intensity here is something. On the palate, the wine is perfect with full body, massive fruit, stunning balance and precision, perfect structure and a long, long finish.$1,295.00 -
Wine Advocate (98)
The 2012 RunRig is silky and seamless, akin the 2010 tasted alongside. RunRig was not made in the 2011 vintage, due to the cold and wet conditions (which did suit some varieties, and some terrific wines were made). Aromatically, the wine is all about garden roses and tapenade, roasted meat and sweet summer tomatoes. This is a beautiful wine. 15.5% alcohol, sealed under natural cork.$1,580.00
