BOTTLE
THOMPSON ESTATE ‘THE SPECIALIST’ CHARDONNAY 2023
Margaret River, WA
85
“A pretty and at the same time powerful Margaret River chardonnay. Aromas strike immediately with a mix of savoury notes merging with lemon curd and a slightly saline, flinty mineral character. The palate is where this wine really kicks in. It’s pristine with a vibrant purity and energy that drives it through to a long finish. Such a beautiful textured mouth feel.” Ray Jordan – WA Wine Guide – 96 Points (V)
THOMPSON ESTATE ‘FOUR CHAMBERS’ ROSE 2024
Margaret River, WA
49
“This is 50/50% merlot/pinot. A lovely pale onion-skin hue; it’s light and refreshing with strawberries and cream, watermelon and some cooling herbs. Simple yet fresh, textural, with some sweetness rounding out the palate.” – Halliday (V)
AUSTIN’S PINOT 2023
Geelong, VIC
69
“Fermented with 15% whole bunches in open fermenters and matured in French oak (20% new). A bright ruby crimson. Primary and brightly fruited with its bouquet of dark cherries and raspberries, which are complemented by subtle florals and spice. Medium bodied, there’s a touch of blood orange on the refreshing, gently persistent palate. Finishes with silky tannins that bode well for the medium-term.” GOLD – 95 Halliday points (V)
BETHANY ‘EAST GROUNDS’ SHIRAZ 2020
Barossa Valley, SA
69
“The Eastern Grounds of the Barossa Valley stretch across Bethany, Krondorf and Vine Vale, nestled at the base of the Eastern range. This particular wine comes from a single vineyard across from the Bethany homestead. Matured for 18 months in new and seasoned oak. Deep magenta with opulent blackberry, black cherry and macerated plum fruits. Hints of dark chocolate, jasmine, roasting meats, olive tapenade, liquorice, graphite and earth. Plenty of concentration and depth but with the floral top-notes that come from the wines of the eastern grounds. Super-fine gypsum-like tannins and lacy acidity provide the structure and if someone seeks a classic Barossa shiraz, this ticks all the boxes. It could be from nowhere else.” GOLD – 95 Halliday points (V)
BENN POTT’S LENNY’S BLOCK CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2019
Langhorne Creek, SA
69
“Estate-grown fruit, harvested by hand and machine; open fermented in small concrete and stainless-steel vessels, 10 days on skins, including some barrel fermentation, matured in French oak (20% new). bright crimson-purple hue, promised and delivered fragrant spicy cassis flavours supported by superfine tannins. Trophy Best Cabernet Sauvignon Langhorne Creek Wine Show ’21.” GOLD – 95 Halliday Points (V)
TEDESCHI VALPOLICELLA SUPERIORE DOC ‘CAPIETEL NICALÒ 2021
Veneto, Italy
65
Valpolicella is produced from sustainably grown Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, Oseleta, Negrara and Dindarella grapes – a portion of the grapes were dried, destemmed, pressed and fermented on their skins for 14 days, then blended with the balance of the wine and matured in oak barrels for 12 months. Fresh and juicy with a mouthful of tart cherry, dried red berry fruit and cracked black pepper spice. (V)
MASSERIA BORGO DEI TRULLI NEGROAMARO SALENTO IGT 2022
Puglia, Italy
59
Southern Italian native grape – rich, rustic, and flavourful; aromas of plums, wild strawberries, and black pepper. The palate is full-bodied, with hints of liquorice and nutmeg, well-balanced tannins, and a long and persistent finish. (V)
