Looking for a wine? The following are a few ratings from international wine magazines/publications on some of the wines we stock:
2008 Mac Forbes Woori Yallock Pinot Noir, Yarra Valley ($51)
"Forbes has produced a sub-regional map of the Yarra Valley, supporting his mission to break into the next layer of classification. From his coolest site, this pinot has sappy varietal character and fine fragrant red-fruit aromas. There's a svelte spine of acid and fine, powdery tannins that gather musky flavour at the finish. Opens superbly with air - it's at the very start of its evolution." Nick Stock, Gourmet Traveller WINE June/July 2010, 70 Reds to Remember
2008 Holyman Pinot Noir, Tasmania ($48)
"Dark colour and substantial oak are the first things to note about this powerful Tassie pinot. Toasted, chocolaty aromas with brandied-cherry and a touch of dried banana from the barrels. It has plenty of presence and 'chew', promising more if cellared." 91 points Huon Hooke, Gourmet Traveller WINE June/July 2010, 100 Top New Releases
2007 Domaine Belle Crozes-Hermitage Les Pierrelles, Rhône Valley, France ($39)
"Albert Belle's wines epitomise the elegance and spiciness of ripe northern Rhône syrah. Unlike many others, he ages all of his Crozes in oak (none of it new). Black pepper and mixed spice aromas, well-ripened red fruit flavours as well; good intensity and varietal signature. It's medium- to full-bodied and has the elegance and ready drinkability one hopes for in a top year like '07. However, it should cellar for a good five years with positive results." Huon Hooke, Gourmet Traveller WINE June/July 2010, Best Buy Wines Imports $25 and over
2008 Samuel's Gorge Tempranillo, McLaren Vale ($43)
"Justin McNamee has found the zone up on his ideally perched location in McLaren Vale - this wine has richness and poise seen in very few examples. It has rich, dark cherry and spice, regional licorice and earth and a good push of tannins through the finish. It's evolving nicely." Nick Stock, Gourmet Traveller WINE June/July 2010, 70 Reds to Remember
2007 SC Pannell Nebbiolo, Adelaide Hills ($57)
"Super-fragrant and filled with charm, this offers a nose of red and purple berry fruits set amid fine spice and rosewater. It works on a finer structure, is impeccably balanced and delivers musky red fruits and an unbroken line of fine, clenching acidity." Nick Stock, Gourmet Traveller WINE June/July 2010, 70 Reds to Remember
2007 Frogmore Creek Pinot Noir, Tasmania ($35)
"Rose-petal and leather, sweetly perfumed wine with a vegetal hint, leading into a fairly tannic palate that softens with airing and in the presence of food. Has lightness of touch from moderate alcohol. Should reward ageing." 91 points, Huon Hooke, Gourmet Traveller WINE June/July 2010, 100 Top New Releases
2007 Mac Forbes Hugh (Cabernet), Yarra Valley ($51)
"One of the lighter-bodied wines in our tasting and declares 12.5 per cent alcohol - low for a high-quality wine - and yet has good intensity, fragrance and balance. Bourne noted "quince paste, blackcurrant and dried herbs. Fine and delicate, with a nice interplay of tannins and acidity". This Yarra Valley wine is a very pleasing - even remarkable - contrast to the big guns in the tasting." Nick Bulleid MW, Gourmet Traveller WINE June/July 2010, Through a Glass Darkly
2008 Chestnut Hill Sauvignon Blanc, Gippsland, $23
"It is quite beyond me why this vineyard has yet to achieve cult status, especially with the current popularity of sauvignon blanc. Or perhaps that's the reason why - for Chestnut Hill's tight, racy and mineral wine is a light year from the sweet and sweaty concoction most people choose when buying this variety. This is a wine for those who enjoy the variety's intense personality, but prefer it tempered by structure and brittle acidity." Jeremy Oliver, The Australian Wine Annual 2010
2008 Domaine Louis Moreau Chablis AC, Burgundy, France $34
"This is a very fresh, rather modern, Chablis that combines traditional regional clues with great purity of chardonnay fruit. The nose has steely, mineral notes along with apple and white peach aromas. It's dry, intense adn lively, with real savoury presence that lingers in the mouth. A good introduction to this unique French white wine at a fair price" Ralph Kyte-Powell, The Age, Epicure, Tuesday 19th January
2006 Whistling Eagle 'Eagle's Blood' Shiraz, Heathcote $53
"Bright and jazzy, with a nice silky edge to the vibrant cherry and blackberry fruit, shaded with cola and coffee hints, persisting on the refined finish. Best from 2011 through 2016. 250 cases made." 92 points, Harvey Steiman, Wine Spectator, Sept 30, 2009