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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(12x75cl) 2021The Jane Eyre Gippsland Pinot Noir 2021 exemplifies the exquisite craftsmanship of Gippsland's esteemed vintners, renowned for their dedication to quality and tradition. Cultivated in the cool-climate vineyards nestled among rolling hills and influenced by the region’s maritime breezes, this Pinot Noir benefits from optimal sun exposure and well-drained volcanic soils, imparting a distinctive elegance and minerality. Handpicked under the careful supervision of experienced viticulturists, the grapes undergo meticulous fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks to preserve their delicate aromatics, followed by ageing in French oak barrels for 12 months to enhance complexity and finesse. The winemaker’s commitment to sustainable and biodynamic practices ensures a pure expression of the terroir, showcasing vibrant notes of cherry, raspberry, and subtle hints of spice, complemented by a silky tannin structure and a lingering finish. This vintage offers a harmonious balance, making it a superb choice for pairing with fine cuisine or enjoying on its own. As a testament to Jane Eyre Wines’ legacy and dedication to excellence, the Gippsland Pinot Noir 2021 stands as a distinguished addition to any fine wine collection.
Inc. TAX€1,281.07 -
The Jane Eyre Mornington Peninsula Pinot Noir 2023 epitomises elegance and finesse, meticulously crafted in Victoria’s esteemed Mornington Peninsula region. Hand-selected Pinot Noir grapes from sustainably managed vineyards undergo cold fermentation in stainless steel tanks, preserving their delicate fruit profiles. The wine is then aged for 12 months in French oak barrels, imparting subtle notes of vanilla and spice without overshadowing its intrinsic complexity. Produced by Jane Eyre Wines, a respected family-owned estate renowned for their dedication to quality and terroir expression, this 2023 vintage showcases vibrant red cherry aromas intertwined with hints of earthy undertones and fine tannins. Its silky texture and balanced acidity make it a versatile companion to gourmet dishes, from roasted lamb to wild mushroom risotto. The Jane Eyre Mornington Peninsula Pinot Noir 2023 is a testament to exceptional craftsmanship and the unique character of its origin, offering connoisseurs a distinguished and memorable tasting experience.
Inc. TAX€593.47 -
(12x75cl) 2019Jane Eyre Yarra Valley Pinot Noir 2019 embodies the quintessential elegance of Yarra Valley terroir. Handcrafted by renowned vintner Jane Eyre, this Pinot Noir is derived from meticulously tended vineyards nestled in the region's prized sub-regions. The 2019 vintage benefits from a cooler climate, ensuring optimal ripening and balanced acidity. Fermentation occurs in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, preserving the delicate fruit nuances, followed by ageing in French oak barrels for twelve months to impart subtle complexity. The wine presents a luminous ruby hue, with aromas of ripe cherry, plum, and nuances of earthy undergrowth. On the palate, it is silky and refined, with fine tannins and a lingering finish of spice and red berries. Perfectly pairing with poultry, salmon, or mushroom dishes, the Jane Eyre Yarra Valley Pinot Noir 2019 is a testament to expert craftsmanship and the distinctive character of Yarra Valley wines.
Inc. TAX€572.53 -
(12x75cl) 2021
Discover the elegance of Jane Eyre Yarra Valley Pinot Noir 2021, a quintessential expression from one of Australia’s premier wine regions. Crafted in the cool-climate Yarra Valley, this Pinot Noir benefits from the region’s granite-rich soils and optimal maritime influences, fostering complexity and finesse. The 2021 vintage showcases vibrant aromas of cherry, raspberry, and subtle earthy undertones, harmoniously balanced by silky tannins and a lingering, elegant finish. Meticulously vinified by the esteemed Jane Eyre Wines, renowned for their commitment to sustainable practices and minimal intervention, each bottle reflects the passion and expertise of the cellar team. The fermentation process employs native yeasts, enhancing the wine’s distinctive character, while aging in French oak barrels imparts refined structure without overpowering the varietal’s delicate nuances. Perfectly paired with gourmet dishes, Jane Eyre Yarra Valley Pinot Noir 2021 is a testament to exceptional craftsmanship and terroir-driven excellence.
Inc. TAX€672.13 -
The Jane Eyre Yarra Valley Pinot Noir 2023 exemplifies the exquisite craftsmanship synonymous with Yarra Valley’s esteemed vineyards. Handcrafted by the renowned Jane Eyre estates, this vintage benefits from the region’s cool-climate terroir, characterised by fertile soils and optimal sun exposure. Carefully selected Pinot Noir grapes undergo gentle fermentation in stainless steel tanks, preserving the varietal’s delicate aromas and vibrant acidity. The wine is then aged for 12 months in French oak barrels, imparting subtle hints of vanilla and spice while maintaining its elegant structure. On the palate, the 2023 release reveals layers of ripe cherry, cranberry, and earthy undertones, culminating in a silky finish with fine tannins. This Pinot Noir harmoniously balances complexity and finesse, making it a distinguished choice for connoisseurs seeking sophistication in every sip. Ideal for pairing with roasted poultry, mushroom risottos, or aged cheeses, the Jane Eyre Yarra Valley Pinot Noir 2023 is a testament to exceptional viticultural heritage and meticulous winemaking.
Inc. TAX€593.47 -
Wine Advocate (97+)
Deep garnet with a touch of purple, the 2006 Shiraz The Armagh has an earthy, meaty, gamey nose with suggestions of yeast extract, beef drippings and Bovril over a core of dried mulberries, plum preserves and mincemeat pie filling. The rich, full-bodied palate has TONS of fruit with a firm, fine structure and very long finish.Inc. TAX€1,145.48 -
(6x75cl) 2008Vinous (94)
Inky ruby. Heady aromas of ripe blackberry, blueberry and candied licorice are complicated by sexy notes of vanilla, violet and Indian spices. Lush, deeply flavored and broad, offering intense dark berry and cherry compote flavors and an exotic floral pastille nuance. Finishes sweet and very long, with resonating spiciness, a hint of fruitcake and velvety tannins.Inc. TAX€1,634.87 -
Wine Advocate (98+)
Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2012 Shiraz The Armagh offers a gorgeous perfume of baking spices, violets, Sichuan pepper and fragrant earth. More earthy and savory in the mouth than on the nose, the palate is superbly structured and taut—built for the long-haul—with a long, complex finish. Still very youthfully, forget this wine for 3-5 more years and consider drinking it over the next 20+.Inc. TAX€1,244.06 -
Vinous (96)
Inky ruby. A hugely perfumed, expansive bouquet evokes ripe black and blue fruits, candied violet, incense and mocha, and an exotic Indian spice flourish builds slowly with air. Appealingly sweet and palate-coating, offering densely packed cassis, blueberry and cherry liqueur flavors complemented by suave vanilla and five-spice powder accents. For all its mass, this wine is almost shockingly lithe thanks to a core of juicy acidity. It finishes extremely long and smooth, with rounded tannins and a lingering dark fruit preserve note.Inc. TAX€1,256.82 -
(6x75cl) 2014Wine Advocate (94)
The 2014 The Armagh Shiraz boasts intense aromas of vanilla, cedar and boysenberries. It's a full-bodied, creamy-ripe wine, big and rich, yet it's held together by bright acids, with 20 years of potential ageability. The Armagh vineyard Shiraz isn't that old by South Australian standards, having been planted in 1968, but it consistently yields one of Clare's top Shiraz bottlings.Inc. TAX€1,586.87 -
James Suckling (99)
Wow. This is a bold, brassy shiraz that carries a wealth of very intense aromas of ripe blackberries, dark plums, licorice and sweetly spiced earth. Still so very youthful and primary. The palate is so powerful, so mouth-filling and so, so juicy. This manages to deliver such intensity and composure. Supple, long and deep-set tannins and heroically expressive fruit. Really impressive now, but this will deliver much more over the next two decades. One of the finest releases to date.Inc. TAX€588.60 -
James Suckling (99)
Wow. This is a bold, brassy shiraz that carries a wealth of very intense aromas of ripe blackberries, dark plums, licorice and sweetly spiced earth. Still so very youthful and primary. The palate is so powerful, so mouth-filling and so, so juicy. This manages to deliver such intensity and composure. Supple, long and deep-set tannins and heroically expressive fruit. Really impressive now, but this will deliver much more over the next two decades. One of the finest releases to date.Inc. TAX€1,377.01 -
Decanter (96)
Such incredible perfume and florality from this standout Shiraz, so expressive and captivating, filled with roses and violets alongside cherries and plum fruit, milk chocolate and some sage notes. Medium-bodied on the palate but it’s the texture and overall presence of the wine in the mouth that gives this star quality. Tannins are fine and seductive cashmere-like, edged with fruit intensity and spicy sides. This has a good energy to it, mouthwatering and pulsing with life with a long finish and lift at the end. Precision and power - built to last.Inc. TAX€1,310.26 -
Decanter (100)
A meaty, savoury, spiced nose, something so welcoming about it, warm and friendly with a touch of perfume, dark chocolate, cinnamon and pink peppercorn to the blackcurrant, damsons and plums. Rich, ample and generous, yet delivered with such supple and velvety-soft tannins. This has an elegance to it, a cool sophistication in terms of the profile - neat and tidy, quite linear right now, brimming with energy, not yet fully expansive or loose, but quietly controlled and calm. It's confident though with invigorating acidity and I love the focus, detail and the purity of fruit. Sweet red fruits - strawberries, raspberries and red cherries with a slight balsamic, pomegranate edge that is so delicious. Juicy, crunchy, succulent and ripe but with an effortless edge to it. Supremely drinkable and likeable - what a gorgeous wine! A quality vintage and excellent winemaking skill on show. Ageing 18 months in French oak.Inc. TAX€972.32 -
(1x75cl) 2018Decanter (100)
A meaty, savoury, spiced nose, something so welcoming about it, warm and friendly with a touch of perfume, dark chocolate, cinnamon and pink peppercorn to the blackcurrant, damsons and plums. Rich, ample and generous, yet delivered with such supple and velvety-soft tannins. This has an elegance to it, a cool sophistication in terms of the profile - neat and tidy, quite linear right now, brimming with energy, not yet fully expansive or loose, but quietly controlled and calm. It's confident though with invigorating acidity and I love the focus, detail and the purity of fruit. Sweet red fruits - strawberries, raspberries and red cherries with a slight balsamic, pomegranate edge that is so delicious. Juicy, crunchy, succulent and ripe but with an effortless edge to it. Supremely drinkable and likeable - what a gorgeous wine! A quality vintage and excellent winemaking skill on show. Ageing 18 months in French oak.Inc. TAX€324.17 -
Decanter (100)
A meaty, savoury, spiced nose, something so welcoming about it, warm and friendly with a touch of perfume, dark chocolate, cinnamon and pink peppercorn to the blackcurrant, damsons and plums. Rich, ample and generous, yet delivered with such supple and velvety-soft tannins. This has an elegance to it, a cool sophistication in terms of the profile - neat and tidy, quite linear right now, brimming with energy, not yet fully expansive or loose, but quietly controlled and calm. It's confident though with invigorating acidity and I love the focus, detail and the purity of fruit. Sweet red fruits - strawberries, raspberries and red cherries with a slight balsamic, pomegranate edge that is so delicious. Juicy, crunchy, succulent and ripe but with an effortless edge to it. Supremely drinkable and likeable - what a gorgeous wine! A quality vintage and excellent winemaking skill on show. Ageing 18 months in French oak.Inc. TAX€1,273.68 -
Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (98)
Powerful, with smoked earth, juicy damson fruit, bitter black chocolate, pomegranate, luscious and enticing, with fragrant spice of anis and fennel. This was a warm vintage with low yield of around 15hl/h, but the tannins were clearly extremely well handled, giving a gentle insistence to this wine that refuses to go away, and yet never overpowers. Aged entirely French oak (as it had been from the 2017 vintage) with vines that at this point were more than 50 years old. Tom Barry winemaker, bottled unfiltered and unfined.Inc. TAX€1,352.63 -
Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (97)
Always a pleasure to get to know a new vintage of The Armagh, and this one kicks off with fragrant aromatics that really put emphasis on the violet and iris character of Shiraz, followed up by cassis fruit, liqourice and rosemary, and a kick of black pepper. 3.3ha of vines, winemaker Peter Barry, working with his brother Sam. Sandy-gravel soils. 75% new oak for ageing, mainly 300l with a few 500l barrels, bottled unfined and unfiltered. Decades ahead of it, but the supple tannins make it approachable now.Inc. TAX€1,350.48 -
Wine Advocate (97)
Tasted at the Armagh Hut with Sam and Tom Barry, the 2017 The Florita Rieslingis tight, taut and saline—it is mineral and tense, almost shale-y in its acid profile. It is powerful and driven and blisteringly good. Really good. It is yet to unfurl and offers notes of preserved lemon and lavender—is there turmeric and lanolin in there too? Boom. This is really good. Drink it now or in decades to come—it’s a sleeper. 2017 was a cooler, wetter year and higher yielding.Inc. TAX€288.97 -
Wine Advocate (97+)
The Barry brothers sent me a second bottle of the 2022 The Florita Riesling, which I am tasting here today, because they felt that it wasn't showing as well as it could the first time when I tasted it in October (it had only been bottled four weeks prior). In truth, I think it was showing just as well then as it is now, and it is a superstar. 2022 seemed to harness the fruit from the vineyard and boost it: more power, more concentration, more acid, more vivid ... just such exceptional wines. I've said this before, but 2022 could easily be the best vintage in the last 20 years, and for those who know, that takes us back to the great, the age-worthy, the revered 2002 vintage. This is a collector's year. Do not waste the opportunity, because the vintage, coupled with the screw-cap closure, will allow the wine to age for a long time.Inc. TAX€289.22 -
(1x150cl) 2023Wine Advocate (96)
The 2023 The Florita Riesling is layered with elderflower and beeswax, jasmine and even a hint of honeysuckle. It is tremendously floral on the nose. In the mouth, the wine is talc-y and textural, and it spools across the palate. It's a fabulous wine, distinct, with a proven pedigree of graceful aging. Excellent. 12.3% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.Inc. TAX€149.21 -
Vinous (95)
The 2024 Riesling The Florita is taut and punchy with its embryonic aromas of lime leaf, preserved lemon and lemon thyme. This has impressive density of flavor, with a compact core of intense citrus flavors elevated by lacy grip over a long, sinewy finish. Beautifully composed for the long haul.Inc. TAX€256.57 -
(3x75cl) 2017Wine Advocate (97)
This is the third time I have tasted this wine and I think the first that it has been in a drinking window that I like. This 2017 Loosen Barry Wolta Wolta Dry Riesling is today nine years from its harvest, and it is looking wholly spicy, loaded with pressed flowers, crushed shells, scratched lemon zest and straw matting. In the mouth, it is persistent, long and still closed—likely due to the cool conditions of the vintage yielding a tightly coiled fruit profile—and yet today seeming creamier and more composed than ever before. According to Erni Loosen, Riesling will refrain from developing new characters once it reaches eight to nine years from harvest. This is when the wine is mature, and from there, it will coast into the sunset, forever away. I'd argue that this 2017 still has a bit of developing to do, such is the core of fresh fruit and purity evident on the palate. This is a superb wine—finally! Carrying four to five grams of residual sugar, it was aged on the gross lees in foudre (no bâtonnage, just topped) for two years prior to bottling and then spent a year in glass prior to release. 12.5% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.Inc. TAX€335.89 -
(1x75cl) 2018Wine Advocate (97)
The 2018 Loosen Barry Wolta Wolta Dry Riesling is darker in color than either the 2016 or 2017, both of which I tasted alongside, and yet the wine in the mouth is fresh and fleshy. There is a mouthfilling opulence here that mirrors the behavior of the 2016 vintage, and yet all is restrained by the time on the lees in foudre, lending the wine a textural freshness and detail that is both charming and elevating. It has notes of salted lime, cheesecloth, saline acidity, pressed white flowers, some shaved fennel and a penetrating weight of flavor that sits on the back palate to close. This is superb and right in the zone presently. 12.5% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.Inc. TAX€131.16 -
(1x75cl) 2019Wine Advocate (95+)
The 2019 Loosen Barry Wolta Wolta Dry Riesling is closed and quiet at this stage in the game, and the palate is leaner and harder than all three tasted before it (2016, 2017, 2018). Erni Loosen describes this time in the lifecycle of the Riesling as "awkward," or "in its depression," and while not wanting to be led by suggestion, I would have to agree. However, given the majesty and finesse of the older wines tasted here today, I would finish with this: fear not, this needs only time and your patience for it to arrive in a similar/same place as its older peers. The wine carries four to five grams of residual sugar, and was matured on the gross lees (sans bâtonnage) for two years followed by a year in bottle prior to release. It has become a benchmark in Australian Riesling, and given the strength of this vertical here today, the future is only brighter as we go. 12.3% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.Inc. TAX€131.09 -
(6x75cl) 2017Halliday Wine Companion (97)
Made from centenarian vines in Light Pass, matured for 15 months in used French oak. This is a glorious manifestation of the '17 vintage, its cool conditions retaining freshness of fruit at a very modest alcohol level. A sheer pleasure to drink.Inc. TAX€299.58 -
(6x75cl) 2021Inc. TAX€363.67 -
(1x75cl) 2015Halliday Wine Companion (97)
75% Barossa Valley, 25% Eden Valley, as always, the best grapes of the vintage. Fermented with submerged cap in small open fermenters, matured for 20 months in French hogsheads (55% new). The power and intensity of this wine takes your breath away. Its dark, brooding black fruits are woven together by firm tannins that are an essential part of the wine. It's certain that 20 months in 55% new French hogsheads has also imprinted itself on the bouquet and palate, but its presence is (relatively) subtle. I would give a longer drink to date if it were under screwcap, but the cork used is high quality, and should see out 25 years.Inc. TAX€170.64 -
Halliday Wine Companion (98)
Eligo is made from the best parcels of the vintage, fermented with submerged caps in small open fermenters, matured for 20 months in French hogsheads (50% new). The tannins and oak are built into the wine like an inlaid checkerboard table created by a master craftsman with decades of experience. Like John Duval.Inc. TAX€537.59 -
Halliday Wine Companion (99)
From old vines in five districts, fermented with submerged cap, matured in French hogsheads (32% new) for 15 months. Complex and rich from the first whiff through to the aftertaste, not wasting a single berry in this great vintage. So much power, such elegance.Inc. TAX€405.83
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(12x75cl) 2021
The Jane Eyre Gippsland Pinot Noir 2021 exemplifies the exquisite craftsmanship of Gippsland's esteemed vintners, renowned for their dedication to quality and tradition. Cultivated in the cool-climate vineyards nestled among rolling hills and influenced by the region’s maritime breezes, this Pinot Noir benefits from optimal sun exposure and well-drained volcanic soils, imparting a distinctive elegance and minerality. Handpicked under the careful supervision of experienced viticulturists, the grapes undergo meticulous fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks to preserve their delicate aromatics, followed by ageing in French oak barrels for 12 months to enhance complexity and finesse. The winemaker’s commitment to sustainable and biodynamic practices ensures a pure expression of the terroir, showcasing vibrant notes of cherry, raspberry, and subtle hints of spice, complemented by a silky tannin structure and a lingering finish. This vintage offers a harmonious balance, making it a superb choice for pairing with fine cuisine or enjoying on its own. As a testament to Jane Eyre Wines’ legacy and dedication to excellence, the Gippsland Pinot Noir 2021 stands as a distinguished addition to any fine wine collection.
In Bond€1,020.00 -
The Jane Eyre Mornington Peninsula Pinot Noir 2023 epitomises elegance and finesse, meticulously crafted in Victoria’s esteemed Mornington Peninsula region. Hand-selected Pinot Noir grapes from sustainably managed vineyards undergo cold fermentation in stainless steel tanks, preserving their delicate fruit profiles. The wine is then aged for 12 months in French oak barrels, imparting subtle notes of vanilla and spice without overshadowing its intrinsic complexity. Produced by Jane Eyre Wines, a respected family-owned estate renowned for their dedication to quality and terroir expression, this 2023 vintage showcases vibrant red cherry aromas intertwined with hints of earthy undertones and fine tannins. Its silky texture and balanced acidity make it a versatile companion to gourmet dishes, from roasted lamb to wild mushroom risotto. The Jane Eyre Mornington Peninsula Pinot Noir 2023 is a testament to exceptional craftsmanship and the unique character of its origin, offering connoisseurs a distinguished and memorable tasting experience.
In Bond€447.00 -
(12x75cl) 2019
Jane Eyre Yarra Valley Pinot Noir 2019 embodies the quintessential elegance of Yarra Valley terroir. Handcrafted by renowned vintner Jane Eyre, this Pinot Noir is derived from meticulously tended vineyards nestled in the region's prized sub-regions. The 2019 vintage benefits from a cooler climate, ensuring optimal ripening and balanced acidity. Fermentation occurs in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, preserving the delicate fruit nuances, followed by ageing in French oak barrels for twelve months to impart subtle complexity. The wine presents a luminous ruby hue, with aromas of ripe cherry, plum, and nuances of earthy undergrowth. On the palate, it is silky and refined, with fine tannins and a lingering finish of spice and red berries. Perfectly pairing with poultry, salmon, or mushroom dishes, the Jane Eyre Yarra Valley Pinot Noir 2019 is a testament to expert craftsmanship and the distinctive character of Yarra Valley wines.
In Bond€429.00 -
(12x75cl) 2021
Discover the elegance of Jane Eyre Yarra Valley Pinot Noir 2021, a quintessential expression from one of Australia’s premier wine regions. Crafted in the cool-climate Yarra Valley, this Pinot Noir benefits from the region’s granite-rich soils and optimal maritime influences, fostering complexity and finesse. The 2021 vintage showcases vibrant aromas of cherry, raspberry, and subtle earthy undertones, harmoniously balanced by silky tannins and a lingering, elegant finish. Meticulously vinified by the esteemed Jane Eyre Wines, renowned for their commitment to sustainable practices and minimal intervention, each bottle reflects the passion and expertise of the cellar team. The fermentation process employs native yeasts, enhancing the wine’s distinctive character, while aging in French oak barrels imparts refined structure without overpowering the varietal’s delicate nuances. Perfectly paired with gourmet dishes, Jane Eyre Yarra Valley Pinot Noir 2021 is a testament to exceptional craftsmanship and terroir-driven excellence.
In Bond€512.00 -
The Jane Eyre Yarra Valley Pinot Noir 2023 exemplifies the exquisite craftsmanship synonymous with Yarra Valley’s esteemed vineyards. Handcrafted by the renowned Jane Eyre estates, this vintage benefits from the region’s cool-climate terroir, characterised by fertile soils and optimal sun exposure. Carefully selected Pinot Noir grapes undergo gentle fermentation in stainless steel tanks, preserving the varietal’s delicate aromas and vibrant acidity. The wine is then aged for 12 months in French oak barrels, imparting subtle hints of vanilla and spice while maintaining its elegant structure. On the palate, the 2023 release reveals layers of ripe cherry, cranberry, and earthy undertones, culminating in a silky finish with fine tannins. This Pinot Noir harmoniously balances complexity and finesse, making it a distinguished choice for connoisseurs seeking sophistication in every sip. Ideal for pairing with roasted poultry, mushroom risottos, or aged cheeses, the Jane Eyre Yarra Valley Pinot Noir 2023 is a testament to exceptional viticultural heritage and meticulous winemaking.
In Bond€447.00 -
Wine Advocate (97+)
Deep garnet with a touch of purple, the 2006 Shiraz The Armagh has an earthy, meaty, gamey nose with suggestions of yeast extract, beef drippings and Bovril over a core of dried mulberries, plum preserves and mincemeat pie filling. The rich, full-bodied palate has TONS of fruit with a firm, fine structure and very long finish.In Bond€930.00 -
(6x75cl) 2008
Vinous (94)
Inky ruby. Heady aromas of ripe blackberry, blueberry and candied licorice are complicated by sexy notes of vanilla, violet and Indian spices. Lush, deeply flavored and broad, offering intense dark berry and cherry compote flavors and an exotic floral pastille nuance. Finishes sweet and very long, with resonating spiciness, a hint of fruitcake and velvety tannins.In Bond€1,340.00 -
Wine Advocate (98+)
Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2012 Shiraz The Armagh offers a gorgeous perfume of baking spices, violets, Sichuan pepper and fragrant earth. More earthy and savory in the mouth than on the nose, the palate is superbly structured and taut—built for the long-haul—with a long, complex finish. Still very youthfully, forget this wine for 3-5 more years and consider drinking it over the next 20+.In Bond€1,015.00 -
Vinous (96)
Inky ruby. A hugely perfumed, expansive bouquet evokes ripe black and blue fruits, candied violet, incense and mocha, and an exotic Indian spice flourish builds slowly with air. Appealingly sweet and palate-coating, offering densely packed cassis, blueberry and cherry liqueur flavors complemented by suave vanilla and five-spice powder accents. For all its mass, this wine is almost shockingly lithe thanks to a core of juicy acidity. It finishes extremely long and smooth, with rounded tannins and a lingering dark fruit preserve note.In Bond€1,025.00 -
(6x75cl) 2014
Wine Advocate (94)
The 2014 The Armagh Shiraz boasts intense aromas of vanilla, cedar and boysenberries. It's a full-bodied, creamy-ripe wine, big and rich, yet it's held together by bright acids, with 20 years of potential ageability. The Armagh vineyard Shiraz isn't that old by South Australian standards, having been planted in 1968, but it consistently yields one of Clare's top Shiraz bottlings.In Bond€1,300.00 -
James Suckling (99)
Wow. This is a bold, brassy shiraz that carries a wealth of very intense aromas of ripe blackberries, dark plums, licorice and sweetly spiced earth. Still so very youthful and primary. The palate is so powerful, so mouth-filling and so, so juicy. This manages to deliver such intensity and composure. Supple, long and deep-set tannins and heroically expressive fruit. Really impressive now, but this will deliver much more over the next two decades. One of the finest releases to date.In Bond€483.00 -
James Suckling (99)
Wow. This is a bold, brassy shiraz that carries a wealth of very intense aromas of ripe blackberries, dark plums, licorice and sweetly spiced earth. Still so very youthful and primary. The palate is so powerful, so mouth-filling and so, so juicy. This manages to deliver such intensity and composure. Supple, long and deep-set tannins and heroically expressive fruit. Really impressive now, but this will deliver much more over the next two decades. One of the finest releases to date.In Bond€1,125.00 -
Decanter (96)
Such incredible perfume and florality from this standout Shiraz, so expressive and captivating, filled with roses and violets alongside cherries and plum fruit, milk chocolate and some sage notes. Medium-bodied on the palate but it’s the texture and overall presence of the wine in the mouth that gives this star quality. Tannins are fine and seductive cashmere-like, edged with fruit intensity and spicy sides. This has a good energy to it, mouthwatering and pulsing with life with a long finish and lift at the end. Precision and power - built to last.In Bond€1,070.00 -
Decanter (100)
A meaty, savoury, spiced nose, something so welcoming about it, warm and friendly with a touch of perfume, dark chocolate, cinnamon and pink peppercorn to the blackcurrant, damsons and plums. Rich, ample and generous, yet delivered with such supple and velvety-soft tannins. This has an elegance to it, a cool sophistication in terms of the profile - neat and tidy, quite linear right now, brimming with energy, not yet fully expansive or loose, but quietly controlled and calm. It's confident though with invigorating acidity and I love the focus, detail and the purity of fruit. Sweet red fruits - strawberries, raspberries and red cherries with a slight balsamic, pomegranate edge that is so delicious. Juicy, crunchy, succulent and ripe but with an effortless edge to it. Supremely drinkable and likeable - what a gorgeous wine! A quality vintage and excellent winemaking skill on show. Ageing 18 months in French oak.In Bond€796.00 -
(1x75cl) 2018
Decanter (100)
A meaty, savoury, spiced nose, something so welcoming about it, warm and friendly with a touch of perfume, dark chocolate, cinnamon and pink peppercorn to the blackcurrant, damsons and plums. Rich, ample and generous, yet delivered with such supple and velvety-soft tannins. This has an elegance to it, a cool sophistication in terms of the profile - neat and tidy, quite linear right now, brimming with energy, not yet fully expansive or loose, but quietly controlled and calm. It's confident though with invigorating acidity and I love the focus, detail and the purity of fruit. Sweet red fruits - strawberries, raspberries and red cherries with a slight balsamic, pomegranate edge that is so delicious. Juicy, crunchy, succulent and ripe but with an effortless edge to it. Supremely drinkable and likeable - what a gorgeous wine! A quality vintage and excellent winemaking skill on show. Ageing 18 months in French oak.In Bond€267.00 -
Decanter (100)
A meaty, savoury, spiced nose, something so welcoming about it, warm and friendly with a touch of perfume, dark chocolate, cinnamon and pink peppercorn to the blackcurrant, damsons and plums. Rich, ample and generous, yet delivered with such supple and velvety-soft tannins. This has an elegance to it, a cool sophistication in terms of the profile - neat and tidy, quite linear right now, brimming with energy, not yet fully expansive or loose, but quietly controlled and calm. It's confident though with invigorating acidity and I love the focus, detail and the purity of fruit. Sweet red fruits - strawberries, raspberries and red cherries with a slight balsamic, pomegranate edge that is so delicious. Juicy, crunchy, succulent and ripe but with an effortless edge to it. Supremely drinkable and likeable - what a gorgeous wine! A quality vintage and excellent winemaking skill on show. Ageing 18 months in French oak.In Bond€1,040.00 -
Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (98)
Powerful, with smoked earth, juicy damson fruit, bitter black chocolate, pomegranate, luscious and enticing, with fragrant spice of anis and fennel. This was a warm vintage with low yield of around 15hl/h, but the tannins were clearly extremely well handled, giving a gentle insistence to this wine that refuses to go away, and yet never overpowers. Aged entirely French oak (as it had been from the 2017 vintage) with vines that at this point were more than 50 years old. Tom Barry winemaker, bottled unfiltered and unfined.In Bond€1,105.00 -
Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (97)
Always a pleasure to get to know a new vintage of The Armagh, and this one kicks off with fragrant aromatics that really put emphasis on the violet and iris character of Shiraz, followed up by cassis fruit, liqourice and rosemary, and a kick of black pepper. 3.3ha of vines, winemaker Peter Barry, working with his brother Sam. Sandy-gravel soils. 75% new oak for ageing, mainly 300l with a few 500l barrels, bottled unfined and unfiltered. Decades ahead of it, but the supple tannins make it approachable now.In Bond€1,104.00 -
Wine Advocate (97)
Tasted at the Armagh Hut with Sam and Tom Barry, the 2017 The Florita Rieslingis tight, taut and saline—it is mineral and tense, almost shale-y in its acid profile. It is powerful and driven and blisteringly good. Really good. It is yet to unfurl and offers notes of preserved lemon and lavender—is there turmeric and lanolin in there too? Boom. This is really good. Drink it now or in decades to come—it’s a sleeper. 2017 was a cooler, wetter year and higher yielding.In Bond€221.00 -
Wine Advocate (97+)
The Barry brothers sent me a second bottle of the 2022 The Florita Riesling, which I am tasting here today, because they felt that it wasn't showing as well as it could the first time when I tasted it in October (it had only been bottled four weeks prior). In truth, I think it was showing just as well then as it is now, and it is a superstar. 2022 seemed to harness the fruit from the vineyard and boost it: more power, more concentration, more acid, more vivid ... just such exceptional wines. I've said this before, but 2022 could easily be the best vintage in the last 20 years, and for those who know, that takes us back to the great, the age-worthy, the revered 2002 vintage. This is a collector's year. Do not waste the opportunity, because the vintage, coupled with the screw-cap closure, will allow the wine to age for a long time.In Bond€222.00 -
(1x150cl) 2023
Wine Advocate (96)
The 2023 The Florita Riesling is layered with elderflower and beeswax, jasmine and even a hint of honeysuckle. It is tremendously floral on the nose. In the mouth, the wine is talc-y and textural, and it spools across the palate. It's a fabulous wine, distinct, with a proven pedigree of graceful aging. Excellent. 12.3% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.In Bond€118.00 -
Vinous (95)
The 2024 Riesling The Florita is taut and punchy with its embryonic aromas of lime leaf, preserved lemon and lemon thyme. This has impressive density of flavor, with a compact core of intense citrus flavors elevated by lacy grip over a long, sinewy finish. Beautifully composed for the long haul.In Bond€194.00 -
(3x75cl) 2017
Wine Advocate (97)
This is the third time I have tasted this wine and I think the first that it has been in a drinking window that I like. This 2017 Loosen Barry Wolta Wolta Dry Riesling is today nine years from its harvest, and it is looking wholly spicy, loaded with pressed flowers, crushed shells, scratched lemon zest and straw matting. In the mouth, it is persistent, long and still closed—likely due to the cool conditions of the vintage yielding a tightly coiled fruit profile—and yet today seeming creamier and more composed than ever before. According to Erni Loosen, Riesling will refrain from developing new characters once it reaches eight to nine years from harvest. This is when the wine is mature, and from there, it will coast into the sunset, forever away. I'd argue that this 2017 still has a bit of developing to do, such is the core of fresh fruit and purity evident on the palate. This is a superb wine—finally! Carrying four to five grams of residual sugar, it was aged on the gross lees in foudre (no bâtonnage, just topped) for two years prior to bottling and then spent a year in glass prior to release. 12.5% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.In Bond€270.00 -
(1x75cl) 2018
Wine Advocate (97)
The 2018 Loosen Barry Wolta Wolta Dry Riesling is darker in color than either the 2016 or 2017, both of which I tasted alongside, and yet the wine in the mouth is fresh and fleshy. There is a mouthfilling opulence here that mirrors the behavior of the 2016 vintage, and yet all is restrained by the time on the lees in foudre, lending the wine a textural freshness and detail that is both charming and elevating. It has notes of salted lime, cheesecloth, saline acidity, pressed white flowers, some shaved fennel and a penetrating weight of flavor that sits on the back palate to close. This is superb and right in the zone presently. 12.5% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.In Bond€106.00 -
(1x75cl) 2019
Wine Advocate (95+)
The 2019 Loosen Barry Wolta Wolta Dry Riesling is closed and quiet at this stage in the game, and the palate is leaner and harder than all three tasted before it (2016, 2017, 2018). Erni Loosen describes this time in the lifecycle of the Riesling as "awkward," or "in its depression," and while not wanting to be led by suggestion, I would have to agree. However, given the majesty and finesse of the older wines tasted here today, I would finish with this: fear not, this needs only time and your patience for it to arrive in a similar/same place as its older peers. The wine carries four to five grams of residual sugar, and was matured on the gross lees (sans bâtonnage) for two years followed by a year in bottle prior to release. It has become a benchmark in Australian Riesling, and given the strength of this vertical here today, the future is only brighter as we go. 12.3% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.In Bond€106.00 -
(6x75cl) 2017
Halliday Wine Companion (97)
Made from centenarian vines in Light Pass, matured for 15 months in used French oak. This is a glorious manifestation of the '17 vintage, its cool conditions retaining freshness of fruit at a very modest alcohol level. A sheer pleasure to drink.In Bond€231.00 -
(6x75cl) 2021In Bond€279.00
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(1x75cl) 2015
Halliday Wine Companion (97)
75% Barossa Valley, 25% Eden Valley, as always, the best grapes of the vintage. Fermented with submerged cap in small open fermenters, matured for 20 months in French hogsheads (55% new). The power and intensity of this wine takes your breath away. Its dark, brooding black fruits are woven together by firm tannins that are an essential part of the wine. It's certain that 20 months in 55% new French hogsheads has also imprinted itself on the bouquet and palate, but its presence is (relatively) subtle. I would give a longer drink to date if it were under screwcap, but the cork used is high quality, and should see out 25 years.In Bond€139.00 -
Halliday Wine Companion (98)
Eligo is made from the best parcels of the vintage, fermented with submerged caps in small open fermenters, matured for 20 months in French hogsheads (50% new). The tannins and oak are built into the wine like an inlaid checkerboard table created by a master craftsman with decades of experience. Like John Duval.In Bond€425.00 -
Halliday Wine Companion (99)
From old vines in five districts, fermented with submerged cap, matured in French hogsheads (32% new) for 15 months. Complex and rich from the first whiff through to the aftertaste, not wasting a single berry in this great vintage. So much power, such elegance.In Bond€316.00
