Taste of Europe & Australia – Mixed Reds Under $45

Enjoy quality red wines from France, Australia, and Italy, offering excellent balance, character, and everyday enjoyment. Perfect for casual dinners, gatherings, or discovering new favourites without stretching your budget. This mixed selection features well-balanced, easy-drinking reds ideal for everyday enjoyment, sharing with friends, or effortless entertaining

1 x McHenry Hohnen Rocky Road Shiraz 2020 ~ Margaret River, Western Australia

Bronze - The Real Review, Huon Hooke
5 Stars - McHenry Hohen Vintners
5 Star Winery - James Halliday

"Halliday Wine Companion - Australian Winery of the Year 2022 & 2023"

Huon Hooke "Deep red colour with tints of black and purple. The aromas remind of raspberry jam and 'forest floor', herbal and earth notes, the palate medium-bodied at most, with a soft and savoury texture and light, powdery tannins. The finish drops away rather quickly. It fades a bit but the wine is very approachable young."

Tasting Notes "A seductive bouquet of fresh blueberries with strawberries and cream confection give way to cherry cola and fragrant white pepper notes. A soft and juicy palate abounds with ripe blueberries, Satsuma plums and red berry sweets. Whilst underlying milk chocolate, fresh vanilla pods and sweetened spices make for a memorable marriage of flavours. A velvety structure with lingering flavours makes this wine a crowd pleaser in any situation!"

Winemaker Notes "The fruit for this wine comes from Hazel’s Vineyard which is our southernmost vineyard. Whole berries were transferred by gravity into 5 tonne concrete fermenters. 30% of the fruit was hand harvested for whole bunch fermentation and additional spice and aromatic lift. Wild fermentation underwent at low temperatures and gentle extraction was carried out by pumping over twice daily. After 8 to 14 days on skins the juice was pressed and transferred to large format oak casks for 14 months maturation."

Founded by one of the pioneers of the Margaret River winemaking region, David Hohnen, and his brother in law, Murray McHenry, an accomplished fine wine retailer. Both have been making wine in Margaret River since the early 1970’s. McHenry Hohnen vineyards are 100% biodynamic. Their three unique vineyards (Burnside, Calgardup and Hazel’s) produce wines that are a reflection of the land. McHenry Hohnen focus on crafting site expressive wines and are known for producing some of the region's best wines.

"McHenry Hohnen is tucked away off Bussell Highway to the south of Margaret River. The wines have bound from strength, a comment never truer than under the stewardship of winemaker Jacopo (Japo). Under his leadership, the wines have been catapulted into a new realm of quality. The chardonnays particularly exemplify that hard-to-achieve balance of pleasurable on release, and capable of graceful ageing. The move towards organics and sustainable farming has had a positive impact on the quality of the wines, and it is a delight to witness so much diversity in the vineyards - from experimental clones and new plantings, to sheep, chickens, olives and vegetables. McHenry Hohnen is an estate on the move - divert your eyes at your peril - EL."

1 x Mojo Shiraz 2021 ~ McLaren Vale, South Australia

Bronze - Aaron Brasher, The Real Review
Gold - New World Wine Awards 2021

Aaron Brasher, The Real Review "Dark red and youthful in the glass. Aromas of charry oak, plum, mulberry and dried herbs. The palate is soft and juicy, all dark fruits, chocolate and cedary oak. Generously flavoured and good value"

Winemaker "The label gives it away; this shiraz is bright and punchy . On the nose, blackraspberry fruits with hints of smoky tobacco. The palate follows with densely
packed, plush red fruits with lashings of all spice and white pepper. Tannins
are soft and sleek. Lively, raspberry, spicy."

Mojo work with growers across South Australia to create a range of wines that capture the unique characteristics of each region and varietal. Free from the constraint of owning their own vineyards they believe they are able to make wines that each have their own unique story. Each harvest Mojo use the best grapes of the season in each region.

The Limestone Coast is a renowned wine region located in the southeastern part of South Australia, Australia. It is named after the unique limestone soils that characterize the area and contribute to the distinctive terroir of the region. The Limestone Coast is known for producing high-quality wines, particularly reds and whites, and it's divided into several subregions, each with its own microclimate and specialties.

Shiraz is the name given to the dark-skinned Syrah grape when grown in Australia and selected pockets of the New World. Though genetically identical, the stylistic differences between Shiraz and Syrah are usually pronounced.

Shiraz is so important to Australian viticulture that it is the most planted grape variety in the majority of Australian vineyards and has become virtually synonymous with the country's wine regions, and in particular the Barossa Valley.

1 x Les Centenaires La Bergerie Rouge Costières de Nimes (Organic) 2018 - Rhone, France

14/20 La Revue du Vin de France

Organic

Winemaker "A full-bodied mouthfeel with notes of strawberry, cherry and white pepper, with supple tannins and a lovely length."

40% Syrah, 30% Grenache, 20% Mourvèdre, 10% Carignan

Clos des Centenaires was founded Luc Baudet of Chateau Mas-Neuf fame, and Californian wine industry veteran, Jack Edwards who both share a passion for artisan wines and the terroir of France’s Southern Rhone.

Clos des Centenaires is a historic vineyard situated in Costieres de Nimes, close to the Mediterranean Sea. The vineyard boasts 70-year-old Grenache vines which are deeply rooted in the pebble stones overlooking the picturesque lakes of Petite Camargue. The vineyard also features Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Verdot, and Cinsault, and is known for producing unique, high-end, elegant wines of excellent value.

The vineyard soils are cultivated amongst natural grassland using shallow tillage methods and special attention is paid to the revitalization of vines (using annually prepared biodynamic compost). Inputs are limited to organically approved natural products.

Costieres de Nimes is the most southerly appellation of the Rhone wine region in southeastern France. The wines of the area are reputed to have been consumed by the Ancient Greeks and thus figure among the oldest known wines in the world. The Costieres de Nimes AOC covers an area between the towns of Nimes and Arles.

The Rhone Valley is one of France's key wine regions and is divided neatly by a gap of about 25 miles (40km). Wines from the northern part of the valley tend to be Syrah-dominant (Hermitage and Cote Rotie being the most notable examples), while wines from the southern Rhone are more commonly blends, with Grenache playing a more dominant role. Chateauneuf-du-Pape is the most famous example of a southern Rhone blend, but similar blends are found in wines from Gigondas, Vacqueyras, and the regional Cotes du Rhone title.

1 x Rocca delle Macie Vernaiolo Chianti 2023 - Tuscany, Italy

90/100 James Suckling

Organic - currently undergoing certification

James Suckling "A juicy, fruity and delicious Chianti with cherries, raspberries and warm spices on the nose. It’s medium-bodied with fine tannins. Round and juicy, with a velvety core of cherries and a satisfying finish."

Rocca delle Macìe was established in 1973, when film producer Italo Zingarelli – of Ettore Scola’s “We All Loved Each Other So Much” fame, and also the wildly popular series of films featuring comedy duo Bud Spencer and Terence Hill (including “They Call Me Trinity” and “Trinity Is Still My Name”) – decided to realize his lifelong dream by acquiring the “Le Macìe” estate – extending across 93 hectares (230 acres) in all, of which only two were under vine – in order to create a winery in the heart of the Chianti Classico zone.

The Chianti region in Italy's Tuscany wine growing region is split between Chianti and Chianti Classico. Accordingly, two separate DOCG designations apply to wines from the Chianti region: the Chianti Classico DOCG for the heartland of Chianti, and Chianti DOCG for all other Chianti regions. (In 1984, the Chianti region was promoted from DOC to DOCG - Italy’s highest classification - and in 1996, Chianti Classico - the historic heartland of the region - DOCG was created, which gave autonomy to that region. In the last 20 years, a consortium of Chianti Classico producers have researched new Sangiovese clones, replanted vineyards, updated cellar practices and generally made Chianti Classico DOCG a world-class appellation. Chianti Classico must contain a minimum of 75% Sangiovese. In the 2014 edition of its annual compendium of wine ratings, Gambero Rosso noted that Chianti Classico DOCG wines were noteworthy for their “significant return to a more defined style, true to tradition.” The typical Chianti Classico wine is a ruby-red, Sangiovese-based wine with aromas of violets and cherries and a hint of earthy spice.

The Chianti DOCG designation covers wines from six Chianti sub-zones (Colli Pisane, Colli Fiorentini, Colli Senesi, Colli Aretini, Montalbano and Rufina) as well as all other Chianti wines. The Chianti Classico DOCG is located in the very center of Tuscany, between Florence and Sienna.

1 x Lavau Cotes du Rhone Red 2020 - Rhone, France

91/100 James Suckling (2019 vintage)
Bronze - Wine Enthusiast (2019 vintage)

James Suckling "A fruity, polished red with creamy tannins and softness and attractiveness that makes you want to drink it. It’s medium-to full-bodied with round tannins and a delicious finish. "

Wine Enthusiast "Notes of anisette, black raspberry and leather saddle introduce this spicy, savory blend of Grenache and Syrah. It's fresh in fruit but rounded and supple on the palate, with a warming finish edged by fine, feathery tannins."

The Guide Hachette des Vins (referenced in the above) is France's best-selling, and one of France's oldest wine guides. Considered France's most authoritative wine guide and commonly referred to as the bible of the French wine industry. This wine has received consistent star ratings for multiple vintages from this prestigious authority.

Grenache noir (50%) Syrah (50%)

This wine comes from parcels selected from the finest terroirs of the southern Rhône Valley Region, extending from Montélimar to Nîmes. The Grenache and Syrah vines are planted on clay-limestone plains which are particularly well exposed and are managed to obtain a yield of around 40 hl/ha.

The grapes are entirely de-stemmed and placed in temperature-controlled vats to macerate for around 18 days during which time only pumping-over operations are carried out. 50% of the wine is aged in vat, and 50% in 450L barrels previously used for 1 or 2 vintages, for a period of 12 months, before being blended with the vat-aged wine.

Originally from Bordeaux, the Lavau family has been involved with winemaking for generations, and have had vineyards ranging from Bordeaux to Tunisia. In 1964 they were seduced by the richness and quality of the Provencal soil, and settled down to make wine in the Rhone Valley.

The cellars of Lavau are currently managed by Benoit and Frederic Lavau, who work in partnership with 350 different grape growers. Benoit is a frequent visitor to Singapore and Pop Up Wine events.

1 x Chateau Moulin Saint Louis "MO" 2019 ~ Bordeaux, France

Gold Concours des Feminalise

Tasting Notes: Beautiful dark garnet red color. On the nose, aromas of candied fruit, strawberries and cherries are revealed.

Château Moulin Saint Louis is located in the commune of Braud, near Blaye, famous for its citadel. The estate covers 50 hectares, including 19 hectares of vines. Family property for four generations, Christophe Chapron manages the vineyard since 1992. He developed the structure especially with the cellars expansion in 2011 and with the Organic farming conversion.

Blaye-Côtes de Bordeaux is the appellation title for Côtes de Bordeaux wines made specifically in the Blaye district, just across the Gironde from the Médoc. The wines are both red and white (any rosé produced here is sold under the generic Bordeaux appellation). Wines once made under the Premières Côtes de Blaye appellation are now sold under this newer title.

Bordeaux, in the southwest of France, needs little introduction as one of the world's most famous, prestigious and prolific wine regions. Its three trump cards are diversity, quality and quantity. The majority of Bordeaux wines (nearly 90 percent of production volume) are the dry, medium- and full-bodied red Bordeaux Blends that established its reputation. The finest (and most expensive) of these come from the great châteaux of the Haut-Médoc and the Right Bank appellations Saint-Émilion and Pomerol. The legendary reds are complemented by high-quality white wines, both dry styles (particularly from Pessac-Léognan) and the sweet, botrytized nectars of Sauternes.

The Bordeaux Blend reds are made predominantly from Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc with approximately 5200 hectares (12,850 acres) of vineyards within the appellation. For the CHÂTEAU MOULIN SAINT LOUIS, it is crafted from a beautiful selection of 95% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon.