Decanter Award Winners Premium Mixed - 6 Pack Value
Decanter Award Winners Premium Mixed 6-Pack Value. This curated collection features six distinguished wines, each recognized for its outstanding quality and craftsmanship by the prestigious Decanter Awards. From robust reds to elegant whites, this selection offers a diverse tasting journey, showcasing the best in winemaking from renowned vineyards around the world. Perfect for collectors, connoisseurs, or anyone looking to elevate their wine experience, these award-winning wines promise to impress and delight on any occasion.
1 x Chateau Malescot 'La Dame de Malescot' 2016 ~ Margaux, Bordeaux, France
90/100 Falstaff
92/100 Falstaff (2018 vintage)
89/100 Decanter (2018 vintage)
87/100 Wine Spectator (2016 vintage)
92/100 Falstaff (2014 vintage)
90/100 Decanter (2012 vintage)
90/100 Falstaff (2011 vintage)
89/100 Decanter (2011 vintage)
91/100 Falstaff (2010 vintage)
Peter, Moser, Falstaff "Dark ruby garnet, violet reflections, subtle lightening of the edges. Red berry confit underlaid with delicate herbs and spices, fine tobacco nuances. Medium body, also red berries on the palate, delicate tannins, salty and mineral notes, lemony finish, uncomplicated food accompaniment."
Falstaff "Strong ruby garnet, delicate ocher reflections, broader edge brightening. Nuances of pickled cherries, fine forest berry confit, floral touch, very delicate wood spice. Medium complexity, heart cherries, pleasant sweetness, round tannins, freshly structured, mineral and persistent, a versatile food accompaniment." (2018 Vintage)
Decanter "Needing time to open, this starts off well with firm redcurrant and raspberry fruits, but finishes a little abruptly with touches of oak. (2018 Vintage)
Wine Spectator "Light-bodied, offering an herb-infused profile of cherry and pomegranate fruit flavors, with tangy cedar hints. Drink now through 2023. 5,333 cases made. — JM" (2016 Vintage)
Falstaff "Dark ruby garnet, violet reflections, subtle lightening of the edges, attractive dark berry fruit, delicate notes of cassis and liquorice, black cherries, tobacco nuances. Full-bodied, fine blackberry confit, fruity sweetness, well-integrated tannins, sticks, a pleasant, silky food wine with aging potential." (2014 Vintage)
Decanter "A great second wine for drinking now, this has lashings of damson fruit to back up the acidity. The tannins are not as intense as they would be in a great vintage but it's good quality, with polish and real appeal. (2012 Vintage)
Falstaff "Deep dark ruby garnet, violet reflections, delicate lightening of the edges, attractive cherry fruit, fine wild berry aromas, a hint of cedar, blackberries and chocolate, inviting bouquet. Juicy, powerful, present, still a bit too edgy tannins, sweet extract on the finish, chocolaty finish, a promising food accompaniment." (2011 Vintage)
Decanter "This works well as a second wine: it has approachability but is still serious. It shows good rich fruit on the nose, and although it's a little subdued right now, closing down through the mid-palate, the edges are starting to soften and the dark fruits are well defined. (2011 Vintage)
Falstaff "Dark ruby garnet, violet reflections, delicate rim lightening. In the nose, dark berry confit with delicate leaves, delicate nougat and herbal spices. Juicy, good complexity, fine plum fruit, well-integrated tannins, touch of chocolate on the finish, good potential for development." (2010 Vintage)
Made by one of France's 'Top 10' winemakers, famous for his 1855 classified "Grand Cru" Bordeaux. This wine is that wine's sought after brother!
Winemaker, Jean-Luc Zuger has been praised by wine media as "miraculous".
Winestyle "...elegant, full-bodied, harmonious, with hints of ripe cherry, black currant and blackberry, spicy notes, pleasant acidity, soft woody nuances and dry long finish"
Le Point magazine "Candied cherry, beautiful expressive nose, soft palate, velvety tannins, fresh, good finesse, a finish that will give you a surprise, superb fruit … all the power of a Cabernet." (French translation)
The Wine Cellar Insider "Winemaker, Jean-Luc Zuger is on fire at Chateau Malescot St. Exupery. The wines being made at the property today are stunning!"
Chateau Malescot St. Exupery has a long history in the Bordeaux wine region and is a Grand Cru Classé Chateau in the original Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855. Malescot St. Exupery can be traced all the way back to 1616 when the Margaux estate was owned by the Escousses family. The Escousses were best known as notaries for the King.
Near the close of the century, in 1697 the Bordeaux wine estate was sold to Simon Malescot. Once Simon became the current owner, he followed the tradition of the time and changed the name of the estate to Malescot. Like the previous owner, Malescot also had a connection to royalty. He was the attorney-general to Louis XIV. Malescot remained with the Malescot family until the French revolution. At that point in time, the large estate was divided between three family members.
Over the next several years, the formerly robust Bordeaux wine estate of Malescot was split and split again. In 1813, Francois Benoit Dunogues purchased the chateau, reselling it in 1825 to Louis Pierlot. After Pierlot’s demise, his heirs had no interested in the wine business. They quickly resold the property to Comte Saint-Exupery.
In the tradition of Bordeaux chateau in the Medoc , following the lead of Malescot, he also added his name to the estate. The property was now known as Chateau Malescot Saint-Exupery.
The Zuger family bought it in 1955. At the time of the sale to the Zuger family Malescot St. Exupery was in such poor shape, only 7 hectares of vines were planted. Extensive replanting of vineyards took place and within a decade, 80% of the vineyard was planted. The Zuger family, headed by Jean Luc Zuger, who took over in 1994, continue to own and manage Chateau Malescot St. Exupery today. Michel Rolland is the consultant.
The vineyards of Chateau Malescot St. Exupery are situated on a terroir of gravel, chalk and clay soils with iron deposits. The vines are planted to 50% Cabernet Sauvignon , 10% Cabernet Franc , 35% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot . On average, the vines are 35 years of age. The vineyards is planted to a vine density of 10,000 vines per hectare.
Bordeaux is one of the world's most prolific wine regions, it is also one of the the most famous and prestigious.
Bordeaux's climate is well moderated by its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and the presence of the various rivers (the Dordogne, the Garonne and the Gironde Estuary into which they flow). The region takes its name (which translates roughly as "next to the waters") from the port city of Bordeaux, which serves as its logistical and administrative center.
Eighty-nine per cent of wine produced in Bordeaux is red, and made by more than 8,500 producers (which are also known as châteaux).
1 x Te Mata Bullnose Syrah 2018 ~ Hawkes Bay, New Zealand
97/100 Sam Kim
96/100 Huon Hooke
96/100 Cameron Douglas
95/100 The Wine Front
90/100 Decanter World Wine Awards
16.5/20 Jancis Robinson
Te Mata Estate is regarded as one of New Zealand’s most important wine producers
Sam Kim "The palate is concentrated, focused and delightfully flowing with outstanding depth and intensity, while remaining elegant and poised, leading to an extremely long expansive finish. Harmonious, seamless and flawlessly precise. Combining exquisite refinement and undeniable power, this latest offering is another stunning beauty under this iconic label...The gorgeously perfumed bouquet shows Black Doris plum, sweet raspberry, violet, olive and toasted almond characters with a whiff of fragrant spice. "
Jancis Robinson "Confected black fruit, finely layered tannins, a touch of bacon and smoke on the finish. Dry, savoury, meaty persistence."
Cameron Douglas "A great bouquet, the fine nose of Syrah with white and black peppercorn, roses and lavender, a core of red currants, black cherry and Doris plum, some sweet olive and new leather. Firm, youthful and dry with an abundance of tannins and acidity."
Decanter "A very modern take on Syrah which turns up the chocolate and cappuccino characters to create a rich and silky wine. There’s dark cherry and ripe raspberry fruit to balance the roasted coffee tannins with an acid spike. Extended skin contact and a warmish fermentation have given this depth and elegance."
Gary Walsh "Ras el hanout (راس الحانوت) is a spice mix that means ‘head of the shop’, and maybe we have a bull in a shop here, such is the level of exotic spice and perfume pumping out of the glass. In with that, some lavender and vanilla, cherry and redcurrant, a smattering of green herb too. It’s light to medium-bodied, fine emery tannin, juicy raspberry acidity and flavour, inner-mouth perfume and spiced wood aromatic, and a dusty white pepper texture and taste on a cool long finish. Nice and ‘minerally’ too. You have to like them spicy and lithe, and if so, this’ll be close to the top of the shop for you."
Huon Hooke "...a pronounced spicy, peppery aroma, the palate sweet rich and deep in very elegant, classy fruit flavour. The tannins are ample and refined, balanced and the wine is overall delicious. Black pepper, subtle cloves and other spices. It has a core of fruit sweetness that is utterly delicious."
World of Fine Wine 'Getting to know a legend' "A visit to one of the world’s greatest fine-wine estates should be an integral part of any tour of New Zealand. On the East Coast of New Zealand’s North Island is the independently owned, family-run, Te Mata Estate. Owners and staff still work on vineyards that began growing Cabernet, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir back in the 1890s, making it the country’s oldest wine estate. Since 1905, this winery has been winning gold medals globally, which led to these sites becoming the country’s first to be protected by law due to their viticultural history...Te Mata Estate wines are currently available in 45 countries and have been presented at some of the world’s top tables— including to President Barrack Obama, President Xi Jinping, and Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee."
Raymond Chan "Te Mata Estate was the standard by which every other wine producer could be judged against, as the full range of styles has always been impeccable. In the earlier days, Hawke’s Bay was the scene of New Zealand’s quality wine, so it was very apt to have Te Mata Estate as the point of reference. Even when other regions developed, and Marlborough grew larger, and other varietals such as Pinot Noir became important, one could understand the state of the New Zealand wine industry by how Te Mata Estate behaved or reacted to influences, whether internal or international."
Te Mata Estate is regarded as one of New Zealand’s most important wine producers. It is New Zealand's oldest winery, oldest wine estate and has the oldest winery cellars in the country - in continuous operation since 1895. Coleraine is Te Mata's most acclaimed wine and is often regarded as New Zealand's best red wine.
Hawke's Bay is located on the east coast of the North Island in and around the cities of Napier, Hastings and Havelock North. This historic region has New Zealand's second-largest wine industry (after Marlborough) and is highly regarded for its red Bordeaux Blend wines. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Chardonnay are all planted widely across the region. Over the years, the region has won international acclaim for its very high-quality Bordeaux-style reds and full-bodied Chardonnays. Syrah, produced in a classic European style with strong black-pepper flavors, is another grape variety thought to have great potential here.
Syrah is a dark-skinned red wine grape. Its origins have been popularly debated, but its modern viticultural home is unquestionably the northern Rhône Valley of eastern France. In Australia, Syrah is the flagship variety and has developed such a distinct personality that it is essentially regarded as a distinct variety, is commonly known as Shiraz.
1 x McHenry Hohnen Hazels Vineyard Chardonnay (Organic) 2019 ~ Margaret River, Western Australia
97/100 Wine Pilot, Angus Hughson
95/100 Halliday Wine Companion, Erin Larkin
95/100 The Real Review, Aaron Brasher
91/100 Decanter World Wine Awards
97/100 - Top Chardonnay Halliday Wine Companion Awards 2023 (2020 vintage)
91/100 Decanter World Wine Awards  (2018 vintage)
96/100 The Real Review  (2018 vintage)
94/100 Nick Stock  (2017 vintage)
95/100 Huon Hooke (2016 vintage)
95/100 James Halliday  (2016 vintage)
93/100 The Wine Front  (2016 vintage)
5 Star Winery - James Halliday (2016 vintage)
"Halliday Wine Companion - Australian Winery of the Year 2022 & 2023"
Halliday Wine Companion, Erin Larkin  "All 3 single-vineyard chardonnays are made in the same manner: hand picked, whole-bunch pressed, wild fermented in barrel (25% new) with full solids and partial mlf. White spice, nectarine, coastal spray and crushed macadamia on the nose. The palate is where the mlf is evident; it creates a creamy, buttery texture that sits alongside the pink grapefruit and mandarin pith. Blossom and red apple skin round out the palate, the saline acidity forms curls of sensation as it fades."
Wine Pilot, Angus Hughson  "Bright mid straw and a beautifully reserved expression of premium Margaret River Chardonnay. There is impressive aromatic precision and focus with fruits in the citrus and floral spectrum and nougat-scented oak. Also some flinty/smoky leesy elements add superb detail. It is then dry, taut and acid driven with palpable palate tension but also a silkiness and a chalky texture; love the balance and fruit purity as it unfurls. Finally, a picture of refinement and balance with a supremely long finish accented by doughy, citrus and floral complexity. This builds beautifully in the glass over time too which bodes very well for the future."
The Real Review, Aaron Brasher  "Quite lifted aromas of nectarine, white flowers, nuts, bacon fat and vanilla. Powerful on the palate—white stone fruit, guava and creamy oak are all at play. Acidity is fine and focused and manages the powerful fruit admirably. There's some grip and texture that adds to the mouth-feel and the length is impressive."
Tasting Notes  "Mandarin peal, white blossom and ruby grapefruit aromas give way to stone fruit and a seductive nougat element. Creamy, nutty and textured, this Chardonnay is both powerful in fruit concentration and restrained by a precise acid line. A layered wine with persistence, power and grace and a true representation of this south Margaret River vineyard just inland from the coast."
Halliday Wine Companion Awards 2023, Erin Larkin "I've tasted this wine blind in pretty esteemed company (several times), the likes of Bâtard-Montrachet, Chevalier-Montrachet, Genevrières etc, and while it has come just under those wines in ranking, it has more than stood its ground, and has earned my unwavering respect in doing so. Powerful, layered, fragrant, balanced, rippling and exciting. Back up the car – this is too cheap currently." (2020 vintage)
Stuart Knox, The Real Review  "Pale to medium straw-yellow colour in the glass. The nose lifts with flint minerality, bacon fat and nectarines. The palate explodes with power, but almost instantaneously that power is compressed again by incredibly taut acid which brings laser-like focus and drives it very long. As it slowly unfurls softer savoury elements, smoke and nuts show themselves, but that acid drive is never far away. A serious exercise in power and precision." (2018 vintage)
Nick Stock  "Striking purity of pithy lemon and lime aromas here with some gentle, grilled-hazelnut complexity at the edges. The palate has a super tight, sleek and mouthwatering style with fresh lemons and grapefruit, as well as white peaches in abundance. Impressive. Drink or hold. Screw cap." (2017 vintage)
Huon Hooke  "...invested with delicious complexing notes that make it much more than a simple fruit wine. Lovely. Light yellow hue, fresh and clean; the bouquet is cashew-nutty, creamy and lightly smoky … becoming cleaner and more spicy with air. It's very fresh and vibrant with intense lemon juice flavour...." (2016 Vintage)
James Halliday  “A different expression of funk that backs off somewhat having made its point, and moves into elegant mode. Nice wine.” (2016 vintage)
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 1970s. 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.
Margaret River is one of the best known wine regions in Australia, recognized internationally for the quality of its wines and the natural beauty of the region. Although originally renowned for its unusually refined cabernet sauvignon and intensely citrusy chardonnay varieties, the region now produces high quality Semillon-Sauvignon blends and Shiraz.
Located in the south-western corner of Western Australia, it is famous for having a more 'European' wine style than its counterparts across Australia, owing to the regions temperate, coastal location which is very similar to that of Bordeaux.
Chardonnay is one of the world’s most popular grapes, Chardonnay is made in a wide range of styles from lean, to rich, creamy white wines aged in oak. Bolder, richer, full-bodied and buttery Chardonnays are made using oak and are produced in California, Burgundy, and Australia. Unoaked chardonnays such as Chablis and those produced in Chile, New Zealand, and other parts of France are leaner and often crisp and mineraly, with delicate flavors. By law, if a label says “Chablis,” it must be Chardonnay.
1 x Collosorbo - Brunello di Montalcino 'Sangiovese' 2018 ~ Rosso di Montalcino, Italy
92/100 Vinous
92/100 Raffaele Vechionne, Wine Critics
91/100 Falstaff
Bronze - Wine Enthusiast
91/100 Falstaff (2017 vintage)
90/100 Wine Enthusiast (2017 vintage)
Silver - Decanter World Wine Awards
Gold - Decanter World Wine Awards (2017 vintage)
Vinous "The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino impresses with a rich mix of crushed cherries and plums complemented by hints of clove and dried roses. This is soft-textured and potent, with a sweet-and-sour interplay of tart wild berries and spice enlivened by bright acidity. It tapers off with dusty tannins, yet only lightly structured, leaving hints of salted licorice and red currants to linger."
Raffaele Vechionne, Wine Critics "Slightly reductive on the main profile, it alternates notes of red plums, dates, sautéed mushrooms, and wet earth. Medium-full body, very soft tannins, and a juicy and harmonious finish."
Falstaff "Bright ruby red color. Very restrained on the nose, comes out of the glass with difficulty. Shows on the palate with fine sweet texture, also with grippy, vivid tannin, warm-hearted, currently drying in the aftertaste."
Wine Enthusiast "This opens with subtle aromas suggesting underbrush, wild herb and a whiff of toasted nut. Smooth and juicy, the palate shows ripe Morello cherry, pomegranate and ground clove. It's already accessible thanks to polished tannins and fresh acidity."
Falstaff "Hearty ruby red. In the nose with nuances of resin, candle wax, cedarwood, blackberries, coffee powder, and malt. On the palate with a rich cut, it shows fine balsamic components, then tightens slightly in the finish, ending on licorice notes." (2017 vintage)
Wine Enthusiast "Aromas of stewed prune, mocha, underbrush and licorice follow over to the no-frills palate along with blood orange and roasted coffee bean notes. Dusty, drying tannins and the warmth of alcohol provide the backdrop." (2017 vintage)
The Winemaker "The fruit is a highlight to the enduring popularity of Brunello di Montalcino, but it’s the tannins and acidity that extend the life of this wine."
The Tenuti di Collosorbo has been owned by the Ciacci family since 1850. The first bottle of Brunello di Montalcino was made in 1966 by Giuseppe Ciacci, progenitor of the first of the three generations of this winery. Now Giovanna Ciacci and her daughters, oenologist Laura and agronomist, Lucia Sutera Sardo, operate the vineyard and winery, assisted by esteemed oenologist Paolo Caciorgna and cellar master, Daniele Guidotti, who has been in charge of the Tenuta's winery for more than twenty years and is considered one of the family.
The region of Brunello di Montalcino DOCG is situated in the heart of Tuscany, in central Italy. Brunello di Montalcino is a red DOCG Italian wine produced in the vineyards surrounding the town of Montalcino, in the province of Siena, located about 80 km south of Florence in the Tuscany wine region. Brunello, a diminutive of Bruno ("brown"), is the name that was given locally to what was believed to be an individual grape variety grown in Montalcino . In 1879 the Province of Siena's Amphelographic Commission determined, after a few years of controlled experiments, that Sangiovese and Brunello were the same grape variety, and that the former should be its designated name.
In Montalcino the name Brunello evolved into the designation of the wine produced with 100% Sangiovese.
In 1980, Brunello di Montalcino was among the four wines awarded the first DOCG designation. Today it is one of Italy's best-known and most expensive wines.
Sangiovese (or Nielluccio in Corsica), a dark-berried vine, is the most widely planted grape variety in Italy. Virtually synonymous with the red wines of Tuscany, and all the romanticism that goes with the territory, Sangiovese is the core constituent in some of the great names in Italian wine. Italy's love affair with Sangiovese – and indeed the world's – is generations old.
Brunello di Montalcino, produced in Tuscany is one of Italy's most famous and prestigious wines. The wine is typically garnet in color with aromas of red and black fruit with underlying vanilla and spice, and perhaps a hint of earthiness. The wines are usually full bodied with alcohol levels around 14 or 15 percent.
1 x Giant Steps Applejack Chardonnay 2018 ~ Yarra Valley, Australia
96/100 James Halliday, Halliday Wine Companion
95/100 James Suckling
94/100 Mike Bennie, The Wine Front
92/100 Wine Enthusiast
92/100 The Wine Advocate
90/100 Decanter World Wine Awards
95/100 The Wine Front (2017 Vintage)
92/100 Wine Spectator (2017 Vintage)
Silver - Decanter World Wine Awards
Halliday Wine Companion Awards, James Halliday "A spotless bouquet and an elegant palate of great length. Stone fruits and melon are threaded through a faint gauze of acidity, oak barely seen. This is an exercise in balance, and the certainty of future greatness."
Decanter World Wine Awards "Restrained, with delicate hints of green apple, grapefruit pith and white peach, while the herbaceous palate has a yellow liquorice finish."
James Suckling "The palate has a smooth, evenly paced and sleek feel. Polished texture and good depth of fresh white peaches and pears....Apples and honeydew melon with pie crust and poached pears in a fresh, attractive mode..."
Mike Bennie, The Wine Front "Electric and lacy, mouth-watering and ultra fresh. Bright and brisk style really nicely done....Flinty, lean, racy style. Good puckering feel and tight, squeaky race across the palate. Citrus, wet stone, frangipani floral things to sniff on. Stone and flint licks to taste, a squeeze of grapefruit, green apple, pickled ginger, sparkling almost in its transparent whip-crack across the palate. "
The Wine Advocate "It's a medium-bodied but plump and generous offering, with melon and pineapple fruit filling out the silky-textured mid-palate, then easing into a long, citrusy finish."
Wine Enthusiast "...The palate is richly textured and laced with minerals. The wood is present but not overwhelming...Coming from vines 200 meters higher and nine years younger than this producer's other single-vineyard Chardonay, Tarraford, this wine is clearly made in the same vein, but shows distinctive differences. Less fruity, this vintage is initially a touch reductive and oaked, but as it warms in the glass, notes of salted nuts and honey, along with delicate citrus, float to the fore. "
Giant Steps is a privately owned, estate based, Yarra Valley grower and winemaker. Giant Steps has forged a reputation for delivering some of Australia’s most consistent, over-performing, varietal wines. These wines have received global acclaim and established a strong reputation in restaurants and fine wine stores around the world. Since 2003 Giant Steps wines have collectively been awarded 19 trophies and over 50 gold medals at major international and domestic wine shows and have been named one of the Top 100 Wineries in the World by Wine & Spirits Magazine, US for each of the last three years.
Owner Phil Sexton came to wine via beer. He started Little Creatures, a favourite of Aussie hopheads, in Perth (Western Australia). Yarra Valley is a region with a cool climate, best known for its Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Yarra Valley is an hour’s drive east of Melbourne. Applejack Vineyard was planted in 1997 by highly respected viticulturist Ray Guerin Today it is meticulously managed by his son Mark.
Applejack Vineyard is situated in the Upper Yarra Valley, to the south-east of the traditional valley floor. The higher altitudes result in cooler growing conditions - ideal for Pinot Noir. Applejack Vineyard is located on a dramatic, north-east-facing slope with close-planted vines. This vineyard was purchased by Phil Sexton in 2013.
1 x Super Nanny Goat Pinot Noir 2021 - Otago, New Zealand
95/100 CamDouglas MS
91/100 Bob Campbell, The Real Review
94/100 Bob Campbell, The Real Review (2020 vintage)
92/100 James Suckling (2020 vintage)
Bronze - The Wine Front (2020 vintage)
5 Stars - Michael Cooper
Gold - Decanter World Wine Awards
Silver - International Wine Challenge
Silver - International Wine & Spirit Competition
Gold - Decanter World Wine Awards (2020 vintage)
Silver - The National Wine Awards of Aotearoa 2022 (2020 vintage)
Silver - London Wine Competition (2020 vintage)
Silver - International Wine Challenge
Bronze - International Wine & Spirit Competition
CamDouglas MS "An excellent bouquet with a core of ripe, dark skinned red berries and baking spices, plums and clove, baked blackcurrant and old roses, vanilla and some smoky wood moments. Dry, concentrated, focused and new. Salivating as the wine touches the palate with core flavours of dark berries and smoky wood then blackcurrant and baking spices. Firm tannins and acidity set a core foundation for the fruit and signature style. A long finish and youthful power."
Bob Campbell, The Real Review "An elegant rather than blockbuster pinot noir with a mix of floral/rose petal, dark cherry, roasted chestnut and subtle spicy flavours."
Michael Cooper "Highly fragrant it is mouthfilling, with deep, ripe cherry, plum and spice flavours, seasoned with nutty oak. Complex and very savoury, it is a youthful, harmonious, supple red, well worth cellaring.."
Decanter World Wine Awards "A wealth of pressed flowers and remarkably pure dark berries and plums, displaying all the hallmarks of the genre. Soft and creamy with an inspiring finish."
Bob Campbell, The Real Review "Attractive, fruit-focused pinot noir with floral, violet, dark cherry, berry and spicy oak flavours. A deliciously accessible wine, with a supple core of juicy fruit flavours balanced by fine, sweet tannins. Very appealing" (2020 vintage)
James Suckling "The top-tier pinot from this producer, this has a complex nose with spiced red and dark cherries and plums, as well as espresso and pepper. The palate has a bold, fleshy core with ripe dark-cherry and plum flavors framed in silky, smooth-honed tannins. Fresh finish."
Decanter World Wine Awards "Luscious, ripe, fruit and enticing bouquet of dark cherry, baked raspberry, thyme, nutmeg and vanilla. Juicy and mouthwatering, ripe and polished tannins, showing a youthful charm." (2020 vintage)
Nanny Goat Pinot Noir comes from the Bannockburn sub-region of Central Otago. As with most vineyards, there is usually a small parcel or two of outstanding quality fruit that outshines the rest.
The Super Nanny is a limited release wine, made from carefully hand-sorted Pinot Noir bunches, wild yeast ferment with a portion of the whole bunch, extended skin contact and 15 months in French Oak. (40% New Oak) The result is a powerful, richly flavoured and textured Central Otago Pinot, which won a Gold Medal from the NZ International Wine Show in 2014 (2013 vintage).
Since the release of its inaugural Pinot Noir in 2005, the Nanny Goat Vineyard has produced wines of elegance, concentration and balance.
Acclaimed winemaker Alan Oswald previously spent 5 years at Cloudy Bay, including two years as Assistant Winemaker. He is a specialist premium Pinot Noir winemaker.
The Central Otago wine region is the world's southern-most commercial wine-growing region, and famous for its Pinot Noir. It differs from all other New Zealand wine areas in that it is inland, in the foothills of the Southern Alps. The level of sunlight is very high, something that accounts for the high levels of alcohol that are often found in Central Otago wines.
Decanter Award Winners Premium Mixed 6-Pack Value. This curated collection features six distinguished wines, each recognized for its outstanding quality and craftsmanship by the prestigious Decanter Awards. From robust reds to elegant whites, this selection offers a diverse tasting journey, showcasing the best in winemaking from renowned vineyards around the world. Perfect for collectors, connoisseurs, or anyone looking to elevate their wine experience, these award-winning wines promise to impress and delight on any occasion.
1 x Chateau Malescot 'La Dame de Malescot' 2016 ~ Margaux, Bordeaux, France
90/100 Falstaff
92/100 Falstaff (2018 vintage)
89/100 Decanter (2018 vintage)
87/100 Wine Spectator (2016 vintage)
92/100 Falstaff (2014 vintage)
90/100 Decanter (2012 vintage)
90/100 Falstaff (2011 vintage)
89/100 Decanter (2011 vintage)
91/100 Falstaff (2010 vintage)
Peter, Moser, Falstaff "Dark ruby garnet, violet reflections, subtle lightening of the edges. Red berry confit underlaid with delicate herbs and spices, fine tobacco nuances. Medium body, also red berries on the palate, delicate tannins, salty and mineral notes, lemony finish, uncomplicated food accompaniment."
Falstaff "Strong ruby garnet, delicate ocher reflections, broader edge brightening. Nuances of pickled cherries, fine forest berry confit, floral touch, very delicate wood spice. Medium complexity, heart cherries, pleasant sweetness, round tannins, freshly structured, mineral and persistent, a versatile food accompaniment." (2018 Vintage)
Decanter "Needing time to open, this starts off well with firm redcurrant and raspberry fruits, but finishes a little abruptly with touches of oak. (2018 Vintage)
Wine Spectator "Light-bodied, offering an herb-infused profile of cherry and pomegranate fruit flavors, with tangy cedar hints. Drink now through 2023. 5,333 cases made. — JM" (2016 Vintage)
Falstaff "Dark ruby garnet, violet reflections, subtle lightening of the edges, attractive dark berry fruit, delicate notes of cassis and liquorice, black cherries, tobacco nuances. Full-bodied, fine blackberry confit, fruity sweetness, well-integrated tannins, sticks, a pleasant, silky food wine with aging potential." (2014 Vintage)
Decanter "A great second wine for drinking now, this has lashings of damson fruit to back up the acidity. The tannins are not as intense as they would be in a great vintage but it's good quality, with polish and real appeal. (2012 Vintage)
Falstaff "Deep dark ruby garnet, violet reflections, delicate lightening of the edges, attractive cherry fruit, fine wild berry aromas, a hint of cedar, blackberries and chocolate, inviting bouquet. Juicy, powerful, present, still a bit too edgy tannins, sweet extract on the finish, chocolaty finish, a promising food accompaniment." (2011 Vintage)
Decanter "This works well as a second wine: it has approachability but is still serious. It shows good rich fruit on the nose, and although it's a little subdued right now, closing down through the mid-palate, the edges are starting to soften and the dark fruits are well defined. (2011 Vintage)
Falstaff "Dark ruby garnet, violet reflections, delicate rim lightening. In the nose, dark berry confit with delicate leaves, delicate nougat and herbal spices. Juicy, good complexity, fine plum fruit, well-integrated tannins, touch of chocolate on the finish, good potential for development." (2010 Vintage)
Made by one of France's 'Top 10' winemakers, famous for his 1855 classified "Grand Cru" Bordeaux. This wine is that wine's sought after brother!
Winemaker, Jean-Luc Zuger has been praised by wine media as "miraculous".
Winestyle "...elegant, full-bodied, harmonious, with hints of ripe cherry, black currant and blackberry, spicy notes, pleasant acidity, soft woody nuances and dry long finish"
Le Point magazine "Candied cherry, beautiful expressive nose, soft palate, velvety tannins, fresh, good finesse, a finish that will give you a surprise, superb fruit … all the power of a Cabernet." (French translation)
The Wine Cellar Insider "Winemaker, Jean-Luc Zuger is on fire at Chateau Malescot St. Exupery. The wines being made at the property today are stunning!"
Chateau Malescot St. Exupery has a long history in the Bordeaux wine region and is a Grand Cru Classé Chateau in the original Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855. Malescot St. Exupery can be traced all the way back to 1616 when the Margaux estate was owned by the Escousses family. The Escousses were best known as notaries for the King.
Near the close of the century, in 1697 the Bordeaux wine estate was sold to Simon Malescot. Once Simon became the current owner, he followed the tradition of the time and changed the name of the estate to Malescot. Like the previous owner, Malescot also had a connection to royalty. He was the attorney-general to Louis XIV. Malescot remained with the Malescot family until the French revolution. At that point in time, the large estate was divided between three family members.
Over the next several years, the formerly robust Bordeaux wine estate of Malescot was split and split again. In 1813, Francois Benoit Dunogues purchased the chateau, reselling it in 1825 to Louis Pierlot. After Pierlot’s demise, his heirs had no interested in the wine business. They quickly resold the property to Comte Saint-Exupery.
In the tradition of Bordeaux chateau in the Medoc , following the lead of Malescot, he also added his name to the estate. The property was now known as Chateau Malescot Saint-Exupery.
The Zuger family bought it in 1955. At the time of the sale to the Zuger family Malescot St. Exupery was in such poor shape, only 7 hectares of vines were planted. Extensive replanting of vineyards took place and within a decade, 80% of the vineyard was planted. The Zuger family, headed by Jean Luc Zuger, who took over in 1994, continue to own and manage Chateau Malescot St. Exupery today. Michel Rolland is the consultant.
The vineyards of Chateau Malescot St. Exupery are situated on a terroir of gravel, chalk and clay soils with iron deposits. The vines are planted to 50% Cabernet Sauvignon , 10% Cabernet Franc , 35% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot . On average, the vines are 35 years of age. The vineyards is planted to a vine density of 10,000 vines per hectare.
Bordeaux is one of the world's most prolific wine regions, it is also one of the the most famous and prestigious.
Bordeaux's climate is well moderated by its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and the presence of the various rivers (the Dordogne, the Garonne and the Gironde Estuary into which they flow). The region takes its name (which translates roughly as "next to the waters") from the port city of Bordeaux, which serves as its logistical and administrative center.
Eighty-nine per cent of wine produced in Bordeaux is red, and made by more than 8,500 producers (which are also known as châteaux).
1 x Te Mata Bullnose Syrah 2018 ~ Hawkes Bay, New Zealand
97/100 Sam Kim
96/100 Huon Hooke
96/100 Cameron Douglas
95/100 The Wine Front
90/100 Decanter World Wine Awards
16.5/20 Jancis Robinson
Te Mata Estate is regarded as one of New Zealand’s most important wine producers
Sam Kim "The palate is concentrated, focused and delightfully flowing with outstanding depth and intensity, while remaining elegant and poised, leading to an extremely long expansive finish. Harmonious, seamless and flawlessly precise. Combining exquisite refinement and undeniable power, this latest offering is another stunning beauty under this iconic label...The gorgeously perfumed bouquet shows Black Doris plum, sweet raspberry, violet, olive and toasted almond characters with a whiff of fragrant spice. "
Jancis Robinson "Confected black fruit, finely layered tannins, a touch of bacon and smoke on the finish. Dry, savoury, meaty persistence."
Cameron Douglas "A great bouquet, the fine nose of Syrah with white and black peppercorn, roses and lavender, a core of red currants, black cherry and Doris plum, some sweet olive and new leather. Firm, youthful and dry with an abundance of tannins and acidity."
Decanter "A very modern take on Syrah which turns up the chocolate and cappuccino characters to create a rich and silky wine. There’s dark cherry and ripe raspberry fruit to balance the roasted coffee tannins with an acid spike. Extended skin contact and a warmish fermentation have given this depth and elegance."
Gary Walsh "Ras el hanout (راس الحانوت) is a spice mix that means ‘head of the shop’, and maybe we have a bull in a shop here, such is the level of exotic spice and perfume pumping out of the glass. In with that, some lavender and vanilla, cherry and redcurrant, a smattering of green herb too. It’s light to medium-bodied, fine emery tannin, juicy raspberry acidity and flavour, inner-mouth perfume and spiced wood aromatic, and a dusty white pepper texture and taste on a cool long finish. Nice and ‘minerally’ too. You have to like them spicy and lithe, and if so, this’ll be close to the top of the shop for you."
Huon Hooke "...a pronounced spicy, peppery aroma, the palate sweet rich and deep in very elegant, classy fruit flavour. The tannins are ample and refined, balanced and the wine is overall delicious. Black pepper, subtle cloves and other spices. It has a core of fruit sweetness that is utterly delicious."
World of Fine Wine 'Getting to know a legend' "A visit to one of the world’s greatest fine-wine estates should be an integral part of any tour of New Zealand. On the East Coast of New Zealand’s North Island is the independently owned, family-run, Te Mata Estate. Owners and staff still work on vineyards that began growing Cabernet, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir back in the 1890s, making it the country’s oldest wine estate. Since 1905, this winery has been winning gold medals globally, which led to these sites becoming the country’s first to be protected by law due to their viticultural history...Te Mata Estate wines are currently available in 45 countries and have been presented at some of the world’s top tables— including to President Barrack Obama, President Xi Jinping, and Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee."
Raymond Chan "Te Mata Estate was the standard by which every other wine producer could be judged against, as the full range of styles has always been impeccable. In the earlier days, Hawke’s Bay was the scene of New Zealand’s quality wine, so it was very apt to have Te Mata Estate as the point of reference. Even when other regions developed, and Marlborough grew larger, and other varietals such as Pinot Noir became important, one could understand the state of the New Zealand wine industry by how Te Mata Estate behaved or reacted to influences, whether internal or international."
Te Mata Estate is regarded as one of New Zealand’s most important wine producers. It is New Zealand's oldest winery, oldest wine estate and has the oldest winery cellars in the country - in continuous operation since 1895. Coleraine is Te Mata's most acclaimed wine and is often regarded as New Zealand's best red wine.
Hawke's Bay is located on the east coast of the North Island in and around the cities of Napier, Hastings and Havelock North. This historic region has New Zealand's second-largest wine industry (after Marlborough) and is highly regarded for its red Bordeaux Blend wines. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Chardonnay are all planted widely across the region. Over the years, the region has won international acclaim for its very high-quality Bordeaux-style reds and full-bodied Chardonnays. Syrah, produced in a classic European style with strong black-pepper flavors, is another grape variety thought to have great potential here.
Syrah is a dark-skinned red wine grape. Its origins have been popularly debated, but its modern viticultural home is unquestionably the northern Rhône Valley of eastern France. In Australia, Syrah is the flagship variety and has developed such a distinct personality that it is essentially regarded as a distinct variety, is commonly known as Shiraz.
1 x McHenry Hohnen Hazels Vineyard Chardonnay (Organic) 2019 ~ Margaret River, Western Australia
97/100 Wine Pilot, Angus Hughson
95/100 Halliday Wine Companion, Erin Larkin
95/100 The Real Review, Aaron Brasher
91/100 Decanter World Wine Awards
97/100 - Top Chardonnay Halliday Wine Companion Awards 2023 (2020 vintage)
91/100 Decanter World Wine Awards  (2018 vintage)
96/100 The Real Review  (2018 vintage)
94/100 Nick Stock  (2017 vintage)
95/100 Huon Hooke (2016 vintage)
95/100 James Halliday  (2016 vintage)
93/100 The Wine Front  (2016 vintage)
5 Star Winery - James Halliday (2016 vintage)
"Halliday Wine Companion - Australian Winery of the Year 2022 & 2023"
Halliday Wine Companion, Erin Larkin  "All 3 single-vineyard chardonnays are made in the same manner: hand picked, whole-bunch pressed, wild fermented in barrel (25% new) with full solids and partial mlf. White spice, nectarine, coastal spray and crushed macadamia on the nose. The palate is where the mlf is evident; it creates a creamy, buttery texture that sits alongside the pink grapefruit and mandarin pith. Blossom and red apple skin round out the palate, the saline acidity forms curls of sensation as it fades."
Wine Pilot, Angus Hughson  "Bright mid straw and a beautifully reserved expression of premium Margaret River Chardonnay. There is impressive aromatic precision and focus with fruits in the citrus and floral spectrum and nougat-scented oak. Also some flinty/smoky leesy elements add superb detail. It is then dry, taut and acid driven with palpable palate tension but also a silkiness and a chalky texture; love the balance and fruit purity as it unfurls. Finally, a picture of refinement and balance with a supremely long finish accented by doughy, citrus and floral complexity. This builds beautifully in the glass over time too which bodes very well for the future."
The Real Review, Aaron Brasher  "Quite lifted aromas of nectarine, white flowers, nuts, bacon fat and vanilla. Powerful on the palate—white stone fruit, guava and creamy oak are all at play. Acidity is fine and focused and manages the powerful fruit admirably. There's some grip and texture that adds to the mouth-feel and the length is impressive."
Tasting Notes  "Mandarin peal, white blossom and ruby grapefruit aromas give way to stone fruit and a seductive nougat element. Creamy, nutty and textured, this Chardonnay is both powerful in fruit concentration and restrained by a precise acid line. A layered wine with persistence, power and grace and a true representation of this south Margaret River vineyard just inland from the coast."
Halliday Wine Companion Awards 2023, Erin Larkin "I've tasted this wine blind in pretty esteemed company (several times), the likes of Bâtard-Montrachet, Chevalier-Montrachet, Genevrières etc, and while it has come just under those wines in ranking, it has more than stood its ground, and has earned my unwavering respect in doing so. Powerful, layered, fragrant, balanced, rippling and exciting. Back up the car – this is too cheap currently." (2020 vintage)
Stuart Knox, The Real Review  "Pale to medium straw-yellow colour in the glass. The nose lifts with flint minerality, bacon fat and nectarines. The palate explodes with power, but almost instantaneously that power is compressed again by incredibly taut acid which brings laser-like focus and drives it very long. As it slowly unfurls softer savoury elements, smoke and nuts show themselves, but that acid drive is never far away. A serious exercise in power and precision." (2018 vintage)
Nick Stock  "Striking purity of pithy lemon and lime aromas here with some gentle, grilled-hazelnut complexity at the edges. The palate has a super tight, sleek and mouthwatering style with fresh lemons and grapefruit, as well as white peaches in abundance. Impressive. Drink or hold. Screw cap." (2017 vintage)
Huon Hooke  "...invested with delicious complexing notes that make it much more than a simple fruit wine. Lovely. Light yellow hue, fresh and clean; the bouquet is cashew-nutty, creamy and lightly smoky … becoming cleaner and more spicy with air. It's very fresh and vibrant with intense lemon juice flavour...." (2016 Vintage)
James Halliday  “A different expression of funk that backs off somewhat having made its point, and moves into elegant mode. Nice wine.” (2016 vintage)
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 1970s. 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.
Margaret River is one of the best known wine regions in Australia, recognized internationally for the quality of its wines and the natural beauty of the region. Although originally renowned for its unusually refined cabernet sauvignon and intensely citrusy chardonnay varieties, the region now produces high quality Semillon-Sauvignon blends and Shiraz.
Located in the south-western corner of Western Australia, it is famous for having a more 'European' wine style than its counterparts across Australia, owing to the regions temperate, coastal location which is very similar to that of Bordeaux.
Chardonnay is one of the world’s most popular grapes, Chardonnay is made in a wide range of styles from lean, to rich, creamy white wines aged in oak. Bolder, richer, full-bodied and buttery Chardonnays are made using oak and are produced in California, Burgundy, and Australia. Unoaked chardonnays such as Chablis and those produced in Chile, New Zealand, and other parts of France are leaner and often crisp and mineraly, with delicate flavors. By law, if a label says “Chablis,” it must be Chardonnay.
1 x Collosorbo - Brunello di Montalcino 'Sangiovese' 2018 ~ Rosso di Montalcino, Italy
92/100 Vinous
92/100 Raffaele Vechionne, Wine Critics
91/100 Falstaff
Bronze - Wine Enthusiast
91/100 Falstaff (2017 vintage)
90/100 Wine Enthusiast (2017 vintage)
Silver - Decanter World Wine Awards
Gold - Decanter World Wine Awards (2017 vintage)
Vinous "The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino impresses with a rich mix of crushed cherries and plums complemented by hints of clove and dried roses. This is soft-textured and potent, with a sweet-and-sour interplay of tart wild berries and spice enlivened by bright acidity. It tapers off with dusty tannins, yet only lightly structured, leaving hints of salted licorice and red currants to linger."
Raffaele Vechionne, Wine Critics "Slightly reductive on the main profile, it alternates notes of red plums, dates, sautéed mushrooms, and wet earth. Medium-full body, very soft tannins, and a juicy and harmonious finish."
Falstaff "Bright ruby red color. Very restrained on the nose, comes out of the glass with difficulty. Shows on the palate with fine sweet texture, also with grippy, vivid tannin, warm-hearted, currently drying in the aftertaste."
Wine Enthusiast "This opens with subtle aromas suggesting underbrush, wild herb and a whiff of toasted nut. Smooth and juicy, the palate shows ripe Morello cherry, pomegranate and ground clove. It's already accessible thanks to polished tannins and fresh acidity."
Falstaff "Hearty ruby red. In the nose with nuances of resin, candle wax, cedarwood, blackberries, coffee powder, and malt. On the palate with a rich cut, it shows fine balsamic components, then tightens slightly in the finish, ending on licorice notes." (2017 vintage)
Wine Enthusiast "Aromas of stewed prune, mocha, underbrush and licorice follow over to the no-frills palate along with blood orange and roasted coffee bean notes. Dusty, drying tannins and the warmth of alcohol provide the backdrop." (2017 vintage)
The Winemaker "The fruit is a highlight to the enduring popularity of Brunello di Montalcino, but it’s the tannins and acidity that extend the life of this wine."
The Tenuti di Collosorbo has been owned by the Ciacci family since 1850. The first bottle of Brunello di Montalcino was made in 1966 by Giuseppe Ciacci, progenitor of the first of the three generations of this winery. Now Giovanna Ciacci and her daughters, oenologist Laura and agronomist, Lucia Sutera Sardo, operate the vineyard and winery, assisted by esteemed oenologist Paolo Caciorgna and cellar master, Daniele Guidotti, who has been in charge of the Tenuta's winery for more than twenty years and is considered one of the family.
The region of Brunello di Montalcino DOCG is situated in the heart of Tuscany, in central Italy. Brunello di Montalcino is a red DOCG Italian wine produced in the vineyards surrounding the town of Montalcino, in the province of Siena, located about 80 km south of Florence in the Tuscany wine region. Brunello, a diminutive of Bruno ("brown"), is the name that was given locally to what was believed to be an individual grape variety grown in Montalcino . In 1879 the Province of Siena's Amphelographic Commission determined, after a few years of controlled experiments, that Sangiovese and Brunello were the same grape variety, and that the former should be its designated name.
In Montalcino the name Brunello evolved into the designation of the wine produced with 100% Sangiovese.
In 1980, Brunello di Montalcino was among the four wines awarded the first DOCG designation. Today it is one of Italy's best-known and most expensive wines.
Sangiovese (or Nielluccio in Corsica), a dark-berried vine, is the most widely planted grape variety in Italy. Virtually synonymous with the red wines of Tuscany, and all the romanticism that goes with the territory, Sangiovese is the core constituent in some of the great names in Italian wine. Italy's love affair with Sangiovese – and indeed the world's – is generations old.
Brunello di Montalcino, produced in Tuscany is one of Italy's most famous and prestigious wines. The wine is typically garnet in color with aromas of red and black fruit with underlying vanilla and spice, and perhaps a hint of earthiness. The wines are usually full bodied with alcohol levels around 14 or 15 percent.
1 x Giant Steps Applejack Chardonnay 2018 ~ Yarra Valley, Australia
96/100 James Halliday, Halliday Wine Companion
95/100 James Suckling
94/100 Mike Bennie, The Wine Front
92/100 Wine Enthusiast
92/100 The Wine Advocate
90/100 Decanter World Wine Awards
95/100 The Wine Front (2017 Vintage)
92/100 Wine Spectator (2017 Vintage)
Silver - Decanter World Wine Awards
Halliday Wine Companion Awards, James Halliday "A spotless bouquet and an elegant palate of great length. Stone fruits and melon are threaded through a faint gauze of acidity, oak barely seen. This is an exercise in balance, and the certainty of future greatness."
Decanter World Wine Awards "Restrained, with delicate hints of green apple, grapefruit pith and white peach, while the herbaceous palate has a yellow liquorice finish."
James Suckling "The palate has a smooth, evenly paced and sleek feel. Polished texture and good depth of fresh white peaches and pears....Apples and honeydew melon with pie crust and poached pears in a fresh, attractive mode..."
Mike Bennie, The Wine Front "Electric and lacy, mouth-watering and ultra fresh. Bright and brisk style really nicely done....Flinty, lean, racy style. Good puckering feel and tight, squeaky race across the palate. Citrus, wet stone, frangipani floral things to sniff on. Stone and flint licks to taste, a squeeze of grapefruit, green apple, pickled ginger, sparkling almost in its transparent whip-crack across the palate. "
The Wine Advocate "It's a medium-bodied but plump and generous offering, with melon and pineapple fruit filling out the silky-textured mid-palate, then easing into a long, citrusy finish."
Wine Enthusiast "...The palate is richly textured and laced with minerals. The wood is present but not overwhelming...Coming from vines 200 meters higher and nine years younger than this producer's other single-vineyard Chardonay, Tarraford, this wine is clearly made in the same vein, but shows distinctive differences. Less fruity, this vintage is initially a touch reductive and oaked, but as it warms in the glass, notes of salted nuts and honey, along with delicate citrus, float to the fore. "
Giant Steps is a privately owned, estate based, Yarra Valley grower and winemaker. Giant Steps has forged a reputation for delivering some of Australia’s most consistent, over-performing, varietal wines. These wines have received global acclaim and established a strong reputation in restaurants and fine wine stores around the world. Since 2003 Giant Steps wines have collectively been awarded 19 trophies and over 50 gold medals at major international and domestic wine shows and have been named one of the Top 100 Wineries in the World by Wine & Spirits Magazine, US for each of the last three years.
Owner Phil Sexton came to wine via beer. He started Little Creatures, a favourite of Aussie hopheads, in Perth (Western Australia). Yarra Valley is a region with a cool climate, best known for its Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Yarra Valley is an hour’s drive east of Melbourne. Applejack Vineyard was planted in 1997 by highly respected viticulturist Ray Guerin Today it is meticulously managed by his son Mark.
Applejack Vineyard is situated in the Upper Yarra Valley, to the south-east of the traditional valley floor. The higher altitudes result in cooler growing conditions - ideal for Pinot Noir. Applejack Vineyard is located on a dramatic, north-east-facing slope with close-planted vines. This vineyard was purchased by Phil Sexton in 2013.
1 x Super Nanny Goat Pinot Noir 2021 - Otago, New Zealand
95/100 CamDouglas MS
91/100 Bob Campbell, The Real Review
94/100 Bob Campbell, The Real Review (2020 vintage)
92/100 James Suckling (2020 vintage)
Bronze - The Wine Front (2020 vintage)
5 Stars - Michael Cooper
Gold - Decanter World Wine Awards
Silver - International Wine Challenge
Silver - International Wine & Spirit Competition
Gold - Decanter World Wine Awards (2020 vintage)
Silver - The National Wine Awards of Aotearoa 2022 (2020 vintage)
Silver - London Wine Competition (2020 vintage)
Silver - International Wine Challenge
Bronze - International Wine & Spirit Competition
CamDouglas MS "An excellent bouquet with a core of ripe, dark skinned red berries and baking spices, plums and clove, baked blackcurrant and old roses, vanilla and some smoky wood moments. Dry, concentrated, focused and new. Salivating as the wine touches the palate with core flavours of dark berries and smoky wood then blackcurrant and baking spices. Firm tannins and acidity set a core foundation for the fruit and signature style. A long finish and youthful power."
Bob Campbell, The Real Review "An elegant rather than blockbuster pinot noir with a mix of floral/rose petal, dark cherry, roasted chestnut and subtle spicy flavours."
Michael Cooper "Highly fragrant it is mouthfilling, with deep, ripe cherry, plum and spice flavours, seasoned with nutty oak. Complex and very savoury, it is a youthful, harmonious, supple red, well worth cellaring.."
Decanter World Wine Awards "A wealth of pressed flowers and remarkably pure dark berries and plums, displaying all the hallmarks of the genre. Soft and creamy with an inspiring finish."
Bob Campbell, The Real Review "Attractive, fruit-focused pinot noir with floral, violet, dark cherry, berry and spicy oak flavours. A deliciously accessible wine, with a supple core of juicy fruit flavours balanced by fine, sweet tannins. Very appealing" (2020 vintage)
James Suckling "The top-tier pinot from this producer, this has a complex nose with spiced red and dark cherries and plums, as well as espresso and pepper. The palate has a bold, fleshy core with ripe dark-cherry and plum flavors framed in silky, smooth-honed tannins. Fresh finish."
Decanter World Wine Awards "Luscious, ripe, fruit and enticing bouquet of dark cherry, baked raspberry, thyme, nutmeg and vanilla. Juicy and mouthwatering, ripe and polished tannins, showing a youthful charm." (2020 vintage)
Nanny Goat Pinot Noir comes from the Bannockburn sub-region of Central Otago. As with most vineyards, there is usually a small parcel or two of outstanding quality fruit that outshines the rest.
The Super Nanny is a limited release wine, made from carefully hand-sorted Pinot Noir bunches, wild yeast ferment with a portion of the whole bunch, extended skin contact and 15 months in French Oak. (40% New Oak) The result is a powerful, richly flavoured and textured Central Otago Pinot, which won a Gold Medal from the NZ International Wine Show in 2014 (2013 vintage).
Since the release of its inaugural Pinot Noir in 2005, the Nanny Goat Vineyard has produced wines of elegance, concentration and balance.
Acclaimed winemaker Alan Oswald previously spent 5 years at Cloudy Bay, including two years as Assistant Winemaker. He is a specialist premium Pinot Noir winemaker.
The Central Otago wine region is the world's southern-most commercial wine-growing region, and famous for its Pinot Noir. It differs from all other New Zealand wine areas in that it is inland, in the foothills of the Southern Alps. The level of sunlight is very high, something that accounts for the high levels of alcohol that are often found in Central Otago wines.