Halliday’s Top Picks – 6 Bottle Collection
1 x McHenry Hohnen Hazel's Vineyard Syrah 2018 ~ Margaret River, Western Australia
95/100 Campbell Mattinson
Bronze - Stuart Knox
94/100 James Halliday (2017 vintage)
5 Star Winery - James Halliday
Halliday's Wine Companion Awards 2023 - Top Wineries of 2022 & 2023
Certified Organic
Biodynamic
Halliday Wine Companion, Campbell Mattinson "Inherently savoury as you'd expect, with roasted nut, twig and peppery spice notes running wild through the wine. There's a good push of cherry-plum fruit, too, along with graphite and gum leaf notes. There's a perfumed sweetness to this wine despite the charge of peppers. It's a beauty."
The Real Review, Stuart Knox "Medium ruby colour with purple hints in the rim. The nose is dominated by whole-bunch vegetal notes. The palate is light to medium-bodied, red fruits, vegetable broth and graphite minerals. Good flow and length but that undergrowth, smoky, green leaf note lingers after everything else has faded away. "
James Halliday: "From a single block, hand-picked, wild-fermented with 100% whole bunches, 14 days on skins, pressed to one 2800l French cask for mlf and extended skin contact and maturation. Deep crimson-purple; it has unexpected, but welcome, savoury tannins that give texture and structure to the blackberry/black cherry fruit. A long future for this wine." (2017 vintage)
The Winemaker "Sourced from a single block of bio-dynamically grown Syrah at Hazel’s Vineyard. After pressing, the wine was aged in a 2800L French-Oak Foudre for 9 months.The wine was bottled without fining or filtration, ensuring a living reflection of a block we consider special and unique."
McHenry Hohnen was 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 focusses 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 Semillon Sauvignon blanc 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.
Syrah is a rich, powerful, and sometimes meaty red wine that originated in the Rhône Valley of France. Syrah is now the most planted grape of Australia where it is usually referred to as Shiraz.
1 x Corymbia Cabernet Sauvignon (Organic) 2021 - Margaret River, Australia
95/100 Halliday Wine Companion, Erin Larkin
95/100 The Wine Front, Gary Walsh
94/100 Robert Parker
97/100 Halliday Wine Companion, Erin Larkin (2019 vintage)
96/100 Halliday Wine Companion, Jane Faulkner (2018 vintage)
Organic
Halliday Wine Companion, Erin Larkin "This wine has been tasted blind a number of times recently, and it is fascinating each time. The aromas are finely layered with cassis, exotic spice, salt bush, dried bay leaf ... there's also a faint backdrop of bacon fat, reminiscent of the Rhône. The tannins on the palate are a standout; super-fine and laid out like a web over the fruit. Very classy. This 2020 has more obvious fruit and structure than the 2019, but we expect that from the vintage. "
The Wine Front, Gary Walsh "It’s a graceful style of Cabernet, fine boned and fresh. Blackberry, strawberry, redcurrant, potpourri, slight smoky bacon bone character, and a sea spray/brine kind of thing. Tannin is tight with an emery board texture, subtle tobacco/leafy perfume, and a cool red fruited finish of excellent length, those high quality tannins really stretching it out. Subtle. Lovely."
Robert Parker "The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon has notes of rose petals, lead pencil shavings, cassis, red apple skins, lavender on the breeze, saltbush, kalamata olives and iodine on the nose. In the mouth, the wine is a spicy, ever-evolving, supple Cabernet from the Mann's Calgardup vineyard. There is a harmony and peace in this wine that remains through each of the vintages. Modern and a little bit thrilling."
Halliday Wine Companion, Erin Larkin "Luminescent ruby with glints of purple and black. It shines as if with its own dense internal light. The telltale ripe and chewy tannin profile handled masterfully by Rob Mann, with pristine fruit and great length of flavour. An exceptionally elegant, powder-fine cabernet, part of the new Margaret River breed. A massive, resounding, YES." (2019 vintage)
Halliday Wine Companion, Jane Faulkner "The inaugural release with fruit off the Mann family's organically farmed Calgardup vineyard, and the result is a beautifully composed wine. This is all about detail. Heady aromas of mulberries, florals, soy sauce and salt bush with a wisp of menthol. Lots going on yet medium-bodied with superfine tannins that glide across the palate. A wine of great finesse." (2018 vintage)
Gourmet Traveller Wine "The wines under the Corymbia label have been outstanding."
Rob & Gen Mann "Very satisfying"
Gourmet Traveller Wine, Mike Bennie "Corymbia is one of the most exciting wine projects to emerge from Western Australia in a decade. The combination of a distinguished winemaking family, the reinvention of a much-maligned wine region, the unlocking of the potential of a mature vineyard and a general sense of creativity, have all contributed to a strong currency.
100% cabernet sauvignon
Organic wines are made from grapes grown without pesticides, following strict organic standards. Organic wines are produced in vineyards that do not use synthetic chemicals.Certified organic wines have been certified by Australian Certified Organic Standard (ACOS).
Corymbia is the newish project of Rob and Genevieve Mann. The Mann family, of course, are generational wine producers in WA, with a history of iconic wines and vineyards. Rob, formerly working with Hardys, Cape Mentelle and Newton Vineyard in Napa Valley, has returned home and made a mark.
The family vineyard in Swan Valley is dry grown and organically farmed. While winemaking draws on the Manns’ suite of expertise and diversity of influences, it has been pared back for Corymbia, letting the fruit and character of the wines take the spotlight.
That Swan Valley has been put on a pedestal is wonderful, and a celebration of older vineyards, unique soil profile and a general sense of generational endeavor is exciting for the region. There’s an undercurrent of winemakers amplifying the region’s potential, but arguably Corymbia is the current totem."
Huon Hooke "The Mann family are winemaking royalty in Western Australia."
Corymbia is a new winery launched by one of the founding families of Western Australian wine. The Manns have grown grapes and made wine in the Swan Valley, Western Australia's oldest wine-growing region for over a century. Corymbia wines are critically acclaimed, organically-farmed, single-vineyard wines. Founder, Rob Mann is considered one of Australia's best contemporary winemakers. He was the senior winemaker at Hardy’s Tintara, and Cape Mentelle, where during his ten-year tenure the winery was twice awarded 'Australia's Producer of the Year' and Rob 'Australian Winemaker of the Year'. Prior to founding Corymbia he was Senior Winemaker at LVMH’s Newton Vineyard in the Napa Valley.
Swan Valley is a sub-region of the Swan District wine region just north of Perth, in Western Australia. The Swan District is Western Australia’s oldest wine region, having been planted by English settlers soon after their arrival in 1829. For almost 150 years it was the only significant wine-producing region in Western Australia and today it's also home to the state's largest winery. Some of Western Australia's finest wines are produced in the Swan Valley.
Cabernet Sauvignon is probably the most famous red wine grape variety on Earth. It is rivaled in this regard only by its Bordeaux stablemate Merlot, and its opposite number in Burgundy, Pinot Noir. From its origins in Bordeaux, Cabernet has successfully spread to almost every winegrowing country in the world. It is now the key grape variety in many first-rate New World wine regions, most notably Napa Valley, Coonawarra, and Maipo Valley. Wherever they come from, Cabernet Sauvignon wines always seem to demonstrate a handful of common character traits: deep color, good tannin structure, moderate acidity and aromas of blackcurrant, tomato leaf, dark spices, and cedarwood.
1 x Teusner 'The Riebke' Shiraz 2020 ~ Barossa Valley, South Australia
92/100 Dave Brookes, Halliday Wine Companion
Bronze - Gabrielly Poy, The Real Review
Bronze - James Halliday, Halliday Wine Companion (2019 vintage)
92/100 Campbell Mattinson, Halliday Wine Companion (2018 vintage)
5 Stars - Halliday Wine Companion
Silver - International Wine Challenge (2019 vintage)
Dave Brookes, Halliday Wine Companion "Shiraz sourced from the Riebke vineyards in the famous northern Barossa growing area of Ebenezer. The Riebke always represents solid value and this release is no different, with oodles of deep blackberry, black cherry and dark plum fruits laden with baking spices, black licorice, dark chocolate and earth. There is a fine, sandy tannin frame, super-ripe unctuous black fruits and plenty more to like."
Gabrielly Poy, The Real Review "Blackberry compote with some red berry highlights take the lead on the nose. On the palate a savoury twist tempers the fruit bringing balance to the plush fruit. The fruit holds freshness and the oak component has been well-judged. This is an approachable full-bodied red that offers a broad appeal.
James Halliday, Halliday Wine Companion "Wild blackberry and bramble move through a structure of savoury tannins and acidity. Interesting dynamics on display here." (2019 vintage)
Campbell Mattinson, Halliday Wine Companion "It offers a mouthful of fruit-filled flavour and it does so in good, comfortable style. Licorice and blackberry flavours aplenty. Uncomplicated in a good way. Satisfying." (2018 vintage)
90% shiraz, 10% grenache
The Riebke family grows outstanding quality fruit on old, low-yielding Barossa Valley vines…something they’ve been doing for six generations. For their faith in what we do and their assistance in the birth and growth of Teusner Wines, we’ll be forever thankful.
The Winemaker "The Riebke tradition continues…rich, abundant flavour and serious drinkability whilst also being easy on the pocket. The wine is jam-packed with Barossa Shiraz This is a plush, vibrant wine of immense generosity and incredible value."
Teusnér's "The Riebke" Shiraz has been praised by both the wine press and wine drinkers in recent years for consistently over-delivering on quality at an unbeatable price. The wine's name is a tip of the hat to the Riebke family, who produce some of the best grapes in the Ebenezer district. Teusner takes a lot of fruit from the old Riebke vineyards in north Barossa around Ebenezer, Kalimna, and Moppa.
The Barossa Valley is an extremely important wine-producing region within the Barossa zone of South Australia, particularly associated with powerful red wines from the red wine grape variety Shiraz. A prestigious and internationally renowned region, it is not only home to some of the oldest vineyards and wineries in Australia but produces some of its most recognizable and sought-after brands. The region lies in the (very flat) 'Valley' created by the North Para River, which connects the main towns of Nuriootpa, Tanunda, and Lyndoch.
Shiraz, also known as Syrah is a popular red wine. Though the spiritual homeland of this red grape is France, Syrah has been planted throughout the world to great success. It expresses itself differently depending on the climate, soil and regional style.
Syrah is typically bold and full-bodied, with aromatic notes of smoke, black fruit and pepper spice. Stylistically, it can be round and fruity, or dense and tannic. And in warmer New World regions like Australia, Syrah is most often be called Shiraz.
Winemakers who work in cooler-climate growing regions, both in the Old World and New World, tend to call their wines Syrah. The most famous examples come from the northern Rhône Valley of France, notably Hermitage and Côte-Rôtie. In the New World, in regions like Sonoma Coast, California; Yarra Valley, Australia; and parts of Chile, the wines are called Syrah because they emulate the leaner, acid-driven, savory styles of the Old World French classics.
Shiraz tends to come from warmer growing climates, namely the South Australian regions of Barossa, McLaren Vale and Adelaide Hills. Stylistically, these wines are lush, fruit-forward examples that embody the warmer, sunnier climate. 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 Plantagenet "York" Chardonnay 2023 - Mt. Barker, Western Australia
93/100 Ray Jordan, Wine Pilot
92/100 James Suckling
Bronze - Mike Bennie Halliday Wine Companion (2022 vintage)
90/100 Erin Larkin, Halliday Wine Companion (2020 vintage)
5 Stars Winery - James Halliday
Gold - Sakura Awards (2022 vintage)
Ray Jordan, Wine Pilot "A wine brimming with ripe and intense stone fruit characters from the white peach and edgy nectarine notes on the nose through to the deeply intense palate. There’s a nice cashew and creamy peach thing happening with fine acid adding precision and focus through to the finish. Really well managed wine."
James Suckling "Toasted hazelnuts, roasted apples, buttered brioche and matchsticks on the nose, followed by a full-bodied and intensely flavorful palate. Buttery and flinty, with a delicious finish."
The Australian "A light golden colour in the glass sets the scene for restrained aromas of stone fruit, hints of gooseberry and cashew cut through by the flintiness and flashes of ginger. It’s in the mouth that this comes into its own, the rich creamy palate brought to life by the lovely acidity on the tongue – and then a cool lime cordial of a finish."
Mike Bennie Halliday Wine Companion "Soft and chewy chardonnay, ripe in stone fruit flavours and scents, layered with nougat and woody spices, quite a bit of soapiness and some smoky, flinty elements too. It feels like it pulls up pretty short despite some pleasing fruit characters up front, the wine a bit skittish in its balance and masked with smoky notes. The finish has a pleasing, refreshing tang. A bit lacking in balance would be the zinger line." (2022 vintage)
Erin Larkin, Halliday Wine Companion "Salted pineapple, guava, curry leaf and red apples. This is worked and savoury, with a line of taut, briny acidity that courses through the heart of it. Quite golden in colour in the glass, which is reflected in the concentration and density of flavour in the mouth." (2020 vintage)
Western Australian winery, Plantagenet is acclaimed internationally for its consistently highly-awarded, quality wines produced from its five vineyards located in the cool climate region of the Great Southern. It is known for its highly aromatic riesling, tangy citrus-tinged chardonnay, exceptional Rhône-style shiraz and suberb cabernet sauvignon. The five estate vineyards are overseen by Chief Viticulturist Jordan Ellis whose philosophy is sustainability and remaining true to the terroir of the region.
The Real Review "Plantagenet is a pioneer of the Great Southern region of Western Australia with vineyards first planted in 1986 and the first commercial winery established in the region. Celebrated for its rich heritage, the winery is owned the Lionel Samson family, the oldest family owned business in Western Australia established in Fremantle in 1829. Plantaganet has five vineyards in the Mount Barker sub region each with the unique characteristics, ancient soils and a cool maritime climate cretaing expressive wines of provenance, quality & prestige. "
James Halliday, Halliday Australian Wine Companion "Plantagenet has honed its flagship varieties into a distinct Great Southern wine style; a depth of lively flavour, seamless elegance and natural purity"
The Great Southern is emerging as a wine region of international significance and reputation. It is the largest wine growing region in Australia and is the second largest producer of grapes in Western Australia. It is a landscape of forested cliffs and resplendent mountain ranges, grazing pastures and towns steeped in history. The regional climate ranges from the coastal, maritime subregions of Albany and Denmark to the inland, continental subregions of Mount Barker, Porongurup and Frankland River. The predominant soils are similar to those of the Margaret River region - either lateritic gravelly sandy loams (marri country) or sandy loams deriving directly from granite and gneissic bedrocks. Near perfect conditions for grape growing has lured some of the most creative and talented winemakers to call this land their home and become part of its ancient story.
The region is known for commitment to be sustainable, and organic, and is attracting some of Australia’s best winemakers. In 2023 the region dominated the Halliday Wine Companion Awards with its Top Rated 2023 Rieslings winning 10 of the top 40 awards. Other varietals from the region also received exceptional ratings of 97, 96 & 95 points.
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 Brokenwood Hunter Valley Shiraz 2021 ~ Hunter Valley, NSW, Australia
94/100 James Halliday
94/100 Bob Campbell - The Real Review (2019 vintage)
93/100 James Suckling (2019 vintage)
Gold - 2022 NSW Wine Awards
James Halliday "This is the younger brother of Graveyard Shiraz, coming from young vines on the Graveyard vineyard and declassified 1968 shiraz. In other words, it's Brokenwood's entry-level Hunter shiraz. It's no lightweight wine, and the mix of plum, blackberry and black cherry fruits are swathed in ripe tannins, underwriting its future."
Established in 1970 Brokenwood Wines is one of Australia's most reputable premium wine labels and a must-visit in the Hunter Valley. It was established by Australia's leading wine critic, James Halliday. Consistently listed as a 5 star winery, Brokenwood is home to the famous Graveyard Vineyard Shiraz, the highly acclaimed ILR Reserve Semillon, and the popular Cricket Pitch Range.
At nearly 40 years young, Brokenwood Wines, in the heart of the Hunter Valley, can lay claim to not only an iconic vineyard with the Graveyard Vineyard but to the preservation of a wine fraternity that proudly has as its mission statement, 'to make great wine and have fun'.
The original land that was to become the Cricket Pitch Vineyard was purchased in 1970 and planted immediately to Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. The Graveyard Vineyard, planted to Shiraz in 1968, was bought in 1978 and by the mid 1980s was producing a premium Single Vineyard wine. The first Langton's Classification of Premium Australian Wine was launched in 1993 and the Graveyard Shiraz was then, and remains, the highest-placed Hunter Valley Shiraz.
The Hunter Valley is the best-known and most highly prized wine region in New South Wales. It is known as the region where the Australian wine industry started. The valley's winemakers have pioneered two distinctive styles of wine (oaked Chardonnay and dry Semillon) and has retained a strong connection with both of them. The Hunter Valley's most famous wine style is its distinctive dry Semillon, made there since the 1870s. Hunter Valley Semillons are renowned for their ability to improve with age.
Today, Brokenwood boasts an impressive array of premium quality wines, sourced from 'all the right regions, for all the right reasons', from the Graveyard Shiraz to the Cricket Pitch Sauvignon Blanc Semillon and Cricket Pitch Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot.
“Our philosophy is to produce wine that focuses on the unique regional characteristics of the Hunter Valley and premium wine regions throughout Australia.” Iain Riggs, Chief Winemaker & Managing Director, Brokenwood Wines.
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 Willow Bridge Dragon Fly Shiraz 2022 - Geographe, Western Australia
90/100 James Suckling
92/100 Erin Larkin, Haliday Wine Companion (2020 vintage)
Bronze - Mike Bennie, Halliday Wine Companion
Bronze - James Halliday, Halliday Wine Companion (2021 vintage)
James Suckling "This ripe and fruity red has notes of blueberries, plums, honey and violets on the nose. It’s medium- to full-bodied, soft and tasty. Drink now. Screw cap."
Mike Bennie, Halliday Wine Companion "It does the trick without being very fancy, a nice place to be. Redcurrants, raspberry, a good dash of smoky spice, some graphite and pencil-shaving characters, a touch of pepper and eucalyptus going on here – flavours and scents in tune with this. A touch of raspiness to texture, a tart, bitter finish and, between that, some nice plushness that takes away from those distractions. It's OK; it drinks pretty easy."
Gabrielle Poy, The Real Review "Mocha and spiced black plums lead to a juicy palate. Vanillan notes mix with black and red berries, contained by a rail of tannins. It's an approachable and pleasing style"
Erin Larkin, Haliday Wine Companion "This is a ripping little wine. At first glance it's a juicy, buoyant and uncomplicated shiraz. But it routinely shows itself to be more sophisticated and complex than its price would suggest. Look for salted licorice, blood, salted plums, redskins, raspberry and pomegranate, alongside the expected blackberry and mulberry. Search for the toasty oak and the star anise, the dry toasted spices through the finish (there's cardamom and cinnamon and a sprinkling of ras el hanout). It's a super-handy little wine, and a great example of how easily Geographe can handle shiraz." (2020 vintage)
The Australian Wine "(Australai's No. 1 Wine Critic James) Halliday listed Willow Bridge among his ‘Dark Horse Wineries of 2013’ and then his ‘Best Wineries of 2014’. The estate has also won Most Successful Western Australian Exhibitor at the Perth Wine Show three times!"
Halliday Australian Wine Companion "Willow Bridge Estate is family owned and operated by principals Jeff and Vicki Dewar, who bought the picturesque 180-hectare hillside property in 1996 after an exhaustive search of the state for the ideal vineyard site from which to realize their shared vision of producing world class wines which are both opulent and accessible. The estate is located in a hidden jewel of an area known as the Ferguson Valley (in Geograph Bay in Western Australia) which, at that time, was home to only a few small vineyards. Immediately planting 60 hectares of vines and then building a state of the art winery (the first winery in the area) in time for their first vintage in 2000, established Willow Bridge as the pioneering estate of the area and demonstrated the family’s confidence in the property and resolve to see their vision become reality."
Willow Bridge Estate continues to attract acclaim for the relatively newly established wine growing region of Geographe which is located adjacent to its more famous neighbour, Margaret River, in Western Australia. Wine critcs have heralded the winery for producing quality, good value wines. Winemaking is by veteran Western Australian winemaker, Kim Horton.
The Geographe wine growing region is located near the southern end of the Western Australia's Indian Ocean coast, between the emerging Peel region and famous Margaret River – with which its terroir shares several similarities. The best wines grown in this region include fruity Cabernet Sauvignon (often blended with Merlot), gamey Shiraz, rich, citrusy Chardonnay, and grassy 'SSB' blends of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon. The region's profile is increasing with several Geographe wineries winning national and international awards annually. At the heart of Western Australia's wine industry, the region supplies more than 10% of Western Australia's wine.
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 McHenry Hohnen Hazel's Vineyard Syrah 2018 ~ Margaret River, Western Australia
95/100 Campbell Mattinson
Bronze - Stuart Knox
94/100 James Halliday (2017 vintage)
5 Star Winery - James Halliday
Halliday's Wine Companion Awards 2023 - Top Wineries of 2022 & 2023
Certified Organic
Biodynamic
Halliday Wine Companion, Campbell Mattinson "Inherently savoury as you'd expect, with roasted nut, twig and peppery spice notes running wild through the wine. There's a good push of cherry-plum fruit, too, along with graphite and gum leaf notes. There's a perfumed sweetness to this wine despite the charge of peppers. It's a beauty."
The Real Review, Stuart Knox "Medium ruby colour with purple hints in the rim. The nose is dominated by whole-bunch vegetal notes. The palate is light to medium-bodied, red fruits, vegetable broth and graphite minerals. Good flow and length but that undergrowth, smoky, green leaf note lingers after everything else has faded away. "
James Halliday: "From a single block, hand-picked, wild-fermented with 100% whole bunches, 14 days on skins, pressed to one 2800l French cask for mlf and extended skin contact and maturation. Deep crimson-purple; it has unexpected, but welcome, savoury tannins that give texture and structure to the blackberry/black cherry fruit. A long future for this wine." (2017 vintage)
The Winemaker "Sourced from a single block of bio-dynamically grown Syrah at Hazel’s Vineyard. After pressing, the wine was aged in a 2800L French-Oak Foudre for 9 months.The wine was bottled without fining or filtration, ensuring a living reflection of a block we consider special and unique."
McHenry Hohnen was 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 focusses 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 Semillon Sauvignon blanc 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.
Syrah is a rich, powerful, and sometimes meaty red wine that originated in the Rhône Valley of France. Syrah is now the most planted grape of Australia where it is usually referred to as Shiraz.
1 x Corymbia Cabernet Sauvignon (Organic) 2021 - Margaret River, Australia
95/100 Halliday Wine Companion, Erin Larkin
95/100 The Wine Front, Gary Walsh
94/100 Robert Parker
97/100 Halliday Wine Companion, Erin Larkin (2019 vintage)
96/100 Halliday Wine Companion, Jane Faulkner (2018 vintage)
Organic
Halliday Wine Companion, Erin Larkin "This wine has been tasted blind a number of times recently, and it is fascinating each time. The aromas are finely layered with cassis, exotic spice, salt bush, dried bay leaf ... there's also a faint backdrop of bacon fat, reminiscent of the Rhône. The tannins on the palate are a standout; super-fine and laid out like a web over the fruit. Very classy. This 2020 has more obvious fruit and structure than the 2019, but we expect that from the vintage. "
The Wine Front, Gary Walsh "It’s a graceful style of Cabernet, fine boned and fresh. Blackberry, strawberry, redcurrant, potpourri, slight smoky bacon bone character, and a sea spray/brine kind of thing. Tannin is tight with an emery board texture, subtle tobacco/leafy perfume, and a cool red fruited finish of excellent length, those high quality tannins really stretching it out. Subtle. Lovely."
Robert Parker "The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon has notes of rose petals, lead pencil shavings, cassis, red apple skins, lavender on the breeze, saltbush, kalamata olives and iodine on the nose. In the mouth, the wine is a spicy, ever-evolving, supple Cabernet from the Mann's Calgardup vineyard. There is a harmony and peace in this wine that remains through each of the vintages. Modern and a little bit thrilling."
Halliday Wine Companion, Erin Larkin "Luminescent ruby with glints of purple and black. It shines as if with its own dense internal light. The telltale ripe and chewy tannin profile handled masterfully by Rob Mann, with pristine fruit and great length of flavour. An exceptionally elegant, powder-fine cabernet, part of the new Margaret River breed. A massive, resounding, YES." (2019 vintage)
Halliday Wine Companion, Jane Faulkner "The inaugural release with fruit off the Mann family's organically farmed Calgardup vineyard, and the result is a beautifully composed wine. This is all about detail. Heady aromas of mulberries, florals, soy sauce and salt bush with a wisp of menthol. Lots going on yet medium-bodied with superfine tannins that glide across the palate. A wine of great finesse." (2018 vintage)
Gourmet Traveller Wine "The wines under the Corymbia label have been outstanding."
Rob & Gen Mann "Very satisfying"
Gourmet Traveller Wine, Mike Bennie "Corymbia is one of the most exciting wine projects to emerge from Western Australia in a decade. The combination of a distinguished winemaking family, the reinvention of a much-maligned wine region, the unlocking of the potential of a mature vineyard and a general sense of creativity, have all contributed to a strong currency.
100% cabernet sauvignon
Organic wines are made from grapes grown without pesticides, following strict organic standards. Organic wines are produced in vineyards that do not use synthetic chemicals.Certified organic wines have been certified by Australian Certified Organic Standard (ACOS).
Corymbia is the newish project of Rob and Genevieve Mann. The Mann family, of course, are generational wine producers in WA, with a history of iconic wines and vineyards. Rob, formerly working with Hardys, Cape Mentelle and Newton Vineyard in Napa Valley, has returned home and made a mark.
The family vineyard in Swan Valley is dry grown and organically farmed. While winemaking draws on the Manns’ suite of expertise and diversity of influences, it has been pared back for Corymbia, letting the fruit and character of the wines take the spotlight.
That Swan Valley has been put on a pedestal is wonderful, and a celebration of older vineyards, unique soil profile and a general sense of generational endeavor is exciting for the region. There’s an undercurrent of winemakers amplifying the region’s potential, but arguably Corymbia is the current totem."
Huon Hooke "The Mann family are winemaking royalty in Western Australia."
Corymbia is a new winery launched by one of the founding families of Western Australian wine. The Manns have grown grapes and made wine in the Swan Valley, Western Australia's oldest wine-growing region for over a century. Corymbia wines are critically acclaimed, organically-farmed, single-vineyard wines. Founder, Rob Mann is considered one of Australia's best contemporary winemakers. He was the senior winemaker at Hardy’s Tintara, and Cape Mentelle, where during his ten-year tenure the winery was twice awarded 'Australia's Producer of the Year' and Rob 'Australian Winemaker of the Year'. Prior to founding Corymbia he was Senior Winemaker at LVMH’s Newton Vineyard in the Napa Valley.
Swan Valley is a sub-region of the Swan District wine region just north of Perth, in Western Australia. The Swan District is Western Australia’s oldest wine region, having been planted by English settlers soon after their arrival in 1829. For almost 150 years it was the only significant wine-producing region in Western Australia and today it's also home to the state's largest winery. Some of Western Australia's finest wines are produced in the Swan Valley.
Cabernet Sauvignon is probably the most famous red wine grape variety on Earth. It is rivaled in this regard only by its Bordeaux stablemate Merlot, and its opposite number in Burgundy, Pinot Noir. From its origins in Bordeaux, Cabernet has successfully spread to almost every winegrowing country in the world. It is now the key grape variety in many first-rate New World wine regions, most notably Napa Valley, Coonawarra, and Maipo Valley. Wherever they come from, Cabernet Sauvignon wines always seem to demonstrate a handful of common character traits: deep color, good tannin structure, moderate acidity and aromas of blackcurrant, tomato leaf, dark spices, and cedarwood.
1 x Teusner 'The Riebke' Shiraz 2020 ~ Barossa Valley, South Australia
92/100 Dave Brookes, Halliday Wine Companion
Bronze - Gabrielly Poy, The Real Review
Bronze - James Halliday, Halliday Wine Companion (2019 vintage)
92/100 Campbell Mattinson, Halliday Wine Companion (2018 vintage)
5 Stars - Halliday Wine Companion
Silver - International Wine Challenge (2019 vintage)
Dave Brookes, Halliday Wine Companion "Shiraz sourced from the Riebke vineyards in the famous northern Barossa growing area of Ebenezer. The Riebke always represents solid value and this release is no different, with oodles of deep blackberry, black cherry and dark plum fruits laden with baking spices, black licorice, dark chocolate and earth. There is a fine, sandy tannin frame, super-ripe unctuous black fruits and plenty more to like."
Gabrielly Poy, The Real Review "Blackberry compote with some red berry highlights take the lead on the nose. On the palate a savoury twist tempers the fruit bringing balance to the plush fruit. The fruit holds freshness and the oak component has been well-judged. This is an approachable full-bodied red that offers a broad appeal.
James Halliday, Halliday Wine Companion "Wild blackberry and bramble move through a structure of savoury tannins and acidity. Interesting dynamics on display here." (2019 vintage)
Campbell Mattinson, Halliday Wine Companion "It offers a mouthful of fruit-filled flavour and it does so in good, comfortable style. Licorice and blackberry flavours aplenty. Uncomplicated in a good way. Satisfying." (2018 vintage)
90% shiraz, 10% grenache
The Riebke family grows outstanding quality fruit on old, low-yielding Barossa Valley vines…something they’ve been doing for six generations. For their faith in what we do and their assistance in the birth and growth of Teusner Wines, we’ll be forever thankful.
The Winemaker "The Riebke tradition continues…rich, abundant flavour and serious drinkability whilst also being easy on the pocket. The wine is jam-packed with Barossa Shiraz This is a plush, vibrant wine of immense generosity and incredible value."
Teusnér's "The Riebke" Shiraz has been praised by both the wine press and wine drinkers in recent years for consistently over-delivering on quality at an unbeatable price. The wine's name is a tip of the hat to the Riebke family, who produce some of the best grapes in the Ebenezer district. Teusner takes a lot of fruit from the old Riebke vineyards in north Barossa around Ebenezer, Kalimna, and Moppa.
The Barossa Valley is an extremely important wine-producing region within the Barossa zone of South Australia, particularly associated with powerful red wines from the red wine grape variety Shiraz. A prestigious and internationally renowned region, it is not only home to some of the oldest vineyards and wineries in Australia but produces some of its most recognizable and sought-after brands. The region lies in the (very flat) 'Valley' created by the North Para River, which connects the main towns of Nuriootpa, Tanunda, and Lyndoch.
Shiraz, also known as Syrah is a popular red wine. Though the spiritual homeland of this red grape is France, Syrah has been planted throughout the world to great success. It expresses itself differently depending on the climate, soil and regional style.
Syrah is typically bold and full-bodied, with aromatic notes of smoke, black fruit and pepper spice. Stylistically, it can be round and fruity, or dense and tannic. And in warmer New World regions like Australia, Syrah is most often be called Shiraz.
Winemakers who work in cooler-climate growing regions, both in the Old World and New World, tend to call their wines Syrah. The most famous examples come from the northern Rhône Valley of France, notably Hermitage and Côte-Rôtie. In the New World, in regions like Sonoma Coast, California; Yarra Valley, Australia; and parts of Chile, the wines are called Syrah because they emulate the leaner, acid-driven, savory styles of the Old World French classics.
Shiraz tends to come from warmer growing climates, namely the South Australian regions of Barossa, McLaren Vale and Adelaide Hills. Stylistically, these wines are lush, fruit-forward examples that embody the warmer, sunnier climate. 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 Plantagenet "York" Chardonnay 2023 - Mt. Barker, Western Australia
93/100 Ray Jordan, Wine Pilot
92/100 James Suckling
Bronze - Mike Bennie Halliday Wine Companion (2022 vintage)
90/100 Erin Larkin, Halliday Wine Companion (2020 vintage)
5 Stars Winery - James Halliday
Gold - Sakura Awards (2022 vintage)
Ray Jordan, Wine Pilot "A wine brimming with ripe and intense stone fruit characters from the white peach and edgy nectarine notes on the nose through to the deeply intense palate. There’s a nice cashew and creamy peach thing happening with fine acid adding precision and focus through to the finish. Really well managed wine."
James Suckling "Toasted hazelnuts, roasted apples, buttered brioche and matchsticks on the nose, followed by a full-bodied and intensely flavorful palate. Buttery and flinty, with a delicious finish."
The Australian "A light golden colour in the glass sets the scene for restrained aromas of stone fruit, hints of gooseberry and cashew cut through by the flintiness and flashes of ginger. It’s in the mouth that this comes into its own, the rich creamy palate brought to life by the lovely acidity on the tongue – and then a cool lime cordial of a finish."
Mike Bennie Halliday Wine Companion "Soft and chewy chardonnay, ripe in stone fruit flavours and scents, layered with nougat and woody spices, quite a bit of soapiness and some smoky, flinty elements too. It feels like it pulls up pretty short despite some pleasing fruit characters up front, the wine a bit skittish in its balance and masked with smoky notes. The finish has a pleasing, refreshing tang. A bit lacking in balance would be the zinger line." (2022 vintage)
Erin Larkin, Halliday Wine Companion "Salted pineapple, guava, curry leaf and red apples. This is worked and savoury, with a line of taut, briny acidity that courses through the heart of it. Quite golden in colour in the glass, which is reflected in the concentration and density of flavour in the mouth." (2020 vintage)
Western Australian winery, Plantagenet is acclaimed internationally for its consistently highly-awarded, quality wines produced from its five vineyards located in the cool climate region of the Great Southern. It is known for its highly aromatic riesling, tangy citrus-tinged chardonnay, exceptional Rhône-style shiraz and suberb cabernet sauvignon. The five estate vineyards are overseen by Chief Viticulturist Jordan Ellis whose philosophy is sustainability and remaining true to the terroir of the region.
The Real Review "Plantagenet is a pioneer of the Great Southern region of Western Australia with vineyards first planted in 1986 and the first commercial winery established in the region. Celebrated for its rich heritage, the winery is owned the Lionel Samson family, the oldest family owned business in Western Australia established in Fremantle in 1829. Plantaganet has five vineyards in the Mount Barker sub region each with the unique characteristics, ancient soils and a cool maritime climate cretaing expressive wines of provenance, quality & prestige. "
James Halliday, Halliday Australian Wine Companion "Plantagenet has honed its flagship varieties into a distinct Great Southern wine style; a depth of lively flavour, seamless elegance and natural purity"
The Great Southern is emerging as a wine region of international significance and reputation. It is the largest wine growing region in Australia and is the second largest producer of grapes in Western Australia. It is a landscape of forested cliffs and resplendent mountain ranges, grazing pastures and towns steeped in history. The regional climate ranges from the coastal, maritime subregions of Albany and Denmark to the inland, continental subregions of Mount Barker, Porongurup and Frankland River. The predominant soils are similar to those of the Margaret River region - either lateritic gravelly sandy loams (marri country) or sandy loams deriving directly from granite and gneissic bedrocks. Near perfect conditions for grape growing has lured some of the most creative and talented winemakers to call this land their home and become part of its ancient story.
The region is known for commitment to be sustainable, and organic, and is attracting some of Australia’s best winemakers. In 2023 the region dominated the Halliday Wine Companion Awards with its Top Rated 2023 Rieslings winning 10 of the top 40 awards. Other varietals from the region also received exceptional ratings of 97, 96 & 95 points.
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 Brokenwood Hunter Valley Shiraz 2021 ~ Hunter Valley, NSW, Australia
94/100 James Halliday
94/100 Bob Campbell - The Real Review (2019 vintage)
93/100 James Suckling (2019 vintage)
Gold - 2022 NSW Wine Awards
James Halliday "This is the younger brother of Graveyard Shiraz, coming from young vines on the Graveyard vineyard and declassified 1968 shiraz. In other words, it's Brokenwood's entry-level Hunter shiraz. It's no lightweight wine, and the mix of plum, blackberry and black cherry fruits are swathed in ripe tannins, underwriting its future."
Established in 1970 Brokenwood Wines is one of Australia's most reputable premium wine labels and a must-visit in the Hunter Valley. It was established by Australia's leading wine critic, James Halliday. Consistently listed as a 5 star winery, Brokenwood is home to the famous Graveyard Vineyard Shiraz, the highly acclaimed ILR Reserve Semillon, and the popular Cricket Pitch Range.
At nearly 40 years young, Brokenwood Wines, in the heart of the Hunter Valley, can lay claim to not only an iconic vineyard with the Graveyard Vineyard but to the preservation of a wine fraternity that proudly has as its mission statement, 'to make great wine and have fun'.
The original land that was to become the Cricket Pitch Vineyard was purchased in 1970 and planted immediately to Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. The Graveyard Vineyard, planted to Shiraz in 1968, was bought in 1978 and by the mid 1980s was producing a premium Single Vineyard wine. The first Langton's Classification of Premium Australian Wine was launched in 1993 and the Graveyard Shiraz was then, and remains, the highest-placed Hunter Valley Shiraz.
The Hunter Valley is the best-known and most highly prized wine region in New South Wales. It is known as the region where the Australian wine industry started. The valley's winemakers have pioneered two distinctive styles of wine (oaked Chardonnay and dry Semillon) and has retained a strong connection with both of them. The Hunter Valley's most famous wine style is its distinctive dry Semillon, made there since the 1870s. Hunter Valley Semillons are renowned for their ability to improve with age.
Today, Brokenwood boasts an impressive array of premium quality wines, sourced from 'all the right regions, for all the right reasons', from the Graveyard Shiraz to the Cricket Pitch Sauvignon Blanc Semillon and Cricket Pitch Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot.
“Our philosophy is to produce wine that focuses on the unique regional characteristics of the Hunter Valley and premium wine regions throughout Australia.” Iain Riggs, Chief Winemaker & Managing Director, Brokenwood Wines.
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 Willow Bridge Dragon Fly Shiraz 2022 - Geographe, Western Australia
90/100 James Suckling
92/100 Erin Larkin, Haliday Wine Companion (2020 vintage)
Bronze - Mike Bennie, Halliday Wine Companion
Bronze - James Halliday, Halliday Wine Companion (2021 vintage)
James Suckling "This ripe and fruity red has notes of blueberries, plums, honey and violets on the nose. It’s medium- to full-bodied, soft and tasty. Drink now. Screw cap."
Mike Bennie, Halliday Wine Companion "It does the trick without being very fancy, a nice place to be. Redcurrants, raspberry, a good dash of smoky spice, some graphite and pencil-shaving characters, a touch of pepper and eucalyptus going on here – flavours and scents in tune with this. A touch of raspiness to texture, a tart, bitter finish and, between that, some nice plushness that takes away from those distractions. It's OK; it drinks pretty easy."
Gabrielle Poy, The Real Review "Mocha and spiced black plums lead to a juicy palate. Vanillan notes mix with black and red berries, contained by a rail of tannins. It's an approachable and pleasing style"
Erin Larkin, Haliday Wine Companion "This is a ripping little wine. At first glance it's a juicy, buoyant and uncomplicated shiraz. But it routinely shows itself to be more sophisticated and complex than its price would suggest. Look for salted licorice, blood, salted plums, redskins, raspberry and pomegranate, alongside the expected blackberry and mulberry. Search for the toasty oak and the star anise, the dry toasted spices through the finish (there's cardamom and cinnamon and a sprinkling of ras el hanout). It's a super-handy little wine, and a great example of how easily Geographe can handle shiraz." (2020 vintage)
The Australian Wine "(Australai's No. 1 Wine Critic James) Halliday listed Willow Bridge among his ‘Dark Horse Wineries of 2013’ and then his ‘Best Wineries of 2014’. The estate has also won Most Successful Western Australian Exhibitor at the Perth Wine Show three times!"
Halliday Australian Wine Companion "Willow Bridge Estate is family owned and operated by principals Jeff and Vicki Dewar, who bought the picturesque 180-hectare hillside property in 1996 after an exhaustive search of the state for the ideal vineyard site from which to realize their shared vision of producing world class wines which are both opulent and accessible. The estate is located in a hidden jewel of an area known as the Ferguson Valley (in Geograph Bay in Western Australia) which, at that time, was home to only a few small vineyards. Immediately planting 60 hectares of vines and then building a state of the art winery (the first winery in the area) in time for their first vintage in 2000, established Willow Bridge as the pioneering estate of the area and demonstrated the family’s confidence in the property and resolve to see their vision become reality."
Willow Bridge Estate continues to attract acclaim for the relatively newly established wine growing region of Geographe which is located adjacent to its more famous neighbour, Margaret River, in Western Australia. Wine critcs have heralded the winery for producing quality, good value wines. Winemaking is by veteran Western Australian winemaker, Kim Horton.
The Geographe wine growing region is located near the southern end of the Western Australia's Indian Ocean coast, between the emerging Peel region and famous Margaret River – with which its terroir shares several similarities. The best wines grown in this region include fruity Cabernet Sauvignon (often blended with Merlot), gamey Shiraz, rich, citrusy Chardonnay, and grassy 'SSB' blends of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon. The region's profile is increasing with several Geographe wineries winning national and international awards annually. At the heart of Western Australia's wine industry, the region supplies more than 10% of Western Australia's wine.
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.