New Year's Premium Wine Lunch Collection 6 Pack
New Year's Premium Wine Lunch Collection is an elevated 6-pack designed to enhance your New Year’s celebration with a perfect mix of sparkling, red, and white wines. Begin with a festive Champagne to toast new beginnings, followed by fresh whites that pair beautifully with light starters, and finish with rich reds that complement main courses with depth and finesse. This selection offers premium wines to match each stage of your meal, bringing elegance, flavor, and joy to your New Year’s lunch. Ideal for ringing in the year with sophistication and style, each bottle is crafted to make your celebration unforgettable.
1 x Maxime Blin Carte Blanche Brut NV - Champagne, France
Bronze - Gilbert & Gaillard
1 Star - Le Guide Hachette des Vins
Silver - Challenge International du Vin
Silver - Vinalies Internationales
Silver - Concours Mondial de Bruxelles
Organic
Maxime Blin is served on Qatar Airways & Air Italy
Gilbert & Gaillard "Beautiful character.... Mature, focused nose combining dried fruits and dried vegetal aromas... Good staying power on the palate, structured and well-integrated. Dried apricot is exuded on the attack flowing into straw notes."
Le Guide Hachette des Vins "With a shimmering pale gold, the nose blends delicate notes of brioche, dried fruits and white flowers. Balanced, melted and long, the palate reveals pleasant aromas of exotic fruits."
Le Guide Hachette des Vins "The Maxime Blin Carte Blanche white obtained the note of 1 star, which corresponds to a very successful wine . This wine was noted in the 2013 edition of the Guide Hachette Vins."
Alexandra Durin-Hepkein "A fresh, round, light and harmonious champagne in which numerous fruity aromas express themselves with joy."
Nicoline Nybom "Fresh, light and harmonious with good fruit notes"
80% Meunier and 20% Pinot Noir
Sommeliers International "A mouthful of talent."
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 Association des Champagnes Biologiques in France.
Champagne Maxime Blin has captured the attention of the world's champagne experts. This fourth-generation family owned champagne house has produced many award winning champagnes which are rated highly and celebrated for their expression of the famous terrior in which the vineyard is located. It is one of the few certified organic champagne producers in the world. Situated in the Champagne village of Saint Thierry near Reims - the center of the Champagne world - boasting Veuve Clicquot, Pommery, Ruinart and Taittinger, Champagne Maxime Blin is the rising star amongst its big name neighbours.
Maxime Blin has been certified organic since 2021. The company. produced its first organic champagne in 2022. Maxime Blin champagnes are highly sought after due to the qualtiy and low volume of champagnes it produces. It cultivates the three Champagne grape varieties, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay on vines with an average age of twenty years.
Maxime Blin produces 11 champagnes ( Carte Blanche, Carte Douce, Rosé, Millésime, Grande Tradition, Cuvée l'Onirique, Cuvée l'Authentique, Cuvée Maxime, Millesime 1998, Cuvée Craziness, Clés d'Eole). Among the brands' many admirers which include artists, musicians, and wine experts, the Italian actress Manuela Arcuri, every year for her birthday, orders the Cuvée 'Craziness'.
1 x Chateau Maucoil Chateauneuf-du-Pape Tradition Blanc 2021 - Rhone, France
15/100 Jancis Robinson
92/100 Robert Parker (2020 vintage)
92/100 James Suckling (2020 vintage)
92/100 Wine Enthusiast (2020 vintage)
15/20 Jancis Robinson (2020 vintage)
93/100 Wine Enthusiast (2019 vintage)
90/100 Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider (2019 vintage)
Bronze - Robert Parker (2019 vintage)
16/20 Jancis Robinson (2019 vintage)
93/100 Wine Enthusiast (2018 vintage)
Organic
Robert Parker "...offers up attractive notes of white peaches, Bosc pears, ripe melon and tangerine. It's full-bodied and generous on the mid-palate, but with a crisp, refreshing edge to the finish." (2020 vintage)
James Suckling "A delicious, spicy and round white with aromas of apple blossom, pear skins, cooked lemons, blanched almonds and cloves. Full-bodied with rich flavor concentration and a gently oily palate. Punchy finish. Very typical for a white from here. From organically grown grapes." (2020 vintage)
Wine Enthusiast "Zesty peels of lemon and crisp yellow apples are at the forefront of this luminously fresh, fruit-focused dry white. An unoaked blend of Grenache Blanc, Bourboulenc, Clairette and Roussanne, it's a full-bodied wine marked by tangs of salt and stony mineral tones on the finish. " (2020 vintage)
Wine Enthusiast "Vitality and purity of fruit stand out in this brightly balanced blend of Grenache Blanc, Bourboulenc, Clairette and Roussanne. Vinified with no new-oak influences, it showcases fresh-faced pear and grapefruit flavors edged by a deeply mineral undertow. It's a refreshing, transparent style of Châteauneuf-du-Pape blanc that's particularly rewarding young. " (2019 vintage)
Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider "Ready to go on release, the wine is juicy fresh, sweet and floral, with a hint of peach that comes along with all the ripe citrus in the finish." (2019 vintage)
Robert Parker "...features scents of beeswax, tangerine and pineapple. Straightforward and citrusy, it's medium to full-bodied and round in the mouth, but the lively, engaging flavors fade a bit quickly on the finish." (2019 vintage)
Wine Enthusiast "Profoundly chalky, salty mineral tones lend vitality to this juicy Grenache Blanc-blend (supplemented by Clairette, Bourboulenc and Roussanne). Sourced from limestone soils and vinified without new oak, it showcases pert tangerine and pear flavors showered in minerality. " (2018 vintage)
The history of Château Maucoil began several centuries ago. Ancient documents state that its first occupants were Romans who set up a base for Caesar’s legions. Later, Joseph de La Pise, Lord of Maucoil and archivist of the House of Orange-Nassau, the Dutch royal family, inherited the estate and the castle which was built in 1624. From then on, winegrowing became an intrinsic part of the history of Château Maucoil.
The 45 hectares of vines in the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation have been organic agriculture since 2011. Château Maucoil uses ancient methods such as furrowing, forming mounds and ploughing to tend the vineyard.
Originally from Bordeaux, the Lavau family who now own Château Maucoil, have been involved with winemaking for generations, and have had vineyards ranging from Bordeaux to Tunisia. In 1964 they were seduced by the richness and quality of the Provencal soil and settled down to make wine in the Rhone Valley.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a historic village between the towns of Orange and Avignon, in France's southern Rhône Valley. It is famous for powerful, full-bodied red wines made predominantly from the classic southern Rhône grape trio: Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. These three varieties are behind the vast majority of the appellation's red wines, although a total of eighteen are approved for use – a mix of red and white grape varieties.
Southern Rhone White Blend is a blanket term used to describe the various combinations of white wine grapes used in the southern half of the Rhone Valley. The principal varieties involved in a white wine from the southern Rhone are any combination of Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Roussanne, Viognier, Ugni Blanc, Clairette, Bourboulenc and Picpoul.
1 x Clos des Centenaries Grenache Vielles Vignes (Old Vines) Red 2020 - Southern Rhone, France
15.5/20 La Revue de Vin de France (2019 vintage)
14.5/20 Bettane et Desseauve (2014 vintage)
Organic
The Winemaker "Notes of raspberry, sweet spices and dry flowers. The palate is round and soft with a full bodied and smooth finish."
100% Grenache
Clos des Centenaires was founded Luc Baudet of Chateau Mas-Neuf fame, and Californian wine industry veteran, Jack Edwards who both share a passion for artisan wines and the terroir of France’s Southern Rhone.
Clos des Centenaires is a historic vineyard situated in Costieres de Nimes, close to the Mediterranean Sea. The vineyard boasts 70-year-old Grenache vines which are deeply rooted in the pebble stones overlooking the picturesque lakes of Petite Camargue. The vineyard also features Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Verdot, and Cinsault, and is known for producing unique, high-end, elegant wines of excellent value.
The vineyard soils are cultivated amongst natural grassland using shallow tillage methods and special attention is paid to the revitalization of vines (using annually prepared biodynamic compost). Inputs are limited to organically approved natural products.
Costieres de Nimes is the most southerly appellation of the Rhone wine region in southeastern France. The wines of the area are reputed to have been consumed by the Ancient Greeks and thus figure among the oldest known wines in the world. The Costieres de Nimes AOC covers an area between the towns of Nimes and Arles.
The Rhone Valley is one of France's key wine regions, and is divided neatly by a gap of about 25 miles (40km). Wines from the northern part of the valley tend to be Syrah-dominant (Hermitage and Cote Rotie being the most notable examples), while wines from the southern Rhone are more commonly blends, with Grenache playing a more dominant role. Chateauneuf-du-Pape is the most famous example of a southern Rhone blend, but similar blends are found in wines from Gigondas, Vacqueyras and the regional Cotes du Rhone title.
Grenache is a red-wine grape grown extensively in France, Spain, Australia and the United States and is one of the most widely distributed grapes in the world. Grenache is the French name for the grape, but it has a number of synonyms. In Spain, where it is one of the country's flagship varieties, it is known as Garnacha, and on the island of Sardinia it has been known for centuries as Cannonau. In France, Grenache is most widely planted in the southern Rhone Valley and throughout both Provence and Languedoc-Roussillon. It is most commonly found alongside Syrah and Mourvedre in the classic Southern Rhone Blend (notably in Cotes du Rhone wines), and is the main grape variety in Chateauneuf-du-Pape.
1 x Pike & Joyce Adelaide Hills "The Kay" Reserve Chardonnay 2021 - Adelaide Hills, Australia
Bronze - Ned Goodwin MW, Halliday Wine Companion
95/100 Jeni Port, Halliday Wine Companion (2020 vintage)
91/100 Huon Hooke, The Real Review (2020 vintage)
5 Star - Halliday Wine Companion
Silver - Australian & New Zealand Boutique Wine Show
Bronze - Adelaide Hills Wine Show
Gold - Australian & New Zealand Boutique Wine Show (2020 vintage)
Silver - Adelaide Hills Wine Show (2020 vintage)
Bronze - Adelaide Hills Wine Show (2020 vintage)
Australian & New Zealand Boutique Wine Show "lean and full of citrus, white flowers, bitter almond, pretty, lighter style, graceful, fine, different, subtle."
Australian & New Zealand Boutique Wine Show "delicate grapefruit, savoury oak. green apple fruit flavours. great balance and texture. drive."
Jeni Port, Halliday Wine Companion "A nicely captured, pristine chardonnay with a compact citrusy nose, grapefruit and nectarine with added barrel-ferment mealy complexity. Oak is integrated and taut throughout, finishing with a mango-skin tang." (2020 vintage)
Huon Hooke, The Real Review "Straw and cardboard savoury aromas, passionfruit and grapefruit later as it aired. A dab of sweetness on the mid-palate. A charming, fruity chardonnay with good intensity of grapefruit flavour that lasts and lasts." (2020 vintage)
Australian & New Zealand Boutique Wine Show "Toast flint apple/spice but gd/restrained. Full, nutty, flinty, lotsa flavour lotsa complexity." (2020 vintage)
Australian & New Zealand Boutique Wine Show "matchstick baked apple mid weight fine acid line classy fruit and oak handling juicy with nice fruit weight" (2020 vintage)
This is a partnership between the Pike family (of Clare Valley fame) and the Joyce family, related to Andrew Pike’s wife, Cathy.
The winery is situated in Lenswood, which is a subregion of the Adelaide Hills. The Adelaide Hills region is well-known for its cool climate, high-altitude vineyards, and diverse range of premium cool-climate wines.
The Joyce family have been orchardists at Lenswood for over 100 years and also have extensive operations in the Riverland. Together with Andrew they have established this vineyard site, which was previously apple and pear orchards, is characterized by steep North and East facing slopes and possesses fantastic gravelly clay and loam soils which are ideally suited to the classic cool climate varieties that have been planted – Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. to sauvignon blanc (5.9ha), pinot noir (5.73ha), pinot gris (3.22ha), chardonnay (3.18ha) and semillon (0.47ha). The wines are made at the Pikes’ Clare Valley winery and exported around the world.
The vineyard is all hand pruned and handpicked with the fruit being chilled overnight in the Joyce cool rooms. Traditional old world techniques as well as modern Australian winemaking are incorporated to produce a style which reflects the variety and region."
Pike & Joyce owns and operates vineyards covering around 32 hectares in the Lenswood area of Adelaide Hills. The vineyards are planted at varying altitudes, providing an excellent opportunity to grow a variety of grape varieties that thrive in the cool climate.
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 minerally, with delicate flavors. By law, if a label says “Chablis,” it must be Chardonnay.
Chardonnay has been grown in Italy for decades, and it's become the fourth most-planted white wine grape in the country. The best Italian Chardonnay is found in the northern part of the country - the Piedmont - where the climate is similar to regions in France. However, if you know Chardonnay, you know that this versatile grape can be grown almost anywhere. Good Chardonnay can be found in places as diverse as Umbria, Sicily, Asti, and Tuscany.
1 x McHenry Hohnen Hazel's Vineyard BDX 2020 ~ Margaret River, Western Australia
94/100 The Wine Front
93/100 Erin Larkin (Halliday's Wine Companion)
93/100 Stuart Knox (The Real Review)
92/100 Decanter World Wine Awards
91/100 Wine Enthusiast
93/100 Erin Larkin (2019 vintage)
93/100 Stuart Knox (2019 Vintage)
94/100 Campbell Mattinson (2018 vintage)
94/100 Nick Butler (2018 vintage)
91/100 James Suckling (2018 vintage)
93/100 The Wine Front (2017 vintage)
93/100 Steven Creber (2017 vintage)
96/100 James Halliday (2016 vintage)
5 Star Winery - James Halliday
Halliday's Wine Companion Awards 2023 - Top Wineries of 2022 & 2023
53/37/10% malbec/cabernet sauvignon/petit verdot
Halliday Wine Companion, Erin Larkin "The malbec brings the purple fruit and the spice, the cabernet is responsible for the structure in the mouth, the supple tannins and the flash of pure cassis in the mouth. The petit verdot brings the violet, the depth and the darkness. All of it coming together in magnificent fashion in the glass. Very smart."
The Real Review, Stuart Knox "Almost opaque at the core, moving into a deep ruby-red at the rim. Mulberry, cedar wood and mint aromatics. Dark fruits fill the palate, then tangential lines of choc-mint and bresaola bring contrast and savoury complexity to the experience. It sits bold with equally drying tannins, making you take notice of its presence."
Erin Larkin "All varieties fermented separately in concrete vats, matured in mostly used French oak for 15 months (the cabernet in 20% new oak). The nose on this Bordeaux blend is dusty, spicy and loaded with dark fruit. On the palate there is a core of berries, but it is shaped and surrounded by those dusty tannins. Verging on a hulking wine, this is intense and lingering, the fruit winning out in the end. A lot to like, but not easygoing." (2019 vintage)
Stuart Knox "Deep and rich purple core with a bright and vibrant purple rim. Blackcurrants, tobacco leaf and ground coffee aromatics. A medium to full-weighted palate with dark fruits and cured meats flowing throughout. The tannins are even and well-integrated though it is still a very youthful expression. A different take on a classic Margaret River style, and one that suits it very well" (2019 vintage)
Campbell Mattinson "Mostly malbec and cabernet sauvignon with a dash of petit verdot. It's sweet-fruited and svelte with plenty of juicy, berried fruit and the perfume to match. Redcurrant and blackcurrant with peppercorn and cedar wood. Hums along before keen tannin drags it all into line." (2018 vintage)
Nick Butler "It's a brooder in the glass - bright purple and unyielding. A heady mix of tobacco leaf, mulberries and dried herbs. A lovely nose. Mocha and Cherry Ripe lead the palate; fruit is there but it never strays too far from home base - fine-grained tannins and tapenade. It will age gracefully for a long time. An aristocratic blend that represents exceptional value " (2018 vintage)
James Suckling "Deep, earthy, rich ripe fruit on offer here with a strapping delivery of rich, dense tannin that carries plenty of blue and purple-fruit flavor. A blend of malbec, cabernet sauvignon and petit verdot. Drink or hold. Screw cap." (2018 vintage)
Steven Creber "62% malbec, 23% cabernet sauvignon, 15% petit verdot. Fermented separately in concrete, 15 months in oak. Aromas of red berries with a perfumed lift on the bouquet, each variety seeming to play a part. A medium-bodied palate, quite soft and juicy at first, and then tangy, pippy astringency taking over and following through." (2017 vintage)
James Halliday "Still has good depth of colour, and the components - fruit, oak and tannins - have come together convincingly. The mouthfeel is totally delicious, seeming to create a line of juicy flavour that grows as it travels along the mouth, peaking as it reaches the back-palate." (2016 vintage)
The Winemaker "warm spring with a full water table ensured good flowering and crop set. Summer was moderate with a large rain event mid vintage ensuring wines were never stressed. Picking dates were consistent with recent averages." (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.
A Bordeaux Blend is any combination of those grape varieties typically used to make the red wines of Bordeaux. Cabernet Sauvignon is widely accepted as a compulsory component of any Bordeaux Blend along with Merlot. In fact, the majority of Bordeaux Blend wines are often made exclusively from a blend of these two varieties. The remaining components are Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec.
1 x Catalina Sounds Pinot Noir 2021 - Marlborough, New Zealand
92/100 Bob Campbell, The Real Review
Bronze - James Suckling
94/100 CamDouglas MS (2020 vintage)
92/100 Angus Hughson (2020 vintage)
90/100 Bob Campbell, The Real Review (2020 vintage)
Bronze - QWine (2020 vintage)
Bronze - New Zealand Wine Rater (2020 vintage)
5 Stars - Wine Square
Silver - Decanter World Wine Awards
Bronze - International Wine Challenge
Bronze - The National Wine Awards of Aotearoa New Zealand
Bronze - Decanter World Wine Awards (2020 vintage)
Bronze - National Wine Awards of Aotearoa 2022 (2020 vintage)
Bronze - Marlborough Wine Show 2021 (2020 vintage)
Bob Campbell, The Real Review "Pale pinot noir in a lighter style with violet, red cherry, vanilla, cedar and spicy oak flavours. Well-balanced wine that is a pleasure to drink now."
Bob Campbell, The Real Review "Bright, vibrant pinot noir with raspberry, red rose petal, fresh herbs, oyster shell and black cherry flavours. Impressive purity and subtle power. Definitely a candidate for the cellar. High energy wine." (2021 vintage)
James Suckling "An earthy pinot with aromas of forest floor, cherries, mushrooms and lemons with hints of licorice. Fresh and medium-bodied with easy tannins and a savory, simple finish." (2021 vintage)
Matt Ward "A bit brooding at first, this takes a minute to open up. Baking spices, blueberry and cassis, reveal lifted red fruits and cinnamon, wrapped up in toasty oak. The palate is medium bodied with juicy red cherries, soft acid and fine chalk tannins. (2020 vintage)
CamDouglas MS "Youthful, varietal, a core of fruit, dark roses and a plush enticing complexity. Equally enticing on the palate with a core of dark red berry fruit flavours - black currant, dark cherry, some plum then toasty barrel spices of clove, vanilla and a touch of cedarwood. Firm tannins and plenty of acidity provide the foundation for ageing and fruit to rest upon. Lengthy finish and a wine that is very youthful and needs cellar time." (2020 vintage)
Bob Campbell, The Real Review "Bright, fresh pinot noir with floral, rose petal, cherry and subtle spice flavours. An appealing, easy-to-drink wine, with an ethereal texture and vibrant flavours. Simple and distinctive. Good varietal definition." (2020 vintage)
Angus Hughson " perfumed aromas and sweet red fruits with a dark, earthy underbelly. Mid to deep cherry in colour, fruits are fleshy and generous. Cherry compote, damp earth and spice with toasty oak in play. The palate is then juicy and savoury – meaty, ground spice flavours over a bed of dark cherry fruits. It’s on the oaky side for pinot noir so best matched up with flavoursome dishes such as coq au vin. " (2020 vintage)
Bob Campbell "Bright, fresh pinot noir with floral, rose petal, cherry and subtle spice flavours. An appealing, easy-to-drink wine, with an ethereal texture and vibrant flavours. Simple and distinctive. Good varietal definition." (2020 vintage)
QWine "Dark cherry, blackcurrants, mushrooms, even a hint of truffle get things on the move. A drying Pinot but there's a lighter side to it. Easy drinking, you'd kick back with this riverside watching the worries of the world float by. " (2020 vintage)
New Zealand Wine Rater "A subtle bouquet with herbal, minty, meaty aroma s, showing sulphides. Dark fruit conserve, bramble, gummy bears, and blueberry notes. A medium-full bodied wine with a fruity, generous mid-palate, and plenty of acidity." (2020 vintage)
Bob Campbell "Gently seductive pinot noir with cherry, plum and other red fruit flavours together with violet, floral, fresh herb and mixed spice characters. Smooth-textured with a backbone of very fine tannins." (2019 vintage)
Marlborough based award-winning winery, Catalina Sounds is known for wines which harness the purity and vibrancy of Marlborough’s climate and landscape. The name Catalina Sounds evolved from the majestic Catalina flying boats that played a vital role across the South Pacific during and after World War II.
Marlborough is by far New Zealand's most important wine region. Situated at the north-eastern tip of the South Island, this dry, sunny region produces around three-quarters of all New Zealand wine. It is particularly famous for its pungent, zesty Sauvignon Blanc - widely considered by critics to be the best Sauvignon currently produced anywhere on the planet. Commercial-scale viticulture began in Marlborough the 1970s – it conquered the world within 25 years!
Pinot Noir is the dominant red wine grape of Burgundy, now produced in wine regions all over the world, including western Germany, northern Italy, Chile, South Africa, Australia and, perhaps most notably, California, Oregon and New Zealand.
The essence of Pinot Noir wine is its aroma of strawberry and cherry (fresh red cherries in lighter wines and stewed black cherries in weightier examples), underpinned in the most complex examples by hints of forest floor. Well-built Pinot Noirs, particularly from warmer harvests, also exhibit notes of leather and violets, sometimes approaching the flavor spectrum of Syrah.
New Year's Premium Wine Lunch Collection is an elevated 6-pack designed to enhance your New Year’s celebration with a perfect mix of sparkling, red, and white wines. Begin with a festive Champagne to toast new beginnings, followed by fresh whites that pair beautifully with light starters, and finish with rich reds that complement main courses with depth and finesse. This selection offers premium wines to match each stage of your meal, bringing elegance, flavor, and joy to your New Year’s lunch. Ideal for ringing in the year with sophistication and style, each bottle is crafted to make your celebration unforgettable.
1 x Maxime Blin Carte Blanche Brut NV - Champagne, France
Bronze - Gilbert & Gaillard
1 Star - Le Guide Hachette des Vins
Silver - Challenge International du Vin
Silver - Vinalies Internationales
Silver - Concours Mondial de Bruxelles
Organic
Maxime Blin is served on Qatar Airways & Air Italy
Gilbert & Gaillard "Beautiful character.... Mature, focused nose combining dried fruits and dried vegetal aromas... Good staying power on the palate, structured and well-integrated. Dried apricot is exuded on the attack flowing into straw notes."
Le Guide Hachette des Vins "With a shimmering pale gold, the nose blends delicate notes of brioche, dried fruits and white flowers. Balanced, melted and long, the palate reveals pleasant aromas of exotic fruits."
Le Guide Hachette des Vins "The Maxime Blin Carte Blanche white obtained the note of 1 star, which corresponds to a very successful wine . This wine was noted in the 2013 edition of the Guide Hachette Vins."
Alexandra Durin-Hepkein "A fresh, round, light and harmonious champagne in which numerous fruity aromas express themselves with joy."
Nicoline Nybom "Fresh, light and harmonious with good fruit notes"
80% Meunier and 20% Pinot Noir
Sommeliers International "A mouthful of talent."
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 Association des Champagnes Biologiques in France.
Champagne Maxime Blin has captured the attention of the world's champagne experts. This fourth-generation family owned champagne house has produced many award winning champagnes which are rated highly and celebrated for their expression of the famous terrior in which the vineyard is located. It is one of the few certified organic champagne producers in the world. Situated in the Champagne village of Saint Thierry near Reims - the center of the Champagne world - boasting Veuve Clicquot, Pommery, Ruinart and Taittinger, Champagne Maxime Blin is the rising star amongst its big name neighbours.
Maxime Blin has been certified organic since 2021. The company. produced its first organic champagne in 2022. Maxime Blin champagnes are highly sought after due to the qualtiy and low volume of champagnes it produces. It cultivates the three Champagne grape varieties, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay on vines with an average age of twenty years.
Maxime Blin produces 11 champagnes ( Carte Blanche, Carte Douce, Rosé, Millésime, Grande Tradition, Cuvée l'Onirique, Cuvée l'Authentique, Cuvée Maxime, Millesime 1998, Cuvée Craziness, Clés d'Eole). Among the brands' many admirers which include artists, musicians, and wine experts, the Italian actress Manuela Arcuri, every year for her birthday, orders the Cuvée 'Craziness'.
1 x Chateau Maucoil Chateauneuf-du-Pape Tradition Blanc 2021 - Rhone, France
15/100 Jancis Robinson
92/100 Robert Parker (2020 vintage)
92/100 James Suckling (2020 vintage)
92/100 Wine Enthusiast (2020 vintage)
15/20 Jancis Robinson (2020 vintage)
93/100 Wine Enthusiast (2019 vintage)
90/100 Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider (2019 vintage)
Bronze - Robert Parker (2019 vintage)
16/20 Jancis Robinson (2019 vintage)
93/100 Wine Enthusiast (2018 vintage)
Organic
Robert Parker "...offers up attractive notes of white peaches, Bosc pears, ripe melon and tangerine. It's full-bodied and generous on the mid-palate, but with a crisp, refreshing edge to the finish." (2020 vintage)
James Suckling "A delicious, spicy and round white with aromas of apple blossom, pear skins, cooked lemons, blanched almonds and cloves. Full-bodied with rich flavor concentration and a gently oily palate. Punchy finish. Very typical for a white from here. From organically grown grapes." (2020 vintage)
Wine Enthusiast "Zesty peels of lemon and crisp yellow apples are at the forefront of this luminously fresh, fruit-focused dry white. An unoaked blend of Grenache Blanc, Bourboulenc, Clairette and Roussanne, it's a full-bodied wine marked by tangs of salt and stony mineral tones on the finish. " (2020 vintage)
Wine Enthusiast "Vitality and purity of fruit stand out in this brightly balanced blend of Grenache Blanc, Bourboulenc, Clairette and Roussanne. Vinified with no new-oak influences, it showcases fresh-faced pear and grapefruit flavors edged by a deeply mineral undertow. It's a refreshing, transparent style of Châteauneuf-du-Pape blanc that's particularly rewarding young. " (2019 vintage)
Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider "Ready to go on release, the wine is juicy fresh, sweet and floral, with a hint of peach that comes along with all the ripe citrus in the finish." (2019 vintage)
Robert Parker "...features scents of beeswax, tangerine and pineapple. Straightforward and citrusy, it's medium to full-bodied and round in the mouth, but the lively, engaging flavors fade a bit quickly on the finish." (2019 vintage)
Wine Enthusiast "Profoundly chalky, salty mineral tones lend vitality to this juicy Grenache Blanc-blend (supplemented by Clairette, Bourboulenc and Roussanne). Sourced from limestone soils and vinified without new oak, it showcases pert tangerine and pear flavors showered in minerality. " (2018 vintage)
The history of Château Maucoil began several centuries ago. Ancient documents state that its first occupants were Romans who set up a base for Caesar’s legions. Later, Joseph de La Pise, Lord of Maucoil and archivist of the House of Orange-Nassau, the Dutch royal family, inherited the estate and the castle which was built in 1624. From then on, winegrowing became an intrinsic part of the history of Château Maucoil.
The 45 hectares of vines in the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation have been organic agriculture since 2011. Château Maucoil uses ancient methods such as furrowing, forming mounds and ploughing to tend the vineyard.
Originally from Bordeaux, the Lavau family who now own Château Maucoil, have been involved with winemaking for generations, and have had vineyards ranging from Bordeaux to Tunisia. In 1964 they were seduced by the richness and quality of the Provencal soil and settled down to make wine in the Rhone Valley.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a historic village between the towns of Orange and Avignon, in France's southern Rhône Valley. It is famous for powerful, full-bodied red wines made predominantly from the classic southern Rhône grape trio: Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. These three varieties are behind the vast majority of the appellation's red wines, although a total of eighteen are approved for use – a mix of red and white grape varieties.
Southern Rhone White Blend is a blanket term used to describe the various combinations of white wine grapes used in the southern half of the Rhone Valley. The principal varieties involved in a white wine from the southern Rhone are any combination of Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Roussanne, Viognier, Ugni Blanc, Clairette, Bourboulenc and Picpoul.
1 x Clos des Centenaries Grenache Vielles Vignes (Old Vines) Red 2020 - Southern Rhone, France
15.5/20 La Revue de Vin de France (2019 vintage)
14.5/20 Bettane et Desseauve (2014 vintage)
Organic
The Winemaker "Notes of raspberry, sweet spices and dry flowers. The palate is round and soft with a full bodied and smooth finish."
100% Grenache
Clos des Centenaires was founded Luc Baudet of Chateau Mas-Neuf fame, and Californian wine industry veteran, Jack Edwards who both share a passion for artisan wines and the terroir of France’s Southern Rhone.
Clos des Centenaires is a historic vineyard situated in Costieres de Nimes, close to the Mediterranean Sea. The vineyard boasts 70-year-old Grenache vines which are deeply rooted in the pebble stones overlooking the picturesque lakes of Petite Camargue. The vineyard also features Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Verdot, and Cinsault, and is known for producing unique, high-end, elegant wines of excellent value.
The vineyard soils are cultivated amongst natural grassland using shallow tillage methods and special attention is paid to the revitalization of vines (using annually prepared biodynamic compost). Inputs are limited to organically approved natural products.
Costieres de Nimes is the most southerly appellation of the Rhone wine region in southeastern France. The wines of the area are reputed to have been consumed by the Ancient Greeks and thus figure among the oldest known wines in the world. The Costieres de Nimes AOC covers an area between the towns of Nimes and Arles.
The Rhone Valley is one of France's key wine regions, and is divided neatly by a gap of about 25 miles (40km). Wines from the northern part of the valley tend to be Syrah-dominant (Hermitage and Cote Rotie being the most notable examples), while wines from the southern Rhone are more commonly blends, with Grenache playing a more dominant role. Chateauneuf-du-Pape is the most famous example of a southern Rhone blend, but similar blends are found in wines from Gigondas, Vacqueyras and the regional Cotes du Rhone title.
Grenache is a red-wine grape grown extensively in France, Spain, Australia and the United States and is one of the most widely distributed grapes in the world. Grenache is the French name for the grape, but it has a number of synonyms. In Spain, where it is one of the country's flagship varieties, it is known as Garnacha, and on the island of Sardinia it has been known for centuries as Cannonau. In France, Grenache is most widely planted in the southern Rhone Valley and throughout both Provence and Languedoc-Roussillon. It is most commonly found alongside Syrah and Mourvedre in the classic Southern Rhone Blend (notably in Cotes du Rhone wines), and is the main grape variety in Chateauneuf-du-Pape.
1 x Pike & Joyce Adelaide Hills "The Kay" Reserve Chardonnay 2021 - Adelaide Hills, Australia
Bronze - Ned Goodwin MW, Halliday Wine Companion
95/100 Jeni Port, Halliday Wine Companion (2020 vintage)
91/100 Huon Hooke, The Real Review (2020 vintage)
5 Star - Halliday Wine Companion
Silver - Australian & New Zealand Boutique Wine Show
Bronze - Adelaide Hills Wine Show
Gold - Australian & New Zealand Boutique Wine Show (2020 vintage)
Silver - Adelaide Hills Wine Show (2020 vintage)
Bronze - Adelaide Hills Wine Show (2020 vintage)
Australian & New Zealand Boutique Wine Show "lean and full of citrus, white flowers, bitter almond, pretty, lighter style, graceful, fine, different, subtle."
Australian & New Zealand Boutique Wine Show "delicate grapefruit, savoury oak. green apple fruit flavours. great balance and texture. drive."
Jeni Port, Halliday Wine Companion "A nicely captured, pristine chardonnay with a compact citrusy nose, grapefruit and nectarine with added barrel-ferment mealy complexity. Oak is integrated and taut throughout, finishing with a mango-skin tang." (2020 vintage)
Huon Hooke, The Real Review "Straw and cardboard savoury aromas, passionfruit and grapefruit later as it aired. A dab of sweetness on the mid-palate. A charming, fruity chardonnay with good intensity of grapefruit flavour that lasts and lasts." (2020 vintage)
Australian & New Zealand Boutique Wine Show "Toast flint apple/spice but gd/restrained. Full, nutty, flinty, lotsa flavour lotsa complexity." (2020 vintage)
Australian & New Zealand Boutique Wine Show "matchstick baked apple mid weight fine acid line classy fruit and oak handling juicy with nice fruit weight" (2020 vintage)
This is a partnership between the Pike family (of Clare Valley fame) and the Joyce family, related to Andrew Pike’s wife, Cathy.
The winery is situated in Lenswood, which is a subregion of the Adelaide Hills. The Adelaide Hills region is well-known for its cool climate, high-altitude vineyards, and diverse range of premium cool-climate wines.
The Joyce family have been orchardists at Lenswood for over 100 years and also have extensive operations in the Riverland. Together with Andrew they have established this vineyard site, which was previously apple and pear orchards, is characterized by steep North and East facing slopes and possesses fantastic gravelly clay and loam soils which are ideally suited to the classic cool climate varieties that have been planted – Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. to sauvignon blanc (5.9ha), pinot noir (5.73ha), pinot gris (3.22ha), chardonnay (3.18ha) and semillon (0.47ha). The wines are made at the Pikes’ Clare Valley winery and exported around the world.
The vineyard is all hand pruned and handpicked with the fruit being chilled overnight in the Joyce cool rooms. Traditional old world techniques as well as modern Australian winemaking are incorporated to produce a style which reflects the variety and region."
Pike & Joyce owns and operates vineyards covering around 32 hectares in the Lenswood area of Adelaide Hills. The vineyards are planted at varying altitudes, providing an excellent opportunity to grow a variety of grape varieties that thrive in the cool climate.
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 minerally, with delicate flavors. By law, if a label says “Chablis,” it must be Chardonnay.
Chardonnay has been grown in Italy for decades, and it's become the fourth most-planted white wine grape in the country. The best Italian Chardonnay is found in the northern part of the country - the Piedmont - where the climate is similar to regions in France. However, if you know Chardonnay, you know that this versatile grape can be grown almost anywhere. Good Chardonnay can be found in places as diverse as Umbria, Sicily, Asti, and Tuscany.
1 x McHenry Hohnen Hazel's Vineyard BDX 2020 ~ Margaret River, Western Australia
94/100 The Wine Front
93/100 Erin Larkin (Halliday's Wine Companion)
93/100 Stuart Knox (The Real Review)
92/100 Decanter World Wine Awards
91/100 Wine Enthusiast
93/100 Erin Larkin (2019 vintage)
93/100 Stuart Knox (2019 Vintage)
94/100 Campbell Mattinson (2018 vintage)
94/100 Nick Butler (2018 vintage)
91/100 James Suckling (2018 vintage)
93/100 The Wine Front (2017 vintage)
93/100 Steven Creber (2017 vintage)
96/100 James Halliday (2016 vintage)
5 Star Winery - James Halliday
Halliday's Wine Companion Awards 2023 - Top Wineries of 2022 & 2023
53/37/10% malbec/cabernet sauvignon/petit verdot
Halliday Wine Companion, Erin Larkin "The malbec brings the purple fruit and the spice, the cabernet is responsible for the structure in the mouth, the supple tannins and the flash of pure cassis in the mouth. The petit verdot brings the violet, the depth and the darkness. All of it coming together in magnificent fashion in the glass. Very smart."
The Real Review, Stuart Knox "Almost opaque at the core, moving into a deep ruby-red at the rim. Mulberry, cedar wood and mint aromatics. Dark fruits fill the palate, then tangential lines of choc-mint and bresaola bring contrast and savoury complexity to the experience. It sits bold with equally drying tannins, making you take notice of its presence."
Erin Larkin "All varieties fermented separately in concrete vats, matured in mostly used French oak for 15 months (the cabernet in 20% new oak). The nose on this Bordeaux blend is dusty, spicy and loaded with dark fruit. On the palate there is a core of berries, but it is shaped and surrounded by those dusty tannins. Verging on a hulking wine, this is intense and lingering, the fruit winning out in the end. A lot to like, but not easygoing." (2019 vintage)
Stuart Knox "Deep and rich purple core with a bright and vibrant purple rim. Blackcurrants, tobacco leaf and ground coffee aromatics. A medium to full-weighted palate with dark fruits and cured meats flowing throughout. The tannins are even and well-integrated though it is still a very youthful expression. A different take on a classic Margaret River style, and one that suits it very well" (2019 vintage)
Campbell Mattinson "Mostly malbec and cabernet sauvignon with a dash of petit verdot. It's sweet-fruited and svelte with plenty of juicy, berried fruit and the perfume to match. Redcurrant and blackcurrant with peppercorn and cedar wood. Hums along before keen tannin drags it all into line." (2018 vintage)
Nick Butler "It's a brooder in the glass - bright purple and unyielding. A heady mix of tobacco leaf, mulberries and dried herbs. A lovely nose. Mocha and Cherry Ripe lead the palate; fruit is there but it never strays too far from home base - fine-grained tannins and tapenade. It will age gracefully for a long time. An aristocratic blend that represents exceptional value " (2018 vintage)
James Suckling "Deep, earthy, rich ripe fruit on offer here with a strapping delivery of rich, dense tannin that carries plenty of blue and purple-fruit flavor. A blend of malbec, cabernet sauvignon and petit verdot. Drink or hold. Screw cap." (2018 vintage)
Steven Creber "62% malbec, 23% cabernet sauvignon, 15% petit verdot. Fermented separately in concrete, 15 months in oak. Aromas of red berries with a perfumed lift on the bouquet, each variety seeming to play a part. A medium-bodied palate, quite soft and juicy at first, and then tangy, pippy astringency taking over and following through." (2017 vintage)
James Halliday "Still has good depth of colour, and the components - fruit, oak and tannins - have come together convincingly. The mouthfeel is totally delicious, seeming to create a line of juicy flavour that grows as it travels along the mouth, peaking as it reaches the back-palate." (2016 vintage)
The Winemaker "warm spring with a full water table ensured good flowering and crop set. Summer was moderate with a large rain event mid vintage ensuring wines were never stressed. Picking dates were consistent with recent averages." (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.
A Bordeaux Blend is any combination of those grape varieties typically used to make the red wines of Bordeaux. Cabernet Sauvignon is widely accepted as a compulsory component of any Bordeaux Blend along with Merlot. In fact, the majority of Bordeaux Blend wines are often made exclusively from a blend of these two varieties. The remaining components are Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec.
1 x Catalina Sounds Pinot Noir 2021 - Marlborough, New Zealand
92/100 Bob Campbell, The Real Review
Bronze - James Suckling
94/100 CamDouglas MS (2020 vintage)
92/100 Angus Hughson (2020 vintage)
90/100 Bob Campbell, The Real Review (2020 vintage)
Bronze - QWine (2020 vintage)
Bronze - New Zealand Wine Rater (2020 vintage)
5 Stars - Wine Square
Silver - Decanter World Wine Awards
Bronze - International Wine Challenge
Bronze - The National Wine Awards of Aotearoa New Zealand
Bronze - Decanter World Wine Awards (2020 vintage)
Bronze - National Wine Awards of Aotearoa 2022 (2020 vintage)
Bronze - Marlborough Wine Show 2021 (2020 vintage)
Bob Campbell, The Real Review "Pale pinot noir in a lighter style with violet, red cherry, vanilla, cedar and spicy oak flavours. Well-balanced wine that is a pleasure to drink now."
Bob Campbell, The Real Review "Bright, vibrant pinot noir with raspberry, red rose petal, fresh herbs, oyster shell and black cherry flavours. Impressive purity and subtle power. Definitely a candidate for the cellar. High energy wine." (2021 vintage)
James Suckling "An earthy pinot with aromas of forest floor, cherries, mushrooms and lemons with hints of licorice. Fresh and medium-bodied with easy tannins and a savory, simple finish." (2021 vintage)
Matt Ward "A bit brooding at first, this takes a minute to open up. Baking spices, blueberry and cassis, reveal lifted red fruits and cinnamon, wrapped up in toasty oak. The palate is medium bodied with juicy red cherries, soft acid and fine chalk tannins. (2020 vintage)
CamDouglas MS "Youthful, varietal, a core of fruit, dark roses and a plush enticing complexity. Equally enticing on the palate with a core of dark red berry fruit flavours - black currant, dark cherry, some plum then toasty barrel spices of clove, vanilla and a touch of cedarwood. Firm tannins and plenty of acidity provide the foundation for ageing and fruit to rest upon. Lengthy finish and a wine that is very youthful and needs cellar time." (2020 vintage)
Bob Campbell, The Real Review "Bright, fresh pinot noir with floral, rose petal, cherry and subtle spice flavours. An appealing, easy-to-drink wine, with an ethereal texture and vibrant flavours. Simple and distinctive. Good varietal definition." (2020 vintage)
Angus Hughson " perfumed aromas and sweet red fruits with a dark, earthy underbelly. Mid to deep cherry in colour, fruits are fleshy and generous. Cherry compote, damp earth and spice with toasty oak in play. The palate is then juicy and savoury – meaty, ground spice flavours over a bed of dark cherry fruits. It’s on the oaky side for pinot noir so best matched up with flavoursome dishes such as coq au vin. " (2020 vintage)
Bob Campbell "Bright, fresh pinot noir with floral, rose petal, cherry and subtle spice flavours. An appealing, easy-to-drink wine, with an ethereal texture and vibrant flavours. Simple and distinctive. Good varietal definition." (2020 vintage)
QWine "Dark cherry, blackcurrants, mushrooms, even a hint of truffle get things on the move. A drying Pinot but there's a lighter side to it. Easy drinking, you'd kick back with this riverside watching the worries of the world float by. " (2020 vintage)
New Zealand Wine Rater "A subtle bouquet with herbal, minty, meaty aroma s, showing sulphides. Dark fruit conserve, bramble, gummy bears, and blueberry notes. A medium-full bodied wine with a fruity, generous mid-palate, and plenty of acidity." (2020 vintage)
Bob Campbell "Gently seductive pinot noir with cherry, plum and other red fruit flavours together with violet, floral, fresh herb and mixed spice characters. Smooth-textured with a backbone of very fine tannins." (2019 vintage)
Marlborough based award-winning winery, Catalina Sounds is known for wines which harness the purity and vibrancy of Marlborough’s climate and landscape. The name Catalina Sounds evolved from the majestic Catalina flying boats that played a vital role across the South Pacific during and after World War II.
Marlborough is by far New Zealand's most important wine region. Situated at the north-eastern tip of the South Island, this dry, sunny region produces around three-quarters of all New Zealand wine. It is particularly famous for its pungent, zesty Sauvignon Blanc - widely considered by critics to be the best Sauvignon currently produced anywhere on the planet. Commercial-scale viticulture began in Marlborough the 1970s – it conquered the world within 25 years!
Pinot Noir is the dominant red wine grape of Burgundy, now produced in wine regions all over the world, including western Germany, northern Italy, Chile, South Africa, Australia and, perhaps most notably, California, Oregon and New Zealand.
The essence of Pinot Noir wine is its aroma of strawberry and cherry (fresh red cherries in lighter wines and stewed black cherries in weightier examples), underpinned in the most complex examples by hints of forest floor. Well-built Pinot Noirs, particularly from warmer harvests, also exhibit notes of leather and violets, sometimes approaching the flavor spectrum of Syrah.