Top Critic Rated 90+/100 Premium Mixed Wine - 6 Pack Value
Elevate your wine experience with this luxurious collection of top critic-rated wines, each earning an outstanding 90+ points. This 6-pack features an exquisite mix of reds and whites, showcasing the pinnacle of winemaking excellence. From bold and complex reds to elegant and refined whites, every bottle in this selection has been crafted to impress and delight. Ideal for collectors, celebrations, or as a premium gift, this collection guarantees a memorable tasting experience that reflects exceptional quality and sophistication.
1 x McHenry Hohnen Calgardup Brook Sauvignon Blanc 2021 ~ Margaret River, Western Australia
95/100 Huon Hooke, The Real Review
94/100 Erin Larkin, Halliday Wine Companion
92/100 James Suckling
5 Star Winery - James Halliday
"Halliday Wine Companion - Australian Winery of the Year 2022 & 2023"
The Real Review, Huon Hooke "Light straw-yellow hue, with a gently herbal, nutty barrel-ferment and spicy sauvignon blanc fruit bouquet, showing more varietal character on palate than nose. It's intense and bright, lively and full of character, much more than simple varietal fruit, although it is recognisable as sauvignon blanc. An excellent attempt at a white Bordeaux style."
Erin Larkin, Halliday Wine Companion "...More volume and density of flavour than the Burnside (neither here nor there qualitatively, simply an observation), this is sensational. Utterly."
James Suckling "This has aromas of grapefruit, lime zest, green apples and fennel. Crunchy and bright with a medium body, clear and transparent fruit and mineral undertones."
Saint Wine "Now under the sole stewardship of Murray McHenry the drive has intensified to create wines that are supported by a complex and diversified environment, a natural interdependence that creates specificity that cannot be replicated. A focus on single vineyard wines crafted by head winemaker Japo Dalli Cani delivers a heightened experience to the consumer expression of regionality and purity that underpins the McHenry Hohnen ethos."
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.
1 x Plantagenet "Normand" Pinot Noir 2023 - Mt. Barker, Western Australia
94/100 Ray Jordan
92/100 Sam Kim, Wine Orbit
92/100 Huon Hooke, The Real Review
92/100 James Suckling
90/100 Huon Hooke, The Real Review
95/100 Huon Hooke, The Real Review (2022 vintage)
92/100 James Suckling (2022 vintage)
Bronze - Mike Bennie, Halliday Wine Companion
98/100 WineState (2021 vintage)
94/100 Sam Kim, Wine Orbit (2021 vintage)
94/100 Ray Jordan (2021 vintage)
93/100 James Suckling (2021 vintage)
90/100 Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (2021 vintage)
90/100 Stuart Knox, The Real Review (2021 vintage)
92/100 Erin Larkin, Halliday Wine Companion (2020 vintage)
91/100 James Suckling (2020 vintage)
90/100 Huon Hooke, The Real Review (2020 vintage)
5 Stars Winery - James Halliday
Ray Jordan "This is a mighty impressive young Pinot from this super Pinot season. Really captures the subtlety of the variety but there is structure and driving intensity here delivered on a light to medium body. High energy red berry aromas with a little limestone and damp earthy complexity. Has a fine defining acidity which carries through to the long finish. Will handle cellaring."
Sam Kim, Wine Orbit "This is immediately appealing on the nose, showing sweet cherry, strawberry, thyme and almond notes with a spicy overtone. The palate offers juicy fruit intensity together with beautifully rounded mouthfeel and polished tannins, making it soothing and delightfully appealing."
Huon Hooke, The Real Review "Dark fruits, deep and brooding, plush and generous. A pinot of richness and promise."
James Suckling "This fresh and bright pinot noir has notes of raspberries, bark, licorice and red plums on the nose. It’s medium-bodied, bright and supple, with soft tannins and a deliciously red-fruited finish."
Huon Hooke, The Real Review "Deep and bright purple-red colour, impressive, the aromas fresh and bright with stacks of primary fruit but not simplistic. There are dried-herb/forest-floor, fivespice and dried mushrooms giving plenty of umami, the palate intense and deep, with excellent tannin structure and fleshy extract. A big and very stylish pinot with real panache. It promises to age well too." (2022 vintage)
James Suckling "This is a bright and juicy pinot with aromas of strawberries, raspberries, red cherries and mushrooms. Red tea, too. It’s medium-bodied with fine, sleek tannins and a lively finish." (2022 vintage)
Mike Bennie, Halliday Wine Companion "It's a raucous, riper expression of pinot noir, all glossy textured, sweet and rich fruited in bright kirsch and soft, red plums, cranberry and pomegranate juice scents and flavours accompanied by smoky cinnamon and clove spice. Tannins are fine, lending a gentle grip. Flavours dissipate somewhat quickly with each sip, a bit overly smoky to finish, too, but what's here is pleasing and should appeal to those seeking overt, easygoing pinot noir." (2022 vintage)
WineState "A big wine with dark plum-like fruit fragrances with dusty oak. The long, well-structured palate is intense with delicious red fruit flavours, sweet spices and racy acid." (2021 vintage)
Robert Parker, Wine Advocate "Coffee oak frames the 2021 Normand Pinot Noir, giving it density and gravitas up front. The fruit is bright red, with redcurrants, cherry and allspice littered throughout. While the oak is prominent, it certainly matches the fruit profile and plays out nicely through the fresh finish. One of the better Normands." (2021 vintage)
Ray Jordan "Chalky tannins and neatly introduced oak combine perfectly....Fragrant and highly perfumed pinot noir which stacks up rather well. Has a violet and red confectionary character on the nose with a palate that is light bodied but structured. " (2021 vintage)
James Suckling "Aromas of sliced strawberries, red cherries, chicory root and violets. Medium-bodied with silky tannins. Juicy and pleasantly driven. Oolong and moss come through. Layered and nicely structured." (2021 vintage)
Stuart Knox, The Real Review "Bright ruby red in the glass. Nose lifts with sweet black cherries, mountain herb and broken slate aromas. Forward fruit sits sweet and voluptuous as it glides across the palate, layers of anise and cinnamon fill in the gaps. A fuller style but it is controlled with grace by a fine tannin line that carries it long and dries the finish." (2021 vintage)
Erin Larkin, Halliday Wine Companion "Raspberry, strawberry and a sprinkling of fresh coffee grounds. The tannins are very fine and leave a trace of metal/aniseed/licorice. The aftertaste fires back up with the cherry and strawberry. Pure and pretty, the colour is moving towards hot pink." (2020 vintage)
James Suckling "This is a light, bright and elegant pinot with fresh red cherries, raspberries and sappy notes. Plenty of fresh raspberry and blood-orange fruit on the palate. Finishes lithe and fresh." (2020 vintage)
Huon Hooke, The Real Review "Deepish red/purple, excellent colour, with a bouquet that is a little quiet at this stage but has very good underlying aromas, suggesting ripe cherry, autumn leaves and forest-floor. The wine is medium-bodied, with good intensity and quite firm tannins, leaving a cleansing finish. A touch of raspberry bonbons. An appetising wine that promises to unfold more after a little more time in the bottle. Very good—and serious value for money." (vintage 2020)
Western Australian winery, Plantagenent 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 "Plantegent 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.
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.
1 x Chateau Marjosse Pierre Lurton Cuvee Truffiers'Rouge 2018 - Bordeaux, France
93/100 Decanter
91/100 James Suckling
91/100 Jean Marc-Quarin
17/20 Jancis Robinson
15.5/20 La Revue de Vin de France
Owned by one of the world's most famous winemakers, Pierre Lurton - president of two of Bordeaux's best-known chateaux, the Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton (LVMH) owned Château Cheval Blanc and Château d’Yquem.
100% Merlot..15% new oak
Decanter "Excellent concentration and fruit definition, one to look out for....from the limestone-dominant plateau of Margaux. A clear floral edge on the initial aromatics, leading to redcurrant and tomato leaf, crunchy red cherry and raspberry fruit, deepening in texture as it opens."
James Suckling,''Blackberry, blueberry, wood and mushroom on the nose. Medium-to full-bodied with chewy tannins. Juicy and fruity at first, with freshness and crisp acidity. Flavorful finish. Drink now.''
Château Marjosse is owned by French 'wine royalty', Pierre Lurton - president of two of Bordeaux’s best-known châteaux; the Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton (LVMH) owned, Château Cheval Blanc and Château d’Yquem, Château Marjosse. Pierre Lurton comes from two of the great Bordeaux families. His father Dominique was the youngest son of the paterfamilias François Lurton; his uncle André Lurton who founded the eponymous wine company; his many cousins run châteaux from Pauillac to Pomerol. His mother is from the famous Lafite family.
The influential Club Enologique asserts that Pierre is the most accomplished wine personality of his famous family. Trained as a doctor but swapping his studies for wine making after four years. At 23 he took over Clos Fourtet in St Emilion, one of the fine Lurton properties, and in 1991 he was appointed head of Château Cheval Blanc (it was bought by Bernard Arnault of LVMH in 1998); in 1999 he took on Château d’Yquem, which had just been added to the Arnault portfolio.
Club Enologique describes Pierre Lurton as having the world’s most corporate wine job. "However he divides his time between two of the world’s most exalted wine properties, but comes down to earth in Entre-deux-Mers, the leafy, unpretentious appellation to the east of Bordeaux at Château Marjoss."
The Château Marjoss estate is located in Entre-deux-Mers, on the right bank of Bordeaux. Initially owned by the wine merchant Bernard Chénier, Château Marjosse was acquired by the Deleuze family, who, in 1990, gave some plots to Pierre Lurton to rent. In 1992, Pierre Lurton, who grew up in Château Reynier, neighbour to this magnificent Chartreuse, moved to a second home in Château Marjosse and, over successive years became the owner of the entire vineyard, as well as the Chartreuse in 2013.
Decanter "Since Lurton bought Château Marjosse in 1994, the estate has improved beyond recognition. Pierre's father, Dominique Lurton, also made over a further 30ha so that, under the Château Marjosse label, Lurton now exploits 42ha of vineyard, six hectares of white and 36ha of Bordeaux red – a total of 300,000 bottles a year. Pierre insists his wine is Bordeaux and not Bordeaux Supérieur because ‘my wine is only supérieur in the bottle’. His objectives are ambitious. As the quality of the terroir with clay-limestone soil is similar to some of the better areas in Saint-Emilion, he hopes to prove that wines from this area can rival those from more prestigious regions."
Sommeliers International "At Château Marjosse the land possesses yet another specific feature, known locally as “la Boulbène”, a silty-clayey texture that has developed on ancient alluvions. The fertility of these soils no longer needs to be proved, because, by chance, they are also found in Saint-Emilion, a terroir that is extremely familiar to the man who manages “Cheval Blanc” …. Pierre Lurton. Assisted in this transformation by Consultant-Oenologist Pascal Poussevin, whose recommendations range from vine growing to wine-making, Pierre Lurton’s estate has now reached its cruising speed … Beyond the fabulous adventures he experiences in his role as manager of Châteaux d’Yquem, Cheval Blanc, as well as estates in South Africa, Latin America and in Australia … it is undoubtedly with “the salt of this land here in the Entre-deux-Mers” that his years of quest for perfection will be revealed. It is clear that this region needs winegrowers of such calibre, those who possess a sixth sense and, using techniques that almost resemble intentional alchemy, transform the grapes they touch into wines that exude the unique character of a specific area."
The Entre-deux-Mers region, nicknamed by wine experts as “Little Tuscany”, is unique and jealously protected by its inhabitants. "There are fifteen appellations that constitute the Entre-deux-Mers. The most well-known of them all, reputed for its dry, lively white wines, is certainly the one which bears the name of this region! The Entre-deux-Mers cultivates a certain speciality in producing white wines, due to its basic geological assets, possessing gravelly-limestone soils, upon which Sémillon, Sauvignon, Muscadelle and even Ugni Blanc grape varieties are planted. But the variety of soils and sub-soils associated with such a complex landscape provides a diversity of terroirs … These are favourable for producing red wines, that are regrettably not sufficiently well-known, but highly prized for the complexity of their aromas, their deep, vivid colour, as well as the concentration and elegance of their tannins." Sommeliers International.
Bordeaux, in the southwest of France, needs little introduction as one of the world's most famous, prestigious and prolific wine regions. Its three trump cards are diversity, quality and quantity. The majority of Bordeaux wines (nearly 90 percent of production volume) are the dry, medium- and full-bodied red Bordeaux Blends that established its reputation. The finest (and most expensive) of these come from the great châteaux of the Haut-Médoc and the Right Bank appellations Saint-Émilion and Pomerol. The legendary reds are complemented by high-quality white wines, both dry styles (particularly from Pessac-Léognan) and the sweet, botrytized nectars of Sauternes.
Merlot is a red wine grape variety with strong historic ties to Bordeaux and the southwest of France. It is the second most-planted red wine grape variety in the world, after Cabernet Sauvignon. Merlot is extremely popular in northern Italy, the United States. Chile has built its reputation mainly on its Merlot-based cuvées. Merlot's flavour profile includes plum and black cherry. Often described as producing smooth, rounded and "easy drinking" wines. Merlot is often used to great effect in blends, and is known in his capacity to make some of the most famous wines in the world.
1 x Swinney Frankland River Syrah 2019 - Great Southern, Frankland River, Western Australia
94/100 Halliday Wine Companion, Erin Larkin
94/100 The Wine Front, Gary Walsh
93/100 The Real Review, Stuart Knox
96/100 The Real Review, Huon Hooke (2018 vintage)
Young Gun of Wine - Australian Vineyard of The Year 2020
Five Star Halliday Rating (2016 vintage)
James Halliday Top Ten ~ Best New Wineries 2015 (2016 vintage)
#6 Top Wineries of Australia 2020 ~ The Real Review
Halliday Wine Companion, Erin Larkin "Quite reductive initially, but it blows off. This is consistently an elegant and supple wine, with very fine structure and saturating density of flavour. The length of flavour endures long past the final sip, showing the pedigree of fruit and the care and attention in both the vineyard and winery."
The Wine Front, Gary Walsh "All the cracked pepper and blackberry, the hint of wetsuit neoprene reduction, ground spices, char-grilled sausages on the BBQ. Medium-bodied, blueberry and blackberry, husky wheatgerm flavour and tannin, sweetness chopped back with thyme and black olive, clean acidity, boysenberry pie and a dry nutty finish of excellent length. Excellent. Savoury. Regional. Quite the looker."
The Real Review, Stuart Knox "Intense ruby and deep purple colours. A bright nose of blackberries, crushed-shells and dry herbs. A medium-weight red with well-concentrated fruits, all layered with broken stone and morcilla savoury notes. Quite firm and ripe tannins grip the mouth, but release into the finish leaving a pleasing fan of softness."
Waters Wine "Shiraz/Syrah and Australia. It just works. The 2021 is quiet different from previous releases; rounder in shape, ample with finer, lacier tannins. Not so sleek or linear and a dialling back of the mouth puckering mineral acidity. Blueberry, sweet cherry, violets, raspberry and delicate spice. Plush, without any sense of heaviness, a triumph of a full body in perfect proportions. As charming as it is powerful, finishing with very fine tannins. I think this will surprise in the cellar, despite the gentle grip, for at least two decades."
The Real Review, Huon Hooke "Deep, bright red/purple colour with a sweet, ripe blueberry to blackberry aroma. Traces of ironstone. A superb array of spices and berry fruits, pepper among them. Great elegance and persistence; a very stylish modern Aussie shiraz which justifies the syrah name." (2018 vintage)
Young Gun of Wine, Australian Vineyard of The Year 2020 "The Swinney vineyard represents modern viticulture interwoven with Old-World techniques, executed with precision through a combination of exhaustive manual work and state-of-the-art technology, and all underpinned by an environmental focus...and the quality of the resulting wines, is truly extraordinary and inspiring.”
Australian Gourmet Traveller Wine Magazine ~ Wines to Watch ~ Nick Ryan "...an impressive suite of wines that provide compelling evidence of real understanding of site and dedication to capturing what makes it special."
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 in Australia.
The Swinneys are a pair of brother-and-sister winemakers who are one of the rare new Australian wineries to have two of their wines invited onto the esteemed wine lists of The Ivy and Savoy Grill (Gordon Ramsay) restaurants in London. Swinney Vineyards made its debut in Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion 2015 with a five-star rating and were ranked in the top ten of best new wineries.
Swinney Vineyards made its debut in Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion 2015 with a five-star rating and were ranked in the top ten of best new wineries.
Frankland River is a key Australian wine sub-region the south of Western Australia. It is located just inland from the Southern Ocean coast, 115 miles east of Margaret River. Frankland River is the coldest wine region in continental Australia. Riesling is the area's specialty, with its crisp, fresh style standing out from the more diesel–kerosene notes found in the warmer regions further north.
1 x Clonakilla Hilltops Shiraz 2017 ~ Southern Highlands NSW Australia
94/100 The Wine Front
92/100 CellarTracker
92/100 Huon Hooke
94/100 James Halliday (2016 Vintage)
93/100 The Wine Front (2016 Vintage)
Huon Hooke "Medium to deep red/purple colour, with a reserved but spicy bouquet showing abundant herbs and spices. An elegant, medium to full-bodied shiraz with cool spiciness and lots of style. Fine grained, mild tannins and lovely balance. It drinks well already."
Campbell Mattinson "I’ve liked a great many of the previous releases of this wine but this is my favourite of the lot. It’s a ripper. Balanced, well fruited, spice-laden, perfumed, floral and then sweetly exotic. It smells and tastes beautiful, and is so finely etched with tannin; It’s a ripper. It has everything exactly where you’d like it to be. I’d send a case of this straight into the pool room but I’d like my stash kept a lot closer to me than that and, besides, I don’t have a pool room anyway. Buy."
Tyson Stelzer "2017 was a beautifully medium-bodied season in Hilltops, giving birth to a wine that captures the fragrant and spicy personality of shiraz with great detail. It entices with rose hip and white pepper over a core of red cherries and greengage plums but it’s the lingering finish that really sets it apart, structured with magnificent, finely textured tannins."
This wine is produced from five vineyards in the Hilltops District in New South Wales. Clonakilla is an Australian winery based in the Canberra wine region of Murrumbateman, New South Wales. Clonakilla was the first commercial winery to open in the region and founder John Kirk is often referred to as the "father" of the wine industry in the area. Clonakilla, which translates as "meadow of the church", are most famous for their Shiraz-Viognier. James Halliday describes it as paving "the way for numerous others to follow" and yet that it "remains the icon".
Hilltops is an Australian wine region of southern New South Wales, lying 80 miles (130km) north-west of Canberra. One of Australia's youngest wine regions, it is centered around the towns of Boorowa, Young and Harden, and the evocatively titled village of Wombat. The cool climate conditions here allow for the production of more elegant styles, notably of Chardonnay and Semillon for whites and Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon for reds. The climate is the result not only of Hilltops' distance from the Pacific coast (which brings about the cooler nights and winters), but also of its increased altitude. Almost all Hilltops vineyards are located above 1475ft (450m).
1 x Plantagenet "York" Chardonnay 2023 - Mt. Barker, Western Australia
93/100 Ray Jordan, Wine Pilot
92/100 James Suckling
Bronze - Huon Hooke, The Real Review
91/100 James Suckling (2022 vintage)
Bronze - Huon Hooke, The Real Review (2022 vintage)
Bronze - Mike Bennie Halliday Wine Companion (2022 vintage)
92/100 Sam Kim, Wine Orbit (2021 vintage)
92/100 Gabrielle Poy, The Real Review (2021 vintage)
91/100 James Suckling (2021 vintage)
91/100 James Suckling (2020 vintage)
91/100 Huon Hooke, The Real Review (2020 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."
Huon Hooke, The Real Review "Bright, light yellow hue with a bouquet of malt, honey and a little smoky reduction. The palate is full-ish and broad, with a little grip but not a lot of focus. It finishes with a touch of chew and would work best with food."
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."
James Suckling "This has pretty aromas of mangoes, pie crust, nectarines and lemon curd. Creamy and fruit-forward with lively acidity. Stony touch at the end." (2022 vintage)
Huon Hooke, The Real Review "Light yellow hue; fig and stone-fruit aromas with a subtle suggestion of oak barrel influence. The wine is rich and round, soft and generously fruited with a trace of apparent fruit-sweetness. Some alcohol on the finish. Plenty of flavour and presence here." (2022 vintage)
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)
Sam Kim, Wine Orbit "Attractively fruited and elegantly expressed with Gala apple, fig, lemon peel and almond notes, it's gently weighted and beautifully flowing in the mouth displaying excellent fruit purity with a creamy texture and bright acidity. Beautifully composed and harmonious." (2021 vintage)
Gabrielle Poy, The Real Review "Spiced nectarine and herbal highlights lead into a brightly fruited and fleshy core. It's tightly wound and tense in its youth, but still provides plenty of enjoyment. Time will add layers and breadth. A lovely style that balances fruit and savoury nuances very well." (2021 vintage)
James Suckling "This has aromas of white peaches, lemons, fresh pears and salted butter. Creamy and fresh with bright acidity. Pretty pastry and white chocolate hints at the end." (2021 vintage)
James Suckling "Apricot stones, golden apples, cloves and roasted cashews on the nose. Full-bodied with fresh acidity and a rich, buttery texture. Vanilla and praline to close. " (2020 vintage)
Huon Hooke, The Real Review "Bright, light yellow colour, with a note of pineapple introducing the bouquet, followed by grapefruit and lemon, the palate round and soft, clean and dry, with appealing flavours and medium-long persistence." (2020 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.
Elevate your wine experience with this luxurious collection of top critic-rated wines, each earning an outstanding 90+ points. This 6-pack features an exquisite mix of reds and whites, showcasing the pinnacle of winemaking excellence. From bold and complex reds to elegant and refined whites, every bottle in this selection has been crafted to impress and delight. Ideal for collectors, celebrations, or as a premium gift, this collection guarantees a memorable tasting experience that reflects exceptional quality and sophistication.
1 x McHenry Hohnen Calgardup Brook Sauvignon Blanc 2021 ~ Margaret River, Western Australia
95/100 Huon Hooke, The Real Review
94/100 Erin Larkin, Halliday Wine Companion
92/100 James Suckling
5 Star Winery - James Halliday
"Halliday Wine Companion - Australian Winery of the Year 2022 & 2023"
The Real Review, Huon Hooke "Light straw-yellow hue, with a gently herbal, nutty barrel-ferment and spicy sauvignon blanc fruit bouquet, showing more varietal character on palate than nose. It's intense and bright, lively and full of character, much more than simple varietal fruit, although it is recognisable as sauvignon blanc. An excellent attempt at a white Bordeaux style."
Erin Larkin, Halliday Wine Companion "...More volume and density of flavour than the Burnside (neither here nor there qualitatively, simply an observation), this is sensational. Utterly."
James Suckling "This has aromas of grapefruit, lime zest, green apples and fennel. Crunchy and bright with a medium body, clear and transparent fruit and mineral undertones."
Saint Wine "Now under the sole stewardship of Murray McHenry the drive has intensified to create wines that are supported by a complex and diversified environment, a natural interdependence that creates specificity that cannot be replicated. A focus on single vineyard wines crafted by head winemaker Japo Dalli Cani delivers a heightened experience to the consumer expression of regionality and purity that underpins the McHenry Hohnen ethos."
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.
1 x Plantagenet "Normand" Pinot Noir 2023 - Mt. Barker, Western Australia
94/100 Ray Jordan
92/100 Sam Kim, Wine Orbit
92/100 Huon Hooke, The Real Review
92/100 James Suckling
90/100 Huon Hooke, The Real Review
95/100 Huon Hooke, The Real Review (2022 vintage)
92/100 James Suckling (2022 vintage)
Bronze - Mike Bennie, Halliday Wine Companion
98/100 WineState (2021 vintage)
94/100 Sam Kim, Wine Orbit (2021 vintage)
94/100 Ray Jordan (2021 vintage)
93/100 James Suckling (2021 vintage)
90/100 Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (2021 vintage)
90/100 Stuart Knox, The Real Review (2021 vintage)
92/100 Erin Larkin, Halliday Wine Companion (2020 vintage)
91/100 James Suckling (2020 vintage)
90/100 Huon Hooke, The Real Review (2020 vintage)
5 Stars Winery - James Halliday
Ray Jordan "This is a mighty impressive young Pinot from this super Pinot season. Really captures the subtlety of the variety but there is structure and driving intensity here delivered on a light to medium body. High energy red berry aromas with a little limestone and damp earthy complexity. Has a fine defining acidity which carries through to the long finish. Will handle cellaring."
Sam Kim, Wine Orbit "This is immediately appealing on the nose, showing sweet cherry, strawberry, thyme and almond notes with a spicy overtone. The palate offers juicy fruit intensity together with beautifully rounded mouthfeel and polished tannins, making it soothing and delightfully appealing."
Huon Hooke, The Real Review "Dark fruits, deep and brooding, plush and generous. A pinot of richness and promise."
James Suckling "This fresh and bright pinot noir has notes of raspberries, bark, licorice and red plums on the nose. It’s medium-bodied, bright and supple, with soft tannins and a deliciously red-fruited finish."
Huon Hooke, The Real Review "Deep and bright purple-red colour, impressive, the aromas fresh and bright with stacks of primary fruit but not simplistic. There are dried-herb/forest-floor, fivespice and dried mushrooms giving plenty of umami, the palate intense and deep, with excellent tannin structure and fleshy extract. A big and very stylish pinot with real panache. It promises to age well too." (2022 vintage)
James Suckling "This is a bright and juicy pinot with aromas of strawberries, raspberries, red cherries and mushrooms. Red tea, too. It’s medium-bodied with fine, sleek tannins and a lively finish." (2022 vintage)
Mike Bennie, Halliday Wine Companion "It's a raucous, riper expression of pinot noir, all glossy textured, sweet and rich fruited in bright kirsch and soft, red plums, cranberry and pomegranate juice scents and flavours accompanied by smoky cinnamon and clove spice. Tannins are fine, lending a gentle grip. Flavours dissipate somewhat quickly with each sip, a bit overly smoky to finish, too, but what's here is pleasing and should appeal to those seeking overt, easygoing pinot noir." (2022 vintage)
WineState "A big wine with dark plum-like fruit fragrances with dusty oak. The long, well-structured palate is intense with delicious red fruit flavours, sweet spices and racy acid." (2021 vintage)
Robert Parker, Wine Advocate "Coffee oak frames the 2021 Normand Pinot Noir, giving it density and gravitas up front. The fruit is bright red, with redcurrants, cherry and allspice littered throughout. While the oak is prominent, it certainly matches the fruit profile and plays out nicely through the fresh finish. One of the better Normands." (2021 vintage)
Ray Jordan "Chalky tannins and neatly introduced oak combine perfectly....Fragrant and highly perfumed pinot noir which stacks up rather well. Has a violet and red confectionary character on the nose with a palate that is light bodied but structured. " (2021 vintage)
James Suckling "Aromas of sliced strawberries, red cherries, chicory root and violets. Medium-bodied with silky tannins. Juicy and pleasantly driven. Oolong and moss come through. Layered and nicely structured." (2021 vintage)
Stuart Knox, The Real Review "Bright ruby red in the glass. Nose lifts with sweet black cherries, mountain herb and broken slate aromas. Forward fruit sits sweet and voluptuous as it glides across the palate, layers of anise and cinnamon fill in the gaps. A fuller style but it is controlled with grace by a fine tannin line that carries it long and dries the finish." (2021 vintage)
Erin Larkin, Halliday Wine Companion "Raspberry, strawberry and a sprinkling of fresh coffee grounds. The tannins are very fine and leave a trace of metal/aniseed/licorice. The aftertaste fires back up with the cherry and strawberry. Pure and pretty, the colour is moving towards hot pink." (2020 vintage)
James Suckling "This is a light, bright and elegant pinot with fresh red cherries, raspberries and sappy notes. Plenty of fresh raspberry and blood-orange fruit on the palate. Finishes lithe and fresh." (2020 vintage)
Huon Hooke, The Real Review "Deepish red/purple, excellent colour, with a bouquet that is a little quiet at this stage but has very good underlying aromas, suggesting ripe cherry, autumn leaves and forest-floor. The wine is medium-bodied, with good intensity and quite firm tannins, leaving a cleansing finish. A touch of raspberry bonbons. An appetising wine that promises to unfold more after a little more time in the bottle. Very good—and serious value for money." (vintage 2020)
Western Australian winery, Plantagenent 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 "Plantegent 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.
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.
1 x Chateau Marjosse Pierre Lurton Cuvee Truffiers'Rouge 2018 - Bordeaux, France
93/100 Decanter
91/100 James Suckling
91/100 Jean Marc-Quarin
17/20 Jancis Robinson
15.5/20 La Revue de Vin de France
Owned by one of the world's most famous winemakers, Pierre Lurton - president of two of Bordeaux's best-known chateaux, the Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton (LVMH) owned Château Cheval Blanc and Château d’Yquem.
100% Merlot..15% new oak
Decanter "Excellent concentration and fruit definition, one to look out for....from the limestone-dominant plateau of Margaux. A clear floral edge on the initial aromatics, leading to redcurrant and tomato leaf, crunchy red cherry and raspberry fruit, deepening in texture as it opens."
James Suckling,''Blackberry, blueberry, wood and mushroom on the nose. Medium-to full-bodied with chewy tannins. Juicy and fruity at first, with freshness and crisp acidity. Flavorful finish. Drink now.''
Château Marjosse is owned by French 'wine royalty', Pierre Lurton - president of two of Bordeaux’s best-known châteaux; the Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton (LVMH) owned, Château Cheval Blanc and Château d’Yquem, Château Marjosse. Pierre Lurton comes from two of the great Bordeaux families. His father Dominique was the youngest son of the paterfamilias François Lurton; his uncle André Lurton who founded the eponymous wine company; his many cousins run châteaux from Pauillac to Pomerol. His mother is from the famous Lafite family.
The influential Club Enologique asserts that Pierre is the most accomplished wine personality of his famous family. Trained as a doctor but swapping his studies for wine making after four years. At 23 he took over Clos Fourtet in St Emilion, one of the fine Lurton properties, and in 1991 he was appointed head of Château Cheval Blanc (it was bought by Bernard Arnault of LVMH in 1998); in 1999 he took on Château d’Yquem, which had just been added to the Arnault portfolio.
Club Enologique describes Pierre Lurton as having the world’s most corporate wine job. "However he divides his time between two of the world’s most exalted wine properties, but comes down to earth in Entre-deux-Mers, the leafy, unpretentious appellation to the east of Bordeaux at Château Marjoss."
The Château Marjoss estate is located in Entre-deux-Mers, on the right bank of Bordeaux. Initially owned by the wine merchant Bernard Chénier, Château Marjosse was acquired by the Deleuze family, who, in 1990, gave some plots to Pierre Lurton to rent. In 1992, Pierre Lurton, who grew up in Château Reynier, neighbour to this magnificent Chartreuse, moved to a second home in Château Marjosse and, over successive years became the owner of the entire vineyard, as well as the Chartreuse in 2013.
Decanter "Since Lurton bought Château Marjosse in 1994, the estate has improved beyond recognition. Pierre's father, Dominique Lurton, also made over a further 30ha so that, under the Château Marjosse label, Lurton now exploits 42ha of vineyard, six hectares of white and 36ha of Bordeaux red – a total of 300,000 bottles a year. Pierre insists his wine is Bordeaux and not Bordeaux Supérieur because ‘my wine is only supérieur in the bottle’. His objectives are ambitious. As the quality of the terroir with clay-limestone soil is similar to some of the better areas in Saint-Emilion, he hopes to prove that wines from this area can rival those from more prestigious regions."
Sommeliers International "At Château Marjosse the land possesses yet another specific feature, known locally as “la Boulbène”, a silty-clayey texture that has developed on ancient alluvions. The fertility of these soils no longer needs to be proved, because, by chance, they are also found in Saint-Emilion, a terroir that is extremely familiar to the man who manages “Cheval Blanc” …. Pierre Lurton. Assisted in this transformation by Consultant-Oenologist Pascal Poussevin, whose recommendations range from vine growing to wine-making, Pierre Lurton’s estate has now reached its cruising speed … Beyond the fabulous adventures he experiences in his role as manager of Châteaux d’Yquem, Cheval Blanc, as well as estates in South Africa, Latin America and in Australia … it is undoubtedly with “the salt of this land here in the Entre-deux-Mers” that his years of quest for perfection will be revealed. It is clear that this region needs winegrowers of such calibre, those who possess a sixth sense and, using techniques that almost resemble intentional alchemy, transform the grapes they touch into wines that exude the unique character of a specific area."
The Entre-deux-Mers region, nicknamed by wine experts as “Little Tuscany”, is unique and jealously protected by its inhabitants. "There are fifteen appellations that constitute the Entre-deux-Mers. The most well-known of them all, reputed for its dry, lively white wines, is certainly the one which bears the name of this region! The Entre-deux-Mers cultivates a certain speciality in producing white wines, due to its basic geological assets, possessing gravelly-limestone soils, upon which Sémillon, Sauvignon, Muscadelle and even Ugni Blanc grape varieties are planted. But the variety of soils and sub-soils associated with such a complex landscape provides a diversity of terroirs … These are favourable for producing red wines, that are regrettably not sufficiently well-known, but highly prized for the complexity of their aromas, their deep, vivid colour, as well as the concentration and elegance of their tannins." Sommeliers International.
Bordeaux, in the southwest of France, needs little introduction as one of the world's most famous, prestigious and prolific wine regions. Its three trump cards are diversity, quality and quantity. The majority of Bordeaux wines (nearly 90 percent of production volume) are the dry, medium- and full-bodied red Bordeaux Blends that established its reputation. The finest (and most expensive) of these come from the great châteaux of the Haut-Médoc and the Right Bank appellations Saint-Émilion and Pomerol. The legendary reds are complemented by high-quality white wines, both dry styles (particularly from Pessac-Léognan) and the sweet, botrytized nectars of Sauternes.
Merlot is a red wine grape variety with strong historic ties to Bordeaux and the southwest of France. It is the second most-planted red wine grape variety in the world, after Cabernet Sauvignon. Merlot is extremely popular in northern Italy, the United States. Chile has built its reputation mainly on its Merlot-based cuvées. Merlot's flavour profile includes plum and black cherry. Often described as producing smooth, rounded and "easy drinking" wines. Merlot is often used to great effect in blends, and is known in his capacity to make some of the most famous wines in the world.
1 x Swinney Frankland River Syrah 2019 - Great Southern, Frankland River, Western Australia
94/100 Halliday Wine Companion, Erin Larkin
94/100 The Wine Front, Gary Walsh
93/100 The Real Review, Stuart Knox
96/100 The Real Review, Huon Hooke (2018 vintage)
Young Gun of Wine - Australian Vineyard of The Year 2020
Five Star Halliday Rating (2016 vintage)
James Halliday Top Ten ~ Best New Wineries 2015 (2016 vintage)
#6 Top Wineries of Australia 2020 ~ The Real Review
Halliday Wine Companion, Erin Larkin "Quite reductive initially, but it blows off. This is consistently an elegant and supple wine, with very fine structure and saturating density of flavour. The length of flavour endures long past the final sip, showing the pedigree of fruit and the care and attention in both the vineyard and winery."
The Wine Front, Gary Walsh "All the cracked pepper and blackberry, the hint of wetsuit neoprene reduction, ground spices, char-grilled sausages on the BBQ. Medium-bodied, blueberry and blackberry, husky wheatgerm flavour and tannin, sweetness chopped back with thyme and black olive, clean acidity, boysenberry pie and a dry nutty finish of excellent length. Excellent. Savoury. Regional. Quite the looker."
The Real Review, Stuart Knox "Intense ruby and deep purple colours. A bright nose of blackberries, crushed-shells and dry herbs. A medium-weight red with well-concentrated fruits, all layered with broken stone and morcilla savoury notes. Quite firm and ripe tannins grip the mouth, but release into the finish leaving a pleasing fan of softness."
Waters Wine "Shiraz/Syrah and Australia. It just works. The 2021 is quiet different from previous releases; rounder in shape, ample with finer, lacier tannins. Not so sleek or linear and a dialling back of the mouth puckering mineral acidity. Blueberry, sweet cherry, violets, raspberry and delicate spice. Plush, without any sense of heaviness, a triumph of a full body in perfect proportions. As charming as it is powerful, finishing with very fine tannins. I think this will surprise in the cellar, despite the gentle grip, for at least two decades."
The Real Review, Huon Hooke "Deep, bright red/purple colour with a sweet, ripe blueberry to blackberry aroma. Traces of ironstone. A superb array of spices and berry fruits, pepper among them. Great elegance and persistence; a very stylish modern Aussie shiraz which justifies the syrah name." (2018 vintage)
Young Gun of Wine, Australian Vineyard of The Year 2020 "The Swinney vineyard represents modern viticulture interwoven with Old-World techniques, executed with precision through a combination of exhaustive manual work and state-of-the-art technology, and all underpinned by an environmental focus...and the quality of the resulting wines, is truly extraordinary and inspiring.”
Australian Gourmet Traveller Wine Magazine ~ Wines to Watch ~ Nick Ryan "...an impressive suite of wines that provide compelling evidence of real understanding of site and dedication to capturing what makes it special."
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 in Australia.
The Swinneys are a pair of brother-and-sister winemakers who are one of the rare new Australian wineries to have two of their wines invited onto the esteemed wine lists of The Ivy and Savoy Grill (Gordon Ramsay) restaurants in London. Swinney Vineyards made its debut in Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion 2015 with a five-star rating and were ranked in the top ten of best new wineries.
Swinney Vineyards made its debut in Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion 2015 with a five-star rating and were ranked in the top ten of best new wineries.
Frankland River is a key Australian wine sub-region the south of Western Australia. It is located just inland from the Southern Ocean coast, 115 miles east of Margaret River. Frankland River is the coldest wine region in continental Australia. Riesling is the area's specialty, with its crisp, fresh style standing out from the more diesel–kerosene notes found in the warmer regions further north.
1 x Clonakilla Hilltops Shiraz 2017 ~ Southern Highlands NSW Australia
94/100 The Wine Front
92/100 CellarTracker
92/100 Huon Hooke
94/100 James Halliday (2016 Vintage)
93/100 The Wine Front (2016 Vintage)
Huon Hooke "Medium to deep red/purple colour, with a reserved but spicy bouquet showing abundant herbs and spices. An elegant, medium to full-bodied shiraz with cool spiciness and lots of style. Fine grained, mild tannins and lovely balance. It drinks well already."
Campbell Mattinson "I’ve liked a great many of the previous releases of this wine but this is my favourite of the lot. It’s a ripper. Balanced, well fruited, spice-laden, perfumed, floral and then sweetly exotic. It smells and tastes beautiful, and is so finely etched with tannin; It’s a ripper. It has everything exactly where you’d like it to be. I’d send a case of this straight into the pool room but I’d like my stash kept a lot closer to me than that and, besides, I don’t have a pool room anyway. Buy."
Tyson Stelzer "2017 was a beautifully medium-bodied season in Hilltops, giving birth to a wine that captures the fragrant and spicy personality of shiraz with great detail. It entices with rose hip and white pepper over a core of red cherries and greengage plums but it’s the lingering finish that really sets it apart, structured with magnificent, finely textured tannins."
This wine is produced from five vineyards in the Hilltops District in New South Wales. Clonakilla is an Australian winery based in the Canberra wine region of Murrumbateman, New South Wales. Clonakilla was the first commercial winery to open in the region and founder John Kirk is often referred to as the "father" of the wine industry in the area. Clonakilla, which translates as "meadow of the church", are most famous for their Shiraz-Viognier. James Halliday describes it as paving "the way for numerous others to follow" and yet that it "remains the icon".
Hilltops is an Australian wine region of southern New South Wales, lying 80 miles (130km) north-west of Canberra. One of Australia's youngest wine regions, it is centered around the towns of Boorowa, Young and Harden, and the evocatively titled village of Wombat. The cool climate conditions here allow for the production of more elegant styles, notably of Chardonnay and Semillon for whites and Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon for reds. The climate is the result not only of Hilltops' distance from the Pacific coast (which brings about the cooler nights and winters), but also of its increased altitude. Almost all Hilltops vineyards are located above 1475ft (450m).
1 x Plantagenet "York" Chardonnay 2023 - Mt. Barker, Western Australia
93/100 Ray Jordan, Wine Pilot
92/100 James Suckling
Bronze - Huon Hooke, The Real Review
91/100 James Suckling (2022 vintage)
Bronze - Huon Hooke, The Real Review (2022 vintage)
Bronze - Mike Bennie Halliday Wine Companion (2022 vintage)
92/100 Sam Kim, Wine Orbit (2021 vintage)
92/100 Gabrielle Poy, The Real Review (2021 vintage)
91/100 James Suckling (2021 vintage)
91/100 James Suckling (2020 vintage)
91/100 Huon Hooke, The Real Review (2020 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."
Huon Hooke, The Real Review "Bright, light yellow hue with a bouquet of malt, honey and a little smoky reduction. The palate is full-ish and broad, with a little grip but not a lot of focus. It finishes with a touch of chew and would work best with food."
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."
James Suckling "This has pretty aromas of mangoes, pie crust, nectarines and lemon curd. Creamy and fruit-forward with lively acidity. Stony touch at the end." (2022 vintage)
Huon Hooke, The Real Review "Light yellow hue; fig and stone-fruit aromas with a subtle suggestion of oak barrel influence. The wine is rich and round, soft and generously fruited with a trace of apparent fruit-sweetness. Some alcohol on the finish. Plenty of flavour and presence here." (2022 vintage)
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)
Sam Kim, Wine Orbit "Attractively fruited and elegantly expressed with Gala apple, fig, lemon peel and almond notes, it's gently weighted and beautifully flowing in the mouth displaying excellent fruit purity with a creamy texture and bright acidity. Beautifully composed and harmonious." (2021 vintage)
Gabrielle Poy, The Real Review "Spiced nectarine and herbal highlights lead into a brightly fruited and fleshy core. It's tightly wound and tense in its youth, but still provides plenty of enjoyment. Time will add layers and breadth. A lovely style that balances fruit and savoury nuances very well." (2021 vintage)
James Suckling "This has aromas of white peaches, lemons, fresh pears and salted butter. Creamy and fresh with bright acidity. Pretty pastry and white chocolate hints at the end." (2021 vintage)
James Suckling "Apricot stones, golden apples, cloves and roasted cashews on the nose. Full-bodied with fresh acidity and a rich, buttery texture. Vanilla and praline to close. " (2020 vintage)
Huon Hooke, The Real Review "Bright, light yellow colour, with a note of pineapple introducing the bouquet, followed by grapefruit and lemon, the palate round and soft, clean and dry, with appealing flavours and medium-long persistence." (2020 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.