Top Picks Under $60 – Award Winners Collection
Top Picks Under $60 – Award Winners Collection - Discover exceptional quality without breaking the bank with this handpicked selection of award-winning wines. Featuring six standout bottles celebrated for their craftsmanship, this collection offers a diverse range of flavors to elevate any occasion. Perfect for both seasoned wine lovers and those exploring new favorites, these wines have earned their accolades for taste, balance, and character—all at an unbeatable value. Sip, savor, and enjoy the best under $60!
1 x Plantagenet Aquitaine Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 - Mt. Barker, Western Australia
95/100 Huon Hooke, The Real Review
92/100 WineState
91/100 James Suckling
91/100 Robert Parker
90/100 Erin Larkin, Halliday Wine Companion
96/100 Ray Jordan, WA Wine Guide 2021 (2018 vintage)
93/100 James Suckling (2018 vintage)
93/100 James Halliday, Halliday Wine Companion (2018 vintage)
96/100 Sam Kim, Wine Orbit (2017 vintage)
5 Stars Winery - James Halliday
Huon Hooke, The Real Review "Deep red-purple colour with a lovely complex cedary, briary, cassis and toasty barrel bouquet. This flows smoothly into an elegantly structured and finely boned palate which is harmonious and deep, with a suavity that is pure cabernet. A wine with class."
James Suckling "An intense nose with lots of ripe, almost candied blackberries, dried rosemary and lavender. Some vanilla and licorice, too. Its full-bodied with sticky tannins and impressive length. Has a long and rather sweet aftertaste."
Robert Parker "... is a touch old-school in its earthy approach to Cabernet aromatics but consistent to a tee, and really well made at that. There are notes of tobacco leaf, allspice, cassis and blackcurrant. Lovely."
Erin Larkin, Halliday Wine Companion "Earthy, chocolatey and shaped by dark, resinous oak. This is a real brooder. There's no room for air or light, this is a moonless vortex of black fruit, swirling midnight tannins and in the penumbra, a flurry of shadowy acidity. perhaps some of these characters will unfurl as the wine is decanted, or over time, but if you seek the pure red core that is here, but hiding, don't wait too long. Within 5 years will grasp it."
Ray Jordan, WA Wine Guide "“This clearly one of the best cabernets from Plantagenet in this range. It is classically structured and defined. Deep blackcurrant strikes in waves then the ironstone minerality and black olive hit. Dark chocolate and black fruits merge seamlessly in the middle palate, while the fine, sinewy tannins extend to the finish” (2018 vintage)
James Suckling "A gently smoky edge and flinty dark berries abound here. There’s a cedary edge and then a wall of ripe dark berries. The oak glazes the palate with vanilla tones and the rich core of ripe dark berries holds long." (2018 vintage)
James Halliday, Halliday Wine Companion " Fresh, juicy fruits jump around on the medium-bodied palate, tannins allied with acidity making their mark on the finish and aftertaste. (2018 vintage)
Sam Kim, Wine Orbit “This is wonderfully fruited and magnificently styled; the bouquet shows crème de cassis, tobacco, cedar, warm spice and violet aromas, leading to a concentrated palate that offers outstanding depth and focus together with refined mouthfeel and layers of fine chalky tannins. Harmonious, seamless, classically structured and immensely appealing. At its best: now to 2032' (2017 vintage)
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.
Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the most famous red wine grape variety on Earth. It is rivaled in this regard only by its Bordeaux stablemate Merlot, and its opposite number in Burgundy, Pinot Noir. From its origins in Bordeaux, Cabernet has successfully spread to almost every winegrowing country in the world. It is now the key grape variety in many first-rate New World wine regions, most notably Napa Valley, Coonawarra and Maipo Valley. Wherever they come from, Cabernet Sauvignon wines always seem to demonstrate a handful of common character traits: deep color, good tannin structure, moderate acidity and aromas of blackcurrant, tomato leaf, dark spices and cedarwood.
1 x Nanny Goat Pinot Noir (Organic) 2023 - Central Otago, New Zealand
93/100 Cameron Douglas MS, The Shout
92/100 Nick's Wine
92/100 New Zealand Wine Rater (2020 vintage)
92/100 Steve Leszczysnki, Q Wine Reviews (2020 vintage)
92/100 QWine (2020 vintage)
90/100 James Suckling (2020 vintage)
Bronze - Decanter World Wine Awards (2020 vintage)
Bronze - Bob Campbell (2020 vintage)
Bronze - Decanter World Wine Awards (2018 vintage)
93/100 The Real Review (2019 vintage)
90/100 Decanter World Wine Awards (2017 vintage)
91/100 The Wine Front (2017 vintage)
91/100 International Wine Challenge (2017 vintage)
90/100 Wine Enthusiast (2016 vintage)
92/100 Bob Campbell (2015 vintage)
16/20 Jancis Robinson (2015 vintage)
4.5 Stars Michael Cooper
Silver - International Wine Challenge 2021 (2020 vintage)
Silver - International Wine & Spirits Competition 2021 (2020 vintage)
Silver - London Wine Competition (2019 vintage)
Silver - International Wine Challenge (2019 vintage)
Silver - New Zealand Wine of the Year (2018 vintage)
Silver - International Wine Challenge (2018 vintage)
Bronze - International Wine & Spirit Competition (2018 vintage)
Silver - International Wine Challenge (2017 vintage)
Bronze - International Wine Challenge (2016 vintage)
4.5 Stars Winestate Magazine (2015 vintage)
Cameron Douglas MS, The Shout "A precise, fresh and enticing bouquet with aromas of fresh red berries and cherry flesh, a fine savoury layer with a whisper of dried herb and thyme then layers of barrel spices. Complex and youthful. On the palate vibrant and youthful with a velvet textured mouthfeel, fine through moderate tannins and medium+ acid line. The core fruit flavours, nut and dried herb qualities are consistent and persistent. Overall, a delicious wine with best drinking from early 2023 through 2029."
Mike Bennie, The Wine Front "Alan Peters-Oswald is a delightful fella and astute winemaker doing good things to elevate the Nanny Goat wines. Here’s a new release. Slight label tweaks too. Supple, succulent, very bright and fresh feeling. Leads with tart cherry fruit characters, a good deal of crunchy, drying cranberry tang and pucker, some dried herbs, a light dusting of pepper. Refreshing feel to taste, vivacious, lively and rips along with sinewy tannin and heaps of tangy acidity. Strap in! Good with a light chill, better in a few years when things settle down. "
Michele's Notes "Deep colour. Alluring perfume of rich dark cherry fruit, plum and brioche. There’s chocolate and slate too. Smooth in the mouth with a lovely flow across the palate. The balance between fruit, oak, tannin and acid is excellent. Very tasty indeed. "
Winemaker "Immediately appealing on the nose with lifted wild berry and floral aromatics, gradually fading to reveal a complex array of ripe cherry & plum fruits, sweet spices, cola, garrigue, and fennel. Sweet red, black and blue berry fruits abound on the palate, with fleeting nuances of red currant, cola, cinnamon, thyme, crushed coriander seed and star anise adding layers of intrigue. Seamlessly integrated oak and powder fine tannins combine with a fine bead of acidity to give a fresh, pleasingly
long finish.
Steve Leszczysnki, Q Wine Reviews "This is such an approachable and ever-reliable Pinot Noir. A gravelly profile shines through. Dark plums, blackcurrants and dark cherries are flanked by dried herbs, cloves and shavings of dark chocolate. Like a Number 8 in rugby, this has the punch to do some heavy lifting but is nimble enough to show soft hands and quick feet like the backs. Tense tannins seize up on close before a long, fine spice finish. Delightful. Drink for five years+." (2020 Vintage)
New Zealand Wine Rater "An intense, perfumed, and floral bouquet in a lifte d, primary New World fruit style with bursts of berry conserve, bramble, a herbal lift, star anise, seaweed notes and fennel. A vibrant, juicy, red fruit core runs the length of the supple, charming palate with chalky tannins. Youthful and will benefit from a year in the bottle but very commercially appealing."
Michael Cooper "Already very approachable, the 2020 vintage (4.5*) was grown at six sites around the region, with almost two-thirds of the grapes coming from Pisa/Lowburn, in the Cromwell Basin. Matured in French oak barriques, it is bright ruby, mouthfilling and vibrantly fruity, with generous, ripe cherry, plum and spice flavours, ,showing good complexity, fresh acidity and finely balanced tannins. Best drinking 2023+." (2020 vintage)
QWine "This is such an approachable and ever-reliable Pinot Noir. Readily available too, making this a go-to is not a silly idea - particularly when it is often priced around the $30 mark. A gravelly profile shines through. Dark plums, blackcurrants and dark cherries are flanked by dried herbs, cloves and shavings of dark chocolate. Like a Number 8 in rugby, this has the punch to do some heavy lifting but is nimble enough to show soft hands and quick feet like the backs. Tense tannins seize up on close before a long, fine spice finish. Delightful." (2020 vintage)
James Suckling "Aromas of strawberry, pomegranate and sappy, herbal accents. This has an elegant and soft red-cherry and plum-flavored palate that delivers in tangy, juicy style. Drink now. Screw cap." (2020 vintage)
Bob Campbell "Moderately intense, vibrant pinot noir with cherry, berry, fresh herb and spicy oak flavours. A distinctive wine that seems to express a strong sense of place. Nice purity and a backbone of peppery tannins that helps to promote a crisp, dry finish." (2020 vintage)
Bob Campbell, The Real Review " Appealing silken-textured pinot noir with dark cherry, violet, fresh herbs and spicy flavours. A supple, sinewy, fine-boned wine with high energy. Accessible now, thanks to a core of fruit sweetness, but has the potential to develop well with bottle age." (2019 vintage)
Gary Walsh, The Wine Front - "Juicy cherry, jumps out of the glass, rose petal, some spice. Cherry, fresh, acidity a bit nippy and lemony, but the core of fruit is good. Light tannin plays on the finish. Attractive. Quite stylish.” (2017 vintage)
Decanter "There are just 900 bottles and you should get yourself a bottle or six if you can, as this is sex in a bottle - it's gorgeously textured, silken, and ethereal. There's a transparency to the fruit, showing cardamom, ginger, and cranberry flavours. It makes you swoon! Drinking Window 2019 - 2030" (2017 vintage)
Highly awarded and acclaimed, wine-maker Alan Peters-Oswald is a specialist premium pinot noir maker. The Central Otago wine region is the world's southern-most commercial wine-growing region, and famous for its Pinot Noir. It differs from all other New Zealand wine areas in that it is inland, in the foothills of the Southern Alps. The level of sunlight is very high, something that accounts for the high levels of alcohol that are often found in Central Otago wines.
Nestled within a timeless and sensual landscape, Nanny Goat Estate Vineyard sits between 270m and 290m above sea level spread across two ancient, North East facing terraces. This is a region of climatic extremes with typically very hot summers, short autumns and bitterly cold winter days. Challenging conditions for producing world-class cool climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Successive periods of glaciation and recession, followed by erosion by Mata Au / Clutha River have shaped the Nanny Goat Estate landscape by creating distinct terraces of alluvial soils that are pastiche of loess, gravel, schist and mineral quartz. Generations of farming and the associated cultivation of lucerne and other feed crops have added organic matter to the wind blowen loessial topsoil providing us with a nice balance between vine vigor and free draining attributes.
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 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 Corymbia Tempranillo Malbec Cabernet Sauvignon (Organic) 2016 - Swan Valley, Western Australia
95/100 Mike Bennie, The Wine Front
92/100 Wine Advocate
Organic
Mike Bernie (The Wine Front) "It is pitch-perfect, medium weight, highly perfumed, and shaped with beautifully ripe tannins. It’s delicious, but there is also a sense of detail and interest. The wine offers layers of red and blue fruits in perfume and palate, underpinned by savouriness."
Joe Czerwinski (Wine Advocate) "...it's a fruit-forward, mouthwatering bowl of mixed berries, including hints of blueberry, mulberry and raspberry. Yet while this medium to the full-bodied effort is open and soft, it's not unstructured, showing a core of resilient, ripe tannins and a long, juicy finish."
The Winemaker "A beautifully expressive aroma of Satsuma plums, black olives, rosewater and with a hint of aniseed. The wine tastes fresh and lively of pomegranate, cocoa, maraschino cherries and is complimented by Tempranillo’s characteristic coal dust tannin structure."
Gourmet Traveller Wine "The wines under the Corymbia label have been outstanding."
58% Tempranillo, 30% Malbec and 12% Cabernet Sauvignon
Gourmet Traveller Wine "Corymbia is one of the most exciting wine projects to emerge from Western Australia in a decade. The combination of a distinguished winemaking family, the reinvention of a much-maligned wine region, the unlocking of the potential of a mature vineyard and a general sense of creativity, have all contributed to a strong currency.
Organic wines are made from grapes grown without pesticides, following strict organic standards. Organic wines are produced in vineyards that do not use synthetic chemicals.Certified organic wines have been certified by Australian Certified Organic Standard (ACOS).
Corymbia is the newish project of Rob and Genevieve Mann. The Mann family, of course, are generational wine producers in WA, with a history of iconic wines and vineyards. Rob, formerly working with Hardys, Cape Mentelle and Newton Vineyard in Napa Valley, has returned home and made a mark.
The family vineyard in Swan Valley is dry grown and organically farmed. While winemaking draws on the Manns’ suite of expertise and diversity of influences, it has been pared back for Corymbia, letting the fruit and character of the wines take the spotlight.
That Swan Valley has been put on a pedestal is wonderful, and a celebration of older vineyards, unique soil profile and a general sense of generational endeavor is exciting for the region. There’s an undercurrent of winemakers amplifying the region’s potential, but arguably Corymbia is the current totem."
Huon Hooke "The Mann family are winemaking royalty in Western Australia."
Corymbia is a new winery launched by one of the founding families of Western Australian wine. The Manns have grown grapes and made wine in the Swan Valley, Western Australia's oldest wine-growing region for over a century. Corymbia wines are critically acclaimed, organically-farmed, single-vineyard wines. Founder, Rob Mann is considered one of Australia's best contemporary winemakers. He was the senior winemaker at Hardy’s Tintara, and Cape Mentelle, where during his ten-year tenure the winery was twice awarded 'Australia's Producer of the Year' and Rob 'Australian Winemaker of the Year'. Prior to founding Corymbia he was Senior Winemaker at LVMH’s Newton Vineyard in the Napa Valley.
Swan Valley is a sub-region of the Swan District wine region just north of Perth, in Western Australia. The Swan District is Western Australia’s oldest wine region, having been planted by English settlers soon after their arrival in 1829. For almost 150 years it was the only significant wine-producing region in Western Australia and today it's also home to the state's largest winery. Some of Western Australia's finest wines are produced in the Swan Valley.
1 x Rocca delle Macie Chianti Classico Riserva Famiglia Zingarelli 2019 - Tuscany, Italy
93/100 Luca Gardini
92/100 James Suckling
92/100 Wine Spectator
92/100 Natalie Maclean
90/100 Stephen Blandford, The Real Review
90/100 Raffaele Vecchione, Wine Critics
90/100 5 Stars Wine - The book - Vinitaly
Bronze - Robert Parker, Wine Advocate
94/100 James Suckling (2018 vintage)
93/100 Raffaele Vecchione, Wine Critics (2018 vintage)
90/100 Falstaff (2018 vintage)
Bronze - Wine Spectator (2018 vintage)
94/100 Raffaele Vecchione, Wine Critics (2017 vintage)
93/100 James Suckling (2017 vintage)
91/100 Falstaff (2017 vintage)
90/100 Wine Enthusiast (2017 vintage)
Bronze - Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (2017 vintage)
Bronze - Wine Spectator (2017 vintage)
Gold - Decanter World Wine Awards
Gold - Selections Mondiales des Vins Canada
Silver - Mundus Vini
Gold - Mundus Vino (2018 vintage)
Gold - Decanter World Wine Awards (2018 vintage)
Gold - International Wine & Spirit Competition (2018 vintage)
Luca Gardini ''Another great classic from Zingarelli family’s estate, from Castellina in Chianti area. Sangiovese, with Cabernet and Merlot to enrich the blend, berry jam on the nose, with notes of iris and peony. The mouthfeel has iodine-brackish 93 tannins, with floral-fruity return and good persistence.''
James Suckling "Savory plums, mushrooms, leather and spiced oranges on the nose, with a medium-bodied palate rounded by firm but polished tannins. Elegant and refined."
Wine Spectator "Boasts juicy cherry, blackberry, plum, earth and tobacco aromas and flavors, with undertones of leafy underbrush. Firm and balanced, with a lingering aftertaste that echoes the fruit and picks up a mineral note. Sangiovese, Colorino and Cabernet Sauvignon."
Natalie Maclean " ...a vibrant, medium-bodied and mouth-watering Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Colorino and Merlot red wine blend, aged in French oak barrels for 24 months. Vibrant with dark fruits, plum, cherry, vanilla and toasty oak spice flavours on the palate. Pour with a meaty lasagne.
Stephen Blandford, The Real Review "Garnet with orange/brick edges. The bouquet offers iris and violet perfume with raspberry fruits, clean and fresh if not overly complex. In the mouth there is ripe fruits riding on savoury elements, a thread of saline minerality carrying the wine along, tannins are rusty but fine in texture, the whole lingering pleasantly. An enjoyable drop."
Raffaele Vecchione, Wine Critics "Slightly cloudy on the nose showing notes of black prunes, crumbled tobacco and leather. Medium bodied, light tannins and a finale of medium length."
Falstaff "Clear garnet red with ruby highlights. On the nose there's aromas of savoury herb and wood alongside red bell pepper and plum jam. Mouth-filling on the palate, with noticeable acidity. Some bitter notes and broad tannins make for a slightly drying finish."
Robert Parker, Wine Advocate "This vintage naturally delivers a step up in concentration and flavor, and those characteristics are felt here, although overall winemaking is simple and rather consistent over the years."
James Suckling "Aromas of cherries, red plums, mushrooms, truffles and dried flowers. It’s full-bodied with fine tannins and bright acidity. Layered and textured, with spicy character. It’s balanced and focused with great freshness. Succulent, long finish." (2018 vintage)
Raffaele Vecchione, Wine Critics "Extremely intriguing in the mixed floral and fruity profile showing a bohemian energy with notes of pressed red flowers, raspberries, ripe blackcurrants and orange juice. Meduim to full bodied, rounded tannins and a juicy finale which both merchants and consumers will enjoy. Well made." (2018 vintage)
Falstaff "Light, brilliant ruby red. Citrus on the nose, also floral tones, violets, wild berries, then cherry and blood orange again. Fresh and clear on the palate, with crunchy fruit and red berry core, drying tannin then shows in the rear area." (2018 vintage)
Wine Spectator "There's a nice mix between the cherry, plum and berry fruit and savory notes of eucalyptus, juniper and oregano in this red, adding in accents of iron and tobacco for complexity. Just a touch dry in the end." (2018 vintage)
International Wine & Spirit Competition "An elegant, stylish and harmonious wine with creamy, ripe black and red fruit; spice and cedar wood flavours supported by ripe, soft tannins. Medium-bodied, sleek and polished, with excellent balance and length." (2018 vintage)
Raffaele Vecchione, Wine Critics "The slight reduction in the glass defines an opalescence that gives intrigue and attracts attention. The hints of black plums, currants and raspberries slowly make their way through the liveliness of the orange juice and reveal the main soul of this young Riserva. Medium-full body, ripe tannins precise in the extraction and a warm and enveloping finish of remarkable beauty." (2017 vintage)
James Suckling "Pretty density to this with blackberries, currants and plums, as well as hints of walnuts on both the nose and palate. It’s full-bodied with creamy tannins and a delicious, succulent finish." (2017 vintage)
Falstaff "Intense bright ruby red. Subtle expression on the nose, light forest and cherry fruit, lacquer, a hint of fine leather, spicy, after a little aeration again fruity with ripe strawberries. On the palate then superficial, ripe red berry fruit, with rich enamel, also powerful, you should put it away." (2017 vintage)
Wine Enthusiast "Crushed berry, botanical herb and baking spice aromas mingle with a whiff of sunbaked earth. The medium-bodied, savory palate offers ripe Marasca cherry, licorice and coffee bean alongside fine-grained tannins." (2017 vintage)
Robert Parker, Wine Advocate "From a hot and dry vintage that leans toward darker and more concentrated fruit, this is a mid-weight Tuscan red with dried plum and black currant backed by spice and dry tobacco. The Rocca delle Macìe 2017 Chianti Classico Riserva Famiglia Zingarelli does reflect the characteristics of the hot vintage, and it's a little dry and brittle as a result. However, there is enough easy fruit to pair with a grilled steak and pan-fried porcini mushrooms on top." (2017 vintage)
Wine Spectator "Smoky cherry and plum fruit is interlaced with earth, iron and tobacco flavors in this dry red, which turns leaner and more focused on the finish, echoing the earth and tobacco notes and picking up tea and spice accents." (2017 vintage)
The Chianti region in Italy's Tuscany wine growing region is split between Chianti and Chianti Classico. Accordingly, two separate DOCG designations apply to wines from the Chianti region: the Chianti Classico DOCG for the heartland of Chianti, and Chianti DOCG for all other Chianti regions. (In 1984, the Chianti region was promoted from DOC to DOCG - Italy’s highest classification - and in 1996, Chianti Classico - the historic heartland of the region - DOCG was created, which gave autonomy to that region. In the last 20 years, a consortium of Chianti Classico producers have researched new Sangiovese clones, replanted vineyards, updated cellar practices and generally made Chianti Classico DOCG a world-class appellation. Chianti Classico must contain a minimum of 75% Sangiovese. In the 2014 edition of its annual compendium of wine ratings, Gambero Rosso noted that Chianti Classico DOCG wines were noteworthy for their “significant return to a more defined style, true to tradition.” The typical Chianti Classico wine is a ruby-red, Sangiovese-based wine with aromas of violets and cherries and a hint of earthy spice.
The Chianti DOCG designation covers wines from six Chianti sub-zones (Colli Pisane, Colli Fiorentini, Colli Senesi, Colli Aretini, Montalbano and Rufina) as well as all other Chianti wines. The Chianti Classico DOCG is located in the very center of Tuscany, between Florence and Sienna."
"Tuscany is Italy's third most planted region (behind Sicily and Apulia) but it is eighth in terms of output, reflecting both the poor soil of Tuscany and deliberate efforts to limit yields and increase the quality in the wine. After Piedmont and the Veneto, Tuscany produces the third-highest volume of DOC/DOCG wines. More than 80% of the regions' production is in red wine, with the Sangiovese grape being Tuscany's' most prominent grape. Trebbiano is the leading white variety of the region.
The history of viticulture in Tuscany dates back to the Etruscans in the 8th century BC. From the fall of the Roman Empire and throughout the Middle Ages, monasteries were the main purveyors of wines in the region. As the aristocratic and merchant classes emerged, they inherited the share-cropping system of agriculture known as mezzadria. Many Tuscan landowners would turn their half of the grape harvest into wine that would be sold to merchants in Florence. Following the end of the Napoleonic Wars, Tuscany returned to the rule of the Habsburgs. Chianti, Chianti Classico, Brunello di Montalcino, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and Super Tuscan are Tuscany’s best known wines.
Sangiovese (or Nielluccio in Corsica), a dark-berried vine, is the most widely planted grape variety in Italy. Virtually synonymous with the red wines of Tuscany, and all the romanticism that goes with the territory, Sangiovese is the core constituent in some of the great names in Italian wine. Italy's love affair with Sangiovese – and indeed the world's – is generations old, though recent grapevine research suggests the variety is not as ancient as once thought.
Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the most famous red wine grape variety on Earth. It is rivaled in this regard only by its Bordeaux stablemate Merlot, and its opposite number in Burgundy, Pinot Noir. From its origins in Bordeaux, Cabernet has successfully spread to almost every winegrowing country in the world. It is now the key grape variety in many first-rate New World wine regions, most notably Napa Valley, Coonawarra and Maipo Valley. Wherever they come from, Cabernet Sauvignon wines always seem to demonstrate a handful of common character traits: deep color, good tannin structure, moderate acidity and aromas of blackcurrant, tomato leaf, dark spices and cedarwood.
1 x Mas de Lavail Ego 2021 - Côtes Catalanes, France
91/100 Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (2014 vintage)
17/20 Humburg Wine Side (2014 vintage)
12/20 Bettane et Desseauve (2014 vintage)
2 Stars - Le Guide Hachette des Vins
Organic
Le Guide Hachette des Vins 2023 "With its deep, intense, purple color with black reflections, this wine imposes it from the outset. On the nose, it declines no less sustained aromas of black fruits, chocolate and Zan. An intensity extended by a creamy, smooth, rising and very elegant mouth, endowed with silky tannins and a long spicy finish. Already tasty, this dry maury is far from revealing everything".
Robert Parker, Wine Advocate "...a plush, creamy-textured marriage of cherries and chocolate. It's ripe, rich and warm but not inelegant, with a long, satisfying finish." (2014 vintage)
Humburg Wine Side "Pickled fruit, nutty and rosy. A lot of sun in the stomach with light barrique notes." (2014 vintage)
Bettane et Desseauve "A very concentrated and very extracted material, the fruit is already tired. A powerful wine, with game." (2014 vintage)
100% Grenache Noir
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.
Mas de Lavail is a family-owned estate in the heart of the Maury Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée, one of the oldest Appellations in the area of Roussillon, which was designated in 1936. The winery, Mas de Lavail was founded in 1999 with the purchase of the property by the Batlle family. The estate is situated in the heart of the MAURY Appellation, surrounded by the two ranges of the Corbières, on clay-limestone soil.
Part of their land stretches beneath the Cathar castle of Quéribus, resting on black schist soils. The name "Maury" derives from these black lands, known for their unique ability to retain the Sun's heat and release it to the vines during the cooler evenings. As a result, the Grenache and Carignan grapes show the estate's devotion to their terroir and winemaking craft which is evident in the exceptional wines they produce.
Organic agricultural practices are now at the forefront of the wine-growing approach to achieve full organic certification, alongside the preservation of existing biodiversity. Clearly, Grenache is the star here, as per the requirement of the Maury and newly designated Maury Sec AOCs, however, Syrah and Carignan (both Blanc and Noir) are far from just supporting acts, in fact producing stunning examples. Cropping is averaged at 29 HL per hectare across the domain, with the estate ranges at far less, and production levels of less than 10,000 cases annually point to grapes with exceptional concentration.
Maury is a small wine-producing village located in the Roussillon region of southern France. It is renowned for its sweet, fortified wines known as ""Vin Doux Naturel"" (VDN), which are made using the Grenache grape variety. Maury wines are often compared to the better-known Muscat-based VDNs from the nearby regions of Rivesaltes and Banyuls. Maury is an Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) and almost all wines are red, made from at least 75% Grenache noir (Garnacha). Other permitted grapes are Grenache blanc, Grenache gris, Macabeu (Macabeo), Malvoisie du Roussillon (Tourbat), Syrah, Muscat and other local varieties. Although the grapes are different, they are used and marketed very much like port. It is made in the communes of Maury, Saint-Paul-de-Fenouillet, Lesquerde, Tautavel and Rasiguères. The AOC was granted in 1936.[3][4][5]
Maury is a ""vin doux naturel"" style created by adding fortifying spirits, such as brandy, to the wine in mid-fermentation. This halts the activities of the wine yeast leaving the wine with ""natural"" residual sugars. Maury is vinified in a manner similar to port, but initial aging is often conducted in large 25 liter glass jugs known as bonbonnes, les dames jeannes or demi-johns. The wines may also be aged in wood for up to 15 years. The resulting wines vary in depth and concentration.
In food and wine pairings, Maury is often served as an apéritif or as an accompaniment to foie gras, duck and strong blue cheeses.
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.
Top Picks Under $60 – Award Winners Collection - Discover exceptional quality without breaking the bank with this handpicked selection of award-winning wines. Featuring six standout bottles celebrated for their craftsmanship, this collection offers a diverse range of flavors to elevate any occasion. Perfect for both seasoned wine lovers and those exploring new favorites, these wines have earned their accolades for taste, balance, and character—all at an unbeatable value. Sip, savor, and enjoy the best under $60!
1 x Plantagenet Aquitaine Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 - Mt. Barker, Western Australia
95/100 Huon Hooke, The Real Review
92/100 WineState
91/100 James Suckling
91/100 Robert Parker
90/100 Erin Larkin, Halliday Wine Companion
96/100 Ray Jordan, WA Wine Guide 2021 (2018 vintage)
93/100 James Suckling (2018 vintage)
93/100 James Halliday, Halliday Wine Companion (2018 vintage)
96/100 Sam Kim, Wine Orbit (2017 vintage)
5 Stars Winery - James Halliday
Huon Hooke, The Real Review "Deep red-purple colour with a lovely complex cedary, briary, cassis and toasty barrel bouquet. This flows smoothly into an elegantly structured and finely boned palate which is harmonious and deep, with a suavity that is pure cabernet. A wine with class."
James Suckling "An intense nose with lots of ripe, almost candied blackberries, dried rosemary and lavender. Some vanilla and licorice, too. Its full-bodied with sticky tannins and impressive length. Has a long and rather sweet aftertaste."
Robert Parker "... is a touch old-school in its earthy approach to Cabernet aromatics but consistent to a tee, and really well made at that. There are notes of tobacco leaf, allspice, cassis and blackcurrant. Lovely."
Erin Larkin, Halliday Wine Companion "Earthy, chocolatey and shaped by dark, resinous oak. This is a real brooder. There's no room for air or light, this is a moonless vortex of black fruit, swirling midnight tannins and in the penumbra, a flurry of shadowy acidity. perhaps some of these characters will unfurl as the wine is decanted, or over time, but if you seek the pure red core that is here, but hiding, don't wait too long. Within 5 years will grasp it."
Ray Jordan, WA Wine Guide "“This clearly one of the best cabernets from Plantagenet in this range. It is classically structured and defined. Deep blackcurrant strikes in waves then the ironstone minerality and black olive hit. Dark chocolate and black fruits merge seamlessly in the middle palate, while the fine, sinewy tannins extend to the finish” (2018 vintage)
James Suckling "A gently smoky edge and flinty dark berries abound here. There’s a cedary edge and then a wall of ripe dark berries. The oak glazes the palate with vanilla tones and the rich core of ripe dark berries holds long." (2018 vintage)
James Halliday, Halliday Wine Companion " Fresh, juicy fruits jump around on the medium-bodied palate, tannins allied with acidity making their mark on the finish and aftertaste. (2018 vintage)
Sam Kim, Wine Orbit “This is wonderfully fruited and magnificently styled; the bouquet shows crème de cassis, tobacco, cedar, warm spice and violet aromas, leading to a concentrated palate that offers outstanding depth and focus together with refined mouthfeel and layers of fine chalky tannins. Harmonious, seamless, classically structured and immensely appealing. At its best: now to 2032' (2017 vintage)
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.
Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the most famous red wine grape variety on Earth. It is rivaled in this regard only by its Bordeaux stablemate Merlot, and its opposite number in Burgundy, Pinot Noir. From its origins in Bordeaux, Cabernet has successfully spread to almost every winegrowing country in the world. It is now the key grape variety in many first-rate New World wine regions, most notably Napa Valley, Coonawarra and Maipo Valley. Wherever they come from, Cabernet Sauvignon wines always seem to demonstrate a handful of common character traits: deep color, good tannin structure, moderate acidity and aromas of blackcurrant, tomato leaf, dark spices and cedarwood.
1 x Nanny Goat Pinot Noir (Organic) 2023 - Central Otago, New Zealand
93/100 Cameron Douglas MS, The Shout
92/100 Nick's Wine
92/100 New Zealand Wine Rater (2020 vintage)
92/100 Steve Leszczysnki, Q Wine Reviews (2020 vintage)
92/100 QWine (2020 vintage)
90/100 James Suckling (2020 vintage)
Bronze - Decanter World Wine Awards (2020 vintage)
Bronze - Bob Campbell (2020 vintage)
Bronze - Decanter World Wine Awards (2018 vintage)
93/100 The Real Review (2019 vintage)
90/100 Decanter World Wine Awards (2017 vintage)
91/100 The Wine Front (2017 vintage)
91/100 International Wine Challenge (2017 vintage)
90/100 Wine Enthusiast (2016 vintage)
92/100 Bob Campbell (2015 vintage)
16/20 Jancis Robinson (2015 vintage)
4.5 Stars Michael Cooper
Silver - International Wine Challenge 2021 (2020 vintage)
Silver - International Wine & Spirits Competition 2021 (2020 vintage)
Silver - London Wine Competition (2019 vintage)
Silver - International Wine Challenge (2019 vintage)
Silver - New Zealand Wine of the Year (2018 vintage)
Silver - International Wine Challenge (2018 vintage)
Bronze - International Wine & Spirit Competition (2018 vintage)
Silver - International Wine Challenge (2017 vintage)
Bronze - International Wine Challenge (2016 vintage)
4.5 Stars Winestate Magazine (2015 vintage)
Cameron Douglas MS, The Shout "A precise, fresh and enticing bouquet with aromas of fresh red berries and cherry flesh, a fine savoury layer with a whisper of dried herb and thyme then layers of barrel spices. Complex and youthful. On the palate vibrant and youthful with a velvet textured mouthfeel, fine through moderate tannins and medium+ acid line. The core fruit flavours, nut and dried herb qualities are consistent and persistent. Overall, a delicious wine with best drinking from early 2023 through 2029."
Mike Bennie, The Wine Front "Alan Peters-Oswald is a delightful fella and astute winemaker doing good things to elevate the Nanny Goat wines. Here’s a new release. Slight label tweaks too. Supple, succulent, very bright and fresh feeling. Leads with tart cherry fruit characters, a good deal of crunchy, drying cranberry tang and pucker, some dried herbs, a light dusting of pepper. Refreshing feel to taste, vivacious, lively and rips along with sinewy tannin and heaps of tangy acidity. Strap in! Good with a light chill, better in a few years when things settle down. "
Michele's Notes "Deep colour. Alluring perfume of rich dark cherry fruit, plum and brioche. There’s chocolate and slate too. Smooth in the mouth with a lovely flow across the palate. The balance between fruit, oak, tannin and acid is excellent. Very tasty indeed. "
Winemaker "Immediately appealing on the nose with lifted wild berry and floral aromatics, gradually fading to reveal a complex array of ripe cherry & plum fruits, sweet spices, cola, garrigue, and fennel. Sweet red, black and blue berry fruits abound on the palate, with fleeting nuances of red currant, cola, cinnamon, thyme, crushed coriander seed and star anise adding layers of intrigue. Seamlessly integrated oak and powder fine tannins combine with a fine bead of acidity to give a fresh, pleasingly
long finish.
Steve Leszczysnki, Q Wine Reviews "This is such an approachable and ever-reliable Pinot Noir. A gravelly profile shines through. Dark plums, blackcurrants and dark cherries are flanked by dried herbs, cloves and shavings of dark chocolate. Like a Number 8 in rugby, this has the punch to do some heavy lifting but is nimble enough to show soft hands and quick feet like the backs. Tense tannins seize up on close before a long, fine spice finish. Delightful. Drink for five years+." (2020 Vintage)
New Zealand Wine Rater "An intense, perfumed, and floral bouquet in a lifte d, primary New World fruit style with bursts of berry conserve, bramble, a herbal lift, star anise, seaweed notes and fennel. A vibrant, juicy, red fruit core runs the length of the supple, charming palate with chalky tannins. Youthful and will benefit from a year in the bottle but very commercially appealing."
Michael Cooper "Already very approachable, the 2020 vintage (4.5*) was grown at six sites around the region, with almost two-thirds of the grapes coming from Pisa/Lowburn, in the Cromwell Basin. Matured in French oak barriques, it is bright ruby, mouthfilling and vibrantly fruity, with generous, ripe cherry, plum and spice flavours, ,showing good complexity, fresh acidity and finely balanced tannins. Best drinking 2023+." (2020 vintage)
QWine "This is such an approachable and ever-reliable Pinot Noir. Readily available too, making this a go-to is not a silly idea - particularly when it is often priced around the $30 mark. A gravelly profile shines through. Dark plums, blackcurrants and dark cherries are flanked by dried herbs, cloves and shavings of dark chocolate. Like a Number 8 in rugby, this has the punch to do some heavy lifting but is nimble enough to show soft hands and quick feet like the backs. Tense tannins seize up on close before a long, fine spice finish. Delightful." (2020 vintage)
James Suckling "Aromas of strawberry, pomegranate and sappy, herbal accents. This has an elegant and soft red-cherry and plum-flavored palate that delivers in tangy, juicy style. Drink now. Screw cap." (2020 vintage)
Bob Campbell "Moderately intense, vibrant pinot noir with cherry, berry, fresh herb and spicy oak flavours. A distinctive wine that seems to express a strong sense of place. Nice purity and a backbone of peppery tannins that helps to promote a crisp, dry finish." (2020 vintage)
Bob Campbell, The Real Review " Appealing silken-textured pinot noir with dark cherry, violet, fresh herbs and spicy flavours. A supple, sinewy, fine-boned wine with high energy. Accessible now, thanks to a core of fruit sweetness, but has the potential to develop well with bottle age." (2019 vintage)
Gary Walsh, The Wine Front - "Juicy cherry, jumps out of the glass, rose petal, some spice. Cherry, fresh, acidity a bit nippy and lemony, but the core of fruit is good. Light tannin plays on the finish. Attractive. Quite stylish.” (2017 vintage)
Decanter "There are just 900 bottles and you should get yourself a bottle or six if you can, as this is sex in a bottle - it's gorgeously textured, silken, and ethereal. There's a transparency to the fruit, showing cardamom, ginger, and cranberry flavours. It makes you swoon! Drinking Window 2019 - 2030" (2017 vintage)
Highly awarded and acclaimed, wine-maker Alan Peters-Oswald is a specialist premium pinot noir maker. The Central Otago wine region is the world's southern-most commercial wine-growing region, and famous for its Pinot Noir. It differs from all other New Zealand wine areas in that it is inland, in the foothills of the Southern Alps. The level of sunlight is very high, something that accounts for the high levels of alcohol that are often found in Central Otago wines.
Nestled within a timeless and sensual landscape, Nanny Goat Estate Vineyard sits between 270m and 290m above sea level spread across two ancient, North East facing terraces. This is a region of climatic extremes with typically very hot summers, short autumns and bitterly cold winter days. Challenging conditions for producing world-class cool climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Successive periods of glaciation and recession, followed by erosion by Mata Au / Clutha River have shaped the Nanny Goat Estate landscape by creating distinct terraces of alluvial soils that are pastiche of loess, gravel, schist and mineral quartz. Generations of farming and the associated cultivation of lucerne and other feed crops have added organic matter to the wind blowen loessial topsoil providing us with a nice balance between vine vigor and free draining attributes.
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 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 Corymbia Tempranillo Malbec Cabernet Sauvignon (Organic) 2016 - Swan Valley, Western Australia
95/100 Mike Bennie, The Wine Front
92/100 Wine Advocate
Organic
Mike Bernie (The Wine Front) "It is pitch-perfect, medium weight, highly perfumed, and shaped with beautifully ripe tannins. It’s delicious, but there is also a sense of detail and interest. The wine offers layers of red and blue fruits in perfume and palate, underpinned by savouriness."
Joe Czerwinski (Wine Advocate) "...it's a fruit-forward, mouthwatering bowl of mixed berries, including hints of blueberry, mulberry and raspberry. Yet while this medium to the full-bodied effort is open and soft, it's not unstructured, showing a core of resilient, ripe tannins and a long, juicy finish."
The Winemaker "A beautifully expressive aroma of Satsuma plums, black olives, rosewater and with a hint of aniseed. The wine tastes fresh and lively of pomegranate, cocoa, maraschino cherries and is complimented by Tempranillo’s characteristic coal dust tannin structure."
Gourmet Traveller Wine "The wines under the Corymbia label have been outstanding."
58% Tempranillo, 30% Malbec and 12% Cabernet Sauvignon
Gourmet Traveller Wine "Corymbia is one of the most exciting wine projects to emerge from Western Australia in a decade. The combination of a distinguished winemaking family, the reinvention of a much-maligned wine region, the unlocking of the potential of a mature vineyard and a general sense of creativity, have all contributed to a strong currency.
Organic wines are made from grapes grown without pesticides, following strict organic standards. Organic wines are produced in vineyards that do not use synthetic chemicals.Certified organic wines have been certified by Australian Certified Organic Standard (ACOS).
Corymbia is the newish project of Rob and Genevieve Mann. The Mann family, of course, are generational wine producers in WA, with a history of iconic wines and vineyards. Rob, formerly working with Hardys, Cape Mentelle and Newton Vineyard in Napa Valley, has returned home and made a mark.
The family vineyard in Swan Valley is dry grown and organically farmed. While winemaking draws on the Manns’ suite of expertise and diversity of influences, it has been pared back for Corymbia, letting the fruit and character of the wines take the spotlight.
That Swan Valley has been put on a pedestal is wonderful, and a celebration of older vineyards, unique soil profile and a general sense of generational endeavor is exciting for the region. There’s an undercurrent of winemakers amplifying the region’s potential, but arguably Corymbia is the current totem."
Huon Hooke "The Mann family are winemaking royalty in Western Australia."
Corymbia is a new winery launched by one of the founding families of Western Australian wine. The Manns have grown grapes and made wine in the Swan Valley, Western Australia's oldest wine-growing region for over a century. Corymbia wines are critically acclaimed, organically-farmed, single-vineyard wines. Founder, Rob Mann is considered one of Australia's best contemporary winemakers. He was the senior winemaker at Hardy’s Tintara, and Cape Mentelle, where during his ten-year tenure the winery was twice awarded 'Australia's Producer of the Year' and Rob 'Australian Winemaker of the Year'. Prior to founding Corymbia he was Senior Winemaker at LVMH’s Newton Vineyard in the Napa Valley.
Swan Valley is a sub-region of the Swan District wine region just north of Perth, in Western Australia. The Swan District is Western Australia’s oldest wine region, having been planted by English settlers soon after their arrival in 1829. For almost 150 years it was the only significant wine-producing region in Western Australia and today it's also home to the state's largest winery. Some of Western Australia's finest wines are produced in the Swan Valley.
1 x Rocca delle Macie Chianti Classico Riserva Famiglia Zingarelli 2019 - Tuscany, Italy
93/100 Luca Gardini
92/100 James Suckling
92/100 Wine Spectator
92/100 Natalie Maclean
90/100 Stephen Blandford, The Real Review
90/100 Raffaele Vecchione, Wine Critics
90/100 5 Stars Wine - The book - Vinitaly
Bronze - Robert Parker, Wine Advocate
94/100 James Suckling (2018 vintage)
93/100 Raffaele Vecchione, Wine Critics (2018 vintage)
90/100 Falstaff (2018 vintage)
Bronze - Wine Spectator (2018 vintage)
94/100 Raffaele Vecchione, Wine Critics (2017 vintage)
93/100 James Suckling (2017 vintage)
91/100 Falstaff (2017 vintage)
90/100 Wine Enthusiast (2017 vintage)
Bronze - Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (2017 vintage)
Bronze - Wine Spectator (2017 vintage)
Gold - Decanter World Wine Awards
Gold - Selections Mondiales des Vins Canada
Silver - Mundus Vini
Gold - Mundus Vino (2018 vintage)
Gold - Decanter World Wine Awards (2018 vintage)
Gold - International Wine & Spirit Competition (2018 vintage)
Luca Gardini ''Another great classic from Zingarelli family’s estate, from Castellina in Chianti area. Sangiovese, with Cabernet and Merlot to enrich the blend, berry jam on the nose, with notes of iris and peony. The mouthfeel has iodine-brackish 93 tannins, with floral-fruity return and good persistence.''
James Suckling "Savory plums, mushrooms, leather and spiced oranges on the nose, with a medium-bodied palate rounded by firm but polished tannins. Elegant and refined."
Wine Spectator "Boasts juicy cherry, blackberry, plum, earth and tobacco aromas and flavors, with undertones of leafy underbrush. Firm and balanced, with a lingering aftertaste that echoes the fruit and picks up a mineral note. Sangiovese, Colorino and Cabernet Sauvignon."
Natalie Maclean " ...a vibrant, medium-bodied and mouth-watering Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Colorino and Merlot red wine blend, aged in French oak barrels for 24 months. Vibrant with dark fruits, plum, cherry, vanilla and toasty oak spice flavours on the palate. Pour with a meaty lasagne.
Stephen Blandford, The Real Review "Garnet with orange/brick edges. The bouquet offers iris and violet perfume with raspberry fruits, clean and fresh if not overly complex. In the mouth there is ripe fruits riding on savoury elements, a thread of saline minerality carrying the wine along, tannins are rusty but fine in texture, the whole lingering pleasantly. An enjoyable drop."
Raffaele Vecchione, Wine Critics "Slightly cloudy on the nose showing notes of black prunes, crumbled tobacco and leather. Medium bodied, light tannins and a finale of medium length."
Falstaff "Clear garnet red with ruby highlights. On the nose there's aromas of savoury herb and wood alongside red bell pepper and plum jam. Mouth-filling on the palate, with noticeable acidity. Some bitter notes and broad tannins make for a slightly drying finish."
Robert Parker, Wine Advocate "This vintage naturally delivers a step up in concentration and flavor, and those characteristics are felt here, although overall winemaking is simple and rather consistent over the years."
James Suckling "Aromas of cherries, red plums, mushrooms, truffles and dried flowers. It’s full-bodied with fine tannins and bright acidity. Layered and textured, with spicy character. It’s balanced and focused with great freshness. Succulent, long finish." (2018 vintage)
Raffaele Vecchione, Wine Critics "Extremely intriguing in the mixed floral and fruity profile showing a bohemian energy with notes of pressed red flowers, raspberries, ripe blackcurrants and orange juice. Meduim to full bodied, rounded tannins and a juicy finale which both merchants and consumers will enjoy. Well made." (2018 vintage)
Falstaff "Light, brilliant ruby red. Citrus on the nose, also floral tones, violets, wild berries, then cherry and blood orange again. Fresh and clear on the palate, with crunchy fruit and red berry core, drying tannin then shows in the rear area." (2018 vintage)
Wine Spectator "There's a nice mix between the cherry, plum and berry fruit and savory notes of eucalyptus, juniper and oregano in this red, adding in accents of iron and tobacco for complexity. Just a touch dry in the end." (2018 vintage)
International Wine & Spirit Competition "An elegant, stylish and harmonious wine with creamy, ripe black and red fruit; spice and cedar wood flavours supported by ripe, soft tannins. Medium-bodied, sleek and polished, with excellent balance and length." (2018 vintage)
Raffaele Vecchione, Wine Critics "The slight reduction in the glass defines an opalescence that gives intrigue and attracts attention. The hints of black plums, currants and raspberries slowly make their way through the liveliness of the orange juice and reveal the main soul of this young Riserva. Medium-full body, ripe tannins precise in the extraction and a warm and enveloping finish of remarkable beauty." (2017 vintage)
James Suckling "Pretty density to this with blackberries, currants and plums, as well as hints of walnuts on both the nose and palate. It’s full-bodied with creamy tannins and a delicious, succulent finish." (2017 vintage)
Falstaff "Intense bright ruby red. Subtle expression on the nose, light forest and cherry fruit, lacquer, a hint of fine leather, spicy, after a little aeration again fruity with ripe strawberries. On the palate then superficial, ripe red berry fruit, with rich enamel, also powerful, you should put it away." (2017 vintage)
Wine Enthusiast "Crushed berry, botanical herb and baking spice aromas mingle with a whiff of sunbaked earth. The medium-bodied, savory palate offers ripe Marasca cherry, licorice and coffee bean alongside fine-grained tannins." (2017 vintage)
Robert Parker, Wine Advocate "From a hot and dry vintage that leans toward darker and more concentrated fruit, this is a mid-weight Tuscan red with dried plum and black currant backed by spice and dry tobacco. The Rocca delle Macìe 2017 Chianti Classico Riserva Famiglia Zingarelli does reflect the characteristics of the hot vintage, and it's a little dry and brittle as a result. However, there is enough easy fruit to pair with a grilled steak and pan-fried porcini mushrooms on top." (2017 vintage)
Wine Spectator "Smoky cherry and plum fruit is interlaced with earth, iron and tobacco flavors in this dry red, which turns leaner and more focused on the finish, echoing the earth and tobacco notes and picking up tea and spice accents." (2017 vintage)
The Chianti region in Italy's Tuscany wine growing region is split between Chianti and Chianti Classico. Accordingly, two separate DOCG designations apply to wines from the Chianti region: the Chianti Classico DOCG for the heartland of Chianti, and Chianti DOCG for all other Chianti regions. (In 1984, the Chianti region was promoted from DOC to DOCG - Italy’s highest classification - and in 1996, Chianti Classico - the historic heartland of the region - DOCG was created, which gave autonomy to that region. In the last 20 years, a consortium of Chianti Classico producers have researched new Sangiovese clones, replanted vineyards, updated cellar practices and generally made Chianti Classico DOCG a world-class appellation. Chianti Classico must contain a minimum of 75% Sangiovese. In the 2014 edition of its annual compendium of wine ratings, Gambero Rosso noted that Chianti Classico DOCG wines were noteworthy for their “significant return to a more defined style, true to tradition.” The typical Chianti Classico wine is a ruby-red, Sangiovese-based wine with aromas of violets and cherries and a hint of earthy spice.
The Chianti DOCG designation covers wines from six Chianti sub-zones (Colli Pisane, Colli Fiorentini, Colli Senesi, Colli Aretini, Montalbano and Rufina) as well as all other Chianti wines. The Chianti Classico DOCG is located in the very center of Tuscany, between Florence and Sienna."
"Tuscany is Italy's third most planted region (behind Sicily and Apulia) but it is eighth in terms of output, reflecting both the poor soil of Tuscany and deliberate efforts to limit yields and increase the quality in the wine. After Piedmont and the Veneto, Tuscany produces the third-highest volume of DOC/DOCG wines. More than 80% of the regions' production is in red wine, with the Sangiovese grape being Tuscany's' most prominent grape. Trebbiano is the leading white variety of the region.
The history of viticulture in Tuscany dates back to the Etruscans in the 8th century BC. From the fall of the Roman Empire and throughout the Middle Ages, monasteries were the main purveyors of wines in the region. As the aristocratic and merchant classes emerged, they inherited the share-cropping system of agriculture known as mezzadria. Many Tuscan landowners would turn their half of the grape harvest into wine that would be sold to merchants in Florence. Following the end of the Napoleonic Wars, Tuscany returned to the rule of the Habsburgs. Chianti, Chianti Classico, Brunello di Montalcino, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and Super Tuscan are Tuscany’s best known wines.
Sangiovese (or Nielluccio in Corsica), a dark-berried vine, is the most widely planted grape variety in Italy. Virtually synonymous with the red wines of Tuscany, and all the romanticism that goes with the territory, Sangiovese is the core constituent in some of the great names in Italian wine. Italy's love affair with Sangiovese – and indeed the world's – is generations old, though recent grapevine research suggests the variety is not as ancient as once thought.
Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the most famous red wine grape variety on Earth. It is rivaled in this regard only by its Bordeaux stablemate Merlot, and its opposite number in Burgundy, Pinot Noir. From its origins in Bordeaux, Cabernet has successfully spread to almost every winegrowing country in the world. It is now the key grape variety in many first-rate New World wine regions, most notably Napa Valley, Coonawarra and Maipo Valley. Wherever they come from, Cabernet Sauvignon wines always seem to demonstrate a handful of common character traits: deep color, good tannin structure, moderate acidity and aromas of blackcurrant, tomato leaf, dark spices and cedarwood.
1 x Mas de Lavail Ego 2021 - Côtes Catalanes, France
91/100 Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (2014 vintage)
17/20 Humburg Wine Side (2014 vintage)
12/20 Bettane et Desseauve (2014 vintage)
2 Stars - Le Guide Hachette des Vins
Organic
Le Guide Hachette des Vins 2023 "With its deep, intense, purple color with black reflections, this wine imposes it from the outset. On the nose, it declines no less sustained aromas of black fruits, chocolate and Zan. An intensity extended by a creamy, smooth, rising and very elegant mouth, endowed with silky tannins and a long spicy finish. Already tasty, this dry maury is far from revealing everything".
Robert Parker, Wine Advocate "...a plush, creamy-textured marriage of cherries and chocolate. It's ripe, rich and warm but not inelegant, with a long, satisfying finish." (2014 vintage)
Humburg Wine Side "Pickled fruit, nutty and rosy. A lot of sun in the stomach with light barrique notes." (2014 vintage)
Bettane et Desseauve "A very concentrated and very extracted material, the fruit is already tired. A powerful wine, with game." (2014 vintage)
100% Grenache Noir
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.
Mas de Lavail is a family-owned estate in the heart of the Maury Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée, one of the oldest Appellations in the area of Roussillon, which was designated in 1936. The winery, Mas de Lavail was founded in 1999 with the purchase of the property by the Batlle family. The estate is situated in the heart of the MAURY Appellation, surrounded by the two ranges of the Corbières, on clay-limestone soil.
Part of their land stretches beneath the Cathar castle of Quéribus, resting on black schist soils. The name "Maury" derives from these black lands, known for their unique ability to retain the Sun's heat and release it to the vines during the cooler evenings. As a result, the Grenache and Carignan grapes show the estate's devotion to their terroir and winemaking craft which is evident in the exceptional wines they produce.
Organic agricultural practices are now at the forefront of the wine-growing approach to achieve full organic certification, alongside the preservation of existing biodiversity. Clearly, Grenache is the star here, as per the requirement of the Maury and newly designated Maury Sec AOCs, however, Syrah and Carignan (both Blanc and Noir) are far from just supporting acts, in fact producing stunning examples. Cropping is averaged at 29 HL per hectare across the domain, with the estate ranges at far less, and production levels of less than 10,000 cases annually point to grapes with exceptional concentration.
Maury is a small wine-producing village located in the Roussillon region of southern France. It is renowned for its sweet, fortified wines known as ""Vin Doux Naturel"" (VDN), which are made using the Grenache grape variety. Maury wines are often compared to the better-known Muscat-based VDNs from the nearby regions of Rivesaltes and Banyuls. Maury is an Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) and almost all wines are red, made from at least 75% Grenache noir (Garnacha). Other permitted grapes are Grenache blanc, Grenache gris, Macabeu (Macabeo), Malvoisie du Roussillon (Tourbat), Syrah, Muscat and other local varieties. Although the grapes are different, they are used and marketed very much like port. It is made in the communes of Maury, Saint-Paul-de-Fenouillet, Lesquerde, Tautavel and Rasiguères. The AOC was granted in 1936.[3][4][5]
Maury is a ""vin doux naturel"" style created by adding fortifying spirits, such as brandy, to the wine in mid-fermentation. This halts the activities of the wine yeast leaving the wine with ""natural"" residual sugars. Maury is vinified in a manner similar to port, but initial aging is often conducted in large 25 liter glass jugs known as bonbonnes, les dames jeannes or demi-johns. The wines may also be aged in wood for up to 15 years. The resulting wines vary in depth and concentration.
In food and wine pairings, Maury is often served as an apéritif or as an accompaniment to foie gras, duck and strong blue cheeses.
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.