Under $35 Award Winners 2024 - 6 Pack Value
Exceptional quality at an incredible value with this collection of award-winning wines under $35. Each bottle has been recognized for its outstanding craftsmanship and flavor, showcasing a variety of styles from celebrated wine regions. From vibrant whites to bold reds, this selection offers something for every palate and occasion. Perfect for casual gatherings, thoughtful gifting, or everyday enjoyment, these award-winning wines prove that excellence doesn’t have to break the bank.
1 x Willow Bridge Water Dancer Cabernet Merlot 2022 - Geographe, Western Australia
Gold - Berline Wine Trophy (2018 vintage)
Gold - Portugal Wine Trophy (2018 vintage)
5 Stars - James Halliday
‘Best Wineries of 2014’ - Halliday Australian Wine Companion
Perth Wine Show - Most Successful Western Australian Exhibitor (2020 vintage)
Winemaker “Aromatic blackberry fruit, anise, ripe black plums and bay leaf aromas. Vibrant Mulberry and blackberry fruits, intense flavour with silky long tannin balanced by fine french oak.” (2020 vintage)
The Australian Wine "The lovely 'Water Dancer' shows off their style. It has aromatic dark fruits of mulberry and black plum; the palate is juicy and plump, with delicious dark chocolate notes and a very light touch of fine French oak." (2017 vintage)
Halliday Australian Wine Companion "Many of its wines offer exceptional value for money."
The Australian Wine "(Australia's N# 1 Wine Critic James) Halliday listed Willow Bridge among his ‘Dark Horse Wineries of 2013’ and then his ‘Best Wineries of 2014’. The estate has also won Most Successful Western Australian Exhibitor at the Perth Wine Show three times!"
Halliday Australian Wine Companion "Willow Bridge Estate is family owned and operated by principals Jeff and Vicki Dewar, who bought the picturesque 180-hectare hillside property in 1996 after an exhaustive search of the state for the ideal vineyard site from which to realize their shared vision of producing world class wines which are both opulent and accessible. The estate is located in a hidden jewel of an area known as the Ferguson Valley (in Geograph Bay in Western Australia) which, at that time, was home to only a few small vineyards. Immediately planting 60 hectares of vines and then building a state of the art winery (the first winery in the area) in time for their first vintage in 2000, established Willow Bridge as the pioneering estate of the area and demonstrated the family’s confidence in the property and resolve to see their vision become reality."
Willow Bridge Estate continues to attract acclaim for the relatively newly established wine growing region of Geographe which is located adjacent to its more famous neighbour, Margaret River, in Western Australia. Wine critcs have heralded the winery for producing quality, good value wines. Winemaking is by veteran Western Australian winemaker, Kim Horton.
The Geographe wine growing region is located near the southern end of the Western Australia's Indian Ocean coast, between the emerging Peel region and famous Margaret River – with which its terroir shares several similarities. The best wines grown in this region include fruity Cabernet Sauvignon (often blended with Merlot), gamey Shiraz, rich, citrusy Chardonnay, and grassy 'SSB' blends of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon. The region's profile is increasing with several Geographe wineries winning national and international awards annually. At the heart of Western Australia's wine industry, the region supplies more than 10% of Western Australia's wine.
Cabernet Merlot is a red wine blend that brings forth the best characters of both the varietals used to craft it. The Cabernet Sauvignon renders rich tannins, nice acidity and a great texture to this wine while the plump Merlot brings in juicy fruit flavours. A typical Cabernet Merlot wine is medium-bodied and displays aromas of black fruits and cassis backed with hints of either cedar or vanilla depending on oak maturation technique used. Cabernet Merlot is best enjoyed with food like sautéed shiitake mushrooms, beef roast, venison rump, lamb chops and grilled steak.
1 x Luc Baudet Cotes du Rhone Rive Droite Red 2018 - Rhone, France
90/100 Jeb Dunnuck
The Winemaker “One of the finest expressions of Grenache in the region. Notes of red fruits jam, and flower petals, with a touch of sweet cherry. A full volume on the palate, and a soft finish.”
Luc Baudet, renowned winemaker and oenologue from Costières de Nîmes, lauched this new range of wines in 2016. After putting Château Mas Neuf on the wine map as one of the very best Costières de Nîmes, Luc Baudet decided to start a new challenge. When he sold Château Mas Neuf, he kept 7 hectares of the most promising terroir of the estate, and named it "Le Clos des Centenaires", it is at the heart of Luc's new adventure, who also collaborates with winemakers of other appellations to create a range of signature wines.
The Rhone Valley is one of France's key wine regions and is divided neatly by a gap of about 25 miles (40km). Wines from the northern part of the valley tend to be Syrah-dominant (Hermitage and Cote Rotie being the most notable examples), white wines from the southern Rhone are more commonly blends, with Grenache playing a more dominant role. Chateauneuf-du-Pape is the most famous example of a southern Rhone blend, but similar blends are found in wines from Gigondas, Vacqueyras and the regional Cotes du Rhone title.
Grenache is responsible for some of the most expensive wine in the world From regions like Châteauneuf-du-Pape to cult California wines, Grenache is just as important in the wine world as Cabernet Sauvignon. The Southern Rhône region in France is known for Grenache-based wines. The region’s wine varies year-to-year based on the vintage variation. Along with cherry fruit expect more smoky herbal notes including oregano, lavender, and tobacco.
1 x Georges Duboeuf Chardonnay Pays D'OC Blanc IGP (Organic) 2021 - Southern France, France
84/100 - Gillian Sciaretta, Wine Spectator (2018 Vintage)
85/100 - Gillian Sciaretta, Wine Spectator (2017 Vintage)
84/100 - Wine Enthusiast (2005 Vintage)
87-88/100 - Robert Parker (2005 Vintage)
84/100 - Wine Enthusiast (2002 Vintage)
Gillian Sciaretta, Wine Spectator "Crisp and fresh notes of apple and peach are lightly spiced and marked by floral accents on the clean finish. Drink now. 5,000 cases made, 500 cases imported. — GS" (2018 Vintage)
Gillian Sciaretta, Wine Spectator "Light- to medium-bodied and lightly spiced, with a plump profile offering apple and lemon notes. Creamy finish. Drink now. 1,500 cases made, 465 cases imported. — GS" (2017 Vintage)
Wine Enthusiast "With its distinctive enameled, flowered bottle, this sets out to be a fun party wine. It succeeds with its fresh, flowery, open fruit, enhanced by vanilla, spice and green apple flavors." (2005 Vintage)
Robert Parker "Displaying toasty, yeasty white peach and peanut aromas, the 2005 Chardonnay Vin de Pays d’Oc is an oily-textured pleasure machine. Thick, spicy, and expressive, it is riddled with apples, pears, and melon balls. It should be drunk over the next 2-3 years." (2005 Vintage)
Wine Enthusiast "Soft, light and fresh, this wine has attractive acidity as well as crisp, green flavors. There's a touch of vanilla which broadens it out. It's a solid, ready-to-drink wine." (2002 Vintage)
Winemaker Notes: A pale, golden straw colour. The nose is powerful and delicate, with intense pear, fig, pineapple and roasted hazelnut aromas and discreet hints of honey. Unctuous and lively on the palate, with hints of fig and vanilla. We recommend to taste this wine at 9-10 °C.
Les Vins Georges Duboeuf is one of the largest wine producers in France founded by the late Georges Duboeuf who was affectionately known as 'le roi du Beaujolais' (the king of Beaujolais) or sometimes pape du Beaujolais (Pope of Beaujolais). Les Vins Georges Duboeuf produces a staggering 3 million cases of wine annually. The company is most well-known for its popularization and production of Beaujolais wines. In 2018 Georges’ passed control of his company to his son Franck Duboeuf, who is considered to be one of the key specialists in Beaujolais, its terroir and its wine, and has shifted production to focus more on Beaujolais Nouveau.
Pays d'Oc is the IGP for red, white and rosé wines that are made in a large area on the southern coast of France. The catchment area for the IGP corresponds roughly to the Languedoc-Roussillon wine region – one of the largest winegrowing areas in France. The region covers all the wines that are not made under the strict laws that govern the AOC-level appellations in the regions: among them Corbières, Minervois and the Languedoc appellation itself.
The Pays d'Oc IGP is arguably the most important in France, producing the majority of the country's IGP wines. Five separate departments fall under the IGP (the Hérault, Aude, Gard, Pyrénées-Orientales and six communes in southern Lozère), which is delimited by administrative boundaries rather than geographical ones.
The Pays d'Oc area has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters. Most of the rainfall is compressed into spring and autumn.
The region's viticultural history dates back to Roman times but the area is also know for its progressive approach to wine production. The Charmat method of producing sparkling wine was developed by Jean-Eugène Charmat at Montpelier in the early 1900s and, as mentioned, many producers adopt a New World approach to production and marketing. Some domaines will even bring in winemakers from Australia and New Zealand.
Pays d'Oc IGP wines were previously labeled as Vin de Pays d'Oc (established in 1987), although since 2009, the VDP category has been phased out of French wine laws. It has now been replaced with Indication Géographique Protégée, a category designed as part of a standardised wine-labeling convention in the European Union.
Burgundy (Bourgogne in French) is an historic and highly respected wine region in eastern France. Burgundy wines have long had devout followers throughout the world and continue to do so today. Although Bordeaux produces about four times as much wine every year, Burgundy’s estimated 74,000 acres (30,000ha) of vineyards are considered to be of equal importance, producing some of the most exclusive wines on Earth.
The two key grape varieties of Burgundy are Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, both members of the extended 'Pinot' family of grape varieties. There are others too, of course, like Aligoté, Pinot Gris, Gamay, and Sauvignon Blanc but the primary focus of Burgundy’s production is Pinot Noir for Bourgogne Rouge and Chardonnay for Bourgogne Blanc. Located in the east-central part of France, Burgundy has 6 primary wine growing areas; Chablis – “shab-lee”. Côte de Nuits – the night slope, Côte de Beaune – the slope of Beaune, Côte Chalonnaise – the Chalon slope, Mâconnais – the region of Mâcon, and parts of the Southern Beaujolais.
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.
2 x Willow Bridge Water Dancer Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2023 - Geographe, Western Australia
Bronze - Geographe Wine Region
Gold - Asia Wine Trophy (2019 Vintage)
Gold - Berlin Wine Trophy (2019 Vintage)
Gold - Berlin Wine Trophy (2018 Vintage)
Bronze - International Wine Challenge (2015 Vintage)
Gold & Trophy Winner for 'Best White Blend of 2017' - Geographe Wine Show
Halliday Australian Wine Companion ‘Best Wineries of 2014’
Most Successful Western Australian Exhibitor - Perth Wine Show
Halliday Wine Companion 5 Star Winery
The Winemaker “This wine captures the wonderful spectrum of citrus and tropical flavours found across the vineyard. Vibrant and refreshing in style, the Sauvignon Blanc is aromatic and crisp whilst the Semillon adds an extra dimension to the wine and depth to the palate.”
Winemaker Tasting Notes: "Lifted passionfruit, tropical fruits and lime zest with moderate herbaceous notes. Flavoursome palate of passionfruit, sweet pears and nectarine, fresh and textured with a long fine finish."
The Australian Wine "If you love a fine WA Semillon Sauvignon Blanc, then don’t miss the gorgeous ‘Water Dancer’ Geographe example from 5 Red Star Willow Bridge. Winner of Gold AND the Trophy for Best White Blend of the 2017 Geographe Show, it shimmers with bright, cut-grass and citrus flavours on a vibrantly zesty palate. One for fresh seafood ... enjoy!" (2017 vintage)
Halliday Australian Wine Companion "Many of its wines offer exceptional value for money."
The Australian Wine "(Australai's N# 1 Wine Critic James) Halliday listed Willow Bridge among his ‘Dark Horse Wineries of 2013’ and then his ‘Best Wineries of 2014’. The estate has also won Most Successful Western Australian Exhibitor at the Perth Wine Show three times!"
Halliday Australian Wine Companion "Willow Bridge Estate is family owned and operated by principals Jeff and Vicki Dewar, who bought the picturesque 180-hectare hillside property in 1996 after an exhaustive search of the state for the ideal vineyard site from which to realize their shared vision of producing world class wines which are both opulent and accessible. The estate is located in a hidden jewel of an area known as the Ferguson Valley (in Geograph Bay in Western Australia) which, at that time, was home to only a few small vineyards. Immediately planting 60 hectares of vines and then building a state of the art winery (the first winery in the area) in time for their first vintage in 2000, established Willow Bridge as the pioneering estate of the area and demonstrated the family’s confidence in the property and resolve to see their vision become reality."
Willow Bridge Estate continues to attract acclaim for the relatively newly established wine growing region of Geographe which is located adjacent to its more famous neighbour Margaret River, in Western Australia. Wine critcs have heralded the winery for producing quality, good value wines. Winemaking is by veteran Western Australian winemaker, Kim Horton.
The Geographe wine growing region is located near the southern end of the Western Australia's Indian Ocean coast, between the emerging Peel region and famous Margaret River – with which its terroir shares several similarities. The best wines grown in this region include fruity Cabernet Sauvignon (often blended with Merlot), gamey Shiraz, rich, citrusy Chardonnay, and grassy 'SSB' blends of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon. The region's profile is increasing with several Geographe wineries winning national and international awards annually. At the heart of Western Australia's wine industry, the region supplies more than 10% of Western Australia's wine.
Semillon Sauvignon Blanc is a classic white wine blend. It is most widely produced in France (most notably Bordeaux's Graves district), where both Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon are well-established varieties. It is also a popular wine blend in Australia (particularly in Margaret River), South Africa, the United States, Argentina. The versatile blend is typically made into crisp, dry wines, but it is also the blend of choice for the world's most prestigious sweet wine style, Sauternes. The blend is endowed with vibrant acidity and grassy aromas by Sauvignon Blanc, and its structure and mouthfeel from Semillon.
1 x Glenlofty GO Shiraz 2015 ~ Pyrenees Victoria Australia
91/100 The Wine Front
91/100 CellarTracker
Bronze - Decanter World Wine Awards
Bronze - Huon Hooke
Bronze - Jeni Port (Halliday) (2017 Vintage)
Bronze - Aaron Brasher (2017 Vintage)
Silver - Melbourne International Wine Competition 2020 (2017 Vintage)
Gold - Melbourne International Wine Competition 2019 (2017 vintage)
Huon Hooke "Deep ruby colour without purple tints, ............ with some developed raspberry, chocolate nuances. There's a whiff of oak and a lot of developed characteristics."
Tastings.com " Black garnet color. Aromas and flavors of candied bacon, purple fruit, nutmeg, and black pepper with a slightly chewy, crisp, dry-yet-fruity medium-full body and a smooth, charming, medium-length finish with notes of plum pudding, grilled spice cake, and sage tea with well-integrated tannins and moderate oak flavor. A sturdy Shiraz for grilled meats."
Jeni Port (Halliday) "Upfront and sweet-fruited red that is ready to go right now. Ripe red berries, blue fruits and juniper spice drive the engine. Smooth and succulent on the palate. Meets the price point perfectly." (2017 Vintage)
Aaron Brasher "Ripe, dark cherry, spice and cool, minty aromatics. Flavours are driven by a crunchy, tangy, red cherry spiciness that is lively, fresh and bright. Quite a straightforward wine that needs a little time for the angles to soften" (2017 Vintage)
The Winemaker “Red and black fruits abound, supported by earthy and savoury characters as well as licorice and spice. Complex length of flavour.”
Winestate Magazine "Glenlofty’s vineyards have been carefully nurtured since 1995 in the cool-climate foothills of Victoria’s Pyrenees. Formerly blended into premium wines produced by Penfolds, Seppelts, Rosemount and Brown Bros, Glenlofty’s remarkable fruit has been bottled under its own Glenlofty Wines label only since 2013. Early industry applause has been rapid, as demonstrated by its awards."
The award winning Australian winery Glenlofty has vineyards located 340 metres above sea level in the heart of one of Australia's most famous cool climate wine growing regions, the Victorian Pyrenees. Here the climate, ancient granitic soil types and varying slopes mirror those of France’s northern Rhône region. Until 2010 Glenlofty sent their cool-climate premium fruit for blending into high-end wines under Seppelts and Penfolds labels. In 2010 the 140 ha vineyards were acquired by the pioneering Richmond-Smith family, well-known in Australian agriculture since 1839. The first wines released under the Glenlofty brand appeared in 2013, and were an immediate success, winning gold medals across the world.
Shiraz is the name given to the dark-skinned Syrah grape when grown in Australia and selected pockets of the New World. Though genetically identical, the stylistic differences between Shiraz and Syrah are usually pronounced.
Shiraz is so important to Australian viticulture that it is the most planted grape variety in the majority of Australian vineyards and has become virtually synonymous with the country's wine regions, and in particular the Barossa Valley.
Exceptional quality at an incredible value with this collection of award-winning wines under $35. Each bottle has been recognized for its outstanding craftsmanship and flavor, showcasing a variety of styles from celebrated wine regions. From vibrant whites to bold reds, this selection offers something for every palate and occasion. Perfect for casual gatherings, thoughtful gifting, or everyday enjoyment, these award-winning wines prove that excellence doesn’t have to break the bank.
1 x Willow Bridge Water Dancer Cabernet Merlot 2022 - Geographe, Western Australia
Gold - Berline Wine Trophy (2018 vintage)
Gold - Portugal Wine Trophy (2018 vintage)
5 Stars - James Halliday
‘Best Wineries of 2014’ - Halliday Australian Wine Companion
Perth Wine Show - Most Successful Western Australian Exhibitor (2020 vintage)
Winemaker “Aromatic blackberry fruit, anise, ripe black plums and bay leaf aromas. Vibrant Mulberry and blackberry fruits, intense flavour with silky long tannin balanced by fine french oak.” (2020 vintage)
The Australian Wine "The lovely 'Water Dancer' shows off their style. It has aromatic dark fruits of mulberry and black plum; the palate is juicy and plump, with delicious dark chocolate notes and a very light touch of fine French oak." (2017 vintage)
Halliday Australian Wine Companion "Many of its wines offer exceptional value for money."
The Australian Wine "(Australia's N# 1 Wine Critic James) Halliday listed Willow Bridge among his ‘Dark Horse Wineries of 2013’ and then his ‘Best Wineries of 2014’. The estate has also won Most Successful Western Australian Exhibitor at the Perth Wine Show three times!"
Halliday Australian Wine Companion "Willow Bridge Estate is family owned and operated by principals Jeff and Vicki Dewar, who bought the picturesque 180-hectare hillside property in 1996 after an exhaustive search of the state for the ideal vineyard site from which to realize their shared vision of producing world class wines which are both opulent and accessible. The estate is located in a hidden jewel of an area known as the Ferguson Valley (in Geograph Bay in Western Australia) which, at that time, was home to only a few small vineyards. Immediately planting 60 hectares of vines and then building a state of the art winery (the first winery in the area) in time for their first vintage in 2000, established Willow Bridge as the pioneering estate of the area and demonstrated the family’s confidence in the property and resolve to see their vision become reality."
Willow Bridge Estate continues to attract acclaim for the relatively newly established wine growing region of Geographe which is located adjacent to its more famous neighbour, Margaret River, in Western Australia. Wine critcs have heralded the winery for producing quality, good value wines. Winemaking is by veteran Western Australian winemaker, Kim Horton.
The Geographe wine growing region is located near the southern end of the Western Australia's Indian Ocean coast, between the emerging Peel region and famous Margaret River – with which its terroir shares several similarities. The best wines grown in this region include fruity Cabernet Sauvignon (often blended with Merlot), gamey Shiraz, rich, citrusy Chardonnay, and grassy 'SSB' blends of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon. The region's profile is increasing with several Geographe wineries winning national and international awards annually. At the heart of Western Australia's wine industry, the region supplies more than 10% of Western Australia's wine.
Cabernet Merlot is a red wine blend that brings forth the best characters of both the varietals used to craft it. The Cabernet Sauvignon renders rich tannins, nice acidity and a great texture to this wine while the plump Merlot brings in juicy fruit flavours. A typical Cabernet Merlot wine is medium-bodied and displays aromas of black fruits and cassis backed with hints of either cedar or vanilla depending on oak maturation technique used. Cabernet Merlot is best enjoyed with food like sautéed shiitake mushrooms, beef roast, venison rump, lamb chops and grilled steak.
1 x Luc Baudet Cotes du Rhone Rive Droite Red 2018 - Rhone, France
90/100 Jeb Dunnuck
The Winemaker “One of the finest expressions of Grenache in the region. Notes of red fruits jam, and flower petals, with a touch of sweet cherry. A full volume on the palate, and a soft finish.”
Luc Baudet, renowned winemaker and oenologue from Costières de Nîmes, lauched this new range of wines in 2016. After putting Château Mas Neuf on the wine map as one of the very best Costières de Nîmes, Luc Baudet decided to start a new challenge. When he sold Château Mas Neuf, he kept 7 hectares of the most promising terroir of the estate, and named it "Le Clos des Centenaires", it is at the heart of Luc's new adventure, who also collaborates with winemakers of other appellations to create a range of signature wines.
The Rhone Valley is one of France's key wine regions and is divided neatly by a gap of about 25 miles (40km). Wines from the northern part of the valley tend to be Syrah-dominant (Hermitage and Cote Rotie being the most notable examples), white wines from the southern Rhone are more commonly blends, with Grenache playing a more dominant role. Chateauneuf-du-Pape is the most famous example of a southern Rhone blend, but similar blends are found in wines from Gigondas, Vacqueyras and the regional Cotes du Rhone title.
Grenache is responsible for some of the most expensive wine in the world From regions like Châteauneuf-du-Pape to cult California wines, Grenache is just as important in the wine world as Cabernet Sauvignon. The Southern Rhône region in France is known for Grenache-based wines. The region’s wine varies year-to-year based on the vintage variation. Along with cherry fruit expect more smoky herbal notes including oregano, lavender, and tobacco.
1 x Georges Duboeuf Chardonnay Pays D'OC Blanc IGP (Organic) 2021 - Southern France, France
84/100 - Gillian Sciaretta, Wine Spectator (2018 Vintage)
85/100 - Gillian Sciaretta, Wine Spectator (2017 Vintage)
84/100 - Wine Enthusiast (2005 Vintage)
87-88/100 - Robert Parker (2005 Vintage)
84/100 - Wine Enthusiast (2002 Vintage)
Gillian Sciaretta, Wine Spectator "Crisp and fresh notes of apple and peach are lightly spiced and marked by floral accents on the clean finish. Drink now. 5,000 cases made, 500 cases imported. — GS" (2018 Vintage)
Gillian Sciaretta, Wine Spectator "Light- to medium-bodied and lightly spiced, with a plump profile offering apple and lemon notes. Creamy finish. Drink now. 1,500 cases made, 465 cases imported. — GS" (2017 Vintage)
Wine Enthusiast "With its distinctive enameled, flowered bottle, this sets out to be a fun party wine. It succeeds with its fresh, flowery, open fruit, enhanced by vanilla, spice and green apple flavors." (2005 Vintage)
Robert Parker "Displaying toasty, yeasty white peach and peanut aromas, the 2005 Chardonnay Vin de Pays d’Oc is an oily-textured pleasure machine. Thick, spicy, and expressive, it is riddled with apples, pears, and melon balls. It should be drunk over the next 2-3 years." (2005 Vintage)
Wine Enthusiast "Soft, light and fresh, this wine has attractive acidity as well as crisp, green flavors. There's a touch of vanilla which broadens it out. It's a solid, ready-to-drink wine." (2002 Vintage)
Winemaker Notes: A pale, golden straw colour. The nose is powerful and delicate, with intense pear, fig, pineapple and roasted hazelnut aromas and discreet hints of honey. Unctuous and lively on the palate, with hints of fig and vanilla. We recommend to taste this wine at 9-10 °C.
Les Vins Georges Duboeuf is one of the largest wine producers in France founded by the late Georges Duboeuf who was affectionately known as 'le roi du Beaujolais' (the king of Beaujolais) or sometimes pape du Beaujolais (Pope of Beaujolais). Les Vins Georges Duboeuf produces a staggering 3 million cases of wine annually. The company is most well-known for its popularization and production of Beaujolais wines. In 2018 Georges’ passed control of his company to his son Franck Duboeuf, who is considered to be one of the key specialists in Beaujolais, its terroir and its wine, and has shifted production to focus more on Beaujolais Nouveau.
Pays d'Oc is the IGP for red, white and rosé wines that are made in a large area on the southern coast of France. The catchment area for the IGP corresponds roughly to the Languedoc-Roussillon wine region – one of the largest winegrowing areas in France. The region covers all the wines that are not made under the strict laws that govern the AOC-level appellations in the regions: among them Corbières, Minervois and the Languedoc appellation itself.
The Pays d'Oc IGP is arguably the most important in France, producing the majority of the country's IGP wines. Five separate departments fall under the IGP (the Hérault, Aude, Gard, Pyrénées-Orientales and six communes in southern Lozère), which is delimited by administrative boundaries rather than geographical ones.
The Pays d'Oc area has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters. Most of the rainfall is compressed into spring and autumn.
The region's viticultural history dates back to Roman times but the area is also know for its progressive approach to wine production. The Charmat method of producing sparkling wine was developed by Jean-Eugène Charmat at Montpelier in the early 1900s and, as mentioned, many producers adopt a New World approach to production and marketing. Some domaines will even bring in winemakers from Australia and New Zealand.
Pays d'Oc IGP wines were previously labeled as Vin de Pays d'Oc (established in 1987), although since 2009, the VDP category has been phased out of French wine laws. It has now been replaced with Indication Géographique Protégée, a category designed as part of a standardised wine-labeling convention in the European Union.
Burgundy (Bourgogne in French) is an historic and highly respected wine region in eastern France. Burgundy wines have long had devout followers throughout the world and continue to do so today. Although Bordeaux produces about four times as much wine every year, Burgundy’s estimated 74,000 acres (30,000ha) of vineyards are considered to be of equal importance, producing some of the most exclusive wines on Earth.
The two key grape varieties of Burgundy are Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, both members of the extended 'Pinot' family of grape varieties. There are others too, of course, like Aligoté, Pinot Gris, Gamay, and Sauvignon Blanc but the primary focus of Burgundy’s production is Pinot Noir for Bourgogne Rouge and Chardonnay for Bourgogne Blanc. Located in the east-central part of France, Burgundy has 6 primary wine growing areas; Chablis – “shab-lee”. Côte de Nuits – the night slope, Côte de Beaune – the slope of Beaune, Côte Chalonnaise – the Chalon slope, Mâconnais – the region of Mâcon, and parts of the Southern Beaujolais.
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.
2 x Willow Bridge Water Dancer Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2023 - Geographe, Western Australia
Bronze - Geographe Wine Region
Gold - Asia Wine Trophy (2019 Vintage)
Gold - Berlin Wine Trophy (2019 Vintage)
Gold - Berlin Wine Trophy (2018 Vintage)
Bronze - International Wine Challenge (2015 Vintage)
Gold & Trophy Winner for 'Best White Blend of 2017' - Geographe Wine Show
Halliday Australian Wine Companion ‘Best Wineries of 2014’
Most Successful Western Australian Exhibitor - Perth Wine Show
Halliday Wine Companion 5 Star Winery
The Winemaker “This wine captures the wonderful spectrum of citrus and tropical flavours found across the vineyard. Vibrant and refreshing in style, the Sauvignon Blanc is aromatic and crisp whilst the Semillon adds an extra dimension to the wine and depth to the palate.”
Winemaker Tasting Notes: "Lifted passionfruit, tropical fruits and lime zest with moderate herbaceous notes. Flavoursome palate of passionfruit, sweet pears and nectarine, fresh and textured with a long fine finish."
The Australian Wine "If you love a fine WA Semillon Sauvignon Blanc, then don’t miss the gorgeous ‘Water Dancer’ Geographe example from 5 Red Star Willow Bridge. Winner of Gold AND the Trophy for Best White Blend of the 2017 Geographe Show, it shimmers with bright, cut-grass and citrus flavours on a vibrantly zesty palate. One for fresh seafood ... enjoy!" (2017 vintage)
Halliday Australian Wine Companion "Many of its wines offer exceptional value for money."
The Australian Wine "(Australai's N# 1 Wine Critic James) Halliday listed Willow Bridge among his ‘Dark Horse Wineries of 2013’ and then his ‘Best Wineries of 2014’. The estate has also won Most Successful Western Australian Exhibitor at the Perth Wine Show three times!"
Halliday Australian Wine Companion "Willow Bridge Estate is family owned and operated by principals Jeff and Vicki Dewar, who bought the picturesque 180-hectare hillside property in 1996 after an exhaustive search of the state for the ideal vineyard site from which to realize their shared vision of producing world class wines which are both opulent and accessible. The estate is located in a hidden jewel of an area known as the Ferguson Valley (in Geograph Bay in Western Australia) which, at that time, was home to only a few small vineyards. Immediately planting 60 hectares of vines and then building a state of the art winery (the first winery in the area) in time for their first vintage in 2000, established Willow Bridge as the pioneering estate of the area and demonstrated the family’s confidence in the property and resolve to see their vision become reality."
Willow Bridge Estate continues to attract acclaim for the relatively newly established wine growing region of Geographe which is located adjacent to its more famous neighbour Margaret River, in Western Australia. Wine critcs have heralded the winery for producing quality, good value wines. Winemaking is by veteran Western Australian winemaker, Kim Horton.
The Geographe wine growing region is located near the southern end of the Western Australia's Indian Ocean coast, between the emerging Peel region and famous Margaret River – with which its terroir shares several similarities. The best wines grown in this region include fruity Cabernet Sauvignon (often blended with Merlot), gamey Shiraz, rich, citrusy Chardonnay, and grassy 'SSB' blends of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon. The region's profile is increasing with several Geographe wineries winning national and international awards annually. At the heart of Western Australia's wine industry, the region supplies more than 10% of Western Australia's wine.
Semillon Sauvignon Blanc is a classic white wine blend. It is most widely produced in France (most notably Bordeaux's Graves district), where both Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon are well-established varieties. It is also a popular wine blend in Australia (particularly in Margaret River), South Africa, the United States, Argentina. The versatile blend is typically made into crisp, dry wines, but it is also the blend of choice for the world's most prestigious sweet wine style, Sauternes. The blend is endowed with vibrant acidity and grassy aromas by Sauvignon Blanc, and its structure and mouthfeel from Semillon.
1 x Glenlofty GO Shiraz 2015 ~ Pyrenees Victoria Australia
91/100 The Wine Front
91/100 CellarTracker
Bronze - Decanter World Wine Awards
Bronze - Huon Hooke
Bronze - Jeni Port (Halliday) (2017 Vintage)
Bronze - Aaron Brasher (2017 Vintage)
Silver - Melbourne International Wine Competition 2020 (2017 Vintage)
Gold - Melbourne International Wine Competition 2019 (2017 vintage)
Huon Hooke "Deep ruby colour without purple tints, ............ with some developed raspberry, chocolate nuances. There's a whiff of oak and a lot of developed characteristics."
Tastings.com " Black garnet color. Aromas and flavors of candied bacon, purple fruit, nutmeg, and black pepper with a slightly chewy, crisp, dry-yet-fruity medium-full body and a smooth, charming, medium-length finish with notes of plum pudding, grilled spice cake, and sage tea with well-integrated tannins and moderate oak flavor. A sturdy Shiraz for grilled meats."
Jeni Port (Halliday) "Upfront and sweet-fruited red that is ready to go right now. Ripe red berries, blue fruits and juniper spice drive the engine. Smooth and succulent on the palate. Meets the price point perfectly." (2017 Vintage)
Aaron Brasher "Ripe, dark cherry, spice and cool, minty aromatics. Flavours are driven by a crunchy, tangy, red cherry spiciness that is lively, fresh and bright. Quite a straightforward wine that needs a little time for the angles to soften" (2017 Vintage)
The Winemaker “Red and black fruits abound, supported by earthy and savoury characters as well as licorice and spice. Complex length of flavour.”
Winestate Magazine "Glenlofty’s vineyards have been carefully nurtured since 1995 in the cool-climate foothills of Victoria’s Pyrenees. Formerly blended into premium wines produced by Penfolds, Seppelts, Rosemount and Brown Bros, Glenlofty’s remarkable fruit has been bottled under its own Glenlofty Wines label only since 2013. Early industry applause has been rapid, as demonstrated by its awards."
The award winning Australian winery Glenlofty has vineyards located 340 metres above sea level in the heart of one of Australia's most famous cool climate wine growing regions, the Victorian Pyrenees. Here the climate, ancient granitic soil types and varying slopes mirror those of France’s northern Rhône region. Until 2010 Glenlofty sent their cool-climate premium fruit for blending into high-end wines under Seppelts and Penfolds labels. In 2010 the 140 ha vineyards were acquired by the pioneering Richmond-Smith family, well-known in Australian agriculture since 1839. The first wines released under the Glenlofty brand appeared in 2013, and were an immediate success, winning gold medals across the world.
Shiraz is the name given to the dark-skinned Syrah grape when grown in Australia and selected pockets of the New World. Though genetically identical, the stylistic differences between Shiraz and Syrah are usually pronounced.
Shiraz is so important to Australian viticulture that it is the most planted grape variety in the majority of Australian vineyards and has become virtually synonymous with the country's wine regions, and in particular the Barossa Valley.