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White Premium Mixed Box - 6 Pack Value
Regardless of whether you're a white wine devotee or just looking to expand your palate, these bottles deserve a place in your collection. Enjoy our selection of premium white wines from Australia, New Zealand and France.
1 x Chateau Marjosse Pierre Lurton Cuvee Chardonneret Blanc 2020 - Bordeaux, France
93/100 James Suckling
93/100 The wine INdependent
93/100 James Suckling (2019 vintage)
90/100 Jeff Leve, The wine Cellar Insider (2019 vintage)
Bronze - Jean Marc Quarin (2019 vintage)
90/100 Jeff Leve, The wine Cellar Insider (2018 vintage)
Bronze - Decanter (2018 vintage)
17/20 Jancis Robinson (2018 vintage)
Owned by one of the world's most famous winemakers, Pierre Lurton - president of two of Bordeaux's best-known chateaux, the Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton (LVMH) owned Château Cheval Blanc and Château d’Yquem.
100% chardonnay
James Suckling "..Solid and structured with a refreshing and vivid fruit character. Full-bodied with creamy texture and crunchy acidity....Lingering, chalky finish.... with apples and pears as well as dried flowers and leafy herbs. Some lemon biscuit as well."
James Suckling "..Excellent focus and length...Peach, pear, lemon curd, pastry, chalk, biscuit, white pepper and sea breeze on the nose. It’s full-bodied with bright acidity. Unfolds in layers on the palate. Concentrated and textured." (2019 vintage)
Jeff leve, "Fruity, juicy, forward and sweet with a core of lemons and pears, the wine is round and creamy with a yellow citrus endnote. " (2019 vintage)
Jeff Leve, "The debut vintage of this 100% Chardonnay is sweet, round and juicy with creamy lemons on the nose and palate. The floral, crushed stone and waxy lemon character in the perfume hits the spot.' (2018 vintage)
Decanter "A honeysuckle edge on the attack, there is a touch of bitterness on the finish, giving a yin-yang balance to the gorgeous citrus and oyster shell notes. No malolactic fermentation. Fermented and aged in Y d'Yquem barrels, and the Chardonnay was field-grafted from a highly illustrious producer in Burgundy, ensuring that this wine comes with inbuilt stories." (2018 vintage)
Château Marjosse is owned by French 'wine royalty', Pierre Lurton - president of two of Bordeaux’s best-known châteaux; the Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton (LVMH) owned, Château Cheval Blanc and Château d’Yquem, Château Marjosse. Pierre Lurton comes from two of the great Bordeaux families. His father Dominique was the youngest son of the paterfamilias François Lurton; his uncle André Lurton who founded the eponymous wine company; his many cousins run châteaux from Pauillac to Pomerol. His mother is from the famous Lafite family.
The influential Club Enologique asserts that Pierre is the most accomplished wine personality of his famous family. Trained as a doctor but swapping his studies for wine making after four years. At 23 he took over Clos Fourtet in St Emilion, one of the fine Lurton properties, and in 1991 he was appointed head of Château Cheval Blanc (it was bought by Bernard Arnault of LVMH in 1998); in 1999 he took on Château d’Yquem, which had just been added to the Arnault portfolio.
Club Enologique describes Pierre Lurton as having the world’s most corporate wine job. "However he divides his time between two of the world’s most exalted wine properties, but comes down to earth in Entre-deux-Mers, the leafy, unpretentious appellation to the east of Bordeaux at Château Marjosse."
The Château Marjosse estate is located in Entre-deux-Mers, on the right bank of Bordeaux. Initially owned by the wine merchant Bernard Chénier, Château Marjosse was acquired by the Deleuze family, who, in 1990, gave some plots to Pierre Lurton to rent. In 1992, Pierre Lurton, who grew up in Château Reynier, neighbour to this magnificent Chartreuse, moved to a second home in Château Marjosse and, over successive years became the owner of the entire vineyard, as well as the Chartreuse in 2013.
Decanter "Since Lurton bought Château Marjosse in 1994, the estate has improved beyond recognition. Pierre's father, Dominique Lurton, also made over a further 30ha so that, under the Château Marjosse label, Lurton now exploits 42ha of vineyard, six hectares of white and 36ha of Bordeaux red – a total of 300,000 bottles a year. Pierre insists his wine is Bordeaux and not Bordeaux Supérieur because ‘my wine is only supérieur in the bottle’. His objectives are ambitious. As the quality of the terroir with clay-limestone soil is similar to some of the better areas in Saint-Emilion, he hopes to prove that wines from this area can rival those from more prestigious regions."
Sommeliers international "At Château Marjosse the land possesses yet another specific feature, known locally as “la Boulbène”, a silty-clayey texture that has developed on ancient alluvions. The fertility of these soils no longer needs to be proved, because, by chance, they are also found in Saint-Emilion, a terroir that is extremely familiar to the man who manages “Cheval Blanc” …. Pierre Lurton. Assisted in this transformation by Consultant-Oenologist Pascal Poussevin, whose recommendations range from vine growing to wine-making, Pierre Lurton’s estate has now reached its cruising speed … Beyond the fabulous adventures he experiences in his role as manager of Châteaux d’Yquem, Cheval Blanc, as well as estates in South Africa, Latin America and in Australia … it is undoubtedly with “the salt of this land here in the Entre-deux-Mers” that his years of quest for perfection will be revealed. It is clear that this region needs winegrowers of such calibre, those who possess a sixth sense and, using techniques that almost resemble intentional alchemy, transform the grapes they touch into wines that exude the unique character of a specific area."
The Entre-deux-Mers region, nicknamed by wine experts as “Little Tuscany”, is unique and jealously protected by its inhabitants. "There are fifteen appellations that constitute the Entre-deux-Mers. The most well-known of them all, reputed for its dry, lively white wines, is certainly the one which bears the name of this region! The Entre-deux-Mers cultivates a certain speciality in producing white wines, due to its basic geological assets, possessing gravelly-limestone soils, upon which Sémillon, Sauvignon, Muscadelle and even Ugni Blanc grape varieties are planted. But the variety of soils and sub-soils associated with such a complex landscape provides a diversity of terroirs … These are favourable for producing red wines, that are regrettably not sufficiently well-known, but highly prized for the complexity of their aromas, their deep, vivid colour, as well as the concentration and elegance of their tannins." Sommeliers international.
Bordeaux, in the southwest of France, needs little introduction as one of the world's most famous, prestigious and prolific wine regions. Its three trump cards are diversity, quality and quantity. The majority of Bordeaux wines (nearly 90 percent of production volume) are the dry, medium- and full-bodied red Bordeaux Blends that established its reputation. The finest (and most expensive) of these come from the great châteaux of the Haut-Médoc and the Right Bank appellations Saint-Émilion and Pomerol. The legendary reds are complemented by high-quality white wines, both dry styles (particularly from Pessac-Léognan) and the sweet, botrytized nectars of Sauternes.
Chardonnay is one of the world’s most popular grapes, Chardonnay is made in a wide range of styles from lean, to rich, creamy white wines aged in oak. Bolder, richer, full-bodied and buttery Chardonnays are made using oak and are produced in California, Burgundy, and Australia. Unoaked chardonnays such as Chablis and those produced in Chile, New Zealand, and other parts of France are leaner and often crisp and mineraly, with delicate flavors. By law, if a label says “Chablis,” it must be Chardonnay.
1 x Catalina Sounds Pinot Gris 2021 - Marlborough, New Zealand
This acclaimed vineyard has won many awards for this wine.
4.5 Stars - Michael Cooper
Bronze - Air New Zealand WIne awards (2017 vintage)
Gold - Sydney international wine Competition (2016 vintage)
Gold - Marlborough wine Show (2016 vintage)
Bronze - Air New Zealand wine awards (2016 vintage)
4 Stars winestate Magazine (2016 vintage)
Since the release of Catalina Sounds Pinot Gris, the vineyard has been consistently awarded.
The Real Review. Bob Campbell & Huan Hooke "Top 2016 Pinot Gris"
Michael Cooper "The attractive 2021 vintage (4.5*) was principally (75 per cent) estate-grown in the Sound of white vineyard in the upper Waihopai Valley. Blended with Awatere Valley grapes (25 per cent), it was mostly handled in tanks, with some use of old oak barrels. Full-bodied, it is finely poised, with generous pear and spice flavours, showing a distinct touch of complexity, excellent delicacy and balance (5.2 grams/litre of residual sugar), and an invitingly scented bouquet. best drinking mid-2023+."
Winestate Magazine 2016 Vintage "Attractively scented, with mouth filling body and strong, ripe peach and pear-like flavours. Fresh and finely textured, with slightly mealy notes."
Malborough based award winning winery, Catalina Sounds is known for wines which harness the purity and vibrancy of Marlborough’s climate and landscape. The name Catalina Sounds evolved from the majestic Catalina flying boats that played a vital role across the South pacific during and after World War II.
Marlborough is by far New Zealand's most important wine region. Situated at the north-eastern tip of the South Island, this dry, sunny region produces around three-quarters of all New Zealand wine. It is particularly famous for its pungent, zesty Sauvignon Blanc - widely considered by critics to be the best Sauvignon currently produced anywhere on the planet. Commercial scale viticulture began in Marlborough the 1970s – it conquered the world within 25 years!
1 x McHenry Hohnen Hazels Vineyard Chardonnay (Organic) 2019 ~ Margaret River, Western Australia
97/100 wine Pilot, Angus Hughson
95/100 Halliday wine Companion, Erin Larkin
95/100 The Real Review, Aaron Brasher
91/100 Decanter World wine awards
97/100 - Top Chardonnay Halliday wine Companion awards 2023 (2020 vintage)
91/100 Decanter World wine awards (2018 vintage)
96/100 The Real Review (2018 vintage)
94/100 Nick Stock (2017 vintage)
95/100 Huon Hooke (2016 vintage)
95/100 James Halliday (2016 vintage)
93/100 The wine Front (2016 vintage)
5 Star winery - James Halliday (2016 vintage)
"Halliday wine Companion - Australian winery of the Year 2022 & 2023"
Halliday wine Companion, Erin Larkin "All 3 single-vineyard chardonnays are made in the same manner: hand picked, whole-bunch pressed, wild fermented in barrel (25% new) with full solids and partial mlf. white spice, nectarine, coastal spray and crushed macadamia on the nose. The palate is where the mlf is evident; it creates a creamy, buttery texture that sits alongside the pink grapefruit and mandarin pith. Blossom and red apple skin round out the palate, the saline acidity forms curls of sensation as it fades."
Wine Pilot, Angus Hughson "Bright mid straw and a beautifully reserved expression of premium Margaret River Chardonnay. There is impressive aromatic precision and focus with fruits in the citrus and floral spectrum and nougat-scented oak. Also some flinty/smoky leesy elements add superb detail. It is then dry, taut and acid driven with palpable palate tension but also a silkiness and a chalky texture; love the balance and fruit purity as it unfurls. Finally, a picture of refinement and balance with a supremely long finish accented by doughy, citrus and floral complexity. This builds beautifully in the glass over time too which bodes very well for the future."
The Real Review, Aaron Brasher "Quite lifted aromas of nectarine, white flowers, nuts, bacon fat and vanilla. Powerful on the palate—white stone fruit, guava and creamy oak are all at play. Acidity is fine and focused and manages the powerful fruit admirably. There's some grip and texture that adds to the mouth-feel and the length is impressive."
Tasting Notes "Mandarin peal, white blossom and ruby grapefruit aromas give way to stone fruit and a seductive nougat element. Creamy, nutty and textured, this Chardonnay is both powerful in fruit concentration and restrained by a precise acid line. A layered wine with persistence, power and grace and a true representation of this south Margaret River vineyard just inland from the coast."
Halliday wine Companion awards 2023, Erin Larkin "I've tasted this wine blind in pretty esteemed company (several times), the likes of Bâtard-Montrachet, Chevalier-Montrachet, Genevrières etc, and while it has come just under those wines in ranking, it has more than stood its ground, and has earned my unwavering respect in doing so. Powerful, layered, fragrant, balanced, rippling and exciting. Back up the car – this is too cheap currently." (2020 vintage)
Stuart Knox, The Real Review "Pale to medium straw-yellow colour in the glass. The nose lifts with flint minerality, bacon fat and nectarines. The palate explodes with power, but almost instantaneously that power is compressed again by incredibly taut acid which brings laser-like focus and drives it very long. As it slowly unfurls softer savoury elements, smoke and nuts show themselves, but that acid drive is never far away. A serious exercise in power and precision." (2018 vintage)
Nick Stock "Striking purity of pithy lemon and lime aromas here with some gentle, grilled-hazelnut complexity at the edges. The palate has a super tight, sleek and mouthwatering style with fresh lemons and grapefruit, as well as white peaches in abundance. Impressive. Drink or hold. Screw cap." (2017 vintage)
Huon Hooke "...invested with delicious complexing notes that make it much more than a simple fruit wine. Lovely. Light yellow hue, fresh and clean; the bouquet is cashew-nutty, creamy and lightly smoky … becoming cleaner and more spicy with air. It's very fresh and vibrant with intense lemon juice flavour...." (2016 Vintage)
James Halliday “A different expression of funk that backs off somewhat having made its point, and moves into elegant mode. Nice wine.” (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.
Chardonnay is one of the world’s most popular grapes, Chardonnay is made in a wide range of styles from lean, to rich, creamy white wines aged in oak. Bolder, richer, full-bodied and buttery Chardonnays are made using oak and are produced in California, Burgundy, and Australia. Unoaked chardonnays such as Chablis and those produced in Chile, New Zealand, and other parts of France are leaner and often crisp and mineraly, with delicate flavors. By law, if a label says “Chablis,” it must be Chardonnay.
1 x La Lacroix Martillac Blanc 2015 ~ Bordeaux, France
Second label of the famous Grand Cru Château Latour-Martillac
The winemaker "A wine with very nice length and great finesse. A bright gold colour, with lively and explosive notes of fresh citrus and exotic fruits on the nose. On the palate, the richness of the white grapes and the acid tension supply a superb sophistication. Pure and authentic mineral notes." (translated from French)
Vinous "Bordeaux enjoyed its strongest vintage in a number of years in 2015. The warm, dry summer yielded opulent wines built on intense fruit and voluptuous textures. At their best, the 2015s are spectacularly rich, racy wines loaded with personality."
This wine comes from the vineyards of the well-known Grand Cru Bordeaux property of Château Latour-Martillac, owned by the Kressman family. The wines of Château Latour-Martillac gained widespread attention in 1934, when the red vintage was selected by the wine and Spirit Benevolent Society of London for the celebration of the coronation of His Majesty King George the VI, King of England in December 1936.
The 6 children of the original owner, Jean Kressmann own the domain and continue with the family tradition of wine-making, assisted by the leading wine consultants in Bordeaux. In the 1980’s, they increased the area planted in Sauvignon Blanc to compliment the Semillon, the historical grape variety of the property.
Pessac-Leognan is a prestigious appellation for wines produced in a particular area of the Bordeaux region of south-western France. A relatively new appellation, it was carved out of the Graves sub-region in 1987 – recognized in its own right on the merits of its high-quality red and white wines. This was a significant change, as many of the chateaux in what is now Pessac-Leognan were the best performers in the Graves Classification of 1959.
Pessac-Leognan’s white wines are made predominantly from Sauvignon Blanc (a required minimum of 25%) and Semillon grapes, and are often matured in oak for greater complexity. These white varieties thrive on the sandier soils of the appellation and produce more age-worthy wines than any other part of the world.
Elsewhere, blends of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon are best consumed within two years of harvest; in contrast, the best white wines of Pessac-Leognan can develop in bottle for well over a decade.
1 x Te Mata Estate Vineyard Chardonnay 2021 - Hawkes Bay, New Zealand
96/100 Sam Kim, wine Orbit
90/100 Tom Cannavan (2018 vintage)
90/100 Huon Hooke, The Real Review (2016 vintage)
Sam Kim, wine Orbit "A gorgeously composed Chardonnay with a great degree of elegance, showing nectarine, rockmelon, lemon peel, oatmeal and roasted hazelnut characters on the nose, followed by a superbly structured palate that’s laced with ripe fruit intensity and stylish oak infusion. Bright acidity provides balance and frame, while richly textured mouthfeel leads to a persistent sensual finish."
Tom Cannavan "Made from the Mendoza clone (with its hen and chick tendency), and low-cropped. Part wild yeast fermentation in barrel. The oak is subtle, again a little Jack Daniels note, but then mouth-watering juiciness with lemon and fennel, apple fruit and the acid line playing against a little soft nougat or almond." (2018 vintage)
Huon Hooke, The Real Review "A light coloured and very refreshing, lightly oaked, soft and easy drinking chardonnay. Hints of nectarine and passionfruit. The wine is very soft, almost with a slight impression of sweetness, and oak is barely perceptible. Beautifully balanced, refined, subtle and lovely to drink."
Winemaker "Vibrant white-gold, Estate Chardonnay ’22 dazzles with bright lemon blossom and concentrated white peach. On the palate, all the ripe Hawke’s Bay stone fruit on offer softens to mascarpone and macadamia, with barrel-ferment notes of toast, biscuit and woodsmoke. The lingering finish of Estate Chardonnay ’22 is fine and dry, marrying the wine’s fresh fruit acidity with just a flick of salinity – the lasting perfume of a perfect Hawke’s Bay summer."
World of Fine wine 'Getting to know a legend' "A visit to one of the world’s greatest fine-wine estates should be an integral part of any tour of New Zealand. On the East Coast of New Zealand’s North Island is the independently owned, family-run, Te Mata Estate. Owners and staff still work on vineyards that began growing Cabernet, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir back in the 1890s, making it the country’s oldest wine estate. Since 1905, this winery has been winning gold medals globally, which led to these sites becoming the country’s first to be protected by law due to their viticultural history. Te Mata Estate wines are currently available in 45 countries and have been presented at some of the world’s top tables— including to President Barrack Obama, President Xi Jinping, and Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee."
Raymond Chan "Te Mata Estate was the standard by which every other wine producer could be judged against, as the full range of styles has always been impeccable. In the earlier days, Hawke’s Bay was the scene of New Zealand’s quality wine, so it was very apt to have Te Mata Estate as the point of reference. Even when other regions developed, and Marlborough grew larger, and other varietals such as Pinot Noir became important, one could understand the state of the New Zealand wine industry by how Te Mata Estate behaved or reacted to influences, whether internal, or international."
Te Mata Estate is regarded as one of New Zealand’s most important wine producers. It is New Zealand's oldest winery, oldest wine estate and has the oldest winery cellars in the country - in continuous operation since 1895. Coleraine is Te Mata's most acclaimed wine and is often regarded as New Zealand's best red wine.
Hawke's Bay is located on the east coast of New Zealand's North Island in and around the cities of Napier, Hastings and Havelock North. This historic region has New Zealand's second-largest wine industry (after Marlborough) and is highly regarded for its red Bordeaux Blend wines. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Chardonnay are all planted widely across the region. Over the years, the region has won international acclaim for its very high-quality Bordeaux-style reds and full-bodied Chardonnays. Syrah, produced in a classic European style with strong black-pepper flavors, is another grape variety thought to have great potential here.
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.
Chardonnay has been grown in Italy for decades, and it's become the fourth most-planted white wine grape in the country. The best Italian Chardonnay is found in the northern part of the country - the Piedmont - where the climate is similar to regions in France. However, if you know Chardonnay, you know that this versatile grape can be grown almost anwhere. Good Chardonnay can be found in places as diverse as Umbria, Sicily, Asti, and Tuscany.
1 x McHenry Hohnen Calgardup Brook Sauvignon Blanc (Organic) 2021 ~ Margaret River, Western Australia
95/100 Huon Hooke, The Real Review
94/100 Erin Larkin, Halliday wine Companion
92/100 James Suckling
5 Star winery - James Halliday
"Halliday wine Companion - Australian winery of the Year 2022 & 2023"
The Real Review, Huon Hooke "Light straw-yellow hue, with a gently herbal, nutty barrel-ferment and spicy sauvignon blanc fruit bouquet, showing more varietal character on palate than nose. It's intense and bright, lively and full of character, much more than simple varietal fruit, although it is recognisable as sauvignon blanc. An excellent attempt at a white Bordeaux style."
Erin Larkin, Halliday wine Companion "...More volume and density of flavour than the Burnside (neither here nor there qualitatively, simply an observation), this is sensational. Utterly."
James Suckling "This has aromas of grapefruit, lime zest, green apples and fennel. Crunchy and bright with a medium body, clear and transparent fruit and mineral undertones."
Saint wine "Now under the sole stewardship of Murray McHenry the drive has intensified to create wines that are supported by a complex and diversified environment, a natural interdependence that creates specificity that cannot be replicated. A focus on single vineyard wines crafted by head winemaker Japo Dalli Cani delivers a heightened experience to the consumer expression of regionality and purity that underpins the McHenry Hohnen ethos."
Founded by one of the pioneers of the Margaret River winemaking region, David Hohnen, and his brother in law, Murray McHenry, an accomplished fine wine retailer. Both have been making wine in Margaret River since the early 1970s. McHenry Hohnen vineyards are 100% biodynamic. Their three unique vineyards (Burnside, Calgardup and Hazel’s) produce wines that are a reflection of the land. McHenry Hohnen focus on crafting site expressive wines and are known for producing some of the region's best wines.
Margaret River is one of the best known wine regions in Australia, recognized internationally for the quality of its wines and the natural beauty of the region. Although originally renowned for its unusually refined cabernet sauvignon and intensely citrusy chardonnay varieties, the region now produces high quality Semillon-Sauvignon blends and Shiraz.
Located in the south-western corner of Western Australia, it is famous for having a more 'European' wine style than its counterparts across Australia, owing to the regions temperate, coastal location which is very similar to that of Bordeaux.
Regardless of whether you're a white wine devotee or just looking to expand your palate, these bottles deserve a place in your collection. Enjoy our selection of premium white wines from Australia, New Zealand and France.
1 x Chateau Marjosse Pierre Lurton Cuvee Chardonneret Blanc 2020 - Bordeaux, France
93/100 James Suckling
93/100 The wine INdependent
93/100 James Suckling (2019 vintage)
90/100 Jeff Leve, The wine Cellar Insider (2019 vintage)
Bronze - Jean Marc Quarin (2019 vintage)
90/100 Jeff Leve, The wine Cellar Insider (2018 vintage)
Bronze - Decanter (2018 vintage)
17/20 Jancis Robinson (2018 vintage)
Owned by one of the world's most famous winemakers, Pierre Lurton - president of two of Bordeaux's best-known chateaux, the Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton (LVMH) owned Château Cheval Blanc and Château d’Yquem.
100% chardonnay
James Suckling "..Solid and structured with a refreshing and vivid fruit character. Full-bodied with creamy texture and crunchy acidity....Lingering, chalky finish.... with apples and pears as well as dried flowers and leafy herbs. Some lemon biscuit as well."
James Suckling "..Excellent focus and length...Peach, pear, lemon curd, pastry, chalk, biscuit, white pepper and sea breeze on the nose. It’s full-bodied with bright acidity. Unfolds in layers on the palate. Concentrated and textured." (2019 vintage)
Jeff leve, "Fruity, juicy, forward and sweet with a core of lemons and pears, the wine is round and creamy with a yellow citrus endnote. " (2019 vintage)
Jeff Leve, "The debut vintage of this 100% Chardonnay is sweet, round and juicy with creamy lemons on the nose and palate. The floral, crushed stone and waxy lemon character in the perfume hits the spot.' (2018 vintage)
Decanter "A honeysuckle edge on the attack, there is a touch of bitterness on the finish, giving a yin-yang balance to the gorgeous citrus and oyster shell notes. No malolactic fermentation. Fermented and aged in Y d'Yquem barrels, and the Chardonnay was field-grafted from a highly illustrious producer in Burgundy, ensuring that this wine comes with inbuilt stories." (2018 vintage)
Château Marjosse is owned by French 'wine royalty', Pierre Lurton - president of two of Bordeaux’s best-known châteaux; the Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton (LVMH) owned, Château Cheval Blanc and Château d’Yquem, Château Marjosse. Pierre Lurton comes from two of the great Bordeaux families. His father Dominique was the youngest son of the paterfamilias François Lurton; his uncle André Lurton who founded the eponymous wine company; his many cousins run châteaux from Pauillac to Pomerol. His mother is from the famous Lafite family.
The influential Club Enologique asserts that Pierre is the most accomplished wine personality of his famous family. Trained as a doctor but swapping his studies for wine making after four years. At 23 he took over Clos Fourtet in St Emilion, one of the fine Lurton properties, and in 1991 he was appointed head of Château Cheval Blanc (it was bought by Bernard Arnault of LVMH in 1998); in 1999 he took on Château d’Yquem, which had just been added to the Arnault portfolio.
Club Enologique describes Pierre Lurton as having the world’s most corporate wine job. "However he divides his time between two of the world’s most exalted wine properties, but comes down to earth in Entre-deux-Mers, the leafy, unpretentious appellation to the east of Bordeaux at Château Marjosse."
The Château Marjosse estate is located in Entre-deux-Mers, on the right bank of Bordeaux. Initially owned by the wine merchant Bernard Chénier, Château Marjosse was acquired by the Deleuze family, who, in 1990, gave some plots to Pierre Lurton to rent. In 1992, Pierre Lurton, who grew up in Château Reynier, neighbour to this magnificent Chartreuse, moved to a second home in Château Marjosse and, over successive years became the owner of the entire vineyard, as well as the Chartreuse in 2013.
Decanter "Since Lurton bought Château Marjosse in 1994, the estate has improved beyond recognition. Pierre's father, Dominique Lurton, also made over a further 30ha so that, under the Château Marjosse label, Lurton now exploits 42ha of vineyard, six hectares of white and 36ha of Bordeaux red – a total of 300,000 bottles a year. Pierre insists his wine is Bordeaux and not Bordeaux Supérieur because ‘my wine is only supérieur in the bottle’. His objectives are ambitious. As the quality of the terroir with clay-limestone soil is similar to some of the better areas in Saint-Emilion, he hopes to prove that wines from this area can rival those from more prestigious regions."
Sommeliers international "At Château Marjosse the land possesses yet another specific feature, known locally as “la Boulbène”, a silty-clayey texture that has developed on ancient alluvions. The fertility of these soils no longer needs to be proved, because, by chance, they are also found in Saint-Emilion, a terroir that is extremely familiar to the man who manages “Cheval Blanc” …. Pierre Lurton. Assisted in this transformation by Consultant-Oenologist Pascal Poussevin, whose recommendations range from vine growing to wine-making, Pierre Lurton’s estate has now reached its cruising speed … Beyond the fabulous adventures he experiences in his role as manager of Châteaux d’Yquem, Cheval Blanc, as well as estates in South Africa, Latin America and in Australia … it is undoubtedly with “the salt of this land here in the Entre-deux-Mers” that his years of quest for perfection will be revealed. It is clear that this region needs winegrowers of such calibre, those who possess a sixth sense and, using techniques that almost resemble intentional alchemy, transform the grapes they touch into wines that exude the unique character of a specific area."
The Entre-deux-Mers region, nicknamed by wine experts as “Little Tuscany”, is unique and jealously protected by its inhabitants. "There are fifteen appellations that constitute the Entre-deux-Mers. The most well-known of them all, reputed for its dry, lively white wines, is certainly the one which bears the name of this region! The Entre-deux-Mers cultivates a certain speciality in producing white wines, due to its basic geological assets, possessing gravelly-limestone soils, upon which Sémillon, Sauvignon, Muscadelle and even Ugni Blanc grape varieties are planted. But the variety of soils and sub-soils associated with such a complex landscape provides a diversity of terroirs … These are favourable for producing red wines, that are regrettably not sufficiently well-known, but highly prized for the complexity of their aromas, their deep, vivid colour, as well as the concentration and elegance of their tannins." Sommeliers international.
Bordeaux, in the southwest of France, needs little introduction as one of the world's most famous, prestigious and prolific wine regions. Its three trump cards are diversity, quality and quantity. The majority of Bordeaux wines (nearly 90 percent of production volume) are the dry, medium- and full-bodied red Bordeaux Blends that established its reputation. The finest (and most expensive) of these come from the great châteaux of the Haut-Médoc and the Right Bank appellations Saint-Émilion and Pomerol. The legendary reds are complemented by high-quality white wines, both dry styles (particularly from Pessac-Léognan) and the sweet, botrytized nectars of Sauternes.
Chardonnay is one of the world’s most popular grapes, Chardonnay is made in a wide range of styles from lean, to rich, creamy white wines aged in oak. Bolder, richer, full-bodied and buttery Chardonnays are made using oak and are produced in California, Burgundy, and Australia. Unoaked chardonnays such as Chablis and those produced in Chile, New Zealand, and other parts of France are leaner and often crisp and mineraly, with delicate flavors. By law, if a label says “Chablis,” it must be Chardonnay.
1 x Catalina Sounds Pinot Gris 2021 - Marlborough, New Zealand
This acclaimed vineyard has won many awards for this wine.
4.5 Stars - Michael Cooper
Bronze - Air New Zealand WIne awards (2017 vintage)
Gold - Sydney international wine Competition (2016 vintage)
Gold - Marlborough wine Show (2016 vintage)
Bronze - Air New Zealand wine awards (2016 vintage)
4 Stars winestate Magazine (2016 vintage)
Since the release of Catalina Sounds Pinot Gris, the vineyard has been consistently awarded.
The Real Review. Bob Campbell & Huan Hooke "Top 2016 Pinot Gris"
Michael Cooper "The attractive 2021 vintage (4.5*) was principally (75 per cent) estate-grown in the Sound of white vineyard in the upper Waihopai Valley. Blended with Awatere Valley grapes (25 per cent), it was mostly handled in tanks, with some use of old oak barrels. Full-bodied, it is finely poised, with generous pear and spice flavours, showing a distinct touch of complexity, excellent delicacy and balance (5.2 grams/litre of residual sugar), and an invitingly scented bouquet. best drinking mid-2023+."
Winestate Magazine 2016 Vintage "Attractively scented, with mouth filling body and strong, ripe peach and pear-like flavours. Fresh and finely textured, with slightly mealy notes."
Malborough based award winning winery, Catalina Sounds is known for wines which harness the purity and vibrancy of Marlborough’s climate and landscape. The name Catalina Sounds evolved from the majestic Catalina flying boats that played a vital role across the South pacific during and after World War II.
Marlborough is by far New Zealand's most important wine region. Situated at the north-eastern tip of the South Island, this dry, sunny region produces around three-quarters of all New Zealand wine. It is particularly famous for its pungent, zesty Sauvignon Blanc - widely considered by critics to be the best Sauvignon currently produced anywhere on the planet. Commercial scale viticulture began in Marlborough the 1970s – it conquered the world within 25 years!
1 x McHenry Hohnen Hazels Vineyard Chardonnay (Organic) 2019 ~ Margaret River, Western Australia
97/100 wine Pilot, Angus Hughson
95/100 Halliday wine Companion, Erin Larkin
95/100 The Real Review, Aaron Brasher
91/100 Decanter World wine awards
97/100 - Top Chardonnay Halliday wine Companion awards 2023 (2020 vintage)
91/100 Decanter World wine awards (2018 vintage)
96/100 The Real Review (2018 vintage)
94/100 Nick Stock (2017 vintage)
95/100 Huon Hooke (2016 vintage)
95/100 James Halliday (2016 vintage)
93/100 The wine Front (2016 vintage)
5 Star winery - James Halliday (2016 vintage)
"Halliday wine Companion - Australian winery of the Year 2022 & 2023"
Halliday wine Companion, Erin Larkin "All 3 single-vineyard chardonnays are made in the same manner: hand picked, whole-bunch pressed, wild fermented in barrel (25% new) with full solids and partial mlf. white spice, nectarine, coastal spray and crushed macadamia on the nose. The palate is where the mlf is evident; it creates a creamy, buttery texture that sits alongside the pink grapefruit and mandarin pith. Blossom and red apple skin round out the palate, the saline acidity forms curls of sensation as it fades."
Wine Pilot, Angus Hughson "Bright mid straw and a beautifully reserved expression of premium Margaret River Chardonnay. There is impressive aromatic precision and focus with fruits in the citrus and floral spectrum and nougat-scented oak. Also some flinty/smoky leesy elements add superb detail. It is then dry, taut and acid driven with palpable palate tension but also a silkiness and a chalky texture; love the balance and fruit purity as it unfurls. Finally, a picture of refinement and balance with a supremely long finish accented by doughy, citrus and floral complexity. This builds beautifully in the glass over time too which bodes very well for the future."
The Real Review, Aaron Brasher "Quite lifted aromas of nectarine, white flowers, nuts, bacon fat and vanilla. Powerful on the palate—white stone fruit, guava and creamy oak are all at play. Acidity is fine and focused and manages the powerful fruit admirably. There's some grip and texture that adds to the mouth-feel and the length is impressive."
Tasting Notes "Mandarin peal, white blossom and ruby grapefruit aromas give way to stone fruit and a seductive nougat element. Creamy, nutty and textured, this Chardonnay is both powerful in fruit concentration and restrained by a precise acid line. A layered wine with persistence, power and grace and a true representation of this south Margaret River vineyard just inland from the coast."
Halliday wine Companion awards 2023, Erin Larkin "I've tasted this wine blind in pretty esteemed company (several times), the likes of Bâtard-Montrachet, Chevalier-Montrachet, Genevrières etc, and while it has come just under those wines in ranking, it has more than stood its ground, and has earned my unwavering respect in doing so. Powerful, layered, fragrant, balanced, rippling and exciting. Back up the car – this is too cheap currently." (2020 vintage)
Stuart Knox, The Real Review "Pale to medium straw-yellow colour in the glass. The nose lifts with flint minerality, bacon fat and nectarines. The palate explodes with power, but almost instantaneously that power is compressed again by incredibly taut acid which brings laser-like focus and drives it very long. As it slowly unfurls softer savoury elements, smoke and nuts show themselves, but that acid drive is never far away. A serious exercise in power and precision." (2018 vintage)
Nick Stock "Striking purity of pithy lemon and lime aromas here with some gentle, grilled-hazelnut complexity at the edges. The palate has a super tight, sleek and mouthwatering style with fresh lemons and grapefruit, as well as white peaches in abundance. Impressive. Drink or hold. Screw cap." (2017 vintage)
Huon Hooke "...invested with delicious complexing notes that make it much more than a simple fruit wine. Lovely. Light yellow hue, fresh and clean; the bouquet is cashew-nutty, creamy and lightly smoky … becoming cleaner and more spicy with air. It's very fresh and vibrant with intense lemon juice flavour...." (2016 Vintage)
James Halliday “A different expression of funk that backs off somewhat having made its point, and moves into elegant mode. Nice wine.” (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.
Chardonnay is one of the world’s most popular grapes, Chardonnay is made in a wide range of styles from lean, to rich, creamy white wines aged in oak. Bolder, richer, full-bodied and buttery Chardonnays are made using oak and are produced in California, Burgundy, and Australia. Unoaked chardonnays such as Chablis and those produced in Chile, New Zealand, and other parts of France are leaner and often crisp and mineraly, with delicate flavors. By law, if a label says “Chablis,” it must be Chardonnay.
1 x La Lacroix Martillac Blanc 2015 ~ Bordeaux, France
Second label of the famous Grand Cru Château Latour-Martillac
The winemaker "A wine with very nice length and great finesse. A bright gold colour, with lively and explosive notes of fresh citrus and exotic fruits on the nose. On the palate, the richness of the white grapes and the acid tension supply a superb sophistication. Pure and authentic mineral notes." (translated from French)
Vinous "Bordeaux enjoyed its strongest vintage in a number of years in 2015. The warm, dry summer yielded opulent wines built on intense fruit and voluptuous textures. At their best, the 2015s are spectacularly rich, racy wines loaded with personality."
This wine comes from the vineyards of the well-known Grand Cru Bordeaux property of Château Latour-Martillac, owned by the Kressman family. The wines of Château Latour-Martillac gained widespread attention in 1934, when the red vintage was selected by the wine and Spirit Benevolent Society of London for the celebration of the coronation of His Majesty King George the VI, King of England in December 1936.
The 6 children of the original owner, Jean Kressmann own the domain and continue with the family tradition of wine-making, assisted by the leading wine consultants in Bordeaux. In the 1980’s, they increased the area planted in Sauvignon Blanc to compliment the Semillon, the historical grape variety of the property.
Pessac-Leognan is a prestigious appellation for wines produced in a particular area of the Bordeaux region of south-western France. A relatively new appellation, it was carved out of the Graves sub-region in 1987 – recognized in its own right on the merits of its high-quality red and white wines. This was a significant change, as many of the chateaux in what is now Pessac-Leognan were the best performers in the Graves Classification of 1959.
Pessac-Leognan’s white wines are made predominantly from Sauvignon Blanc (a required minimum of 25%) and Semillon grapes, and are often matured in oak for greater complexity. These white varieties thrive on the sandier soils of the appellation and produce more age-worthy wines than any other part of the world.
Elsewhere, blends of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon are best consumed within two years of harvest; in contrast, the best white wines of Pessac-Leognan can develop in bottle for well over a decade.
1 x Te Mata Estate Vineyard Chardonnay 2021 - Hawkes Bay, New Zealand
96/100 Sam Kim, wine Orbit
90/100 Tom Cannavan (2018 vintage)
90/100 Huon Hooke, The Real Review (2016 vintage)
Sam Kim, wine Orbit "A gorgeously composed Chardonnay with a great degree of elegance, showing nectarine, rockmelon, lemon peel, oatmeal and roasted hazelnut characters on the nose, followed by a superbly structured palate that’s laced with ripe fruit intensity and stylish oak infusion. Bright acidity provides balance and frame, while richly textured mouthfeel leads to a persistent sensual finish."
Tom Cannavan "Made from the Mendoza clone (with its hen and chick tendency), and low-cropped. Part wild yeast fermentation in barrel. The oak is subtle, again a little Jack Daniels note, but then mouth-watering juiciness with lemon and fennel, apple fruit and the acid line playing against a little soft nougat or almond." (2018 vintage)
Huon Hooke, The Real Review "A light coloured and very refreshing, lightly oaked, soft and easy drinking chardonnay. Hints of nectarine and passionfruit. The wine is very soft, almost with a slight impression of sweetness, and oak is barely perceptible. Beautifully balanced, refined, subtle and lovely to drink."
Winemaker "Vibrant white-gold, Estate Chardonnay ’22 dazzles with bright lemon blossom and concentrated white peach. On the palate, all the ripe Hawke’s Bay stone fruit on offer softens to mascarpone and macadamia, with barrel-ferment notes of toast, biscuit and woodsmoke. The lingering finish of Estate Chardonnay ’22 is fine and dry, marrying the wine’s fresh fruit acidity with just a flick of salinity – the lasting perfume of a perfect Hawke’s Bay summer."
World of Fine wine 'Getting to know a legend' "A visit to one of the world’s greatest fine-wine estates should be an integral part of any tour of New Zealand. On the East Coast of New Zealand’s North Island is the independently owned, family-run, Te Mata Estate. Owners and staff still work on vineyards that began growing Cabernet, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir back in the 1890s, making it the country’s oldest wine estate. Since 1905, this winery has been winning gold medals globally, which led to these sites becoming the country’s first to be protected by law due to their viticultural history. Te Mata Estate wines are currently available in 45 countries and have been presented at some of the world’s top tables— including to President Barrack Obama, President Xi Jinping, and Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee."
Raymond Chan "Te Mata Estate was the standard by which every other wine producer could be judged against, as the full range of styles has always been impeccable. In the earlier days, Hawke’s Bay was the scene of New Zealand’s quality wine, so it was very apt to have Te Mata Estate as the point of reference. Even when other regions developed, and Marlborough grew larger, and other varietals such as Pinot Noir became important, one could understand the state of the New Zealand wine industry by how Te Mata Estate behaved or reacted to influences, whether internal, or international."
Te Mata Estate is regarded as one of New Zealand’s most important wine producers. It is New Zealand's oldest winery, oldest wine estate and has the oldest winery cellars in the country - in continuous operation since 1895. Coleraine is Te Mata's most acclaimed wine and is often regarded as New Zealand's best red wine.
Hawke's Bay is located on the east coast of New Zealand's North Island in and around the cities of Napier, Hastings and Havelock North. This historic region has New Zealand's second-largest wine industry (after Marlborough) and is highly regarded for its red Bordeaux Blend wines. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Chardonnay are all planted widely across the region. Over the years, the region has won international acclaim for its very high-quality Bordeaux-style reds and full-bodied Chardonnays. Syrah, produced in a classic European style with strong black-pepper flavors, is another grape variety thought to have great potential here.
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.
Chardonnay has been grown in Italy for decades, and it's become the fourth most-planted white wine grape in the country. The best Italian Chardonnay is found in the northern part of the country - the Piedmont - where the climate is similar to regions in France. However, if you know Chardonnay, you know that this versatile grape can be grown almost anwhere. Good Chardonnay can be found in places as diverse as Umbria, Sicily, Asti, and Tuscany.
1 x McHenry Hohnen Calgardup Brook Sauvignon Blanc (Organic) 2021 ~ Margaret River, Western Australia
95/100 Huon Hooke, The Real Review
94/100 Erin Larkin, Halliday wine Companion
92/100 James Suckling
5 Star winery - James Halliday
"Halliday wine Companion - Australian winery of the Year 2022 & 2023"
The Real Review, Huon Hooke "Light straw-yellow hue, with a gently herbal, nutty barrel-ferment and spicy sauvignon blanc fruit bouquet, showing more varietal character on palate than nose. It's intense and bright, lively and full of character, much more than simple varietal fruit, although it is recognisable as sauvignon blanc. An excellent attempt at a white Bordeaux style."
Erin Larkin, Halliday wine Companion "...More volume and density of flavour than the Burnside (neither here nor there qualitatively, simply an observation), this is sensational. Utterly."
James Suckling "This has aromas of grapefruit, lime zest, green apples and fennel. Crunchy and bright with a medium body, clear and transparent fruit and mineral undertones."
Saint wine "Now under the sole stewardship of Murray McHenry the drive has intensified to create wines that are supported by a complex and diversified environment, a natural interdependence that creates specificity that cannot be replicated. A focus on single vineyard wines crafted by head winemaker Japo Dalli Cani delivers a heightened experience to the consumer expression of regionality and purity that underpins the McHenry Hohnen ethos."
Founded by one of the pioneers of the Margaret River winemaking region, David Hohnen, and his brother in law, Murray McHenry, an accomplished fine wine retailer. Both have been making wine in Margaret River since the early 1970s. McHenry Hohnen vineyards are 100% biodynamic. Their three unique vineyards (Burnside, Calgardup and Hazel’s) produce wines that are a reflection of the land. McHenry Hohnen focus on crafting site expressive wines and are known for producing some of the region's best wines.
Margaret River is one of the best known wine regions in Australia, recognized internationally for the quality of its wines and the natural beauty of the region. Although originally renowned for its unusually refined cabernet sauvignon and intensely citrusy chardonnay varieties, the region now produces high quality Semillon-Sauvignon blends and Shiraz.
Located in the south-western corner of Western Australia, it is famous for having a more 'European' wine style than its counterparts across Australia, owing to the regions temperate, coastal location which is very similar to that of Bordeaux.