JA M E S H A L L I DAY’S R E D H OT & R AT E D
Halliday Red Hot and Rated 2018 1
JA M E S H A L L I DAY’S R E D H OT & R AT E D
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Welcome Do you love big, bold red wines or favour lighter styles? Whatever your preference, you’ll find some excellent ideas in this guide, with 100 top Australian red wines on show. The selections are ordered by their varieties to help you find wines to your taste. And so you can be sure of their quality, the wines inside range in scores from 94 points up to 99. A number of producers have also offered exclusive discounts for Halliday readers, so we hope it all inspires you to venture beyond your usual go-to red wines and discover some new favourites. Cheers,
Wineries pay to be included in this guide.
The Halliday Wine Companion team
04 19 78 85
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P I N OT N O I R & N E B B I O LO S H I R A Z & B L E N DS G R E N AC H E & B L E N DS CA B E R N E T SAU V I G N O N & B L E N DS
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Pinot noir & nebbiolo Red Hot & Rated 2018
JA M E S H A L L I DAY’S R E D H OT & R AT E D
Cannibal Creek Vineyard 20 1 6 CA N N I BA L C R E E K V I N E YA R D R E S E RV E P I N OT N O I R R RP $60 / 20 26
It’s beautifully aromatic with bright cherries and spice, plus a whole-bunch fragrance and earthy nuances for added interest. A delightfully light mid frame with fine tannins and overall, this is an elegant style. JF 13.4% alc.
WI N E M A K E RS Pat and Kirsten Hardiker
What do you believe makes this wine so special? This wine is an exciting reflection of our patch of dirt in Gippsland. Organic soil nourishment working with soil microbiology, whole bunch, wild yeast, and final barrel assemblage has produced an elegant, delicious pinot noir, which is long and textural, and perfectly balanced with an alluring complexity.
10%
discount plus free shipping for online orders of 6 bottles or more Code: RedHotHalliday10. Offer expires 30/11/18
CA N N I BA L C R E E K V I N E YA R D G I P PS L A N D, V I CTO R I A
★★★★✩
PHONE: (03)
5942 8380 wine@cannibalcreek.com.au WEBSITE: cannibalcreek.com.au INSTAGRAM: @cannibalcreek EMAIL:
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Ghost Rock Wines 20 1 6 G H OST RO C K T WO B LO C KS P I N OT N O I R R RP $ 38 / 2026
Light in profile, spicy in persona, smoky through the finish, sinewy too. The priorities here are (a) complexity and (b) length, and it’s stellar at both. There isn’t a lot of fruit flesh, but there’s just enough, and there are ample other intrigues. A wine for true pinot fetishists. CM 14% alc.
WI N E M A K E R Justin Arnold
How do you best describe this wine? This wine encapsulates the true beauty of pinot noir from our region – style, length, finesse and complexity – all crafted around delicate, pure, cool-climate fruit. It’s a wine for real pinot noir followers.
G H OST RO C K W I N E S ★★★★★ C E N T R A L N O RT H C OAST, TAS M A N I A PHONE: (03)
6428 4005 mail@ghostrock.com.au WEBSITE: ghostrock.com.au INSTAGRAM: @ghost_rock_wines EMAIL:
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Kyneton Ridge Estate 20 1 5 K Y N E TO N R I D G E E STAT E P R E M I U M M AC E D O N R A N G E S P I N OT N O I R R RP $ 4 5 / 202 3
20yo vines, whole berries open-fermented, 4 days on skins, matured in French oak for 18 months. Full crimson-purple; a medium to full-bodied pinot that has retained varietal expression in a plum/black cherry framework. The leisurely development of its ’12 sibling reinforces the idea that this wine has excellent potential, as it is better than the ’12 was when first tasted. 13.5% alc.
OW N E R A N D W I N E M A K E R John Boucher
What can you tell us about this wine’s production? Our MV6 vines were hand-pruned and maintained, then hand-picked early morning in late March. It went into the open vat, with 20 per cent wholebunches. It spent eight days in the open fermenter, with regular plunging, and then 11 months in French and Hungarian oak to mature.
K Y N E TO N R I D G E E STAT E ★★★★✩ M AC E D O N R A N G E S, V I CTO R I A
(03) 5422 7377 enquiries@kynetonridge.com.au WEBSITE: kynetonridge.com.au INSTAGRAM: @kynetonridgeestate PHONE: EMAIL:
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JA M E S H A L L I DAY’S R E D H OT & R AT E D
McKellar Ridge Wines 20 1 7 M C K E L L A R R I D G E CA N B E R R A D I ST R I CT P I N OT N O I R R RP $ 30 / 2032
Hand-picked from two vineyards, 7 days cold soak, open-fermented with 15% whole bunches, matured for 9 months in French oak (33% new). Bright, deep colour; a very neat and intense pinot with faultless vinification, simply needing 2–3 years for complexity to build on the base of dark cherry and plum fruits. Screwcap. 13.1% alc.
W I N E M A K E RS John and Marina Sekoranja
How do you best describe this wine? This is an elegant and earthy pinot using exceptional fruit from our Canberra district vineyards, with alluring aromas of burnt caramel, oak (toast) and dark cherry. The fruit flavours are concentrated and well balanced with the refreshing acidity. The oak treatment is well-integrated, providing an interesting dimension of sweet spice, but does not overpower the fruit. The finish has a great length, with an additional note of subtle vanilla oak evolving over time.
M C K E L L A R R I D G E W I N E S ★★★★✩ CA N B E R R A D I ST R I CT, N E W SO U T H WA L E S
0409 780 861 info@mckellarridgewines.com.au WEBSITE: mckellarridgewines.com.au PHONE: EMAIL:
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JA M E S H A L L I DAY’S R E D H OT & R AT E D
Mount Terrible 20 1 5 M O U N T T E R R I B L E JA M I E SO N P I N OT N O I R R RP $ 4 2 / 2030
Estate-grown, hand-picked clones 114, 115, 777 and MV6, 3 days cold soak in an open fermenter with 10% whole bunches, post-ferment maceration, matured for 18 months in French oak. The full crimson-purple colour introduces a very high-quality, ultra-fragrant pinot with the depth, complexity and length reminiscent of high-quality Burgundies. Made with a sure touch. 13.5% alc.
WINEMAKER John Eason
What techniques did you use for this wine? Low yield, hand-picked, cold-soaked, whole bunches, toasted stalks, 18 months in French oak, no pumping or filtering, then a year in bottle. It’s up to you to decide what this wine tastes like; I think it’s our best ever.
M O U N T T E R R I B L E ★★★★★ C E N T R A L V I CTO R I A , V I CTO R I A
(03) 5777 0703 and 0429 406 037 enquiries@mountterriblewines.com.au WEBSITE: mountterriblewines.com.au INSTAGRAM: @mountterriblewines PHONE: EMAIL:
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Ocean Eight Vineyard and Winery 20 1 3 O C E A N E I G H T V I N E YA R D & AY LWA R D R E S E RV E M O R N I N GTO N P E N I N SU L A P I N OT N O I R RRP $ 80 / 2026
It’s an autumnal pinot noir with a power of fruit. A classic combination. Macerated cherry and raspberry, fennel, dry spice, fallen leaves. It feels intense, taut and long at once. The quality is right up there. CM 13.2% alc.
WINEMAKER Mike Aylward
What do you believe sets this pinot noir apart? This pinot noir is built to age! The grapes come from the best acre of pinot noir selected from Ocean Eight’s vineyard on the Mornington Peninsula. The fruit is cropped incredibly low at one tonne an acre to give excellent concentration.
O C E A N E I G H T V I N E YA R D A N D W I N E RY M O R N I N GTO N P E N I N SU L A , V I CTO R I A
(03) 5989 6471 mike@oceaneight.com WEBSITE: oceaneight.com INSTAGRAM: @oceaneight PHONE: EMAIL:
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★★★★★
JA M E S H A L L I DAY’S R E D H OT & R AT E D
Pier 10 20 1 6 P I E R 1 0 M O R N I N GTO N P E N I N SU L A P I N OT N O I R R RP $ 50 / 202 9
Predominantly MV6, hand-picked, crushed and destemmed, fermented in French oak (25% new), matured for 12 months. Good colour; the fragrant bouquet of spicy red fruits is picked up in a millisecond by the palate that expands the same flavour bandwidth. It’s lively and fresh, with purity an important signpost for a very good pinot. 14% alc.
WINEMAKER Andrew Thomson
What should we expect from this pinot noir? With a gorgeous silky and smooth texture on the palate, this pinot is drinking beautifully now and into the future. Predominately MV6 fruit, this pinot has a lovely balance with plums and strawberries and a beautiful savoury finish. It pairs sensationally with braised duck leg.
OFFER* 20% off each bottle of 2016 Pinot Noir 30% off each half-dozen of 2016 Pinot Noir 40% off a dozen 2016 Pinot Noir *Cellar door only
P I E R 1 0 ★★★★ M O R N I N GTO N P E N I N SU L A , V I CTO R I A
(03) 5989 8849 cellar@pier10wine.com.au WEBSITE: facebook/pier10 INSTAGRAM: @pier10winery PHONE: EMAIL:
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Pooley Wines 20 1 6 P O O L E Y C O O I N DA VA L E P I N OT N O I R RRP $ 58 / 2026
Coal River Valley, clones 114 and 115, destemmed, not crushed, open-fermented, matured for 11 months in French barriques (25% new). The gloriously fragrant bouquet is mesmerising, the flavour spectrum more spicy/savoury than its siblings, its finely-spun tannins more frequently found in Burgundies. The overall balance and elegance are first class. 13.5% alc.
WINEMAKER Anna Pooley & Justin Bubb
Where do you source the fruit from for this wine? We are blessed to have our two vineyards in the Coal River Valley, which enable us to showcase the unique terroir of each site in our wines. Cooinda Vale is our original vineyard, planted in 1985, and displays elegance and persistence in the wines.
P O O L E Y W I N E S ★★★★★ C OA L R I V E R VA L L E Y, TAS M A N I A
(03) 6260 2895 enquiries@pooleywines.com.au WEBSITE: pooleywines.com.au INSTAGRAM: @pooleywines PHONE: EMAIL:
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Portsea Estate 20 1 6 P O RTS E A E STAT E BAC K B E AC H P I N OT N O I R R RP $ 2 9 / 20 2 5
Grapes sourced from local growers. Bright, clear crimson-purple; razor sharp delineation of both variety and place, it is perfectly balanced and structured, putting its hand out to you for a gentle stroll over the next 5 or so years as the latent rose petals and spices assume their place alongside the firm red fruits of today. 13.2% alc.
WINEMAKER Tim Elphick
What do you think sets this wine apart? We love the three unique Mornington Peninsula vineyards that make up our 2016 Back Beach Pinot Noir. Expect structure, finesse and elegance; restrained oak so the fruit really shines through – it’s pure rose petals and dark-berried fruit in a bottle.
P O RTS E A E STAT E ★★★★★ M O R N I N GTO N P E N I N SU L A , V I CTO R I A
(03) 5984 3774 mail@portseaestate.com WEBSITE: portseaestate.com INSTAGRAM: @portsea_estate PHONE: EMAIL:
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JA M E S H A L L I DAY’S R E D H OT & R AT E D
Rochford Wines 20 1 7 RO C H FO R D P R E M I E R YA R R A VA L L E Y P I N OT N O I R RRP $ 1 30 / 2037
40yo vines, wild yeast open-fermented with 30% whole bunches, 70% destemmed, 25 days on skins, matured for 10 months in barrel (20% new). Bright, clear crimson; a great pinot noir with almost freakish mouthwatering power and intensity. It’s a narrative that fills all the senses, plums, cherries and berries woven through with fine, suspended tannins, and spices that will develop continuously over time. 13% alc.
WINEMAKER Marc Lunt
What makes this wine so special? No growing season is ever the same, yet this vineyard always provides our best pinot noir. This ancient high river terrace with its ironrich volcanic soils produces wines that are concentrated, elegant and have personality.
RO C H FO R D W I N E S ★★★★★ YA R R A VA L L E Y, V I CTO R I A
(03) 5957 3333 info@rochfordwines.com.au WEBSITE: rochfordwines.com.au INSTAGRAM: @rochfordwines PHONE: EMAIL:
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Small Island Wines 20 1 6 S M A L L I S L A N D B L AC K L A B E L P I N OT N O I R RRP $ 4 5 / 202 5
Made using grapes from both the Gala (east) and Glen Garry (north) Vineyards. 180 dozen produced. Perfumed and pretty on the one hand, stewy and a little grumpy on the other. It rushes up to greet you but then holds you in a moody stare. Cranberry, forest berries, florals, sweet dry spices. It has all the basics covered, but it then adds some flare. You’d bet on this developing well. CM 13.5% alc.
WINEMAKER James Broinowski
What do you hope to achieve with this wine? This wine is aimed to be a great example of Tasmanian pinot. We used the power and mid-palate from Glen Garry to complement the perfume of the Gala fruit. As we heard from a fan of this wine: “Nine months ago we enjoyed a bottle of your pinot and, well, it’s a boy!”
FREE SHIPPING Use promo code HALLIDAY at checkout.
S M A L L I S L A N D W I N E S ★★★★★ TA M A R VA L L E Y A N D E AST C OAST, TAS M A N I A
0449 895 004 info@smallislandwines.com WEBSITE: smallislandwines.com INSTAGRAM: @smallislandwines PHONE: EMAIL:
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Yarra Yering 20 1 6 YA R R A Y E R I N G P I N OT N O I R RRP $ 1 0 5 / 2036
Hand-picked, chilled, destemmed into the Yarra Yering half-tonne ‘tea-chest’ small fermenters with some stalks added back, hand-plunged twice daily, matured in French oak (30% new) for 10 months. A Winston Churchill figure in Yarra Valley’s pinot noirs, standing higher than all others. It has layer upon layer of flavours derived from the fruit, unique fermentation, tannins, oak, and X-factor from vines nearing 50yo. It has no need to advertise its quality or style as it glides through the length of the medium-bodied palate. 14% alc.
WINEMAKER Sarah Crowe
How did you approach the making of this wine? A warm 2016 vintage delivered grapes with ample flavour. I made some adjustments to the fermentation techniques to increase the perfume and soften the wine. The result is fragrance and a silky palate, which I believe pinot should have in spades.
YA R R A Y E R I N G ★★★★★ YA R R A VA L L E Y, V I CTO R I A
(03) 5964 9267 info@yarrayering.com WEBSITE: yarrayering.com INSTAGRAM: @yarra_yering PHONE: EMAIL:
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Yering Station 20 1 6 Y E R I N G STAT I O N YA R R A VA L L E Y P I N OT N O I R RRP $ 40 / 2026
Get a smell of this. This draws you straight in, the nose so exquisitely turned out, the palate following straight on, the finish letting no one down. Undergrowth, spice notes, cherries, plums, folds of satin, wafts of wood smoke. Oak certainly contributes here, but the fruit has its back. One highly seductive pinot noir. CM 13.4% alc.
HEAD WINEMAKER Willy Lunn
What did you approach the making of this wine? I particularly love making pinot noir because of its fickle and delicate nature. The 2016 vintage was challenging in having to wait for flavour; it tested your nerve. Handpicked, cold-soaked and gently handled, it spent 11 months in 500-litre French oak harmonising flavour, texture and balance. This wine is a true reflection of site and vintage.
Y E R I N G STAT I O N ★★★★★ YA R R A VA L L E Y, V I CTO R I A
(03) 9730 0100 info@yering.com WEBSITE: yering.com INSTAGRAM: @yeringstation PHONE: EMAIL:
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Virago Vineyard 20 14 V I R AG O V I N E YA R D B E EC H WO RT H N E B B I O LO RRP $ 4 5 / 2026
It all hones towards the finish. Sweet-sour cherries, plums, leather and anise characters take on notes of decaying roses and mint, a flash of blood orange too. It’s varietally true, sheeted with tannin and – most impressively – has plenty of carry-on through the finish. It’s a goodun’. CM 14% alc.
V I G N E RO N S Karen Coats & Prue Keith
What do you love about this wine? As vignerons, we are always proud when we can elicit a grand performance from our demanding diva of nebbiolo in challenging years. The 2014 vintage was a hot one, and it took a lot of dedication in the vineyard to produce this aromatic, well-structured wine.
V I R AG O V I N E YA R D ★★★★ B E EC H WO RT H V I CTO R I A
0411 718 369 karen@viragobeechworth.com.au WEBSITE: viragobeechworth.com.au INSTAGRAM: @viragonebbiolo PHONE: EMAIL:
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Shiraz & blends Red Hot & Rated 2018
JA M E S H A L L I DAY’S R E D H OT & R AT E D
Angove McLaren Vale 20 1 6 A N G OV E FA M I LY W I N E M A K E RS WA R B OYS V I N E YA R D Mc L A R E N VA L E S H I R A Z R RP $ 4 4 / 2036
25% whole bunches with destemmed and crushed berries on top, 3 days cold soak, wild-fermented, hand plunging and pumpovers daily, the whole berries foot-stomped halfway through the ferment, basketpressed, matured in French puncheons for 10 months. Speaks with a voice very different from its siblings – it’s more fragrant and juicy, dark chocolate wrapped around spiced plum and dark cherry fruit, tannins sewn through the intense interplay of the palate. 14.5% alc.
WI N E M A K E R Tony Ingle
What do you think makes this wine so distinctive? The certified organic and biodynamic Warboys vineyard is in the heart of McLaren Vale. Our 60-plus-year-old vines are hand picked, sorted and plunged, then put through small open fermenters, basket pressed and matured in older French oak puncheons, and we bottle without fining or filtration. It all helps this wine show classic McLaren Vale spice, richness and length.
A N G OV E M C L A R E N VA L E ★★★★★ Mc L A R E N VA L E , SO U T H AU ST R A L I A PHONE: (08)
8323 6900 mclarenvale@angove.com.au WEBSITE: angovemclarenvale.com.au INSTAGRAM: @angovewine EMAIL:
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Bekkers 20 1 6 B E K K E RS M C L A R E N VA L E SY R A H R RP $ 11 0 / 2056
A 52/48% blend of Clarendon and Seaview fruit, 80% destemmed, 20% whole bunches, 5 days cold soak, wild-fermented, matured in French puncheons, bottled November ’17, released Aug ’18. Deeply coloured; as usual, a very complex shiraz loaded to the gills with the blackest of black fruits. While tannins and new oak are an essential part of the bouquet and palate, they remain the servants of the fruit. Even in this display of power, there is balance and symmetry that will guarantee a minimum 40-year life. 14.5% alc.
WI N E M A K E R Emmanuelle and Toby Bekkers
What makes this wine so special for you? The 2016 Bekkers McLaren Vale Syrah perfectly represents our purpose: it showcases our confidence in McLaren Vale’s fine-wine potential. It’s a wine of soft, silky texture with an accent on spice, fragrance and aromatics. It’s all supported by McLaren Vale’s hallmark generosity of flavour.
B E K K E RS ★★★★★ Mc L A R E N VA L E , SO U T H AU ST R A L I A PHONE: 0408
807 568 info@bekkerswine.com WEBSITE: bekkerswine.com INSTAGRAM: @bekkerswine EMAIL:
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Carillion Wines 20 1 6 CA R I L L I O N T H E F E L DS PA RS O R A N G E S H I R A Z R RP $ 40 / 20 26
It’s more about personality than depth, but what a personality it is. Game, milk coffee, black pepper and tobacco notes add ample interest to the core of black cherry. Spice bomb. Fine fingers of tannin. Impressive in its own way. CM 14% alc.
V I G N E RO N A N D OW N E R Tim Davis
How did this wine come together? This was such a great vintage from our Orange vineyard. This particular parcel of fruit displayed great balance and intensity as must, so we decided to do extended maceration post-fermentation to achieve greater depth and for complexity of the regional characters. Every year, you cross your fingers for grapes like this because they don’t come around very often!
CA R I L L I O N W I N E S ★★★★★ O R A N G E , N E W SO U T H WA L E S PHONE: 4990
7535 cellardoor@carillionwines.com.au WEBSITE: carillionwines.com.au INSTAGRAM: @carillionwines EMAIL:
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Corduroy Wines 20 1 6 C O R D U ROY T H E WA L E A D E L A I D E H I L LS S H I R A Z RRP $78 / 2039
Black label, The Wale in miniature dusky print. Fermented with 89% whole bunches, 12 days on skins, 10 months in used oak. Power and intensity are undiminished, but there is a distinct spike of brightness through the fruit before the powerful savoury fruits seek (but don’t succeed) to close the brightness. 13.7% alc.
W I N E S M A N AG E R Phil LeMessurier
What excites you most about this wine? The potential for The Wale was evident in the vineyard, it then expressed itself during fermentation, and is now showing its elegance in bottle. 2016 is the inaugural release of The Wale and we are excited to see it recognised.
C O R D U ROY W I N E S ★★★★ A D E L A I D E H I L LS, SO U T H AU ST R A L I A
0405 123 272 info@corduroywines.com.au WEBSITE: corduroywines.com.au INSTAGRAM: @corduroywines PHONE: EMAIL:
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Curtis Family Vineyards 20 1 6 C U RT I S FA M I LY V I N E YA R DS L I M I T E D S E R I E S Mc L A R E N VA L E S H I R A Z R RP $ 1 0 0 / 2056
60+yo vines, matured in 100% new American oak. The back label of this and its Martins Vineyard sibling describe the fruit as red. Try as I might, I couldn’t get past black fruits, liquorice and a thick vanillan coating of American oak. Like its sibling, has a life that will ultimately depend on the Diam cork. 14.5% alc.
WI N E M A K E R Mark Curtis
How do you best describe this wine? A deep, dark purple, this wine spent 14 days on skins and was basket-pressed direct to new French hogsheads for 18 months. The palate is full of vibrant fruit flavours of plum and ripe red berries. Fine-grained tannins provide an elegant texture and structure.
C U RT I S FA M I LY V I N E YA R DS ★★★★ Mc L A R E N VA L E , SO U T H AU ST R A L I A
0439 800 484 mark@curtisfamilyvineyards.com WEBSITE: curtisfamilyvineyards.com INSTAGRAM: @curtisfamilyvineyards PHONE: EMAIL:
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d’Arenberg 20 1 5 d’A R E N B E RG T H E D E A D A R M Mc L A R E N VA L E S H I R A Z RRP $70 / 204 5
This is a particularly good Dead Arm, its alcohol miraculously the same as the ’14, but however that may be, it has an elegance to its mouthfeel and lingering finish. 14.4% alc.
WINEMAKER Chester Osborn
What do you love about this wine? This iconic wine always displays the power and intensity of McLaren Vale shiraz, yet has an elegance and refinement that few other wines from the region possess. If stored correctly, this wine should age for 15-plus years.
d’A R E N B E RG ★★★★★ Mc L A R E N VA L E , SO U T H AU ST R A L I A
(08) 8329 4888 wine@darenberg.com.au WEBSITE: darenberg.com.au INSTAGRAM: @darenbergwine PHONE: EMAIL:
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Dowie Doole 20 1 5 D OW I E D O O L E CA L I ROA D Mc L A R E N VA L E S H I R A Z R RP $ 55 / 2035
Open-fermented, 12 days on skins, matured for 24 months in American hogsheads (50% new). Just when you expect another thumping McLaren Vale shiraz, you get this perfectly balanced, medium-bodied wine that leaves no box unticked. The mouthfeel is soft, the fruit flavours varietal (some regional chocolate sneaks in), fine tannins and integrated oak. 14.5% alc.
WINEMAKER Chris Thomas
How important is this wine’s source of fruit? Certain vineyards produce exceptional fruit, creating distinctive wines. Our California Road Vineyard is one of those treasures, producing low-yielding, outstanding fruit. Reflecting the site’s particular terroir, the wine is naturally bold, spicy and generous gaining further complexity from extended oak maturation, using the finest American Oak barrels.
D OW I E D O O L E ★★★★★ Mc L A R E N VA L E , SO U T H AU ST R A L I A
(08) 7325 6280 info@dowiedoole.com WEBSITE: dowiedoole.com INSTAGRAM: @dowiedoole PHONE: EMAIL:
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Dowie Doole 20 1 5 D OW I E D O O L E R E S E RV E Mc L A R E N VA L E S H I R A Z R RP $9 5 / 204 5
From Norm Doole’s 41yo Cali Road Vineyard at Tatachilla, crushed and destemmed, openfermented, 20 days on skins, matured for 24 months in French hogsheads (50% new). At the apex of the DOWIE DOOLE range of wines, it screams McLaren Vale at the top of its voice, the mix of black chocolate and tannins combining to form a framework for the intense blackberry fruits of a full-bodied shiraz at the dawn of what will be a very long life. 14.5% alc.
WINEMAKER Chris Thomas
What is your philosophy when it comes to this wine? Our Reserve Shiraz is made to showcase McLaren Vale shiraz with its classical, rich, generous characters entwined with fine tannins and French oak. To protect our philosophy, the Reserve is made in very limited quantities, without compromise and only when vintage conditions allow for a supreme shiraz to be made.
D OW I E D O O L E ★★★★★ Mc L A R E N VA L E , SO U T H AU ST R A L I A
(08) 7325 6280 info@dowiedoole.com WEBSITE: dowiedoole.com INSTAGRAM: @dowiedoole PHONE: EMAIL:
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Eden Hall 20 1 6 E D E N H A L L S P R I N GTO N S H I R A Z RRP $ 2 5 / 2035
A junior brother to the Block 4 Shiraz, but shares all the characters within a slightly reduced frame. It’s deeply coloured, rich and filled to the brim with black fruits, yet its finish is elegant, underlining its balance. Terrific value. 14.5% alc.
OW N E R / P RO D U C E R David Hall
How do you best describe this wine? This is an Estate wine made in a drink-now style, yet it is elegant and true to variety. A luscious shiraz that over-delivers and can be relied on to reward.
E D E N H A L L ★★★★★ E D E N VA L L E Y, SO U T H AU ST R A L I A
0400 991 968 sales@edenhall.com.au WEBSITE: edenhall.com.au PHONE: EMAIL:
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Gartelmann Wines 20 1 6 GA RT E L M A N N D I E D R I C H O R A N G E S H I R A Z RRP $ 50 / 2034
Don’t let the alcohol reading turn you off. This presents a pretty face to the world and is rich with red-berried fruit, uses oak to seductive effect, and sings cleanly – and beautifully – through the finish, taking its alcohol in its stride. It’s not a particularly ‘dark’ wine, in its berries or colour, but it’s definitely a head turner. CM 15.2% alc.
OW N E R Jorg Gartelmann
How do you best describe this wine? The wine is complex, big and bold. This cold-climate vineyard, just north of Orange, produces intense flavours due to slower ripening and it often misses the late-autumn rains. This results in a very complex, savoury and intense shiraz. It makes you beg for more.
15%
discount and free freight. Visit our website and enter the promo code HALLIDAYOFFER. Offer expires 31/12/2018
GA RT E L M A N N W I N E S ★★★★✩ H U N T E R VA L L E Y, N E W SO U T H WA L E S
(02) 4930 7113 wines@gartelmann.com.au WEBSITE: gartelmann.com.au INSTAGRAM: @gartelmannwines PHONE: EMAIL:
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Gartelmann Wines 20 1 5 GA RT E L M A N N J E SS E M U D G E E S H I R A Z R RP $ 35 / 2030
Ripe and plush with generosity as its keystone. Chocolate, plum, blueberry jam and cedar wood characters result in a mouthfilling red with plenty of strut. It pushes hard at both ripeness and sweetness, but it sure makes it work. CM 14.9% alc.
OW N E R Jorg Gartelmann
What do you believe sets this wine apart? The 2015 Jesse Shiraz is from one of the great vintages in Mudgee. The 37-year-old vines and neutral to slightly alkaline sub-soil have brought out the best in this shiraz. High-quality oak and great balance finish the wine. Take any excuse to drink it.
15%
discount and free freight. Visit our website and enter the promo code HALLIDAYOFFER. Offer expires 31/12/2018
GA RT E L M A N N W I N E S ★★★★✩ H U N T E R VA L L E Y, N E W SO U T H WA L E S
(02) 4930 7113 wines@gartelmann.com.au WEBSITE: gartelmann.com.au INSTAGRAM: @gartelmannwines PHONE: EMAIL:
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Glenlofty Wines 20 1 5 G L E N LO F T Y PY R E N E E S S H I R A Z R RP $ 2 9 / 2030
As sure-footed as they come. This is ripe and rich and yet neat as a pin, its flavours of sweet plum, spearmint, blackberry and chocolate melting in your mouth as they roll impressively through. Seductive in a controlled way. Tannin has been set just right too. Terrific value. CM 14% alc.
WI N E M A K E R Scott Gerrard
What does this wine represent for you? This is the barometer of the 32 block estate, which includes 13 shiraz blocks. When this wine is right, everything else seems to fall into place. A wonderful follow-up to the excellent 2014, exuding great balance, structure and texture.
G L E N LO F T Y W I N E S ★★★★✩ PY R E N E E S, V I CTO R I A
(03) 5354 8228 hello@glenloftywines.com.au WEBSITE: glenloftywines.com.au PHONE: EMAIL:
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Glenwillow Wines 20 1 5 G L E N W I L LOW R E S E RV E B E N D I G O S H I R A Z R RP $60 / 2035
Fermented with 20% whole bunches, matured in French hogsheads (20% new). This ups the power of its sibling; fruit, oak and tannins rising in unison and proportion. It is worthy of extended cellaring, its balance not in doubt. 14.4% alc.
OW N E R / V I G N E RO N Peter Fyffe
What do you believe lifted this wine’s quality? This wine is the perfect balance of a good wine. It has rich, powerful flavours, yet is still smooth and elegant, with great line and length, and amazing structure. The key factor, I reckon, was the picking time in the vineyard – we nailed it!
G L E N W I L LOW W I N E S ★★★★ B E N D I G O R EG I O N , V I CTO R I A
0428 461 076 peterf@glenwillow.com.au WEBSITE: glenwillow.com.au INSTAGRAM: @glenwillowwines PHONE: EMAIL:
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Grant Burge Wines 20 1 2 G R A N T B U RG E M E S H AC H S H I R A Z R RP $ 1 84 / 204 2
The 22nd release of Meshach celebrates the great ‘12 Barossa Valley vintage. The colour is still deep crimson-purple, setting the pattern for the bouquet and palate to follow. A wine of the highest quality in the Olympian class of Barossa Valley shiraz, seamless, calmly powerful and perfectly balanced. Black fruits dominate, but this is no one-dimensional power play, with hints of liquorice, bitter chocolate and graphite. The tannins and oak contributions are perfectly placed and paced. 14% alc.
CHIEF WINEMAKER Craig Stansborough
What do you believe makes this wine so special? An iconic wine handpicked from near centuryold vines that allow tremendous concentration and intensity. It has a powerful foundation with exceptional length and structure maintaining aromas of plum, mulberries and dark chocolate, complemented by spices and earthy characters. This is a truly distinctive shiraz from an outstanding vintage.
20%
off 6 x 2012 Meshach Shiraz upon sign-up to the wine club via the Grant Burge website, until 30/11/18. Use HALLIDAY 20
G R A N T B U RG E W I N E S ★★★★★ BA ROSSA VA L L E Y, SO U T H AU ST R A L I A
(08) 8563 7675 gb.cellardoor@grantburgewines.com.au WEBSITE: grantburgewines.com.au SOCIAL: @grantburgewines PHONE: EMAIL:
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Heathcote Winery 20 1 6 H E AT H C OT E T H E O R I G I N S I N G L E V I N E YA R D S H I R A Z R RP $ 55 / 204 4
36yo vines, whole berries open-fermented, 7 days on skins, matured for 14 months in French oak (30% new). It is difficult to avoid over-extraction with drought/heat leading to very small berries, one key decision here to use French oak. The colour is deep, the flavours very intense, but don’t show dead fruit characters. A fullbodied red that will be at its best post ’30. 14.5% alc.
WINEMAKER Brendan Pudney
What do you believe makes this wine so enticing? This wine captures the concentration and elegance of Heathcote shiraz from the incredibly low-yielding 2016 vintage. Sourced entirely from our Newlans Lane vineyard, the fruit was of exceptional quality and the judicious use of fine French oak adds another layer of refinement.
H E AT H C OT E W I N E RY ★★★★✩ H E AT H C OT E , V I CTO R I A
(03) 5433 2595 cellardoor@heathcotewinery.com.au WEBSITE: heathcotewinery.com.au INSTAGRAM: @heathcotewinery PHONE: EMAIL:
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Heathcote Winery 20 1 6 H E AT H C OT E S L AU G H T E R H O U S E PA D D O C K S I N G L E V I N E YA R D S H I R A Z R RP $ 55 / 2036
47yo vines, open-fermented with 20% whole bunches, the balance crushed and destemmed, 9 days on skins, matured for 16 months in American oak (30% new). While full-bodied, the bouquet and palate tell an identical tale of generosity of blackberry, spice and liquorice fruit flavours wrapped in choc-mint, American oak and soft tannins. Low yield was the driver. 14.5% alc.
WINEMAKER Brendan Pudney
What elements helped create this wine’s character? Old vines and low yields have produced concentrated fruit, which displays the richness and power of Heathcote shiraz. Combined with American oak, the result is a bold and balanced wine truly reflecting the unique terroir of the Slaughterhouse Paddock vineyard.
H E AT H C OT E W I N E RY ★★★★✩ H E AT H C OT E , V I CTO R I A
(03) 5433 2595 cellardoor@heathcotewinery.com.au WEBSITE: heathcotewinery.com.au INSTAGRAM: @heathcotewinery PHONE: EMAIL:
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Hanging Rock Winery 20 1 5 H A N G I N G RO C K H E AT H C OT E S H I R A Z R RP $75 / 2040
Hand-picked and sorted, open-fermented (wild), all into French oak (30% new) for 18 months. A warm, concentrated red with blackberry, sandalwood, bitumen and roasted plum characters laid on the line, creamy vanillin oak spread like a soft rug over the riot of flavour. Oak is at a high pitch, as is alcohol warmth, but there’s no denying the impact of this wine. We’re talking brutish intensity here. CM 15.3% alc.
CHIEF WINEMAKER Robert Ellis
How did you approach the making of this shiraz? We crop our Heathcote shiraz at really low levels every year, which makes it a powerhouse of a wine. I didn’t want it to be all about intensity, so I used a few winemaking techniques and two types of oak to add some complexity and make it more nuanced.
20%
off all wines when you buy from our website hangingrock.com.au Use promotional code HALLIDAY at checkout
H A N G I N G RO C K W I N E RY H E AT H C OT E , V I CTO R I A PHONE: (03)
★★★★★
5427 0542 hrw@hangingrock.com.au WEBSITE: hangingrock.com.au INSTAGRAM: @hangingrock EMAIL:
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Hugo Wines 20 1 6 H U G O M C L A R E N VA L E S H I R A Z CA B E R N E T R RP $ 28 / 2036
Gold medal McLaren Vale, top gold medal Adelaide and National Wine Shows ’17. John Hugo would be justified in feeling unlucky to have not won a trophy. The seamless 75/25% blend has resulted in a palate that overflows with red and black fruits, yet is elegant and textured. Indeed there are some notes encountered in cool regions (spice and pepper and a juicy mouthfeel). 14% alc.
WINEMAKER Renae Hirsch & Brian Light
What sets this wine apart? This is the first shiraz cabernet blend produced by Hugo. Sourced from select blocks on the elevated Hugo estate and co-fermented to help integrate the two varieties, the wine then receives eight months in French and American oak with careful barrel selection before bottling.
$25 off
when you spend $220 or more. Use promo code HALLIDAY at checkout. Purchase any 12 bottles or more and receive free freight.
H U G O W I N E S ★★★★★ M C L A R E N VA L E , SO U T H AU ST R A L I A
(08) 8383 0098 info@hugowines.com.au WEBSITE: hugowines.com.au INSTAGRAM: @hugowines PHONE: EMAIL:
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John Duval Wines 20 1 6 J O H N D U VA L E N T I T Y BA ROSSA S H I R A Z R RP $ 50 / 2056
60% Barossa Valley, 40% Eden Valley grapes, open-fermented with submerged cap, matured for 15 months in new (33%) and used French hogsheads. Deeply coloured; this is at once full-bodied and elegant, not a common marriage with young red wines with decades in front of them. The flavours are all black: blackberry, blackcurrant, black cherry, earth and liquorice. The old vines have also provided ripe tannins, the whole theme resonated with oak a la Grange. 14.5% alc.
WINEMAKER John and Tim Duval
What is the inspiration behind this wine? The 2016 Entity is the 13th release and the first vintage with son Tim involved, back in the family business. Since 2007, Entity has been a blend of Barossa and Eden Valley shiraz, looking to harness lifted aromatics and acidity from the Eden Valley to complement the concentrated and structural Barossa Valley fruit.
J O H N D U VA L W I N E S ★★★★★ BA ROSSA , SO U T H AU ST R A L I A
(08) 8562 2266 tim@johnduvalwines.com WEBSITE: johnduvalwines.com INSTAGRAM: @johnduvalwines PHONE: EMAIL:
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Journey Wines 20 1 6 J O U R N E Y H E AT H C OT E S H I R A Z R RP $ 38 / 2036
Wild yeast open-fermented with 75% whole berries/25% whole bunches, 20 days on skins, matured in French barriques (30% new) for 16 months. If you tasted this wine blind you might think ‘that’s a very nice wine’ and move on, simply because it raised no challenges nor asked any questions. In fact, it’s made by someone whose knowledge about every facet of wine makes it seem easy, but of course, it’s not. It’s supple, juicy and silky, its fruit spanning plum to blackberry, and the very expensive, high-quality 30% new French oak has been absorbed into the backdrop. 14% alc. WINEMAKER Damian North
What do you love about this style of wine? We love the medium weight of our Heathcote shiraz – to us it embodies a modern expression of the variety from the region. It shows the regional hallmarks of dark berries and dark chocolate, framed with vibrancy, freshness and lower alcohol.
FREE SHIPPING use code REDHOT at checkout
J O U R N E Y W I N E S ★★★★★ H E AT H C OT E , V I CTO R I A
0427 298 098 damian@journeywines.com.au WEBSITE: journeywines.com.au INSTAGRAM: @journeywines PHONE: EMAIL:
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Katnook Estate 20 1 5 K AT N O O K E STAT E S H I R A Z RRP $ 40 / 2035
Matured in French and American oak (27% new) for 14 months. A very well-made medium-bodied wine, supple and long with high-quality fruit its foundation, although oak had a hand in its elevage. It points the way for Prodigy in coming years. 13.5% alc.
SENIOR WINEMAKER Tim Heath
What do you think makes this wine so enticing? Influenced by the region’s unique terroir, this is a richly flavoured but elegant, cool climate shiraz. A complex array of ripe fruit and oak with some interesting savoury, supple nuances makes Coonawarra shiraz so exciting to drink.
K AT N O O K E STAT E ★★★★★ C O O N AWA R R A , SO U T H AU ST R A L I A
(08) 8737 0300 katnook@wingara.com.au WEBSITE: katnookestate.com.au INSTAGRAM: @katnookwine PHONE: EMAIL:
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Kay Brothers 20 1 5 K AY B ROT H E RS A M E RY V I N E YA R DS H I L LS I D E M C L A R E N VA L E S H I R A Z R RP $ 4 5 / 2035
A distinct boysenberry dipped in dark chocolate plus a side of black plums, liquorice and spicy, clovecedary oak (21 months in American and French, 26% new) fill out this wonderful wine. Full-bodied and densely layered, yet there’s a vivacity, too, thanks to its refreshing acidity and oh-so-supple, spongy tannins. JF 14.5% alc.
WINEMAKER Duncan Kennedy
What traditional techniques went into the making of this wine? The Hillside shiraz vines cover the eastern hillside of the Amery vineyard, using cuttings sourced from the original Block 6 planted in 1892. The grapes are hand-harvested, traditionally basket-pressed in our 1928 press. It is a dense and powerful wine, yet well-balanced showing plenty of class, built with longevity in mind.
$38
per bottle plus freight (normal price $45). Use promo code HALLIDAYSPECIAL at checkout.
K AY B ROT H E RS ★★★★★ M C L A R E N VA L E , SO U T H AU ST R A L I A
(08) 8323 8201 info@kaybrothers.com.au WEBSITE: kaybrothersamerywines.com INSTAGRAM: @kay_bros PHONE: EMAIL:
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Langmeil Winery 20 1 5 L A N G M E I L T H E F R E E D O M 1 84 3 BA ROSSA S H I R A Z R RP $ 1 3 0 / 2040
It feels lightish at first, but it’s not. As it breathes it builds and builds. Before long, the full size and extent is apparent. This is a monumental red wine, as seamless as it is solid, its folds of sweet coffee and black-berried flavour sweeping through the palate with quite irresistible force. Tannin is brilliantly well handled; its the axis around which the density revolves. This wine doesn’t tilt at or hope for quality, it declares it. CM 14.5% alc.
WINEMAKER Paul Lindner
Why is this wine’s fruit source so important? Langmeil Winery is home of what is believed to be the world’s oldest-surviving shiraz vineyard – the Freedom 1843. It was planted by Christian Auricht who fled religious persecution in his native Germany and sought a new life for his family in Australia. When it comes to expressing the unique character of such an exceptional vineyard, Langmeil Winery’s Paul Lindner prefers traditional winemaking practices. The grapes are handpicked, open fermented and basket pressed before two years’ maturation in specially selected French oak barrels from several coopers. The wine is neither fined nor filtered and preserves the very essence of these historic old vines. L A N G M E I L W I N E RY ★★★★★ BA ROSSA VA L L E Y, SO U T H AU ST R A L I A
(08) 8563 2595 info@langmeilwinery.com.au WEBSITE: langmeilwinery.com.au INSTAGRAM: @Langmeilwinery PHONE: EMAIL:
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Langmeil Winery 20 1 5 L A N G M E I L P U R E E D E N E D E N VA L L E Y S H I R A Z RRP $ 1 30 / 2032
High in oak, high in fruit, high in quality. This is warm-but-fresh; its raspberry, boysenberry and violet-like drivers layered with cedar wood and sweet smoke, its fine-grained tannin pulling everything into a neat, powerful package. CM 15% alc.
WINEMAKER Paul Lindner
What can you tell us about this wine’s vineyard site? Pure Eden is a single-site wine, from an Eden Valley vineyard believed to be planted by Charles Angas in the 1890s. It was later owned by the Shiltons (1911–1926), Meakins (1926-1929), the Roeslers (19291961), the Andretzkes (1961-2011) and now the Lindner family. This wine is a reward for their foresight in planting shiraz in the Barossa’s high country and for the families who helped cherish, shape and tend an incredible old vineyard. It’s a privilege to work with fruit from such a fantastic old site. Stylistically, Pure Eden Shiraz is the ‘yin’ to The Freedom 1843 shiraz’s ‘yang’. L A N G M E I L W I N E RY ★★★★★ BA ROSSA VA L L E Y, SO U T H AU ST R A L I A
(08) 8563 2595 info@langmeilwinery.com.au WEBSITE: langmeilwinery.com.au INSTAGRAM: @Langmeilwinery PHONE: EMAIL:
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Leogate Estate Wines 20 1 3 L EO GAT E E STAT E T H E BAS I N R E S E RV E H U N T E R VA L L E Y S H I R A Z R RP $ 1 50 / 202 5
An imperious wine from a region that, at its best, is defined by the savoury firm, polished leather tannins embedded in this highly complex expression. Lilac florals, smoked deli meats, black olive and an umami thread of bouillon are all tamed by the regional genetics, assisted by well applied oak (15% new, all French, 14 months) and tempered acidity. NG 14% alc.
WI N E M A K E R Mark Woods
What do you believe makes this wine so special? Our 2013 The Basin Reserve Shiraz is sourced from an isolated east-facing parcel of land on our own 50-year-old historic Brokenback Vineyard. A very proud moment for all the Leogate staff was when this wine was selected for service on Qantas International Flights in First Class Cabins.
L EO GAT E E STAT E W I N E S P T Y LT D ★★★★★ H U N T E R VA L L E Y, N E W SO U T H WA L E S
(02) 4998 7499 sales@leogate.com.au WEBSITE: leogate.com.au INSTAGRAM: @leogateestatewines PHONE: EMAIL:
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Margaret Hill Vineyard 20 1 6 M A RGA R E T H I L L V I N E YA R D KU D O H E AT H C OT E S H I R A Z RRP $ 1 0 0 / 2034
Ripe and raisiny, but savoury too, the real decider a surge of ripe, smoky tannin, the carpet on which the fruit rides. You could dismiss this wine for its sweet exuberance, but truth is there are many tricks to this pony. Sandalwood, clove and dark earth notes add features to the landscape of fruit. Robust in nature, svelte by design. CM 14.5% alc.
WINEMAKER Ben Portet
How do you approach the winemaking for this shiraz? This wine was handpicked and berry-by-berry sorted, eliminating any unwanted overripe berries. It spent three weeks on skins with some whole bunches adding freshness. What we love about this vineyard is its ability to show Heathcote in its purest form; bright-fruited, balanced with elegant and fine tannins. This is a wine to enjoy young and, if you have the patience, it will reward a few years in a dark cellar. More importantly, you can enjoy this wine within 30 years.
M A RGA R E T H I L L V I N E YA R D H E AT H C OT E V I CTO R I A
★★★★
0412 668 632 guangtiangroup@hotmail.com WEBSITE: kudowine.com.au INSTAGRAM: @kudowine PHONE: EMAIL:
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Maygars Hill 20 1 6 M AYGA RS H I L L S H I R A Z RRP $ 3 0 / 2031
Generosity is the keyword, with soft, pillowy plum and blackberry fruits in a typically well-made wine. The balance of fruit, tannins and oak can’t be faulted. 15% alc.
OW N E R / V I T I C U LT U R I ST Jenny Houghton (left)
What do you believe makes this wine so special? Working our small patch of vines in the 2016 season saw near-perfect conditions. Rain at the right time and glorious sunshine made for perfect bunches of luscious berries. Cropping at less than two tonnes per acre allowed us to craft a fabulous wine.
M AYGA RS H I L L ★★★★★ ST R AT H B O G I E R A N G E S V I CTO R I A
0402 136 448 jenny@maygarshill.com.au WEBSITE: maygarshill.com.au INSTAGRAM: @maygarshill PHONE: EMAIL:
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McKellar Ridge Wines 20 1 7 M C K E L L A R R I D G E CA N B E R R A D I ST R I CT S H I R A Z R RP $ 34 / 2032
From the Point of View Vineyard at Murrumbateman, hand-picked, 5 days cold soak, open-fermented with 15% whole bunches, matured for 9 months in French oak (33% new). A very good wine that says there’s likely to be a seamless transition to new owners. Underlines just how good Canberra District can be (and usually is), with luminous dark cherry fruits, fine tannins and a built-in medium-bodied complexity that can express so much. 13.6% alc.
W I N E M A K E RS John and Marina Sekoranja
How do you best describe this wine? The fruit for this wine is exclusively from Point of View vineyard, which surrounds our cellar door. This shiraz is young and feisty, bursting with black fruit flavours (blackberry and subtle blackcurrant). The fresh fruit flavours are concentrated and have amazing balance with the refreshing acidity, and subtle oak treatment does not interfere with the exceptional fruit expression. This is an excellent varietal expression with classic cool-climate freshness, and it has great length.
M C K E L L A R R I D G E W I N E S ★★★★✩ CA N B E R R A D I ST R I CT, N E W SO U T H WA L E S
0409 780 861 info@mckellarridgewines.com.au WEBSITE: mckellarridgewines.com.au PHONE: EMAIL:
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Nick Spencer Wines 20 1 7 N I C K S P E N C E R G U N DAGA I D RY R E D B L E N D R RP $ 33 / 2027
For nearly a decade, Nick Spencer crafted wines for Eden Road. In ‘17 he left to concentrate on his eponymous label specialising in the areas of Tumbarumba and Gundagai. This is an exceptional blend – 58% shiraz, 31% touriga with splashes of tempranillo and cabernet sauvignon. Excellent dark crimson; heady aromatics of dark fruit, Middle Eastern spices, warm earth and flint. The just-medium-bodied palate is an exercise in restraint with fine tannins, fresh acidity and it leaves such an impression. Beautifully modulated and delicious. JF 13.5% alc. WINEMAKER Nick Spencer
What is the inspiration behind this wine? The Gundagai red blend is a homage to the great Australian red blends of the mid- to late-1900s. The philosophy is to craft a wine that captures the landscape of Gundagai. It’s a wine that is as much about style as it is about individual grape varieties.
N I C K S P E N C E R W I N E S ★★★★★ G U N DAGA I , N E W SO U T H WA L E S
nick@nickspencerwines.com.au nickspencerwines.com.au INSTAGRAM: @nickspencerwine EMAIL:
WEBSITE:
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Oliver’s Taranga Vineyards 20 1 5 O L I V E R’S TA R A N GA V I N E YA R DS H J Mc L A R E N VA L E S H I R A Z R RP $60 / 20 50
Hand-harvested, Olivers Old Clone planted ’48, destemmed and crushed, 3 days cold soak, wild yeast open-fermented, 10 days on skins, matured in French hogsheads (35% new). The quality of the 70yo estate vineyard is immediately obvious, the wine with a rare multiplicity of aromas and flavours spanning the earth and sky; old, polished leather, dark chocolate and rich, dark fruits, all caught in a silken web of purple and black fruits by ultra-soft, but persistent, tannins. 14.5% alc. WINEMAKER Corrina Wright
What makes this such a special wine for you? Named after our grandfather Herbert John (HJ) Oliver, this wine is made from the oldest block of shiraz on the Taranga vineyard. HJ planted the vines in 1948, after taking cuttings from the original vines planted on the property in the 1840s.
$20 voucher
enter promotional code “HALLIDAY” at checkout (1 per customer)
O L I V E R’S TA R A N GA V I N E YA R DS ★★★★★ Mc L A R E N VA L E , SO U T H AU ST R A L I A
(08) 8323 8498 corrina@oliverstaranga.com WEBSITE: oliverstaranga.com INSTAGRAM: @OliversTaranga PHONE: EMAIL:
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Patritti 20 1 6 PAT R I T T I M E RC H A N T M C L A R E N VA L E S H I R A Z R RP $ 2 5 / 2034
Hand-picked, small amount of whole bunches, American and French oak for 16 months. It’s not easy to get these wines right, in terms of balance, but this one is spot on. American oak exerts a coffeed influence but it doesn’t intrude. Spice ripples through the tannin without ever begging for the front seat; the fruit is rich and tar-like but not hot or overdone. Value is very high. CM 13.5% alc.
WINEMAKER James Mungall and Ben Heide
What makes this wine so distinctive? This is the younger sibling of our flagship wine, JPB Shiraz. Sourced from the family’s vineyard in Blewitt Springs, McLaren Vale, the wine offers elegance and aromatics, a hallmark of Blewitt Springs with depth and intensity from the old vines.
PAT R I T T I ★★★★★ M C L A R E N VA L E , SO U T H AU ST R A L I A
(08) 8296 8261 wines@patritti.com.au WEBSITE: Patritti.com.au INSTAGRAM: @patritti_wines PHONE: EMAIL:
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Pepper Tree Wines 20 1 6 P E P P E R T R E E S I N G L E V I N E YA R D T H E G R AV E LS W R AT TO N B U L LY S H I R A Z RRP $ 4 4 / 2036
Supple, rich and juicy, with a flowing stream of black fruits studded with sparks of spice. The oak is integrated, the tannins fine, the finish long. 14.2% alc.
WINEMAKER Gwyn Olsen
Did you do anything differently with this wine? The 2016 vintage marks the first of The Gravels that was hand-thinned in the vineyard, hand-picked to eliminate all eucalypt, and matured in French oak puncheons instead of barriques. The resulting wine is a great expression of what Wrattonbully Shiraz can be.
P E P P E R T R E E W I N E S ★★★★★ H U N T E R VA L L E Y, N E W SO U T H WA L E S
(02) 4909 7100 ptwinery@peppertreewines.com.au WEBSITE: peppertreewines.com.au INSTAGRAM: @peppertreewines PHONE: EMAIL:
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Pirramimma 20 1 5 P I R R A M I M M A I RO N STO N E M C L A R E N VA L E S H I R A Z RRP $ 50 / 2039
A thick soup of plum-drenched flavour, toasty vanillin oak and choc-mint flavours sprinkled over the top, nips of kirsch for good measure. A full-on red wine, dense, inky, mouthfilling. Ripe tannin steps in on the finish and pulls the load of flavour forward. Substantial. CM 14.8% alc.
CHIEF WINEMAKER Geoff Johnston
Why is this wine’s fruit source so important? This 2015 Ironstone Shiraz exemplifies the fruit quality regularly produced from the P4 Shiraz Vineyard planted in 1995. One of the hallmarks of this shiraz vineyard is the vine roots travel down over three metres into the friable limestone soil profile. This vineyard has now settled down and it is a pleasure each year to walk through it, waiting for all the tell-tale signs that Shiraz fruit is ready for harvesting.
P I R R A M I M M A ★★★★★ M C L A R E N VA L E , SO U T H AU ST R A L I A
(08) 8323 8205 geoffj@pirramimma.com.au WEBSITE: pirramimma.com.au PHONE: EMAIL:
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Pirramimma 20 1 5 P I R R A M I M M A WA R H O RS E S H I R A Z RRP $ 80 / 2040
A sweet, exaggerated style but an undeniably powerful one. This has blackberry jam and fresh, cedary oak laid on, violet-like notes ramping the headiness yet more. Tannin struts through the wine; acid buzzes. It’s a whopper with a bit of wow factor. CM 14.8% alc.
CHIEF WINEMAKER Geoff Johnston
What makes this wine so special for you? This wine was produced from the oldest shiraz vineyard on the property, planted in 1970. One of my first jobs when I commenced employment after completing my schooling was to help plant this vineyard. The S1 Shiraz Block is my vintage indicator block as it always ripens first and always produces outstanding shiraz fruit quality.
P I R R A M I M M A ★★★★★ M C L A R E N VA L E , SO U T H AU ST R A L I A
(08) 8323 8205 geoffj@pirramimma.com.au WEBSITE: pirramimma.com.au PHONE: EMAIL:
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Purple Hands Wines 20 1 6 P U R P L E H A N DS A F T E R F I V E W I N E C O. S E R ATA RRP $ 4 5 / 2031
51/39/10% blend of shiraz, montepulciano and aglianico. Depth of fruit is striking but more so is the wine’s balance. This feels fussed over in the best of ways. Red and black cherries, earth, asphalt, dry liquorice and a mere caress of creamy oak. Tannin casts a web from the mid-palate on. It’s high class; high quality. CM 13.5% alc.
WINEMAKER Craig Stansborough
What can you tell us about this blend of varieties? From the fantastic 2016 vintage, the Serata is a unique Barossa Valley single vineyard blend of three varieties. Shiraz adds depth and fruit sweetness, the montepulciano cherry fruit and earthy elements, while the aglianico adds florals, fine tannin and great length from its wonderful natural acidity. The resulting bright, textural wine is the perfect match for a rich meaty ragu.
P U R P L E H A N DS W I N E S ★★★★★ BA ROSSA VA L L E Y, SO U T H AU ST R A L I A
0401 988 185 sales@purplehandswines.com.au WEBSITE: purplehandswines.com.au INSTAGRAM: @purplehandswines PHONE: EMAIL:
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Sanguine Estate 20 14 SA N G U I N E E STAT E D’O RSA H E AT H C OT E S H I R A Z RRP $69.9 5 / 2035
The flag bearer for Sanguine Estate, and rightly so. It is in the full-bodied arena of almost all of Sanguine’s Shirazs, but its opulence is polished and supple, black berries, plums and currants supported by balanced tannins. The goodquality, properly-inserted and wax-sealed cork should do its job for the 20-plus years needed for this wine to complete its journey. 15% alc.
HEAD WINEMAKER Mark Hunter
What is the inspiration behind this wine? This wine is carefully crafted each year to pay homage to an incredible event that occurred nearly 20 years ago. We discovered that my great-great grandfather Pietro D’Orsa immigrated to Australia in the late 1860s with vines in hand and planted a vineyard in Maldon, a town not that far from where we had planted our own vineyard.
SA N G U I N E E STAT E ★★★★★ H E AT H C OT E V I CTO R I A PHONE: (03)
5433 3111 jodi@sanguinewines.com.au WEBSITE: sanguinewines.com.au INSTAGRAM: @sanguine_wines EMAIL:
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Schild Estate 20 1 5 SC H I L D E STAT E M O O RO O RO O BA ROSSA VA L L E Y S H I R A Z R RP $ 1 50 / 2055
From four rows of vines planted in 1847 by the Jacob brothers, saved in 1984 by Ed Schild from the jaws of the Vine Pull Scheme. A Leviathan bottle to end all comparisons, and arguably appropriate for a wine of this stature. Best of all is the wine’s elegance and balance, the fruits purple and black, the tannins fine and gently persistent, the oak a means to an end. This is only the start of a story that will take its next huge step in 2047. 14.5% alc.
WINEMAKER Scott Hazeldine
What do you love most about making this wine? Even in a place such as the Barossa, vineyards of this age and ilk are relatively rare. Being able to showcase this concentrated old vine fruit tempered with a sense of control and refreshment has been really pleasing for us all.
15 Moo only available for purchase online as a part of Halliday Pack
SC H I L D E STAT E ★★★★★ BA ROSSA VA L L E Y, SO U T H AU ST R A L I A
(08) 8524 5560 purebarossa@schildestate.com.au WEBSITE: schildestate.com.au INSTAGRAM: @schildestate PHONE: EMAIL:
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Sedona Estate 20 1 5 S E D O N A E STAT E R E S E RV E Y E A VA L L E Y S H I R A Z R RP $ 40 / 2030
14yo vines, hand-picked and sorted, crushed and destemmed, open-fermented, 14 days on skins, matured in 75% new American barriques and 25% used French oak for 30 months. The vintage and the fruit are the prime movers here, the medium to full-bodied palate with an abundance of dark fruits ranging from plum to blackberry and a sweetness ex the vanillin oak. No hint of any green fruits. The overall length and balance are very good. 14% alc.
WINEMAKER Paul Evans
How do you approach the making of this shiraz? This reserve shiraz has been made in the vineyard; bunch selected at veraison, harvested by hand at peak flavour, minimal winemaking handling, and then aged in our best oak for two years. It’s a prime example of what this vineyard site can achieve.
S E D O N A E STAT E ★★★★ Y E A VA L L E Y, U P P E R G O U L B U R N V I CTO R I A
(03) 9730 2883 wine@sedonaestate.com.au WEBSITE: sedonaestate.com.au INSTAGRAM: @sedonaestate PHONE: EMAIL:
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Silkman Wines 20 1 7 S I L K M A N R E S E RV E S H I R A Z P I N OT RRP $ 50 / 2030
Silkman was, so far as I know, the first to explore this blend since the death of Maurice O’Shea. It raises a question with no real answer – why did it take so long to gain currency afresh? It is the ultimate ‘now or later’ style, brilliant in its flavour profile, and in the synergy discovered by O’Shea.
WINEMAKER Shaun and Liz Silkman
How do you best describe this wine? This delivers history and drinkability in a delicious package, being a juicy and well-structured blend of shiraz and pinot from the Hunter. Primary fruit notes of raspberries and savoury spice carry from the nose to the palate, layered over finely structured and long tannins.
SILKMAN WINES H U N T E R VA L L E Y
★★★★★
0414 800 256 shaun@silkmanwines.com.au WEBSITE: silkmanwines.com.au INSTAGRAM: @silkman wines PHONE: EMAIL:
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Soul Growers 20 1 6 SO U L G ROW E RS G O B E L L S I N G L E V I N E YA R D BA ROSSA VA L L E Y S H I R A Z R RP $ 1 50 / 2041
150yo vines in Marananga, the usual whole berry 10-day open fermentation with two cultured yeasts at 22-25˚C. A single barrel (as for most), thus 100% new or used, here new, most 18-19 months maturation, most French. Old vine super-intensity, yet has the balance needed for a 20-40 year maturation (cork dependent). Black fruits, touches of licorice and tar, very firm, but ripe, tannins. An organoleptic comment is that the format means oak plays a large part in these single barrel flagship wines, this one fighting back with the depth of its full-bodied palate. 14.5% alc. WINEMAKER Stu Bourne
What do you love about this wine? The chance to showcase a generational grower’s work with a single vineyard release of just one barrel is so satisfying for a winemaker to achieve. This wine highlights the depth, structure and complexity of wine made from a single site.
SO U L G ROW E RS ★★★★★ BA ROSSA VA L L E Y, SO U T H AU ST R A L I A
(08) 8563 2691 cellardoor@soulgrowers.com WEBSITE: soulgrowers.com INSTAGRAM: @soulgrowersbarossawines PHONE: EMAIL:
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Silkman Wines 20 1 7 S I L K M A N H U N T E R VA L L E Y S H I R A Z RRP $ 3 0 / 2037
Deep crimson-purple; this is a really impressive shiraz from what is going to become a fabled vintage in the Hunter Valley. This wine will live for decades.
WINEMAKER Shaun and Liz Silkman
What do you believe sets this wine apart? This wine showcases a great, old Hunter Valley vineyard while delivering a modern Hunter Valley shiraz. Great depth of flavours are integrated with French oak delivering a wine that offers drinkability as a young wine as well as one that will reward in years to come.
SILKMAN WINES H U N T E R VA L L E Y
★★★★★
0414 800 256 shaun@silkmanwines.com.au WEBSITE: silkmanwines.com.au INSTAGRAM: @silkman wines PHONE: EMAIL:
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Silkman Wines 20 1 7 S I L K M A N R E S E RV E H U N T E R VA L L E Y S H I R A Z RRP $ 50 / 2047
A high quality shiraz from a very good shiraz vintage, benefitting further from maximum fruit sorting. It abounds with plum and blackberry fruits, the oak skilfully integrated, the tannins typically soft in best Hunter style.
WINEMAKER Shaun and Liz Silkman
How do you like to describe this wine? This is a single-vineyard wine showcasing a modern Hunter Valley style of shiraz. It has a fresh primary fruit-driven palate, showing layers of blue fruit, well-integrated French oak and ripe velvety tannins. Minimal handling in the winery allows the elegance of the fruit to be the champion of this wine.
SILKMAN WINES H U N T E R VA L L E Y
★★★★★
0414 800 256 shaun@silkmanwines.com.au WEBSITE: silkmanwines.com.au INSTAGRAM: @silkman wines PHONE: EMAIL:
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Sons of Eden 20 1 5 SO N S O F E D E N R E M U S O L D V I N E E D E N VA L L E Y S H I R A Z RRP $ 80 / 2035
Flirtations of a floral nature. This is primed with red and black berries, and with woody spice notes too, but floral overtones add another dimension, and an intoxicating one. Anise, mint and clove characters have their own version of events, but no matter which angle you look at this, it’s fabulous. Rich shiraz fruit, smoky oak, incredibly fine tannin and silken mouthfeel. Caution: it may induce swooning. CM 14.5% alc.
W I N E M A K E R & V I T I C U LT U R I ST Corey Ryan and Simon Cowham
What do you believe makes this wine so enticing? This wine comes from old vine Eden Valley shiraz from vineyards that are 50-plus years of age and managed sustainably. Being hand-harvested and naturally fermented with 25 per cent whole bunch clusters provides for a refined and sophisticated wine style. A brother wine to Romulus, the Remus illustrates the diversity of the Barossa region.
SO N S O F E D E N ★★★★★ E D E N VA L L E Y, SO U T H AU ST R A L I A
(08) 8564 2363 info@sonsofeden.com WEBSITE: sonsofeden.com INSTAGRAM: @sonsofeden PHONE: EMAIL:
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Sons of Eden 20 1 5 SO N S O F E D E N RO M U LU S O L D V I N E BA ROSSA VA L L E Y S H I R A Z R RP $ 80 / 2035
Glorious Barossa Valley shiraz. Thick with both oak and fruit, but fine-grained through the finish and polished to the nth degree. As seductive as they come. Blackberry, coal, toast, nougat and dill. A substantial spread of flavour. Length to match. Black satin. CM 14.5% alc.
W I N E M A K E R & V I T I C U LT U R I ST Corey Ryan and Simon Cowham
How do you best describe this wine? This is a richly concentrated and intriguingly complex wine, which comes from being handharvested and also naturally fermented with 15 per cent whole bunch clusters. A brother wine to Remus, it comes from shiraz vines that are 50-plus years of age and highlights the miscellany of the Barossa region.
SO N S O F E D E N ★★★★★ E D E N VA L L E Y, SO U T H AU ST R A L I A
(08) 8564 2363 info@sonsofeden.com WEBSITE: sonsofeden.com INSTAGRAM: @sonsofeden PHONE: EMAIL:
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Stage Door Wine Co 20 1 6 STAG E D O O R W I N E C O E D E N VA L L E Y S H I R A Z RRP $ 50 / 204 6
Matured for almost 2 years in French hogsheads (40% new). An impressive follow-on from the ’15, with an unusual lacquered palate of a panoply of black fruits and spices. It flows evenly and without hurry along toasty oak without a breath of alcohol heat, the cedary aromas and flavours of the French oak slotting into the finish and aftertaste. This wine has had balance from the word go, its long-term future gold-plated. 14.5% alc.
P RO D U C E R Graeme Thredgold
How do you treat this shiraz in the winery? Firstly we picked the fruit at optimum ripening. It spent seven days on skins in the open fermenter and was lovingly treated in 100 per cent French barrels. The aim was to produce an elegant and complex example of cool climate shiraz. It sings and will age beautifully.
STAG E D O O R W I N E C O ★★★★★ E D E N VA L L E Y, SO U T H AU ST R A L I A
0400 991 968 graeme@stagedoorwineco.com.au WEBSITE: stagedoorwineco.com.au PHONE: EMAIL:
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St Hugo 20 1 2 ST H U G O C E L L A R C O L L ECT I O N BA ROSSA S H I R A Z RRP $99 / 2032
Good quality cork, well inserted. Fully reflects the great vintage; the slow march to maturity has only just begun, but the cadenced black fruits, spices, quality oak and polished tannins are in perfect harmony. 14.3% alc.
WINEMAKER Daniel Swincer
What do you believe makes this wine so distinctive? The Barossa has diverse expressions of shiraz and this wine articulates the character of the Ebenezer region in the northern Barossa. Clarity of fruit and tannin with effortless concentration create a wine of energy and ability to age.
ST H U G O ★★★★★ BA ROSSA VA L L E Y, SO U T H AU ST R A L I A PHONE: (08)
8115 9200 Sthugo@sthugo.com WEBSITE: sthugo.com INSTAGRAM: @Sthugowines EMAIL:
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Tahbilk 20 14 TA H B I L K 1 860 V I N E S S H I R A Z R RP $ 32 5 / 2040
This was the first iconic wine that I ever tasted. I still recall parting with my pocket money with glee! This is of red fruit notes as it is of black. Yet at this nascent stage, a herbal potpourri is slathered across a carapace of oak cedars, impeccably wrought slinky tannins and dutiful acidity. A seamless sheath! The wine’s pulse is forceful and the finish long, although it is far from heavy in any way. The fruit will unravel in time, yet it is not to be rushed. NG 13.3% alc.
WINEMAKER Alister Purbrick
What do you believe makes this wine so special? These un-grafted, pre-phylloxera shiraz plantings are among the oldest in the world. Since the inaugural 1979 vintage, this wine has become one of the most sought-after and collectable, cementing its place as an authentic piece of liquid history.
TA H B I L K ★★★★★ N AGA M B I E L A K E S, V I CTO R I A
(03) 5794 2555 admin@tahbilk.com.au WEBSITE: tahbilk.com.au INSTAGRAM: @tahbilkwinery PHONE: EMAIL:
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Talbots Block Wines 20 1 5 TA L B OTS B LO C K T H E SU LTA N C L A R E VA L L E Y S H I R A Z R RP $ 36 / 2040
The best fruit from the higher east-facing western slope of the vineyard is reserved for The Sultan, producing sumptuously rich grapes, ideal for more oak exposure. The wine spent 21 months in French (35% new) and American hogsheads, and yes, this layered and rich full-bodied wine reflects the site and the great ’15 vintage. 14.9% alc.
WINEMAKER Bill Talbot
How do you approach the making of this wine? Our formula: small bunches of fruit from our lowyielding vines, packed with intensely concentrated dark fruit flavour. We then age it in 35 per cent new French oak, give it a good lie-down for a year or two, et voila! Seriously good shiraz that is rich, textural and velvety smooth. A joy to drink now or for 20-plus years to come.
10%
discount for online purchases by the dozen. Use promo code JH2019 at checkout.
TA L B OTS B LO C K W I N E S ★★★★★ C L A R E VA L L E Y, SO U T H AU ST R A L I A PHONE: 0403
517 401 shiraz@talbotsblock.com.au WEBSITE: talbotsblock.com.au INSTAGRAM: @talbotsblock EMAIL:
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Three Kangaroos 20 1 5 T H R E E K A N GA RO OS D O U B L E BA R R E LS BA ROSSA VA L L E Y S H I R A Z RRP $60 / 2040
From a vineyard in Marananga, matured for 30 months in oak. Has a savoury edge from the fruit and possibly oak. That does serve to slightly diminish the impact of the double-barrel shotgun. The same comment/question as that for its Full Moon sibling. 15.5% alc.
WINEMAKER Janelle Badrice
How do you best describe this wine? This wine is full-bodied with savoury flavours and structural tannin from extended oak maturation. The final blend concentrated on retaining oak complexity, but balancing it with supple ripe fruit. The resulting wine is alluring – superb paired with rich food.
T H R E E K A N GA RO OS ★★★★★ BA ROSSA VA L L E Y, SO U T H AU ST R A L I A
(08) 8212 0459 info@threekangaroos.com.au WEBSITE: threekangaroos.com.au PHONE: EMAIL:
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Three Kangaroos 20 1 6 T H R E E K A N GA RO OS F U L L M O O N O L D V I N E BA ROSSA VA L L E Y S H I R A Z R RP $70 / 2036
From 65yo vines at Light Pass, matured for 18 months in French hogsheads, 200 dozen made. Massively rich and concentrated, oozing and dripping succulent black fruits. Of its type, well orchestrated. Whether future vintages (post ’20) will be welcomed is an open question, China the elephant in the room. 15% alc.
WINEMAKER Janelle Badrice
What do you believe typifies this wine? This is a classic Barossa Shiraz, and more. The rarity of the old vines coupled with one of the best vintages of recent times amplify the good quality and warm generosity. The purple hues and ripe bramble fruit are outstanding.
T H R E E K A N GA RO OS ★★★★★ BA ROSSA VA L L E Y, SO U T H AU ST R A L I A
(08) 8212 0459 info@threekangaroos.com.au WEBSITE: threekangaroos.com.au PHONE: EMAIL:
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Torbreck Vintners 20 1 5 TO R B R EC K V I N T N E RS T H E FACTO R RRP $ 1 2 5 / 2035
Old, dry-grown shiraz from Gomersal, Krondorf and Marananga, matured for 24 months in French oak (40% new). Dense, inky colour; it is, of course, gloriously rich, Torbreck DNA found whatever part of the wine you are analysing (or simply drinking and enjoying). Once again, the ’15 vintage imposes its will. 15% alc.
CHIEFWINEMAKER Ian Hongell
What do you love most about this wine? The Factor is a quintessential Barossa Valley shiraz displaying dark fruit, silky tannins and plush middle palate texture. The tannins support a full-bodied framework that has the ability to age for many years in a good cellar. What I like about this wine is its purity and sense of place that is exhibited from such microclimates across the Barossa Valley as Marananga Gomersal and Krondorf.
TO R B R EC K V I N T N E RS ★★★★★ BA ROSSA VA L L E Y, SO U T H AU ST R A L I A
(08) 8568 8123 cellardoor@torbreck.com WEBSITE: torbreck.com INSTAGRAM: @torbreckbarossa PHONE: EMAIL:
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Torbreck Vintners 20 1 5 TO R B R EC K V I N T N E RS RU N R I G R RP $ 2 55 / 2035
Destemmed, open-fermented, 7 days on skins, matured for 30 months in French barriques (50% new) before blending trials determined 2% of viognier be blended in. One of the classic Torbreck wines, with the added benefits of the ’15 vintage. It is a gorgeously deep pool of supple, mouthfilling/watering fruit flavours (impossible, I know, but it is). Seduction clinically confronts and comforts the consumer. Black fruits, liquorice and a shaft of dark chocolate, plus oak, do the business. 15% alc.
CHIEFWINEMAKER Ian Hongell
What do you believe makes this wine so enticing? RunRig is an assemblage wine sourced from centurion vines from six different vineyards across the western ridge of Barossa Valley. The 2015 RunRig is a wine that exhibits typical black fruit power and structure, but with a sense of beauty. When crafting a wine from historic vineyards passed down from multiple generations, it is one of my favourite times to be in the winery.
TO R B R EC K V I N T N E RS ★★★★★ BA ROSSA VA L L E Y, SO U T H AU ST R A L I A
(08) 8568 8123 cellardoor@torbreck.com WEBSITE: torbreck.com INSTAGRAM: @torbreckbarossa PHONE: EMAIL:
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Ulithorne Wines 20 1 5 U L I T H O R N E F RUX F RU G I S Mc L A R E N VA L E S H I R A Z R RP $ 1 0 0 / 2040
Old vines in a single vineyard with low yields. The bouquet makes me think of the River Styx, dark and impenetrable, the full-bodied palate’s power and liquid intensity coming as a shock. No light feminine touch here, and why should there be. It is a remarkable wine of very high quality, piling on the flavour as its length extends inexorably. Bottle no. 3635. 14.5% alc.
WINEMAKER Matthew Copping
What do you believe sets this wine apart? ‘Frux Frugis’ is Latin for ‘fruit of the earth’. Each parcel is meticulously selected from the finest parcels of shiraz from our Ulithorne Vineyards. Since the first release in 2001, small batches are dedicated to the Ulithorne’s allocation membership database.
U L I T H O R N E W I N E S ★★★★★ Mc L A R E N VA L E , SO U T H AU ST R A L I A
0411 024 014 sales@ulithorne.com.au WEBSITE: ulithorne.com.au PHONE: EMAIL:
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Vinaceous Wines 20 1 6 V I N AC EO U S R I G H T R E V E R E N D V M O U N T BA R K E R SY R A H RRP $ 2 5 / 2024
It is with increasing trepidation that I taste much cooler climate Australian syrah, fearing the clench of overt reduction. This makes me a believer! Attractive florals lead one to a buoyant, medium-bodied palate redolent of blue and black fruits held aloft by a reverberating palate of juicy acidity, sensitive oak and a long, energetic finish smeared with olive tapenade, pepper grind and a whiff of mortadella. Phew! NG 14% alc.
M A N AG I N G PA RT N E R Nick Stacy
What do you believe sets this wine apart? Vinaceous Wines distinguishes itself by having the ability to source premium fruit from multiple regions in Western Australia and South Australia. But the Reverend V uses some of the best material from our own vineyard holdings. This syrah comes from mature sites in Mount Barker – a combination of maritime climate, elevation, mineral-laden soils and, of course, cooler growing conditions. These make for a more aromatic, savoury style – we use a portion of new and older barriques for 18 months’ maturation to frame the intense fruit picture on the palate.
V I N AC EO U S W I N E S ★★★★✩ M O U N T BA R K E R, W E ST E R N AU ST R A L I A
0427 482 903 nick@vinaceous.com.au WEBSITE: vinaceous.com.au INSTAGRAM: @vinaceous PHONE: EMAIL:
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JA M E S H A L L I DAY’S R E D H OT & R AT E D
Warramunda Estate 20 1 6 WA R R A M U N DA E STAT E C O L DST R E A M YA R R A VA L L E Y SY R A H RRP $ 50 / 2030
From its fragrance – a heady mix of red fruits, woodsy spices and florals – to the supple, velvety tannins on the medium to fuller-bodied palate this is equally delightful and delicious. It’s not fruity, as the savoury aspect comes through clearly and everything just falls into place. Great composure. JF 13.5% alc.
WINEMAKER Robert Magdziarz and Ben Haines
What do you love about this wine? The 2016 Syrah presents intense streams of red and blue fruits laced with deep, savoury spice and complex fragrant herbs. The palate is fleshy yet firm, with a luxurious core of supple fruit. This wine reflects a triumph in a tough vintage; a confident syrah with a purity, presence and a touch of opulence that will see it evolve over the years to come.
WA R R A M U N DA E STAT E ★★★★★ C O L DST R E A M , YA R R A VA L L E Y, V I CTO R I A
0412 694 394 info@warramundaestate.com.au WEBSITE: warramundaestate.com.au INSTAGRAM: @warramundawine PHONE: EMAIL:
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JA M E S H A L L I DAY’S R E D H OT & R AT E D
Westlake Vineyards 20 1 3 T H E CA R E TA K E R BA ROSSA VA L L E Y S H I R A Z RRP $ 80 / 2031
Hails from select parcels of older vines with fruit gently and minimally intervened with, as is de rigeur at this address: whole berries, plunged in opentop fermenters before this wine’s more ambitious signature: a lashing of pressings to bolster the tannins before 18 months in French wood. Pulpy purple fruits tee off, beamed along violet scents reverberating from nose to palate. Seductive tannins yet again, once the olfactories acclimatise to the oak. Anise and five-spice linger. The alcohol is testy, but far from obtuse. NG 15% alc
WINEMAKER Darren Westlake
What do you love most about this wine? The 2013 Caretaker Shiraz is the first release of our signature series. We love that we were able to achieve a big, complex wine that delivers a smooth, seamless palate with plenty of structure. As with all our wines, the fine natural tannins come solely from the vineyard – a tribute to the past caretakers of this land.
W E ST L A K E V I N E YA R DS ★★★★✩ BA ROSSA VA L L E Y, SO U T H AU ST R A L I A
0428 656 208 info@westlakevineyards.com.au WEBSITE: westlakevineyards.com.au INSTAGRAM: @westlakevineyards PHONE: EMAIL:
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JA M E S H A L L I DAY’S R E D H OT & R AT E D
Wine Unplugged 20 1 6 W I N E U N P LU G G E D PAC H A M A M A H E AT H C OT E S H I R A Z R RP $ 2 2.50 / 2036
Pacha mama was an Incan earth goddess. The wine has all the richness that comes from Heathcote soil, and has stolen another level of richness from McLaren Vale (not actually part of the wine, of course). The end result is a gloriously luscious shiraz for now or later, humans or gods. 14.6% alc.
WINEMAKER Callie Jemmeson and Nina Stocker
What do you love most about this wine? The 2016 vintage posed some major weather challenges – especially in the weeks leading up to harvesting the fruit. Temperatures soared, which meant sugar levels jumped dramatically. Balance and elegance is always our aim in our shiraz, particularly in regards to alcohol – trying to reduce alcohol levels to avoid the heat and heaviness is always a challenge. It makes us really proud to know that even in adverse conditions we have managed to create something pretty special and delicious!
W I N E U N P LU G G E D ★★★★✩ H E AT H C OT E , V I CTO R I A
0432 021 668 callie@wineunplugged.com.au WEBSITE: wineunplugged.com.au INSTAGRAM: @wine.unplugged PHONE: EMAIL:
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Zonte’s Footstep 20 1 5 ZO N T E’S FO OTST E P Z- FO RC E RRP $ 55 / 2035
Shiraz (90%), petit sirah (10%). Matured in both French and American oak, 30% new, for 18 months. It’s a Z-Force of nature. This is a brute of a red, its dark leather, tar, blackberry and boysenberry flavours roaring through the palate in confident-if-not-authoritative style. A swagger of tannin tops it all off. CM 14.5% alc.
V I G N E RO N Brad Rey
What is the inspiration behind this wine? We produced the first vintage of this wine in 2009 with the main purpose of supporting Legacy Australia with a percentage of profit. Stylistically, we aim to make a wine that’s gutsy and brawny, just like the members of the Z Force Unit.
ZO N T E’S FO OTST E P ★★★★✩ M C L A R E N VA L E , SO U T H AU ST R A L I A
(08) 7286 3088 cheers@zontesfootstep.com.au WEBSITE: zontesfootstep.com.au INSTAGRAM: @ZontesFootstep PHONE: EMAIL:
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Grenache & blends Red Hot & Rated 2018
JA M E S H A L L I DAY’S R E D H OT & R AT E D
Curtis Family Vineyards 20 1 6 C U RT I S FA M I LY V I N E YA R DS L I M I T E D S E R I E S Mc L A R E N VA L E G R E N AC H E R RP $ 1 0 0 / 2036
A thoroughly intimidating wine, built in heroic style. The fruit is dialled up to maximum, tannins and oak draped over its full body. It’s a legitimate style, abounding with fresh fruits from its 100yo vines. As long as the Diam closure works, the wine will live. 14.5% alc.
WI N E M A K E R Mark Curtis
What do you love about this wine? We are super proud of how this grenache has turned out. The colour is most impressive, being a deep, dark, purplish red, which is due to 14 days spent on skins. The palate explodes with vibrant fruit flavours of cherry and strawberry and has finegrained tannins providing texture and structure.
C U RT I S FA M I LY V I N E YA R DS ★★★★ Mc L A R E N VA L E , SO U T H AU ST R A L I A
0439 800 484 mark@curtisfamilyvineyards.com WEBSITE: curtisfamilyvineyards.com INSTAGRAM: @curtisfamilyvineyards PHONE: EMAIL:
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Hugo Wines 20 1 7 H U G O Mc L A R E N VA L E G R E N AC H E RRP $ 4 5 / 20 2 3
66yo bushvines, whole-bunch fermented, matured for 7 months in 5yo French hogsheads, 108 dozen made. Vibrant crimson-purple; has all the trademarks of McLaren Vale grenache, yet with a twist, notably the lower alcohol and used French (not American) oak. The bouquet is scented with red cherry and rose petal notes, the palate wondrously and effortlessly full of vibrant, fresh red fruits. The finish is as fresh as a daisy, reflecting the low alcohol. 13.5% alc.
WINEMAKER Renae Hirsch & Brian Light
How do you approach the winemaking process? The fruit for this wine was handpicked from 67-yearold bush vines, the oldest on the Hugo property. It was then whole-bunch fermented and received seven months in old French hogshead barrels before bottling. Only 108 dozen were produced in this perfumed, juicy style.
$25 off
when you spend $220 or more. Use promo code HALLIDAY at checkout. Purchase any 12 bottles or more and receive free freight.
H U G O W I N E S ★★★★★ M C L A R E N VA L E , SO U T H AU ST R A L I A
(08) 8383 0098 info@hugowines.com.au WEBSITE: hugowines.com.au INSTAGRAM: @hugowines PHONE: EMAIL:
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John Duval Wines 20 1 6 J O H N D U VA L A N N E XU S BA ROSSA G R E N AC H E RRP $70 / 2031
From two very old low-yielding Barossa vineyards, one in the Northern Barossa, one in the Eden Valley over 150yo, open-fermented with a small number of whole bunches, matured in used French oak for 12 months. The marriage of ancient vines and modern skills in the winery has produced a remarkable grenache at the forefront of the revitalisation of the style. It is powerful and intense, yet the flavours are in the fresh red spectrum with a savoury cross-current of fine, dusty tannins. There is no confection, no Turkish delight anywhere to be seen. 13.5% alc. W I N E M A K E RS John and Tim Duval
How do you best describe this wine? Harnessing fruit from mainly ancestor grenache vines planted in 1858 in Eden Valley, the 2016 Annexus is an elegant expression of Barossa grenache. Fruit-driven yet spicy and savoury at once, this is a complex expression of old-vine grenache.
J O H N D U VA L W I N E S ★★★★★ BA ROSSA , SO U T H AU ST R A L I A
(08) 8562 2266 tim@johnduvalwines.com WEBSITE: johnduvalwines.com INSTAGRAM: @johnduvalwines PHONE: EMAIL:
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JA M E S H A L L I DAY’S R E D H OT & R AT E D
Purple Hands Wines 20 1 6 P U R P L E H A N DS A F T E R F I V E W I N E C O. G R E N AC H E R RP $ 4 5 / 2028
Hand-picked, 25% whole bunches, concrete open fermenters with heading boards on top, 11 days on skins, basket pressed to 500l French oak. Bottled unfined. Velvety smooth, brilliantly perfumed and fruited, structured just so and totally convincing to close. These ‘After Five’ wines have arrived on the marketplace in emphatic fashion. This wine adds yet more revs to the modern-day grenache revolution. CM 14% alc.
WINEMAKER Craig Stansborough
What do you believe sets this wine apart? From 57-year-old bush vines in the Lyndoch area, this single vineyard grenache displays the quality of the 2016 vintage. We used 25 per cent whole clusters and it spent 11 days in concrete open fermenters. We then basket pressed it to older 500-litre French oak for 16 months maturation. Aromas of strawberry, earth and bergamot come through, with a bright-fruited textural palate making it a versatile food wine. It will easily handle delicate dishes, but also suit richer flavours.
P U R P L E H A N DS W I N E S ★★★★★ BA ROSSA VA L L E Y, SO U T H AU ST R A L I A
0401 988 185 sales@purplehandswines.com.au WEBSITE: purplehandswines.com.au INSTAGRAM: @purplehandswines PHONE: EMAIL:
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JA M E S H A L L I DAY’S R E D H OT & R AT E D
RockBare 20 1 7 RO C K BA R E T I D E WAY M C L A R E N VA L E G R E N AC H E RRP $ 2 5 / 2024
Grenache so pure and delicate it borders on angelic (or celestial, if you prefer). The gentlest touch and the effective expulsion of oak, has given you a picture of grenache at its prettiest. 13.5% alc.
WINEMAKER Shelley Torresan
Why is this wine so memorable for you? Vintage 2017 produced two beautiful things – my second child and this bright, crunchy grenache. Heavily pregnant during harvest, it was tough but rewarding. Picked early, the fruit was handled delicately and allowed some lees contact resulting in fresh, lively red fruits, textural complexity and a savoury finish.
RO C K BA R E ★★★★★ SO U T H AU ST R A L I A
(08) 8383 7422 info@rockbare.com.au WEBSITE: rockbare.com.au INSTAGRAM: @rockbare PHONE: EMAIL:
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JA M E S H A L L I DAY’S R E D H OT & R AT E D
Schild Estate 20 1 6 SC H I L D E STAT E E D GA R SC H I L D R E S E RV E O L D B U S H V I N E S BA ROSSA VA L L E Y G R E N AC H E RRP $ 40 / 204 6
From the Kleeman Vineyard planted 1915 and ’16, destemmed, open-fermented, matured in new and used French hogsheads for 12 months. A very rich, traditional style with lusciously ripe fruit, and the impression of higher alcohol than 14.5%. On the other side, there’s no confectionary flavours to complain about. The history alone is worth far more than $40. 14.5% alc.
WINEMAKER Scott Hazeldine
Why is this wine’s fruit source so important? This wine comes from 100-year-old grenache vines that are dry-grown, and from day one, it has been a joy to work with them. We are learning not to rush in so quickly, but instead observe, digest and really let this great vineyard do all the talking.
20%
for online purchases. Use promo code 20HALLIDAY at checkout.
SC H I L D E STAT E ★★★★★ BA ROSSA VA L L E Y, SO U T H AU ST R A L I A
(08) 8524 5560 purebarossa@schildestate.com.au WEBSITE: schildestate.com.au INSTAGRAM: @schildestate PHONE: EMAIL:
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Cabernet sauvignon & blends Red Hot & Rated 2018
JA M E S H A L L I DAY’S R E D H OT & R AT E D
Chain of Ponds 20 1 3 C H A I N O F P O N DS T H E CAC H E T R RP $ 1 0 0 / 2033
Deep, healthy colour, still with crimson on the rim. The particularly complex vinification was conceived and implemented without a hitch. 47% cabernet sauvignon, 43% shiraz and 10% merlot from three different vineyards with different canopy management and site aspects, different soils, the varieties handled separately and fermented with different procedures. Oak choice and use varied significantly, the sumptuous, black-fruited blend finalised after 20+ months maturation in barrel, then matured for a further 30 months in bottle prior to release. A very special wine. 14.5% alc. W I N E S M A N AG E R Greg Clack
How does this wine differ from others in your collection? The Cachet involves the selection of the best barrels from parcels of fruit considered to be of outstanding quality, while highlighting a sense of place. The combination of cabernet sauvignon, shiraz and merlot complement each other, producing a wine with structure, complexity, balance and length.
40% OFF
use promotional code CACHET40 at checkout
C H A I N O F P O N DS ★★★★★ A D E L A I D E H I L LS, SO U T H AU ST R A L I A
(08) 8537 0600 winery@chainofponds.com.au WEBSITE: chainofponds.com.au INSTAGRAM: @chainofponds PHONE: EMAIL:
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Cullen Wines 20 1 5 C U L L E N VA N YA W I LYA B RU P M A RGA R E T R I V E R CA B E R N E T SAU V I G N O N R RP $ 50 0 / 2055
Two-thirds whole berries/one-third crushed into 300l terracotta amphorae for wild fermentation, 10 weeks on skins before pressed to French oak (66% new) for 5 months. Stripping away all the obvious questions re price – and yes, it is cheap compared to Grange and Hill of Grace – this is a truly beautiful and graceful cabernet. Its purity of varietal fruit expression, its perfect fruit/oak/ tannin balance and its length are exceptional, and amply justify Vanya Cullen’s belief the wine will age well for at least 50 years. 13.5% alc. W I N E S M A N AG E R Vanya Cullen
How do you approach the making of this wine? This cabernet sauvignon is made from certified biodynamic grapes that were planted in 1971 on the Cullen Vineyard. It’s 100 per cent cabernet, expressing the Wilyabrup Cullen Estate, without additions. It’s quintessential cabernet with an original unique expression. We harvest it on the full moon fruit day and ferment it in bees wax lined clay amphora. It takes you to a place of the red ochre soils, the sea and the vine.
C U L L E N W I N E S ★★★★★ M A RGA R E T R I V E R, W E ST E R N AU ST R A L I A
(08) 9755 5277 enquiries@cullenwines.com.au; sales@cullenwines.com.au WEBSITE: cullenwines.com.au INSTAGRAM: @cullenwines PHONE: EMAIL:
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JA M E S H A L L I DAY’S R E D H OT & R AT E D
Dowie Doole 20 1 5 D OW I E D O O L E M R G’S C.S. M . R RP $ 35 / 2030
58% cabernet sauvignon, 39% shiraz and 3% merlot matured in 50/50% American and French hogsheads for 24 months before blending. You don’t need a corkscrew (useless) but a crowbar to extract the hard-as-nails cork. The blend is a throwback in style, accentuated by the choice of 50% American oak. It is rich, place having a lot to say about the overall flavour, which is undeniably attractive. 14.5% alc.
WINEMAKER Chris Thomas
What does each grape variety bring to this blend? A quintessential blend, it shows cabernet sauvignon characters of eucalypt and blackcurrant, while the shiraz provides palate weight/juiciness and a hint of spice, with the merlot adding a berry fruit edge. The 24 months of oak maturation has added complexity and enhanced the fine tannin line that will give this wine great longevity.
D OW I E D O O L E ★★★★★ Mc L A R E N VA L E , SO U T H AU ST R A L I A
(08) 7325 6280 info@dowiedoole.com WEBSITE: dowiedoole.com INSTAGRAM: @dowiedoole PHONE: EMAIL:
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Happs Wines 20 1 6 H A P PS M A RGA R E T R I V E R CA B E R N E T P E T I T V E R D OT R RP $ 30 / 2036
Brilliant crimson-purple, the wine has impeccable balance and focus, the flavours and textures of each variety permanently fused into each other, blackcurrant, bay leaf and a touch of cedar running through to the smooth finish of finegrained tannins. 14.2% alc.
WINEMAKER Mark Warren
What is the inspiration behind this wine? Erl Happ has always been a fan of petit verdot and he believes it really shows its strength in this 50:50 blend with cabernet sauvignon. All the fruit was hand harvested from our Three Hills vineyard in Karridale in a season of optimal ripening conditions. This wine is the first to be released as part of our new Sobriquet Series; four wines dressed in a new label and given a unique moniker to set them apart.
H A P PS W I N E S ★★★★★ M A RGA R E T R I V E R, W E ST E R N AU ST R A L I A
(08) 9755 3300 cellar@happs.com.au WEBSITE: happs.com.au INSTAGRAM: @winehapps PHONE: EMAIL:
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Hardys 20 14 H A R DYS 1 6 5 T H A N N I V E RSA RY E D I T I O N CA B E R N E T S H I R A Z RRP $ 2 50 / 204 4
From the best cabernet sauvignon from Frankland River, Margaret River and Coonawarra, fused with 100yo shiraz from McLaren Vale’s Upper Tintara district, the varieties evenly split. Hand-picked, openfermented, wild yeast, basket-pressed and aged 18 months in French oak (30% new). A vibrant crimson hue with a core of pristine fruit, although this remains in the savoury spectrum, leads onto a complex palate full of energy, the tannins as fine and strong as silk, outlandishly long finish. A heart-skipping wine, exquisitely detailed and elegant. JF 14.5% alc. CHIEF WINEMAKER Paul Lapsley
What is done differently when crafting this wine? This unique wine is a masterclass of blending. It’s made from the regions of McLaren Vale, Frankland River and Coonawarra, and is probably the first time in Australia that we’ve seen a blend like this! It is a powerful yet elegant wine.
H A R DYS ★★★★★ M C L A R E N VA L E , SO U T H AU ST R A L I A
(08) 8329 4124 cellardoor@tintara.com.au WEBSITE: hardyswines.com INSTAGRAM: @hardyswines PHONE: EMAIL:
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JA M E S H A L L I DAY’S R E D H OT & R AT E D
Haselgrove Wines 20 1 6 H AS E LG ROV E P ROT ECTO R Mc L A R E N VA L E CA B E R N E T SAU V I G N O N RRP $ 40 / 202 9
Tactile and vibrant, with currant and bay leaf flavours etched across pillars of well-handled oak, pebbly acidity and lead tannins. A rich wine, to be sure, but there is not an ounce of jam about this as it expands across the mouth. NG 14.5% alc.
WINEMAKER Alex Sherrah
What makes you so passionate about this variety? Cabernet sauvignon is McLaren Vale’s unsung hero, often overshadowed by the presence shiraz has in the Vale. Cabernet grows amazingly in our Mediterranean climate, but picking time is crucial to capture its true varietal characters, without being over- or underripe. Destemmed, no crushing and gentle open fermentation captures the fruit flavours, spice and herbal notes without over-extracting tannins. The resulting wine is one that is drinking beautifully now and will stand the test of time.
H AS E LG ROV E W I N E S ★★★★★ Mc L A R E N VA L E , SO U T H AU ST R A L I A
(08) 8323 8706 cforel@haselgrove.com.au WEBSITE: haselgrove.com.au INSTAGRAM: @haselgrove_wines PHONE: EMAIL:
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Mandala Wines 20 1 5 M A N DA L A T H E B U T T E R F LY CA B E R N E T SAU V I G N O N R RP $ 50 / 204 5
March it straight to the cellar. This is a substantial red with flames of tannin running all along its sides. Cassis, mint, violet, blueberry and foresty notes. Size, shape, freshness and length. A bigpicture wine. For the long haul. CM 14.3% alc.
OW N E R / V I G N E RO N Charles Smedley
What can you tell us about the making of this wine? Butterfly Cabernet is grown on the perfect westfacing slope, where long sunlight hours develop intense flavours. Low yields, hand picking and 22 months spent in French oak help to produce a wine of power and elegance. This is a classic Yarra Valley cabernet.
M A N DA L A W I N E S ★★★★✩ YA R R A VA L L E Y, V I CTO R I A
(03) 5965 2016 office@mandalawines.com.au WEBSITE: mandalawines.com.au INSTAGRAM: @mandalawinesyv PHONE: EMAIL:
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Passing Clouds 20 1 6 PASS I N G C LO U DS T H E A N G E L B E N D I G O CA B E R N E T SAU V I G N O N RRP $ 5 3 / 2040
Passing Clouds’ acumen lies with robust red wines that hold their heft within binds of gum-staining tannins and well-handled oak. The best examples are firmly of place, as any in Australia. This is no exception, if not the pinnacle of the range. An apotheosis of power and strutting ripe fruit flavours soused with herb, that never strays into sweetness. This is old school, but very good school! NG 14% alc.
HEAD WINEMAKER Cameron Leith
How do you best describe this wine? 2016 was a year of bold wines for us and we feared this would sit paradoxically with The Angel as it is normally a wine of true elegance. However, it has evolved into a wine that exemplifies the best qualities of both elegance and power.
PASS I N G C LO U DS ★★★★✩ M AC E D O N R A N G E S V I CTO R I A PHONE: (03)
5348 5550 office@passingclouds.com.au WEBSITE: passingclouds.com.au INSTAGRAM: @passingcloudswine EMAIL:
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JA M E S H A L L I DAY’S R E D H OT & R AT E D
Peccavi Wines 20 14 M A RGA R E T R I V E R CA B E R N E T SAU V I G N O N RRP $68 / 2027
A superb Margaret River cabernet set to a plush mould of massaged tannins, which are chewy and clad in bitter chocolate, reflective of the oak that is so well handled it is buried beneath the morass of flavour. Of a riper idiom, yet far from over the top, each mechanism of the wine is reliant on the other for precision, intensity and length. Cassis, black olive and bay leaf linger. NG 13.5% alc.
OW N E R Jeremy Muller
How did you approach the making of this wine? The Peccavi Cabernet is made from fruit that is 100 per cent estate-grown, handpicked and then aged for about 18 months in the finest French oak. The 2014 is also the first to benefit from the new Bordeaux clones we’ve been introducing to our sites.
P EC CAV I W I N E S ★★★★★ M A RGA R E T R I V E R, W E ST E R N AU ST R A L I A
0423 958 255 info@peccavi-wines.com WEBSITE: peccavi-wines.com PHONE: EMAIL:
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Pepper Tree Wines 20 1 6 P E P P E R T R E E S I N G L E V I N E YA R D B LO C K 2 1 A W R AT TO N B U L LY CA B E R N E T SAU V I G N O N RRP $6 5 / 2036
Good colour; has that particular mouthfeel of good Wrattonbully cabernet – it’s not soft in the sense of weakness, but is plush and rich with fruit at well-controlled alcohol levels. Here, that plush fruit has support from well-integrated oak and balanced, fine-grained tannins. 14.4% alc.
WINEMAKER Gwyn Olsen
Where do you believe the appeal lies in this wine? The tannin length and perfume are the two great features of this wine. Extremely low cropping has produced fruit with exceptional tannin, which has allowed us to build a wine of great length, power and finesse.
P E P P E R T R E E W I N E S ★★★★★ H U N T E R VA L L E Y, N E W SO U T H WA L E S
(02) 4909 7100 ptwinery@peppertreewines.com.au WEBSITE: peppertreewines.com.au INSTAGRAM: @peppertreewines PHONE: EMAIL:
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JA M E S H A L L I DAY’S R E D H OT & R AT E D
Pepper Tree Wines 20 1 6 P E P P E R T R E E CA LCA R E S I N G L E V I N E YA R D C O O N AWA R R A CA B E R N E T SAU V I G N O N R RP $ 4 4 / 2030
This is a wine that really expresses the synergy of the variety and the region. The cassis, green leaf and cedar on the bouquet are pure varietal aromas, with the underlying mint and limestone characters typical of its place of origin. Full to medium-bodied, there’s a fruit sweetness to the dark flavours, which roll smoothly along the palate. The tannin is firm and dry. SC 14.4% alc.
WINEMAKER Gwyn Olsen
What should we expect from this wine? A great drinking cabernet from the famed Coonawarra, this wine is expressive and tightly wound showcasing why this region has made a name for itself. Made to be enjoyed on release, this wine has a solid fruit core.
P E P P E R T R E E W I N E S ★★★★★ H U N T E R VA L L E Y, N E W SO U T H WA L E S
(02) 4909 7100 ptwinery@peppertreewines.com.au WEBSITE: peppertreewines.com.au INSTAGRAM: @peppertreewines PHONE: EMAIL:
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Rob Dolan Wines 20 1 6 RO B D O L A N W H I T E L A B E L YA R R A VA L L E Y CA B E R N E T SAU V I G N O N R RP $ 35 / 2036
Trophy Best Cabernet, Yarra Valley Wine Show ’17. 25yo vines; fermented wild in open vats; matured in 300l French oak, 30% new. It gives elegance a touch-up, but it’s the seamless combination of fruit and oak that really lifts your heart rate. Blackcurrant, bay leaf, cedar wood and black olive flavours swoosh through the palate in confident style, mint and boysenberry notes keeping the conversation flowing and fresh. Everything here is dotted and crossed; it’s immaculate. CM 14% alc. WINEMAKER Rob Dolan and Mark Nikolich
What do you love about Yarra Valley cabernet? Cabernet has been the standout varietal wine for the past four vintages (2015-2018) in the Yarra. Global warming has seen cabernet picked four weeks earlier than the ’90s, ensuring fully ripe fruit expression and supple tannins. Grapes are from two sites in Yering, both hand-picked (part crushed and whole berry), cold soaked in open fermenters, and hand plunged twice daily then pressed to French oak (30 per cent new). Aromas of blackberry and savoury spice are intermingled with soft tannins and persistence.
RO B D O L A N W I N E S ★★★★✩ YA R R A VA L L E Y, V I CTO R I A
(03) 9876 5885 enquiries@robdolanwines.com.au WEBSITE: robdolanwines.com.au INSTAGRAM: @robdolanwine PHONE: EMAIL:
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Stage Door Wine Co 20 1 6 STAG E D O O R W I N E C O E D E N VA L L E Y CA B E R N E T SAU V I G N O N R RP $ 50 / 2041
A single vineyard release, machine-harvested, open-fermented with cultured yeast, matured in French barriques (40% new). The bouquet is loaded with fragrant cassis fruit and you wonder whether the wine will be OTT. Well, never fear: it’s full-bodied, with impressive line and length, which will see it safely through the decades to come. 14.5% alc.
P RO D U C E R Graeme Thredgold
What can you tell us about this wine’s site? Fruit for this wine comes off the family vineyard in the southern part of the Valley. Cabernet loves this site, which is in a frost-prone area of the vineyard. The soil type, and the region’s warm days and cool nights are the key to producing high-quality cabernet sauvignon.
STAG E D O O R W I N E C O ★★★★★ E D E N VA L L E Y, SO U T H AU ST R A L I A
0400 991 968 graeme@stagedoorwineco.com.au WEBSITE: stagedoorwineco.com.au PHONE: EMAIL:
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Stage Door Wine Co 20 1 6 STAG E D O O R W I N E C O F U L L H O U S E BA ROSSA CA B E R N E T SAU V I G N O N R RP $ 2 5 / 2036
From two blocks on the Avon Brae vineyard in the Eden Valley and a single vineyard in the Barossa Valley, open-fermented, matured in French barriques (15% new) for almost 2 years before blending. The Reynell clone has for many, many years been regarded as awesome when used with French oak, this one of innumerable examples. The wine is very complex, with a suite of flavours inching to the spice/liquorice of coolgrown shiraz. A snap at the price. 14.5% alc.
P RO D U C E R Graeme Thredgold
What do you believe sets this wine apart? The fruit is selected from a combination of Eden Valley and Barossa Valley vineyards, and it spends 18 months in French oak. Individual parcels are then blended together to produce a beautiful wine that showcases the varietal excellently. Close the doors and enjoy!
STAG E D O O R W I N E C O ★★★★★ E D E N VA L L E Y, SO U T H AU ST R A L I A
0400 991 968 graeme@stagedoorwineco.com.au WEBSITE: stagedoorwineco.com.au PHONE: EMAIL:
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Shingleback 20 1 6 S H I N G L E BAC K D B LO C K R E S E RV E M C L A R E N VA L E CA B E R N E T SAU V I G N O N RRP $ 55 / 2030
It’s very good. It’s fresh with boysenberry, but tapped with blackcurrant. It shows spearmint-like highlights and elements of florals, though there’s a kind of blackberry pie character here too. Of course it’s ripe and solid, but a light hand has been applied. CM 14.5% alc.
WINEMAKER John Davey
What do you believe sets this wine apart? The fruit comes from a 40-year-old low-yielding Reynell clone, grown on a gently north-sloping loamy soil block. It has an excellent pedigree, with the 2005 vintage winning the 2006 Jimmy Watson Memorial Trophy, and the 2010 vintage winning the 2013 Queensland Grand Champion Wine of Show.
S H I N G L E BAC K ★★★★★ M C L A R E N VA L E , SO U T H AU ST R A L I A
(08) 8323 9919 tastingroom@shingleback.com.au WEBSITE: shingleback.com.au INSTAGRAM: @shinglebackwine PHONE: EMAIL:
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Tahbilk 20 14 TA H B I L K E R I C ST E V E N S P U R B R I C K CA B E R N E T SAU V I G N O N RRP $72 / 2024
A bright cabernet with a savoury, herbal midriff, neatly defined by delineated, fine-boned tannins for a brisk bite and definition. A beam of dark currant, piercing the wine from attack to lilting finish, scatters a potpourri of herbs across the mouth: sage, dried tea and eucalyptus are all there; a paean to strait-laced, elegant domestic cabernet. Good it is, too. NG 13.6% alc.
WINEMAKER Alister Purbrick
How do you approach the making of this wine? This cabernet is sourced from 28 hectares of Estate plantings, the oldest dating back to 1949. Fermentation takes place in 155-year-old vats, followed by maturation in French oak. The wines have consistently shown richness and are considered by many experts to be the best Estate red for long-term cellarage.
TA H B I L K ★★★★★ N AGA M B I E L A K E S, V I CTO R I A
(03) 5794 2555 admin@tahbilk.com.au WEBSITE: tahbilk.com.au INSTAGRAM: @tahbilkwinery PHONE: EMAIL:
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Three Kangaroos 20 1 6 T H R E E K A N GA RO OS H I L L S I D E BA ROSSA VA L L E Y CA B E R N E T SAU V I G N O N S H I R A Z RRP $60 / 204 6
58% cabernet sauvignon from Stone Well, 42% shiraz from Light Pass, matured for 18 months in French and American oak. This has power to burn, yet is elegant from start to finish. There are ripples of muscle interspersed with the calm of contentment; the fruit is foremost, but oak and tannins all play an important role in this classy wine. All the corks used have been of high quality, perfectly inserted, and should allow the wines to complete their journey. 14% alc.
WINEMAKER Janelle Badrice
What can you tell us about this blend of varieties? A unique Australian blend that shines in the Barossa Valley. This style encaptures the low-yielding cabernet sauvignon’s texture and herbal character, while being rounded out by generous and supple shiraz from the concentrated 2016 vintage.
T H R E E K A N GA RO OS ★★★★★ BA ROSSA VA L L E Y, SO U T H AU ST R A L I A
(08) 8212 0459 info@threekangaroos.com.au WEBSITE: threekangaroos.com.au PHONE: EMAIL:
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Walsh & Sons 20 1 6 WA LS H & SO N S RO I M A RGA R E T R I V E R CA B E R N E T SAU V I G N O N R RP $ 4 5 / 2036
From the Osmington district, 20% hand-picked whole bunches into a concrete vat with 80% machine-harvested 2 days later and tipped on top (no crushing or destemming), pressed to French oak (80% new) for 12 months maturation. A very powerful, sombre black-fruited wine with savoury herbal notes and pushy tannins on a long palate. 13.5% alc.
WINEMAKER Ryan Walsh
How did you approach the making of this wine? Walsh & Sons sees cabernet sauvignon as a diverse variety that speaks well of a region. To amplify the voice of this wine, we fermented it in concrete vats with 20 per cent whole bunch. The thick tank walls help to moderate ferment temperatures, improving balance, while whole bunches increase fruit complexity and tannin weight. The requirement for extra vigilance at pressing, along with a short maturation in a mix of new and old French barriques, makes for a soft fruit-driven style. We seek to make wines of personality that link land to the craft.
WA LS H A N D SO N S ★★★★★ M A RGA R E T R I V E R, W E ST E R N AU ST R A L I A
0448 182 640 info@walshandsons.com.au WEBSITE: walshandsons.com.au INSTAGRAM: @walshandsons PHONE: EMAIL:
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Windance Estate 20 1 6 W I N DA N C E M A RGA R E T R I V E R CA B E R N E T SAU V I G N O N R RP $ 34 / 2035
This is a shining chassis of pure cabernet currency: blackcurrant, mint, strewn herbs, graphite and cigar box; driven by an engine of stiff upper-lipped, gravelly tannins, bright acidity and sensitively applied oak. The extraction levels have upped the ante, delivering a wine that lacks the eminent joy of the Cabernet Merlot, albeit, one that will have its time in the sun. Bury this in the cellar or decant for an hour. NG 14% alc.
WINEMAKER Tyke Wheatley
How important is provenance for this wine? We are fortunate enough to live and grow premium cabernet in such an iconic and exciting grapegrowing region. Pristine beaches, word-class surfing, the most amazing fishing and, of course, a premium wine region – there really is no other place like Margaret River. Our cabernet is grown in the Yallingup sub-region, where it is marginally warmer, and ripens earlier in the growing season. We tend to get more of those rich, bold red berry fruits shining through. This Cabernet is a perfect example of Yallingup turning it on!
W I N DA N C E E STAT E ★★★★★ M A RGA R E T R I V E R, W E ST E R N AU ST R A L I A
(08) 9755 2293 wine@windance.com.au WEBSITE: windance.com.au INSTAGRAM: @windance_estate PHONE: EMAIL:
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Xanadu 20 1 5 XA N A D U M A RGA R E T R I V E R CA B E R N E T SAU V I G N O N RRP $ 3 9 / 2035
88% cabernet sauvignon, 7% petit verdot, 5% malbec, crushed and destemmed, fermented with 33% left on skins for 4 weeks, matured for 14 months in French oak (40% new). This wine has a scented, spicy nuance to the base of cassis that adds a dimension to the flavour, yet leaves the wine not even medium-bodied, giving it grace and not making demands on the consumer. Super-fine tannins complete the deal. 13.5% alc.
HEAD WINEMAKER Glenn Goodall
How do you like to describe this wine? It’s a wonderful example of the whole being greater than the sum of its parts. A blend of estate and grower fruit, with cabernet complemented by judicious inclusion of petit verdot and malbec. Dense yet elegant, and Margaret River cabernet definitely the loudest voice in the glass!
XA N A D U ★★★★★ M A RGA R E T R I V E R, W E ST E R N AU ST R A L I A PHONE: (08)
9758 9500 info@xanaduwines.com WEBSITE: xanaduwines.com INSTAGRAM: @xanaduwines EMAIL:
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Yalumba 20 1 3 YA LU M BA T H E CA L E Y C O O N AWA R R A & BA ROSSA CA B E R N E T S H I R A Z R RP $ 34 9 / 204 3
Stained/spongy cork. A beautiful wine in all respects, its heart soft and generous, its head stern and serious, the combination as complete as it is complex. It tastes of an assortment of red and black berries, tobacco and cloves, with tremendously well-integrated smoky oak and plenty of tang, tannin, flavour and run through the finish. An exhibition in both power and elegance. Cork permitting, it will mature gloriously. CM 13.5% alc.
WINEMAKER Kevin Glastonbury
What can you tell us about the blend in this wine? Yalumba The Caley is a blend of cabernet sauvignon and shiraz from two of the world’s most famous regions. The cabernet from Coonawarra and shiraz from Barossa are blended in perfect harmony. This is a unique Yalumba wine.
YA LU M BA ★★★★★ C O O N AWA R R A & BA ROSSA , SO U T H AU ST R A L I A
(08) 8561 3200 info@yalumba.com WEBSITE: yalumba.com INSTAGRAM: @yalumbawine PHONE: EMAIL:
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Zonte’s Footstep 20 1 6 ZO N T E’S FO OTST E P B L AC K B E R RY PATC H F L E U R I E U CA B E R N E T RRP $ 2 5 / 2026
95% cabernet sauvignon, 5% tempranillo. All French oak, 10% new. Squeaky clean, brightly fruited, moreish, all manner of positives. Not to mention value. It tastes of boysenberries, violets, fragrant/blossomy herbs and kirsch, and if you can stop at one glass then you’re better than I am. It’s absolutely ready to rip right now. CM 14.5% alc.
V I G N E RO N Brad Rey
What can you tell us about this wine? We know this is labelled cabernet, but we always put a dash of tempranillo in there too! This Spanish variety is perfect with our patch of grapes and the addition of it produces a moreish wine made for food, especially truffled salami.
ZO N T E’S FO OTST E P ★★★★✩ M C L A R E N VA L E , SO U T H AU ST R A L I A
(08) 7286 3088 cheers@zontesfootstep.com.au WEBSITE: zontesfootstep.com.au INSTAGRAM: @ZontesFootstep PHONE: EMAIL:
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Cellaring doesn’t have to be complicated. Discover the full range of Vintec climate-controlled cellars at vintec.com.au
Vintec ‘Noir’ 170 Bottle Wine Cellar V190SG2E-BK
Stable temperature
108
Regulated humidity
UV-protected glass door
Anti-vibration system
Reticulated airflow