"Gentlemen (and ladies), grab your Claret, for the game is afoot. Wonderful, sophisticated wine." Gary Walsh - The Wine Front

Mac's much-loved Cabernet blend named in honour of his father. An Australian Bordeaux.

Tasting Notes

Mac has chosen not to provide traditional tasting notes for any of his wines. His aim is that his wines hopefully capture vineyard life and vitality. As such the wines are constantly evolving. He believes that the only tasting notes that matter are yours!

The Wine

Mac Forbes believes the Yarra Valley's best wine is, in fact, the Cabernet blend, rather than Pinot Noir or Chardonnay. He's been inspired by the likes of Mount Mary where he worked for many years, and this blend, named after Mac's father Hugh, is every bit the highly fragrant, medium-bodied and elegant style of Bordeaux blend the region is famous for.

The 2016 season in the Yarra Valley brought lovely ripeness to the Cabernet et. al. in this blend and has resulted in one of Mac's best releases of the wine to date. This site offering perhaps a little more 'flesh' on release than previous versions of Hugh. If you like your Cabernet blends in a more subtle and elegant style, this is simply stunning. Only made in tiny quantities and just a pleasure to drink.

The "Hugh" Cabernet Blend

The Bordeaux blend is still arguably the most successful of all grapes or blends from the Yarra Valley. At relatively low alcohols the wines are elegant, perfumed and ripe. While approachable as a young wine – the 2017 Hugh will age gracefully for twenty plus years. In this wine Cabernet Sauvignon is the dominant variety and is complimented by Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.

The Vintage

2017 started slowly and took a more leisurely stroll through to harvest in March. Punctuated with regular rainfall and a moderate warmth, 2017 was a gorgeous season with near-perfect conditions for ripening fruit. Low sugars and higher acids dancing with glorious fruit weight define 2017.

About Mac Forbes

If you love premium and artisanal Australian wine, Mac Forbes is a name you need to know. He’s not only one of the country’s most talented winemakers, but he’s one of the most influential spokesmen for promoting the concept of Australian ‘terroir’, believing that wine should represent a time and a place.

Mac specialises in single-vineyard Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Cabernet from the Yarra Valley. His wines are delicate and finely etched, characterised by subtlety and grace.

His Pinot Noirs are fine-boned, Chardonnays are loved by those who look for fruit purity rather than winemaking artifice in the variety, his array of off-dry Rieslings from the Strathbogie Ranges are some of the country's most unique.

And his ever-expanding range of experimental wines is a treasure-trove for the curious drinker and he is honestly one of the most genuine and affable winemakers you'll ever meet!

Specifications

Chateau Montelena shot to fame in 1976 at the iconic Judgement of Paris that shook the wine world to its core when their 1973 Napa Valley Chardonnay won first place against an enviable line-up of top French Burgundies. The result was a shock to the wine trade all over the world and changed the history of California wine - and Chateau Montelena - forever.

Tasting Notes

Zinfandel is California’s heritage grape, and as anyone who has tasted long-lived examples from the 1970s, it can produce wines of tremendous quality, both immediate pleasure and age-worthiness, and all in a rich and spicy berry profile that is unique in the world of wine. Like every wine they produce, Montelena looks first and foremost to take the tremendous fruit they work with and transmit it in a complex, balanced package.

Colour

Beautiful and dark garnet in colour.

Nose

This Zinfandel opens with aromas of bright raspberry and floral top notes; followed by cedar, dried berries, dried plums, and the classic Zinfandel briar-berry along with hints of pipe tobacco and dusty cocoa.

Palate

The palate opens softly, with exceptional balance, and builds nicely into a good full finish. Dried fruit notes are perfectly complemented by fresh, red currant and mature black fruit flavors. Very juicy on the palate, it is ripe and sweet, with good length and just a hint of herbs on the finish. It shows good weight and velvety tannins throughout – very fleshy without being overbearing.

Vintage Weather

Not a hot or incredibly early vintage like ‘96 or ‘87, respectively, the weather cooperated and helped us produce wines of finesse, elegance, and balance – aspects that are critical for wines that exhibit a purity of expression and our wonderfully unique growing site.

Producer

Established in 1882 and located in Calistoga, California– the Montelena Estate is one of the oldest and most notable wine-producing properties in the Napa Valley. Click below to explore our beautiful grounds and see for yourself.

Chateau Montelena Winery, originally called A.L. Tubbs winery after its founder Alfred Tubbs, was constructed in 1888 and intended as a barrel-aging facility. The Chateau was unique in materials, plan, size, and style for its era. In nineteenth-century Napa Valley, the majority of wineries were constructed of wood. Instead, the Chateau is made of stone with walls three to twelve feet thick, which provides natural insulation against outside heat or cold. Similarly, the structure built into a hillside, to further regulate temperature - something necessary for producing quality wines but uncommon at the time. Also rare among Napa Valley wineries, the Chateau resembles an English Gothic castle gatehouse complete with rusticated stone walls, battlement with crenels and merlons, narrow arched windows, large arched door in the place of a portcullis, and bartizans with faux arrow slits.

Accounts of the stone winery’s designer, masons and source of materials vary. The design has been attributed to Hamden McIntyre, the well-known local winery designer; however, McIntyre relocated to Vina in 1887 where he took charge of the vineyard and winery of Leland Stanford. The building is unlike McIntyre's other wineries, none of which were designed in a Gothic style. Some sources also suggest that while in Europe, Tubbs hired a French architect to draw plans for the building, brought back French masons to build it, and imported European stone for the walls. Other accounts suggest the design was inspired by the Cellar of Chateau Lafite in France.

Originally, the interior was one large space with a second-story crushing floor, but in 1960, a second-floor apartment was inserted so the Chateau could be used as a home. The space was then converted into our current Tasting room though parts of the private residence remain and are used on occasion today for family guests and private events.

Vineyards

Amon-Ra Shiraz is an iconic wine that epitomises Ben Glaetzer’s passion to create wines that are full flavoured, multi layered and intense but still elegant, stylish and finely balanced.

Tasting Notes

In Egyptian mythology, Amon-Ra is considered to be the king of all gods. The temple of Amon-Ra was believed to be the first temple to ever plant a monoculture vineyard to produce wine for the citizens of the temple.

The eye on front of the label is the all-seeing eye of Horus or wedjat ("whole one") - a powerful Egyptian symbol of protection. It is represented as a figure with six parts, corresponding to what Egyptians regarded as the six senses; touch, taste, hearing, sight, smell and thought.

Ben created Amon-Ra Shiraz to appeal to all these six senses.

Colour

Deep purple in youth, will evolve to a lovely dark red hue with maturation.

Nose

Blood plum showing hints of dark cherries and dried garden herbs.

Palate

Rich and mouthcoating yet with the balance, finesse and elegance that epitomises Amon-Ra. An earthy spice complements the brooding dark fruit flavours.

Vineyards

Exceptional old vine fruit was sourced from the famed Ebenezer sub district at the northern tip of the Barossa Valley. Vine age 50—130 years old. Yield 2 tonnes per hectare.

About Glaetzer

This family-owned boutique winery was founded in 1995 and dedicates itself to the production of super-premium, site-specific red wine made in small volumes. Originally from Germany, the Glaetzer family settled in Australia in the late 19th century and were some of the earliest recorded viticulturalists in the Barossa Valley and Clare Valley.

Today the winery is run by internationally acclaimed winemaker Ben Glaetzer, who is responsible for driving the brand’s considerable loyal following. Ben sources all their fruit from the northern sub-region of the Barossa, Ebenezer, which is known for its ancient dry-grown vineyards. Glaetzer’s most exceptional fruit is sourced from 80 - 110-year-old, nongrafted bush vines. In the cellar, Ben believes in minimal intervention and treating musts as gently as possible. 

Though only limited Glaetzer wines are produced every year, the winery is known for producing wines that are unique and intense.

Reviews

"The 2019 Amon-Ra Shiraz is 100% Shiraz and 100% from the 2019 vintage, as Ben Glaetzer felt it – unlike many previous vintages – didn’t need to be freshened with a small proportion of younger wine. From old vines in the Ebenezer district of the northern Barossa Valley, it offers classic notes of blackberries and spice, framed by hints of cedar and vanilla (it’s aged in 100% new oak hogsheads, mostly French). It’s full-bodied yet crisp, supple but tight and really long. Offering lovely dark fruit, hints of espresso and black olive, it finishes mouthwatering and firm. Give it some time in the cellar and drink it from 2025 – 2040." 96+ points, Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate 

Specifications

Light that fire! Curl up on the couch with a great book, series, friend or loved one, and a glass or three from this collection of Autumn Reds.

Each case contains one bottle of:

2022 Broken Record Shiraz (Australia). Broken Record captures Southeast Australia’s essential joy. Soft and juicy plummy fruit flavours are balanced by smooth, savoury tannins.  Enjoy with spicy red meat dishes like kofta or tagine, or grilled vegetables and halloumi. 

2022 Percheron Old Vine Cinsault (South Africa) From gnarly 40-year-old bush vines - an elegant national treasure from dry-grown coastal vineyards. Serve slightly chilled with Asian Duck dishes, pork belly, stir-fried beef and indeed carpaccio of tuna, beef or game.

2022 Showdown ‘Man with the Ax’ Cabernet Sauvignon (America)  The ‘Man with the Ax’ is the nickname for the King of Diamonds in Poker-parlance, and in California, Cabernet is undoubtedly ‘King’. Rich cassis fruit and a good lick of oak make this a plush, easy-drinking example of why it is so highly prized.'  Almost any red meat, especially served rare, is going to do the trick! 

2022 Melea Organic Tempranillo (Spain)The creation of Melea Organic wines was a labour of love, named after a rare species of bee! Simple Tapas dishes including olives, Manchego cheese and sundried tomatoes.

2021 Miopasse Nero d'Avola Appassimento (Italy)  The bouquet is very intense, with deep notes of dark cherries, damsons and blackcurrants. The palate is powerful, yet approachable, with silky smooth tannins, great depth of flavour and layers of complexity

2021 Adobe Reserva Malbec (Chile) Vibrant aromas of redcurrant and blackberries, elegantly combined with mild notes of white pepper.  Medium-bodied on the palate with silky ripe tannins and a long, broad finish. An elegant wine that is easy to drink.

Save £12 on this collection of delicious reds plus Free Delivery!

"Home of the Worlds Best Shiraz"

'This shows depth and power. The stewed black fruits and blueberry crumble flavours show brilliantly with nothing stopping it from delivering pleasure. Sublime and evolving.' – Decanter World Wine Awards, 96/100 (Gold)

Nose

The Stork shows a complex bouquet of ripe black cherries, violets, sweet spice and sandalwood.

Palate

The palate is richly textured and well rounded with a continuation of the sweet spice note from the nose ending in plush and fine tannins.

History

The Stork Shiraz honours the late Ken Mackenzie, pilot, businessman, farmer and benefactor.  Stork was Ken’s Second World War nickname (as he was tall with long thin legs and a Spitfire pilot) and Shiraz was his preferred red wine.

This limited volume wine represents a vineyard selection of Shiraz from a specific site that is planted solely on clay–rich "terra rossa" type soils. The vineyard ripens a full month later than our Gravel Hill Shiraz site.

Shiraz is the cultivar that has made Hartenberg famous, and The Stork will ensure this reputation continues.

Accolades

'The Stork comes from deep, red clay soils and always has a slightly ferrous, dried blood character to it. Perfumed and concentrated, with blackberry, plum and tangerine fruit, lots of minerality and the structure to age in bottle. Drink 2024-32.' – Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2021, 94/100

'Shiraz off deep, clay-rich loam soil, reflected in plush mulberry & plum fruit which absorbs 20 months in 90% new oak & coats firm tannin structure. 2017’s savoury, clove & white pepper will add complexity for many years. Also in 1.5L, as red siblings.' – Platter's Guide, 4.5* (93/100)

'The 2017 The Stork has a concentrated nose of blackberry, iodine and wild heather scents, revealing more red fruit with aeration while retaining admirable delineation. The smooth palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, fine acidity and a hint of melted tar toward the finish. Quite bold, but a well-crafted Stellenbosch wine. Drink 2022-2034.' – Neal Martin, Vinous, 91/100 (Nov 2021)

Outstanding. Complex. Moreish. We could go on, but we shouldn’t need to - try it for yourself.

Tasting Notes 

Nose

Red fruit burst out of the glass – raspberry, dark cherry and redcurrant – before red pepper, star anise, rose petal and violets join the fray. 

Palate

Mouth-watering acidity and rounded tannins complete the picture on the palate. Outstanding.

Winery

Oldenburg; a hot topic from a cool climate. Anyone who knows anything about South African wine should have Oldenburg fully on their radar – they are producing outrageously good wine and have, very arguably, the most beautiful tasting room to visit in the Cape. Oldenburg, situated in the Banghoek Valley of Stellenbosch, has one of the coolest microclimates in the region. A combination of a mountain amphitheatre, high altitude and cooling winds result in growing conditions about 5 degrees cooler than the rest of Stellenbosch.

The Rondekop Series wines represent a small selection of the best barrels – either single cultivar or a blend – from our iconic Rondekop hill. We believe there are 8 Natural Elements which uniquely impact our vineyards, creating quintessential wine producing conditions. At the centre of it all is our perfectly round hill, Rondekop: the 8th natural element.

Several stone axes have been found on Rondekop itself. These stone axes are from an early Stone Age, estimated to be at least 100,000 years old. Knowing that early humans lived and hunted on Rondekop adds to the mystical nature of our valley. In this special place, we planted our Syrah vineyard blocks.

Vintage Conditions

Moderate weather throughout the 2021 season, and specifically during harvest time, resulted in grapes ripening slower, while developing exceptional colour and flavour. Harvesting began roughly two weeks later than usual due to unusually cool weather conditions throughout the season, which persisted through to harvest. Notably, water resources were also replenished following the recent drought, which contributed to fantastic vine growth, bunch numbers and exceptional berry sizes at Oldenburg Vineyards.

Winemaking & Maturation

Grapes were harvested from a single high-altitude vineyard on Rondekop. The grapes were hand-picked in lugboxes and stored in a coolroom overnight. 10% of grapes were whole bunch fermented and 90% were fermented as whole berries. The whole clusters were footstomped and naturally fermented. 1-3 soft punch downs were done per day and the wine was racked 3 times during fermentation. The wine was aged for 18 months in a combination of a 2500L Austrian foudre as well as 300L and 500L French oak barrels.

Accolades

• 94pts | Platter's

Specifications

Cabernet Franc and Merlot led Bordeaux Blend - a rarity in SA that will leave you questioning why that is the case.

Tasting Notes 

Nose

Both red and black fruit jump out of the glass along with the tell-tale signs of Cab Franc – tea leaf and dried herbs. These mingle perfectly with a hint of baking spice and violet, adding to the allure of the wine.

Palate

On the palate, it is weighty and savoury with some grip from the fine grained tannin. The finish is seemingly endless. Built to last. World class.

The Story

Oldenburg’s ultra-premium Rondekop Series draws its name from; you guessed it… Rondekop, the iconic hill situated in the middle of the Oldenburg property. Whether it’s the single varietal Stone Axe Syrah, Per Se Cabernet Sauvignon or the Rhodium Bordeaux Blend – they are all a small selection of the best barrels coming off Rondekop.

Oldenburg’s proprietor – Adrian Van der Spuy – spent a large portion of his life working in the world of precious metals and the name of this wine is a homage to that. Rhodium is one of the world’s most expensive metals and is frequently used in top end jewellery manufacture – and 80% of the world’s supply is mined in South Africa. Fitting name.

Winery

Oldenburg; a hot topic from a cool climate. Anyone who knows anything about South African wine should have Oldenburg fully on their radar – they are producing outrageously good wine and have, very arguably, the most beautiful tasting room to visit in the Cape. Oldenburg, situated in the Banghoek Valley of Stellenbosch, has one of the coolest microclimates in the region. A combination of a mountain amphitheatre, high altitude and cooling winds result in growing conditions about 5 degrees cooler than the rest of Stellenbosch.

Vintage Conditions

2020 was another exceptional harvest. The winter months saw good rainfall – only slightly less compared to the previous year. Spring brought ideal conditions, leading to even bud-break and homogenous shoot growth. The summer ripening period was consistent and moderate, and without heat spikes, bringing about uniform flavour development and phenolic ripeness in the grapes.

Winemaking & Maturation

Grapes were hand-picked and meticulously hand-sorted before destemming. Prior to fermentation, the Cabernet Sauvignon was crushed, while the Cabernet Franc and Merlot were fermented as whole berries. After 5 days of cold soak, fermentation using wild yeast began. During fermentation 1 to 3 punchdowns were done per day for optimal extraction. Post-fermentation, the wine underwent 18 months of maturation as well as malolactic conversion in French oak barrels (28% new).

Accolades

• 95 points | Tim Aitkin

Specifications

Tasting Notes 

Colour

Cabernet has seldomly known elegance such as in the Per Se 2020. The wine itself showcases as a deep ruby in the glass.

Nose

A rich and inviting nose with intermingling hints of red and black fruit. Blackberries, red plums and a generous touch of brambles are interwoven with lavender, green tea leaves and rosemary. 

Palate

The palate displays a wonderfully subtle elegance, with a ripe sandy tannin and a racy acidity. Notes of lavender, sour cherries, tree bark and cedar wood delight the taste buds. A beautiful finish of florality and cherry tobacco round off a divine tasting experience.

The Story

The Rondekop Series wines represent a small selection of the best barrels–either single cultivar or a blend from our iconic Rondekop hill. We believe there are 8 Natural Elements that uniquely impact our vineyards, creating quintessential wine-producing conditions. At the center of it all is our perfectly roundhill, Rondekop: the 8th natural element. Per Se is Latin for ´in and of itself. Given the ideal growing conditions, this Cabernet Sauvignon earns its name with pride and conviction. Various elements keep the sunny aspect of the hill cooler during the day and combined with cooler nighttime temperatures allow for slow ripening and development of the perfect flavour spectrum in the grapes.

Winery

Oldenburg; a hot topic from a cool climate. Anyone who knows anything about South African wine should have Oldenburg fully on their radar – they are producing outrageously good wine and have, very arguably, the most beautiful tasting room to visit in the Cape. Oldenburg, situated in the Banghoek Valley of Stellenbosch, has one of the coolest microclimates in the region. A combination of a mountain amphitheatre, high altitude and cooling winds result in growing conditions about 5 degrees cooler than the rest of Stellenbosch.

Oldenburg aims to best reflect their remarkable terroir through the Oldenburg Vineyards (OV) range of wines – a range of single-cultivar wines. There is minimal intervention in the vineyards and the wines are made in an uncompromising manner.

Vintage Conditions

The 2020 season brought another exceptional harvest. The winter months saw good rainfall – only slightly less compared to the previous year. Spring brought ideal conditions, leading to even bud-break and homogenous shoot growth. The summer ripening period was consistent and moderate, and without heat spikes, bringing about uniform flavour development and phenolic ripeness in the grapes.

Winemaking & Maturation

Grapes were hand-harvested and sorted carefully by hand and stored in a cool room overnight. They were then cold-soaked for 5 days before fermentation was initiated, during which the wine was racked twice. Pumpovers were performed up to three times daily. Malolactic conversion was in barrel. Barrels from a single vineyard were selected and blended prior to bottling. The wines were barrel-selected and blended 3 months prior to bottling. Wines were matured for 19 months in 225L French oak barrels in 55% new oak.

Accolades

• 93 points | Platters Guide

Specifications

The ILR (Iain Lesley Riggs - Chief Winemaker) Reserve Semillon is released from the best years and this is a beauty. 

Light-bodied and lithe, it is silky, weightless and immensely complex.

Tasting Notes 

Colour

At 6 years of age on release, the colour is just starting to show some development with yellow tints complimenting the green edges.

Nose

Lifted almond bread and the floral notes heading to beeswax and toast.

Palate

Lively lime juice, Bickford cordial characters and backed by a superb zesty acidity. The magic of Hunter Valley Semillon on display with texture, fruit weight and great length from a wine that sees no oak. 

About Brokenwood Wines

Founded in 1970 as a hobby venture by three Sydney-based solicitors - Tony Albert, John Beeston and Australian wine critic James Halliday - Brokenwood is perhaps best known for their Cricket Pitch label, which was first sourced from a 4-hectare block at the foothills of the Hunter Valley’s Brokenback Ranges. The block was originally earmarked as the local cricket ground before they decided to plant a vineyard instead.

Similarly, Brokenwood purchased their neighbouring block, which was intended to be the local cemetery, and instead planted Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon, becoming their critically acclaimed flagship wine, the Graveyard Vineyard Shiraz.

Chief Winemaker and Managing Director Iain Riggs (ILR) joined Brokenwood in 1982 and introduced new winery equipment and facilities specifically for premium white wine production. Since 1983, white wine makes up a significant part of total production and their Semillon is widely recognized as one of the finest in the world. Iain has also been the driving force behind Brokenwood’s expansion into the McLaren Vale in South Australia, Beechworth in Victoria, Margaret River in Western Australia, and Orange in New South Wales. Despite their expansion, they have managed to remain fiercely committed to producing unique and high-quality expressions of Australian terroir.

Specifications

Tasting Notes

Penfolds RWT Shiraz presents an admirable alternative to the multi-regional sourcing and American oak maturation that are hallmarks of Grange, expressing instead, single-region Barossa Valley Shiraz matured only in French oak. The initials RWT stand for 'Red Winemaking Trial', the name given to the project internally when developmental work began in 1995. Naturally, now no longer a 'Trial'!

RWT Shiraz was launched in May 2000 with the 1997 vintage. Its style is opulent and fleshy, contrasting with Grange, which is more muscular and assertive. RWT is made from fruit primarily selected for its aromatic qualities and fine texture rather than sheer intensity or power of flavour. The result is a wine that helps to redefine Barossa Shiraz at the highest quality level.

"Now into its second decade of release, the 2007 vintage excels. It encapsulates what is now the RWT style... defined with its own personality and style territory." Peter Gago - Penfolds Chief Winemaker

Colour 

Dark Red

Nose

Opulent glaceed fruits - saturated blueberry and satsuma plum elude from a freshly mixed summer berry compote. Stylish cedary oak marries with mixed spices and an element of (Gorgonzola) blue-vein cheese. Aromatically decries Barossa, and Shiraz - but not separately, as per these words!

Palate

Firm, lively & vibrant. Cola and a flavour sensation not dissimilar to a generous longitudinal slice of Blackforest cake, replete with fruits. Tight, finely-grained harmonious oak and lacy, mouth-coating tannins induce a multidimensional 3D palate, tempered by crisp acidity. Awash with flavour, depth & extract. The essence of Barossa Valley Shiraz... oh, and balanced! Convincing ... and out of 2007!

Reviews

Specifications

Altitude Series contains some of the most recognizable labels from the Doña Paula winery. Its three members are blends that seek to reflect the expression of the different farms, and in particular the different dreams and altitudes at which the vines are planted. But at the same time, the common thread that sustains the line - and the winery - is clear: freshness.

Tasting Notes

The line begins with 2021 Doña Paula Altitude Series 969 : its yellow line logo represents the clay soil of Finca El Alto, located 969 meters above sea level in Ugarteche, Luján de Cuyo (Mendoza). It is a cut of Petit Verdot (55%), Bonarda (40%) and Malbec (5%) with an intense violet colour. On the nose, Petit Verdot brings aromas of blueberries and jasmine while Bonarda adds intense aromas of blackberries and raspberries. It stands out for its firm tannins and good volume in the mouth, Malbec offers an attractive structure and a long finish.

The 2019 Doña Paula Altitude Series 1350, with a greyish-white logo, comes from the stony and calcareous soils of Finca Alluvia, Gualtallary, Valle de Uco (Mednoza). It is a blend of Cabernet Franc (50%), Malbec (45%) and Casavecchia (5%) with an intense violet color. Cabernet Franc provides spicy and floral notes, while Malbec provides berries notes. It presents a good length and it is very persistent due to its tannins. It is an elegant blend with a great structure.

 Finally, 2019 Doña Paula Altitude Series 1100, the one with the red logo, comes from pink caliche soils from Finca Los Indios located in El Cepillo, San Carlos. Uco Valley (Mendoza). It combines Malbec (60%), Syrah (30%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (10%) blended to create this complex and balanced wine of a deep violet color. In the nose, it has floral aromas – such as violet and rosehip – typical of the Malbec variety.  The Syrah contributes spicy notes, good volume in the mouth and silky tannins, whereas the Cabernet Sauvignon complements the blend with a great structure.

Specifications 

​

Our Autumn Whites are just what you need as the temperatures start to dip. Every day - grab a bottle and 'ooh! this is delicious' kind-of-occasion!

Each case contains one bottle each of:

2023 Mirabello Pinot Grigio (Italy) - A fresh dry white with gentle floral and citrus aromas. Crisp and delicate on the palate with orchard fruit and lightly honeyed notes, balanced by lemony acidity and a fresh, dry finish.

2022 Cool Mountain 'Winemakers Reserve (South Africa)' Sauvignon Blanc - Driven by true expression and focus, this Sauvignon blanc exudes the characteristic cool climate that allows delicious aromatics and a fresh minerality with added texture. This ensures that every glass is a work of art showcasing a defined terroir expression.

2023 Brotte Baies Dorees Viognier (France) -  Intensely fruity and well balanced this wine is mouth-filling which works in harmony with the flavours of exotic fruit and toasted brioche.  Serve as an aperitif or enjoy with toasted goat’s cheese, carpaccio of tuna, white asparagus with hollandaise sauce, brandade de morue, fillet of sole in lemon butter, chicken and green olive ragout, a cheese platter.

2023 Bellefontaine Chardonnay (France) - From the sun-drenched vineyards of the Languedoc, this unoaked Chardonnay is light on its feet yet packed with a zesty citrus twist.

2022 Miopasso Grillo (Italy)-  Crisp & zesty style, light & fresh with hints of rich, tropical fruit, plenty of body, some richness and some complexity. There's an awful lot to like here and it's pretty addictive!

2023 Ventisquero Reserva Sauvignon Blanc (Chile)- This Ventisquero Reserva Sauvignon Blanc wine has complex and elegant nose offers up aromas of lime, grapefruit, pineapple and pear complemented by floral and mineral touches. Ideally paired with salads, shellfish, cebiches and mild, white fish in lime or lemon preparations. It goes wonderfully with fresh cheese or cream-based dishes and white meats, but can also be enjoyed on its own as an aperitif.

Save £12 on this collection of delicious whites plus Free Delivery!

Twelve years after arriving in America, in 1924, Gaspare Indelicato planted a vineyard in Manteca, California. With it, he planted the foundation of his eventual success in the California wine trade. Since that first vineyard flourished, Gaspare’s children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren have honored his legacy through dedication to his steadfast values of family, hard work and integrity.

Tasting Notes

Nose

The intense aromas of blueberries, blackberries, and cedar compliment the flavors of dark cherries, cassis, and chocolate. 

Palate

Black Stallion Limited Release Syrah is a concentrated, full-bodied and fruity wine with a delicious velvety aftertaste.

Producer

More than a century ago, Gaspare and Caterina Indelicato immigrated from Sicily to the United States. With little to draw on but a long family history of grapegrowing and an entreprenuer’s gift for seizing opportunity, Gaspare entered the wine trade by planting a single vineyard in Manteca, California, where the climate reminded the couple of their homeland.

Occupying a privileged position at the southern foot of the trail, the winery grounds eventually became the site of the Silverado Western Center, a major equestrian center that opened in September 1963.

The original riding area now houses prized wines, instead of prize-winning horses. However Black Stallion Estate Winery carries its heritage forward. The estate’s legacy honors the world-class terroir of Napa Valley, the pioneering spirit of the Silverado Trail, and the Indelicato family’s warm hospitality and generations of wine expertise.

Winemaking Philosophy

To make great wine, a winemaker must have a deep familiarity with each lot of freshly pressed juice. At Black Stallion, the search for greatness means boots in the vineyard, checking on vine growth and grape development all year long. It means tasting grapes rather than looking at lab reports to determine the perfect moment to pick. It means harvesting and sorting fruit by hand. Black Stallion Winery’s small scale means that each lot of grapes that arrives at harvest is treated individually, and receives a unique upbringing to bring out its full potential for excellence.

Once crushed at the winery, micro-lots may be fermented in small tanks made of wood, concrete or steel. These choices of aging vessel give winemaker Ralf Holdenried exceptional flexibility to match a batch of grapes with the material best suited to bring out its greatness—key in a region as diverse as Napa Valley.
 
After fermentation, wine is drained using gravity (not pumps) and aged in the finest oak barrels. The gentle handling of the wine prevents the extraction of harsh components that could impart bitterness.

There’s no set recipe for a Black Stallion blend, just the finely honed palates of winemaker Ralf Holdenried and his team. It’s not uncommon for Holdenried to try dozens of trial blends before deciding on a final cuvée. The goal is always the same: To create a seamless, harmonious wine that captures the varietal’s best expression of that vintage in Napa Valley.

Specifications

95 points - James Suckling.com | 91 points - Wine Advocate

Tasting Notes

Colour

A youthful bright appearance with a core of ruby leading to a just fading rim.

Nose

Aromas of primary red berry fruits including dark cherry and plums, plenty of barrel spice and bottle development complexities. The beginnings of secondary aromas with a whisper of date and toasty spices layer in complexity and depth. 

Palate

Still youthful and firm on the palate with textures from tannins and acidy leading the mouthfeel. Core fruit flavours mirror the bouquet with equal impressions of plums and cherry. An excellent example, just a little bit dry though easily marries with gently salty earthy food. 

The Season

A mild spring was followed by a sunny summer and a lingering dry autumn. It was a perfect growing season with enough warmth to produce optimal ripeness but it was not too hot to destroy varietal purity or freshness.

The Vineyard & The Vines

We have about a dozen different clones of pinot noir and often these grow intermingled throughout our various blocks. The vines, many of which are nearly 30 years old and on their own roots, grow on a series of north facing, gradually descending terraces. While the site is warm during the day it is cool at night. This allows the fruit to ripen fully but slowly and to retain good acid levels of natural acidity. The drainage is helped by stones intermingled with the soil.

Harvest & Wine Making

We use traditional Burgundian winemaking methods. We picked the various blocks at different stages during late April and early May, depending on their maturity. Most of the grapes were destemed and put into small fermenting vats, retaining as many whole berries as possible. Ten percent of whole bunches were also added to these vats. They were kept cool over the next few days to help extract the soft, silky tannins from the pinot noir skins.

After this time the grapes warmed enough to start fermenting. During fermentation the floating cap of grape skins was twice daily gently pushed back under the wine by hand to keep it moist and healthy. When the fermentation finished the vats were sealed and the grape remnants were left to steep in the wine for up to a week to help extract a different range of tannins that add structure and depth. The duration of this period was determined by daily tasting. Subsequently the wine was gently pressed off and put into oak barriques (30% new) from selected artisan Burgundian coopers. In the summer after harvest, when the weather warmed, the wine underwent malo-lactic (secondary) fermentation. Both this and the original fermentation phase were completely natural and without added micro-organisms. After maturing for 18 months in these barriques the batches made from the many different plots of pinot were carefully blended in varying portions to produce this wine.

Accolades

95 points - James Suckling.com

A lovely and fresh late-released pinot with plum, cooked strawberry and cherry aromas that follow through to a full body with layered fruit and tannins, and a savory finish. Shows plenty of ripeness. Sustainable. Drink now. Screw cap. (Nick Stock )

91 points - Wine Advocate

Pale to medium ruby colored, the 2013 Pinot Noir reveals expressive black cherry, mulberry and red currant jelly notes on the nose with hints of tar, black loam, balsamic and dried Provence herbs. Medium-bodied, the palate has elegant styling with gentle savory and red berry preserves characters framed by a lively backbone and chewy tannins, finishing with earthy nuances. (Lisa Perotti-Brown)

91 points - Stephen Tanzer (tasted in 2016)

This is a beautiful wine now with lots of ripe strawberry and cherry fruit character, with hints of iron and peppercorn. It’s full and layered with lots of fruit and firm yet round tannins. A wonderful release of a pinot noir with age. Sustainable. Drink now or hold. Screw cap. 

94 points - Excellent | CamDouglasMS - Master Sommelier

Specifications

The new icon of the Arizu family was presented during the celebrations of its 120 years. Although the name is inspired by his Finca El Paraíso de Maipú, it is a blend of Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon conceived by the oenologist Pablo Cúneo from a selection of the best grapes from his own different vineyards. Balanced and elegant, with delicate aromas and an expressive palate, with notes of black fruit and spices. Well-integrated aging provides softness and depth. 

Tasting Notes

A blend that pays tribute to an exceptional vineyard of the family, and that is born from the most celebrated harvests, achieving its most accomplished expression as years go by. A renewed dream, a utopia; our idea of Paradise.

Colour

Violet red, bright and deep.

Nose

Its aromas are intense, balanced and elegant, with a very precise and complex fruity expression at the same time. Its delicate perfumes are reminiscent of red fruits and spices.

Mouth

Winemaking

The grapes are harvested manually, then a selection of bunches is carried out; and destemmed. The must is cold macerated for 5 days at a temperature of 8°C to 10°C, and a percentage of the Malbec undergoes carbonic maceration.

Then the Malbec is fermented in small stainless steel tanks for 10 days at a temperature between 24-28°C, with constant extraction work, such as stamping and delestage, and the Cabernet Sauvignon is fermented in roller fermenters.

After the alcoholic fermentation, a post-fermentative maceration is carried out.

History

Established by Leoncio Arizu in 1926, Finca El Paraíso is the oldest, most extensive estate with the greatest variety of vine varieties implanted in Bodega Luigi Bosca. There, among its vineyards, stands the château-style mansion in which different generations of the Arizu family lived. Its walls and its imprint are also part of the history, present and future of Bodega Luigi Bosca. Finca El Paraíso wines are characterized by their roundness, their elegance and their tense and sober body.

Acclaim

Specifications

Twelve years after arriving in America, in 1924, Gaspare Indelicato planted a vineyard in Manteca, California. With it, he planted the foundation of his eventual success in the California wine trade. Since that first vineyard flourished, Gaspare’s children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren have honored his legacy through dedication to his steadfast values of family, hard work and integrity.

Tasting Notes

Our 2013 Transcendent Cabernet Sauvignon is a wine of true depth and sophistication. It exhibits pronounced aromas of tobacco, black currant and violet. Flavors of mocha, cassis and allspice intermingle perfectly on the palate. The 2013 Transcendent is a full-bodied wine with the perfect oak to fruit balance, elegant tannins and a long rich finish.

Cabernet Sauvignon from the higher altitude mountain AVAs brings an incredible complexity and elegance to the palate. Atlas Peak has rocky, volcanic soil which allows the grapevines to focus on producing concentrated and flavorful grapes. The grapes sourced from Diamond Mountain’s volcanic soil results in fruit with great structure, texture and black fruit flavors. Howell Mountain has soils that are lean which naturally limits the vigor of the grapevines, concentrating the flavors and contributing to the intensity of the grapes. Mt. Veeder Cabernet adds an ethereal violet note to the blend that lifts and elevates the rich and ripe aromas.

Producer

More than a century ago, Gaspare and Caterina Indelicato immigrated from Sicily to the United States. With little to draw on but a long family history of grapegrowing and an entreprenuer’s gift for seizing opportunity, Gaspare entered the wine trade by planting a single vineyard in Manteca, California, where the climate reminded the couple of their homeland.

Occupying a privileged position at the southern foot of the trail, the winery grounds eventually became the site of the Silverado Western Center, a major equestrian center that opened in September 1963.

The original riding area now houses prized wines, instead of prize-winning horses. However Black Stallion Estate Winery carries its heritage forward. The estate’s legacy honors the world-class terroir of Napa Valley, the pioneering spirit of the Silverado Trail, and the Indelicato family’s warm hospitality and generations of wine expertise.

Winemaking Philosophy

To make great wine, a winemaker must have a deep familiarity with each lot of freshly pressed juice. At Black Stallion, the search for greatness means boots in the vineyard, checking on vine growth and grape development all year long. It means tasting grapes rather than looking at lab reports to determine the perfect moment to pick. It means harvesting and sorting fruit by hand. Black Stallion Winery’s small scale means that each lot of grapes that arrives at harvest is treated individually, and receives a unique upbringing to bring out its full potential for excellence.

Once crushed at the winery, micro-lots may be fermented in small tanks made of wood, concrete or steel. These choices of aging vessel give winemaker Ralf Holdenried exceptional flexibility to match a batch of grapes with the material best suited to bring out its greatness—key in a region as diverse as Napa Valley.
 
After fermentation, wine is drained using gravity (not pumps) and aged in the finest oak barrels. The gentle handling of the wine prevents the extraction of harsh components that could impart bitterness.

There’s no set recipe for a Black Stallion blend, just the finely honed palates of winemaker Ralf Holdenried and his team. It’s not uncommon for Holdenried to try dozens of trial blends before deciding on a final cuvée. The goal is always the same: To create a seamless, harmonious wine that captures the varietal’s best expression of that vintage in Napa Valley.

Specifications

A modern Pinot icon from an incredible vineyard, and one of the country's best winemakers. Wonderful.

The release of the Villages tier represents a huge step in the broader understanding of the wonderfully diverse  Yarra Valley. For years, the Yarra has been represented by both single vineyard wines and broader blends across the whole region. Mac has long held the view that with experience and curiosity, numerous sub-regions will grow in clarity and distinction.  2019 is our first release of the Villages wines and reflects our growing love and understanding of such an exceptional region.  

Tasting Notes

Mac has chosen not to provide traditional tasting notes for any of his wines. His aim is that his wines hopefully capture vineyard life and vitality. As such the wines are constantly evolving. He believes that the only tasting notes that matter are yours!

The Vineyard

Sitting behind the Waramate hills, this area encompasses both red volcanic and grey loam soils making it slightly more complicated to pinpoint a clear identity of this subregion. The undulating hills provide protection from the drier winds, the rainfall is slightly higher and the perfume, weight and structure appears more dense and effortless, pulling through seamlessly to the back palate. 

The Vintage

The 2019 growing season was warm and dry. Below average rainfall and warmer conditions placed huge demands on the plants. Thankfully, in early February the vines welcomed two  weeks of cool days and nights returning freshness and vigour. Overall small bunches and small berries characterised the season with above average structure and fruit weight. 

The Wine

The Woori Yallock epitomises Mac's passion for exploring the sub-regions and special sites of the Yarra Valley. To Mac, Pinot Noir is just a vehicle with which to express the vineyard, not the other way around.

As he said to us, "we as Aussie producers tend to get sucked into trying to emulate great French Pinot." He believes that "if you don’t care what it ends up as, but rather just expressing that site and the season", you're going to make better, more expressive wines.

Of all the vineyards he works with, this is the one Mac speaks of the most. The wines are richly fruited but highly structural, and very long lived.

In terms of characterful, story-telling Yarra Valley Pinot Noir, it really doesn't get much better.

About Mac Forbes

If you love premium and artisanal Australian wine, Mac Forbes is a name you need to know. He’s not only one of the country’s most talented winemakers, but he’s one of the most influential spokesmen for promoting the concept of Australian ‘terroir’, believing that wine should represent a time and a place.

Mac specialises in single-vineyard Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Cabernet from the Yarra Valley. His wines are delicate and finely etched, characterised by subtlety and grace.

His Pinot Noirs are fine-boned, Chardonnays are loved by those who look for fruit purity rather than winemaking artifice in the variety, his array of off-dry Rieslings from the Strathbogie Ranges are some of the country's most unique.

And his ever-expanding range of experimental wines is a treasure-trove for the curious drinker and he is honestly one of the most genuine and affable winemakers you'll ever meet!

Specifications

Bin 707 is Penfolds Cabernet Sauvignon Grange equivalent: ripe, intensely-flavoured fruit; completing fermentation and matured in new American oak; and expressing the Penfolds' policy of multi-vineyard, multi-region fruit-sourcing.

Named by an exQantas marketing man, Bin 707 was first vintaged in 1964. The wine was not made from 1970 to 1975 (when the focus shifted to Bin 389) nor in 1981, 1995 or 2000 (when fruit of the required style and quality was not available). Full bodied and with good cellaring potential, Bin 707 has a secure place among the ranks of Australia's finest Cabernets. Packaged in laser-etched bottles from the 1997 vintage.

Tasting Notes

Colour 

Deep red with a dense core.

Nose

An immediate, intense lift of pure ripe blackcurrant fruit, laced with mint and the faintest suggestion of violet. Cigar box and fresh tobacco oak notes showcase the sheer fruit quality. Although youthful, the nose already shows true 707 character.

Palate

Powerful and complete. Saturated fruits have soaked up the new oak culminating in a rich, sweet mid-palate and long stylish finish. The depth of fruit and defined structure, coupled with obvious muscular tannins, suggest that this wine is built for the long haul.

Vintage Conditions

Good winter rains gave South Australian regions a solid start to the growing season. Fruit set was excellent and careful vineyard management to reduce crop loads ensured the vines were in good shape to continue ripening throughout the season. Summer rains brought relief and the ensuing fine conditions towards vintage resulted in fruit reaching full ripeness and was picked in optimal condition.

Please Note

A collector's item! We believe this wine to be wonderful - however, as with all aged wines, it comes with a 'Buyers be aware' clause, and some labels may not be perfect. If you have any queries, please just drop us an email or give us a call!

Specifications

Bin 707 is Penfolds' Cabernet Sauvignon version of Grange: ripe, intensely flavoured fruit; completing fermentation and maturation in new oak; fully expressing a Penfolds understanding of multi-vineyard, multi-region fruit sourcing. Named by an ex-Qantas marketer, Bin 707 was first vintaged in 1964. The wine was not made from 1970 to 1975 when fruit was directed to other wines, nor in 1981, 1995, 2000 or 2003 (when fruit of the required style and quality was not available). Full-bodied and with proven cellaring potential, Bin 707 has a secure place among the ranks of Australia's finest Cabernets.

"Twenty vintages after winning the inaugural Adelaide Trophy with the 1987 Bin 707, this new 2007 Bin 707 release continues to demonstrate the advantage & wisdom of multi-regional blending in difficult years. Boldly Bin 707. Unmistakable!" Peter Gago - Penfolds Chief Winemaker

Tasting Notes

Colour 

Dense, deep-red, with a dark purple / black core.

Nose

Brooding, with a selective & slow aromatic release - firstly wafts of black olive (tapenade), then the faintest suggestion of sardine/anchovy - or maybe soy / Worcestershire - or could it be...? More confidently, familial barrel-ferment, cedary oak, and formic notes share the stage with blackcurrant & blackberry fruits. Inviting, tempting.

Palate

Cassis/blackcurrant varietal fruits and savoury oak stake an immediate (style) claim. Sarsaparilla and choco-mint flavours mould together to create the next layer, followed by a more savoury (Chinese mushroom/oyster sauce mix) immersion structurally impregnating any layering. Gripping tannins complete the offer.

Please Note

A collector's item! We believe this wine to be wonderful - however, as with all aged wines, it comes with a 'Buyers be aware' clause, and some labels may not be perfect. If you have any queries, please just drop us an email or give us a call!

Specifications

Penfolds Bin 707 is the quintessential Australian Cabernet Sauvignon. The winemaking philosophy of Bin 707 is similar to that of Grange, that is ripe full flavoured grapes, completion of fermentation in barrel and new American oak maturation. The result is a wine of great richness, power, harmony and concentration with the structure and strength to age for the long term.

Tasting Notes

Colour 

Opaque, deep red.

Nose

Ripe red berries together with varietal, leafy cassis fruits. Stylish integrated oak, hints of smokiness and subtle cedar aromas.

Palate

Rich and ripe with dark cherry and raspberry fruit flavours, some dark chocolate and integrated smoky oak.

Please Note

A collector's item! We believe this wine to be wonderful - however, as with all aged wines, it comes with a 'Buyers be aware' clause, and some labels may not be perfect. If you have any queries, please just drop us an email or give us a call!

Specifications