An 'Aladdin's Cave of Wines await you here!
2017 Champagne Gremillet Brut Vintage (Gift Pack)
Regular price £44.95 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Approachable yet very proper vintage Champagne - perfectly expressing the very particular character of Pinot Noir from the Aube.
Tasting Notes
Fine persistent 'bulles', lovely nose - a mix of ripe Pinot fruit and classic baked biscuit, the palate has Gremillet's characteristic gentle, ripe fruit, some nice complexity balanced with a long fresh finish.
Production
Vines are mainly planted in the Côte des Bars on limestone-clay soil on steep, sun-drenched hillsides. The first-press juice is fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats (16° for the alcoholic and 18° for the malolactic) followed by secondary fermentation in bottle. The wine is then matured on lees for a minimum of 5 years, and disgorged with a 9g/l 'liquer de dosage' made from their own finished wine.
Producer
The Gremillet estate was founded by Jean-Michel Gremillet in 1979 when he inherited a plot of vines from his mother, Lulu. Today, the house possesses over 40 hectares of vineyards and is situated in a small village 45 kilometres from Troyes - the historic capital of Champagne - and 180 kilometres south of Reims. The vines lie on steep, sun-drenched hillsides in Kimmeridgian clay-limestone soils. Pinot Noir is king here, and constitutes around 94% of Gremillet’s plantings, with the remainder dedicated to Chardonnay, ideal for creating a classic, baked biscuit, rich, fruit-flavoured Champagne.
A Note on Sustainability
This family-owned and run Champagne house is HVE 3 certified, and as much as possible it restricts its use of chemicals in the vineyards. One of its cuvées is certified organic by ECOCERT and hopefully, this is the start of a bigger process.
Specifications
Year | N/V |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Pinot Noir |
Country | France |
Alcohol content | 12.5% alcohol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.4 units |
Type | Champagne |
Cellaring Potential | For immediate enjoyment |
Matured on the Lees | 22 Months minimum |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites & Milk |
Food Matches | Pair with rich fish dishes |
Features | Vegetarian |
Origin | Champagne - France |
Appellation | AOC Champagne |
2018 Schloss Gobelsburg Pinot Noir Reserve
Regular price £35.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%You could easily mistake this for a village wine from Burgundy!
Tasting Notes
Nose
The Pinot is in its essence rich in finesse, elegant and distinguished. Lovers of this noble grape variety will be delighted by the scent of forest soil, truffles, wild strawberries and faded tea roses.
Palate
Its wonderful aromatic length on the palate is characterized by the taste of ripe berries and a balanced spiciness. Aging in smaller 600 litres oak barrels is used skilfully without masking the fruit. It reaches perfect drinking maturity at the age of about five years, but can be stored for another five years without worries.
Production
The Cistercian monks of the Stift Zwettl monastery brought Pinot Noir to Langenlois from their ancient homeland, Burgundy. This variety holds a strong symbolic meaning for the Cistercians. That is why they spread Pinot Noir also throughout numerous other European regions as well. The crushed gravelly soils south of Gobelsburg are ideal for the variety because the calcareous content allows for good drainage. Maturation of the wine lasts for 18 months in Austrian oak barrels and then for another 6 months in bottles. The wine is unfiltered and can show sediments.
Producer
SCHLOSS GOBELSBURG, a Cistercian monastic estate, is one of the oldest wineries in the Austrian Danube area with a documented history that dates back to 1171. All the vineyards are located on slopes and terraces around the valley of the river Kamp near the town of Langenlois and the village of Gobelsburg. Schloss Gobelsburg specialises in Grüner Veltliner and Riesling and produces authentic and noble wines from different single vineyards, villages, and regional appellations. The winery is a member of the association 'Österreichische Traditionsweingüter', which is working on a vineyard classification project for the Danube area.
Accolades
JAMESSUCKLING.COM Top 100 AUSTRIAN Wines 2018: rating 94
"You could easily mistake this for a village wine from Burgundy, thanks to the cherry, earthy and meaty notes, as well as the balance of dry tannins and bright acidity on the medium-full body. Long, dry and mineral finish, Drink or hold."
Specifications
Year | 2018 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Pinot Noir |
Country | Austria |
Alcohol content | 13% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle |
9.75 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Origin | Kamptal |
2013 Pegasus Bay Reserve Prima Donna Pinot Noir
Regular price £89.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%"Prima Donna Pinot Noir is an elite barrel selection and in 2013 it is one of the greatest wines I have ever seen from this country. ….” Matthew Jukes, UK
Tasting Notes
Colour
It has a deep ruby hue.
Nose
The aromas and flavours evoke impressions of black cherries, purple plums, wild blackberries and mulberries. These are underpinned with a savoury dimension suggestive of roast game, grilled mushrooms and black olive tapenade.
Palate
There is a layer of velvety tannins that coat and refine its big body and taut muscular structure, helping to draw out its lingering aftertaste of chocolate mocha and spice. While ready to drink on release it can be expected to cellar well and evolve gracefully for many years.
The Family
The Donaldson Family have been seriously involved in viticulture and winemaking for over 40 years. Founder Ivan Donaldson planted the first Canterbury vineyard in 1976 and went on to establish Pegasus Bay in 1986 with his wife Christine. It is a true family business, with all four of their sons and two spouses involved, managing various aspects.
The Vineyards & Vine
We have about a dozen different clones of pinot noir and in some of our blocks these are intermingled. 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.
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 Harvest & Winemaking
Prima Donna is part of our reserve series which we only make in exceptional years, provided it does not compromise the quality of our estate wines. It is a selection from the best barrels, coming from some of the oldest plantings in the vineyard. As with all our Pinot’s, we use traditional Burgundian winemaking methods. We picked the various blocks at different stages, depending on their maturity, aiming for a range of red and dark fruit flavours. Approximately one third of the grapes were put at the bottom of the fermentation vats as whole bunches, with the balance being destemmed on top, retaining as many whole berries as possible. The vats were kept cool over the next few days to help extract the soft, silky tannins from the pinot noir skins.
After approx a week, the must started to ferment naturally. During fermentation the floating cap of grape skins was gently plunged twice daily. When the fermentation finished, 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 exact 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 a natural malo-lactic (secondary) fermentation. After maturing for 18 months, a selection from the best barriques (representing the many different plots & clones of pinot) was chosen and carefully blended, to produce the most complex and balanced wine possible.
Accolades
96 points. James Suckling (tasted March 2023)
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.
96/100 James Suckling (tasted on initial release)
The refinement and brilliance of the fruit on offer here really sets this wine apart from the regular Pegasus Bay pinot noir. Deliciously rich dark cherry aromas and flavors are presented amid silky, refined and long-form tannins. A great wine, in every respect.
Matthew Jukes, UK
"Prima Donna Pinot Noir is an elite barrel selection and in 2013 it is one of the greatest wines I have ever seen from this country. ….”
92/100 Steve Tanzer.
“ …. Deep, plush, rather powerful Pinot Noir with rich, ripe tannins and excellent length.”
91/100 Lisa Perotti-Brown – Wine Advocate.
” …. mouth-filling red berry flavours supported by finely grained tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing long and earthy.”
93 Points - Erin Larkin
"The 2013 Prima Donna Pinot Noir is elegant and fine. It is evolving, no question, but it's just hitting its stride now, at 10 years of age. There are pomegranate pearls, pink peppercorns, Szechuan and bramble. The wine is starting to show arnica and white pepper, garden mint and even a hint of resin. Smart! There's plenty of acid, so this has years to go. 14% alcohol, sealed under screw cap."
95 points - Outstanding - CamDouglasMS - Master Sommelier
Specifications
Year | 2013 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | Pinot Noir |
Country | New Zealand |
Alcohol content | 14% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.5 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Cellaring Potential | This complex, dry and vibrant wine with best drinking from 2023 through 2033. |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Origin | Waipara Valley |
Appellation | Canterbury |
2013 Pegasus Bay Pinot Noir - Aged Release
Regular price £73.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%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
Year | 2013 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | Pinot Noir |
Country | New Zealand |
Alcohol content | 13.5% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.1 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Maturation | Best drinking from 2023 through 2029+ |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Origin | Waipara Valley |
Appellation | Canterbury |
Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte Réserve Exclusive Rosé N/V
Regular price £44.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Nuanced and Graceful
Tasting Notes
Réserve Exclusive Rosé is a delicately nuanced Champagne literally bursting with red summer fruit flavours. A delicious cavalcade of redcurrant, blueberry and raspberry notes, combined with a hint of Gariguette strawberries.
From within its refined and vibrant structure, its clean flavours are extremely delicate and nuanced.
The Réserve Exclusive Rosé is a refreshing and exuberant Champagne offering fresh, light fragrances, and just perfect for summer drinking.
Elaboration
Aged for 2 - 3 years in the cellars.
The freshness and structure of this Champagne blend combine to perfection with the expressive fruit of the red wine making up 16% of the blend.
The Chief Winemaker adapts dosage levels to each Champagne in order to enhance its flavours and aromas. The choice of reserve wine is crucial and takes into consideration a whole range of factors, including the proportion of cru wines, year of harvest, grape varieties, and vinification and ageing methods, in order to guarantee the intrinsic style of each Champagne.
Blend
A harmonious blend of 10% Chardonnay imparting elegance and finesse, 45% Pinot Noir for roundness and structure and 45% Meunier for fruitiness and soft, supple character.
Medals & Accolades
-
Gold Medal - Mundus Vini Spring Tasting 2022
- Silver Medal - Rosé Masters 2022, Champagne Masters 2022, Decanter World Wine Awards 2022
- 92/100- Wine Spectator November 2022, James Suckling Tasting June 2022
- 15.5/20 - Gault & Millau - Guide des Champagnes 2023
Specifications
Vintage | N/V |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar |
10% Chardonnay, 45% Pinot Noir, and 45% Meunier |
Country | France |
Alcohol content | 12% alcohol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9 units |
Type | Champagne |
Cellaring Potential | For immediate enjoyment |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Food Matches |
Simple pleasures - Tuna carpaccio, Bellota and goats’ cheese bites, Red berry fruit salad, Strawberry shortcrust tart Relaxing Interlude - Spicy chicken samosas, Salmon sashimi, Red fruit pavlova Fine Dining - Roast duckling with turnips and cranberries, One-side pan-seared salmon “à l’unilaterale” and green asparagus, Spicy prawns in coconut milk AS AN APERITIF: best served at 7 - 8°C. WITH FOOD: best served at 10 - 12°C. |
Origin | Champagne - France |
Appellation | AOC Champagne |
Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte Réserve Exclusive Brut
Regular price £35.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%The Iconic Blue Label | Fresh & Dynamic
Tasting Notes
Réserve Exclusive Brut is an iconic Champagne that perfectly encapsulates Nicolas Feuillatte house style. Representing the entire Champagne appellation, every inch of the region comes together to reveal a glorious showcase: light, fresh and vibrant Champagne, effusing intense, expressive fruit, while extensive cellar-ageing brings appealing maturity to perfect style and consistency.
Aromas of juicy pear and crunchy apricot merge and weave in a beguiling fusion around a mass of delicate bubbles, gradually unleashing their true character over time.
Simple in its complexity, refreshing and impulsive, it is fabulously versatile with wildly contrasting flavours, and the ideal partner to pre-dinner nibbles, where Réserve Exclusive Brut encapsulates true Champagne spirit to perfection.
Blend
Aged for 3-4 years in our cellars.
The Chief Winemaker adapts dosage levels to each Champagne in order to enhance its flavours and aromas. The choice of reserve wine is crucial and takes into consideration a whole range of factors, including the proportion of cru wines, year of harvest, grape varieties, and vinification and ageing methods, in order to guarantee the intrinsic style of each Champagne.
Medals & Accolades
- Gold Medal - Sakura Japan Women Wine Awards 2021
- Sliver Medal- Mundus Vini Spring Tasting 2022 & Champagne Masters 2022
- Sliver Medal 92/100 - International Wine & Spirit Competition 2022
- 92/100 - Wine Spectator December 2022
- 91/100 - James Suckling Tasting June 2022
Specifications
Vintage | N/V |
Bottle Size | 75cl, 37.5cl & 20cl |
Cultivar | 20% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Noir and 40% Meunier |
Country | France |
Alcohol content | 12% alcohol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9 units |
Type | Champagne |
Cellaring Potential | For immediate enjoyment |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Food Matches |
Simple pleasures - Smoked salmon toasts, Ripe 18-month Beaufort cheese Relaxing Interlude - Marinated chicken and spring vegetable wrap, Rhubarb tarte tatin Fine Dining - Sauteed king prawn and coriander, Fish and coconut milk parcel, Sea bass sashimi Best served at 7-8C |
Origin | Champagne - France |
Appellation | AOC Champagne |
2015 Pieter Ferreira Vintage Rosé MCC
Regular price £37.00 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%No introductions are required for Mr and Mrs Bubbles themselves. Ann, the owner, and Pieter, the winemaker, at Pieter Ferreira are nothing short of South African legends.
Pieter has always been a fearless boundary breaker when it comes to producing some of the world’s best bubbly – his journey started out with three harvests in Champagne before returning to South Africa where he chairs the Cap Classique Association and is a member of the Cape Winemakers Guild.
Tasting Notes
Colour
Attractive pale salmon pink with a touch of golden hue. Persistent and delicate bead and mousse, with fine bubbles rising slowly.
Nose
A nose of sweet and sour cherries with fresh pear. Delicate fruit on the palate, elegant, and showing great finesse and brightness.
Palate
Great vibrant mouth-feel with raspberry notes, tropical nuances leading to a bright long, lingering finish.
Vintage
The Cape Winelands 2015 vintage is a brilliant vintage – known as a ‘rockstar’ year for wine – due to mild, temperate conditions during the growing season which allowed for even-ripening of grapes. These beautiful ripeness levels in the Pinot Noir allowed for a wine offering a bright fresh acidity between the layers of structured complexity.
Vinification
Prior to pressing, the whole bunches were allowed a brief, fleeting period of enzymatic colour extraction to draw sufficient natural colour from the red skins. The whole bunches were gently pressed, with the separation of cuvée from the taille after which the clear juice was fermented in stainless steel. After the first fermentation, the wine was prepared for secondary fermentation in the bottle. The wine was left on the lees for 72 months before the sediment was removed in the traditional process of remuage and dégorgement. The bottles were then corked and laid down for a further six months cork maturation.
Ratings
"Pouring a lovely pale salmon hue, 2015 was the first vintage for this rosé. Wild strawberries, raspberries, light biscuit works across a doughy core, with lovely development. Pinot Noir certainly likes more time under cork. After 7 years on lees, this spent 6 months on cork before release." 95/100 Jamie Goode
Specifications
Year | 2015 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Pinot Noir |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content
|
12% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9 units |
Type | Fizz |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Origin | Robertson |
Appellation | WO Western Cape |
1988 Krug Vintage Champagne
Regular price £800.00 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Krug 1988 is a beautiful Champagne of extreme elegance and refinement with perfect roundness and length.
Emblematic of the House’s craftsmanship, Krug 1988 is an expressive vintage, as opulent and sensual as the vintages of 1982, 1976, 1964 and 1947.
Tasting Notes
At the House of Krug, every Krug Vintage celebrates the distinct character of a particular year. A Krug Vintage is a blend of the most expressive wines from a single year enhanced by a stay of over ten years in the cellars. Every Krug Vintage is different: it is the Music of the Year, captured by Krug.
Upright structure and the solid acidity not found in particularly hot years, Krug 1988 reveals sharp purity. In the mouth, it is full of sensations: orange blossom, dry figs, ripe quince, and mild spices such as cinnamon and ginger. With a crystal finish and lingering palate, Krug 1988 is a treasure trove of emblematic savoir-faire from the House of Krug.
Krug 1988 is Unique
The first of the trilogy of Krug Vintages of 1988, 89 and 90 – a feat never again repeated at the House of Krug – 1988 is undoubtedly the subtle elder sister of 1989’s louder, younger exuberance. Krug 1988 stayed a bit close for quite some time, nearly austere at the beginning but today after more than 20 years in Krug’s cellars it is entering into a new, expressive phase, it is opening up beautifully; all that was hidden and shy and needed coaxing is now revealing itself. The House is confident this Vintage will take a while to emerge as a future Krug Collection and will be always a timeless always impressive Champagne. Krug 1988 is the most highly-rated Champagne in the world in the last 25 years (wine-searcher 2014).
1988 Vintage
Krug 1988 in Essence
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
Year | 1988 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar |
Pinot Noir (50%), Chardonnay (32%) and Meunier (18%) from 21 different villages in the region. |
Country | France |
Alcohol content | 12.5% abv |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.4 units |
Type | Champagne |
Food Matches | The delicacy, elegance and charm of Krug 1988 creates a delicious contrast with rich and unctuous dishes. Perfect with turbot in hollandaise sauce, bass in butter, chicken served with a cream sauce and desserts with a base of dried fruits. Both almonds and dishes bearing hints of vanilla would also be wonderful companions, enlivening the most daring of palates. |
Origin | Champagne - France |
Appellation | AOC Champagne |
2019 Mac Forbes Woori Yallock Pinot Noir
Regular price £55.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%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
Year | 2016 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Pinot Noir |
Country | Australia |
Alcohol content | 11% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 8.25 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Maturation | 11 months in old oak. We recommend decanting this wine prior to serving 14-16°C |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Origin | Yarra Valley |
Appellation | Victoria |
2019 Mac Forbes Villages Coldstream Pinot Noir
Regular price £34.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%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
"This is our warmest Pinot vineyard," says Mac, "so we are conscious of protecting the fruit from hot prevailing winds and high temperatures. The soils hold much of the afternoon heat so this is usually the first vineyard picked. Due to the increased exposure, this wine displays greater fruit punctuation supported by a firm yet dense tannin bed."
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.
Sub Region - Coldstream
At the entrance to the Valley floor, this subregion is low elevation with grey/loam clay-based soils. Ripping winds from the north slow transpiration in summer but the cooler overnight temperatures aid the plants ability to regulate after hot days. Ironstone/mudstone is a consistently big influence, building full mid-palate structure with soft, melting tannins.
Review
"Alluringly savoury and saline, with forest berries, fragrant cherries, wild raspberries layered along elongated, fine, structural tannins. Acidity is cranberry tart, and the body is slight." Anthony Gismondi on Wine. Dec 2020 | 91 Points
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
Year | 2019 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Pinot Noir |
Country | Australia |
Alcohol content | 11 alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 8.25 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Cellaring Potential |
We recommend decanting this wine prior to serving. (14-16 degrees) |
Maturation | 11 months in old oak |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Origin | Coldstream, Yarra Valley |
Appellation | Victoria |
2021 Tiki Single Vineyard Pinot Noir, North Canterbury
Regular price £19.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Colour
Intensely and brightly coloured wine with a ruby-red hue
Nose
Ruby red in colour this wine has a bright cherry nose supported by complex red and dark fruits, spiced cherry, cedar, mushroom and floral characters on the nose
Palate
The palate highlights bitter chocolate, cherry and cinnamon spice notes supported by fine acidity and a flowing finish. Nicely balanced and drinking beautifully.
Vintage
The 2021 vintage in Waipara, North Canterbury was warm and dry - good growing conditions. Heat summation was well up on average while rainfall was 50% less than normal over the last three months before harvest. The lower rainfall meant that disease pressure was not present, allowing the winemaker to be patient and instruct the picking of the fruit in absolute pristine condition and when tasted at their premium. The effects of this were enhanced fruit flavours creating a wine of great balance.
Winemaking
The fruit was harvested in excellent condition and gently handled in the cellar using traditional burgundian methods and aged for 12 months in French oak barriques.
Awards & Accolades
- 5 Stars - 93pts | Wine Orbit
Specifications
Year | 2021 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Pinot Noir |
Country | New Zealand |
Alcohol content
|
13% alc vol
|
Units of alcohol per bottle | 9.4 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Cellaring Potential | 2022 to 2025 – will continue to develop for a further 5 years. |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Food Matches | The perfect wine for any season - enjoy on a picnic with cheese, cold meats, patés and terrines. A wonderful match too with a mushroom risotto or with a delicious steak off the BBQ. |
Appellation | Waipara Valley, North Canterbury |
2014 Umathum Pinot Noir Unter den Terrassen
Regular price £34.61 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%'Under the Terraces'
Tasting Notes
Colour
Light ruby red
Nose
Extremely spicy on the nose, hints of raspberry, reminiscent of dried oranges, with hints of chocolate.
Palate
Very fine impressions of fennel, thyme and Mediterranean herbs on the palate, fresh finish.
Producer
Specifications
Year | 2014 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Pinot Noir |
Country | Austria |
Alcohol content
|
13% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.8 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Features |
Organic and biodynamic practices |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Food Matches | Enjoy with chicken, pork, cheeses and fish too. Perfect as an aperitif. |
Origin | Neusiedlersee, Burgenland |
2018 Domaine Maurice Ecard Savigny-Lès-Beaune Premier Cru Aux Clous
Regular price £28.16 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Tasting Notes
Colour
A bright purple color.
Nose
A nose marked by red fruits such as cherry and raspberry.
Palate
A rich wine with beautiful power.
Origin
In the Northwest of the Côte de Beaune. The vineyards surround the picturesque village of Savigny-lès-Beaune. The Climat « Aux Clous » is at the entrance of the village Savigny, coming from Beaune, on the hillsides on the right.
Vinification
Traditional vinification in thermo-regulated stainless steel. Pre-fermentation – temperature-controlled cold maceration. Long fermentation during which pigeages and pumping over are performed.
Soil
The soil is composed of limestone mixed with clay.
Specifications
Year | 2018 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Pinot Noir |
Country | France |
Alcohol Content | 13.5% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.1 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Cellaring Potential | Drinking within 5 years |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Food Matches |
Ideal with meat: beef pieces, roasts, poultry or even foie gras. Cheeses with a sweet taste : Chaource, Brie de Meaux, Tomme, Mont d’Or. Serve between 15°-16° |
Origin |
Côte de Beaune |
Appellation |
AOP Côte de Beaune |
2020 Moillard Grivot Beaune 1er Cru Belissand
Regular price £35.20 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Tasting Notes
Colour
Deep red color
Nose
The nose is open with notes of strawberry jam, liquorice, and coffee.
Palate
The mouth is serious and presents a beautiful tannic composition with a precise structure that remarkably holds the finish. A pleasant wine, with character.
Origin
This appellation is located in the heart of the Côte de Beaune, at the foot of the hills overlooking this famous town, the capital of Burgundy wines. The "Belissand" climate is located southeast of Beaune.
Vinification
Traditional vinification in thermos-regulated stainless steel vats on a 3 weeks period: Cold pre-fermentation maceration around 8°C. Pigeages and pumping over to extract colour and structure. Fermentation with a peak temperature around 30 ° C. Post-fermentation maceration at 25 ° C. Ageing in oak barrels between 8 to 16 months with malolactic fermentation. 40 to 50% of new oak barrels.
Soil
The soil is clayey with a fairly loamy layer on the surface.
Specifications
Year | 2020 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Pinot Noir |
Country | France |
|
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.6 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Cellaring Potential | Drinking within 5 years |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Food Matches |
To be served with musky and very firm meats, such as game meat (doe, wild boar), roasted or braised. Cheeses with strong flavors: Epoisses, Soumaintrain, Munster, Maroilles.
Serve between 15°-16° |
Origin |
Côte de Beaune |
Appellation |
AOP Côte de Beaune |
2019 Moillard Grivot Corton Les Renardes Grand Cru
Regular price £64.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Tasting Notes
Colour
The colour is intense and deep dark red.
Nose
A wide aromatic palette that takes us between fruity (raspberry, strawberry), mineral (graphite, charcoal) and floral (faded rose) notes.
Palate
The palate is just as complex, with a nice persistence of woody and spicy notes. The structure is worthy of the greatest wines of the Côte de Beaune.
Origin
The Corton vineyard is located north of the Côte de Beaune on the hill of Corton and extends over 3 municipalities: Pernand-Vergelesses, Aloxe-Corton, and Ladoix-Serrigny. The Climat "Les Renardes" is located in the middle of the hillside, on the edge of the village of Ladoix-Serrigny. Corton is the only red Grand Cru in the Côte de Beaune.
Vinification
Traditional vinification in thermos-regulated stainless steel vats on a 3 weeks period: Cold pre-fermentation maceration around 8 ° C. Pigeages and pumping over to extract colour and structure. Fermentation with a peak temperature around 30 ° C. Post-fermentation maceration at 25 ° C. Ageing between 8 to 16 months with malolactic fermentation to gain roundness. 70 à 80% de fût neuf.
Soil
Gently sloping reddish and stony soil, calcareous brown, rich in marl with a high potash content. It offers Pinot Noir its full development.
Specifications
Year | 2019 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Pinot Noir |
Country | France |
Alcohol content | 13.5% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.1 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Cellaring Potential | Drinking within 10 years |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Food Matches |
Ideal with strong meats: roasted or grilled piece of beef, feathered or hairy game, roasts, braised or in sauce. Intense washed-rind cheeses: Epoisses, Langres, Soumaintrain, Livarot. Serve between 15°-17° |
Origin | Ladoix-Serrigny |
Appellation |
Côte de Beaune-Villages |
2013 Mac Forbes Wesburn Pinot Noir
Regular price £44.00 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Making the 'Wesi', as Mac calls it, was one of those lightbulb wine moments for this wild-haired Yarra Valley champion.
He says that this is the vineyard that made him see clearly for the first time, that his mission was not to be a great maker of Pinot Noir, but to be a conduit through which a vineyard could tell its story, regardless of the variety planted on it. "Amazingly we see all wines from this site look similar be they red or white." Wesburn just tastes like Wesburn, not just Pinot Noir.
It is always one of his smallest productions each year and, along with the Woori Yallock Pinot Noir, one of the most sort after.
Tasting Notes
Colour
Medium-dark red
Nose
Shy and complex. Lower tones of sulphides, mulch, dark sour cherry and fresh plums.
Palate
Tannins build from the back carrying a ferrous tang. Wine is focused and shy holding out a little right now. Needs air and time. A wine to watch closely over time. Still water runs deep. (Tasting note from August 2014)
The Vineyard
Notes from Mac - "Wesburn was unloved until a few years ago. Planted in 1981, this vineyard, in the far eastern reaches of the Yarra (just before Warburton), sits in the fringe of what many consider marginal viticultural land. It is these sites that truly inspire us and have the potential to make our most exciting wines. The site sits on our beloved siltstone clay soils at the foot of Mount Bride (1000m) which offers cooler nights and mornings. The resultant extension of the ripening period expresses itself by way of far greater tannin depth, high notes and fruit weight. Sometimes walking the fine line reaps rewards."
The Vintage
"The growing season of vintage 2013 started well with budburst for Chardonnay mid-September," said Mac. "This trend continued through spring with vines using stored moisture well into November. By December however, we were looking for moisture. In addition to this, temperatures were considerably up in January having 14 days over 30°C and multiple peaks over 39°C. This was accompanied by just 3.6mm of recorded rainfall (effectively none). The trend continued into February with 17 days over 30°C combined with the bare minimum amount of rain. The high temperatures and lack of water meant we saw early veraison and vines push their fruit to maturity very quickly, this resulted in one of the most compressed vintages of recent times. The Wesburn vineyard was picked by hand on the 24th February 2013."
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
Year | 2013 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | Pinot Noir |
Country | Australia |
Alcohol content | 12.2% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.05 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Food Match | Chicken or Turkey |
Maturation | 11 months in new and old oak |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Origin | Yarra Valley |
Appellation | Victoria |