A new addition to the Santé Wines portfolio, Angus The Bull is a unique and innovative wine that provides the ideal accompaniment to prime beef and was created with this philosophy in mind.  Each year the most promising parcels are hand selected and blended from premium Cabernet Sauvignon grapes sourced from a number of outstanding wine regions across Victoria and South Australia. The flexibility of this multi-regional blending approach provides for great consistency from vintage to vintage and allows for the best attributes of individual regions to be combined for exceptional results.

Available from

Angus The Bull Cabernet Sauvignon

(2008 vintage)
“You always get a nice drink when you open a bottle of Angus the Bull cabernet. (…)”
Campbell Mattinson, The Wine Front, Nov 2009

4.5/5 stars (2007 vintage)
“Hamish MacGowan’s cabernet is an interesting creation. (…) I reckon the project works well and the wine shows typical black berry flavour with traces of dark chocolate and charry wood. Unlike many young cabernet, ready to drink tonight.”
Paddy Kendler, The Herald Sun, Dec 2008

Archer is one of the new guard of Heathcote’s shiraz producers, making rich, balanced and complex wines from the heart of the region’s Cambrian soils. This vein of ancient red dirt and the warm, dry climate combine as one of Australia’s most exciting locations for growing high quality Shiraz – wines with intense flavour, striking character,sturdy tannins and great longevity.

Nick Stock is one of Australia’s most respected and prolific wine critics. He has made shiraz in the Heathcote region since 2002 with his family winemaking project, Twofold, establishing the ARCHER project in 2004.

“I select a number of different parcels and make a set of ‘mini wines’ to create complexity in the final blend. Various methods include the use of whole clusters in ferments, pre-ferment cold soak, extended maceration post ferment, a little (1.5%) co-fermented viognier and some mourvèdre for savoury effect. The different clones, sites, picking times, etc all produce subtly different fruit characters which I then tailor the winemaking to suit. Each parcel is then matured in French oak (25% new) for 15 months, a mix of barriques and 500 litre puncheons. I’m aiming for approachability, elegance and complexity – balanced wine that drinks well on release with complex aromas, flavours and textures.  Rhone is the inspiration – Heathcote is the source.”
Nick Stock, Winemaker

Archer Heathcote Shiraz

“Really lovely” (2007 vintage)
“This is plush drink now Shiraz that effortlessly ticks all the right boxes. For starters there is a really lovely solid core of sweet dark fruit around which you’ll find smells of meat, smoke, and middle-eastern spice, while in your mouth Archer is full and firm with measured tannin and bright acidity keys to success.”
Matt Skinner, The Juice

“A beautifully textured wine” (2007 vintage)
92/100 points
“Please decant – even if just for twenty minutes or so. It’s then a beautifully textured wine, full of class and pure, honest flavour. It’s so silken that you almost want to lick it as much as drink it, though grainy, savoury tannins bring you back to the task. Flavours of plums, cloves and ink. Very, very nice.”
Campbell Mattinson, Big Red Wine Book 2009

Ashton Hills Vineyard winemaker Stephen George has long been regarded as an early pioneer of the now well-established viticultural site, the Adelaide Hills. Stephen established his 3ha dry-grown Ashton Hills Vineyard in the Piccadilly Valley in the early 1980s and began producing its first wines in 1987. The style reflects the region’s strong similarity to Burgundy and production levels have stayed true to the boutique nature of the winery’s beginnings.

Stephen George

‘Australia’s 10 bravest winemakers’ - Andrew Jefford, Decanter, May 2010

Matthew Jukes: My Top 20 Producers
“Stephen George is one of the most naturally gifted winemakers in Australia…”
Matthew Jukes, Decanter, April 2010

“Stephen discovered grapes and wine at the age of eleven and made a “Vin Suburbia” from backyard grapes three years later. At the age of 16 he blew all his money on the classic book General Viticulture and there was no turning back. A vintage at Glenloth and study at Roseworthy led him to identify the Adelaide Hills as a likely region for the production of finely-flavoured European-styled wines. In the early ‘80s he established Ashton Hills Vineyard on a Brussels sprout paddock. The site has proven to be particularly good for pinot noir and retains a focus on grape growing and winemaking rather than marketing.”
The Adelaide Review, July 2010

Ashton Hills Vineyard

One of the ‘Best of the Best’ and 5/5 red star winery – James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2011

Ashton Hills Vineyard ‘Reserve’ Pinot Noir

Trophy (2008 vintage) – Adelaide Hills Wine Show 2009

One of the ‘Best of the Best by variety’ and 96/100 points (2008 vintage) - James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2011

Best New World Pinot Noir, 19/20 points (2007 vintage)
“There’s nothing to touch the integrity and reward in Ashton Hills’ Pinots. Drink the ‘07 Reserve now to 2016.”
Matthew Jukes, Decanter Magazine, June 2009

19/20 points (2007 vintage)
“Stephen George is one of the most naturally gifted winemakers in Australia. His single-vineyard estate makes tear-jerkingly delicious Pinot, an exceptional sparkling rose and an assassin-fierce Riesling among other beauties. Why then are his wines not available in the UK? I have to ship them in myself because I cannot live without some Ashton Hills magic in my life.”
Matthew Jukes, Decanter Magazine, April 2010

Ashton Hills Vineyard ‘Estate’ Pinot Noir

Trophy (2008 vintage) – National Cool Climate Wine Show 2009

95/100 points (2008 vintage) - James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2011

Gold Medal and Top of Class (2007 vintage) - National Cool Climate Wine Show 2008

“Stephen George asserts himself as king of the Hills once again when it comes to pinot noir. Ripe dark berries and exotic spicy complexity – fragrant and dynamic. Silky tannins and bright acidity hold the line beautifully amid fleshy curvaceous fruit…”
Nick Stock, John Duval and Stephen Pannell, Adelaide Review, Hot 100

93/100 points (2007 vintage)
“This 2007 is a rage of scent. It’s spicy, cherried, sour and sweet, the flavour strong but the weight light. It was matured in second and third use French oak for 12 months, and there is no overt oak flavour…. It flourishes through a tangy finish and had me begging for more. Super drinking and super recognizable as Ashton Hills.”
Campbell Mattinson, The Wine Front, Sept 2008

Ashton Hills Vineyard ‘Piccadilly’ Pinot Noir

One of the ‘Best of the Best by variety’ and 96/100 points (2008 vintage) - James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2011

96/100 points and Top 100 (2008 vintage)
“Owner/winemaker Stephen George was one of the pioneers of pinot noir in the Adelaide Hills. It shows some colour development; as always, has an extremely expressive and complex bouquet with forest undergrowth and spicy red fruits; the palate is a precise replay of the bouquet, with great length and immaculate balance.”
James Halliday’s Top 100, The Weekend Australian, Nov 2009

Ashton Hills Vineyard Chardonnay

One of the ‘Best of the Best by variety’ and 96/100 points (2008 vintage)
“…an immaculately crafted wine, with flavours of white peach, melon and fig; it is the texture that is quite outstanding…”
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2011

Ashton Hills Riesling

Trophy (2009 vintage) - Adelaide Hills Wine Show 2009

95/100 points (2009 vintage) - James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2011

Trophy (2008 vintage) - Adelaide Hills Wine Show 2008

94/100 points (2008 vintage) - James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2010

94/100 points (2008 vintage)
“This is one of the Adelaide Hills’ finest expressions of Riesling.”
Tyson Stelzer, Wine100, August 2009

Ashton Hills Vineyard Sparkling Shiraz

One of the ‘Best of the Best by variety’ and 95/100 points (2002 vintage) – James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2011

Icon Wine (NV) – Australian Wine Vintages Gold Book 2009

Ashton Hills Vineyard Salmon Brut

90/100 points (2008 vintage)
“Bright pink; high quality pinot provides an array of strawberry and spice flavours; excellent balance and length…”
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2010

Ashton Hills Vineyard ‘Three’ Gewürztraminer/Pinot Gris/Riesling

“The first local to follow the Alsace blending lead was Stephen George of Ashton Hills in the Adelaide Hills, who released his first Three in 2003, a blend of pinot gris, gewürztraminer and riesling (in that order, by proportion). “I’m emulating Alsace, but without the sylvaner,” says George. (…) That 2003 has evolved beautifully in bottle, while the 2007 is equally smart. There’s a small amount of this available at the cellar door, but there is no 2008 as George wanted to experiment with straight gewürztraminer and late-picked – “tardy” – pinot gris.”
Tim White, The Age, Epicure, March 2009

From the rich, alluvial plains of Langhorne Creek, comes this stylish range of wines. Langhorne Creek is renowned for its full bodied red wines and well balanced, fruit driven Chardonnay. In addition to the Langhorne Creek wines, a clean, fresh Semillon/Sauvignon Blanc from the Adelaide Hills completes the Bullant range.  Greg Follett has produced the Bullant range to compliment his highly regarded Lake Breeze wines.

“Lake Breeze is a long-established and highly respected wine producer in South Australia’s Langhorne Creek region, where it regularly makes some of the region’s finest wines. I am most impressed with its elegant, handsome and deeply fruited reds, which are usually sold on the market for a fraction of their true worth.”
Jeremy Oliver, The Australian Wine Annual 2008

Greg Follet

WBM 50 stars of 2007
Greg Follett was selected in WBM Magazine’s 50 Stars of the Australian wine sector, as voted by the editorial panel, selected for their achievements, their entrepreneuring spirits and their shared passion for the industry.

Bullant Shiraz

Trophy and Gold Medal (2008 vintage) - McLaren Vale Wine Show 2009

Gold Medal (2008 vintage) - Berlin Wine Trophy Awards 2010, Germany

90/100 points (2008 vintage) – James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2011

Bullant Cabernet Merlot

Top Gold Medal (2008 vintage) – Cabernet dominant class, Brisbane Wine Show 2010

92/100 points (2008 vintage) – James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2011

Gold Medal (Equal top of category) (2007 vintage) - Royal Perth Wine Show 2009

4/5 stars (Equal top of category) (2007 vintage) - Winestate Magazine, July/Aug 2009

Clyde Park Vineyard’s uncompromising approach to winemaking and viticulture has put it to the forefront of the Geelong region’s growth as a premium wine region of Australia. This approach has seen Clyde Park Vineyard awarded the 5 star rating again in James Halliday’s 2011 Wine Companion, along with making his TOP 100 wines lists in 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007. With some of Geelong’s oldest vines in this cool climate region their approach in the vineyard is very much a ‘hands on’ technique, whilst in the winery they adopt a ‘hands off’ approach of allowing the fruit and terroir to come alive in every bottle.

Available from

Clyde Park Vineyard

One of the ‘Best of the Best’ and 5/5 star winery
“…the quality of its wines is exemplary.”
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2011

Clyde Park Vineyard ‘Reserve’ Pinot Noir

Trophy – Best Pinot Noir of Show and Gold Medal (2008 vintage)
Le Concurs de Vins 2009

94/100 points (2008 vintage)
“…the bouquet has ripe plum and black cherry aromas, which come through strongly on the palate; here the sweet fruit core has a crosscut of forest, stem, mint and spice…”
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2011

93/100 points (2008 vintage)
“(…) Cherry, spice, a bit of funk and a mint. It’s light but assured, if not a little stern, with a powerful combination of acidity and length. There’s some stemmy flavour and texture in there along with an attractive dryness and minerality – like graphite or similar. Struck me at the time as having ‘echoes of Burgundy’ in both structure and flavour…”
Gary Walsh, The Wine Front, Sept 2010

Clyde Park Vineyard Pinot Noir

94/100 points (2007 vintage)
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2010

Clyde Park Vineyard ‘Reserve’ Chardonnay

95/100 points (2007 vintage)
“Fine boned and fresh squeezed juicily fruited with almond/nougat character, flint, sulphides and melon with intense punchy river pebble acid and grapefruit flavours. Plenty of spicy oak.  Marvellous intensity and great length.”
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2010

Clyde Park Vineyard ‘Estate’ Chardonnay

Recommended (2008 vintage)
“Fresh, bright, straw-coloured wine generously layered with citrus fruit and toasty oak.”
Winestate Magazine, March/April 2010

Coombe Farm is located just to the north east of Coldstream, some 60 km from the centre of Melbourne, on gently rolling slopes overlooking the Yarra Valley and towards the blue hills of the Great Dividing Range. The first plantings were in 1999 of 14 ha of Pinot Noir under the leadership of Pamela, Lady Vestey, the grand-daughter of Dame Nellie, and her sons Lord Vestey and Mark Vestey.

“Coombe Farm is an emerging Yarra Valley producer with high quality aspirations. Its first releases have been pretty impressive, with tightly focused and finely honed Chardonnay partnered by supple, sappy but deeply flavoured and savoury Pinot Noir.”
Jeremy Oliver, April 2006

Coombe Farm Pinot Gris

Gold Medal and Best Pinot Gris (2008 vintage)
Yarra Valley Wine Show

Cabernet Merlot

90/100 points (2006 vintage)
“…a light- to medium-bodied wine with cedar and red berry fruits supported by fine tannins…”
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2011

“gentle, fine and elegant” (2006 vintage)
“A gentle, fine and elegant cabernet whose dusty aromas of sweet small berries, cherries and fresh cedar/vanilla oak are backed by floral nuances. It’s supple and silky, with lively sweet red and black berry flavours knit with fine-grained oak, finishing with length and harmony.”
Jeremy Oliver

Coombe Farm Rosé

Gold Medal and Best Rosé
Yarra Valley Wine Show

Curlewis Winery produces highly concentrated, complex, food friendly wines. The partnership of food and wine is a theme that winemaker Rainer Breit and his partner Wendy Oliver are passionate about. Their philosophy is to combine traditional wine making principles from regions such as Burgundy and Rhone with some of the better ‘new world’ techniques to take advantage of Geelong’s more consistent climate. This enables them to create wines which are stylistically “old world” yet immediately approachable. Curlewis wines have deep colour and flavour plus the full length of palate that is characteristic of ultra premium wines the world over.

One of the ‘Best of the Best’ and 5/5 red star winery
“Outstanding winery regularly producing wines of exemplary quality and typicity.”
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2011

Curlewis Pinot Noir

2 Pinot Noirs listed in James Halliday’s ‘Best of the Best’ Pinot Noirs
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2010

“Rainer Breit at Curlewis is attracting a strong following for his adventurous, edgy pinot noir. Not bad for a relative latecomer to wine (Curlewis was established in 1998) and one who is largely self-taught. His pinot has a wild, brooding quality with forest floor, mushroom, earth and black fruits.”
Jeni Port, www.visitvineyards.com

Curlewis ‘Reserve’ Pinot Noir

96/100 points (2007 vintage)
“…a particularly rich, velvety smooth pinot seemingly achieved without effort and certainly without any alcohol push: will evolve for seven years or more: well worth all the patience at your command…”
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2010

Curlewis Pinot Noir

94/100 points (2008 vintage)
“…a silky mouthfeel and pure finish…”
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2011

Curlewis ‘Bel Sel’ Pinot Noir

91/100 points (2008 vintage)
“…an appealing mix of red fruits and spicy notes on the bouquet and palate; good length and balance…”
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2011

Curlewis Chardonnay

94/100 points (2008 vintage)
“…the flavours are of grapefruit and white peach, but with more minerality than Bel Sel, the oak absorbed by the fruit…
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2011

Curlewis ‘Bel Sel’ Chardonnay

92/100 points (2008 vintage)
“…a well-balanced, flavoursome palate…”
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2011

Curlewis Syrah

90/100 points (2008 vintage)
“…a very spicy, tangy, almost lemony, light- to medium-bodied palate follows on a spicy red fruit bouquet; the tannins are appropriate…”
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2011

Dandelion Vineyards are proven plantings that have stood the test of time. Our wish is to nurture the unique character of these vineyards and express their terroir in our wines. To capture variety, vintage and vineyard requires an enlightened approach. “When I see a weed I see the Devil” is an old grower’s mantra, but we encourage the humble Dandelion amongst the vines as they suppress winter weeds, provide mulch in summer, and their Wishing Clocks to blow off in spring.

JHL Wine share Dandelion Vineyards’ delight for their receipt of a 5 star rating from James Halliday on his website (www.winecompanion.com.au) for their winery with their first releases!  It can literally take decades to receive a five start rating, and as James says, usually only wines with a distinguished pedigree receive five glass ratings, so to receive such praise for the first year of releases is extraordinary.

Dandelion Vineyards

One of the ‘Best 10 new wineries’, One of the ‘Best of the Best’ and 5/5 stars (inaugural vintage)
“It may be a dauntingly competitive marketplace, but there can be few more promising new ventures than this one.”
“This is a highly impressive partnership between Peggy and Carl Lindner (40%), Elena and Zar Brooks (40%), and Fiona and Brad Rey (20%). It brings together vineyards spread across the Adelaide Hills, Eden Valley, Langhorne Creek, McLaren Vale, Barossa Valley and Fleurieu Peninsula. Elena is not only the beautiful wife of industry dilettante Zar Brooks, but also an exceptionally gifted winemaker. It may be a dauntingly competitive marketplace, but there can be few more promising new ventures than this one.”
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2011

Australian Gourmet Traveller WINE ‘Best of the Best 2010: new players to watch’
“Brooks has teamed up with his winemaking wife Elena, a woman whose talents are outweighed only by her tolerance, in an exciting new venture called Dandelion Vineyards. The approach is remarkably simple and sees Elena making wine from a suite of beautiful old vineyards identified by Carl Lindner and Brad Rey across that blessed curve that runs from the Barossa, up through the Eden Valley and Adelaide Hills and down into McLaren Vale.

The result is a line-up of wines that show the best in dedicated viticulture and sensitive winemaking, abandoning clutter and artifice for purity and poise. A trophy at the Brisbane show for their first release, the scintillatingly fresh 2009 Dandelion Vineyards Wonderland Of The Eden Valley Riesling, was the first indication, if any was really needed, that this project might be something special. We like to say we’ll be watching developments with great interest, but we know full well we’re going to be very well informed every step of the way.”
Nick Ryan, Gourmet Traveller Wine, April/May 2010

Elena Golakova-Brooks

Finalist, Young Guns of Wine Festival 2010
“The eleven young winemakers presented as the top finalists of The Awards have won their place based on a number of criteria including what that individual represents to consumers, how they represent the wine industry, their vision, originality and leadership, and naturally the quality of wine they put in the glass.”

Dandelion Vineyards ‘Wonderland of the Eden Valley’ Riesling

Trophy (2010 vintage – the second release of this wine and the second vintage it has been awarded a Trophy in this competition) - Royal Brisbane Wine Show 2010
Trophy ‘Best dry white in 2009 classes’ (2009 vintage) - Royal Brisbane Wine Show 2009
Trophy ‘Most Outstanding Table Wine, Small Producer, Premium Classes’ (2009 vintage) -  Barossa Valley Wine Show 2009
Top Gold Medal (2009 vintage) – Royal Brisbane Wine Show 2009
Gold Medal (2009 vintage) - Barossa Valley Wine Show 2009
Blue Gold Award (2009 vintage) - Sydney International Wine Competition 2010

Dandelion Vineyards ‘Wishing Clock of the Adelaide Hills’ Sauvignon Blanc

One of the ‘Best of the Best by variety’ and 96/100 points (2009 vintage)
“Impressive wine; bell clear varietal expression on both bouquet and palate, and a gloriously supple mouthfeel seamlessly welding tropical and grassy/minerally flavours. Screwcap.”
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2011

Silver Medal (2009 vintage) - Royal Melbourne Wine Show 2009

Dandelion Vineyards ‘Twighlight of the Adelaide Hills’ Chardonnay

Blue Gold Award, Highly Commended (2009 vintage) - Sydney International Wine Competition 2010

Dandelion Vineyards ‘Lion’s Tooth of McLaren Vale’ Shiraz Riesling

Medal of the Order of Australian Wine (AWOM)
“Dandelion Vineyards may have a label straight out of a grade 6 drawing competition but the sentiment behind the label’s Lion’s Tooth of McLaren Vale 2007 shiraz riesling can’t be faulted: “Lion’s Tooth is a long forgotten but timeless Australian blend rejuvenated.’’ It tastes bloody good, too.”
Jeni Port, The Age, Epicure,  Australia Day, 2010

Top 50 wines (2007 vintage) – Great Australian Shiraz Challenge 2009

Dandelion Vineyards ‘Lionheart of the Barossa’ Shiraz

95/100 points (2008 vintage)
“…must surely have been picked before the heatwave, its medium-bodied frame charged with supple plum, blackberry and black cherry fruit; French oak handling exemplary, as are the tannins…”
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2011

Blue Gold Award (2008 vintage) – Sydney International Wine Competition 2010

92/100 points (2008 vintage)
“It’s a serious wine. (…) Very Barossa. Very well put together.”
Campbell Mattinson, The Wine Front, www.winefront.com.au

Dandelion Vineyards ‘Pride of the Fleurieu’ Cabernet

92/100 points (2007 vintage)
“The amount picked on 25 March and left to dry in baskets in Amarone style must have been a minor portion of the wine, which is remarkably fresh and juicy – and not alcoholic; cassis and red fruits to the fore…”
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2011

Blue Gold Award (2007 vintage) – Sydney International Wine Competition 2010

Dandelion Vineyards ‘Red Queen of the Eden Valley’ Shiraz

Blue Gold Award (2008 vintage) – Sydney International Wine Competition 2010

Domaine A is a 20ha property in the Coal River Valley of southern Tasmania, owned by Ruth and Peter Althaus.  It was originally planted with 0.5ha of noble grape varieties in 1973 by its former owners, Priscilla and George Park. Inspired by the quality and potential of the site’s early wines, Ruth and Peter purchased Stoney Vineyard in 1989.  The vineyard’s sloping, north-north easterly aspect, and the foliage height of 1400mm, enable vine leaves to take full advantage of the prolonged hours of bright summer sunshine from 5 am until 9 pm  during the ripening period. This is normal for Stoney Vineyard.

Peter Althaus

“Australia’s 10 bravest winemakers”
“Althaus is a Swiss who decided, after 27 years at IBM, that he was ‘going to make wine to match the great wines of the world’.  He also believed that ‘Cabernet is King’.  Then he chose Tasmania to do it.  All of which is ample testimony to his originality of thought.  ‘I wanted cool climate by latitude, not altitude or sea breeze.  I think sunshine ripens wine, not heat’.  He looked in the Americas and New Zealand before tasting the wines of what was then Stoney Vineyard – and finding the finesse he was looking for.  His Coal River site is warm and protected; Cabernet and Merlot are planted on the lower clays, and Pinot on upper-slope dolerite.  Sulphur and selected yeasts are the only additions made to the wines.  Just how true they are to their origins in both season and place is underlined by their extreme variability – but the best Cabernets and Pinots from the warmest seasons here are poised, fresh and classic.”
Andrew Jefford, Decanter, May 2010

“(…) His Bordeaux blends are truly special and worth the effort to find. (…)”
“(…) Since the beginning Peter has produced Cabernet blends as though they were French classified growths. His 11.5 hectares of vineyards are planted to 75% Bordeaux red varietals (mainly Cabernet Sauvignon), 15% Pinot Noir and around 5% Sauvignon Blanc. He’s found a magical spot to grow Cabernet where the aspect and higher degree of natural UV light strength can slowly, perfectly ripen grapes producing wines of great elegance and finesse. I tasted his 1992 Cabernet during my visit and it is evolving beautifully with a long life still ahead. His Bordeaux blends are truly special and worth the effort to find. (…).”
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, The Wine Advocate, June 2010

Domaine A

One of the ‘Best of the Best’ and 5/5 red star winery
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2011

“Landmark Wine of Australia“
“My suggestion is that as many wine lovers as possible should try wines from [Domaine A], an example of those who make wines hugely superior to the current Australian stereotype.”
Jancis Robinson MW OBE, April 2009

“made without compromise”
“The wines are made without compromise, and reflect the low yields from the immaculately tended vineyards. They represent aspects of both Old World and New World philosophies, techniques and styles.”
James Halliday, www.winecompanion.com.au

“(…) I have never been so gob-smacked with a range of wines in my life…”
Matthew Jukes

“With multiple international awards and rave reviews there is one producer who has placed Tasmania on their radar. Peter Althaus, with his Domaine A range, from the Coal River Valley, near Hobart, is whispered about in these influential circles.”
www.tasmaniatopten.com

Domaine A Cabernet Sauvignon

95/100 points “…these cabernets are by far the best in Tasmania…” (2004 vintage)
“Every bit as youthful as the ‘05; a very fragrant bouquet with hallmark blackcurrant fruit and a finely framed palate; these cabernets are by far the best in Tasmania, but are not for lovers of Barossa cabernets.”
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2011

96/100 points (2000 vintage)
“…gives a very deep garnet color with just a touch of brick and aromas of graphite, warm black currant and blackberry, plus nuances of dried mint, dark chocolate, tree bark, truffles and forest floor. The palate provides refreshing acid and a medium level of fine tannins going into a very graceful long finish. Drink this one now to 2020+. (…)”
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, The Wine Advocate, June 2010

“One of the best wines of 2009“ (1998 vintage)
Decanter Magazine, www.decanter.com

“A triumph”
“A triumph of foresight and dedication over misguided folklore.  It’s more savoury than sweet, but that’s all to the good.”
Peter Bourne, Gourmet Traveller WINE, June/July 2007

“Distinguished” Classification
Langton’s Classification of Australian Wine IV

Domaine A Pinot Noir

94/100 points “…heroically concentrated…” (2006 vintage)
“Exceptionally deep purple-red; as heroically concentrated as the bouquet suggests, and still needing years for its black fruits to open up, its tannins to soften…”
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2011

95/100 points (2006 vintage)
Jeremy Oliver, www.jeremyoliver.com

Domaine A ‘Lady A’ Sauvignon Blanc

93/100 points (2007 vintage)
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2010

92/100 points (2007 vintage)
“…an undercurrent of warm grapefruit, key lime pie filling and toasty/honeyed aromas. There’s still quite a lot of oak on the palate though it is very crisp, rich and long in the finish with a chalky/wet pebble character emerging. I anticipate the oak will begin to marry in 12-18 months and then this wine should develop and drink to 2018+.”
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, The Wine Advocate, June 2010

“Perhaps the single most distinctive Tasmanian wine however is an oaked Sauvignon Blanc made at Domaine A, Swiss-born Peter Althaus’s obsessively run estate in the Coal River Valley in the south of the island which is, counter-intuitively, Tasmania’s warmest area. The mountains presumably shelter this subregion from the prevailing winds. It is even warm enough here to ripen the late ripening Cabernet Sauvignon pretty consistently, even if in vintages as cool as 2004 it has to be picked as late as June.”
Jancis Robinson MW OBE, March 2007

“Simply the finest Sauvignon Blanc I have tasted.”
Tony Aspler, Winepros.com

Dal Zotto Wines was founded and is owned and managed by the Dal Zotto family. The vineyards, winery and cellar door lie cradled in the tranquil King Valley in the foothills of the spectacular Victorian Alps of northeast Victoria.

Imbued with a proud Italian heritage dating back to the 1950’s, the King Valley is blessed with the fortuitous combination of good soil, a continental climate and great people passionate about winemaking.

Independent sommeliers Dan Sims and Ben Edwards dress up and dress down to discuss two reds and two whites (one being the 2009 Dal Zotto Arneis), that won’t break the bank and highlight the quality of Australian wine:

Dal Zotto Winery

Winner, Victorian 2010 Family Business of The Year, 2nd Generation
Family Business Australia

Top 100 Destinations in the World
Travel & Leisure Magazine

“Dal Zotto is a leading light”
“Whitfield is the ‘hub’ of the King Valley and Dal Zotto is a leading light.  It is the chief pioneer of prosecco – Italian-styled sparkling wine – and you can taste both dry and slightly sweet versions as well as excellent sangiovese and barbera. The trattoria (weekends only) attached has a great vibe – bookings are most definitely advised. The view out of the back of this cellar door is green fields and blue mountains.  The Dal Zotto folks – they’re related to the Pizzinis – are always quick with a joke.”
Campbell Mattinson, Gourmet Traveller Wine, June/July 2010

“The Dal Zotto family is a King Valley institution;…
…ex-tobacco growers, then contract grapegrowers and now primarily focused on their Dal Zotto Estate range. Led by Otto and Elena, and with sons Michael and Christian handling winemaking and sales/marketing, respectively, the family is producing increasing amounts of wine from its substantial estate vineyard. The cellar door is in the centre of Whitfield, and is also home to Rinaldo’s Restaurant.”
James Halliday, www.winecompanion.com.au

Dal Zotto ‘Pucino’ Prosecco

90/100 points (NV)
“…the wine is fruity but dry, and ticks all the boxes for the style: long, clean and crisp…”
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2011

“…a crowd-pleaser if ever there was one…” (NV)
“Dal Zotto makes a lot of excellent wines but this affordable bottle of Italian-style fizz is a crowd-pleaser if ever there was one.  It tastes of green apples and ripe grapes, and its crisp deliciousness is topped by a sweet, fruity aftertaste. Yum.”
Campbell Mattinson, Gourmet Traveller Wine, June/July 2010

90/100 points (NV)
“…ripe pear flesh aromas with a touch of citrus; the palate is lively, fine and with a gentle touch of sugar, quite appealing; well balanced on the finish, it should be enjoyed in the full flush of youth.”
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2010

Dal Zotto ‘L’Immigrante’ Prosecco

93/100 points (2008 vintage)
“Deliciously refreshing, with a nutty, floral bouquet of fresh pear apple and almonds. It’s long mouthfilling with a creamy palate of bright grapefruit finishing with clean lemon acids.”
Jeremy Oliver, The Australian Wine Annual 2010

(2008 vintage)
“Just when I thought I’d tried everything that Victoria could throw at me, someone handed me a bottle of King Valley Prosecco. This 2008 L’Immigrante Prosecco is surprisingly good. Possessing fresh, clean orange blossom and lemon tart aromas with a touch of pear slices, this is a dry, crisp sparkler with plenty of small persistent bubbles and a nice intensity of citrus and golden apple flavors. With a medium to long finish, this is a wine for drinking now.”
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, The Wine Advocate, June 2010

Dal Zotto Riesling

93/100 points
“…excellent varietal expression on bouquet and palate alike…”
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2011

Dal Zotto Arneis

“Super, fresh, vibrant…” (2009 vintage)
“A super, fresh, vibrant wine that appeals to a broad range of pallets and flavours.”
Dan Sims, The Wine Guide, Cheers TV Episode #10, Crikey.com.au, June 2010

Dal Zotto Pinot Grigio

(2008 vintage)
“…a touch of lemon and pear; the palate has good weight and texture, and the finish is dry and savoury.”
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2010

Dal Zotto Chardonnay

90/100 points (2005 vintage)
“…has developed exceptionally and unexpectedly well, nutty peach flavours coming together very nicely. Absolutely drink now…”
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2011

Dal Zotto Rosato

Winner, Top 100, Blue Gold Award (2009 vintage)
Sydney International Wine Competition 2010

Dal Zotto Sangiovese Cabernet

“a darn good value wine” (2008 vintage)
“…it’s a darn good value wine. It tastes nutty, cherried, briary and tannic, and the mix of juicy acidity and gamey undertones gives it an authentic Tuscan feel.”
Campbell Mattinson, Wine Front Monthly

The Darley Arabian (pictured on the front label), purchased by Thomas Darley in Aleppo, Syriah and shipped back to England, began stud duties in 1704. Ninety-five percent of all thoroughbred racehorses today trace back to this one stallion. Like only the best thoroughbred families, we believe the wines of Darley will stand the test of time. The vineyards sourced for these wines, from Heathcote and the Mornington Peninsula, deliver on the expectation their pedigree suggests. We hope you agree and endeavour to always improve the wine ‘breed’.

Sandro Mosele

“If there’s been one winemaker’s name on the wine media lips this year, it’s Sandro Mosele. The Kooyong winemaker, who also makes wines for cult-like Mornington winery Scorpo and the highly respected Port Phillip Estate, has been called ‘highly sensitive’, a ‘genius’ and a ‘sympathetic winemaker’ by the likes of Sally Gudgeon, Tyson Stelzer and Philip White. The man behind the wines is a genetics graduate, who spent the early part of his career studying koalas. Sandro turned to farm management, which led him to vineyards and the rest, as they say, is history.”
Wine Business Magazine, Dec 2007/Jan 2008

The Darley range includes Pinot Gris, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from the Mornington Peninsula and a Shiraz made from a blend of Mornington Peninsula and Heathcote Shiraz.

The 42 Degrees South label is produced by Frogmore Creek Wines and made from 100% handpicked fruit. As the central latitude of Tasmania, the 42 Degrees South name reflects Frogmore Creek’s position in crafting fruit-driven wines from grapes sourced from throughout the state. Fruit selection from different vineyard sites around Tasmania and straight-forward, down-to-earth winemaking techniques are aimed at producing wines with clear and characteristic varietal fruit flavours. This wide-ranging scope in grape supply allows outstanding Tasmanian wines to be made every year.

42 Degrees South Sparkling Chardonnay Pinot Noir

Best Wine under $30 (NV)
“Pale bronze, layered complexity with biscuit and cheese characters, toast and strawberry fruit, good intensity and persistence.”
Graeme Phillips, The Sunday Tasmanian, Nov 2008

(NV)
“Delicate but attractive stone fruit and strawberry and citrus flavours; clean, crisp finish…”
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2009

42 Degrees South Riesling

“…taut, tangy and young for its age…” (2006 vintage)
“This is a very minerally wine with stone, earth and straw like nuances over honey and stone fruit. It’s taut, tangy and young for its age, with a trace of sweetness balancing the acidity. Richness and weight are also here.”
Gourmet Traveller Wine, Dec/Jan 2008

42 Degrees South Pinot Grigio

92/100 points (2008 vintage)
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2010

(2008 vintage)
Pinot Grigio” on a label can be a warning sign that translates as ‘prepare for disappointment’. There are good ones though. This Tassie example is a refined wine with a hint of complexity to its honeyed stone fruit, pear, mineral and earthy aromas. It tastes dry, smooth and savoury.”
Ralph Kyte-Powell, The Age, Epicure, Jan 2009

42 Degrees South Sauvignon Blanc

(2008 vintage)
“A strongly minerally/slatey/grassy bouquet leads into a palate which progressively builds flavour, adding gooseberry, through its length.”
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2010

42 Degrees South Chardonnay

Gold Medal (2008 vintage) – Tasmanian Wine Show 2010

94/100 points “excellent example of unwooded chardonnay…” (2008 vintage)
“…lively, fresh, crisp grapefruit and some white peach; has length and personality; excellent example of unwooded chardonnay…
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2011

42 Degrees South Pinot Noir

91/100 points (2008 vintage)
“Quite fragrant and spicy; light- to medium-bodied; some whole bunch characters; attractive red fruits; has elegance.”
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2010

“Excellent” (2007 vintage)
“Intense spiced cherry and plum aromas and flavours, beautifully structured and balanced, long finishing and an excellent food wine.”
Graeme Phillips, Sunday Tasmanian, July 2008

Frogmore Creek Wines produce a wide range of cool climate award-winning wines. Frogmore Creek also produce the 42 Degrees South label. Straight-forward, down-to-earth winemaking techniques are aimed at producing wines with clear and characteristic varietal fruit flavours. Frogmore Creek’s viticulture is based on the quality of the fruit and the long-term health of the vines and soil.

Frogmore Creek Vineyard was developed on an organic philosophy, incorporating compost and cover cropping for soil health and vine fertility, organic fungicides for vine health and protection against unwanted disease, and organic integrated pest management to combat pests.

Frogmore Creek wines are made from 100% handpicked fruit.

Frogmore Creek

One of the ‘Best of the Best’ and 5/5 red star winery
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2011

Trophy – Most Successful Exhibitor - Tasmanian Wine Show 2009

Wolf Blass Award: Andrew Hood
“In recognition of his outstanding winemaking contribution and setting the highest standards in the development of Riesling, particularly in Tasmania.”
International Riesling Challenge 2009

Frogmore Creek ‘Reserve’ Pinot Noir

Gold Medal (2005 vintage) - Royal Hobart Wine Show 2006

Outstanding (2005 vintage)
“Enticing spicy, complex aromas of plums and cherries – youthful, elegant palate with very fine silky texture and excellent length.
WineWise Magazine, Oct 2008

94/100 points (2005 vintage)
“At the bigger, less-ethereal end of the pinot spectrum. Pepper, black cherry and toasty oak aromas. Highly structured, powerful, with abundant tannins. Mouth-filling, rich, lush and concentrated. Promises to live many years. 10+(cellaring years).”
Huon Hooke, ‘100 Top New Releases’, Gourmet Traveller Wine, Aug/Sept 2008

93/100 points (2005 vintage) - James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2007

Frogmore Creek Chardonnay

Gold Medal (2008 vintage) - Tasmanian Wine Show 2010

94/100 points (2008 vintage)
“…intense flavours, with seamless grapefruit and white peach woven through subtle oak…”
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2011

Gold Medal (2007 vintage) - Tasmanian Wine Show 2009

95/100 points (2007 vintage) - James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2011

Trophy – Best Chardonnay and Top Gold (2006 vintage) - Tasmanian Wine Show 2009

95/100 points (2006 vintage) - James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2010

Frogmore Creek ‘FGR’ Riesling

93/100 points (2009 vintage)
“The wine which set the path for this Mosel style, with its complex sweetness balanced by Tasmanian acidity; very rich and satisfying…”
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2011

93/100 points (2009 vintage)
“The FGR stands for ‘forty grams residual’ sugar — or whatever else you want it to stand for — but in any case, it’s a riesling made in a sweet style. It’s not a dessert wine; it’s made for quality summer quaffing.  It’s piercing and sweet/soft at once. It tastes of apples and lemon sorbet; has good intensity; heaps of length; and a nice sense of balance. (…)”
Campbell Mattinson, The Wine Front, July 2010

Frogmore Creek Iced Riesling

One of the ‘Best of the Best by variety’ and 94/100 points (2008 vintage)
“Andrew Hood pioneered tank-frozen Iced Rieslings in Tasmania and passed his knowledge on to the Frogmore Creek wine crew. This has classic lime juice, on a potent and long palate, with very good balancing acidity…”
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2011

Old Vines – Modern Wines! Hay Shed Hill is a premier winery located in Willyabrup – the heart of the Margaret River wine region. A rare gem of a site with gravelly gentle north facing slopes, high on the ridge, receiving the cooling influence of the Indian Ocean sea breeze and the cool Nor Easterly across Geographe Bay. Respected winemaker and owner, Michael Kerrigan is making fresh and vibrant wines from this iconic vineyard. Kerrigan has lifted the quality of the wines to reflect the outstanding vineyard site and for the past three years has been awarded a five star rating by James Halliday.

Independent sommeliers Dan Sims and Ben Edwards take a look at some of the best of Western Australia’s recent offerings, featuring Hay Shed Hill’s 2009 ‘Block 1′ Semillon Sauvignon Blanc:

Hay Shed Hill

One of the ‘Best of the Best’ and 5/5 red star winery
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2011

“With 30-year-old plantings at his disposal, Kerrigan has understandably set his sights on producing classic “old vine” Margaret River wines.”
John Fordham, Sunday Telegraph, March 2008

“The blessings are starting to flow from Mike Kerrigan’s incarnation as winemaker at HSH, and this SSB is a brilliant start!”
Tyson Stelzer, WBM100, Jan 2008

“He’s [Michael Kerrigan] one of the very best of the very best…”
Campbell Mattinson, The Wine Front, Nov 2006

Hay Shed Hill Cabernet Sauvignon

Gold Medal (2008 vintage)
International Wine Challenge 2010, London

Wine of the Week and 93/100 points (2008 vintage)
“This well established Margaret River winery is now in the capable hands of the former Howard Park winemaker Mike Kerrigan and the wines are better than ever. The ’08 vintage is another excellent one for reds in this area, making two in a row. Sweet berry-fruit aromas are complemented by a lick of eucalyptus/mint and the fruit flavour is lush on the palate, where the wine has depth and elegance, fine-grained tannins and good persistence. Already a charming wine, it will – I suspect be relatively early maturing. Drink now to 2022.”
Huon Hooke, Sydney Morning Herald, Good Living, June 2010

“Faultless and pure…” (2008 vintage)
“Faultess and pure is this spectacularly well-priced cabernet from Margaret River. Winemaker Michael Kerrigan reveals he understands the essence of cabernet with this wine. The fruit is perfectly ripe and is both varietally and regionally expressive. The flavours are concentrated, the structure elegant and the tannins fine.”
Toni Paterson MW, Qantas Magazine, June 2010

4/5 stars (2008 vintage)
“A rather herbal statement in Margaret River cabernet, this deeply coloured red opens with some leafy, minty overtones to intense blackcurranty fruit and a balanced subdued oak influence. Less classically regional than the ’07, its flavour is tart and penetrating, with medium body. It finishes with fine tannins and a herby aftertaste. Ageing? Yes, two to six years.”
Ralph Kyte-Powell, The Age, Epicure, Feb 2010

94/100 points (2007 vintage)
James Halliday

“picture perfect Margaret River cabernet” (2007 vintage)
“…is a belter of a wine at the price, but this single-block offering is picture perfect Margaret River cabernet (…) If you enjoy a top-tier Margaret River cabernet, this one takes some beating.”
Campbell Mattinson, Aug/Sept 2009

Hay Shed Hill ‘Block 2’ Cabernet Sauvignon

One of the ‘Best of the Best by variety’ and 95/100 points (2008 vintage)
“The stellar 2008 Margaret River vintage is on full display in this wine; pure blackcurrant, olive and tobacco leaf give over to a fleshy, full-bodied and generous mouthful of pure Cabernet fruit; couple this to a thrilling backbone of acidity, silky fine-grained tannins and you have a wine that will excite at any stage of development…”
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2011

95/100 points (2008 vintage)
“May well be the best cabernet yet from this vineyard.  A very powerful and concentrated cabernet with ripe tannins and ample cedary oak worked into the thick dense fruit.  It’s a wine with great structure and potential to age.  Around 10 years would be just right for this wine.”
Ray Jordan, West Weekend, The West Australian, April 2010

93/100 points (2008 vintage)
“There is great fruit persistence hidden in the depths of this wine, but it’s going to take a decade for it to show itself.  Structured and chiseled, it’s built around super-fine, textural tannins, excellent oak balance and vibrant acidity.”
Tyson Stelzer, Wine100, July 2010

4/5 stars (2007 vintage)
Ralph Kyte-Powell, The Age, Epicure, Dec 2009

Hay Shed Hill Cabernet Merlot

92/100 points (2008 vintage)
“A highly polished bouquet of redcurrant, blackcurrant and a touch of cedar; medium-bodied with plenty of flesh, fine-grained tannins and satisfyingly persistent flavour.”
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2011

91/100 points (2008 vintage)
“A bargain Margaret River quaffer with the structure to develop for the medium term. An elegant and honed style with an attractive profile of blackcurrant fruit, dark chocolate and mint.”
Tyson Stelzer, Wine100, June 2010

Hay Shed Hill ‘Block 1’ Semillon Sauvignon Blanc

One of the ‘Best of the Best by variety’ and 94/100 points (2009 vintage)
“Offers a totally seamless fusion of citrus, guava and lemongrass with subtle barrel ferment French oak inputs, underwritten by mineral and lemon acidity; excellent length…”
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2011

94/100 points (2009 vintage)
“You’d never guess that this has been fermented and matured in French oak barriques, such is the zesty purity and freshness of its lemon and lime fruit. It has an air of cool restraint and textural minerality and it lacks nothing in line and drive. A seamlessly crafted wine from Master Kerrigan.”
Tyson Stelzer, Wine100, June 2010

91-92/100 points (2009 vintage)
“Savoury, food friendly, beautifully fresh and crisp.  A great luncheon wine…”
Ben Edwards, The Wine Guide, Cheers TV Episode # 9, Crikey.com.au, June 2010

“One of the finest examples…” (2009 vintage)
“These old, unirrigated vines are a wonderful resource. Creamy, thick and vibrant with a long finish. One of the finest examples of this style from this year.”
Ray Jordan

Hay Shed Hill ‘Block 6’ Chardonnay

95/100 points (2009 vintage)
“…the palate is incredibly fresh, and the acidity quite racy and fine, with a long, fine and even finish to the wine…”
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2011

93/100 points (2009 vintage)
“Barrel fermented in French barriques, any hint of oak is completely subsumed by the lean citrus fruit in this zesty, fruit driven style. Fine minerality supports its flavours of fresh grapefruit, white peach and passionfruit. Time in the cellar will unfold its complexity.”
Tyson Stelzer, Wine100, June 2010

“Fabulous” (2008 vintage)
“This is fabulous; full of line and length, and destined to drink beautifully given another year or three’s rest in a cool, dark place. It’s a good example of the new quality regime at Hay Shed Hill.”
Campbell Mattinson, Gourmet Traveller Wine, Collections Edition, Wines to Watch, Aug/Sept 2009

Hay Shed Hill Chardonnay

“Love it”
93/100 points (2009 vintage)
“…this latest release chardonnay from Margaret River winery Hay Shed Hill is a steal at $25.  Margaret River chardonnay has a richness – no matter how early you pick it. Or so it sometimes seems. This has peachy, grapefruity grunt and yet through the finish it’s lean and lemony. Lovely sense of finesse throughout. Juicy. Lots of length. Love it.”
Campbell Mattinson, The Wine Front, June 2010

96/100 points (Rated equal 2nd highest chardonnay) (2008 vintage)
“Notwithstanding the same modest alcohol as Pitchfork, has much greater intensity of flavour and also length; while barrel fermented in French oak (11 months’ maturation) fruit, rather than oak, drives the wine.”
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2010

BACK TO TOP

The Helen’s Hill wine range holds the spirit of those who have gone before us. It celebrates passion, persistence and the genuine connection between people and land.

Each wine is hand crafted and under goes an arduous selection process before it makes it into a Helen’s Hill bottle. As we know, great wine is made in the vineyard and as such only small select parcels of fruit from certain rows of our single vineyard site are hand picked at harvest. Each wine is fermented in select French oak barrels under the watchful eye of winemaker Scott McCarthy. Prior to bottling each barrel is tasted and ranked with only the best barrels being selected for the Helen’s Hill range of wines.

Helen’s Hill

5/5 star winery
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2011

Helen’s Hill Fumé Blanc ‘Evolution’ Sauvignon Blanc

One of the ‘Best of the Best by variety’ and 94/100 points (2007 vintage)
“The Full winemaking Monty, wholly wild yeast barrel-fermented in seasoned French oak barriques followed by 18 months’ maturation on lees. It has worked a treat, the tropical fruit still there to be seen and still fresh, but given texture by the oak handling…”
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2011

Helen’s Hill Chardonnay

94/100 points (2009 vintage)
(…) Smoky flinty notes over nectarine, citrus and melon. No obvious oak influence other than a subtle almond and cinnamon spice flavour. Light crisp palate with very fine acidity – particularly good acidity, in fact, carrying excellent flavour for such a lightweight wine. (…) A wine of subtlety and finesse.”
Gary Walsh, The Wine Front, August 2011

94/100 points (2008 vintage)
“Bright straw-green; a fine and delicate wine that delivers the length and flavour typical of the Yarra at its best, with persistent citrus and white peach flavours, good acidity and subtle oak. Smart new label design.”
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2011

Highly Recommended (2008 vintage)
“This is a perfectly poised chardonnay. The vibrant white peach combines beautifully with the toasted cashew aromas and flavours. Very lively and long with a lovely acid finish.”
Winewise

Silver medal (2008 vintage) - Royal Melbourne Wine Show 2009

94/100 points (2006 vintage)
“Vibrant colour; good concentration of varietal chardonnay fruit and fine oak. Good weight and texture with a long even finish. Very well-made wine.”
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2009

Helen’s Hill Pinot Noir

93/100 points (2008 vintage)
“(…) Raspberry, red cherry with good creamy spicy oak and a little undergrowth and fragrant herb. It’s medium weight with good flow and length, light, faintly raspy tannins and a little sap and bitter stalk tweaking the finish. There’s a sort of cranberry freshness about it, although nothing quite so tart or abrasive. Lovely to drink. (…)”
Gary Walsh, The Wine Front, July 2010

Helen’s Hill Syrah

93/100 points (2006 vintage)
“A cool-climate shiraz profile with spice and pepper, but also showing fully ripe fruit in a lush black fruit and licorice spectrum; good tannin and oak management.”
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2009

Ingram Rd is an exciting new range of wines from Helen’s Hill Estate, a boutique, family owned vineyard and winery in Victoria’s Yarra Valley. Winemaker, Scott McCarthy, makes the Ingram Rd range of wines following traditional boutique wine making techniques only found at the top end of the price range; premium fruit from select vineyards in the Yarra Valley and Central Victoria, small batch sizes, open top fermenters, full French oak maturation, “wild” fermentation, hand crafted by a single winemaker…all trademarks of quality boutique wines – Ingram Rd delivers these qualities, without the price tag!

Scott McCarthy has handcrafted these wines from premium quality Yarra Valley fruit which lack the premium price tags. They have been created to appeal to the less pretentious wine drinkers and invite you to be at a loose end with no plans, just time to sit and savour these great wines.

Ingram Rd Sauvignon Blanc

One of the ‘10 of the best value whites $10 – $15′ and 92/100 points (2009 vintage)
“…a very attractive wine at the price, with abundant tropical/passionfruit flavours balanced by lemony acidity on the finish, restrained alcohol a further plus…”
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2010

Ingram Rd Pinot Noir

94/100 points (2008 vintage)
“…fragrant aromas of cherry, plum and a touch of forest spice lead into a long palate that has very good thrust and drive, and a savoury twist on the finish and aftertaste. Sophisticated new labels…”
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2011

Ingram Rd Cabernet Merlot

90/100 points (2007 vintage)
“Bright colour; cedar and cassis with some savoury black olive notes; the palate is quite firm and serious, with a plummy core to the fruit…”
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2010

The Hahn’s are as Barossa blue blood as you can get; almost national treasures. Maria and Johann Christian Hahn arrived in the Barossa Valley in 1845. Like all the early Barossa settlers they were of Silesian-German descent. Early settlers also staked out the best of the valleys farm land. Remarkably this land holding is still in Hahn family hands, six generations on. The history does not stop there as the current custodians, Jacqui and James Hahn still live in the original homestead constructed from 1846 to 1848. The partnership of Rolf Binder/Veritas wines and the Hahn family is to recognize the heritage status of this family, the ancient vines and their unique part of the Barossa Valley’s history. The Hahn’s tend the vines and the crop and the two consult each other to set cropping levels through to the time of harvest. Crops are low but do vary from 1.5 to 3 tonnes per acre depending on the vintage and how the vines themselves deliver the crop. Rolf normally asks for two pickings about five days apart as he believes this gives a greater range of complexity in the final wines. They skip vintages that are not good enough.

Rolf Binder also makes the Rolf Binder (formerly Veritas) and Magpie Estate range of wines.

Available from

2005 JJ Hahn ‘1914 vineyard’ Shiraz

92 – 94/100 points
“The 2005 Shiraz 1914 is similarly styled to the 1928, but with slightly greater depth and concentration. It can be enjoyed over the next 10-15 years”
Jay Miller, The Wine Advocate, Oct 2007

Bordering St. Vincent’s Gulf, 40kms south of Adelaide, the Kay Brothers McLaren Vale Amery Vineyards grace the rolling foothills of the Southern Mt. Lofty Ranges. Established in 1890 by Australian born brothers, Herbert and Frederick Kay, the Heritage listed Kays Amery Winery celebrated its first grape crush in 1895 and is the oldest McLaren Vale winery still in founding family hands with third generation Colin Kay continuing the family winemaking tradition.

Kay Brothers Amery

One of the ‘Best of the Best’ and 5/5 star winery
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2011

“My Top 20 Producers”
“Kay Brothers Amery makes some of the world’s most impactful, authentic Shiraz; Block 6 (planted in 1892) is Australia’s most amazing single-vineyard.  The winery, headed by Colin Kay, is ancient and wine styles haven’t changed in more than a century – this is one property in perfect harmony with its site and soil.”
Matthew Jukes, Decanter Magazine, April 2010

Kay Brothers Amery ‘Block 6′ Shiraz

Langton’s Classification: Outstanding
“This is a very powerful, concentrated cellaring style with plenty of fruit richness.”
Andrew Caillard MW, Langton’s

Kay Brothers Amery ‘Hillside’ Shiraz

The Best Wines of 2009 (2006 vintage)
“At 15.5% on the Richter scale, we advise that you drink this wine with a buddy at your side. You’ll both be able to discover the extraordinary perfumes and amazing fruit density of one of McLaren Vale’s oldest vineyards. It’s got the full bouquet garni thing on the go, with wild thyme, liquorice, rosemary, chives and so on. Layers of rich black fruits and savoury spice build up to a massive concentration of flavours and phenomenal length.”
Tyson Stelzer, Taste Food & Wine 2009

91/100 points (2006 vintage)
(…) this vintage the Hillside has delivered a superior wine over the standard any way you cut it.  It smells of plum and cherry, a woody cedar sort of oak, liquorice, pepper and mint. In the mouth big and silky with a slight alcohol sting but offering surprisingly fresh fruit flavours mingling with the more savoury malt and leather characters. (…)”
Gary Walsh, The Wine Front, Oct 2008

Star Wine, 18.5/20 points (2004 vintage)
“…Kay Brothers Amery makes some of the world’s most impactful, authentic Shiraz; Block 6 (planted in 1892) is Australia’s most amazing single-vineyard…”
Matthew Jukes, Decanter Magazine, April 2010

Kay Brothers Amery ‘Basket Pressed’ Mataro

91/100 points (2008 vintage)
“(…) Rich cherry and red fruits, honeycomb and nutty oak. It’s a big plump wine with a pleasant warmth, ripe tannins and good length. Tasted over a few days and it showed no signs of tiring with sweetness toning down and the savoury elements coming up…”
Gary Walsh, The Wine Front, June 2010

Kay Brothers Amery ‘Basket Pressed’ Cabernet Merlot

90/100 points (2007 vintage)
“Good outcome for the vintage; blackcurrant, cassis and earth come through the long, medium-bodied palate, finishing with fine, savoury tannins. Screwcap.”
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2011

Kay Brothers Amery ‘Cuthbert’ Cabernet Sauvignon

Colin Kay, continuing the family winemaking tradition, has produced this in honour of his father Cuthbert. A rich, dark, brooding Cabernet of awesome length, depth and weight. The combination of eucalypt and blackberry/mulberry fruits are in complete harmony with the sweet cigar-box characters and ripe, juicy tannins.

The Kennedy vineyard is located along Heathcote’s ‘golden mile’, perfectly sited on the east facing edge of the Mt Camel Range. Here the ancient red Cambrian soil runs vein-like from north to south, providing the region’s best-suited terroir for growing high quality Shiraz. The Kennedy Vineyard is approximately half way along the Mt. Camel range where the dry moderate conditions provide an ideal environment to grow ripe, flavoursome Shiraz. The low-yielding vines are cradled on the gently sloping rise, producing intensely flavoured, soundly structured and balanced fruit, perfect for the production of top quality Shiraz.

Available from

Sandro Mosele

Sandro has a deep passion for cool climate wine. Highly acclaimed for his work with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, his interest in Shiraz has built through his work with Port Phillip Estate and Scorpo, both produced on the Mornington Peninsula. The opportunity to work with high quality Heathcote fruit from the Kennedy Vineyard furthers his association with vinifying refined, high-quality shiraz. In addition to the quality of the Kennedy vineyard, the opportunity to unearth Heathcote’s true potential for more balanced and finely crafted Shiraz with subtle complexity and finesse was irresistible.

“If there’s been one winemaker’s name on the wine media lips this year, it’s Sandro Mosele. The Kooyong winemaker, who also makes wines for cult-like Mornington winery Scorpo and the highly respected Port Phillip Estate, has been called ‘highly sensitive’, a ‘genius’ and a ‘sympathetic winemaker’ by the likes of Sally Gudgeon, Tyson Stelzer and Philip White. The man behind the wines is a genetics graduate, who spent the early part of his career studying koalas. Sandro turned to farm management, which led him to vineyards and the rest, as they say, is history.”
Wine Business Magazine, Dec 2007/Jan 2008

Kennedy Shiraz

(2007 vintage)
“…spicy bouquet and lively, juicy red fruits of the palate…”
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2011

90/100 points (2006 vintage)
“(…) an impressive addition to Heathcote.”
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2010

(2006 vintage)
“…has all the regional hallmarks: deep, intense colour, dark fruits, commanding tannin structure.”
Jeni Port, The Age, Epicure, Oct 2009

Lake Breeze is one of Australia’s most awarded boutique wineries, including being named Australia’s Champion Small Winery. The Follett family have been grape growers in Langhorne Creek for 120 years and winemakers for 20 years and have rapidly built an enviable reputation for consistently producing outstanding wines. Lake Breeze selects only the best 20% of fruit from the older vines on the property, to create wines with amazing depth of flavour. These wines include the highly acclaimed ‘Bernoota’ (Shiraz/Cabernet) and Winemaker’s Selection labels. Lake Breeze is one of Australia’s most awarded boutique wineries, achieving an extraordinary level of success in Australian Wine Shows.

One of the Best of the Best and 5/5 star winery
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2011

Lake Breeze: one of James Halliday’s ten ‘Special Wineries of 2011′
“The principal requirement for inclusion in this group was a first-time five-star rating. (…) Successive generations of the Follett family have lived at Langhorne Creek since 1880. Up to the 1930s, they were broad-acre farmers; they then diversified by establishing vineyards and selling the grapes until ‘87 (a time of grape surplus), when they decided to have part of the grape production vinified. The wines have always been good, especially at the modest prices most are sold for. A high percentage of the portfolio are medium-bodied, supple and elegant red wines attesting to the quite cool, maritime-moderated climate.”
James Halliday, WineCompanion.com.au

“If one was to look up consistency in the dictionary, you would find Lake Breeze sitting there with a big smile. (…) Greg Follett weaves a little magic every time, with every wine.”
The Adelaide Advertiser

Lake Breeze ‘Arthur’s Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon/Petit Verdot

One of the ‘Best of the Best by variety’ and 95/100 points (2006 vintage)
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2011

Champion Wine Award (2006 vintage) – Langhorne Creek Wine Showcase 2010

Best Red Blend Award (2006 vintage) – Langhorne Creek Wine Showcase 2010

Gold Medal (2006 vintage) – Australian Small Winemakers Show 2009

Trophy – Best Bordeaux Blend (2005 vintage) – Brisbane Fine Wine Festival 2009

Gold Medal (2005 vintage) - Brisbane Fine Wine Festival 2009

Gold Medal (2005 vintage) - Royal Hobart International Wine Show 2008

92/100 points (2005 vintage)
“Impenetrable colour; a very concentrated bouquet and full-bodied palate; dark fruit and persistent tannins provide a serious framework, with the alcohol noticeable on the finish; made for those who like their wines to be big.”
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2009

Lake Breeze ‘Bernoota’ Shiraz Cabernet

Gold Medal (2007 vintage) - Royal Melbourne Wine Show 2009

“…regional classic…” (2007 vintage)
“Rustic old wood and lively sweet berry aromas, cassis and darker fruits on the nose, this is a trusty, flavoursome red blend and regional classic. The palate offers seamless integration between shiraz and cabernet with sweeping, silty tannins and plenty of approachable richness.”
Nick Stock, Qantas Magazine, Feb 2010

Lake Breeze ‘Winemaker’s Selection’ Shiraz

91/100 points (2005 vintage)
“Bright hue; an elegant style, no more than medium-bodied, but with intensity and focus to the gently spicy black fruits; has very good length and balance, the tannins – as always – soft.”
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2010

Lake Breeze Shiraz

94/100 points (2008 vintage)
“…very stylish shiraz…”
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2011

Lake Breeze Cabernet Sauvignon

Gold Medal (2007 vintage) – Brisbane Wine Show 2010

Best Cabernet Sauvignon (2007 vintage)  – Langhorne Creek Wine Showcase 2010

5/5 stars and “Best new release” (2007 vintage) – Winestate Annual 2010

Lake Breeze ‘Old Vine’ Grenache

Best Alternative Red or White Wine Award (2009 vintage) – Langhorne Creek Wine Showcase 2010

Lenton Brae was established in 1982 by Perth town planner and architect, Bruce Tomlinson. Lenton Brae’s philosophy is to produce a limited range of wines, for which the Margaret River region is renowned, and for these wines to be amongst the best of their type. To this end, four wine styles are produced; Semillon Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Cabernet Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Trophies awarded across the range at regional, state and national levels can attest to the dedication of the Tomlinson family in their endeavours.

Independent sommeliers Dan Sims and Ben Edwards say it’s time to hang up your membership of the Anything But Chardonnay Club, featuring Lenton Brae’s Trophy winning 2007 ‘Wilyabrup’ Chardonnay:

Lenton Brae

One of the ‘Best of the Best’ and 5/5 red star winery
Former architect and town planner Bruce Tomlinson built a strikingly beautiful winery (now heritage listed by the Shire of Busselton), which is now in the hands of winemaker son Edward, who consistently makes elegant wines in classic Margaret River style…”
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2011

Lenton Brae ‘Southside’ Chardonnay

Top Aussie White, 90/100 points (2008 vintage)
“This is the cheaper of Lenton Brae’s two Margaret River Chardonnays and is especially good value.  Richly complex and layered, with peach, stone fruit, grapefruit and mealy characters, it’s so but also has backbone and depth. Lots of character for your money.”
Huon Hooke, Sydney Morning Herald

92/100 points (2008 vintage)
“This shows some attractive grapefruit and creamy winemaking character on the nose, some gentle tropical notes, citrus too, really fresh and zesty. The palate’s a fine-tuned and precise affair; some cashew-nut flavours rolls through here and grapefruit/lemon citrus flavour is placed in fine, firm shape with assertive, crunchy acidity.”
Nick Stock, The Penguin Good Australian Wine Guide 2009

“Delicious” (2008 vintage)
90/100 points
“Delicious. Juicy, fun, interesting, lengthy-enough and just a delight to sit with and sip. Has a watery quality through the back palate but personally I don’t think this does the wine any harm. It otherwise tastes of fresh, dripping-with-juice pears and toast and ginger. Lemon too. A lovely drink, no doubting it.”
Campbell Mattinson, The Wine Front, Sept 2009

Lenton Brae Semillon Sauvignon Blanc

3 Semillon Sauvignon Blancs listed in James Halliday’s ‘Best of the Best by variety’
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2011

94/100 points (2009 vintage)
“A particularly fragrant bouquet and elegant palate; in Lenton Brae style, the fruit components contributed by each variety flow seamlessly into each other, grass, citrus, gooseberry and passionfruit all quietly murmuring. a wine with cellaring potential. Screwcap.”
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2011

Top 100 Wines (2008 vintage)
James Halliday, 2008

Lenton Brae ‘Wilyabrup’ Chardonnay

96/100 points (2007 vintage)
“96 point wine without a shadow of a doubt.”
Ben Edwards, The Wine Guide, Cheers TV Episode #3, Crikey.com.au, May 2010

Trophy – Best White Wine of Show (2007 vintage)
Margaret River Wine Show 2009

Lenton Brae Cabernet Sauvignon

“Perfectly balanced” (2005 vintage)
93/100 points
“A stylish and very elegant Margaret River cabernet that’s still only a pup. Wonderfully focussed and controlled with an effortlessly long and powerful finish. More medium bodied than full, but still very powerful. Lovely example of a more restrained style. Perfectly balanced.”
Ray Jordan, The West Magazine, June 2008

Lenton Brae Cabernet Merlot

94/100 points (2008 vintage)
“Crimson-purple; a pure and fragrant bouquet, then a vibrantly fresh palate, with redcurrant, blackcurrant, cherry and raspberry flavours, the finish lingering for a long time. Screwcap.”
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2011

93/100 (18/20) points (2008 vintage)
“Rather stylish, this elegant and supple cabernet has poise and balance, steadily opening charming layers of fresh berry fruit. Delicate aromas of black and red berries, herbal notes and restrained oak precede a generous palate supported by fine, tight-knit drying tannin. Very good length and finish.”
Jeremy Oliver, March 2010

MORE LENTON BRAE VIDEOS…

Clyde Park is situated in the Moorabool Valley sub-region of the Geelong wine region 60km south west of Melbourne. Clyde Park has expanded its portfolio with the introduction of the Locale range of wines. The fruit for our Locale wines is specifically sourced and selected from regional Geelong. The wines are made with a minimalist approach ensuring maximum fruit intensity, flavour and structure.

Locale wines are made to deliver immediate satisfaction, yet will reward medium term cellaring.

Available from

Clyde Park Vineyard

One of the ‘Best of the Best’ and 5/5 star winery rating
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2011

Longhop is made by Domenic Torzi and Tim Freeland from the Old Plains Wine Company. With fruit from the old vines of the Adelaide Plains and Gawler River coupled with newer plantings at 250m altitude in Uleybury and Bibaringa, their harmonious translation of old vines and new, with great respect of terroir and hands-on winemaking provides vibrant, fresh and exciting wine. Longhop Shiraz vines are 12 – 50 years old and are a direct descendant of the Old Plains Power of One Shiraz.

Available from

Longhop Shiraz

92/100 points (2009 vintage)
“Longhop Shiraz has fast established a reputation as one of Australia’s best value reds. This 2009 version is up there with the best of them.  Dense colour, dense flavour, lakes of tannin and a good, dry, long finish. Remarkable that this sells for $15. Lovely clip of fresh, slippery, cedary oak (French and American) matches beautifully to minty, blackberried, smoky fruit flavour. There are some sweet, raisiny characters too, forming part of a delicous parade. Very impressive wine.”
Campbell Mattinson, The Wine Front, May 2010

92/100 points (2009 vintage)
“(…) It has the thick texture which makes the amarone dried fruit styles distinctive, but counterpoints that with beautiful acidity and the sort of terroir-sourced schist rock/sandstone tannins which cannot fail to make the drinker yearn for warm antipasto, tapas, mezes, or big field mushrooms, root veg and dribbling steak.”
Philip White, Adelaide Review, May 2010

“…the $15 is no mistake, though – so scoop this up…” (2009 vintage)
4/5 stars
“(…) Made from grapes off old, low-yielding vines, this wine has fragrant aromas of blackberries and cherries, with hints of eucalypt, white pepper and vanilla oak. It’s full-bodied and fills the mouth with intense flavours of plums, fruitcake, blackberry and a hint of olive. There’s loads of dusty, drying tannin and bright acid and this is equally happy alongside food or a fireplace. I’m not sure how, or why, this is so cheap – the $15 is no mistake, though – so scoop this up for the cold nights ahead.”
Ben Thomas, Weekly Review Melbourne, June 2010

(2008 vintage)
Australia’s most powerful wine under $20
93/100 points
5th place Top 25 Shiraz under $20
8th place Top 100 Reds under $20
“Massive wine. Pitch-black colour. Rich with syrupy flavours of coal, blackberry, tar and minerals and full-on from the first attack of flavour to the last of the long, warm finish. An epic wine. It has a good hit of tannin too, and wave after wave of dark, concentrated fruitiness.”
Campbell Mattinson and Gary Walsh, Big Red Wine Book 2009

“…Exceptional value” 94/100 points (2008 vintage)
The bouquet is bursting with spice, hay, licorice and dark chocolate over the core of black fruits, taking on a more savoury character on the palate, black fruits again to the fore. Exceptional value.”
James Halliday, Sept 2009

“…vibrant, fresh, exciting wine…” 92 ++/100 points (2008 vintage)
“Domenic Torzi and Tim Freeland seem intent on becoming the Simon and Garfunkle of shiraz and grenache, not to mention perfect olive oils, and with wines from the high Barossa and Adelaide Plains continually reinforcing their harmonious translation of old vines and new, with great respect of terroir and hands-on natural, home kitchen winemaking. This is vibrant, fresh, exciting wine, with sinuous and lissome structure rather than jam and syrup, so it makes you thirstier and happier and hungrier as you work down the shoulder and into the label. Suddenly it’s all gone and you haven’t even lit the stove. $15? Jokin’!”
Philip White, The Independent Weekly, Sept 2009

Situated among some of the region’s most picturesque vineyard country, Longview Vineyard is recognised as one of the Adelaide Hills’ leading modern vignerons, crafting a distinguished line-up of wines from each finely-tuned piece of their vineyard. In addition to the region’s proven affinity for Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay, Longview’s southerly location is leading the charge of highly regarded Adelaide Hills Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon, drawing international critical acclaim along with a swag of awards. Longview Vineyard is proudly family owned and strictly estate grown.

Longview Vineyard ‘Red Bucket’ Shiraz Cabernet

Trophy – Best Adelaide Hills wine (2008 vintage) – International Wine Challenge 2010

Gold medal (2008 vintage) - International Wine Challenge 2010

91/100 points (2008 vintage)
“…there is a lot of juicy wine for the price, with a cascade of vibrant black fruits, spice and pepper, the tannins fine and well balanced…”
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2011

90/100 points (2008 vintage)
“This release of Red Bucket Shiraz Cabernet is a smart wine at a smart price. Fleshy and ripe and good to drink. Has a nice, smooth, even flow about it. It tastes of eucalypt, mulberry, spice and sweet cherries. Dried herbs and raisins too. Not a lot of depth, but a lot of easy-going charm. Grip on the finish. Juicy aftertaste. No great pretentions; but excellent delivery. Drink : 2010 – 2014.”
Campbell Mattinson, The Wine Front, March 2010

“Terrific value” (2008 vintage)
“This Adelaide Hills producer is having a bit of fun and ‘08 was a good year in which to do it, with a cheery, wonderfully flavoursome version of a classic Aussie blend.  Terrific value.”
Jeni Port, The Age, Epicure, June 2010

Longview Vineyard ‘Yakka’ Shiraz

Trophy – Champion Shiraz (2007 vintage) - National Cool Climate Wine Show 2008

2 Gold Medals (2007 vintage) – Adelaide Hills Wine Show 2009, Decanter World Wine Awards 2009

95/100 points (2007 vintage) – James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2010

‘Editor’s Choice’ and 90/100 points (2007 vintage) – Wine Enthusiast Magazine, Feb 2010

Australia’s Top Cool Climate Shiraz
Nick Stock, Gourmet Traveller

Longview Vineyard ‘Devils Elbow’ Cabernet Sauvignon

2 Gold Medals (2007 vintage) – Decanter World Wine Awards 2009 and Tri Nations Wine Challenge 2009

94/100 points (2007 vintage) - James Halliday best tasting 100, month, Sept 2009

‘Australia’s Top Ten Cabernets’ and 94/100 points (2007 vintage)
Gourmet Traveller Wine

93 + /100 points (2007 vintage)
” (…) Terrific Cabernet!”
Campbell Mattinson, The Wine Front, Oct 2009

‘Editor’s Choice’ and 90/100 points (2007 vintage)
“…Longview has turned out a full-bodied, chewy, high-octane Cab that takes jammy cassis and chocolate syrup notes and leavens them with more elegant accents of cedar and tobacco…”
Wine Enthusiast Magazine, Nov 2009

Longview Vineyard ‘Boat Shed’ Nebbiolo Rosé

3 Silver Medals (2009 vintage) – Adelaide Hills Wine Show 2009, Royal Adelaide Wine Show 2009 and Royal Queensland Wine Show 2009

Longview Vineyard ‘Epitome’ Late Harvest Riesling

95/100 points (2008 vintage)
Huon Hooke, Sydney Morning Herald, 2010

Silver Medal – highest pointed dessert wine (2008 vintage)
Adelaide Hills Wine Show 2009

Magpie Estate is a joint venture between Rolf Binder and English Wine Merchant Noel Young (International Wine Challenge 2008 ‘East of England Wine Merchant of the Year’ and ‘Australia Specialist Wine Merchant of the Year’).  Both Rolf and Noel have a passion for Rhône varieties which are of course the original varieties planted in the Barossa Valley. Magpie Estate source grapes from all over the Barossa, the aim being to make rich flavoured wines that really evoke the Barossa. Rolf and Noel blend the wines to make appealing drinkable styles and also some premium wines that show great potential. The Magpie‘s expression changes from label to label and this is done to poke fun at wine pretension. The range can vary from year to year and the super premium wines are only made in the best vintages.

Rolf Binder also makes the Rolf Binder (formerly Veritas) and JJ Hahn range of wines.

Magpie Estate

One of the ‘Best of the Best’ and 5/5 star winery rating
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2011

Mapgie Estate ‘The Schnell’ Shiraz Grenache

One of the ‘Best of the Best by variety’ and 94/100 points (2007 vintage)
“…a fragrant and complex bouquet with red fruits of quite different registers, one ex the shiraz, one ex the grenache; the medium-bodied palate does not disappoint, adding fine tannins to impressively extend the length…”
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2011

Magpie Estate ‘The Election’ Shiraz

94/100 points (2006 vintage)
“…a complex bouquet of black cherry, spice and oak; the medium-bodied palate has excellent line and length, plum and black cherry, spice and oak (ex 22 months maturation)…”
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2011

92/100 points (2006 vintage)
“The wine is a saturated purple color with a bouquet of damp earth, mineral, spice box, leather, blueberry, and blackberry. Elegant yet powerful on the palate, it has superb depth and concentration, complex flavors, a silky texture, and 5-7 years of aging potential.”
Jay Miller, The Wine Advocate, Feb 2009

Magpie Estate ‘The Sack’ Shiraz

92/100 points (2007 vintage)
“…the bouquet is fragrant, with plum and black cherry aromas, the medium-bodied palate following suit with juicy fruit, ripe tannins adding a slightly savoury finish, embellished by fresh acidity…”
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2011

91/100 points (2006 vintage)
“The wine is a glass-coating opaque purple. It exhibits an aromatic array of violets, smoke, game, blueberry, and blackberry liqueur. Smooth textured, dense, and rich, this nicely layered effort will evolve for 2-3 years.
Jay Miller, The Wine Advocate, Feb 2009

Magpie Estate ‘The Black Sock’ Mourvèdre

91/100 points (2006 vintage)
“The wine is purple-colored with a nose of wood smoke, mineral, forest floor, blueberry, and Asian spices. Already revealing some complexity, this sweet, savory effort has a firm finish and the structure to evolve for 3-5 years.”
Jay Miller, The Wine Advocate, Feb 2009

Magpie Estate ‘The Call Bag’ Mourvèdre Grenache

90/100 points (2007 vintage)
“…a lively light-to medium-bodied blend that has warm spice notes woven through its red cherry and damson plum fruit, tannins appropriately fine, oak largely irrelevant…”
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2011

91/100 points (2006 vintage)
“It has an enticing perfume of underbrush, mineral, wild cherry, and blackberry leading to a glossy, ripe, intensely flavored wine with enough structure to evolve for 2-3 years.”
Jay Miller, The Wine Advocate, Feb 2009

Magpie Estate ‘The Fakir’ Grenache

91/100 points (2007 vintage)
“…a lively, fresh, red-fruited Barossa Valley grenache, with spices denoting the variety rather than confection/Turkish delight; I enjoy the restraint in flavour, achieved without sacrificing length…”
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2011

Magpie Estate ‘The Malcolm’ Shiraz

96-99/100 points (2006 vintage)
“Purple/black colored, it has an ethereal bouquet of wood smoke, pencil lead, crushed stone, bacon, game, blueberry, and blackberry. Dense and packed, with gobs of spicy black fruits, super depth and concentration, and a very long finish.”
Jay Miller, The Wine Advocate, Oct 2007

Magpie Estate ‘The Salvation’ Gewürztraminer

90/100 points (2009 vintage)
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2011

The Old Plains Old Vine series is the realisation of Domenic Torzi and Tim Freeland’s shared passion and belief in unearthing the Adelaide Plains’ last remnant plantings dating back to the 1950s. These vineyards are unique and have survived urban expansion and the pursuit of other agricultural profits.  The remaining small vineyards are true masterpieces of wine grape flavour, weathered, gnarly and magnificent in their defiance of commercial expansion.  Grapes for each wine are hand picked, open fermented, basket pressed and oak matured for 24 months before unfiltered bottling.

Available from

Old Plains ‘Terreno’ Old Vine Grenache

Grenache has been part of the terrain in the Adelaide Plains since the 1940s.  An icon to the region, a true family wine. Matured for 24 months in French oak barriques.

Old Plains ‘Alluvium’ Old Vine Cabernet Shiraz

For centuries the meandering Gawler River has flooded the Adelaide Plains.  Vineyards sited in these alluvial deposits set the scene for our take on this classic Australian blend. Matured for 24 months in French and American oak.

Old Plains ‘Power of One’ Old Vine Shiraz

Share our passion for this greatest of Australian varieties. A tribute to the last remaining gnarly vines of the Plains. Matured for 24 months in French oak barriques.

94/100 points (2008 vintage)
“(…) It’s full-bodied, ripe and luscious but not over-powering or heavy – layers of fruit loll on a thick mattress of velveteen tannins. Flavours of blood plums and savoury oak crop up on the finish. Somewhat obvious, although pretty and highly appealing. No question marks over quality and integrity either.”
Gary Walsh, The Wine Front, August 2011

“1839 was the year in which William and Elizabeth Oliver arrived from Scotland to settle at McLaren Vale. Six generations later, members of the family are still living on the Whitehill and Taranga farms, 2 km north of McLaren Vale. (…) since 1994 some of the old vine shiraz has been made under the Oliver’s Taranga label. From the 2000 vintage, the wine has been made by Corrina Rayment (the Oliver family’s first winemaker and a sixth-generation family member).” James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2006

Oliver’s Taranga ‘Corrina’s Blend’ Cabernet Shiraz (51%/49%)

94/100 points (2006 vintage)
“Co-fermentation is logical, although seldom used; this wine may cause a rethink, as the cabernet exercises excellent control; harmonious yet firm, there is no sign of heat or dead fruit, and the tannins are perfect.”
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2010

“Elegant and balanced” (2006 vintage)
“A plush, smooth and fine-grained blend whose sweet expression of dark plum, cassis, blackberry fruit, cedar/chocolate/vanilla oak, cloves and cinnamon overlie meaty, gamey characters. Framed by firmish, fine-grained tannin, it’s long, polished juicy palate finishes long and spicy, with lingering nuances of roasted coffee and mocha. Elegant and balanced.”
Jeremy Oliver, Nov 2008

Oliver’s Taranga Shiraz

5/5 stars “Hugely powerful” (2006 vintage)
“Hugely powerful, fruit-driven wine. Very traditional style with its robust plum pudding aromas and big, sweet oak/ripe fruit palate with slightly aged notes appearing. A very good wine with a long life.”
Winestate Magazine, Oct 2008

“…glossy Shiraz with tons of spicy blue and black fruits…” (2006 vintage)
“It reveals aromas of smoke, pencil lead, pepper, game, blueberry, and blackberry. This is followed by a full-bodied, layered, glossy Shiraz with tons of spicy blue and black fruits, excellent balance, and a lengthy, fruit-filled finish.”
Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate, Feb 2009

Oliver’s Taranga ‘Cadenzia’ Grenache

92/100 ++ points (2008 vintage)
“This is Grenache essence of the verging-on-dessert mode. It’s ultra slick and silky, with that gossamer sheen that ripe McLaren Vale Grenache seems expert at producing.  It has a whiff of chocolate about it, filled with a liqueur of raspberry and wild black cherry, and then it’s been spiced up with nutmeg-and-clove oak.  It is scary in its slick texture: verging on syrup, disarmingly wholesome and reassuring, and then, finally, ever-so-reluctantly, it turns on a tiny dash of focussing tannin. So it’s not savoury: it’s pure silky syrup for those who love it plump.”
Philip White, The Independent Weekly, June 2010

Oliver’s Taranga Tempranillo

92 +/100 points (2009 vintage)
“…Flavours of malt, coffee beans, ripe dark cherries and lemon blossoms. It has a rich juiciness and a good clip of velevty tannin. Spicy aftertaste. Satisfying from start to finish. Should develop well medium term. Nice wine all over. (…).”
Campbell Mattinson, The Wine Front, Aug 2010

Oliver’s Taranga Fiano

“(…) Delicious.” (2009 vintage)
“Hailing originally from Campagna in Italy, fiano is a variety that has a great future in Australia. This example is lively, with fragrant citrus and pear characters, hints of pesto and wild ferment funk. It has a racy structure and a grassy edge to the finish. Delicious.”
Dave Brookes, Gourmet Traveller Wine, Great Wine Drives: Fleurieu Peninsula, Feb/March 2010

91/100 points “(…) The star was Oliver’s Taranga..” (2009 vintage)
“I tasted five 2009 fianos, all of which were good, some very good. The star was Oliver’s Taranga Small Batch Fiano from winemaker Corrina Wright. This has a winning combination of richness and delicacy, lots of personality and delicious flavour that held my interest. Straw, apricot, peach and fruit compote aromas and flavours; juicy and yet dry, generous but not broad. This is a wine that will appeal to many because of its openness and character, yet it has a point of difference.”
Huon Hooke, Sydney Morning Herald, Good Living, Jan 2010

Oliver’s Taranga Viognier

91/100 points (2008 vintage)
“Has a varietal apricot kernel bouquet with some attractive spice elements; soft acid with rich texture; well made, to be enjoyed in its youth…
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2011

Paul Osicka Wines is one of the longest established wine producers in the Heathcote wine region with the original Shiraz vines planted over 45 years ago.  Grown without irrigation on sandy loam soil over quartz and red ironstone gravels, the vineyard is managed according to organic principles, without the use of herbicides or insecticides.  The vines are hand pruned to balance the yield and the grapes are hand picked to achieve optimum fruit quality, in turn producing small, intensely flavoured and coloured fruit to make premium wines.

“produces consistently good shiraz”
“The Osicka family arrived in Australia from Czechoslovakia in the early 1950s. Vignerons in their own country, they settled at Graytown, and commenced planting vines in 1955. Their vineyard was the first new venture in Central and Southern Victoria for over half a century. It keeps a low profile, but produces consistently good shiraz from the 10 ha of estate plantings (the remainder cabernet sauvignon, merlot and riesling).”
James Halliday, www.winecompanion.com.au

Paul Osicka Shiraz

94/100 points (2008 vintage)
“Rich blackberry and blackcurrant, pastille-like in its juiciness, dark chocolate and liquorice, a sliver of mint and unobtrusive vanilla spice oak, tastefully applied – some truffle like flavours come through with air. It’s full bodied with a rich spread of fruit and firm ripe grainy tannin to match – the weight and balance feel spot on, and even though it’s a pretty big wine it’s not over-bearing. Has length and a slick of tannins to close. Won’t disappoint the Heathcote fanciers.”
Gary Walsh, The Wine Front, June 2010

94/100 points (2006 vintage)
“A complex but balanced wine, with blackberry, dark chocolate and licorice seamlessly integrated with evident new oak and ripe tannins.”
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2010

“smooth but rich Shiraz”
“A low-profile producer but reliable, particularly when it comes to its smooth but rich Shiraz.”
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2007

“This vineyard helped revitalize the Goulburn Valley wine industry in the 1950s. It remains family owned and run and maintains a low profile, much to the relief of aficionados of the Shiraz and Cabernet.”
Peter Forrestal, The Global Encyclopedia of Wine

Paxton is a family owned and run McLaren Vale wine company; founder and owner, David Paxton, is one of Australia’s most highly respected viticulturists; David’s son Michael oversees the winemaking and second son, Ben, manages Cellar Door. Paxton vineyards are managed using biodynamic farming principles – farming without the use of synthetic fertilisers and pesticides with a focus on promoting healthy, living soils through natural compost preparations.

Independent sommeliers Ben Edwards and Dan Sims present Paxton ‘AAA’ Shiraz Grenache as one of three delicious Australian wines made with chemical-free biodynamic processes:

Paxton

From vintage 2010 Paxton vineyards are NASAA certified “organic/biodynamic in conversion”

The first Australian winery member of 1% For The Planet
1% For The Planet is a global network of environmentally conscious companies that give at least 1% of their annual sales to environmental causes.

One of the ‘Best of the Best’ and 5/5 star winery rating
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2011

“David Paxton is one of Australia’s leading practical (as opposed to academic) viticulturists”
“David Paxton is one of Australia’s leading practical (as opposed to academic) viticulturists. He was the first mover in establishing vineyards high in the hills of the Upper Yarra Valley, drawing on the experience he had gained in the 1980s establishing vineyards on steep hillsides for Petaluma. He designed and supervised the establishment of two very large vineyards at Hoddles Creek that were acquired by Hardys (now Constellation) in 1995. Coldstream Hills had been a significant purchaser of grapes from the Hoddles Creek vineyards up to the sale of those vineyards to Hardys. At my request, he identified two properties, one with steep slopes, the other more gentle, thereafter developed (under Paxton’s guidance) as associated ventures with Coldstream Hills.  In other words, we go back a long way.

He has always been known for his willingness to enter into spirited discussions with his associates, and could fairly be categorised as a no-bullshit grapegrower, his long term involvement stemming from his continuing ownership of Paxton Vineyards in McLaren Vale. He was not the first person I would have thought of as likely to become involved in biodynamic grapegrowing, but that is exactly what he has done with his own vineyards. Since 2005, they have been farmed using biodynamic practices, and are now certified by NASAA, the nation’s leading organic certifier.”
James Halliday, www.australianwinecompanion.blogspot.com, April 2010

Paxton ‘AAA’ Shiraz Grenache

One of the ‘Best of the Best by variety’ and 94/100 points (2008 vintage)
“… a beautifully modulated and balanced wine with delicious red fruits to the fore, free of any confection characters whatsoever; the structure is outstanding, built on the foundations of silky tannins…”
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2011

Gold Medal (2008 vintage)
Judges comments: “Lovely ripe berries on nose. Elegant, smooth with a great finish.”
International Wine Challenge 2010, London

“(…) Seriously slurpable…” (2008 vintage)
“(…)  Seriously slurpable.  Slips down ever so easily. Raspberries and blackberries, earth and spice.  Nice lick of fine-grained tannin too.  Juicy and lingering. You have to enjoy some bright, red fruit in your wine (because it’s not a dark, inky monster by any stretch) but this is deliciously pure, regional drinking.”
Campbell Mattinson, The Wine Front, Nov 2009

91/100 points (2008 vintage)
“This wine is lovely and juicy without being overripe.”
Dan Sims, The Wine Guide, Cheers TV Episode #5, Crikey.com.au, May 2010

Paxton ‘Quandong Farm’ Shiraz

One of the ‘Best of the Best by variety’ and 96/100 points (2008 vintage)
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2011

Pitchfork wines compliment our modern food and lifestyle.  Friends and family, casual dining, good food and wine all coming together in an unpretentious mix.  Pitchfork wines made from 100% Margaret River grapes are bright and flavoursome. Quality wines at a great price.

“Highly regarded former winemaker at Howard Park, Mike Kerrigan has acquired the business (with co-ownership by the West Cape Howe syndicate) and is now the full-time winemaker. He had every confidence he could dramatically lift the quality of the wines, which is precisely what he has done.”
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2009

“With a star-studded career behind him…Michael Kerrigan has taken on a new challenge at the neighbouring Hay Shed Hill winery.  (…) Kerrigan is considered one of the most respected technicians in this super-premium region.”
John Fordham, The Sunday Telegraph, March 2008

Hay Shed Hill

One of the ‘Best of the Best’ and 5/5 red star winery rating
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2011

Pitchfork Chardonnay (unoaked)

“Value” (2008 vintage)
“Shows what can be achieved with unoaked chardonnay where the quality of the grapes is not in doubt; here a bright display of white peach and a twist of grapefruit does the job. Value.”
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2010

Pitchfork Cabernet Merlot

92/100 points “Supple” (2007 vintage)
“Flush with predominantly redcurrant/red cherry fruits, which shows this blend doesn’t have to be painfully earthy or savoury; supple mouthfeel adds to the appeal.  Great value.”
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2010

Pitchfork Shiraz

92/100 points “Vibrant” (2007 vintage)
“Aromas of violets and cherry blossom on the bouquet lead into a vibrant, fresh palate with cherry and plum fruit leading the way.  Excellent value.”
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2010

Port Phillip Estate was established in 1987 on a property of sixty acres in Red Hill in the heart of the Mornington Peninsula. The maritime climate and southerly latitude of the Mornington Peninsula combined with the estate’s deep red loam soils are considered ideal for cool climate viticulture.

Port Phillip Estate on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula have opened their stunning new Cellar Door and Restaurant, sending them in to Gourmet Traveller Magazine’s Top 10 ‘Best of the Best 2010′ Cellar Doors in their April/May 2010 edition: Nick Ryan said “Calling the grand new edifice perched on the hill above Port Phillip Estate simply a cellar door would be a surefire way to win gold at the Understatement Olympics.” Visit the Port Phillip Estate website, but better still – visit them.

Port Phillip Estate

One of the ‘Best of the Best’ and 5/5 red star winery rating
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2011

Port Phillip Estate Pinot Noir

One of the ‘Best of the Best by variety’ and 96/100 points (2008 vintage)
“Rich plum and cherry fruit on the bouquet appears first on the palate, soon followed by spicy, savoury tannins which give length and authority…”
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2011

90/100 points (2008 vintage)
“…gives subtle dark cherry aromas with some earth. The medium to full-bodied palate seems a little restrained yet is well constructed with a good backbone of high acid and a low to medium level of fine tannins, plus elegant fruit that goes long into the finish. Give this another 12 to 18 months in bottle and drink through 2015+.”
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, The Wine Advocate, June 2010

Top 100 Wines (2008 vintage)
James Halliday, Top 100 wines 2009

Port Phillip Estate ‘Morillon’ Tête de Cuvée Pinot Noir

95/100 points (2008 vintage)
“Great colour and clarity; while the spicy, dark-fruited bouquet is complex (and fragrant), this pinot is all about the texture imparted by superfine but obvious tannins that run through the length of the palate, guaranteeing a long life…”
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2011

92/100 points (2007 vintage)
“Bright, light crimson; a firm, quite severe style, with tangy/savoury fruit and a long finish. Will evolve.”
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2010

91 +/100 points (2007 vintage)
“Distinctly tart and smoky and yet there’s bright, Turkish delight-like fruit flavour here too. It has a grainy, smoky, bitter finish though – and because of this, for the first hour after opening it I had it stamped around the 88pt mark – but with air it softens, sheds some of the harsher elements of its bitterness, and begins to seduce. Hold off from drinking it for a year or two, and it might turn into something schmick.”
Campbell Mattinson, The Wine Front, July 2009

91/100 points (2007 vintage)
“This top flight Pinot has a distinctly different profile to the sibling Kooyong wines. This is more reserved, with heavier riper Pinot aromas, sweet oak spice and smoky notes. Twangy acid profile finishes clean. It needs some time but looks to be shaping up nicely.”
Nick Stock, WBM100, April 2009

Port Phillip Estate ‘Rimage’ Tête de Cuvée Syrah

94/100 points (2007 vintage)
“Excellent crimson colour; an explosively fragrant, bouquet with scented/perfumed red fruits, then a spicy/savoury palate which heads off in a direction of its own…”
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion

Port Phillip Estate Shiraz

93/100 points (2007 vintage)
“…the array of spice, licorice and black fruits on the bouquet are Rhône-like, half suggesting some viognier inclusion (there is none); the complex texture and structure of the palate is enhanced by a shaft of acidity on the finish…”
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2011

Port Phillip Estate Sauvignon Blanc

One of the ‘Best of the Best by variety’ and 94/100 points (2009 vintage)
“Follows in the footsteps of prior releases, with complex aromas and texture added by partial barrel fermentation; the palate swells on retasting, reaching towards White Bordeaux in character…”
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2011

92/100 points (2008 vintage)
“From the cooler, upper reaches of Red Hill comes a Sauvignon that melds zesty lemon, tight grapefruit and crunchy red apple with juicy nectarines and apricots… The result is stylish, refreshing and fruit-focused with soft, minerally acidity.”
Tyson Seltzer, WBM100, April 2009

Port Phillip Estate Chardonnay

94/100 points (2008 vintage)
“One of those wines that hangs together with disarming simplicity and harmony; nectarine, fig, cashew and French oak all coalesce on the seamless palate…”
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2010

91/100 points (2008 vintage)
“…has pleasant aromas of peach, ripe apple and pineapple tart with some toasted nuts and oatmeal. The well balanced palate lends medium to high acid and a medium body with a lovely silken texture. With a long finish, this wine drinks deliciously now and should remain good through 2015.”
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, The Wine Advocate, June 2010

Port Phillip Estate ‘Salasso’ Rosé

92/100 points (2009 vintage)
“Super petrol colour with creamy, savoury, earthy flavours – the fruit subdued and not specifically any one flavour. It’s a good style, based on texture and low acidity, leading to food friendly drinkability and a high level of interest. Dry throughout and particularly so on the finish. High fashion.”
Gary Walsh, The Wine Front, April 2010

BACK TO TOP

Port Phillip Estate is situated at Red Hill in the heart of the Mornington Peninsula wine region 80km south of Melbourne. ‘Quartier’ means neighbourhood, and the fruit for these wines comes from neighbouring vineyards.

Quartier wines are made by Sandro Mosele.  Sandro’s philosophy on winemaking and viticulture is that the wine should reflect the region, the variety and the site where it is grown. The viticulture should stress purity and ripeness of the fruit which can only be achieved through low yields and detailed canopy management. The winemaking process then focuses on preserving the above characteristics. The wine should also be driven by texture and balance as well as exhibiting the imprint of the winemaker on the wine.

Available from

Port Phillip Estate

One of the ‘Best of the Best’ and 5/5 red star winery rating
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2010

Quartier Arneis

94/100 points (2007 vintage)
“The most expressive Arneis yet tasted, with notes of mandarin, ginger and grapefruit on the long and intense palate…”
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2010

“…easily the best Australian arneis I’ve tasted…” (2007 vintage)
“This is easily the best Australian arneis I’ve tasted, thanks to Sandro Mosele’s thoughtful winemaking. It has a pale colour, a shy minerally aroma (crushed rocks) and a touch of richness to its otherwise dry, savoury palate. Older oak has been used so it’s not at all woody, but adds a smoky/toasty nuance. (…)”
Huon Hooke, The Age, Good Weekend, Feb 2009

Quartier Barbera

90/100 points (2008 vintage)
“Purple-crimson; in some ways a quixotic choice but the cool climate does energise the variety, with a bright and crisp berry finish…”
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2011

The arrival to Australia in 1950 of Hungarian immigrant Rolf Binder and his Austrian wife, Franziska, saw the beginning of a dynasty of fine winemakers of the Barossa Valley. While picking grapes they met local vignerons Chris Vohrer and Wilhelm Abel and worked a vintage at their winery, which, by 1955, the couple had purchased and renamed ‘Veritas’. In the mid-seventies the company went through a rapid expansion, in what was then the beginning of the red wine boom. This coincided with the first crops being harvested from the company’s own vineyards. For the 50th anniversary in 2005, Rolf and Christa renamed the company Rolf Binder Wines, in commemoration of their father’s hard work and vision.

Rolf Binder also makes the JJ Hahn and Magpie Estate range of wines.

Rolf Binder ‘Hanisch’ Shiraz

98/100 points (2005 vintage)
“(…) Voluptuous, intensely flavored, and already complex, it will unfold over the next decade and drink well through 2025 for those fortunate enough to track some down.”
Jay Miller, The Wine Advocate #173, Oct 2007

96/100 points (2005 vintage)
“Rich, wonderfully, hedonistically luscious, but not jammy; perfect tannin support (and oak) provides the magic to a very particular wine.”
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2009

Rolf Binder ‘Heinrich’ Shiraz Mataro Grenache

92/100 points (2006 vintage)
Jay Miller, The Wine Advocate #173, Oct 2007

92/100 points (2006 vintage)
“…a powerful wine with distinctly savoury elements from the Mataro (Mourvèdre), plus red fruits from the Grenache; needs time to show its best.”
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2009

Rolf Binder ‘Heysen’ Shiraz

94/100 points (2006 vintage)
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2009

Rolf Binder Shiraz

90/100 points (2008 vintage)
“…some smoky bacon notes on the bouquet (ex oak?) are followed by a medium-bodied palate, with spicy/savoury flavours running alongside the black fruits; has deceptive length. Screwcap.”
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2011

Rolf Binder Shiraz Mataro ‘Pressings’ (Veritas ‘Bull’s Blood’)

4.5 stars and 94/100 points (2006 vintage)
Nick Stock, The Penguin Good Australian Wine Guide 2010

Rolf Binder Riesling

91/100 points and Best Value wines $25 and under (2008 vintage)
Nick Stock, The Penguin Good Australian Wine Guide 2010

Winemakers, Andrew Margan (Margan Family Winegrowers) and Hamish MacGowan (Angus The Bull) have united to create the perfect balancing act. Inspired by the opportunity to bring together Semillon from the iconic Hunter Valley with Sauvignon Blanc from the high altitude vineyards of the Central Ranges. Considered an ideal match because one completes the other.  Semillon provides the texture, body and richness, while Sauvignon Blanc offers the structure, raciness and backbone. The result is fresh and lively, combining lime and citrus characters with a hint of passionfruit to produce a style that offers genuine wine complexity with pure and simple drinking enjoyment.

Available from

Stoney Vineyard is part of Domaine A, a 20ha property in the Coal River Valley of southern Tasmania, owned by Ruth and Peter Althaus.  It was originally planted with 0.5ha of noble grape varieties in 1973 by its former owners, Priscilla and George Park. Inspired by the quality and potential of the site’s early wines, Ruth and Peter purchased Stoney Vineyard in 1989.  The vineyard’s sloping, north-north easterly aspect, and the foliage height of 1400mm, enable vine leaves to take full advantage of the prolonged hours of bright summer sunshine from 5 am until 9 pm during the ripening period. This is normal for Stoney Vineyard.

Stoney Vineyard wines are created for current consumption or medium-term cellaring. The vineyards are densely planted and trellised according to the best practised of northern Europe.  All pruning, shoot positioning and grape picking is done by hand.  The red wines spend 12 months in 100% French oak.

Domaine A/Stoney Vineyard

One of the ‘Best of the Best’ and 5/5 red star winery
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2011

“Landmark Wine of Australia“
“My suggestion is that as many wine lovers as possible should try wines from [Domaine A], an example of those who make wines hugely superior to the current Australian stereotype.”
Jancis Robinson MW OBE, April 2009

“made without compromise”
“The wines are made without compromise, and reflect the low yields from the immaculately tended vineyards. They represent aspects of both Old World and New World philosophies, techniques and styles.”
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2007

“Peter and Ruth Althaus are absolutely committed”
Peter and Ruth Althaus are absolutely committed to their showpiece vineyard, displaying singular focus and dedication. Althaus makes the top-class Bordeaux-like Domaine A Cabernet Sauvignon, stunning merlot and pinot noir, as well as a complex (barrel-fermented) sauvignon blanc. Every detail is covered, with the Stoney Vineyard range made from fruit that doesn’t pass the rigorous selection process to achieve Domaine A status.”
Peter Bourne, Gourmet Traveller WINE, June/July 2007

“(…) The Sauvignon Blanc can be racy and vivacious, the Cabernet Sauvignon elegant and structured, and the Pinot Noir complex and textured. Like other Tasmanian vineyards, it tends to produce its best wine in warmer seasons.”
Jeremy Oliver, www.jeremyoliver.com.au

Stoney Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc

93/100 points (2009 vintage)
“…depth of flavour and structure unequalled by other Tasmanian sauvignon blancs…”
“Bright, light green-straw; has a depth of flavour and structure unequalled by other Tasmanian sauvignon blancs, some phenolics adding to rather than subtracting from the appeal; a masculine version of an often feminine wine…”
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2011

90/100 points (2009 vintage)
“…has wonderfully intense and complex aromas of grass, herbs, grapefruit, some lemon curd and nuts. The medium to full-bodied palate has crisp acid and some notes of white pepper in the long finish. Drink it now to 2012. (…).”
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, The Wine Advocate, June 2010

Stoney Vineyard Pinot Noir

92/100 points (2008 vintage)
“…a thinking person’s pinot…”
“Strong red-purple; the touch of forest floor that is the mark of Domaine A pinot is present right from the bouquet through to the finish; concentrated and powerful, it is a thinking person’s pinot…”
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2011

Owner and winemaker, Tim Adams, began his career in the wine industry as a cellarhand at the Stanley Wine Company in 1975, steadily working his way through the ranks to become winemaker in 1981 following graduation. The first inclination to leave came in 1985, when Tim and his wife were approached by local cooper Bill Wray to form a partnership of the two families to make wine and small oak casks. The first wines under the Adams & Wray label were released in September 1986, by which time Tim had left the Stanley Wine Company. In May 1987 the Adams & Wray partnership was dissolved, and Tim and his wife Pam took full control of the renamed Tim Adams Wines. In late 1987 they purchased the existing winery site and opened the cellar door in January 1988.

Tim Adams Wines

Winery of the year 2009
“(…) The quality is consistently great.”
Tim Atkins, The Observer Magazine UK, The best wines of 2009

Tim Adams

Finalist, Gourmet Traveller ‘Winemaker of the Year Awards 2010′
“(…) Tim Adams’ wines are classically Clare: good, honest drops of generous flavour, ageing ability and regional style. Shiraz and riesling are the most important varieties. The Fergus, a grenache blend, which now incorporates tempranillo, is outstanding value as a ready-to-drink but serious quality red. His rieslings are among the finest and most ageworthy in Clare. And his new varieties are adding fresh strings to what is already a formidable bow.
Huon Hooke, Gourmet Traveller Wine, June/July 2010

Great Wine Drives: Clare Valley
“Of all the Clare cellar doors, I am most tempted to fill my boot at Tim Adams Wines (Warenda Rd, Clare, 08 8842 2429). Adams is one of the harder-working winemakers in the country and this is reflected in every one of his well-priced wines. He is attuned to texture and structure above overt flavour, so every wine is honed and accurate. With more than 10 wines to taste, this is a great place to experience a diverse range of varieties.”
Tyson Stelzer, Gourmet Traveller Wine, Great Wine Drives: Clare Valley, Aug/Sept 2010

Tim Adams Riesling

Gold Medal (2009 vintage) - International Riesling Challenge 2009

96/100 points, 5/5 stars, ‘Best of the Best’ and ‘Best-value wines $25 and under’ (2009 vintage)
Nick Stock, The Penguin Good Australian Wine Guide 2010

95/100 points (2009 vintage)
“…very fresh and dry with a persistent core of fruit tightly punctuated by zesty lime juice acids.  Outrageously cheap.”
Jeremy Oliver, www.jeremyoliver.com.au, Feb 2009

93/100 points (2009 vintage)
“A charmer”
“Ultra clean with a pretty blossom perfume, some spice and a mix of lime and lemon. It’s light and very pure with particularly handsome crunchy acidity that makes itself known, but discreetly. Has a sort of subtle citrus sorbet flavour (try saying that three times after having three glasses) that’s most appealing. Finishes clean and dry with a little tweak of mineral. For my tastes excellent now, but should cellar well if you have a mind to do so. A charmer.”
Gary Walsh, The Wine Front, Jan 2010

Tim Adams ‘Reserve’ Riesling

‘Best Buy Wines: Wines to Cellar’ (2008 vintage)
“A very fine, essential expression of modern riesling. Scented with a piercing and deeply fragrant perfume of lime juice, lemon rind, white flowers, talc and fresh apple, it’s especially pure and penetrative. While it has a roundness and juiciness in mid palate, it’s tightly cut and sculpted, delivering a bright, crystalline purity of concentrated fruit over a fine, chalky texture down its entire length, before finishing with crispness and austerity. A decade or more is clearly in order!”
Jeremy Oliver, Gourmet Traveller Wine, Aug/Sept 2010

Tim Adams Semillon

(2009 vintage)
” (…) It tastes of lemongrass, toast, lanolin – maybe even nectarine. Twenty-five percent of this wine went into new French oak, but other than signs of spice and toast – the oak has largely been sucked up by the richness of the fruit. (…).”
Campbell Mattinson, The Wine Front, Sept 2010

Gold Medal (2008 vintage) – International Wine Challenge 2009

Tim Adams Pinot Gris

(2009 vintage)
“Fortunately, one of this country’s most celebrated pinot gris is also one of its most affordable. A gorgeous pale salmon hue introduces an elegant palate, which perfectly juxtaposes pear and lychee fruit with textural phenolics and great finesse.”
Tyson Stelzer, Gourmet Traveller Wine, Great Wine Drives: Clare Valley, Aug/Sept 2010

Tim Adams ‘The Aberfeldy’ Shiraz

93/100 points (2006 vintage)
“A fine, long and elegant shiraz whose vibrant presence of dark berries, plums and fresh dark chocolate/vanilla/cedar oak is backed by spicy, lightly peppery and meaty undertones.”
Jeremy Oliver, www.jeremyoliver.com

Langton’s Classification: Distinguished

Tim Adams Shiraz

‘Best Shiraz $21 – $50′ and 93/100 points (2007 vintage)
“Slippery, smooth, rich and delicious. Packed with plummy, vanillin, minty flavour and then controlled and dry through the finish.  Not a hair out of place.  Hints of complex earthiness in the background – flavours that should perform very well as the wine matures.  Gorgeous red-wine drinking.  Drink 2010 – 2016.”
Campbell Mattinson and Gary Walsh, Big Red Wine Book 2010-11

Tim Adams ‘The Fergus’ Grenache Blend

Top Gold (2006 vintage) – International Wine and Spirits Competition 2009

18/20 points (2006 vintage)
“…a budget icon.”
Matthew Jukes, Decanter Magazine, April 2010

93/100 points (2006 vintage)
“Smooth and savoury with a dusty, meaty and earthy fragrance…”
Jeremy Oliver, www.jeremyoliver.com, Aug 2008

Tim Adams ‘Reserve’ Tempranillo

‘Best alternative reds over  $25′ and 93/100 points (2008 vintage)
“Talk about juicy!  Lots of tangy, citrussy acidity here though it doesn’t intrude – it’s part of the ride.  This isn’t mega-intense but you could easily argue that it’s megadelicious.  Flavours of sour cherries and earth, cloves and sweet berries.  Flashes of spice.  Excellent wine.  Drink 2011 – 2015.”
Campbell Mattinson and Gary Walsh, Big Red Wine Book 2010-11

90+/100 points (2008 vintage)
Campbell Mattinson, The Wine Front, Sept 2010

“Impressive (… ) (2006 vintage)
Intensely flavoured mid-palate, with a dry, savoury finish (…). The oak is substantial but perfectly weighted to support the powerful fruit.”
Ray Jordan, The West Australian, July 2008

Tim Adams Cabernet Malbec

(2006 vintage)
“Tim Adams makes wine to shape, not flavour, and the classic Clare duo of cabernet and malbec are the ideal ingredients to build structure. It’s sinewy and upright, so be sure to give this skeleton a decade or two in your cellar to grow some flesh.”
Tyson Stelzer, Gourmet Traveller Wine, Great Wine Drives: Clare Valley, Aug/Sept 2010

‘Best red blends over $20′, 93/100 points and ‘Authors’ Choices’ (2006 vintage)
“Fabulous.  The glory of Clare Valley cabernet, in a glass.  Lots of earthy tannin, lots of curranty-leathery fruit flavour, modest but apparent vanillin oak, and an earthen-toasty finish.  It has complexity, regionality, balance, structure and charm.  Drink 2011 – 2016.”
Campbell Mattinson and Gary Walsh, Big Red Wine Book 2010-11

BACK TO TOP

Torzi Matthews, a food and winemaking partnership between Domenic Torzi and Tracy Matthews, has passion and an appreciation of the value of heritage tradition in the crafting of the wines. Tracy and Domenic stumbled across a small, frost-pocketed hollow in the beautiful Mt McKenzie, Eden Valley and fell in love with the area for its remoteness and its diverse thin soils. The rationale was quite simple: this land would produce low yields of Shiraz fruit which in turn would translate into a full, flavoursome Italian style wine.

Available from

Torzi Matthews ‘Schist Rock’ Shiraz

“Bargain Shiraz of the Year”
“Number 1 of the Top 100 Red wines under $20″
“The Big Red Boutique Bargain of the Year.”
(2008 vintage)
Campbell Mattinson, The Big Red Wine Book, 2007/2008

Torzi Matthews ‘Frost Dodger’ Shiraz

94/100 points (2008 vintage)
“(…) interwoven black fruits, spice, leather and licorice characters rising to a crescendo on the finish…”
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2011

“Lavishly perfumed” (2008 vintage)
“(…) It’s lavishly perfumed and feels soft on your tongue, though the more you taste it the more the wine’s tannin structure impresses itself.”
Campbell Mattinson, The Wine Front, March 2010

Rating – First Class, a wine of distinction (2007 vintage)
“A distinctive Eden Valley Shiraz, made partly from grapes dried on racks according to Italian methods. Its dense-looking, with complex aromas of dark berries, spice and boot polish. Its round and rich in the mouth with an attractive velvety feel, has rich fruit, a whisper of coconut on the finish, good acidity and finely grained, ripe tannins.”
Ralph Kyte-Powell, The Age, Epicure Uncorked, 2009

Torzi Matthews ‘Frost Dodger’ Riesling

94/100 points (2007 vintage)
“(…) long, lively palate; fresh finish.”
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2009

Torzi Matthews ‘Vigna Cantina’ Sangiovese

“Sexy…” (2008 vintage)
“Sexy aromas of cherry-vanilla, dried flowers, mint and brown spices. Lush, slightly sweet red and dark berry flavors are given grip by a bitter cherry skin quality and framed by velvety tannins…”
Josh Raynolds, Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar, Jul/Aug 2009

Coming soon…2010 Torzi Matthews ‘Vigna Cantina’ Trebbiano

Produced from a white grape variety from Torzi Matthews’ native family Abruzzi grape grown in the Barossa: Trebbiano.  Fruit is sourced from  two dry grown vineyard blocks circa 1903 and 1905 from Altona and Koonunga Dunes.  Only 8 acres remain in the Barossa Valley of which Torzi Matthews have secured 5 acres to establish one of Australia’s oldest and rarest remnants of this classic variety.  Fruit will be hand picked and whole bunch basket pressed, naturally fermented on light lees in seasoned ex white French barriques (Sirugue, Damy and Dargaud and Jaegle)  with extended barrel aging on lees for approximately 4 months.  This wine will be appley, citrusy, nutty, dry, rustic, savoury, textural and a perfect food wine.

Working from their Mornington Peninsula winery, Underground Winemakers Adrian Hennessy and Peter Stebbing take a highly responsive and dynamic approach to their craft.   They spent years working under the radar, fine tuning their senses and developing their understanding.  The Black and White Range of wines are an expression of Underground’s professional skills. These wines are high quality regional wines expressive of variety and offered at a competitive price.  The Colour Range allows Underground’s creativity to cut loose. These wines steer away from the mainstream and explore the opportunities offered by the winemaking process.

Underground ‘Veriloose’ Sauvignon Blanc (very sweet and very finely sparkling), ‘Violets’ Moscato and ‘Dr’ Durif offer eclectic additions to more well known varieties such as ‘Ms Thug’ Chardonnay, ‘Offspring’ Pinot Gris, ‘Rose-eh’ Grenache Rosé, ‘Thug’ Basket Press Pinot Noir and ‘Cab Merl Oh’ Cabernet Merlot.

Available from