In the Wine World, it is generally accepted that any wine with a score of 90+ points is an exceptional example of that vintage, region or grape.
The 100-point scale has over the past 30 years become the recognised benchmark of quality in the wine industry.
When buying a 90+ point wine, it is the nearest to a guarantee that you are going to have an outstanding drinking experience!
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Cullen makes legendary wines that are internationally renowned and highly sought-after and none more so than its Cabernet/Merlot blend the ‘Diana Madelaine’. This rare 2002 is still so fresh and alive with the renowned Australian Wine writer, James Halliday recently at an anniversary tasting giving 97points and a drinking window of not less than 25 years which takes us to 2027!
This vintage also happens to one of Winemaker, Vanya Cullens favourite wines.
Clos de Vougeot is one of the most famous grand cru vineyards in Burgundy and produces exceptional quality wines full of complex layers of flavour. This 2014 Grand Cru is a rich dark garnet colour in the glass. This wine offers powerful and concentrated black fruit aromas with an elegant touch of oak. On the palate, flavours of black cherry blackberry fruits are complimented by subtle warm spice and move onto a long lingering finish.
Awarded 95 points and a rare Outstanding status by Decanter in the 2016 Decanter World Wine Awards.
The Ürziger Würzgarten vineyard is blazing red and insanely steep, it fills a picturesque amphitheatre formed by a dramatic bend in the Mosel river. Although it is directly adjacent to the vineyards of Erden, this site produces a completely different kind of wine, with exotic, spicy aromas and a mesmerizing earthiness. No other vineyard on the Mosel produces wines so bursting with tropical fruit flavours. Many of the Dr Loosens estate’s oldest vines are found here.
This Auslese is which means selected out of the harvest is a luscious, medium-sweet wine made from clusters of very ripe grapes that have been partially affected by botrytis. This classic example is now 20 years old and in majestic condition. Stored since purchase many moons ago in our cellar and last sampled in 2019 with its sister the 2001 Riesling Auslese, Wehlener Sonnenuhr – both were extraordinary.
Pouilly Fumé and Sancerre are the global benchmarks for Sauvignon Blanc, and there is no bigger name or more highly regarded producer in the area than Domaine Didier Dagueneau. Now under the guidance of Didier’s talented son Louis-Benjamin, the wines still follow his ethos that authentic Pouilly Fumé requires healthy fruit from low yielding, old vines to produce the purest, and most intense and vibrantly fresh wine. That’s not to say these wines are typical of the appellation. Given the severely low yields and approach to élevage, Dagueneau wines emphasise a creamy texture rather than bracing acidity, and combine mineral flavours with exotic fruits to supreme effect.
Pur Sang is a superstar in the Dagueneau cellar, and is widely considered one of the great white wines of the world.
Pur Sang translates as thoroughbred, this wine coming from a densely planted, 30-year-old vineyard called La Folie, five kilometres north of Saint-Andélain. Hidden between two parcels of woodland, the vineyard – whose name literally translates as `madness` – is named for the local farmers who thought Didier Dagueneau was crazy when he purchased the land, which was not a vineyard and was full of huge boulders. It was not even registered as part of the Pouilly-Fumé appellation. But Didier had done his homework, as not only was La Folie an historical Pouilly vineyard, but its vein of pure flint, as well as its gently sloping, south/south-east exposure, made it potentially one of Pouilly’s finest. Very pale colour, aromas recall grilled pink grapefruit with a hint of white peach – beautifully expressive. Palate is full, having a rich, floral, complex, aromatic core, creamy texture, and a satisfyingly long finish.
This is one of the most iconic wines in Australia and world renowned as an exceptional example of cool climate Shiraz. The Graveyard Vineyard is the jewel in the Brokenwood crown, responsible for the company’s flagship wine. The vineyard was planted with Shiraz vines in 1970 – extremely heavy clay soils, yields are low, but fruit flavour is intense through the employment of meticulous vinification techniques.
“Forty-five year old vines. All French oak. This release streets the field. Some wines, even medium-bodied wines, just show us all how it’s done. Completely, cleanly, a whisper of nonchalance to the overt authority. The fold of tannin here does it but the fruit is velvety and sure, the complexity unforced; natural. It shows brilliant length, all components contributing. Licorice, five spice, cherry, mineral and slips of smoky oak. Ever so elegant, and ever so balanced. Completely immaculate.” 96 points, Campbell Mattinson, Wine Front, May 2015
“Simply a Hunter classic: a savoury, spicy and elegant dry red of medium weight with a remarkably gentle but surprisingly firm palate that culminates in a fresh and lingering finish. It’s dusty and floral, with delicate aromas of black and red berries, cherries and plums overlying nuances of fiery, meaty fruit. Long and seamless, with a fine, chalky spine of mouthwatering tannins, it extends with great drive and purity towards a refreshing and lively finish. Likely to become quite smoky and gamey with age.” Jeremy Oliver, 95 Points
Picolit is Friuli’s noblest wine, but its origins are still a matter for debate. It is only since 1750, thanks to the writings of Count Fabio Asquini, that we have any accurate documentation of this “nectar produced by the meagre berries of the bunch.” The peculiarity of this odd, delicate vine is the partial fertilization of its flowers. This means that only a few, very concentrated berries ripen in each bunch. A complex wine the color of old gold, Picolit marries sweet and acidulous sensations, releasing a pervasive aroma of candid peel, vanilla and spring flowers. In the past, Picolit was the wine of Europe’s nobility.
In the glass the colour is an intense golden yellow. The nose is complex, captivating, and ripe with sweet sensations; it has notes of Calla lily, white rose blossoms, ginger, dates, quince jelly, trifle, sultana grapes, dried figs and white cherry. The palate is rich, full, persistent and lasting; the powerful tastes of honeycomb, a fruit blend of apricot, syrup and yellow peach, layered with hints of cream and crème brûlée. These flavours fade into an elegant, sapid vanilla ice cream finish. Picot is truly an age worthy with old examples hard to find – This stunning 1993 vintage rivals any Sauternes.
A magnificent Jeroboam (3L) of 2015 Viña Ardanza Reserva packed in a beautiful Gift Box.
La Rioja Alta’s Viña Ardanza Reserva is one of the finest Reserva’s available and a benchmark for the region. Every vintage is outstanding and never fails to elicit a smile upon drinking. La Rioja Alta is the gold standard for traditional bodegas: a winery that ages their wines the old-fashioned way, meaning three years in barrel with two rackings a year, followed by three years in bottle.
The 2015 comprises 78% Tempranillo from Fuenmayor and Cenicero blended together with 22% Garnacha from the famous ‘La Pedriza’ vineyard in Tudelilla.
“The nose stands out for its power, a highly complex blend of spicy and balsamic aromas of sweet liquorice, patisserie, vanilla, cinnamon, cocoa, coffee and nutmeg, and notes of stewed red fruits. Outstanding balance, pleasant freshness and great structure in the mouth, with supple, round tannins. Very pleasant mouthfeel. An ample aftertaste of spicy notes, sweet liquorice and ripe fruit makes Viña Ardanza 2015 a timeless wine, with tremendous laying-down potential and one of the best vintages of the XXI.” Head winemaker – Julio Saénz
An elegant perfume of mixed berries, baking spice, dried lavender and thyme open onto a full palate layered with expansive mixed berry, black tea, toasted oak and spice flavours. Focused and fresh, fine-grained tannins support the wine throughout, while the finish is silky, long and lifted.
The Martin Stelling Vineyard, located behind the winery in Oakville, is the cornerstone of Far Niente Cabernet Sauvignon. Planted on some of the most beautiful, gravelly loam soil in the Napa Valley, the vineyard uniformly produces wines with supple tannins, bright, vibrant fruit and beautiful tannin structure.
White WineThis Chardonnay comes from the famed Thieriot Vineyard,over the years, the grapes from these blocks have been sold to top- class producers in the region. Vintage after vintage, this vineyard consistently produces high-scoring single vineyard wines and is renowned as being one of the premier vineyards on the Sonoma Coast.
With incredibly salty minerality, this racy style shows beautiful lemon curd, floral notes and brioche notes through to toasty, hazelnut nuances and a rich palate with flawless balance and an exquisite finish.
2019 stands out as one of the more exceptional vintages in recent memory. Cooler temperatures and stable weather throughout the growing season allowed for slow maturation of flavours without any heat events spiking sugar accumulation in the berries. Although 2019 also saw the devastating Kincade fire in Sonoma County, the fruit was harvested by then, so the smoke did not affect the grapes.
Red WineClassic aromas of mulled red and black fruits, forest floor, conifer, and spiced orange carry through to a velvety palate showing wonderful purity of fruit, a precise texture and supreme balance.
The fruit comes from the Hillcrest Vineyard, a single vineyard site purchased by Myles’ parents, Carleton Briggs and Lisa Lawrence in 1988. Located just outside of Occidental, this site borders the Charles Heintz Vineyard to the west and is home to the original Chardonnay planting in the West Sonoma Coast. It has however since been replanted to Pinot Noir, which thrives in the warm microclimate which is tempered by the cool, coastal breezes and the trademark fog that lingers over the vineyards, bringing moisture and cooling the vines. The result is a long hang-time, during which the vines slowly build aromatic complexity, concentrated flavours, superbly balanced by natural, acidity.
2019 stands out as one of the more exceptional vintages in recent memory. Cooler temperatures and stable weather throughout the growing season allowed for slow maturation of flavours without any heat events spiking sugar accumulation in the berries. Although 2019 also saw the devastating Kincade fire in Sonoma County, the fruit was harvested by then, so the smoke did not affect the grapes.
This is one of the worlds greatest wines.
The iconic ‘Armagh’ vineyard was named by the original Irish settlers who arrived in 1849 and called the lush, rolling hills after their homeland. In 1968, the vineyard was purchased by Jim Barry who planted it with Shiraz. Today these low-yielding vines produce less 27 hectolitres per hectare. The soil is sandy gravel and receives an average rainfall of 600 millimetres per year. The vineyard lies on a northwest-facing slope which acts as a natural sun trap, ensuring the fruit is always fully ripened at harvest time. The Clare Valley climate is continental with a high diurnal temperature difference, producing Shiraz with evenly ripened tannins and flavour.
‘Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2012 Shiraz The Armagh offers a gorgeous perfume of baking spices, violets, Sichuan pepper and fragrant earth. More earthy and savory in the mouth than on the nose, the palate is superbly structured and taut—built for the long-haul—with a long, complex finish. Still very youthfully, forget this wine for 3-5 more years and consider drinking it over the next 20+’ 98+ points Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, Wine Advocate
2019 marks the 40th vintage of Kistler and what a vintage it is!
“This is a gorgeous set of wines from Kistler. The 2019 Chardonnays show the pedigree of the vintage in their nuance, character and site expression.” Antonio Galloni of Vinous.com
The 2019 Vine Hill Vineyard Chardonnay as described by the winemaker: Green-tinged pale yellow. Bold aromas of freshly peeled Gravensteins, lime blossom, powdered rock, deep earthen undertones and roasted grains. Expressive and deeply concentrated while tightly wound given its low pH nature. A long lingering finish speaks to the purity of the extract. One of the best examples of the mineral tones informed by the growing medium of certain soils and a classic manifestation of the seamless tension between weight and energy from the sands of the Vine Hill Vineyard.
Red WineBruno Giacosa is considered to be one of Piedmont’s most highly regarded producers, their wines are some of the most highly sought after in the world.
The great man passed away in 2018 but since 2011 winemaking has been overseen by his protegé Dante Scaglione, together with his daughter Bruna Giacosa.
Asili represents one of the most important and celebrated single vineyards of Barbaresco – a magical combination of muscle and refinement. Bruno Giacosa purchased vineyards in Asili in the 1980s, which now total 2.5 hectares.
This 2019 is a seriously exciting vintage. Boasting noteworthy power and persuasive elegance, the 2019 has pure, crystalline palate with a silky but firm body. Notes of raspberry and wild strawberry with floral tones are found on the nose. On the palate, good structure is matched with freshness of fruit and fine tannins. Drink 2024-2034.
This is the first vintage of Yalumba’s Cabernet/Shiraz-based flagship wine, The Caley. Named after Fred Caley Smith, grandson of Yalumba founder Samuel Smith, who was a horticulturist that had a profound impact on the development of Yalumba’s vineyards. In the early 1890’s he spent 18 months trekking across the USA, Britain, Europe, the Middle East, India and Sri Lanka, observing and reporting on scientific and horticultural developments. His detailed letters, sent home every few days, underpinned the way the vineyards were managed and laid the foundations of sustainable viticulture at Yalumba today.
At the time of blending, the winemaking team made the following tasting notes … Deep garnet red in colour, fruit is at the core of the bouquet, all red and black currants – overlaid with savoury herbs, green spices, cedar and pipe tobacco. The palate is of sophisticated precision with a refined line. Long and textured it captures the concentrated flavours and presents them with a silken grace. Under all that supple, fleshy muscle, the wine has a strong spine, structured to last and last.
The Caley has been sourced from three outstanding vineyards of the Coonawarra and Barossa regions. The Ming D block of the Yalumba Coonawarra vineyard provides 52% of the Cabernet Sauvignon of the blend. This 2.7ha plot was planted in 1992 with two clones of Cabernet Sauvignon selected for structure and depth of flavour. This block differs from the ubiquitous Coonawarra terroir, with a higher content of clay than the other blocks on The Menzies Estate. The Shiraz is sourced from the Burgemeister “Linke Block” between Nuriootpa and Angaston. Planted in 1901, these Shiraz vines run east-west and are on a single wire trellis. The soil is a red-brown earth in the Light Pass loamy fine sand family. There is also a component that comes from the 1971 Yalumba Horseshoe Block in Eden Valley.
Kistler Vineyards are one of California’s aristocrats and produce world class Chardonnays. They are some of our favourite wines on earth – real desert island wines!
Kistler is a single clone chardonnay house – that means one heritage Californian selection of Chardonnay planted across fifteen vineyards, from Carneros to Sonoma Valley, to the Russian River Valley and Sonoma Coast. From those sites they produce eleven vineyard designate Chardonnays. Kistler is wholly dedicated to the ideal of wines of site. It’s an unparalleled approach in the new world.
The Vine Hill vineyard is planted in a pure sand soils and produces Chardonnay of precise concentration, energy and verve with stone and orchard fruit toned aromas capped by a penetrating minerality. It’s an exceptional example of the tension that can be created between density and lift.
