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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A refined cuvée of noble red grapes perfected by our pioneering clonal research. This dark beauty, Belnero, is produced at Banfi’s nnovative winery, chosen for 13 years running as Italy’s Premier Vineyard Estate.
Sweet notes of plum and blackberry jam on the nose are accompanied by hints of vanilla, coffee and tobacco. Powerful and soft structure, characterized by sweet and elegant tannins. Long and persistent finish.
Magna Cum Laude, Latin for “with high honors,” combines Montalcino’s historic Sangiovese Brunello clone with international grape varieties of Cabernet, Merlot, and Petit Verdot. Magna Cum Laude flanks two other Castello Banfi proprietary cuvées bearing Latin names, Summus “the highest,” and Excelsus, meaning “eminent.”
On the nose the scent in characterised by hints of red fruits with intense cherry tones, accompanied by spicy notes of liquorice and pepper. Broad structure, with sweet and powerful tannins, very balanced with a persistent finish.
For current Muratie owners Rijk and Kim Melck, there could be only one name for their Chardonnay, made from the free -run juice of hand-harvested, whole-bunch pressed grapes, fermented naturally and then matured in 500l French oak for nine months: the name of their baby daughter, Isabella.
In this fresh and elegant wine with its peach-blossom fragrance, the aim is to evoke those bedtime butterfly kisses of their beautiful baby girl, so the oaking (10 months in this case) is subtle, serving only to spice the stone fruit, melon, and citrus flavours with hints of hazelnuts and vanilla cream. It’s beautifully delicate and understated, with a pure, slightly piquant and lingering ‘mineral’ finish promising great charm well beyond the toddler years.
The Reserve wines from Saint Clair represent the estate’s pinnacle wines – the best of the best. This 2021 has concentrated flavours of black cherry, blackcurrant, Kalamata olive, and perfumed wildflowers, that lead to an elegant palate with a structure reminiscent of finely powdered cocoa. The finish is long incorporating freshly roasted coffee beans, toasty oak and spice.
Ageing potential: This wine is drinking beautifully now or with careful cellaring will mature into a more complex wine that can be enjoyed for the next 8 to 10 years or beyond.
This vineyard site has been the foundation for some of Saint Clair’s finest wines. This is the vineyard where Saint Clair Family Estate first discovered the fruit to make their flagship Saint Clair Wairau Reserve Sauvignon Blanc. The fruit is sourced from a single vineyard in the lower Wairau Valley. The Block One site was previously part of the Wairau flood plain and is renowned for its deep, highly fertile, free-draining soils, which have been built up over time and help to produce the intensity of flavour in the resulting wine. The vineyard has a flat profile and is situated approximately three metres above sea level. It is now protected from flooding by a stopbank. Located in a slightly cooler site than the majority of the Marlborough Valley, the vines have a slower annual ripening period. The fruit is carefully monitored during the ripening stage and is harvested during the cooler evenings, at maximum flavour maturity and physiological ripeness.
A Syrah showing tremendous aromatic lift, with notes of lavender and sweet cherry rising from the glass. The structured palate shows wonderful balance and concentration.
Hawke’s Bay’s Gimblett Gravels winegrowing district lies on the ancient bed of the Ngaruroro River, which changed course in 1867 to expose the soils for possible viticulture. The relatively low altitude and proximity to the sea yet sheltered from the direct effect of the sea breeze, creates a temperate maritime climate. This location, altitude, and the stony soil’s warming influence make it the warmest site in Hawke’s Bay. The lack of excessive heat in the Gimblett Gravels is also a critical factor as it means the aromatic characters in the fruit, which contribute to the floral notes, are retained. The soils are composed of small to medium-sized greywacke stones interspersed with layers of silt and sand down to a depth of at least 40 metres. The stones on the surface absorb sunlight and heat during the day and then radiate heat at night, enhancing the vine’s ripening capacity. The stony soil structure allows for very rapid drainage after rainfall events; the low water-holding ability the vine’s growth to be controlled. The soils in this locality produce rich, ripe, yet elegantly structured red wines with a distinctive mineral, hot stone and fine dusty character, affectionately known as ‘Gimblett Dust’.
Te Kahu means ‘the cloak’ in Maori and refers to the mist that envelops Giants Winery in the Tukituki Valley. Legend has it that this mist was used to protect a mythical Maori maiden from the sun as she visited her lover Te Mata.
This wine has concentrated aromas of cassis, black olive and dried tobacco lead to a palate of great energy, with red fruits and liquorice framed by dark chocolate-laced tannins.
Hawke’s Bay’s Gimblett Gravels winegrowing district lies on the ancient bed of the Ngaruroro River, which changed course in 1867 to expose the soils for possible viticulture. The relatively low altitude and proximity to the sea yet sheltered from the direct effect of the sea breeze, creates a temperate maritime climate. This location, altitude, and the stony soil’s warming influence make it the warmest site in Hawke’s Bay. The lack of excessive heat in the Gimblett Gravels is also a critical factor as it means the aromatic characters in the fruit, which contribute to the floral notes, are retained. The soils are composed of small to medium-sized greywacke stones interspersed with layers of silt and sand down to a depth of at least 40 metres. The stones on the surface absorb sunlight and heat during the day and then radiate heat at night, enhancing the vine’s ripening capacity. The stony soil structure allows for very rapid drainage after rainfall events; the low water-holding ability the vine’s growth to be controlled. The soils in this locality produce rich, ripe, yet elegantly structured red wines with a distinctive mineral, hot stone and fine dusty character, affectionately known as ‘Gimblett Dust’.
A fine, ethereal Pinot Noir with evocative notes of lavender, jasmine, sweet spice underpinned by ripe, red-berried fruits. The silky tannins enhance the flow through to a supremely elegant finish.
The grapes come from the Te Muna Road vineyard in Wairarapa subregion of Martinborough, in the southeastern corner of the North Island. The vineyard consists of two distinct terraces, the upper terrace comprising very old, stony clay-infused soils perfect for Pinot Noir. The cooler climate of Martinborough ensures the wine is aromatic with steely minerality while the rocky soils impart intensity of fruit. The region’s warm, dry summers and mild winters lead to complex and structured wines with subtle aromatics and an elegant finish.
Delaire Graff is one of the leading wine estates in South Africa and is situated on the top of the Helshoogte Pass in the Stellenbosch Wine Appellation. It looks down on the Banghoek Valley, and the West and East facing sides of the majestic Simonsberg.
This 2021 Botmaskop (see below) is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon & Cabernet Franc with a splash of Petit Verdot and Merlot. It is an opulent and polished blend with classic aromas of cassis and spice leading to a structured palate with liquorice and blackberry flavours and enveloped by fine, lingering tannins.
Botmaskop 2021 has a recommended ageing potential of between 10 and 15 years. Over time, the wine develops in character, with beautiful tannins and rich aromas of autumn leaves and cedarwood.
The namesake of this wine is the historic mountain peak upon which Delaire Graff Estate is situated. Originally named Bootmanskop, meaning ‘Boat Man’s Peak’, the picturesque Botmaskop mountain, with its expansive views over the Cape Peninsula and the Atlantic Ocean, served as the lookout point for the Huguenots who had settled in nearby Franschhoek. From this vantage point, sailing ships entering Table Bay harbour 50 kilometres to the west were easily seen.
Widely considered to be one of the best producers in Slovenia, Edi Simčič’s wines are truly unique, stoically traditional and proudly Slovenian. A family-run estate, now in its third generation, which has been crafting wines that reflect the unique terroir of their vineyards in Vipolže, Kozana, and Fojana since 1989. With a commitment to low yields and meticulous grape selection, the Simčič family emphasises quality and authenticity in every bottle.
The 2022 Malvasia (Malvazija) is a compelling expression of Slovenia’s Goriška Brda region, where the Mediterranean climate meets Alpine freshness. In the glass, the wine is intensely aromatic, featuring notes of dried and fresh peaches, apricots, and balsamic hints. On the palate, it is dry and robust, showcasing the distinct character of dried apricots, complemented by a mineral undertone and a lingering, salty finish. This Malvazija not only highlights the varietal’s characteristics but also embodies the stylistic nuances that define the Edi Simčič winery.
The old vines deliver a generous and expressive wine, with underlying elegance. Hints of bay leaf, mint and pepper weave seamlessly around dark berry, spice and plum fruits with herbal and cedar oak-derived complexity.
Tahbilk’s vineyards are grouped along the banks of the Goulburn River, a branch of it which flows through the estate. The vines are grown at around 134 metres elevation of gently undulating and flat terrain. The soils are sandy loam with ferric oxide content, which vary from very fine sand near the anabranch to denser loams on the plains. Tahbilk has Shiraz vineyards dating back from the 1860s to the 1990s. The oldest surviving block is the ‘1860 block’; planted on its own roots in sandy soils, which has made it impossible for phylloxera to colonise the vine roots.
Lismore Estate is based in Greyton within the Overberg region of the Western Cape of South Africa. It’s here with the Sonderend mountains as a backdrop that winemaker & proprietor Samantha O’Keefe makes her fabulous wines. ‘ I had a farm in Africa….’ The opening line of Karen Blixen’s classic memoir Out Of Africa comes to mind when you hear Samantha’s amazing story.
We love barrel-fermented Sauvignon Blanc at Wine Republic and this beauty is made in an “oxidative” style using old 500-litre barrels for 70% of the fermentation and maturation bringing forward richness, intense fruit and complexity. 30% of the wine is fermented and aged in 1500-litre concrete egg tanks to enhance the rich palate texture and minerality. In both the barrels and the eggs, extended less contact adds complexity and a richer, creamy texture which works beautifully with the bright citrus and fresh herb notes and salty minerality from the grape.
Bibbiano is one of the oldest estates in the Chianti Classico belonging to the same family. Since 1865, the entrepreneurial spirit and tradition has been handed down from father to son. Their philosophy is based on responsibility and consistency; `Responsibility for what we do for the earth, for the area and for the unique wines; consistency in following one`s vocation, respecting the nature of the territory and family traditions.
There fantastic 2019 Chianti Classico Riserva embodies this philosophy in totality. in the glass it has complex aromas of black cherries, blackberries and spice. The palate is amazingly rich, silky and dense with flavours of the nose present along with a savoury character. The finish is mouthwatering, inviting you to take the next sip immediately! An all-round stunning bottle of Chianti Classico Riserva.
Ben Prins, Muratie’s winemaker until 1987, was as unique as the wines he produced. A hard-working, no-nonsense kind of a man–quiet, contemplative and exceptionally particular–he was both a perfectionist and a traditionalist. It was said that he knew wine like the back of his hand– or, rather, foot, given that he considered shoes to be ‘unnecessary novelties’!
In his honour, this Port-style liqueur wine is made from traditional Port varieties (Tinta Barocca, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Francisca and Souzão) that were planted in a single vineyard in the 1970s to produce a unique ‘field blend’.
On the nose, floral notes of violets and roses entice along with Christmas spice and plum pudding. Each sip is deeply rich, with flavours ranging from Kirsch-macerated black cherries to dark chocolate-enrobed hazelnuts. There are also savoury undertones – truffles and tobacco – with brisk acidity and warming alcohol in harmony with the lithely powerful structure. Seamlessly integrated after two years in old 225l French oak barrels, this world- class wine should reward contemplation for at least another two decades.
Bishop is a true expression of Barossa Shiraz that is elegantly structured with a long finish.
Made from exceptional old vine fruit was sourced from the famed Ebenezer sub district at the northern tip of the Barossa Valley. These old vines are between 35-120 years old.
In the glass there is an explosion of brooding dark tones with bright cassis and coffee bean hints. The palate has a subtle richness with flavours of dark plum and blackberry intermingled with dark chocolate and dried spice. Generous yet restrained tannin provides exceptional palate length and persistence.
Peak Drinking: Great drinking now but this wine will also benefit from up to 10 – 15 years of careful cellaring.
Bishop is the family name of Colin’s wife’ Judith. Fittingly the sign of Venus, a symbol which has come to represent women and feminine energy, is the centrepiece of the Bishop label. In mythology, the symbol meant the Roman goddess Venus or her Greek equivalent Aphrodite. But the sign has also been linked back to ancient Egypt – a nod to Bishop’s link to Amon-Ra and Anaperenna.
Lismore Estate is based in Greyton within the Overberg region of the Western Cape of South Africa. It’s here with the Sonderend mountains as a backdrop that winemaker & proprietor Samantha O’Keefe makes her fabulous wines. ‘ I had a farm in Africa….’ The opening line of Karen Blixen’s classic memoir Out Of Africa comes to mind when you hear Samantha’s amazing story. A native Californian, Berkeley educated, Sam realised her dream and bought a mountain in Africa.
In December 2019 Samantha’s farm, home, cellar and just-opened wine cellar was all lost in a bush-fire. Samantha has proven herself to be one of the winemaking stars of South Africa and gaining respect from all around the world. The day this tragedy took place Samantha was receiving calls from winemakers all around the Cape, giving her some of their top grapes and asking her to make the wine in their cellars in order for her to continue making wine and not miss a harvest. A remarkable woman making remarkable wines.
The 2020 Lismore Chardonnay is delicious in the glass. The nose is a complex, expressive bouquet of citrus and tropical fruits layered with brioche, honey and walnut. The palate is carried through by a distinct minerality and crisp acidity through to a lingering citrus finish.
