A quick thanks to all the well wishers who made contact after this week’s article in Epicure. The truth is that this shop only exists because of the loyal support of you, our customers, who are keen and willing to try a variety of wines and beers and keep it challenging for us. So thanks for the support, and for keeping us on our toes!

Tonight’s tasting will be a ripper! ‘Bird On A Wire’ is the label of Caroline Mooney (ex Yering Station) and Paul Bridgeman (ex DeBortoli and current winemaker at Yarra Yering). Tonight they will show off their very positively received 2008 Syrah which was released a few months back, and launch their brand new single site upper Yarra chardonnay. It’s about quality tonight, not quantity, and Bird On A Wire fits the bill perfectly. So please, join Caroline and Paul from 5pm this afternoon in store to see what all the fuss is about. Free, of course!

Next week, vintage conditions dependent, Timo Mayer will waltz on in here to kick off his new release ‘Bloody Hill’ wines. That will be confirmed in next week’s email.

Speaking of next week, the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival is about to get in to full swing. For the first time, Barrique will be a part of the event, in conjunction with Punt Road Wines. Kate Goodman (winemaker at Punt Road) and yours truly will host the ‘From Estate Grown to the Rhone’ sessions, highlighting the similarities/differences between varietals historically linked to the Rhone Valley, and Yarra Valley expressions. Should be good!
When Saturday 13 March and Sunday 14 March
Sat. 13 March
Session 1 10:30AM – 12:00PM
Session 2 2:00PM – 3:30PM

Sun.14 March
Session 3 10:30AM – 12:00PM
Session 4 2:00PM – 3:30PM

Where Punt Road Wines, 10 St Huberts Road, Coldstream
Cost $25.00
Bookings 03 9739 0666 , For bookings contact Simon

Epicure 6 pack!
We’re not used to media exposure, so we thought we’d knock out a a 6 pack of our ‘chosen ones’ wines as listed in this week’s Epicure. So 1 of each of the following:
Pleno Tempranillo 2008
Donny Goodmac Chardonnay 2008
Salo Arthurs Creek Chardonnay 2008
Mayford Tempranillo 2008
The Wanderer Shiraz 2008 ( the upper Yarra Pinot Noir has sold out this week, but the shiraz is a beauty)
and the 6th bottle is a Chambers Rutherglen Muscat, surely one of the most unheralded wines in the world!!
Usual shelf price on this batch $180           Special this week only $162
Feel free to get 2 bottles of each, and make the dozen $320!!
To order, please call the shop on 03 5962 6699 or reply to this email
Free fright on dozens to Melb metro, subsidised freight for smaller quantities and elsewhere in Australia

New arrivals this week include the pick of the wines from our Austrian/Alsatian tasting last week, new gear from the Allies, the Mornington Peninsula’s ‘South Pack’ representatives (chardy, sauvignon, pinot and shiraz), Castellare Chianti Classico from the ripping 2007 vintage, McHenry Hohnen 3 Amigos red and white blends, Mandala Yarra Valley Chardonnay, and Ashton Hills Picadilly Pinot Noir 2008, a delightful pinot from the Adelaide Hills.

Bird On A Wire tonight from 5pm!

Enjoy the long weekend

Cheers!

Vintage 2010 has officially arrived in the Yarra, and it’s all looking pretty promising. Last week’s rain backed the progress of veraison off a touch, arguably be a good thing, conditions this week have been great and the immediate forecast looks to be encouraging as well. Stay tuned for a strong release of wines towards the end of the year and beyond…..touch wood!

As you are probably already aware, Alberto Antonini will be in store this evening from about 5.30pm for a couple of hours. We’re pretty excited and grateful to have such a highly regarded, international winemaker in our digs, talking our loyal customers through his range of Australian, Italian and Argentinian wares. An extensive range of Greenstone (Heathcote), Poggiotondo (Tuscany) and Altos Los Hormigas (Argentina – just the one malbec) will be open for you to taste and purchase at special pricing. This afternoon, from 5.30pm until 7 or so. Free. Be here!!

This coming Tuesday, Feb 23, is also shaping up as a pretty unique night for us. Eric Kientzler (Domaine Kientzler), Jerome Mader (Jean Luc Mader) and Bert Salomon (Salomon Estates) will be in store from 7pm (until about 9pm) to pour a wide range of their exciting 2007 and 2008 release wines (maybe the odd wine from the 90s too!). These guys are at the cutting edge of winegrowing in Alsace and Austria and it is a privilege to have them in the place! Riesling, Pinot Gris, Pinot blanc, Gewurztraminer, Gruner Veltliner, single vineyard and grand cru sourced wines – it’ll be a ripping showcase of 3 leading producers wares. This is also a no cost event, but to help with the preparations, an RSVP by email to let us know of your intentions, would be greatly appreciated. The format of the night will be similar to our international tastings over the past few years – pretty informal, easy to get around, definitely not intimidating, guaranteed very social!
This coming Tuesday, Feb 23, 7pm. Be here!!!!

All Burgundy orders from our recent offers are now ready for collection. The heat in Melbourne last week made freight difficult, so the mild conditions this week have been a relief. There are a few very tasty bits and pieces remaining (some ‘05 Magnien premier and grand crus included), so please get in touch if you would like to know more.

Eureka Dozen!!
When was the last time that you tried 4 quality pinots for less than 20 bucks a bottle??? It has been a good week on the sample front (plenty more of which will be revealed over the next week or 2) but 4 affordable and very enjoyable pinots are  definitely newsworthy!!

-       Little Black Stone Pinot Noir 2008 – almost an even split of Central Otago and Marlborough fruit, from self owned and managed vineyards – there is no other way that a Kiwi wine like this can hit the shelves for less than $20 in Australia. Moderate on the alcohol front (yippee!), fleshy fruit forward Otago driven palate backed by a savoury, more restrained Marlborough quota. Knockout value.
-       Hoddles Creek Pinot Noir 2008 – this Yarra stalwart continues to impress. It’s not really ‘new’, and we’ve come to take Franco’s work a bit for granted, but estate grown, upper Yarra fruit handled sensitively in the winery, for this price, is rare. Spicy red fruits, still just a touch of funk for interest, good acidity and measured tannin influence. This looked pretty good 6 months ago, but it has short term pedigree in the cellar and is now really hitting its straps.
-       Mount Moriac Pinot Noir 2008 – another wine that we have dabbled with in the past, because we’ve thought that for a fleshy, fruit driven, clean as a whistle style of pinot, it’s hard to beat. Similarly to the Hoddles Creek, that extra 6 months in bottle has done this Geelong grown wine wonders. Having tried another sample bottle on Monday, it’s now revealing a deeper fruit profile that sits very well with the more mature acid and tannin structure.
-       Permutations Pinot Noir 2008 – multi vineyard sourced, if ever there was a wine that benefited from time in bottle, this is it. 12 months ago, we thought that this looked a bit raw. 8 months ago, we ran with it ‘cos it was softening. Now it’s humming!! Made by Bill Downie (aka William!), it’s floral, savoury, alluring, fresh berried palate is so enjoyable right now. Lesson #1 in buying wine: have faith in winemakers who know what they are doing!!!!

So here’s the deal. 4 wines. 3 bottles of each wine. Rec. retail price on the dozen is normally $240.

Order this special Eureka Dozen for $200 (that’s an average of less than $17 a bottle for good pinot!!!!!)

To order this special dozen, please reply to this email or call the store on 5962 6699.
Free freight to Melb metro. Subsidised freight elsewhere in Australia.

Tasting tonight: Alberto Antonini from 5.30pm

Enjoy the weekend

Cheers!!

It’s going to be as concise as possible this afternoon…. a new year but time still gets away just as quickly!

Tonight we’ll crack a few standout new arrivals that have landed in the last 3 or 4 weeks. Rise Watervale Riesling 2009, trophy winning Airlie Bank Shiraz Viognier 2008, Pierre Amadieu Cotes du Rhone 2007and Nick O’Leary Shiraz 2008. Reckon any one of these gems would sit proudly on pretty much any dinner table this weekend!!! Tonight, from 5pm, in store, free!

Alberto Antonini in store in 2 weeks!

Global winemaking guru Alberto Antonini will be in store in a fortnight, talking us through some of his many international wine projects and answering any questions that you may have. The Heathcote sourced Greenstone wines will be to the fore, as will the Tuscan Poggiotondo range. Lock it in the diary – Friday Feb19, 5.30-7pm.

Frederic Magnien Red Burgundy Offer – save more than 30%

Frederic Magnien is a 5th generation Burgundian winemaker with access to an outstanding collection of vineyards throughout the Cote d’Or. He is a negociant, but his extended family involvement in the local scene ensures that he has access to some prized parcels of fruit within premier and grand cru sites. As a young individual winemaker, he is considered a bit of a dynamo, having learnt his craft from his highly esteemed father, Michel, and possessing the work ethic of a perfectionist. Strong, respectful relationships with his growers, meticulous vineyard management (multiple passings, green harvesting, individual fruit selection etc etc) as well as further sorting in the cellar ensures that the quality of the material going to barrel is first rate. His style is to treat each parcel very similarly so as to ensure fine vineyard expression. Not smacked about with new oak, rather, lovely purity of fruit and finesse. Red Burgundies that are approachable in their youth courtesy of their balance, and yet with the attributes in structure to age gracefully.
This selection of wines below is very limited in quantities.
There are no minimum orders required, but as with the white Burgundies earlier in the week, first in best dressed!!

Wine (all Frederic Magnien)                                            RRP   Offer price

Chambolle Musigny Vielles Vignes 2006                      $134      $90
Chambolle Musigny 1er Cru les Borniques 2006        $185      $125
Chambolle Musigny 1er Cru Coeur de Pierres 2005  $187      $130
Chambolle Musigny 1er Cru Coeur de Pierres 2006  $165      $115
Bonnes Mares Grand Cru 2006                                       $435      $300
Echezeaux Grand Cru 2005                                             $380      $265
Echezeaux Grand Cru 2006                                             $290      $200
Vosne Romanee 1er Cru les Suchots 2006                  $215      $150
Vosne Romanee 1er Cru les Beaux Monts 2006         $200      $140
Morey St Denis 1er Cru Clos Sorbe 2006                      $150      $105

To order, please reply to this email or call the store on 03 5962 6699.
Free freight on orders of 6 or more to Melb metro.
Subsidised freight elsewhere in Australia and for smaller quantities.

This is a wonderful opportunity to snag some delightful stellar single vineyard Burgundies with an average price cut of about 30%!! As mentioned, stocks are very limited so please be quick to secure your request

Enjoy the weekend!

Cheers!

Right into it this week – can’t look at the blissful rain any longer! All reports from the vineyards around the place suggest that no harm has been done with the random torrential rain across the Valley, so a nice mild week next week and all should be well with the world…….we’ll see!!

Tonight we’ll have a look at some wines from 2 white hot producerswho are really making waves in the Aussie wine scene. Kate Hill was a winemaker with Orlando for several years before moving to Tasmania in 2006. Having settled with her family not far from Hobart, she has set about releasing a few wines under her own label with a fair degree of success - 3 wines released, gold medals for each of them, and now some trophies for the 2008 Pinot Noir at the Tasmanian Wine Show a few weeks back (Best Pinot Noir and Wine of Show). The other wine at the moment is a 2009 vintage riesling from Southern Tassie – shows how good Tassie riesling can be! Adam McKay, the guy behind the label ‘Collector Wines’ is doing great things for the reputation of the Canberra wine region. 2 Shiraz wines that are elegantly proportioned, brightly perfumed and clean as a whistle. The ‘Marked Tree’  is delicious mid $20 drinking, while the Reserve wine ups the ante a bit in terms of complexity – it snagged a bag of trophies at the Sydney WIne Show this week. So, all 4 wines from 2 star Aussie producers will be open from 5pm this afternoon until 7pm, in store, free!

Upcoming international winemaker tastings!!

Just a quick reminder of Alberto Antonini’s visit to the store next Friday night (5.30pm-7pm). He’ll be showing off some of his Australian and Italian wares and up for a chat about pretty much anything! Next Friday, Feb19.
Also a plug for our Alsatian/Austrian extravaganza on Tuesday, Feb 23. i know it’s midweek, but when names like Salomon, Jean Luc Mader and Andre Kientzler offer their time to come to the Yarra Valley during a fleeting Australian visit, you don’t get picky!!! Super range of wines from 3 gun producers. The night will kick off about 7pm, but this wil be confirmed next week.

Burgundy…..final call!!!!

Just a few items remaining off our Burgundy offers of the last week or so. If you missed the boat and would like to know what is still available, please reply to this email or call the shop on 03 5962 6699.

Wine of the week! Wickhams Road Yarra Valley Chardonnay 2009

This is a ripping little wine from the crew out at Hoddles Creek Estate. Sourced from estate plantings that aren’t quite as mature as the vines that are responsible for the ‘Hoddles Creek’ label wines. 09 Yarra Chardonnays actually look smart (not exactly what we were expecting given the vintage conditions) and at this level, Wickhams Road really over delivers. Fresh, clean fruited nose with a gentle leesy edge, the palate shows good breadth of citrus and apple fruit with the sort of crisp acidity that you would expect from a well managed upper Yarra vineyard.
RRP $15   Special Splinters Offer $12 a bottle!!!

To order, please reply to this email or call the store on 03 5962 6699
Free freight to Melb metro on dozen orders. Subsidised freight elsewhere in Australia and for smaller quantities.

Enjoy the weekend

Cheers!

Yep, you read it correctly, import offer #1!!

This year we’re keen to expand our pre-arrival import offerings and with the strength of the Aussie dollar, I would anticipate that some pretty keen pricing will be achievable. To get the ball rolling though, here is a tasty line up of white Burgundies with just a little bottle age to them. 9 times out of 10, this is the window of opportunity where chardonnay from Meursault, Puligny and Chassagne Montrachet are showing their best – still with a touch of nervosity, but with a little more generosity. The ‘power’ doesn’t subside and they are a joy to drink!

There are no minimum orders for the wines listed, but some are very limited in their availability (i.e 12 bottles remaining in Australia) so if you are keen, please be prompt in replying. This offer will close next Wednesday, February 10, 2010.

Here are a few words on the producers featured.

Patrick Javillier: “This thoughtful, analytical and intelligent Meursault based grower produces a superb range not merely of different vineyard wines but also of different Bourgogne blanc cuvees.” Andrew Jefford, The New France.
‘Admittedly, Meursault is now home to a host of over achievers; Coche Dury, Jobard, Lafon, Pierre Morey and Roulot all spring to mind, but Javillier seems to me to be underexposed and under-garlanded. And his pricing is not rapacious in view of how much flavour and structure he delivers’ Jancis Robinson.
Javillier’s wines are a great combination of fruit intensity, leesy/solidsy complexity, fine acidity, finesse, minerality and richness. He vinifies parcel by parcel and cask by cask prior to final assemblage. The les Clous from the higher slopes is steely and firm, while the Tillets  and Clos de Cromin have a richer angle to them.

Fontaine Gagnard: This domaine possesses one of the finest vineyard holdings in Chassagne including parcels of grand crus Criots-Batard-Montrachet, Batard Montrachet and Montrachet itself. The swag of premier crus listed clearly demonstrate the concept of terroir – all the wines are treated in pretty much the same manner and yet definite characters consistently emerge from the specific sites. The style of the house is for intense, racy, deep and complex wines that are focused and detailed – about a third new oak for the premier crus. Here is a quick run down of the vineyards listed: ‘Clos St Jean’ – the most forward, plenty of early appeal. ‘Maltroie’ – more structure than the Clos St Jean, stellar drinking from year 4 onwards. ‘Boudriotte’ – classic Chassagne – mixed peel, pure, mouth coating flavours of good intensity. ‘Clos de Murees’ – more nervy and minerally. ‘Chenevottes’ – very similar soil composition and orientation to Montrachet – minerals to the fore but with an opulence of white peach and floral honey. Remains crisp and clean.

Simon Bize: ‘Bize is one of Burgundy’s most sensitive and perfectionist winemakers, ever seeking to add a touch here, modify a detail there. This is clearly Savign’s best domaine’ Clive Coates.
Savigny is well known as a happy hunting ground for bargain Burgundy, red or white. The blanc listed has a floral nose of purity and elegance but with a fuller, more assertive palate. Not a keeper – but one to enjoy over the next 6-12 months.

Daniel Barraud: ‘I’ve said this many times but it is worth repeating: Daniel Barraud is without question one of the finest growers in the Maconnais and there is credible argument to be made that his remarkable consistency vaults him right to the very top of the list. This man almost never misses.’ Burghound
From their organically managed,  rocky vineyards, Daniel Barraud and his son Julian produce some ripping examples of white Burgundy, at very approachable price points. Everything is harvested by hand with the vast majority of wine totally barrel fermented. Oak only ever lends support to the fruit – and the wine listed sees no new oak.  A classic example of traditional farming techniques combined with clean, precise winemaking. Chaintre is a village just to the south of Fuisse.

‘Burghound’ is Allen Meadows, a world renowned reviewer of all things Burgundian, while ‘Tanzer’ is Stephen Tanzer, an American critic who has been publishing his International Wine Cellar for 25 years, and has a particular bent towards Burgundy. For what it’s worth, their ratings are pretty harsh – a score of 90-92 points usually equates to ‘outstanding!’, while scores in the high 80s are ‘highly recommended. It is extremely rare to come across scores of 95+, and if you do, the wines will be thousands of dollars!!!!!

Wine                           Burghound/Tanzer  RRP  Special Bottles  Total $$

To order, please reply to this email or call the store on 5962 6699 with your wish list. Please note again, that some stocks are very limited i.e less than 12 bottles available. Offer valid until Wednesday Feb 10. First in best dressed!!!

Free freight on orders of 6 bottles or more to Melbourne metro area.
Subsidised freight elsewhere in Australia, and for smaller quantities to Melb.

So there it is. A great opportunity to acquire a few bottles of cracking white Burgundy to add to the cellar (or to enjoy soon!) with a discount of about 25% off normal pricing.

Cheers!!

Ok, it’s a little belated, given that we’re about to roll in to February, but better late than never.

After an indifferent 2009 growing season in the Valley, I’m happy to report that growers out here are pretty optimistic and excited about the prospects of vintage this year. Some good spring and early summer rains, a relatively moderate January with the odd shower and cooler nights, all add up to very healthy looking vines. Fingers crossed the next month or so remains kind and we can get back to something that resembles a classic Yarra vintage.

Pleased to let you know that our Friday night in store tastings resume this week with a new player from the Yarra Valley. Mark Horrigan has put a hell of a lot of work into his Pimpernel Vineyard site (between Rochford and Giant Steps ‘Sexton Vineyard’) and the rewards are clear, particularly with his classy shiraz, pinot noir and chardonnay bottlings. This is a label that you will hear plenty more about in time to come, so identifying yourself as an early groupie can’t be a bad thing! Tomorrow afternoon, 5-7pm, in store with owner and maker, Mark Horrigan. Free!

Shoud take the opportunity top let you know of a couple of international tastings that we’ve got coming up in February. Pencil in the diary Friday the 19th of February for an instore tasting with Italian superstar Alberto Antonini, and Tuesday the 23rd of February for a tasting with Austrian gun Bert Salomon, as well as leading Alsatian winemakers from Jean Luc Mader and Andre Kientzler. We feel a bit lucky to be hosting these 4 internationals for one of their brief Australian stops, so I hope our enthusiasm will be matched by yours!!! More details to follow next week.

Welcome back mixed doz!
Here’s a swag of interesting gear to tempt the fussiest of consumers, bundled up at a great price! 1 of each of the following:
Hoddles Creek Chardonnay 2008 (Yarra Valley) – just ‘cos it’s still the best value chardonnay on the market!
Loosen ‘Dr L’ Dry Riesling 2008 – delightful freshness to this German aromatic
Villa Wolf Pinot Gris 2007 (Pfalz, Germany) – always appears in these bundles because it overdelivers big time
Lucky Cat Pinot Grigio 2009 (King Valley) – fave grigio in Victoria!
Logan Sauvignon Blanc 2009 (Orange) – from high altitude vineyards in Orange, less herbaceous than the Kiwis, more of an array of tropical fruits and gentle florals with lovely minerality to the palate
Domaine Wachau Gruner Veltliner 2008 (Wachau, Austria) – if you want to know what good gruner tastes like without spending 40 bucks a bottle, this is the wine for you. Think ‘like dry riesling but with some spice and a touch more weight to the palate’. Yum!
Airlie Bank Shiraz Viognier 2008 (Yarra Valley) – trophy winning Yarra shiraz from Punt Road
Pitchfork Cabernet Merlot 2007 (Margaret River) – this still floors us for its varietal correctness – cracking quaffer
Hillcrest Village Pinot Noir 2008 (Yarra Valley) – made with the assistance of pinot guru Philip Jones (Bass Philip) – minimal intervention in the winery, old vine material gives weight, interest and balance.
MonRedon Cotes du Rhone 2006 (Rhone Valley, France) – slightly more robust Rhone red blend – all the more to like!
Pleno Rose 2008 (Navarra, Spain) – while the summer sun still shines, everyone should have one of these on hand in the fridge
Sol Amante Malbec Merlot 2008 (Mendoza, Argentina) – see below

RRP $258       Special dozen price $220       Save $38!!!!

BUY ME NOW!!!

We’ve had heaps of cool new stuff arrive over the last few weeks – a bit of a chance to catch up on all those samples that started gathering dust back in December. Here’s a few that really pressed our buttons!
- Sol Amante Malbec Merlot 2008 - not usual to kick off with an Argentine red, but this medium bodied quaffer from Mendoza ticks a lot of boxes. It has the mulberry fleshiness of decent merlot backed by some meaty malbec notes that add spine to the palate. Hard to knock at $16 a pop – bbq written all over it
– Nick O’Leary Riesling 2009 and Shiraz 2008 - a relatively new player on the Canberra wine scene, but already making plenty of noise. Beautifully aromatic riesling ($26) with lovely intensity of a range of citrus fruits and florals – lip smacking enjoyment on the palate. The red is a cracking example of balanced, cool climate shiraz ($30). Silken in its texture, fragrant to the nose – dangerous
– Rise Riesling 2009 - classic single vineyard Watervale (Clare Valley) riesling made by Jeff Grosset. Plenty of oomph to the nose, with citrus fruit to the fore before a refreshing tangy palate with crisp acidity, not searing acidity. Plenty to like. $20
- and on the European front, new exciting new arrivals from Jean Marc Brocard (petit chablis, chablis and grand cru Les Clos), Denis Race (Chablis and Grand Cru Blanchot from 2008), white Burgundies from Guy Roulot, Faiveley Bourgogne Rouge 2006, Remondo La Vendimia 2008 (Spanish garnacha/tempranillo from Rioja Baja that rocks for $29!!!).

So much wine, so little time!!

To order any of these, please rely to this email or call the store on 5962 6699.
Free freight to Melb metro, subsidised elsewhere in Australia.

Tasting this Friday, 5-7pm: new Yarra producer, Pimpernel Vineyards with Mark Horrigan

Cheers!!

December tidings to you!

As a kick start to a busy month, we’ve put together a ‘no fuss’ box of white and red wine. We reckon that they are perfect for the office/family Christmas party or for you to delve into should those more than regular ‘catch up for a drink’ scenarios eventuate. They offer serious quality and yet at these prices, won’t impinge on the Christmas budget too much. Have a look and see what takes your fancy!

‘No Fuss’ White Dozen
4 bottles of each of the following:
‘Barrique’ Victorian Reserve Brut NV – we reckon this little gem has the measure of just about every fizz on the market up to $18. Aperitif in style, dry and delicate. Should be $23, in this mix, $10!!!!
‘Barrique’ Adelaide Hills Semillon Sauvignon blanc 2008 - classic white blend with a fresh, fleshy mid palate before some refreshing acidity cleans up the palate. Enough weight for the those who enjoy chardonnay to be more than satisfied! Should be $19, again, just $10 in this mix
Redbank Pinot Grigio 2008 – how could we not include this softly textured grigio from the King Valley. It would have to be our biggest selling white of the year. Â RRP $14 Â In this mix $11

So there you have it, the dozen for $124 instead of $224!!!! Sounds like a deal.

‘No Fuss’ Red Dozen
4 bottles of each of the following:
‘Barrique’ Sparkling Shiraz NV – we just cannot keep up with this delicious sparkling red – every tasting that it makes an appearance at, it is clearly the most popular wine. Why? Because it’s juicy, fruit driven and without the cloying sugary hit at the end that people expect/dread. It’s fun! Like the white, should be $23, but just $10 here
‘Barrique’ Adelaide Hills Merlot 2007 – 40 doz sold in 6 weeks should attest to the quality of this, a rarity in merlot at this level. Refined and structured, it opens up beautifully in the glass and retains a soft core of ripe tannins. Sells for $26 with the producers label, but $10 fits the ‘no fuss’ bill here.
‘Barrique Margaret River Reserve Shiraz 2005 - cracking WA shiraz – densely fruited, spicy complexity, ‘reserve’ in everything but price! RRP $24 Â Â In this mix $11

Full tote odds $292   The ‘No Fuss’ price  $124

Now, we’re trying to appeal to as many as possible and understand that a mix of red and white wines might suit you best. So, if this is you, 2 bottles of each of the wines listed above (3 white, 3 red) can also be arranged for the same ripping price of $124.

Free freight to Melbourne metro and Yarra Valley. Subsidised elsewhere in Australia.

To order your box/es of either the white, red or mixed dozens, please reply to this email or call the store on 03 5962 6699.

Cheers!

After a week’s hiatus on the email front courtesy of an 8 hour power outage in Healesville last week, we’re back with plenty of good stuff! Only 4 weeks until Christmas now!

A quick mention of the Champagne/Sparkling tasting on Wednesday night at Mt Rael. These tastings are only made possible by you and the generosity of time from our trusted importers, so thank you all. Thanks to Emily at Mt Rael for the use of the wonderful space as well – it’s a ripping spot for a bit of indulgence! A line up of 33 bubblies is always going to bring about some healthy debate as to the favourite wines of the night, but they invariably throw up a few surprises as well. This was no exception. It’s always a treat to sip on ‘96 Salon (if only it was a bit easier on the hip pocket!), Jacquesson Avize 2000, Pol Roger Vintage 1999, Lassalle Cuvee BdB 2002, Larmandier Bernier BdB NV and Bellavista Rose 2004 – no great revelations there! But there were some other gems that went close to stealing the show – 2 wines from Pugliese (Italy) producer D’Arapri (a rose and a bianco), the 2000 Grand Cuvee (the bianco) vying for wine of the night honours with beautiful structure and persistence, some great value Cava from Bodegas Raventos and Agusti Torello Mata, a sparkling Vouvray from Marechal and pinot noir based 2002 Paul Bara Special Club showing the virtues of the exceptional vintage. We’ll be running with a fair smattering of the wines leading in to Christmas and the New Year.
On the special tasting front, that’s it for this year. A couple of months to plan the 2010 schedule is just what the doctor ordered!

No shortage of good stuff coming up on Friday night’s though! Tonight we have Stephen Shelmerdine from Shelmerdine Vineyards in store. Shelmerdine’s Yarra Valley wines come off one of the best vineyards in the Valley, in the cooler parts of the upper Yarra. Tonight we’ll have 2 sterling 2008 wines, the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, and a 2009 Rose on tasting. As a further treat, we’re launching the 2008 Phi wines as well! Phi is a joint project between Shelmerdine and De Bortoli and each of the releases to date has been nothing short of stunning. These are reserve wines off the Lusatia Park Rd vineyard that highlight what gets us so excited about the potential of the upper Yarra. Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir – can’t wait to get into them! From 5pm this evening in store, with Stephen to talk you through the range. FREE!

There has been a heap of new stuff come in over the last fortnight, but here are a few choice selections:
- Pleno Tempranillo 2008 – here’s a Spanish wine that has been a hit over the last couple of years, but this 2008 effort ups the ante again. Drinks like a classy ‘Joven’ (young, unwooded tempranillo) – lovely ripe red fruits, whiffs of tobacco, pepper and spice, with a densely fruit driven palate. Still at the bargain price of $16
- Two Brothers Semillon Sauvignon blanc 2008 - we generally don’t get too roused by this blend, but this Margaret River number took us by surprise. It takes the ‘less is more’ approach to the classic white blend – we like that! Some good leesy complexity adds to the fresh green and yellow fruits – a well proportioned palate and yet enough zesty acidity to keep things in check. Lovely summer drinking at $16 a bottle
- Frankland Estate Isolation Ridge Riesling 2009 - there has been a bit of a price hike on this wine, but the new vintage well and truly justifies it. In the top echelon of the Australian expression of the varietal, and even in it’s youth, has a fleshiness that makes it very approachable now. Delicate and minerally, this is a ripper. $30
- Ladies Who Shoot Their Lunch – 2 gems from Strathbogie producer Plunkett Fowles – a 2008 riesling and 2007 Shiraz. Before we get to the wines, this has to get the gong for the coolest package to grace the shelves this year. Just as well the wines measure up! Lovely lifted spicy nose to the shiraz with plenty of red and black fruits – plenty of density, while the riesling is classically aromatic with pristine citrus fruit and well managed acidity. Both $32
- Domaine de L’Ameillaud Cotes du Rhone Rouge 2007 – had this in a blind lineup of grenache based reds last week and gee, it looked great! We had a good dip at it earlier in the year and I’m pleased to say that another 4 months hasn’t done it any harm (not all that surprising really!!). Fleshy, dark, spicy, medium bodied, effortless. Seriously hard to beat at $24 a bottle.
- 2007 Chablis and white Burgundies – Billaud Simon Chablis, Pierre Morey Bourgogne blanc, Guy Amiot Chassagne Montrachet ‘les Caillerets’, Michelot Puligny Montrachet, Christian Moreau Chablis – pretty excited to have this stable of stars in the joint!
- Cantina Zaccagnini Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2007 and Rose 2008 - oh so typical of quality Central Italian wines – medium bodied, all about savoury twists with an earthen drive to match the ripe fruits. Interesting drinking at $29 for the rose and $31 for the rouge.

To order any of these wines, please reply to this email or call the store on 5962 6699.
Orders of 6 bottles or more attract a further 10% discount off these already reduced prices
Free freight on dozens to Melbourne metro. Subsidised freight elsewhere and for smaller quantities.

Tasting tonight from 5pm – Shelmerdine and Phi with Stephen Shelmerdine

Enjoy the weekend

Cheers!

After a hot week, a bit of literary refreshment (albeit short!)

First off, our annual Champgane/Sparkling tasting on Wednesday Novemeber 25 is pretty much sold out. For those  who have locked in their place, nice work! Here’s a tease of what’s to come – Champagne from Larmandier Bernier, Paul Bara, Jacquesson, Lassalle, Agrapart, Vazart Coquart, Pol Roger, Delamotte, Perardelle and Salon (1996 to be exact) amongst plenty of others, sparkling from the 2 leading Franciacorta (Italy) producers, Bellavista and Ca del Bosco, Cava from Spanish houses Raventos and Augusti Torelli Mata, and a smattering of quality Aussie fizz, mostly Tasmanian. There are just a few spots left so again, if you are keen, please get in touch (Ph: 5962 6699). $40pp, 7.30pm Wednesday November 25 @ Mt Rael.

Tonight we’ll knock the top off a few new arrivals that have really floated our collective boat over the last few weeks:
Helm Riesling 2009 (Canberra)
Domaine St Andrieu Rose 2008 (Provence)
Windy Peak Nouvea Shiraz 2009 (Victoria)
Enzo Bogliettti Dolcetto d’Alba 2007 (Piedmonte)

New arrivals this week include:
- Ocean Eight 2008 Pinot Gris – we were pretty impressed with the previous release of this Mornington gris, and this one ups the ante just a touch more. Mike Aylward is the man behind this label and he was also responsible for setting up Kooyong. It would appear that he has the midas touch – this is lovely refined gris with real presence. $30
Lucky Cat Pinot Grigio 2009 - King Valley sourced grigio knocked out by Sarah Fagan (Gourmet Traveller Young Aussie Winemaker of the Year) and Cath Wilcock. This one is all about he buzz word in wine at the mo’…..texture! It has it, and it flaunts it! Tight fruit profile, picked early – the ‘grigio’ is an accurate call (rather than gris). $18.50
Wantirna Estate new releases - the 2008s are right on song- Lily Pinot Noir ($68) and Isabella Chardonnay ($64) show the elegant, pristine Wantirna style from a strong Yarra vintage. Nothing heavy handed or overworked. Rightly held in the top echelon of Yarra producers.
Stoney Rise Pinot Noir 2008 – dark, juicy style of Tasmanian pinot. Great drink for less than $30
Domaine Saint Andrieu Rose 2008 – finally the rose market has taken off, and we’re loving finding all these dry, savoury numbers that have summer written all over them. This one is from Provence and has that classic pale salmon/onion skin appearance – gentle floral aromatics to complement the fresh red fruits. Just the ticket for a bbq  $24
And a gentle reminder that we have stock of the 2007 Pannell Nebbiolo that scooped the pool at the Alternative Varietals Wine Show late last week. Pretty smart wine that! $49

To order any of these wines, please reply to this email or call the store on 5962 6699.

Stay cool!

Cheers

Cheers

Short and sweet this week – not short on the good stuff though!

First cab off the rank, we’ll have Mac Forbes in attendance this evening. Mac has been pushing his own barrow for a few years now (previously he was winemaker at Mount Mary amongst other notable posts!), and he and Tony Fikkers have been carving out a great niche. The latest releases do nothing to tarnish the reputation!! Mostly single vineyard representations with a couple of multi vineyard wines to complement, Mac is as passionate about the Yarra Valley as ever. Just released Chardonnay (Woori Yallock) and Pinot Noirs (Yarra, Gruyere and Woori Yallock) from 2008 are the backbone of the line up, while the off dry Strathbogie riesling from 2009 and the 2007 Hugh Cabernet will add further interest. Tonight, from 5pm until 7pm, in store, FREE!

While on the tasting bent, a quick reminder of our Champagne/Sparkling tasting later in the month. Wednesday November 25 is the day, 7.30pm, Mt Rael, $40pp, only about 20 spots left. Wines from the superstars of Champagne plus the pick of the Italian, Spanish and Australian crops. If this doesn’t get you in the festive mood, nothing will! Please reply to this email or call the store on 5962 6699 to confirm your place.

And a follow up to the Mud Factory invitation that you should have received yesterday. If you are keen to get along next Saturday night to knock off some quality early Christmas shopping and sample a few tipples along the way, please be sure to RSVP to help with catering arrangements. Thanks!

New arrivals this week include:
TeMata Awatea Cabernet Merlot 2007 - another gem from this superlative Hawkes Bay producer. This is a ‘one out of the box’ red Bordeaux blend from NZ that checks in at a fraction of the price of decent examples from France. Ripe red and black berry fruits complemented by dried thyme and tobacco with a note of mocha and dark spice, super fine tannins and a velvet like palate. Plenty of oomph and yet it just caresses the palate. I’ve tucked a dozen away for myself, and I rarely do that! Now or in 5 years+++ Ripping wine. I reckon with a Coonawarra tag it’d command another 20 bucks, Bordeaux at least an extra 50! Â Â $46
De Bortoli - the revolution continues! 2008 Gulf Station Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, as well as 2009 Nouveau Shiraz. The Nouveau Shiraz ($14) would have to be one of the most enjoyable new releases on the Aussie wine scene. Made with classic Beaujolais in mind, this has a wonderful spicy, fruit driven fragrance which is followed by a lightish palate of red fruits that has real complexity (not sugar driven) and intrigue. And the Chardonnay and Pinot under the Gulf Station label have to be amongst the pick of sub $20 varietal wines in the country. For both, it’s not that they have extraordinary complexity, it’s more that they have the level of complexity and varietal definition that you would expect of a $20-25 wine, for $17.50. Hard to knock!
Redgate Bin 588 Cabernet Blend 2007 – another success story from this very strong Margaret River vintage. Cabernet Sauvignon driven with drops of merlot and shiraz, it shows effortless ripeness and density of fruit with supple tannins. Flat out bargain at $20 a pop
Serrat Chardonnay 2008 - last week it was the pinot noir (it’s gone nuts, but there’s still a few dozen to be had!!), this week we’re loving the chardonnay. Stone and citrus fruits, gentle gunsmoke, meal and spice – classic ingredients for a really good, leanly proportioned Yarra Chardonnay. $30
Temple Bruer Shiraz Malbec 2008 - organic, preservative free and tasty! The third of those adjectives is rarely associated with the first 2! Â Plums, cherries and blackberries to the fore, licks of cinnamon,coffee and chocolate, and a surprisingly long, fleshy palate. Lovely balance. A Trophy at the Aust/NZ Organic Wine Show for Best Red Wine is no surprise. $20
Enzo Boglietti Barbera d’Alba 2007 – quality Barbera is something that anyone who gets in to wine with balance and sheer enjoyability must try! This is the perfect starting point – we’ve had a good crack at examples from Marcarini and Mauro Molino from the 2007 vintage, and this one follows suit. Enzo Boglietti holds portions of some of the best vineyards in Barolo, but his Barbera from the hills around Alba is almost as enticing. Packed with rich, ripe red and black fruits without any sign of heavy handedness, medium bodied and continuing the theme of this email, as silken as they come. Spring has to be about eating slightly lighter foods than the heavier winter dishes that have seen us through the colder months, and this wine measures up perfectly to lamb or pork with bean salads. Â $34
And due to popular demand, a few pearlers have arrived again – Pittnauer Blaufrankisch (rose $25 and regular red table wine $42), Villa Wolf Pinot Gris $23, Jamsheed La Syrah $21 and Printhie Chardonnay $16!

To order any of these new arrivals, please call the store on 5962 6699 or reply to this email.
Free freight on dozens to Melbourne. Subsidised freight for dozens elsewhere in Australia and for lesser quantities in metro Melb.

Tasting tonight – Mac Forbes from 5pm!

Enjoy the weekend

Cheers!