James Suckling – "This is an open and focused red with blackberry, cloves and dried flowers. Pencil shavings, too. Some black cherry. Medium to full body, firm and balanced, fresh and bright. Peppery. Flavorful and savory. Open for this wine already. From biodynamically grown grapes. Drink or hold. Screw cap." - James Suckling
The Wine Front – "This puts down some roots. It offers a monumental spread of rich, ripe, deep-hearted fruit flavour, plums cascading over boysenberries, though there’s also enough going on around the edges to make complexity a given. The spread of tannin here, the mouth-filling volume, the way it sets flight through the finish; everything is top grade. It’s a commanding wine of emphatic quality, a blockbuster with an elegant turn."
- Campbell Mattinson, The Wine Front
James Halliday – "Sourced from a propitiously sited single plot, where sand meets ironstone. Sorted abstemiously following hand picking. Wild fermented on skins for 16 days. Elevage in a combination of new and older French puncheons, in addition to a 25L foudre following a barrel cull and blending. Density and pliancy, the calling cards. All offset by the juiciest red cherry-skinned tannins flecked with violet, blueberry, rose petal and spice, directing the fray. Tactile barely describes this, so moreish and conducive to the next glass, as it draws the saliva in preparation." - Ned Goodwin MW (Halliday Wine Companion)
James Suckling – "This has a complex and expressive nose of iodine, dried thyme, blackberry fruit, tar, cloves and crushed stones. Beautifully framed, with sleek and firm tannins providing an elegant support to the dark fruit and minerals. Slowly unwinds. From biodynamically grown grapes. Better from 2024."
James Halliday – "From old, unirrigated vines at Hickinbotham, in Clarendon.The only cuvée produced outside of Yangarra Estate. Destemmed, crushed and tipped into a ceramic egg where it remained on skins for 170 days. Gorgeous. Pinosity in spades. Noble bitterness. Lavender and white pepper. Pink grapefruit pulp and sapid, sour-cherry accents. Like the most glorious amaro with a slice of Sicilian orange, this plays a finessed card of consummate elegance, racy length, crunchy saline tannins and latent power. Brethren to Ovitelli in terms of shape, if not a bit looser and more flamboyant at the seams. A belly dancer in a souk of carnal desire. Scintillating, uber-aromatic grenache." - Ned Goodwin MW (Halliday Wine Companion)
James Halliday – "Jubey. Floral, Grapey. Like biting, sucking and slurping the ripest grapes you can imagine, before licking the remnants from your sticky fingers. Hedonic, without being a floozy. Turkish delight, anise, persimmon and oodles of blue fruits, corralled by just the right degree of tannic grit. This should get a firm workout by the sophisticated barbecue." Ned Goodwin MW. Halliday Wine Companion
World Wine – Ray Jordan - "Not often you get a new release that is nine years old. Not often you get a wine that is this good. Comes from the original 1891 vines on the family vineyard. There is quite a bit of hands on in the making here, including thrice daily hand plunging. It was then matured in old French oak for two years. It resulted in a beautifully supple and expressive wine revealing some nice chocolate, dusty library book and cedary characters that are part of its move into a secondary stage of development. Traces of coffee bean, liquorice and nutmeg. A terrific wine." - 98 Points, Ray Jordan
The Wine Front – "Pleasing symmetry between price and vine age. This 2017 is made from 125 year old vines. 746 dozen is the total production. I’d have Block 6 in my list of the greatest Australian Shiraz. I’ll offer that 2017 was a curious vintage for McLaren Vale reds, they’re a bit different, but high quality all the same.
It’s just above medium bodied, but feels dense and compact in tannin. Blackberry, aniseed, subtle toasty oak, sage and floral perfume. It has what you might call a ‘coolness’ to it, distinct umami flavour also laden with spice. That usual ironstone and crushed rock sort of character you may find in Block 6 is there too. Finish is long, and the tannin brings it home. Wonderful character and vinous integrity. It’s a little different, yet typical."
95+ Points - Gary Walsh, The Wine Front, October 2019, Drink: 2022 - 2038+
McLaren Vale, with its picturesque landscapes and temperate climate, has long been recognized as one of Australia's premier wine-producing regions. The marriage of coastal breezes and fertile soils has given birth to wines that beautifully express the land from which they hail. Nestled between the Mount Lofty Ranges and the Gulf St Vincent, the region boasts a Mediterranean climate that fosters the growth of a diverse range of grape varieties. Beyond the well-loved Shiraz, McLaren Vale is home to an array of varietals, from the deeply aromatic Grenache to the crisp and refreshing Chardonnay. The region's commitment to sustainable viticulture further enhances its reputation, ensuring that the natural beauty and quality of McLaren Vale wines are preserved for future generations. This dedication to the craft, combined with the unique terroir, ensures that wines from this region continue to be celebrated on the global stage.
McLaren Vale is an esteemed wine-producing region located in South Australia, a short drive from the bustling city of Adelaide. It stretches between the Mount Lofty Ranges and the waters of the Gulf St Vincent, offering picturesque vistas of vine-covered rolling hills juxtaposed with the azure ocean. The proximity to the sea brings a temperate maritime climate, making it perfect for viticulture. This region is easily accessible for wine aficionados looking to explore its many renowned vineyards and cellar doors.
Indeed, wines from McLaren Vale are highly regarded in the international wine community, often praised for their complexity, richness, and character. The region has successfully merged traditional winemaking practices with innovative techniques, resulting in top-notch wines that cater to a wide range of palates. When it comes to affordability, McLaren Vale offers a spectrum. While there are premium bottles that fetch higher prices due to their excellence and rarity, numerous quality wines are available at reasonable price points, ensuring that wine enthusiasts can enjoy the flavors of McLaren Vale regardless of budget.
McLaren Vale's distinctiveness lies in its harmonious blend of climate, soil, and passionate winemaking. The Mediterranean climate, influenced by both the mountains and the sea, ensures consistent rainfall and moderated temperatures – a haven for grape cultivation. The region's diverse soils, ranging from red-brown earth to sandy loam, give the wines unique characteristics. Moreover, McLaren Vale's commitment to sustainable and organic viticulture practices highlights its dedication to quality and environmental responsibility, further enhancing its unique place in the wine world.
McLaren Vale is most renowned for its robust and flavorful Shiraz. The region's Shiraz stands out for its deep color, rich fruit flavors, and hints of chocolate and spice. While Shiraz might be the poster child, the area also produces exceptional Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay, each carrying the unmistakable stamp of McLaren Vale terroir.
Determining the "best" wines is subjective, as individual preferences play a pivotal role. However, some consistently acclaimed wines originate from McLaren Vale. The region's Shiraz, with its full-bodied texture, opulent fruit notes, and velvety tannins, often tops the list. Premium labels and single vineyard offerings from esteemed wineries such as d'Arenberg, Wirra Wirra, and Coriole often receive accolades. Additionally, the Grenache and Cabernet Sauvignon from this region, known for their complexity and depth, are also sought after by connoisseurs worldwide.
We aim to have all wines be vintage specific. In the case the listed vintage is out of stock and you note you would like that particular vintage, we will inform you via email for approval to go ahead.
Delivery Times
To be able to supply such a unique & extensive range of boutique wines, we don't hold much of the inventory. So with us, there is the added step of receiving the wine from our local suppliers before it is dispatched to you. Most orders are dispatched within 3-6 working days.
Quality Guarantee
Replacement or refund offered if bottles are faulty or damaged. All our deliveries are insured against loss, however you must notify us in a reasonable amount of time.
Sending a Gift
If you would like to include a gift message with your order, please enter that in the order instructions section. We'll print your message in a lovely font on A5 paper. We also won't include the invoice. Tracking will be sent to the email on file.
We aim to have all wines be vintage specific. In the case the listed vintage is out of stock and you note you would like that particular vintage, we will inform you via email for approval to go ahead.
To be able to supply such a unique & extensive range of boutique wines, we don't hold much of the inventory. So with us, there is the added step of receiving the wine from our local suppliers before it is dispatched to you. Most orders are dispatched within 3-6 working days.
Replacement or refund offered if bottles are faulty or damaged. All our deliveries are insured against loss, however you must notify us in a reasonable amount of time.
If you would like to include a gift message with your order, please enter that in the order instructions section. We'll print your message in a lovely font on A5 paper. We also won't include the invoice. Tracking will be sent to the email on file.