James Halliday – This wine has shapeshifted nicely over the years, segueing from a fruit-forward iteration to a more streamlined, taut and spicy expression. Mid weighted, savoury and highly suggestive of the northern Rhône. Aromas of mace, clove, dill pickle, salumi and spiced cherry. Yet there is nothing hard to the tannins or too challenging for those seeking established styles. Juicy and long of flow, this makes for excellent, versatile everyday drinking. - Ned Goodwin (James Halliday Wine Companion)
James Suckling – This is a very pure, super-young style of shiraz that is all about the unadulterated taste of blueberry and red-plum shiraz fruit. Smooth, open-knit and plump, it has no sulphites added – hence the preservative-free acronym. Drink now.
jamessuckling.com, 30 August, 2021
James Halliday – “Ex 1946 Blewitt Springs bush vines planted in a deep sandy dune that Yangarra call The Beach; dry-grown, bunch-sorted, wild yeast, open fermented and basket pressed. Bright clear though deep crimson hue; scented/perfumed, and I’m gone for all money without even tasting it. And I haven’t fooled myself. Its red fruit sundae glistens with dew drops on a spider’s web, yet also has a savoury echo towards the finish.” 99 Points & Wine of the Year Wine (Halliday Companion Awards Panel 2024)
James Halliday – Halliday Wine Companion 2019: Matured for 10 months in used French oak. Normally this goes into the GSM, in exceptional years made as a single varietal. This is high quality mourvedre, with luscious purple and black fruits with a markedly juicy palate and aftertaste. Drink to 2031
James Suckling – Ferrous, nicely reductive and very savory, boasting grilled meats, camphor, iodine and cloves. A very earthy GSM, far from the fruitier Aussie norm. Plenty to like. From biodynamically grown grapes.
James Suckling – Once the reductive pong dissipates, this is a fun, fullish grenache with no dearth of tannin, compressing notes of root spice, raspberry bon bon, menthol and fecund strawberry. I questioned the yields initially, but as the wine opens and unwinds across the bow of tension, it becomes increasingly juicy with air.
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.