Australian Red Wine

Australia is an enormous country but it's area under vine is relatively small when compared to European countries. There were no native grapes until the British settlers arrived, and conditions for survival for any living thing can be challenging to say the least. Virtually all the vineyards are in the cooler South, although Tasmania is probably just too cold to produce any great wines. The Australian wine industry is now booming, thanks to it's abundance of sunshine being tempered by advanced irrigation systems, and the recognition of the need for cooler vineyard sites at altitude to prevent over ripening. Australia seems to produce better wines every year and, if you steer clear of the mass produced factory brands, you will find a variety of styles to suit every taste.
 
 

Kalleske Clarry's GSM Barossa Valley 2011 75cl

Barossa Valley Wine Show 2012 - Gold

London International Wine Challenge - Biodynamic Wine of the Year

London International Wine Challenge - Trophy for Best Barossa GSM Blend

London International Wine Challenge - Trophy for Best Australian Red

Kalleske are a superb family winery making some exceptional wines. Their vineyards were some of the oldest in Barossa Valley dating back to the 1850s and the family have been growing grapes there for six generations. They used to sell their premium grapes to Penfolds for use in their top wines, but the 7th generation of the Kalleske family decided to build their own winery and make their own wines. And we're very glad they did as these wines are very very good indeed. They are also biodynamic.

Made from Grenache, Shiraz and Mataro (not Mouverdre as you may have expected!). It's a delicious big wine, full yet wonderfully smooth with big fruit flavour in the peppery Rhone style. Great stuff.

Kalleske Website

Further Information on Kalleske Clarry's GSM Barossa Valley 2011 75cl

Price: £18.49


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Awards:

IWC
John's Rating

91 Points
Bio Dynamic Wine
Organic Wine
Sustainable Farming

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Kalleske Clarry's GSM Barossa Valley 2011 75cl
 
 

Kalleske Merchant Cabernet Sauvignon Barossa Valley 2010 75cl

5 Stars James Halliday. In the 2013 edition of James Halliday's ratings Kalleske have been voted a 5 Star winery and one of the top wineries in all Barossa Valley

Kalleske are a superb family winery making some exceptional wines. Their vineyards were some of the oldest in Barossa Valley dating back to the 1850s and the family have been growing grapes there for six generations. They used to sell their premium grapes to Penfolds for use in their top wines, but the 7th generation of the Kalleske family decided to build their own winery and make their own wines. And we're very glad they did as these wines are very very good indeed. They are also biodynamic.

This wine is a single vineyard offering from premium Cabernet grapes - 2010 was an excellent year for this particular varietal which ripened perfectly in the conditions. It has big blackberry flavours with other dark fruits and some mint on the back palate. Aged for two years in French oak, the tannins are seemlessly integrated and the whole wine comes together beautifully. Medium to full bodied, very smooth, well structured and balanced. It's unmistakably Barossa, and unmistakably quality.

Kalleske Website

Further Information on Kalleske Merchant Cabernet Sauvignon Barossa Valley 2010 75cl

Price: £23.75


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Awards:

JH
John's Rating

93 Points
Bio Dynamic Wine
Organic Wine
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Kalleske Merchant Cabernet Sauvignon Barossa Valley 2010 75cl
 
 

Kalleske Pirathon Shiraz Barossa Valley 2011 75cl

5 Stars James Halliday. In the 2013 edition of James Halliday's ratings Kalleske have been voted a 5 Star winery and one of the top wineries in all Barossa Valley

Kalleske are a superb family winery making some exceptional wines. Their vineyards were some of the oldest in Barossa Valley dating back to the 1850s and the family have been growing grapes there for six generations. They used to sell their premium grapes to Penfolds for use in their top wines, but the 7th generation of the Kalleske family decided to build their own winery and make their own wines. And we're very glad they did as these wines are very very good indeed. They are also biodynamic although this particular wine has not been biodynamically certified - see below.

This Pirathon is a unique wine, made by Troy Kalleske to showcase the very best of Barossa Valley Shiraz. Grapes for this wine are sourced from several small dedicated vineyards in the north western Barossa (the best sub region) - De Fazio, Elson, Kalleske, Materne, Milhinch, Pfeiffer, Wendt, Westlake, each winery being from a different district. They're all lovingly hand crafted in open top fermenters then aged in barrel. Each cuvee is given to Troy to put together the final assemblage. As some of these small wineries are not biodynamically certified the final wine cannot be classified as "biodynamic" although it has been made in it's purest form with meticulous attention to detail.

The resulting wine is absolutely superb - as you would expect. It's big and powerful packed with complex flavours. Beautifully made, balanced and structured combining fruit power and oak perfectly. One of the very best Australian wines I've ever had the pleasure to taste.

Kalleske Website

Further Information on Kalleske Pirathon Shiraz Barossa Valley 2011 75cl

Price: £23.75


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JH
John's Rating

94 Points
Sustainable Farming

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Kalleske Pirathon Shiraz Barossa Valley 2011 75cl
 
 

Claymore 'Walk on the Wild Side' Shiraz Viognier Clare Valley 2008 75cl

Claymore Website

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Claymore 'Walk on the Wild Side' Shiraz Viognier Clare Valley 2008 75cl
 
 

Claymore 'Dark Side Of The Moon' Shiraz Clare Valley 2010 75cl

4.5 Stars and equal top in category at the Winestate Clare Valley Awards for the 2008, 90 Points by Wine Advocate for the 2006, with 2004 winner Best Australian Red - Singapore International Wine Challenge.The 2005 was awarded 90 points Robert Parker.

2008 now has a cork closure, not screwcap. Produced from low yielding 70 year old vines from the two best of Claymore's own vineyards in the Clare Valley, with a minimal amount of additional fruit from other premier vignerons. A big powerful full flavoured Shiraz. Full bodied, smooth and rounded. Not overly 'peppered' as some can be. Aged in French oak for 18 months prior to release. Great length. What a great wine for a dinner party from this bespoke winemaker. Production is limited to just a few thousand cases per year. One of my favourites.

Claymore Website

Further Information on Claymore 'Dark Side Of The Moon' Shiraz Clare Valley 2010 75cl

Price: £14.99


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Free Sulphur
(at bottling)
30 mg/l
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WA
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Claymore 'Dark Side Of The Moon' Shiraz Clare Valley 2010 75cl
 
 

Claymore 'Nirvana' Reserve Shiraz Clare Valley 2009 75cl

Sorry - the 2006 Winestate Best Shiraz in the World Winner has now sold out. We're now onto the fabulous 2009.

James Halliday - 92 Points

This is Claymore's ultra premium wine. 100% Shiraz from Claymore's Penwortham vineyard at altitude. This is a big, powerful, savoury Shiraz full of complex flavours of dark chocolate and black fruits. Well balanced with good body added from 24 months in French oak, with a 'velvet' mouth feel. This is a big wine and needs 20 minutes breathing or decanting to open up to be fully appreciated. Intense fruit flavours with vanilla on the really long finish. Can be savoured on it's own but I thoroughly enjoyed it with a Chinese banquet. Superb wine, but very limited. It sells out in no time in Australia so we're very fortunate to get a small allocation each year.

Claymore Website



Further Information on Claymore 'Nirvana' Reserve Shiraz Clare Valley 2009 75cl

Price: £24.98


Sulphite Content:
Free Sulphur
(at bottling)
28 mg/l
Awards:

JH
John's Rating

93 Points

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Claymore 'Nirvana' Reserve Shiraz Clare Valley 2009 75cl
 
 
Maxwell's is a small family run operation of 40 acres in Mclaren Vale. Their particular vineyard site is widely regarded one of the best areas for producing top quality Shiraz. The business is run by Mark Maxwell who continues the family tradition of making outstanding hand crafted wines with no compromise. Their wines are very highly regarded by James Halliday - and by me too, as it happens!

Maxwell Website
Maxwell
 
 

Maxwell Lime Cave Cabernet Mclaren Vale 2008

Nominated for the George Mackey Trophy presented by the Australian Wine & Brandy Corporation for the most outstanding wine exported from Australia

This Cabernet from Maxwell is one of their ultra premium wines, proudly representing Mclaren Vale as one of Australia's premier Cabernet producing regions.

Made from grapes selected from just 19 rows of Cabernet vines. Two years in French oak to produce this superb wine.

Further Information on Maxwell Lime Cave Cabernet Mclaren Vale 2008

Price: £20.94


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Maxwell Lime Cave Cabernet Mclaren Vale 2008
 
 

Maxwell Silver Hammer Shiraz Mclaren Vale 2010

Royal Adelaide Wine Show - Gold Medal. James Halliday 92 Points.

New vintage - awaiting tasting notes.

Further Information on Maxwell Silver Hammer Shiraz Mclaren Vale 2010

Price: £13.94


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Maxwell Silver Hammer Shiraz Mclaren Vale 2010
 
 

Maxwell Four Roads Mclaren Vale 2007

Appearance:

A bright crimson-purple colour. Bouquet: This wine exhibits lifted floral aromas including violets, plus mulberries, red berry fruits, aniseed, and a hint of cedar.

Palate:

For this wine, Shiraz and Viognier are co-fermented, then later blended with Grenache. The palate exhibits an elegant savoury character of earthy spice and roasted nuts, with blueberry and raspberry, wrapped in fine silky tannins.

Specific Details

Composition: 72% Shiraz, 13% Grenache, 5% Viognier Vintage: 2006 Region: McLaren Vale Alcohol Content: 14.5% Oak: 20 months in seasoned oak

Further Information on Maxwell Four Roads Mclaren Vale 2007

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Maxwell Four Roads Mclaren Vale 2007
 
 

Maxwell Ellen Street Shiraz Mclaren Vale 2008

James Halliday 5 stars and 91 Points out of 100

Stunningly good. The grapes are sourced from a single vineyard of very low yielding, old vines. Below are Maxwell's tasting notes for the 2008:

COLOUR AND AROMA

Deep dark-red and purple colours indicate the concentrated flavour of this premium Shiraz. Varietal aromas of Satsuma plum and blackberry intertwine with sweet spicy oak and a hint of vanilla.

PALATE

Opulent dark berry flavours persist, complemented by dark chocolate and spice, with mocha and star anise adding complexity. A generously weighted and complex wine supported by the careful integration of American oak. Fine long tannins provide excellent

structure, creating a well-balanced palate and a prolonged finish.

CELLARING POTENTIAL

Given satisfactory cellaring conditions, it is expected this wine will drink particularly well at 6 to 8 years of age. Previous vintages of this wine have performed exceptionally well in the winery’s cellars over 10 years.

I loved the 2006 and the 2007, so expect this 08 to be fantastic. I'll post tasting notes as soon as I've had chance to taste it.

Further Information on Maxwell Ellen Street Shiraz Mclaren Vale 2008

Price: £19.98


Sulphite Content:
Awards:

JH
John's Rating

93 Points

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Maxwell Ellen Street Shiraz Mclaren Vale 2008
 
 
This is a boutique winery formed in 1995 when friends Norm Doole and Drew Dowie, tired of watching their precious grapes go to make other peoples wines, decided to create their own wine with total control over the entire process from vineyard to the glass. Production is on a small scale and their excellent wines are quickly gaining recognition and winning numerous awards as they're exported in small quantities all over the world. I suggest you try them now before demand outstrips supply.

Dowie Doole Website
Dowie Doole
 
 

Dowie Doole Mclaren Vale Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 75cl

94 points James Haliday plus a host of other awards.

14% abv. A strong blackberry and vanilla nose, followed by strong blackberry fruit on the palate. This wine's very smooth with excellent balance of wood, fruit, tannin and alcohol. Superb!

Dowie Doole Website

Further Information on Dowie Doole Mclaren Vale Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 75cl

Price: £13.98


Sulphite Content:
Awards:

James Haliday
John's Rating

90 Points

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Dowie Doole Mclaren Vale Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 75cl
 
 

Dowie Doole Mclaren Vale Merlot 2007 75cl

Great reviews from the Australian press - read them at the website

14% abv. Ruby in colour with an inticing nose. Intense fruit flavours with a hint of pepper and subtle wood ageing. 5% Cabernet Sauvignon is added to the Merlot giving more body and some structure with firmer tannins. This is a delicious Merlot, fairly full bodied with big but well balanced alcohol and a long lingering finish.

Dowie Doole Website

Further Information on Dowie Doole Mclaren Vale Merlot 2007 75cl

Price: £13.98


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Dowie Doole Mclaren Vale Merlot 2007 75cl
 
 

Dowie Doole Mclaren Vale Shiraz 2008 75cl

James Halliday 91 Points

New vintage - awaiting tasting notes

Dowie Doole Website

Further Information on Dowie Doole Mclaren Vale Shiraz 2008 75cl

Price: £15.44


Sulphite Content:
Awards:

Winestate
John's Rating

90 Points

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Dowie Doole Mclaren Vale Shiraz 2008 75cl
 
 
Hugh is the fifth generation of his family to operate their vineyard which was established way back in 1837 at the very beginning of the Australian wine industry. It's a family run business with his wife Pam and daughter Mary. Their wines are exceptional, made with pride and passion. Hugh sees himself as something of a 'black sheep' hence the theme for his winery. They're very highly regarded with James Halliday awarding them a five star rating meaning 'An outstanding winery capable of producing wines of the highest calibre'.

Hugh Hamilton Website
Hugh Hamilton
 
 

Hugh Hamilton Shiraz Mclaren Vale The Rascal 2006 75cl

16% abv. Shiraz flourishes in Mclaren Vale and the Hamiltons are particularly proud of this wine, as it's made with minimal intervention as an expression ot the 'terroir'. The wine is dark in colour with lots of ripe fruit on the palate. It has great mouth feel, it's very smooth and almost velvety on the tongue. Although very strong, the palate's not dominated by the alcohol, more enhanced by it. This wine's very good indeed and, a little suprisingly, a great accompaniment to food.

Hugh Hamilton Website

Currently for sale with NEXT at £22.50 per bottle!

Further Information on Hugh Hamilton Shiraz Mclaren Vale The Rascal 2006 75cl

Price: £17.95


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Hugh Hamilton Shiraz Mclaren Vale The Rascal 2006 75cl
 
 

Hugh Hamilton Cabernet Sauvignon Mclaren Vale The Villain 2007 75cl

James Halliday 90 Points - 2005 was Sidney International Wine Competition Winner Blue Gold Award judged with food. Top 100 Wines.com 2007

Very deep ruby in colour with powerful aromas of chocolate on the nose. This wine has big powerful fruit on the palate with caramel flavours. The strong fruit is beautifully balanced by big alcohol and integrated tannins. Supremely long on the finish. This wine is superb.

Hugh Hamilton Website

Currently for sale with NEXT at £22.50 per bottle!

Further Information on Hugh Hamilton Cabernet Sauvignon Mclaren Vale The Villain 2007 75cl

Price: £17.95


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Halliday
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Hugh Hamilton Cabernet Sauvignon Mclaren Vale The Villain 2007 75cl
 
 

Hugh Hamilton Sangiovese Blend Mclaren Vale The Mongrel 2007 75cl

14% abv. What an unusual wine to come from Australia. 86% Sangiovese, 14% Tempranillo. But it works! Good fruit on the palate with a 'creamy' mouth feel. Medium bodied, subtle and elegant. This is a well structured wine, suited to food.

Hugh Hamilton Website

Currently for sale with NEXT at £19.50 per bottle!

Further Information on Hugh Hamilton Sangiovese Blend Mclaren Vale The Mongrel 2007 75cl

Price: £14.95


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Hugh Hamilton Sangiovese Blend Mclaren Vale The Mongrel 2007 75cl
 
 

Five Geese Mclaren Vale Grenache Shiraz 2009 75cl

James Halliday 91 Points. Mclaren Vale Wine Show - Gold Medal for the 05.

This wine is from Sue Trott - a remarkable woman. I emailed her last year to get some technical information and it took her 10 days to reply "I'm really sorry" she said "I've been trekking the Great Victoria Desert and even satellite phones don't work out there". I spent 2 months picking fruit in Northern Queensland in 1996 and I remember virtually passing out after 4 hours picking Rock Mellons in 40 degrees - I can't begin to imagine what trekking that desert must have been like. Anyway, back to the wine. Sue has a good sized vineyard of 25 hectares consisting of vines dating back to 1927. She sells most of her grapes to other winemakers but saves the very best to produce this one wine under her own label at Hillgrove Wines where she brings in good friend Mike Farmilo of Boar's Rock to help her make it. She only produces 1500 cases per year. It gets consistently high marks from James Halliday each vintage. If you want your wine purchases to make a difference to a small winemaker you could do worse than supporting Sue, her wine is delicious.

14.5% abv. This wine has bags and bags of flavour. 80% Grenache with 20% Shiraz to add smoothness and length. This is a big powerful wine, well structured and well balanced with strong alcohol. Very good length. Recommended.

Five Geese Website

Further Information on Five Geese Mclaren Vale Grenache Shiraz 2009 75cl

Price: £16.45


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James Halliday
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Five Geese Mclaren Vale Grenache Shiraz 2009 75cl
 
 

Tim Knappstein Riposte The Sabre Pinot Noir 2007 75cl

Back in stock!

James Halliday 91 Points.

14% abv. Adelaide Hills. Tim is back producing wines under his new label 'Riposte' after selling his former business then discovering winemaking was something he couldn't leave behind. He was recently judged the best Pinot Noir producer in South Australia for a remarkable seventh time, out of the 12 years he has entered the competition. The wine is fairly full in the mouth for a Pinot with good fruit, and tannic structure from 10 months in oak. Soft and supple, it pairs well with game but would also stand up to heartier red meat dishes.

Last bottle remaining until new stock arrives!

Tim Knappstein Website

Further Information on Tim Knappstein Riposte The Sabre Pinot Noir 2007 75cl

Price: £14.99


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Tim Knappstein Riposte The Sabre Pinot Noir 2007 75cl
 
 

Amicus Shiraz Cabernet Malbec 2006 Mclaren Vale 75cl

14% abv. Intense deep fruit flavours with strong vanilla toward the finish. This wine is smooth and very long with a good balance of fruit, acidity, tannin and alcohol. A big wine but also mellow, to savour without food over the course of an evening.

Amicus Website



Further Information on Amicus Shiraz Cabernet Malbec 2006 Mclaren Vale 75cl

Price: £16.28


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Amicus Shiraz Cabernet Malbec 2006 Mclaren Vale 75cl