First Drop The Cream Barossa Shiraz 2016
The Cream is blended at the optimum time from the best barrels from First Dropās most prized vineyards to create the ultimate expression of Barossa Shiraz from the vintage. A rich, textured, seamless wine that combines power and elegance. Itās seductive, with a pedigree that will see it mature for a further 10 to 15 years. Indulge now or reward yourself later.
Single Vineyard Location:
35% Ebenezer
35% Greenock
30% Seppeltsfield
Colour: Black
Nose: Lifted black fruit aromas with hints of smoke, tar, leather, orals and Indian spices
Palate: Rich kirsch and black fruits, dark chocolate and licorice, balanced with textured, lingeringly seamless tannins
"A spicy and brambly nose showing lots of liqueur notes derived from fruits, such as blackberries, dark cherries and dark plums. A hint of ivy extract and licorice, too. The palate is very composed with a surprisingly vibrant line of acidity that runs right through the middle, carrying ripe but structured and firm tannins to the very nicely structured finish." - 95 points, James Suckling
First Drop Mother’s Ruin McLaren Vale Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
This well balanced expression of McLaren Vale Cabernet Sauvignon is an ode to the āluncheon claretā, but itās not as green and austere as the favourite lunchtime libation at the gentlemanās club. The fruit is from a vineyard with good breeding in the foothills and the resulting wine has been made in a fruit driven style this vintage. It has classic First Drop drinkability, so bottoms up!
Colour: Dark plum
Nose: Cassis and plum fruit flavours with hints of eucalyptus and florals
Palate: Black fruits with a round mid palate, an elegant core of tannins and a textured finish.
"Dense wild blackberry, maraschino cherry and huckleberry flavors are at the core, with toothsome tannins and a juicy thread. The aromatics here stand outāsarsaparilla, palo santo and clove, dark chocolate and spicy cigar box notes that linger on the expressive finish. Drink now through 2036. 2,000 cases made, 500 cases imported." - 92 points, MaryAnn Worobiec, Senior Editor and Napa Bureau Chief atĀ Wine Spectator
First Drop Fat of the Land Barossa Shiraz – Ebenezer (Single Vineyard) 2015
The Barossa is an amazing place with a diverse history from which a great community has grown living o- the Fat of the Land. Famed for its Shiraz vineyards, some dating back to the 19th century, the wines from this small, but proud region are as unique and divergent as its history and community. One can make such varied expressions of Shiraz, due to the different meso-climates of each subregion, the elevation range, and the myriad of soil types that are to be found throughout the Barossa. The Fat of the Land series seeks to showcase the sub regions of the Barossa, and the contrasting styles of Shiraz that can be made here. Shiraz from a single vineyard in Seppeltsfield.
Colour: Dark kirsch
Nose: Lifted dark cherry aromas with notes of licorice and dark chocolate
Palate: Flavour packed with kirsch, prunes, dark chocolate and liquorice. Rich and muscular, like Arnold Schwarzenegger.
"The nose is captivating here, offering up aromas of forest fruits, blueberries, sour cherries and a hint of walnut shell. Full body, structured and juicy tannins and a long finish. Everything is in balance and nothing's overdone. Drink now." - 94 points, James Suckling
"Offers toasty, cedary notes that lend a dominating spicy, tobacco-laced vibe to the core of plum and black cherry flavors. Finishes with licorice and toasty spice notes, and firming tannins. Drink now through 2028. 200 cases made, 50 cases imported." - MaryAnn Worobiec, Senior Editor and Napa Bureau Chief at Wine Spectator
First Drop 2% Barossa Shiraz 2019
Our reserve Shiraz is sourced from vineyards in Greenock (35%), Ebenezer (35%), Seppeltseld (30%). Dense dark berry fruits, with hints of tobacco and cocoa are further enhanced by subtle use of oak. This wine has been matured in 28% new French oak hogsheads and the balance in 3 and 4 year old French oak hogsheads and American oak barriques for 17 months sur lie, resulting in a sexy, textured palate. And whoās 2%? Moscatel! A splash of funk that supports the base line fruit, and puts the āphā in fat.
Colour: Dark plum
Nose: Lifted black fruit aromas with a hints of earth and spice
Palate: Rich, phat, dark berry fruits, with hints of dark chocolate and Indian ink, supported by a dense core of tannins.
"Thatās two percent muscadelle for those playing at home, the rest is shiraz sourced from Ebenezer, Seppeltsfield and Greenock and aged in French oak (50% new). The split is roughly one-third each. The nose has a deeply spicy edge and aromas of ripe dark plums, blackberries and black cherries, as well as dark chocolate and currants. The palate has a wealth of rich black fruit and flavors of salted licorice, cocoa, blood plums and blackberries. Very concentrated. Drink over the next decade. Screw cap." - 94 points, James Suckling
Waipara West N Block Chardonnay 2020
2020 vintage was the earliest in our 30 years at Waipara West. We had a warm, dry September and cool October were followed by our hottest November on record, this set up very favourable conditions for f lowering. Summer started with dry, slightly warmer conditions than normal for both December and January, followed by a dry, much warmer than average February, this put much of the east coast of New Zealand, including North Canterbury into drought. March brought a break in the heat and some much needed rain that slowed the ripening of beautiful clean fruit, the first blocks were picked on the 16th of March. April, returned to dry weather, with above-average temperatures which was ideal for the bulk of our harvest.
The grapes were hand harvested from the upper terrace from a combination of various clones. Clones are picked and vinified separately until blending for aging.
Colour: A clear pale lemon core with a gold hue and flecks of green and silver.
Aroma: The aroma of the wine is truly multi-layered. It shows fresh lime and lemon, white stone fruit and fragrant almond blossom mixed with malt biscuit and underlying mineral notes.
Palate: Ripe peach and nectarine with key lime and yuzu drive the palate. A luscious full-bodied mouthfeel from aging on fine lees gives flavours of malty cheesecake crust combined with a crunchy mineral finish and hints of salted caramel
Food Pairing: Pork, Rich fish (salmon, tuna, etc...), Vegetarian, Poultry
pH:Ā 3.45
Acidity: 5.3
Residual sugar: 0.54g/L
Chateau Beychevelle 2018
Beychevelle 2018 can be characterized by two words: Harmony and Concentration. This vintage presents a balance rarely achieved at this stage. A bouquet of well-ripened red and black fruit invites us to sample the intense, harmonious palate. Very silky tannins accompanied by fruit bursting with freshness and concentration. 2018 will join the list of ChĆ¢teau Beychevelleās truly exceptional vintages.
Varietals: Merlot 50%, Cabernet Sauvignon 41%, Petit Verdot 6%, Cabernet Franc 3%
"Violet and warm cassis aromas and flavors lead the way, melding with applewood, ganache, aƧaĆ and blueberry reduction notes along the way. Almost lush in the end, but there's a buried tarry streak giving it just a bit of grippy texture for contrast. Serious juice. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc." - 95 points, James Molesworth,Ā Senior Editor and Special Projects Director at Wine Spectator
"Currants and blackberries with crushed stone and fresh herbs. Some flower stem, too. Itās full-bodied, yet tight and linear with firm, driven tannins. This needs four or five years of bottle age to open and come together.Ā " - 94 points, James Suckling
Amuse Bouche Napa Valley Red Blend 2019
For the 2019 vintage of Amuse Bouche, it features the artwork by one the most prominent artists of our time. FranƧoise Gilot, born in 1921, is a decorated French painter perhaps best known for her long, stormy relationship with Pablo Picasso, with whom she had two children, Claude and Paloma. Gilot is highly regarded as an international artist of the second half of the twentieth century. She has exhibited her work for more than 50 years in the major art centers of Europe, Asia, and North America. She was awarded the French Order of Arts and Letters with rank of Commander in 1988, the French Legion of Honor with rank of Chevalier in 1990, and the rank of Officer in the National Order of Merit by the president of France in 1996.
Amuse Bouche 2019 is crafted in the Pomerol-style, is a blend of 92% Merlot and 8% Cabernet Franc from our vineyards in the east Rutherford Hills of Napa Valley.
"The 2019 Amuse Bouche, a Right Bank-inspired Merlot/Cabernet Franc blend is superb. Expansive, sweet aromatics are immediately seductive. Silky tannins wrap around a core of plum fruit, sweet tobacco, chocolate, spice and leather. This wonderfully expressive, elegant Napa Valley red hits all the right notes in a mid-weight, nuanced style that is all class." - Antonio Galloni, January 2022
"This is a beautiful, juicy, merlot-based red with melted-chocolate and berry aromas and flavors. Itās full and creamy with lovely balance and attractive character, showing freshness and layers of fruit. Violets and berries at the end. Merlot and cabernet franc. Gorgeous. Drink or hold." - 95 points, James Suckling
Beronia Verdejo Rueda 2021
Colour: Bright, pale yellow colour with hints of green
Aroma: Intensely aromatic, the wine displays notes of citrus and white fruit, together with herbaceous aromas such as fennel.
Palate: Crisp and fresh, a chilled glass of our Verdejo is always a great choice. Elegantly textured with ripe, white peach and melon with threads of fresh, fennel herbs.
Varietals: 100% Verdejo
Food Pairing: Fish, White Meat, Pasta, Rice Dishes, Cheese
"Attractive white almonds, lemon zest and chalky stones on the nose, followed by a fresh, bone-dry palate with some stony lemon fruit in a chalky texture. A very well-made verdejo that will have gastronomic appeal. Vegan. Chill it and drink now. Screw cap." - 91 points, James Suckling 
Opus One 2019
Opus One was founded by Baron Philippe de Rothschild, legendary proprietor of ChĆ¢teau Mouton Rothschild, and renowned Napa Valley vintner Robert Mondavi. By combining the great winemaking traditions and innovations of both families, the foundersā singular goal was to create an exceptional wine in the heart of Napa Valley. Opus One, like any great work, arose out of passion. Dedicated to uncompromised quality, Opus Oneās sole purpose is to express this vision and passionate spirit for generations to come.
VINTAGE 2o19
Abundant spring rains, nearly double the annual average, saturated the soil and provided ample water for the growing season. The first signs of budbreak were observed in the vineyard on March 27th; a full 15 days later than usual. This delay led to later bloom and veraison. However, warmer temperatures toward the end of summer accelerated the fruitās development and maturity. Picking began on September 10th, a couple of days earlier than average. The harvest lasted four weeks, and activity in the cellar proceeded at a calm and steady pace.
The Opus One 2019 has intense aromas of black plum, blueberry, black currant, and dried rose petals, accentuated by mineral undertones. The creamy, satiny texture is framed by finegrained tannins. The freshness and soft glow of acidity create a subtle tension with dark fruit flavors, savory herbs, espresso, and cocoa. A delicate dark chocolate bitterness lingers on the finish.
VARIETALS
Cabernet Sauvignon 78%, Merlot 8%, Petit Verdot 6%, Cabernet Franc 6%, and Malbec 2%
SKIN CONTACT
22 days
BARREL AGING
19 months in new French oak
Chateau de Pommard Clos Marey – Monge āSimoneā 2019
Nestled at the foot of the ChaĢteau de Pommard, Simone is a 0.53 hectare plot of remarkable terroir that embodies the soul of our domain. With one of the highest internal surface of clay in Burgundy, her Pinot Noir is delicate and intense. Planted in 1986, her vines produce a rich, complex, and rare cuvĆ©e. Hand-harvested grapes, hand-sorted on a vibrating table. 100% whole-cluster, placed into stainless steel fermentation vats by gravity flow. Weeks-long maceration, minimal pumping-over and punching-down. Pressing in pneumatic press. Placed in 20% new French oak barrels for 18 months of aging on fine lees. Light filtration.
Tasting Notes:Ā Deep, dark ruby color with hints of violet. The nose is electric and full of energy. Captivating aromatic bouquet of fresh roses, dried flowers, musk, undergrowth, and graphite. Fresh and vibrant, this very special cuvĆ©e will undoubtedly express the same energy for the next 30 years.
Food Pairing: Beef, Veal, Game, Poultry
Chateau de Pommard Clos Marey – Monge āSimoneā 2018
Famille Carabello-Baum and ChĆ¢teau de Pommard are thrilled to reveal Simone 2018, the newest vintage of the estateās iconic wine from the Clos Marey-Monge. With 1,800 bottles produced in the most generous years, Simone is the familyās rarest cuvĆ©eāavailable by allocation only.
The delicacy, intensity, and structure of a red wine strongly depend on the quality of the internal surface of clay contained in the soil. The higher the internal density, the more a vineyard can produce grand cuvĆ©es. With an internal surface density of 736 square meters per gram, Simone holds Burgundyās record, beating the greatest Grands Crus of the region. Why force Nature? ChĆ¢teau de Pommardās winemaker is convinced that this rich and intense Pinot Noir does not need human intervention to express itself fully.
āPowerful and delicate, our Simone 2018 is adorned with a dark, deep ruby color and violet undertones. The nose is electric, full of energy. It distills a captivating aromatic bouquet of fresh roses, dried flowers, musk, undergrowth, and graphite. The palate is fresh and vibrant: this wine is alive. The very tight tannic structure is remarkably silky and velvety. With its long, vibrant, and saline finish, this very deep cuvĆ©e will offer the same energy for the next 30 years.ā - ChĆ¢teau de Pommard
Chateau de Pommard Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru 2020
"Such a lovely cassis and framboise nose that you'd need to have a problem with red or dry wine not to fall in love with this. Not one of the biggest 2020s in Burgundy, but the balance and texture of this are so beautiful. Such delicate sweetness and spice. Very long, structured yet silky finish. Drink or hold." - 96 points, James Suckling
Food Pairing: Beef, Veal, Game (deer, venison), Poultry