-
Chateau Lagrave Paran 2009
10/06/11
NZD $26.95 NZD $24.95
Vintage 2005 and now 2009 have become absolute classics in Bordeaux. Chateau Lagrave Paran 2009 that a lot of you will be very familiar with, we have tried this alongside many Bordeaux blend wines from various areas and is just up there with a lot of them at double the price. Ideally this is something that should be kept for a little while, around 3-5 years and at $24.95, it is almost impossible to get any better. Medium to full bodied with hints of smoke, leather and dust yet with very clear and precise fruit, ripe, beautifully balanced with lovely structure and concentration. A wine that you would put alongside many others at $50 or $60 and is just as good, if not better. For those of you who know it, you will know exactly what we are talking about, and for those who haven’t tried it, it’s worth getting some so you will find out!
-
Chateau Haut Batailley 2003
08/20/08
NZD $89.95 NZD $84.95
This particular property situated in Pauillac is classified as a 5th growth and has gone from strength to strength over the last 10-15 years. The 2003 vintage is a remarkably hot one but very suited to Pauillac, Haut-Batailley made an absolutely classic wine, a complete charmer. This is typical Pauillac with its cider and lead pencil aromas, big concentration of blackberry fruit flavours, compote and medium to full bodied. As with most 2003s the wines are very approachable now but will also cellar for a number of years. For anyone wanting a superb blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc, this is it. Outstanding depth and vibrancy yet remaining very clean and pure. Cellar for 8-10 years.
-
Tenuta San Guido Sassicaia 2003
08/19/08
NZD $219.95 NZD $204.95
It's not often that we offer this particular Super Tuscan as more often than not the price is prohibitive. This is the original Super Tuscan that challenged conventional winemaking and tradition in Tuscany. Since its beginning in 1968, its reputation has spread worldwide, of course we are talking about a wine which rivals any top Bordeaux and we are talking about 1st growths such as Chateau Lafite, Latour, Margaux etc. Made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc, the main Bordeaux varieties, the 2003 vintage was characterized by intense heat and huge ripeness yet Sassicaia has still made an outstanding wine which is beautifully balanced and clean with great purity. It will need 7-8 years to achieve maturity but it already shows an incredible pedigree and great potential.
-
Westend Richland Merlot 2009
08/19/08
NZD $17.95 NZD $16.95
Most of you will be familiar with wines from this outstanding producer situated in Griffith, N.S.W. This is an instant stunner with its plum, dark berry fruit appeal but yet emphasizing its cooler growing conditions therefore does not exhibit overly ripe or aggressive tannins. On the palate it has wonderful intensity with very careful handling of oak which allows its typical terroir and natural characters of the wine to come through. This is an excellent partner for a Sunday roast or BBQ lamb. Drink now or cellar for the next 2-3 years.
-
St. Nesbit 2007
08/18/08
NZD $74.95 NZD $69.95
The second release of one of the cult wines of New Zealand. This is without doubt one of the most Bordelais styled reds in this country. The 2007 vintage is probably a little young at the moment but as always the case with St. Nesbit, it is capable of ageing extremely well. At the moment it expresses excellent acidity, good fruit with evenly ripe tannins and medium to full bodied it is still a little young but will develop for 7-8 years. The middle palate is almost reminiscent of a Rioja Gran Reserva with excellent offerings of mocca, tobacco, lead pencil and showing perfect balance and harmony. Drink now or cellar for another 8 years plus.
-
Kemp Road Cabernet Merlot Syrah 2002
08/18/08
NZD $49.95 NZD $44.95
-
Chateau Vieux Robin 2000
08/08/08
NZD $39.95
Out of Stock
An outstanding example of a superb Médoc from a classic vintage. The wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc and exhibits terrific mouth feel and good length with pedigree. At 6 years of age it is pretty much drinking at its peak though will also keep evolving over the next 3-4 years. This wine falls into the classification of Cru Bourgeois which really represents outstanding value for money. The palate is refined, with hints of savoury notes, black truffle, espresso and cassis. Ideal with roast beef, aged cheese etc.
-
Chateau Pierbone 2005
08/08/08
NZD $34.95 NZD $32.95
Out of Stock
Like many other wineries in Bordeaux, Chateau Pierbone had an exceptional 2005 vintage. Made from mostly Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot the wine expresses the terroir of the Haut-Medoc being full bodied yet steely with very tight fine grain tannins. This is magnificent Bordeaux from one of the best vintages ever, at the price it is exceptional value, drinking now or over the next 4-5 years.
-
Ata Rangi Celebre 2007
08/08/08
NZD $43.95 NZD $39.95
Célèbre has always played second fiddle to the Pinot Noir from this vineyard but frankly its unusual blend of grape varieties, make it one of the most interesting and provocative wines in the country. Made from Merlot, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon which is the minority blend, the wine offers a good spicy backbone with hints of pepper, black olive and savoury notes. The wine even after spending 18 months in oak, is not overly oaked, sweet or jammy but clean and quite focused with good spine and texture. Drink now or cellar for the next couple of years.
-
Westend Richland Cabernet Merlot 2009
08/08/08
NZD $17.95 NZD $16.95
Most of you will be familiar with wines from this outstanding producer situated in Griffith, N.S.W. This is an instant stunner with its plum, dark berry fruit appeal but yet emphasizing its cooler growing conditions therefore does not exhibit overly ripe or aggressive tannins. On the palate it has wonderful intensity with very careful handling of oak which allows its typical terroir and natural characters of the wine to come through. This is an excellent partner for a Sunday roast or BBQ lamb. Drink now or cellar for the next 2-3 years.
-
Chateau Giscours 2005
08/08/08
NZD $179.95 NZD $172.95
A full-bodied, powerful Giscours, the 2005 displays a deep ruby/purple colour as well as sweet aromas of red and black fruits intermixed with soil, dried herbs and a hint of pain grille. Good acidity, a plump, corpulent attack and mouthfeel, medium to full body, superb depth of fruit, plenty of glycerin (it must approach 14% alcohol) and a lusty finish suggest this beauty will be approachable young. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2022.
- Robert Parker 90-93
-
Chateau Citran 2005
08/08/08
NZD $56.95 NZD $52.95
Out of Stock
There is very little that we can add to the already glowing praise and exuberance of the 2005 vintage in Bordeaux. Chateau Citran is one of those properties that has taken an incredible leap in quality and has produced an absolute classic. A Cru Bourgeois from the Haut-Medoc made from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, typical 2005 with ripe and gripping tannins, very good intensity and length almost minerally and beautifully perfumed, lovely structure, firm acidity to carry it, starting to drink well now, however much better in 2-3 years time.
Black-red, very pronounced nose (typical of Citran), quite smoky and open, crunchy fruit, upfront and supple. Drink 2008-16.
- Decanter Magazine 3/5
