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Given the scarcity of Best's prestige, limited release, old vineyard icons, Bin #1 affords enthusiasts their first taste of the Great Western Shiraz style and leaves them eager to discover more. A classic, cool climate, aromatic wine, floral and spicy, peppery and elegant, retaining vital Great Western fruit character. Bests» |
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Sourced from Neil Steven's Glenoak property at Pokolbin, a scenically undulating site that's planted to a combination of light sand and red clay soils, widely regarded as one of the finest white wine vineyards in Hunter Valley. The oldest block was established circa 1911, the youngest plantings date back to 1965. Tyrrells» |
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Characterized by its controlled power, elegance and finesse, a very special Pyrenees wine which redefines the great Cabernet virtues of stature, structure and length. The inaugural release claimed Gold and Best Wine ahead of two timeless Bordeaux icons, Chateau Mouton Rothschild and Cos d'Estournel. Taltarni» |
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A single vineyard, strongly terroir wine by maestro Ken Helm AM, from fruit picked off neighbour Al Lustenberger's property, only released under the premium black label if it reaches the highest quality benchmarks. Since 2005 the collaboration of Lustenberger and Helm has claimed more than fourteen trophies. Helm» |
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From one of the oldest productive blocks of Marsanne in the world, an opulent white wine of remarkable complexity. The pick of fruit from this very special patch of ancient vines is crafted into a wine that's built to age beautifully in bottle, initially brooding and water white, evolving luxurious caramelled characters while unravelling layers of flavour. Tahbilk» |
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After twenty years of the most distinguished winemaking, having amassed over sixty trophies and three hundred gold, including a Jimmy Watson and twice International Red Wine Maker of Year, David O'Leary and Nick Walker came home to Valley Clare. Two heart surgeons from Adelaide own the Doctors Vineyard at Polish Hill River. OLeary Walker» |
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A mostly Cabernet wine with a tenth of Merlot, a jot of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, representing almost a third of Hollick's annual production. Previous vintages of Tannery Block have won numerous prestigious awards, including the pre-eminent Jimmy Watson, Robert Bryce and Arthur Kelman Trophies. Hollick» |
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It was the great Cabernet wines of Bordeaux which inspired Bill Taylor to diversify from imports and retail into the highly fraught pursuit of grape growing. An ardent enthusiast of Chateau Mouton Rothschild, Taylor had a keen enough palate and nose to determine that the most auspicious lands for Cabernet Sauvignon were amongst the idyllic rolling pastorals of Valley Clare. Taylors» |
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Of particular importance to Shadowfax are the very close relationships with a select group of growers who provide harvests of the most intensely flavoured fruit. A prolific trophy winner, Shadowfax are a refreshing new wave, vigorously fruit driven, livelier than her Victorian siblings, characterised by slatey, flavoursome acidity, a touch of lees complexity and judicious dryness. Shadowfax» |
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So popular are the wines of Pepperjack, that the label hosts its own society of dedicated enthusiasts. This devout cohort of zealots, converges at bespoke venues to discuss matters Pepperjack, they dine on prime beef and imbibe in their cherished libation. Pepperjack» |
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White Label is a McLaren Vale Cabernet Sauvignon of the highest eminence, having been nominated for the George Mackey Memorial Trophy, awarded to the most outstanding Australian export. Crafted from fruit grown to some of the oldest vines at Pirramimma and McLaren Vale, it has twice claimed Gold in San Francisco and competed well against a formidable host of distinguished growths at the prestigious London International. Pirramimma» |
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Charles Cimicky was inspired by his father to take over the reins at the family estate, that's when the good wines started turning into awesome wines. Today, Cimicky is one of the most meticulous winemakers in South Australia. Charles Cimicky» |
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Stella Bella
About Stella Bella - the Winery
Stella Bella
Stella Bella Wines is a small privately owned wine company, located in the Margaret River region of Western Australia, that makes wines under the quixotic brand names of Stella Bella, Suckfizzle and Skuttlebutt
While the brands are differentiated by sub-regions, vineyards, style, price and curious names, the objective is always to create wines of expression, personality and interest with an emphasis on unique imaging. As a wine producer Stella Bella aims to be: creative while curious about new and different wine styles and grape varieties. Stella Bella will never neglect the virtues and lessons of tradition. Stella Bella take an opportunistic approach, whilst estate owned vineyards provide much of the fruit, the winemaking team are always in search of grape growers with a Stella Bella vision.
So what’s in a name? A most frequently asked question about Stella Bella wines is not price, or availability but the names. How and for that matter why? The short answer is inspiration. Stella Bella aim to deliver an individual range of crafted, quality wines, sourced from and produced in the Margaret River. Stella Bella is more than a name or a wine - it is an expression, a passion, and a summation of things bright, spirited and beautiful. Many things and occasions in life could be described as Stella Bella and not least of all - good wine.
Under the Stella Bella umbrella you will find the small production exotica of a Pink Muscat, the torrid Tempranillo, a feisty Sangiovese Cabernet blend, the classic line up of varietal Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Shiraz, and, the regional signature blends of Semillon Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Merlot.
Suckfizzle is a small vineyard located at the south-westerly extreme of the Margaret River grape growing region. Here the converging power of the Southern and Indian oceans, provide a cool maritime climate characterised by drenching winter rains and long dry summers cooled by omnipresent sea breezes. In the north-east facing shelter of the Leeuwin Naturaliste Ridge and the Blackwood River, nature provided a unique viticultural mesoclimate for the Suckfizzle wines.
Only two wines are made from the small Suckfizzle Vineyard. The white is a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon, the percentages a reflection of seasonal fortune. In style, the wine takes its cue from the very great wines of the Bordeaux appellation Pessac Leognan but showcases the inimitable Augusta style. The red is pure Cabernet Sauvignon - Margaret River's greatest natural asset and as a seasoned performer, willing to embrace the challenge of an exciting and new viticultural stage.
The essential substance of wine should always be of grapes and as such, fruit power is the footprint of the Suckfizzle style. The intent of Suckfizzle is to retain in winemaking the fruit character that each vintage brings. Such character is determined by the maturing vines, the seasonal lottery and the honing of viticultural and winemaking skills on the lessons of vintages past. The name, Suckfizzle is drawn from the unique tales of Rabelais (1490 to 1553), the 15th century French monk and medico turned writer and his infamous character the Great Lord Suckfizzle.
Whilst earthy and a touch coarse, Rabelais’ tales were in truth a parody of medieval literature and learning. Yet apart from this tongue in cheek’ nature, Rabelais writings could be enjoyed for their sheer mastery of language - no need to identify a possible meaning or association of every phrase, quotation or place name. And alike, the wines of Suckfizzle (no matter how serious) can be relished for their quintessential fruit power and masterly winemaking. Just as Rabelais has become eponymous for his literary style, Suckfizzle is destined to become so for quality and character in wine.
This antiquated, nautical term for the source of drinking water on sea going vessels has the derived meaning of slang, gossip, chitta chatta, rumour, etc. The site of such life-sustaining liquid on board was also the bed from which the grapevine of social gossip did sprout. The opportunity to catch up with friends over a glass of good wine is the perfect occasion for Skuttlebutt. To keep matters simple Skuttlebutt comes in only three types - a blended red wine and a blended white wine, and a rosé - fresh, youthful, mouth-filling, easy drinking - very social wine. Let it flow!
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