Devil's Lair The Hidden Cave Chardonnay 2011 - Magaret River, Australia

Very pale in the glass with light green tinges. The nose is surprisingly smoky with white peach and cream. On the palate, it is fresh and citrusy as expected for a young Chardonnay but has reasonable weight to finish. Not amazing value but a decent wine that wont disappoint. A$24.99

89 points

Champy (Maison) Bourgogne Chardonnay 2009 - Burgundy, France

Shiny golden yellow in the glass. The nose shows almond, bread and melon. The palate is lean as the wine is still youthful but there are an array of flavors including rock melon, cashew and citrus. The wine would benefit from an extra few years in bottle for a better balance. A$24.99/bottle

87 points

RK Shiraz 2008 - Beechworth, Australia

Deep dark purple all the way to the edges. Aromas of cocoa, sweet mint and sugar plum. The palate has great weight with syrupy texture and white pepper spice. Balance is managed with some very fine tannin and tight acid. Super rich with amazing length makes this an incredibly enjoyable Shiraz.


Followers should note the "RK" stands for Rick Kinzbrunner, the founder and winemaker of the famed Giaconda. His Chardonnay is considered Australia's best on occasion and recent years have seen some particularly good Shiraz under the Warner Vineyard label.  His wines are supremely concentrated but carry a feel of elegance and class. If you have not tried any of the Giaconda or RK wines (RK is only available at Vintage Cellars Australia) seek them out and look the other way when your AMEX is swiped through. A$60/bottle

94 points 

Saint Cosme Cotes du Rhone 2009 - Rhone Valley, France

Wonderful bright purple and violet ruby. The nose exhibits clove, vanilla bean, earthy fresh picked strawberry and smoked meat. The inviting palate opens with fleshy red fruit followed by savory spice and some firm grip of tannin. The wine needs another 3-4 years for a softer look and then will hold for another 5 years after that. More weight than your average Cotes Du Rhone. A$21.99/bottle

91 points 

Sieur de Camandieu Viognier 2010 - Languedoc-Roussillon, France

Pale gold with lime edges. The nose is very aromatic with icing sugar, honey dew and hints of citrus. The palate is fresh and vibrant looking like an early harvest style with no oak. A nice easy drinking, refreshing wine. A$15/bottle

85 points 

Champy (Maison) Savigny-Les-Beaune Aux Fourches 2003 - Burgundy, France

Dark murky violet with stained brown rim. The nose leads with blue/black overripe berry, damp mushroom and rose petal. Juicy Cherry, dried cocoa and gentle spice caress the palate with this mature burgundy. A very ripe, fruity style with soft acid. A$50/bottle

90 points

Earthworks Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 - Barossa Valley, Australia

Ruby red with violet center. The nose portrays blackberry jam, cedar and mint. Full bodied, jammy and soft around the edges. Quite surprising for a Barossa Cabernet. A$16.99/bottle

89 points