FORTIFIED WINE

A very attractive, medium-bodied Amontillado with a slew of dried fruit and a delicate hint of toffee. Elegant and dry with just a hint of bitterness that the rich flavors balance very nicely. Very clean finish. JAMES SUCKLING

The Stanton and Killeen property is situated three kilometres due west of Rutherglen on the Murray Valley Highway on gently undulating picturesque farming country. Some of the original vineyards planted by Jack Stanton in 1921 are still in production and produce some of the finest fruit in the district.

The Stanton and Killeen property is situated three kilometres due west of Rutherglen on the Murray Valley Highway on gently undulating picturesque farming country. Some of the original vineyards planted by Jack Stanton in 1921 are still in production and produce some of the finest fruit in the district.

Dirk Niepoort, whose family has been making Port since 1842, is now considered one of the top producers of high-end Douro wine. STEPHEN TANZER, Stephen Tanzers international Wine Guide

Juicy, perfumed and smelling of sweet ripe strawberries with hints of more savoury notes. If you wanted to write a note on what ruby Port should be, this wine would be a good benchmark to start. ROSCOE PWS

If you are looking for a dry sherry made in a slightly more oxidized style, the non-vintage Dry Oloroso Don Nuno Solera Reserva is your choice. Again, a nuttiness (in this case, walnuts) intermixed with a hint of Chinese black tea combine with salty, caramelized flavors make for a delicious glass of sherry. ROBERT PARKER, The Wine Advocate

In spite of the massive tarte-tatin character in the nose, this is mouth-filling but bone dry and powerful with a rather silky finish for a dry Oloroso (which tends to bitterness and austerity). Drink now. JAMES SUCKLING

SANLUCAR DE BARRAMEDA (100% Palomino)

Manzanilla is the appellation name for a Fino sherry which is raised at Sanlúcar de Barrameda, a relatively cool, humid seaside village. The resultant sherry has a definite tang of the sea, and perhaps a suggestion of camomile flower (manzanilla is Spanish for camomile). Much finer, and more delicate than finos from Jerez, inland, and usually bottled at about 15% alcohol.

We bottle and ship fresh every two months, to ensure this definitively crisp, refreshing young white wine is always in spanky form. Camomile and oyster-shell aromatics, Chablis-like mid-palate fruit, long and tangy. SCOTT WASLEY

Dolin Vermouths are notably lighter, drier and less pungent than their larger commercial counterparts. The particular mixture of plants found near Chambéry give a fresh, restrained and elegant nose, with a subtle, complex bittersweet palate. Even the Blanc and Rouge retain great balance, with the sugar never cloying, and just enough bitterness to whet the appetite. Each can be enjoyed as aperitif on ice, with a twist of citrus, or in a broad array of traditional cocktails.

More product information will be added here soon! In the meantime, if you do have any questions at all about this product or others in our store, you can contact us by phone or email. Our friendly and experienced team are always happy to assist - we love drinking, selling, talking about and being in and around wine!

Reddish-tawny color. Slightly roasted aromas of bonfire, toffee and almond; slight hint of maderization. Sweet and smooth, but rather powerful, with youthful red berry flavor and a bit of heat. Smoke and nutskin on the lingering finish. STEPHEN TANZER, Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

Portuguese paradox. Old and rich nut, tobacco and toffee flavors yet fresh, thick and fruity, adding a slight tannin bite. WINE SPECTATOR
 

Unmistakably Cocchi in character, Vermouth di Torino is one of only two geographically protected AOC vermouths (the other being Chambery). This Storico Vermouth di Torino follows the regional tradition of using fine Moscato wine as its base, which is then infused with a secret recipe of local and exotic botanicals.

This is a remarkably complex aperitif wine. On the nose you immediately find aromas of singed orange peel, vanilla and caramel. Over time, faint menthol notes develop into aromas reminiscent of dandelion and burdock. This vermouth is very full flavored, the palate immediately detecting a bitter, earthy character which is very well balanced against the sweeter notes of licorice, orange zest and sugar. A very bold, long finish, with the bitter/sweet balance staying with you to the end.

Traditionally drunk on its own or over ice, this vermouth will also add another dimension when used as an ingredient in your classic cocktails.

Dry is the lightest in colour and is slightly alpine on the nose, you can taste the citrus apples, apricot from the viognier (at least I told myself I could) and there is an intense cardamom and cinnamon spice element. You can add this to a martini, but I want this chilled over ice with a wad of orange and that’s about it. BEN KNIGHT, The Guardian

The Sweet Vermouth is made by stoping the fermentation of cabernet grapes. Grapefruit, mace and angelica root all feature. Inspired by the classic Negroni, the Sweet is an ideal element for a white spirit cocktail, or perfect pairing for both soda and cider.

Wonderful packaging aside, this is seriously brilliant to drink or mix. All Australian, very complex with herb, zest, spice and exotic botanicals aromas and flavours. It's got some great brine-meets-chalk texture too, kissed with a touch of glycerol sweetness. A must have. MIKE BENNIE

Classic is red in colour with a much warmer spice range. It has loads more orange-peel flavour, again, cinnamon before cardamom and a sweet, almost strawberry, smell. It has a fuller mouth feel owing to more sugar, rich exotic elixir with a note of toffee. I also want this just on ice – maybe with some ginger beer thrown in. BEN KNIGHT, The Guardian

The Apertif Vermouth uses fully fermented shiraz grapes. Prominent botanicals include orange zest, bay leaf and gentian root. This mix is designed to be savoured solo pre or post dinner, served over ice or chilled with a slice of orange. For a twist, it also works beautifully with Calvados.

More product information will be added here soon! In the meantime, if you do have any questions at all about this product or others in our store, you can contact us by phone or email. Our friendly and experienced team are always happy to assist - we love drinking, selling, talking about and being in and around wine!

The NV Fino has a delicate nose that suggests a limited time under flor with roasted almonds, flowers and balsamic herbs. The palate is much more powerful, medium-bodied, intense, and dry, with a bitter end. Drink 2013-2014. LUIS GUTIERREZ

The wine is lovely – pretty well a mid-point between Manzanilla and Jerez Finos in style. Coastal, but less overtly briny than La Goya. Delicately earthy with constrained power, like a baby Jerez wine. TSA

Very dark savoury aromas. Dark elderberry. More bramble than blackcurrant. Very dry and firm and dense. Dry but slides over the palate – even though the tannins are very compact it remains fluid. Leaves your mouth feeling clean even though it is so mouthfilling. JULIA HARDING MW

This is the first time Noval have declared their famous Nacional since 2003 so this is an exciting development. Very dark purple stains the inside of the glass.  Gosh, a massive bruiser of a wine. There is such concentration here that not much aroma can escape initially. Wild, peppery stuff. Then wonderfully juicy and spicy. This is like the ultimate biodynamic wine with lots of microbiology going on, in a good way.  Very clean and fresh on the finish.  Not notably sweet and with more marked acidity than some.  A big contrast to, for example, Fonseca 2011. This is all about subtle topnotes rather than broad lusciousness. So vital! JANCIS ROBINSON, 2013

The 2011 Quinta do Noval Nacional has an entrancing bouquet that unfolds with time. It is extraordinarily concentrated with black currant pastilles, baked earth, a touch of terracotta and bay leaf that gains more dimension with time. Yet there is undeniable purity and elegance here, a seductive chorus of aromas perfectly in tune. The palate has a wondrous symmetry and focus, perfect acidity and immense purity. Everything here is so precise and at the same time, unassuming, as if this Nacional is aware of its breeding without the impulse to brag about it. It has closed down just a little since last year, but I take this as a positive sign that this legendary Nacional will delight for decades rather than years. This is the kind of elixir that leaves you speechless – surely the finest Nacional since the ethereal 1963. NEAL MARTIN, 2014

STAGE 3  - FLAT MON - PLAISANCE > TURIN 230.8 KM

Born in Turin, the city where the deep roots of Vermouth originated back in 1786. The name "TURIN VERMOUTH" takes inspiration from the historicity of the fine products produced from secret family recipes and the liqueur tradition of the Piedmont capital.

The production comes exclusively from Piedmontese territory with the main raw material of Artemisia Absinthium grown or harvested in Piedmont, moreover, only sugar, grape must, caramelized sugar or honey can be used as a sweetener.  Composed of at least 50% of wines produced in Piedmont and flavored, even if not exclusively, with herbs grown or harvested in Piedmont. It's pretty special stuff and an obvious choice for Stage 3.

Now, the question is do you want to just enjoy it on ice with a slice of lemon or do you want something with a little more oomph? Either way, you will love it and while we would prefer the former if we were sitting in some summer Italian sun we might be up for a white Negroni here in the middle of winter. So if that's your bag check out the recipe below. WE've made sure to include Lillet here too so it's the perfect Tour combo of French & Italian!

30ml gin - Haymans is our choice
30ml Turin Vermouth Drapo Vermouth Bianco 16% alc
20ml Lillet Blanc
15ml grapefruit juice, freshly squeezed
1 grapefruit peel, for garnish

Combine and stir gently but patiently in a rock glass then garnish with citrus peel

Seriously nutty in name, in deed and so delicious. A brilliant, old gold colour that glistens in the glass. The wood-aged fino produces vanillin and nutty hazelnut aromas with candied peel and salted caramel toffee. A light sweetness mixes with apricot, honey, nougat and toasty notes towards an acid-taut, austere, and long-lasting finish. 500ml. JENI PORT, Halliday Wine Companion

More product information will be added here soon! In the meantime, if you do have any questions at all about this product or others in our store, you can contact us by phone or email. Our friendly and experienced team are always happy to assist - we love drinking, selling, talking about and being in and around wine!

More product information will be added here soon! In the meantime, if you do have any questions at all about this product or others in our store, you can contact us by phone or email. Our friendly and experienced team are always happy to assist - we love drinking, selling, talking about and being in and around wine!

More product information will be added here soon! In the meantime, if you do have any questions at all about this product or others in our store, you can contact us by phone or email. Our friendly and experienced team are always happy to assist - we love drinking, selling, talking about and being in and around wine!

Upon demand, Gutierrez Colosía make occasional bottlings of super-textural Fino straight from the barrel, or 'en Rama'. Sacas of 'standard' Fino del Puerto, 3 years old, are bottled light and fresh at 15%. Drift wood, oyster shell and chamomile reveal instantly on the nose. There is a mild white pepper note and a floral spice. The palate is round and balanced, it persists and carries the weight and texture of barrel-condition Fino with ease. Toasted pistachios, cashews and roasted seeds add a nutty weight, while a touch of peach skin and pepper-citrus-astringent hold all in line. TSA

Super deep and complex, rich and saline, with a pure developed perfume. Mapled acorn-rich, lightly glyceric, deeply spiced, strong at the rim, releasing to an ethereal boof from a structural base. Fine glazed toffee nut, orange blossom, sunflower and pumpkin seeds, dried chestnut honey, toasted hazelnuts, delicate tangerine caramel, brandied citrus, sandalwood. The acidity itself is incredibly complex, carrying brine and rind, fine old wheat and praline in a gloriously patinated, running mouthfeel. TSA

*Due to the very nature of this collection, this sherry is limited. Arriving in Australia August 19, 2019

More product information will be added here soon! In the meantime, if you do have any questions at all about this product or others in our store, you can contact us by phone or email. Our friendly and experienced team are always happy to assist - we love drinking, selling, talking about and being in and around wine!

More product information will be added here soon! In the meantime, if you do have any questions at all about this product or others in our store, you can contact us by phone or email. Our friendly and experienced team are always happy to assist - we love drinking, selling, talking about and being in and around wine!

Our tonic wine feels equally at home in cocktails such as a Corpse Reviver #2 as it does with a splash of soda and fresh citrus in a highball. Base wine is Viognier with key botanicals; Cinchona bark, lemon gum, finger lime, Victorian green tea

“Totally delicious drink. As in, you know, totally gorgeous… It works best on ice though I first tasted it at room temperature & it had me at hello. Enough said.” – CAMPBELL MATTINSON, The Wine Front

This pale gold, Sherry-based vermouth is made from fino, sweetened with Moscatel wine. Mild, grassy aromas lead into a sweet and citrusy palate, with mouthwatering acidity and a fresh, grassy exit accented by a floral hint. WINE ENTHUSIAST

A perfect blend of two wines: a dry, mineral and crisp Fino sherry and a sweet and floral Moscatel wine. LUSTAU

The impressive line-up is opened with the pale-colored NV Manzanilla Deliciosa, which is produced with Palomino grapes from the Miraflores vineyard and aged for five years under yeast. It is a finer version of La Guita, easy to drink, with a sweet note of apples in the nose, a polished and gentle palate, ending with a saline touch. Drink 2013-2014. LUIS GUTIERREZ, The Wine Advocate

Lovely salt, Brazil nut and floral notes combine with a bitter citrus oil accent on the taut finish. Drink now. 800 cases made. THOMAS MATTHES, The Wine Spectator

With six centuries of sherry production under their belts, Valdespino lay claim to being one of the oldest sherry bodegas in the region. The heart of Valdespino is their vineyards. One of the few bodegas to release single-vineyard wines, their Macharnudo holding is one of the grand crus of Jerez at the highest altitude and located on the famous, and sought-after bright white Albariza chalk soils. From their savory and fresh Manzanilla Deliciosa and Fino Inocente, to their unctuous and intense Solera 1842 and Pedro Ximenez wines, the quality is world class and the bodega still ferment a proportion of their wines in wood, adding layers of complexity to the finish product. One of the few estates that age in solera far in excess of the DO regulations for all their styles of sherry.
This is an impressive start to a stellar line-up of sherry. You can be guaranteed that if you see the Valdespino logo you are going to be a happy little camper.

Renowned for producing fine wines in Jerez, Pedro Ximènez (or PX) can really excel in another part of the world. Intense marmalade aromas with some sweet spice and dried figs. The palate is lusciously rich with some pure marmalade and dried figs characters, very long, sweet and rich finish but with a good freshnes. DECANTER TOP 10 Australian Wines

“The other wine to look out for in the TF range is the unhinged NV Pedro Ximènez. This wine is a 100 Best Alumni and I often forget to mention but it really is a wickedly decadent pudding wine with all of the drunken raisin and fig notes you crave from this style of sweetie. MATTHEW JUKES, 100 Best Australian Wines

Luscious and sumptuous, the inviting bouquet shows dried fruit, toffee and potpourri aromas with a good seasoning of cake spice. The palate delivers creamy mouthfeel with seductive sweetness, well framed by juicy acidity, finishing delicious and immensely satisfying. Aged using a Solera system with an average age of 7 years. (95) SAM KIM, Wine Orbit

Christmas in a glass! Rich and intense with apricot and marmalade characters. This fortified Pedro Ximénez was made from grapes grown in one of the last remaining Pedro plantings in the Barossa Valley. Amazing!

This is a bit of a staff favourite too. A few of us sweet tooths are big fans of this bad boy and this is a very cool interpretation that isn't quite as intense concentrated as its orginators in Spain but is all the better for it. A little lighter on its feet and that's the way we like it.

An interesting newcomer to the market, the base of this vermouth is rich, nutty Sherry—80% amontillado and 20% Pedro Ximenez, to be precise. It has a coffee-brown hue and a bright dried-herb scent. The palate wows with sticky toffee, dried apricot, orange peel and cocoa. Ideal for adding complexity to drinks featuring dark spirits. WINE ENTHUSIAST

A perfect blend of two wines each aged individually in the traditional, authentic Jerez “Solera y Criaderas” System: An Amontillado, dry and nutty, with character. A Pedro Ximénez, sweet, intense and velvety. LUSTAU

 

More product information will be added here soon! In the meantime, if you do have any questions at all about this product or others in our store, you can contact us by phone or email. Our friendly and experienced team are always happy to assist - we love drinking, selling, talking about and being in and around wine!

Albero is the passion-project of local Spanish importer, Scott Wasley in conjunction with famed Manzanilla Bodega, Delgado Zuleta, and more specifically, a separate 275 year old solera called Barbiana solera - purchased in 1978 and kept separately ever since. Essentially, each year Wasley is given access to the solera to put together his own blend from this amazing vinous resource. In the first year, the blend was a mix of 5 of the 34 bota. That wine was a revelation, the en rama or non filtered Manzanilla is, in and of itself, such a departure from the water-clear, racy salty sherry we've become accustomed.

A style first made by the Greeks in the time of Hippocrates, and flavoured by the Italian herb of the same name Vermouth. Primitivo Quiles have made this wine since the 1920s. It's bottled at 15% alcohol, which is 3% natural from fermentation, and 12% of fortification. 9 degrees of potential alcohol are unfermented, realising 150g/l of residual sugar. The wine base is Moscatel, flavoured with aromatic natural herbs - wormwood, sage, fennel, ginger, cardamom, and clove. This version is called 'Rojo' as the use of the Arrope (cooked sweet must) gives the vermouth a reddish hue. The Arrope also contributes to the sweetness of the wine.

Bittersweet, soft and gently herbal with kola bitterness and perfume at back after a nice soft fruit winey middle. There's some fruit succulence, some tannin chew, and a textural progress from stony, through nutty to bitters. Great served straight up on tons of ice with citrus slices.

Quite thick and glutinous. Honeyed notes - though it is bone dry. Salt, bitter pith. Great length. RICHARD HEMMING, jancisrobinson.com

Bone-dry mature Fino is further-aged 7 years oxidatively to become an Amontillado. Pale topaz, amber. Hazelnuts, tobacco, aromatic herbs, tree saps and resins on the nose are followed by smoked almonds and caramel popcorn. There is a salinity of saltbush and seaspray. The biological ageing leaves the palate with an elegant, lean body free of glycerol. It offers up decaying autumnal leaves, acorn husk, salted quince, and a minerality screaming ALBARIZA! This is an elegant and subtle amontillado. THE SPANISH ACQUISITION

Attractive flamboyant muscat bouquet, with fruitcake and a hint of toffee on offer; the palate is luscious for this level and shows a fine balance between sweetness and freshness on the finish. JAMES HALLIDAY, Halliday Wine Companion

Medium amber; burnt honey, figs, glacé cherries and walnuts suggest there's some lovely aged material in the mix. It is viscous, unfurling on the palate to reveal flavours of marmalade, treacle and dried apricots. A whip of acidity enlivens the sweetness: it's a pitch-perfect delivery. This is classified as Classic, and it's a great one!  GABRIELLE POY, The Real Review

A toffee-amber hue with a shimmer of red; very fresh and plenty of complexity for a Classic. Toffee, malt flavours, sun-bleached hay and sultana cake, lemony freshness too. The spirit is warming, balanced and there's a silkiness across the palate. In tiptop shape and a standstill bargain. (95) JANE FAULKNER, Halliday Wine Companion

Medium mahogany hue. Raisins, cinnamon and burnt toffee aromas. Deep and intense dark gold fruits with Christmas cake spices and a rich dark toffee undertone. Flows very long with a weight and intensity that demands focus. STUART KNOX, The Real Review

More product information will be added here soon! In the meantime, if you do have any questions at all about this product or others in our store, you can contact us by phone or email. Our friendly and experienced team are always happy to assist - we love drinking, selling, talking about and being in and around wine!

Amaro Camatti is a Genovese specialty and a symbol of its maritime spirit. Created in 1923 by pharmacist Umberto Briganti and named after his wife, its healing properties included seasickness. Sangallo Distilleria took over production in 1994, remaining faithful to the original recipe that has a unique taste of china and gentian with menthol and amaretto. On sea or land, its great served chilled.

More product information will be added here soon! In the meantime, if you do have any questions at all about this product or others in our store, you can contact us by phone or email. Our friendly and experienced team are always happy to assist - we love drinking, selling, talking about and being in and around wine!

Although the official name of this winery created in 1852 in Sanlucar de Barrameda is Hijos de Rainera Perez Marin, it’s better known by the name of the only wine they make, Manzanilla La Guita. Moreover, the company has changed hands a number of times and since 2007 belongs to Grupo Estevez who also own Valdespino and Marques del Real Tesoro, but the names remain. La Guita, and its characteristic bottle with a piece of string attached (guita has two different meanings, it’s slang for cash, but it also means string, which in fact is the root for the word guitar) is a very strong brand locally and it’s been in existence since 1908.

La Guita is a truly wine from Sanlucar: not only is the wine aged for an average of four years under flor in an impressive 15,000-barrel solera spread over two different cellars in Sanlucar, but the grapes are also from Sanlucar, mainly from the Miraflores vineyard.
LUIS GUTIERREZ, Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate (August 2013)

Unique aromas of dried apples, lemon blossom, almonds and cream. Hints of seaweed. Full-bodied, yet focused and tight with lively acidity and a beautifully composed finish of fruit and flavor. Always a winner here. Screw cap. JAMESSUCKLING.COM

This round white has texture and grip, with rich and focused flavors of apple, almond, green olive and brine. Offers plenty of fruit, but remains grounded thanks to the briny character. Expressive and balanced. Drink now. 5,000 cases made. THOMAS MATHEWS, The Wine Spectator

With six centuries of sherry production under their belts, Valdespino lay claim to being one of the oldest sherry bodegas in the region. The heart of Valdespino is their vineyards. One of the few bodegas to release single-vineyard wines, their Macharnudo holding is one of the grand crus of Jerez at the highest altitude and located on the famous, and sought-after bright white Albariza chalk soils.

From their savory and fresh Manzanilla Deliciosa and Fino Inocente, to their unctuous and intense Solera 1842 and Pedro Ximenez wines, the quality is world class and the bodega still ferment a proportion of their wines in wood, adding layers of complexity to the finish product. One of the few estates that age in solera far in excess of the DO regulations for all their styles of sherry.

This is outstanding value PX with rasins, Christmas spice, grilled walnut in a lovely rich yet fresh frame. Don't get us wrong, it's sweet and delicious but still comes of with some nice bright citrus peel and orange fruit. Yum!

A deeper wine all around, yet - for all its richness - one of the striking features is the refreshing elegance of the wine. This could go with richer desserts like plum pudding, or it is great simply on its own at the end of a meal to lift the spirits and refresh the palate! BIBENDUM

Sercial is the driest style of Madeira and this 10-year-old has vibrant acidity. A rich tawny colour with aromas of fruit cake, nuts, dried orange peel and citrus freshness. An initial figgy richness on the palate gives way to notes of fresh citrus, toasted almonds, walnuts and savoury umami notes. Finishes crisp and dry with a delicious salty tang. This type of Madeira won't improve with bottle age, but an open bottle can keep for several months. DECANTER

100% Sercial grown on mixed volcanic soils and hand-harvested mid to late September. Fermented with some whole-clusters with skin maceration in lagares with native yeasts. Matured in canteiro; aged in balseiro (large cask) and pipas (pipes) for a minimum of 10 years. Winemaker: Humberto Jardím. Vegan. TA 5.8 g/l, pH 3.52, RS 55.1 g/l.
Pale tawny. Edgy, sour marmalade with real refreshment and raciness. Clean as a whistle, and so fresh! JANCIS ROBINSON

Superb, amazingly long and deep; golden brown; very sweet; 50 years old. ROBERT PARKER\n \nReduced coffee color, massive legs. Pure raisins, dried fruit, coffee, and chocolate on the nose. As if someome boiled dates, figs and raisins together and threw in coffee and chocolate. Extremely concentrated and sweet - too sweet to drink with anything but an eye dropper. As a taster's wine or an unusual ice cream syrup, 90 POINTS, less for actual drinkability. \nGERRY DAWES, International Wine Cellar

The non-vintage Dry Amontillado Los Arcos Solera Reserva reveals a medium amber hue along with a nutty, honeyed, dry personality with great acid. Lustau made its reputation in the foreign markets with its extraordinary single cask Almacenistas which had been accumulated by the family over many years as their soleras are among the oldest in Sherry. The family also owns over 500 acres of vineyards. These are all remarkable efforts for their stunning value. While they are still under-the-radar for most American wine lovers, I encourage readers to give them a try as they are great introductory reference points for how profound sherry can be. I first wrote about the extraordinary sherries of Emilio Lustau many years ago, in the early days of The Wine Advocate. The portfolio of under $25 a bottle selections represents remarkable value for their complex, well-made personalities. Lustau includes a bottling date code as purchasers would want to buy Finos and Manzanillas as young as possible. It is difficult to describe the glories of sherry, but I’ll try. These Solera Reservas are all great reference points at a low price point from Lustau. None of the Almacenista soleras, which are single cask and very limited bottlings, are reviewed since they are priced over $25 a bottle, but they can be as profound as any alcoholic beverage in the world. ROBERT PARKER

Light golden brown. Stunningly inviting aroma of caramelised quince. A matching flavour on the palate with a sour-orange honeyed quality in a bone-dry wine. Incredible freshness on the finish and still just a remnant of yeast on the nose, in the empty glass. JUILA HARDING MW, jancisrobinson.com