Staff Picks Melbourne 2025

STAFF PICKS 2025 - BRENDAN KEEN (DJ's SYDNEY)

Beautifully fragrant with fresh crushed orange, citrus peel, delicate sweet floral notes and a gentle bitterness of fresh cut herbs. This is perfect as a spritz or even with tonic but honestly we would happily drink it with ice and a dash soda as an apertif all summer long. Crafted by Antonio Nadal, Mallorca's oldest and most renown distillery, the Canonita essence is blended with white wine and refined with a secret selection of herbs from our beautiful island. Great for the festive season! BRENDAN


Canonita! What is it? Think Aperol but better. Ok. Bold statement but this stuff is absolutely delicious. It's made from the best organic Canoneta oranges from Mallorca's Sóller Valley.

The Valley is located on Mallorca's northwest coast and sheltered by the Tramuntana mountains is a magic place. Thanks to its unique terroir it is the centre of citrus cultivation in Mallorca for over  a  1000 years and the valley is theoriginal home of the highly aromatic Canoneta orange, considered the "queen of oranges".

Carefully crafted by Antonio Nadal, Mallorca's oldest and most renown distillery, the Canoneta essence is blended with white wine and refined with a secret selection of herbs from our beautiful island.
Its beautifully fragrant with fresh crushed orange, citrus peel, delicate sweet floral notes and a gentle bitterness of fresh cut herbs. This is perfect as a spritz or even with tonic but honestly we would happily drink it with ice and a dash soda as an apertif all summer long.

Delicate aromas of white spring flower, citrus and exotic fruit lead the nose. The dry palate offers white peach, nectarine and candied almond alongside fresh acidity. KERIN O’KEEFE

Notes of apple blossom, crushed rocks and ripe pears provide immediate pleasure. The palate is finely composed of airy flavours – lemon sherbert and apples take the lead, alongside slatey minerally flavours. Just when you think it's going to finish a saline twist on the finish delights. It’s a delightful prosecco that will make your afternoon catchup with friends. GABRIELLE POY

This fragrant, graceful Prosecco is the fruit of a selection of grapes from the finest vineyards in the zone of Cordignano, Sarmede, and Cappella Maggiore in the hills of Treviso. The bouquet is generous, with emphatic notes of Golden Delicious apple, peach, and wisteria, displaying a wonderful balance between fragrance and refreshing crispness. The palate is fruit-forward and smooth, full-bodied and well-structured; overall, it is a harmonious and elegant wine. BELLENDA

Name a better sound than that of a champagne cork popping from a bottle in a bustling wine bar or merry restaurant! That's why at Bellota,  the Lilbert-Fils NV Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Extra Brut was a natural choice for us to pour by the glass. Bursting with aromas of crunchy green apple, fresh citrus and white flowers matched with a lovely zippy tension on the palate and a crisp clean finish this is the go to champagne for this Holiday Season. Perfectly suited to long sunny afternoons on Bank Street paired with Moonlight Flat Oysters and a delicious morsel or two prepared by Chef Nicky. See you soon for a glass or three...or even a bottle! TIFF & ALASTAIR

Lilbert-Fils is a small, slightly under-the-radar grower in Cramant with a loyal following, and it's easy to see why. With 50% of the blend for the first wine of the house coming from a perpetual reserve of Cramant Chardonnay started in the 1990s by Bertrand Lilbert's father, this is an entry level that is anything but simple and youthful. The style is rather floral, with apricot and jasmine notes floating over a real hit of savour from the reserve and a bone dry, mineral presence. It's singular, yet harmonious; a blanc de blancs that takes care of the simple pleasures, yet hides rather a lot under the bonnet. TOM HEWSON, decanter.com

The wine delivers a refined, youthful aromatic constellation of pear, apple, limestone minerality, bread dough, white flowers and incipient smokiness in the upper register. On the palate the wine is bright, full-bodied and still quite youthful, with a fine core of fruit, very good soil signature, brisk acids, frothy mousse and a long, nascently complex and very nicely balanced finish. This is a lovely bottle of Blanc de Blancs, which could do with a year or two of cellaring to let it emerge more fully from behind its lovely girdle of acidity. Good juice. JOHN GILMAN

Hailing from the villages of Cramant (60%), Chouilly (30%) and Oiry, and based on the incisive 2021 vintage, complemented by 50% of a perpetual blend initiated in the 1980s, Lilbert's latest NV Extra Brut Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs was disgorged in May 2024 with a dosage of three grams per liter. Unfurling from the glass with aromas of crisp green apple, fresh citrus fruit and white flowers, it is medium-bodied and has a tensile personality, laden with bright acids and concluding with sapid finish. It will be even better in about three years and will offer a broad drinking window. As with all the wines in Lilbert's cellar, it is vinified in tank. KRISTAPS KARKLINS

STAFF PICKS - NICK CAPEL (SYDNEY)

Always a fan of the wines from Jenn Parr, this delectable drop comes from the North Otago region, Waitaki. Aromas of wild strawberry, pomegranate laced with wild thyme, cedar. The beautiful bouquet is followed on the palate with cardamom, allspice, damson plum, strawberry, and tart cherry. Polished tannins, fine and elegant. Sadly, there's no 2023, so make sure to get your fill! NICK

The 2022 Waitaki Vineyard Pinot Noir is light and fine, both in the glass and aromatically. On the palate, the wine is so fine and littered with crushed shells, river stones and cherry skin. This is fragrant and lithe, pretty and detailed. It is all of these things, but it is not short. It spools through the long finish, like a fishing rod reel in cast. As there will be no 2023 Waitaki Vineyard Pinot Noir, make hay while the sun shines, I say. A beauty. 12.5% alcohol, sealed under screw cap. (94) ERIN LARKIN, The Wine Advocate

Relatively light pinot noir that's not lacking in power. Supple, savoury wine with cherry, raspberry, violet, fresh herbs and spicy oak flavours. On the greener side of the flavour spectrum but has good energy and impressive length. (94) BOB CAMPBELL, The Real Review

STAFF PICKS 2025 - SARA TORRES (PWS SYDNEY)

I couldn't skip to pick a Mencia from El Bierzo this year, as Luis Gutierrez from Parker said: "There have never been better and more interesting wines in Bierzo than there are now." And Cesar Marquez is a name to remember. From Raul Perez's family, Cesar is focused into showing the differences in Bierzo, with parajes (lieu-dieux) at different altitudes (from 500 to 1100 m) and different terroirs. He has tried different approaches to the amount of stems but the priority is to harvest earlier, when the fruit is crunchy, herbal and fresh. The wines are aging in neutral, 600-liter French oak barrels, for 12 months, exactly the same as his single sites (one of them, Villegas 2023, got 100 points from Tim Atkin).

There's a lot of winemaking, old vines (some of them over 100 yo) and terroirs in this entry level wine which worths every penny. If you never had a Mencia, think about a Burgundian style, fruity, herbal, fragrant, with dried flowers and graphitic notes, with fine-grained tannins and long finish.  A splash of Garnacha Tintorera (Alicante bouschet) brings juiciness to the blend. SARA 
 


The 2022 Parajes is the regional red representing El Bierzo, and it's a blend of different places, soils and expositions, from vines at different altitudes, between 450 and 780 meters above sea level. He used less full clusters, as he uses less stems in warmer years, with some 15% this time; part was in stainless steel and part in bins, as he ferments by plot. The wine matured in 225- and 500-liter oak barrels for one year. It's super fine and elegant, fresh and balanced, with moderate ripeness and 13.3% alcohol, a pH of 3.65 and 4.76 grams of acidity. It's medium-bodied, with very fine tannins and great balance. The tannins are round and fine-grained, and the mouthfeel is juicy and tender, reflecting the warmer year. But there's no heat in any of the wines from the year. 32,605 bottles produced. It was bottled in January 2024. LUIS GUTIERREZ, The Wine Advocate

César Márquez Parajes is a coupage of the most prestigious and unique Bierzo plots. Old vines grown as they used to be, without using pesticides or chemicals that can damage the natural balance of the terroir. Each of the plots is worked separately according to their needs and the harvest is carried out manually.

In the winery, 50% of the grapes used to make César Márquez Parajes are destemmed. Then they are pressed in the old-fashioned way, with feet, so that some of them stay whole during fermentation. Fermentation is spontaneous with the grape’s native yeasts. Once the must becomes wine, it is pressed and placed into 225 and 500 litre barrels separately. After 12 months the barrels are emptied and the different wines are combined. DECANTER

As to the red from this great estate, the 2022 Châteauneuf Du Pape checks in as a classic blend of 75% Grenache and the rest Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Cinsault that raised in concrete and foudre. It shows the perfumed, ripe, yet also elegant style of the vintage and has beautiful red and black fruit, some classic Provençal, spicy, garrigue nuances, medium to full body, a great mid-palate, and ripe tannins. It's going to a forward, approachable Vieux Donjon that will also evolve for 10-15 years if well stored. JEB DUNNUCK

Vieux Donjon's style is just what Châteauneuf du Pape needs more of - this is a wine that leans on tradition, unobscured by oak, heavy extraction or the belief that more is better. Vivid ruby in the glass, the nose bursts forward with freshly pressed cherries, raspberry coulis and wild strawberries. The palate is silky, rounded by the vintage's warmth but never heavy or hot. The tannins are ripe and knit into the fruit, propping it up with a lightly chalky texture that adds salinity and savour. This is a serious Grenache led blend, but it is simply delicious to drink despite its youth. The sheen of red berries lingers on the finish together with a hint of white pepper and more saline spice. Excellent - you could drink it now but it will doubtless age for 15+ years THOMAS PARKER MW

As is custom at this address, the 2022 Châteauneuf-du-Pape spent one year in old oak foudres. Neatly blending 75% Grenache with 10% Mourvèdre, 10% Syrah and 5% Cinsault, it unwinds with notes of violet, forest strawberry, licorice, black cherry and graphite. Open-knit and inviting, the 2022 is gently framed by ripe tannins that won't need as much time to mellow as in 2020 or 2019. Finishing on a savory note, this expressive Châteauneuf comes highly recommended. NICOLAS GEINACHER, Vinous

Tasted blind. Bright and vibrant nose, with purple fruit and cassis. The tannins are firm and densely compact. Sweet fruit and a rich, layered mid palate. Young, primary and in need of many years to resolve the firm tannins; but there is huge potential here! JANCIS ROBINSON MW

An excellent example of classic Châteauneuf richness that shows good balance and energy. Juicy black raspberry, licorice and ganache are wrapped around a ballast of graphite shavings, while the refined structure reins in the warm, mouthcoating palate. Hints of grilled herbs, brown bread and lavender smoke detail the long, textured and mineral-rich finish. Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Cinsault. Best from 2026 through 2038. WINE SPECTATOR

Aromas of red plums and dark cherries, together with hints of lavender, star anise and wet stones. This is more approachable and juicy with vivid, mouthwatering acidity and fine, dusty tannins. Medium-bodied, crunchy and fresh. Drink or hold. JAMES SUCKLING

STAFF PICKS 2025 - KAYLEEN RAYNOLDS

On arrival to the Cullen property in Wilyabrup, Margaret River, the smell of wild honey is in the air. There are butterflies, bright sunshine and an abundance of stunning biodiversity. I visited the winery and was treated to copious amounts of great wine and delicious local produce, and it was the Kevin John Chardonnay that left a mark on me.

I was lucky to try many vintages of the Kevin John (and Taittiner Comtes also!), including a bracket of 97, 07, 17. These wines age incredibly well.

The Cullen Kevin John is one of Australia's best chardonnays. It's full-flavoured but seamless, complex but also delicate. It expresses typicity, character and grace. 2024 proved challenging for some, but the Kevin John proves that great producers prevail where others can not. To quote James Suckling, "An excellent, unique and near-perfect chardonnay." Treat yourself or your loved ones this Christmas. KAYLEEN

Absolutely stunning. Complex, tightly wound and intense aromas of lemon peel, flint and crushed river stones with curry leaves, kaffir limes, white orchard fruit and salted nuts. The profound palate balances power and delicacy, supported by persistent, multidimensional acidity and structure. Iconic, made under unprecedented climatic conditions from the hottest, driest and earliest vintage in Margaret River. An excellent, unique and near-perfect chardonnay. One for the ages. (98) JAMES SUCKLING
 
The expressive 2024 Chardonnay Kevin John delivers a precise core of grapefruit and cantaloupe lifted by a touch of smoky gunflint and well-proportioned French oak. Good tension and zesty acidity support impressive layers of finely tuned flavours as gingery oak resonates through the silky finish of excellent length. This is a wine of delicacy and finesse. (96) ANGUS HUGHSON, Vinous

STAFF PICKS 2025 - ROSCOE HALLIGAN-ROSE

Damn I like this wine a lot. There is a certain sheen, a gloss to it, a kind of swagger that immediately, and convincingly, demonstrates both the strength of fruit, especially compelling considering the age of the vines, and the steady hand of a blue-chip winemaker. This is great. At times Autumnal, at others decidedly vivid. Structurally its immaculately sculpted, fruit matching the network of filigreed tannins with ease. This is great. There is a treasure trove of character lurking just below the surface and a few years more in the bottle will see some of that detail move to more prominence. Long and energetically fruitful finish. A Pinot of real presence and class. If Sandro continues on this streak, or improves on it, we are looking at a genuine top tier player in the Australian Pinot scene. ROSCOE

SPECIAL VALUE - What a beguiling wine - only the second release and showing complexity far beyond its years. It's certainly youthful and pretty with heady aromas of florals and autumn leaves with flavours of wild strawberries, dark cherries and pips, chinotto, Middle Eastern spices and some poached rhubarb, too. The medium-bodied palate is evenly poised, laden with filigree tannins (lots of them) and energising acidity; oak (25% new) completely integrated. This has depth, some grip, a little amaro bitterness on the finish and, of utmost importance, it will age but it's oh-so pleasing to drink today. (97) JANE FAULKNER, James Halliday's Wine Companion

STAFF PICKS 2025 - RORY HILL (SYDNEY)

I have a soft spot for Chenin Blanc. In 2023 it beat out all other contenders as the prized white option at my wedding, likely introducing a whole crowd of newcomers to the variety. This Anjou Blanc sits firmly in the savoury mold, with sleek texture and impressive concentration for its price point. Expect crisp apple, a hint of beeswax, and those delicate white flowers that are so characteristic of Chenin from this region. As summer approaches, there’s no denying the appeal of refreshing, zippy whites to beat the heat. But sometimes, you crave something with more weight, a fuller-bodied beauty that doesn’t just refresh, but truly rocks your socks off. RORY

STAFF PICKS 2025 - AL WILLIAMS

All the things I love about a great Aussie Cab right here, approachable and inviting right now, yet with a backbone that will allow it to evolve over time. Whilst the label says Cabernet Sauvignon, its actually a blend of 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Malbec and 1% Merlot, and its this combination that gives the wine a lovely velvety mouthfeel.

The concentrated aromas open with a delightful interplay of dark fruits with a hint of violet and the slightest touch of mint. On the palate blueberry, blackberry and dark cherry blend seemlessly with a little sweet spice, bright acidity and firm tannins. Its a beautifully balanced wine with a lovely long dry finish.

Amazing value at under $50! BIG AL


On the one hand this seems approachable and complete, so it’s drinking superbly; but, on the other hand, there’s structure and detail with a framework of fine tannins and acidity, ensuring this will garner more complexity in time. Go ahead and enjoy its violets, mulberries and blackberries, raspberry leaf, dousing of licorice, oak spices and black olives with some dark mint-chocolate, too, with plenty of savouriness throughout. There’s a certain elegance and vitality to this, giving it an edge. GOLD MEDAL (95 POINTS) JANE FAULKNER, 

STAFF PICKS 2025 - ALEX WILCOX

This is what great Brunello is all about. It is dense but not heavy - mouth coating medium bodied and polished-tannin structure. Clean pure Sangiovese energy this is a wonderful youthful energetic red wine, but it will get even better with age, a must try and one you should add to the cellar. ALEX

Quite closed at the very first sniff, opening to reveal youthful aromas of small red fruits, intoxicating fresh violets, almost vinous character and some earthy tones. The palate is firm with medium body and velvety tannins that are a little hard on the finish now, yet balanced by refreshing acidity. Opens nicely at the end. Intense and polished style to this, yet it needs a little time for better integration (96) JAMES SUCKLING

The 2020 Brunello di Montalcino seduces from the first tilt of the glass as a gorgeous blend of hauntingly dark florals, exotic spices and stone dust complicate dried black cherry notes. It has textures of pure silk that are elegant and seamless in feel, with ripe wild berry fruits and mineral tones that swirl beneath an air of violet inner florals. Youthfully structured yet incredibly long, the 2020 finishes with fine-grained tannins, a primary concentration and hints of tart blackberry and clove. ERIC GUIDO, Vinous

STAFF PICKS 2025 - GABRIELLE POY

With his heart in Italy and head in the Pyrenees, winemaker Matt Large flexes his wine prowess with his Blue Note Chinato. Made from fortified nebbiolo and shiraz and following a secret recipe he learned while working many vintages in the hills of Barolo. The thumbprint of Australia is left thanks to the use of shiraz and a coastal salt bush native herb.

Serve this chilled with a slice of orange at the end of your meal. It's a delicious digestive that plays on sweetness, heady spices and a tail of bitterness for balance. A perfect remedy for overindulgence. GAB

Piedmont in northern Italy is one of the planet's most blessed places. In addition to having one of the world's greatest wines, Barolo, and some of the finest food, that also devised the answer to overindulgence in both. Matt Large discovered the magical digestive properties of chinato while working vintage in Barolo. In this homage to the style, he follows tradition by fortifying and aromatising nebbiolo from Victoria's Pyrenees, and adds a little shiraz for an Australian twist.  It's heady, grunty, complex and compelling. It's damn delicious. (96) NICK RYAN