It’s been a monumental month on the imports front, so let’s start with that. A lot of conversations, laughs and tastings from our European trip in March this year have resulted in some amazing wines landing on these shores. Joining the portfolio this month are: Frédéric Mabileau of Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil in the Loire Valley; Domaine Latour-Giraud from Meursault; Domaine Jacques Prieur, whose outstanding holdings span the very best addresses of the Côte d’Or; and Domaine Labruyère of Moulin-à-Vent in Beaujolais. These friendships have been building for a while, and it’s an enormous source of pride and excitement to be introducing these wonderful growers to an Australian audience.
Other international news comes from England’s Hattingley Valley, whose rosé has just picked up some serious praise at a time of year when it threatens to refresh many an Aussie palate. From Austria, Domäne Wachau’s beautiful Bruck Riesling Federspiel has just rolled vintage, while more delightful Riesling has just reached us from Domaine Paul Blanck et Fils in Alsace. Last but not least, we have a full spread of Chablis from Louis Michel, with the 2016 premier- and grand-cru wines looking spectacular across the board.
Closer to home, we’re still basking in the glow of biodynamic beneficence following the recent visit of two wonderful women from NZ: Claire Mulholland of Burn Cottage and Anna Flowerday of TWR. Another biodynamic wonderwoman, Vanya Cullen, just paid us a visit, too – and we have a lovely smattering of Vanya’s 2017s newly available. Elsewhere in Australia, Mount Mary’s Quintet has been elevated to the position of Heritage Five by Langton’s – meaning the Bordeaux blend now occupies an even more rarefied position at the apex of Australian wine. And on the awards circuit, Stephen Pannell’s Tempranillo Touriga has won yet another top gong at a capital-city show, while Shadowfax’s Little Hampton Pinot Noir also shone in Sydney.
Click here to read the newsletter in full.