Latest Releases

Despite emerging as one of Barbaresco’s most captivating producers, these wines continue to fly under the radar, perhaps because it’s still early days since most of the changes have occurred, and perhaps also, as the Busso family are very low-key, humble people. Nonetheless, it would be difficult to find a more exciting ‘new’ grower within the DOCG’s boundaries, especially if you love the classical style of Piemontese wine. 

Today, we’re delighted to offer the latest releases from Laballe’s fabulous collection of vintage Armagnacs. Our offering includes some truly great Armagnac years—2001, 1985, 1981 and 1972 to list a few—alongside some vintages new to Australia: 1975, 1997 and 2004. The only downside is that, as the Laudet family seeks to conserve their stocks of ever-dwindling liquid treasure, some of the older vintages we have worked with are unavailable.

We don’t need to tell you that Oregon’s Willamette Valley is a privileged place to grow Pinot Noir. The Montinore estate vineyard is in what is now known as the Tualatin Hills, a relatively young AVA of the larger Willamette Valley, nestled in the east-facing foothill of Oregon’s Coastal Range. Aside from the quality of its wines, through its size Montinore deserves great credit for helping to normalise the conversation around organic and biodynamic farming in Oregon.

If there was one thing Bonny Doon taught Birichino's Locke and Krause, it was a reverence for California’s deep repository of historic old-vine vineyards: a resource that had somehow become largely overlooked by a generation of winemakers. The duo have a close relationship with 15 or so growers—primarily family-run, multi-generational farmers who don’t make their own wines. Our first offer spans eight wines.

Sandwiched between the Spanish territory’s highest peak—the snow-capped Mount Teide—and the Atlantic Ocean, the setting of the Suertes del Marqués vineyards is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular you will encounter. No less striking are the vineyards themselves: steep volcanic slopes blanketed by the ancient, indigenous varieties of the Canary Islands (many of the oldest vines are aged well over 100 years).

When Madre first met Jose Morales, this tiny distillery could only manage 1,000 litres of Mezcal per day, and right off the bat, the mezcalero made it clear that he would only work with Madre if they were in it for the long term. “They wanted us to know what went into the Mezcal and how it was made”, explains Madre, “to build a deep understanding of the traditions of the region and the family.”

The wines from this domaine—be it red, white, or rosé—have never been in better form, a testament to the family’s superb organic vineyard work and its exceptional collection of terroirs. And they don’t miss a beat in the cellar, where natural yeast fermentation and low sulphur additions hold sway over the more aggressive handling one can often encounter in Chinon.

Although Antonio Galloni’s commentary may not count as breaking news for those following this grower, his words neatly underline how Aurélien Laherte is working at a level that bears comparison with many of the best growers in Champagne. In common with many of his peers, the tireless level of viticulture practiced here has become ever more intensive and meticulous. In the cellar, the amplified use of reserve wine, longer time on lees and lower dosage to deliver more transparency have also played a crucial role in raising Laherte’s wines to the level we find today. 

“The new Didier Dagueneau? That’s easy; it’s his son, Benjamin. But Benjamin has a soul brother, Jonathan Pabiot. Together – well, each at his own ...

Like most of his peers, 2022 delivered outstanding fruit quality for Downer, only in much smaller quantities than he would like (averaged out at a low four tonnes per acre). By comparison, Downer tells us there’s an immediate approachability compared with the austere wines of 2021, more genial structures and early gratification. In sum, vintage 2022 at Murdoch Hill = don’t hesitate.

Yuza Whisky is extremely rare an available only as part of our allocation program. Yuza Distillery was recommended to us by none other than the pinnacle of Japanese craft Whisky, Chichibu Distillery. This meticulous new project was established in 2018 and to date has released just two single malts (The First Edition has already picked up Gold at the San Francisco International Spirits Challenge) and is well on the way to becoming one of the country’s newest cult distilleries. 

Last year we introduced you to Midnight Mixers, our own range of world-class craft tonics and mixers designed to enhance quality artisanal spirits and to hit the mark on environmental responsibility and local relevance. Now we welcome Midnight Mixers’ Amber Tonic, a tonic water where all the character and the quinine come directly from the highest quality cinchona bark we can source (exclusive to Midnight Mixers).