4 bottles Piero Benevelli Monforte Barolo DOCG 2007
4 bottles Pio Cesare Barolo 2007
4 bottles Elio Altare Barolo La Morra 2007

Piero Benevelli Monforte Barolo DOCG 2007
Skimpy rations this year apparently with an allocation of only a few hundred bottles. So if you want it, be quick. If I’d had a bottle of the 2006 to hand I’d have opened it to compare, just for the hell of it, but I don’t so I’ll have to extend myself and remember one or two of the eight or so bottles I knocked off before managing to pop some into the cellar….even gave a bottle away as a birthday gift. That pained me too, I can tell you.  Dried mint, licorice root, cherries, strawberries, roses – but sporting a depth, ripeness and fractionally raisined level of maturity over the previous vintage – and true to the vintage it’s a bigger, riper, lusher wine. Medium to full bodied with firm ripe powdery tannin that make their mark but don’t pull or snag on the way through the mouth – supple almost, with no astringency. It’s almost creamy in texture and has a good level of freshness and a long sweet red and black fruited finish along with a twist of dried herb . I reckon the 2006 is a slightly better wine, but a different one too. Rated : 95 Points Tasted : Nov11 Alcohol : 14.5% Price : $80 Closure : Cork Drink : 2017 - 2027 By Gary Walsh; The Wine Front

Pio Cesare Barolo 2007
The 2007 Barolo is inviting, sweet and open, yet has plenty of underlying tannins to provide support. It shows terrific balance in a style that reconciles the traditionalist leanings of this bottling with the ripe quality of the year. Sweet hints of tobacco, spices, leather and herbs add complexity on the textured yet grippy finish. Pio Cesare’s straight Barolo doesn’t seem to get the attention or spotlight it deserves, but it has truly been one of Piedmont’s under the radar jewels for some time. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2022. 93 points, Antonio Galloni; Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate
 
Elio Altare Barolo La Morra 2007
The 2007 Barolo is simply breathtaking. A bouquet that recalls Pinot Noir melds into pure Nebbiolo fruit as this captivating, sensual Barolo reveals off its pedigree. This shows remarkable detail, nuance and sheer clarity, with gorgeous depth and a radiant, totally engaging personality. Most of the attention here is generally focused on the single-vineyard wines, but readers should not look past the straight Barolo, a wine that has built an extraordinary track record for developing beautifully in bottle. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2027. Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate # 193; Feb 2011 Antonio Galloni 94 Points; Drink: 2014 - 2027

6 x Philippe Collotte Marsannay Champsalomon 2009
6 x Philippe Collotte Marsannay Clos de Jeu 2009

6 bottles Philippe Collotte Marsannay Champsalomon 2009
The estate’s 2009 Marsannay Les Champsalomon is beautifully balanced, with gorgeous aromatics, bright red fruit and silky tannins. Crushed rocks and all things mineral frame the saline, focused finish. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2019. Score: (91-92) Points; Antonio Galloni; Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate #194

6 bottles Philippe Collotte Marsannay Clos de Jeu 2009
The 2009 Marsannay Le Clos de Jeu is flat-out superb. This is a big, juicy style of Marsannay loaded with dark fruit that flows across the palate with tons of intensity, length and sheer beauty. It is impossible not to love this wine. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2019. Score:(92) Points; Antonio Galloni; Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate #194

4 bottles Faiveley Mercurey 'Clos du Roy' 1er Cru 2009
4 bottles Faiveley Mercurey 'Clos des Myglands' 1er Cru Monopole 2009
4 bottles Faiveley Mercurey 'La Framboisière' 2009

Faiveley Mercurey 'Clos du Roy' 1er Cru 2009
Integrated wood does not interfere with the transparency of the elegant and quite pure earthy red berry fruit and plum suffused nose that leads to distinctly, and intensely, mineral-driven medium bodied flavors that possess good richness and surprisingly sophisticated tannins, all wrapped in a serious, balanced and impressively complex finish. This is a superb Mercurey and at the prices this typically sells for it's an excellent value choice. - Comments: Outstanding Top value (89-92)/2016+ Issue 41; Allen Meadows; Burghound

Faiveley Mercurey 'Clos des Myglands' 1er Cru Monopole 2009
A monopole of Domaine Faiveley). Here the nose is similar if slightly more elegant with good freshness that also characterizes the energetic middle weight flavors that are so well balanced that this could easily be enjoyed now though I would be inclined to wait. This is well worth a look, particularly for value. (88-91)/2014+ Issue 41; Allen Meadows; Burghound

Faiveley Mercurey 'La Framboisière' 2009
This is noticeably more elegant and slightly fresher as well with a pretty and solidly complex nose of primarily red currant and plum plus earth nuances that continue onto the delicious, precise and unusually fine flavors in the context of the appellation, all wrapped in a lingering finish that displays only mild rusticity. (88)/2013+ Issue 41; Allen Meadows; Burghound

4 bottles Craggy Range Les Beaux Cailloux Chardonnay 2009
4 bottles Craggy Range Le Sol Syrah 2009
4 bottles Craggy Range Sophia Cabernets 2009

The preview afforded by the exceptional 2009 vintage ‘Gimblett Gravels'(and Te Muna) releases from Craggy Range earlier in the year has created an expectation of something superlative with the forthcoming ‘Prestige' wines. My ratings for the ‘Gimblett Gravels' wines averaged around 18.5/20 or 5 star, equivalent to gold medal standard. I wasn't too sure if Steve Smith MW was joking when he said "Wait until you see the ‘Prestige' wines, you'll need to go over the 20 point mark with them!” Certainly Steve wasn't joking about the quality of the 2009 vintage wines that he and his team at Craggy Range had made. It is accepted that 2009 in the Gimblett Gravels and Hawke's Bay, and for that matter in Martinborough, is an outstanding vintage. In The Bay, it is seen as better than the previous year. Across the board, all the producers I have tasted wines from have fared as well, if not better with 2009 than 2008, with the Bordeaux varietals and Syrah. Raymond Chan

Craggy Range Les Beaux Cailloux Chardonnay 2009
Bright, very pale straw-yellow in colour with youthful hues of green on edge.  This has an intense and glorious bouquet of ripe citrus fruits with mealiness, oak spices and toast that seamlessly unfolds layers of interest.  On palate, this is very elegant and refined, tightly bound, but packed with citrus fruit flavours, supported by sensitive oak toastiness, all underpinned by excellent acidity.  The restraint and stylishness of this wine is surprising, as is the soft, fine, and creamy texture which is perfectly counterbalanced by the tension from the acidity.  The finish is long and sustained with nuances of mealy fruit and spicy oak.  This wine combines elegant restraint with power; 18.5 (20.0); 5 Stars; Raymond Chan

Craggy Range Sophia 2009 
Bordeaux beware: this is a blend of 65% merlot, 25% cabernet sauvignon, 7% cabernet franc and 3% petit  verdot is every bit as good as that of many classed growth chateaux wines from the outstanding ’09 Bordeaux vintage. The colour is supberb, deep crimson grading to magenta on the rim, the ultra-expressive bouquet with blackcurrant and cassis to the fore, then awe-inspiring drive through the length of the classic medium-bodied palate, fruit tannins and quality French oak seamlessly sewn together.  97 Points James Halliday, The Australian Magazine.

Craggy Range Le Sol 2009
A wine of compelling presence, this Gimblett Gravels Syrah is ravishing and gratifying (certainly not heavy and chunky). A perfect balance between superbly ripe fruit and firm structure, well supported by layers of deliciousness. The nose is beautifully perfumed displaying dark plum, blackberry, vanillin oak and mixed spice characters. It's succulent and weighty on the palate with lovely density and rich texture leading to a luxurious finish. A gracefully rich and opulent wine that is irresistible right now but sure to evolve magnificently. 98 Points, 5 Stars; Sam Kim

3 x Stefano Lubiana Pinot Noir 2009 (95/100 Halliday)
3 x Kooyong Estate Pinot Noir 2009 (96/100 Halliday)
3 x Scorpo Pinot Noir 2009 (96/100 Halliday)
3 x De Bortoli Yarra Valley Estate Pinot Noir 2007 (95/100 Halliday)

Over $490 retail value

3 x Stefano Lubiana Pinot Noir 2009 (95/100 Halliday)
Bright colour; somewhat reserved on the bouquet, with red and black cherry, anise and clove; the palate reveals the full story with ample levels of red fruits, ironstone minerals and a beautifully defined and silky finish; will certainly enjoy the test of time. 95 Points; Drink by: 2018; Alcohol: 13.5%; James Halliday Wine Companion

3 x Kooyong Estate Pinot Noir 2009 (96/100 Halliday)
Clear crimson-purple; an aromatic bouquet flush with spiced plum fruit, the palate with great drive, thrust and length, lingering long on the finish and aftertaste. As with all these '09 Farrs, sure oak handling has added a dimension. Drink by: 2019; Date tasted: 25/Feb/2011; Price: $39.00; 96 Points; James Halliday Wine Companion

3 x Scorpo Pinot Noir 2009 (96/100 Halliday)
Bright crimson; a perfumed and fragrant bouquet with fruit, spice and violet aromas , then a silky and long palate playing a reprise of the bouquet. Lovely wine. Rating: 96 Points; Drink By: 2019; Price: $45; Date Tasted: 05 Mar 2011; James Halliday - Published on 05 Mar 2011

3 x De Bortoli Yarra Valley Estate Pinot Noir 2007 (95/100 Halliday)
Precise and pure varietal aromas with no one fruit character dominant; the palate is perfectly weighted and poised, with silky mouthfeel and great length. Screwcap. 13% alc. Drink 2015 $38 Date Tasted Aug 08; 95 Points; James Halliday’s Wine Companion 2010, September 2009

3 x Yarraloch The Collection Heathcote Shiraz 2006 (96/100 Halliday)
3 x Yering Station Shiraz Viognier 2008 (96/100 Halliday)
3 x De Bortoli Yarra Valley Estate Syrah 2008 (97/100 Tyson Stelzer)
3 x De Bortoli Yarra Valley Estate Shiraz Viognier 2007 (95/100 The Wine Front, 95/100 Tyson Stelzer)

Over $400 retail value

3 x Yarraloch The Collection Heathcote Shiraz 2006 (96/100 Halliday)
Strong red-purple; a wine still with the exuberance of youth, yet beautifully balanced and textured; the full array of black fruits have spice and oak lurking in the background; great drive and length. Diam. 14% alc. Rating 96 Points; Drink 2025 $40 Date Tasted Feb 10 James Halliday Australian Wine Companion 2011

3 x Yering Station Shiraz Viognier 2008 (96/100 Halliday)
Bright, clear crimson; a supremely fragrant bouquet with red and black cherry fruit interwoven with allspice, the immaculately constructed and balanced palate, with fine, faintly savoury, tannins and a blessing of French oak, once again proves Yering Station’s mastery of the style. From Yarra Valley, Vic; Drink 2013-2023 with Braised ox tail; $28, Screwcap, 14.5% alc; 96 points & Halliday’s Top 100 Wines for 2010 – The Weekend Australian November 13-14, 2010

3 x De Bortoli Yarra Valley Estate Syrah 2008 (97/100 Tyson Stelzer)
2008 takes one of the country's most carefully assembled Syrahs to a new level. It's propelled not so much by the complexity of star anise, wood spice, field mushrooms, pepper and blackcurrents nor the floral violet lift so much as its profound line and length and other-worldly texture. 97 Points; Tyson Stelzer , Wine 100, April 2010

3 x De Bortoli Yarra Valley Estate Shiraz Viognier 2007 (95/100 The Wine Front, 95/100 Tyson Stelzer)
Pretty sexy stuff. It slinks through he mouth, all plums wrapped in satin wrapped in kisses. There's a host of pepper spice resting in the background and cedary oak that has been taken up fully by the wine's layers of fruit flavour. A gorgeous sense of finesse. And length. A wine that does youth beautifully. 95 points; Campbell Mattinson and Gary Walsh, The Big Red Wine Book 2009/10, Jun 2009

4 x La Vendetta Barbera Nebbiolo 2007 (Italy)
4 x Calo Rioja Tempranillo 2009 (Spain)
4 x Les Courtilles Cotes Du Rhone 2009 (France)

Over $240 retail value

La Vendetta Barbera Nebbiolo 2007
Amazing value. The kind of value you see very rarely in Australia. Good quality Piedmonte for under $20. Really well packaged too. Steal. Campbell Mattinson; A curious blend of Barbera and Nebbiolo from the Langhe, but why not? Importer: Fourth Wave Wine Partners. Has a bit of lift and then into cherries, violet, liquorice, leather and a kiss of creamy oak. It’s a lightish wine but one with excellent flavour and texture – powder fine tannins and good persistence are highlights. A multiple glass affair that gets three big ticks for regionality, interest and value. Rated : 91 Points; Gary Walsh; The Wine Front

Calo Rioja Tempranillo 2009
And the Spanish hits just keep on rolling! How do they do it?! 30 yo vines high in Rioja Alavesa, new American and French oak; my goodness, what wonders can be had under $20! Elegant, subtle, food-friendly, layered with red cherries, cherry kernel, vanilla, textural tannins and lovely sour acidity. Drink 2011-2013; 91 points; Tyson Stelzer; Taste Wine 2011

Les Courtilles Cotes Du Rhone 2009
Les Courtilles is a ripping wine at a sensational price. It’s fruity, spicy, firm and fresh, with classic regional sour-sweet cherry flavours and floral overdones. It has enough oomph, but not too much. It will appeal to lovers of Australian reds, and Euro-styled reds too. In short, it’s a beauty.  Rated : 92 Points Alcohol : 14% Price : $18 Closure : Screwcap Drink : 2011 - 2015 By Campbell Mattinson; The Wine Front

6 bottles Veuve Fourny Grande Réserve Brut Vertus Premier Cru 
6 bottles Veuve Fourny Blanc de Blancs Brut Vertus Premier Cru

Veuve Fourny Grande Réserve Brut Vertus Premier Cru
This welcome new arrival is imported by De Bortoli. The style is chardonnay driven but very complex, with some aldehydes in a nutty, appley bouquet of great depth and complexity. It's nervy, taut and refined in the mouth with lip smacking tang. 95 Points; Huon Hooke, Sydney Morning Herald, November 2011
 
Veuve Fourny Blanc de Blancs Brut Vertus Premier Cru
Emmanuel and Charles-Henry Fourny craft wines of great purity from their old, organic vines in the premier cru village of Vertus at the southern end of Champagne’s Cote des Blancs. Beach-fresh, linear and very fine, with white peach, crunchy apple, taut lemon fruit and salty minerality. Rating: 94 Points; Price: $85; Drink: 2011-2013; Tyson Stelzer; International Champagne Writer of the Year 2011