Hi folks,

Hope you're enjoying the weather!!

Too much new gear on the shelves to cram into this newsletter so we'll just hit the highlights. Very excited that we now have Bass Phillip in the house (been wanting to get this stuff for years) plus some very handy new discoveries from Sutherland (Heathcote) and Future Perfect (Derwent Valley & beyond).  

First Looks - Sutherland (Heathcote)

We've been working through a handful of samples from uber-micro Heathcote producer Sutherland Estate. The vineyards were planted in 2012 and 2014, mostly to Shiraz, with smaller plots of Grenache and Mataro.

The east facing vineyard comprises 3 acres of Shiraz from 2 distinctively different clones, an old Tahbilk clone and old Barossa clone which each provides distinct character to the wines. On the steeper slopes of the southerly vineyard Grenache, Mourvèdre & Cinsault has been planted. 

Shiraz 2021 $25

Carrying its adolescent 5yrs of age nicely. Medium weight, bright fruit early but gets darker as the palate progresses. Faint toasty oak late. Drinks like a proper medium climate Shiraz region and this would be a fair representation of Heathcote. The freshness is a highlight. Very solid value. Drink now to 2028. 

First Looks - Future Perfect

Thomas New's 'Future Perfect' label has been around for a little why now (established 2020) but it didn't hit our radar until late last year. Naturally enough the winery focuses on Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, sourcing small parcels of fruit across Tasmania but the focus tends to be on the Derwent Valley. The Pinot Noir is particularly impressive and we will be pouring at the Grape & Hop Wine Bar shortly.

Thomas New's path to creating Future Perfect was unconventional. After working for various operations across Australia (including the Granite Belt, Margaret River, and other Tasmanian producers) and Austria, he concluded that Tasmania was the ideal place for his winemaking approach. 

Chardonnay 2024 - cool climate clothing with bright citrus fruits but kicks up a gear mid-palate as the malo and oak impacts become more obivous. 92pts Halliday Wine Companion.

Pinot Noir 2025 - maybe, just maybe, the best Pinot Noir I've had over 2025 and 2026. Plenty of fruit sourced from Lubiana (in itself a surprise) and of course it's very good. Sweet fruit where it needs to be and eats the oak. Good acid; darker fruits late. The mineral / acid handling is impressive.

Old & Rare Update

Some pretty handy top-ups to the Old & Rare portfolio over the past few weeks....the full range can be found here.

Bass Phillip

First time we've been able to get our hands on this house through 'official' channels. Complex cool climate fruits and mineral laced, the BP wines will live for some time.

Rockford

Additional vintages of the 'Rod & Spur' Shiraz Cabernet now on the shelf.

Vintage Ports

No better birthday present we reckon? Vintages spanning 2001 to 2021 from Stanton & Killeen, Noon and Campbells.