30 June: Wine
Market has
some
bin end specials, Ringbolt MR Cabernet 2005 @ $14.99 (elsewhere
$16.99 and up), Baileys Glenrowan Shiraz 2005 @ $11.99 (VC $18.26 by the
case, 2006 is $18.95 and up elsewhere).
Gemtree Obsidian Shiraz 2005 is released tomorrow, $50 ex-winery
(up $5pb), with $10% discount to 1851 Club members, 6-bottle limit.
Buy 2 6-packs with a friend and get them to tape them together to save
freight. The email should go out to club members tomorrow.
29 June: Wine
Market has
Grant Burge Filsell Shiraz 2005 @ $23.99 in 6-packs, free freight to
RBG readers, type RBG in the Coupon field at checkout. It's the
same price at Jims Cellars (+freight), $25+freight at Winepool, $26.99
and upwards elsewhere, the 2006 must be due out soon. Wine Market
also has reduced the price on John's Blend Margarete's Shiraz 1999
to $23.99 (12 bottle case). I didn't buy this vintage for some
reason and Jeremy Oliver rated it 87, drink to 2007, so one to buy only
if you know the wine/vintage.
Murray B reports that Dan Murphy Alexandria (Sydney) have 6 John
Duval Entity Shiraz 2006 left @ $35.15 (6-pack price) after he
bought some for himself. They say they may be able to get more,
but I think that is a long shot.
27 June: Boccaccio
has gone $1 better and listed the
2005
Vasse Felix Heytesbury red @ $58.99.
Shadowfax must have dropped the price on the Heathcote One Eye
Shiraz 2005, now it is $46.99 @
Nicks, previously listed (18 June) @ Auscellardoor for $49.90.
Just re-checked, the One Eye is now $45 ex-winery,
the Pink Cliffs is still $65, 15% off and free delivery for Wine Club
members. The Wine Market has 6 cases of a
Shadowfax Old Vines Heathcote Shiraz 2005 @ $28.99 (12 bottle case).
Apparently it is an occasional release of excess wine after blending the
other Heathcote Shiraz, Stuart at Wine Market says: "very smart wine!".
The Wendouree 2008 mailer is out, 2006 reds, Malbec $45, Shiraz
and Cabernet Malbec $50 each, remaining wines will be released this time
next year, to carry over due to no 2007 reds being released. Limit
one 6-pack of each.
26 June: Wine
List Australia has listed the
Vasse Felix Heytesbury Cabernet blend 2005 @ $59.99, $10pb less than
Nicks.
Dan
Murphy is still in Stock Take sale mode, nothing much in the
newspaper advertisement other than St Hallett Faith Shiraz @
$15.60/$14.80, only a few cents less than the good independents.
1stChoice has Jacobs Ck St Hugo Cabernet (2004) @ $32.53/$30.90
($32.99 and up elsewhere, $29.69 in mixed dozens at Vintage Cellars at
present), Majella Cabernet (2005) @ $29.37/$27.90 and Pommery NV
Champagne @ $52.53/$49.90.
Vintage Cellars are advertising Charles Heidsieck MIC (year?)
NV Champagne @ 2 for $100, also Piper Heidsieck NV @ 2 for $80.
My local Dan Murphy (much closer then my nearest VC) happily matched the
prices, they had the 2004 MIC Charles Heidsieck.
Roy N picked up some Downing Estate Heathcote Shiraz 2003 @ $74++
/ 6-pack or just under $16 delivered, normally $30+, it's been appearing
regularly for a while now, it usually goes for more than that though.
See TORB's TN
here. Also on Gray's, a report on Auswine that the Mardia
Classic Red Blend 2005 has high levels of methoxypyrazine
manifesting as overt asparagus aromas and flavours, probably one to
avoid.
For Canberrans: The Wine and Cheese Providore in Manuka is
having a 10% sale off all wine and 20% off some 6-packs. Voyager 04
Cab Merlot for $40.50, Reschke 04 Cab Sauv 6 for $125, Mt Langi
Billi Billi Shiraz $80 a 6 pack. Update: They are
offering 20% off all straight 6-packs ordered and paid for before cob 30
June, orders accepted if insufficient stock. More examples on that
basis, Balnaves Coonawarra Cabernet 2006 = $ 26.40, Bowen 2006
Cabernet $20.80.
The Wine Liquidation Centre is having another monthly sale, but
there isn't much worth buying and a few to avoid. The oak has
killed the fruit in the Jamiesons Run 'Rothwell' 2001 Cabernet
(tasted recently in Coonawarra) and Q wines Margaret River 2006 reds are
a bit rough and were selling on Grays a while ago for about $4-$5 pb.
A rare potential buy from Jacks Wine, a Spanish red,
Toscar Monastrell (Mataro, Mourvedre) 2005 from Alicante, Spain @
$99/dozen + freight. I don't know anything about the wine, but it
is widely available in the USA for about the same price and is around
$13.75pb at a few other Australian Merchants, including North Sydney
Cellars and Prince Wine Store. Maybe a coincidence, but the new
Cloudwine email today (see left panel,) has a rave offering of this wine
@ $14pb, with some local TN.
GWD are apparently now phoning people who bought the Heathcote
Shiraz 2006 cleanskin and offering a full refund, good sense being
shown at last.
24 June: The
new Boccaccio Newsletter is up already, featuring
Seppelt Chalambar Shiraz 2005 @ $13.99 (elsewhere around
$16.99). Also a couple of more pricey shiraz, La Pleiade 2006 @
$69.99 and Vinea Marson 2006 @ $39.99.
The Winestar weekly offers are up too, Yalumba The Signature
Cabernet-Shiraz 2004 @ $37.99, same as Boccaccio and WLA, $2-$7 less
than the rest. Also Buller's Calliope Rare Tokay and Muscat @
$79.99 per half bottle, $5 less than Nicks and $10 less than WLA.
Mark P emailed to say he has arranged for GWD to pick up his several
dozen cleanskin Heathcote Shiraz, without any fuss. He tried it
with the actual Rufus Stone Heathcote Shiraz 2006 and didn't like the
cleanskin at all in comparison.
The 2005 Vasse Felix Heytesbury red has emerged, $69.99 @
Nicks, Discount Wines has a Heytesbury Shiraz 2005 listed @ $62 (by
the 6-pack), I suspect it is the Cab blend. Winorama TN
here. The 2004 sold at around $60.00 some places, so I'd wait
a little while until more prices appear.
23 June: Wine List Australia has picked up the Heathcote Cleanskin that isn't the Rufus Stone, offering it @ $9.75pb by the case. If you really want to try it, you can buy it from the place they and GWD got it from, Skye Cellars in Adelaide, $8pb=$96/case, freight free. They are quoting a fictional "normally sells for $24" price too, this wine is not even in the same class as the labelled Rufus Stone that sells for about $16-$17 street price. I'd say give it all a big miss.
Get
Wines Direct are offering the new
Viking Grand Shiraz 2006 and Ironstone Cabernet 2006 @ $19.95.
They have just been released by the winery to mailing list customers @
$25, must be desperate times. Of course GWD quote high and dated
"Don't Pay" prices of $45 and $39.95. BTW, they claim they were
conned by the wholesaler on the Heathcote Shiraz Cleanskin 2006, they
sent the remainder back, but simply said "sold out" on the site. I
don't think they contacted buyers to offer them a refund.
Ross H forwarded me an email from
Tanunda Cellars with some red specials, details are on their web
site. I don't know many of the wines, but the price on the
Murray St Greenock Shiraz 2005 @ $38 is the best price I can see by
a few $pb. All prices plus freight.
Clinton M managed to get some Menzies 2005 Cabernet @ Dan Murphy
matching the 1stChoice $27.26/$25.90 price. Update: Murray
B got the same price match (actually $25pb), but he had to buy a dozen
at his DM after they checked the 1stChoice offer. I keep intending
to go into 1stChoice with a DM advert and insist they meet the price on
a 6-packs, just as advertised by DM.
I had a corked bottle of Launois Reserve Champagne NV on Saturday
night, I bought these from Ross Duke early last year and an
email elicited a quick response with an offer of a replacement or
refund. I've gone for the replacement, it's a nice wine even if it
is a BdeB.
22 June: Nick
W has sent me some more specials at First Estate Figtree Cellars in Lane
Cove: Krug 88, 90, 95 all $380, the 95 is slightly cheaper at W*
and Kemenys. Also Dom Perignon 98, 99 and 2000 @ $210 and Zema
Estate Shiraz 2005 @ $17.
In checking the Krug prices, I noticed Wine List Australia has
just listed the
Krug 1996 vintage @ $499.99, a lot of money, but it is around
$200pb less than Canterbury Wines and Winestar.
I forgot to load the new Winebizz specials when they arrived late
last week, they are up now, see link in the left panel. There are
a lot of good wines (as usual) but only a few standout prices.
They list the John Duval Entity Shiraz 2006 and Bremerton Old
Adam Shiraz 2005, both scarce wines and both at good prices. All
prices plus freight.
A couple of winery-direct special offers:
Fernfield Pridmore Shiraz 2004 $15 (was $20) and Stompers Shiraz
2004 $20 was $30 (plus freight). Email
Rebecca for an order form.
Haan have (or had a week or so ago) some export-labelled stock
for sale, 2005 Wilhelmus @ $34.95 (normally $39.50) and Prestige Shiraz
2005 @ $29.95 (normally $37.50), plus freight. Email
Kerry Ward for an Order form. (Note, payment by direct bank transfer
only).
20 June: Andrew Kemeny has added a new RBG reader exclusive offer, the new Majella Coonawarra Cabernet 2006 @ $26.00 (+freight). Stock arrives next week, so delivery from mid-late next week. Also Penfolds St Henri Shiraz 2004 @ $59.99. Find the codes on the Kemeny's RBG Offers page.
19 June: 1stChoice
is offering a $10 voucher with each $100 spend until cob Sunday 22nd.
They have Wynn's Black Label (2006?) @ $24.53/$23.30 and Yalumba
Menzies Coonawarra Cabernet @ $27.26/$25.90, if it is the 2005 go
for it, otherwise give it a miss, the 2005 is the best in the line
for as long as I can remember and is $39.95 elsewhere. Their
advert has conflicting messages, in one part it states "All prices apply
to most recent vintages" and in the footer "Vintages on offer may vary
between stores.", so it looks like the first one really means "Most
recent vintage in each store". Hopeless. Update:
My local only has the 2004 The Menzies Cabernet. I tried to send
them a message via the Feedback form on their website, it doesn't work,
displays a VBScript error. Doubly hopeless.
Dan Murphy is enticing you into the store to look at the Stock
Take sale flyer by having little of interest in the full page
advertisement. I assume the range offered will vary a bit from
store to store. Update: Unless your local has a
better Stock Take list than mine, it's a bit of a waste of time going in
to have a look. Maybe Kilikanoon Covenant Shiraz 2005 @
$31.40/$29.90 would tempt, that's about it.
Avalon Fine Wines finally have a
website. It's pretty primitive and seems to have a pretty
limited range of wines, if outside Sydney you have to wait for an email
to tell you freight costs. The prices don't always match those in
their advertisement or weekly email and many don't seem to list
vintages. So much for understanding what buyers want from a "Fine
Wine" shop. The current email has Jasper Hill Georgia's Paddock
Shiraz listed at $59.99 ($9-$10 off the next best price I can see) and
the website has the wine listed without any vintage for $54.99, but when
you order it the charge is $79.99, even if you order the dozen required
for the $54.99 price. Maybe come back in a few months when they've
sorted things out. I tried to email them, that bounced, tried to
use the Contact Us form, that doesn't seem to work either, there is no
code for the submit action, so nothing happens when you click the button.
18 June: Balnaves
Coonawarra Cabernet 2006 has hit retail. It is $27.99 at
Boccaccio, $28.65 (full case) @ Cellardor, $32.99 @ Wine List
Australia, $34.90 @ Auscellardoor and $35+freight from the winery.
Anthony tells me they (Balnaves) have almost sold out already, even though it's just
been released.
Majella Cabernet 2006 is also now available for order from the
winery,
$28.00, same as last year, it should hit retail in a couple of weeks.
6J's Wine Merchants have re-listed the
Groom Shiraz 2006 @ $39, $3pb more than previously, but still well
under the $45 RRP and the common price for the 2005. It's a classy
wine, not over-ripe or over the top, 14.5% and perfectly balanced.
Update: They finally woke up and put the
price up to $45.
If
you are a Shadowfax Heathcote Shiraz fan, but don't like the
prices, Auscellardoor has the
One Eye Heathcote Shiraz 2005 @ $49.90. It is listed @ $54.95
by the full case at Cellardor and the 2004 is widely listed @ $54.99 to
$63.00.
Con G tells me that Saltram #1 Shiraz 2004 is being offered at
Cellar Door for $36 for the rest of this month. I don't know if
they take phone orders and deliver, there isn't any order form/prices on
their web site that I could see. If you are really keen you can
email them or call on 08 8564 3355. The offer may
have finished now.
17 June: The
W* offers this week include Dom Perignon 1998 with a leather
carry case @ $269 (down from $299, but plus $20 freight
surcharge), but
Kemeny's still has this listed for $219 and I assume standard
freight. A better deal is Penny's Hill McLarenVale Shiraz @ $22.99 (same
as Nicks and WLA, but 2 free bottles with each case at W*).
For Riesling lovers, the Peter Lehmann Reserve Riesling 2002 that
won multiple trophies including Best Wine of the Show at the National
Wine Show last year is offered for $36.99, I don't know if better prices
are likely to appear.
Ross
H talked Wine Empire into listing the
Bremerton Reserve Cabernet 2004 in 6-packs rather than dozens, it's
$34.65 after the Member discount, $40 CD, $36.73 in full case buys at
Cellardor, if they can get any. Sold out elsewhere.
Stuart at Wine Market emailed to tell me he has 10 6-packs of
Wynns Messenger Block Cabernet 2005 @ $27.99 (elsewhere $34.99),
TORB TN
here.
He has one less now, my order was the first. Don't forget you get
free freight, type RBG in the Coupon code slot. He also has
10 6-packs of
Penfolds Bin 707 Cabernet 2005 @ $135pb this week, elsewhere
$146-$149.99 and up. Update: The Messenger Block
Cabernet is almost gone, Stuart hopes to have more stock to sell later
today. Further update: Wine Market has 30 6-packs of
Saltram #1 Shiraz 2004 @ $45.99pb. That's not quite as
good as the mad Dan Murphy special of $37.90 a few weeks ago, but if you
missed out, this is a good price, apart from 7 bottles at Cellarit @
$48.50, most merchants are offering it for around $59.99.
My Monday tasting group did 6 x 2006 SA Shiraz last night, (well
one Shiraz-Mataro in the mix). The wines included two JH 96
pointers, maybe 3 if the Spinifex Indigene Shiraz-Mataro 2006 makes the
grade. It was (as expected) a very good set of wines. The
group ranked the St Hallett Blackwell Barossa Shiraz equal top
with the Scarpantoni McLaren Vale Block 3 Shiraz, two different
regional expressions of a great vintage and amazing value at around $24
(both from Dan Murphy, both screwcapped), I preferred the more restrained Groom Barossa
Shiraz (JH 96 pts, $36, cork), it just kept getting better in the glass
and the meaty, earthy, structured Spinifex Indigene Shiraz-Mataro
($46, Diam), but it was a pretty close run. Bringing up the rear, but
not disgraced were the Jim Barry Clare Lodge Hill Shiraz ($16,
screwcap)
and Poonawatta Montes Block Eden Valley Shiraz ($30, screwcap), all pepper
and spice and an interesting contrast to the other 5. The St
Hallett Blackwell has moved up a little in price for the new 2006
vintage, but you may still find some at some Dan Murphy stores at the
old price, or you can get if from
Boccaccio or
Wine List Australia for $27.99. The Scarpantoni Black 3 Shiraz
2006 was sourced at DM for $23.75 6-pack price, it isn't listed at any
of the main independents yet. The Groom was sourced from 6J's, see
various entries in previous posts below, it's not listed anywhere on
wine-searcher presently.
I brought along a 1999 St Hallett Blackwell Shiraz to drink at Sukothai
after the tasting, to see how the Blackwell develops in cellar.
Unfortunately the wine was corked. I found the original receipt
from Dan Murphys where I bought it in 2002, it will be fun to see the
look on the faces of the staff member when I take it back for a
replacement today. Keeping all my old receipts for local purchases
has finally paid off. Update: Not a problem, replaced with
a 2006 without any fuss at all. I'm waiting on a reply from Yering
Station to an email I sent them regarding a corked 2000 Cabernet that I
can't find a receipt for. Update: Received a prompt
and positive response from Yering Station, a screwcapped 2005 vintage
will be sent as a replacement.
The new Boccaccio newsletter is up, see left panel link. It
features the St Hallett Blackwell Shiraz 2006 (surprise,
surprise) @ $27.99 (now $28-$30 at the chains) and also the excellent Baileys 1920's Block Shiraz
2006 at the same price, plus three premium Penfolds reds,
including the 2004 Bin 60A Cabernet Shiraz 2004 in screwcap @
$475pb. The Bin 60A is elsewhere $495 (Cellarit) to $699.99 (W*).
My purchase from NZ via
Fine Wine
Delivery Company. is progressing, the International Direct Credit
went through, the merchant notified a shortfall of $19.90, which I
assume is due to charges from their bank, I'm not going to pay that
amount extra, but they've indicated they will ship the wine today
anyway.
The Heathcote Shiraz 2006 cleanskin has disappeared from GWD,
they say it has sold out.
Nicholas W sent me a long list of wines available at First Estate
Figtree Cellars in Sydney, some looked quite tempting, particularly Glaetzer Anaperenna 2006 $39.95 per bottle in any mixed
dozen, Grant Burge Filsell Shiraz 2005 @ $24 and Metala Original Plantings Shiraz 2 bottles for $60.00 (no
further discounts). They may also have stock
of John Duval Entity Shiraz 2006, it's sold out at many other places
(price not supplied). It may be worthwhile dropping in if you live
nearby.
16 June: The Groom 2006 Shiraz and Zinfandel have disappeared off the 6J's web site. The delivered my order pretty quickly, I wonder if they will reappear, maybe at a higher price.
15 June: More
info on the cleanskin Heathcote Shiraz 2006 at Get Wines Direct.
A reader enquired of Tyrrell's as to the wine and received the following
(partially quoted) reply: "...the
2006 Heathcote Shiraz that is available on Get wines direct website is
from the Rufus Stone Heathcote vineyard
however it is not exactly the
same blend as the branded Rufus Stone wine. ...The wine
available from get Wines direct is close to the final Rufus Stone blend
but not the exact same wine."
GWD have used the exact description of the branded 2006
Rufus Stone Heathcote Shiraz from the Tyrrell's web site, including
medals awarded to the branded wine, and the Winestate review of the
branded wine. I personally think that amounts to deceptive
advertising. If you bought the wine and don't like it, send it
back for a refund. Update: I have another email that
indicates Tyrrells will be approaching GWD to remove the erroneous
advertising.
Andrew
Kemeny has sent me an update to the Kemeny's RBG reader special offers,
check out the link in the left panel. A couple of very special
prices, Tyrrell's Rufus Stone McLaren Vale Shiraz 2004 @ $9.99 (I
thought it was better than the Heathcote that year) and Penfolds Bin
28 Shiraz 2004 (375ml) @ $7.99. You must quote the special
code when ordering.
If you want an extra good deal from Boccaccio, hit Anthony for a special
deal now while he is in a euphoric mood after Carlton beat Collingwood
today. I reckon there should be a free bottle of Italian Prosecco
bubbly with every dozen order tomorrow, hit him early before he sobers
up properly.
14 June: With
a 2008 vintage now estimated at around 1.83 million tonnes, exports down
by 9%, imports up by 47%, it looks like the wine glut is back on the
agenda, if it ever really went away.
Kemeny's
advert
in the Sun Herald tomorrow has Wynn's Coonawarra Cabernet 2006 @
$21.99 and Penfolds St Henri 2004 @ $64.99. Mix up a dozen and get
a case of Stella Artois beer for $20
The new Vintage Cellars catalogue has Wynn's John Riddoch
Cabernet and Michael Shiraz 2005 @ $69.99, but $62.99 in mixed cases.,
Leasingham Bin 61 Shiraz 2005 @ $17.99/$16.19 with two bonus Spiegelau
glasses with each 3. Their price for Wynn's Black Label Cabernet
2006 is $25.99/$23.39, with a bonus cellar share for each 6-pack.
My International Transfer via NAB Online Banking for my NZ wine has gone
through, with a $22 fee and an exchange rate somewhat less than the
indicative rate on their own site, I assume they extract hidden fees
that way. I'm pretty sure I would get a better rate via my
fee-free Wizard MasterCard. All in all, it eats away at the
benefits of buying direct and I won't buy again from a merchant
requiring direct transfer. I've suggested they look at PayPal as a
means of avoiding the credit card fraud. The wines I've ordered
are the first two top-rated Syrah on
this page, plus the Passage Rock Reserve Syrah 2006. As far as
I can see only the Passage Rock is available in Australia (Wine Culture
$62.95) and it will be delivered for about $53.
12 June: The
cleanskin
Heathcote Shiraz 2006 that is $9.95 at Get Wines Direct could
be the Tyrrell's Rufus Stone Heathcote Shiraz, it won a Gold in Class 12
at the National Wine Show last year, the only Heathcote shiraz to wine a
gold in any 2006 red class.
Ben T emailed to say the blurb attributed to Winestate on this one
is indeed for the Rufus Stone. He also mentioned that if you go in
and pay cash at the GWD store in Melbourne you get 10% off as well.
If
you missed on the St Hallett Blackwell Shiraz 2006 at Dan Murphy
during the prior week special price (I haven't checked what price it is
now), then Boccaccio and Wine List Australia both have it @ $27.99
(Discount Wines $29.95, Cellardor $33.19).
I couldn't see anything exciting price-wise in the 1stChoice
advert again this week, Dan trounces them yet again this week.
In the DM feature half-page specials, in ACT/NSW/WA/Qld we have
Elderton Shiraz 2005 and Leconfield Cabernet 2005 both $19.90/$18.90, St
Hugo Cabernet 2004 @ $27.30/$25.90 and Petaluma Coonawarra 2005 @
$39.90/$37.90. In Vic the Leconfield is replaced by the
Pepperjack Shiraz 2006 @ $13.60/$12.9, in SA ithe Leconfield is replaced
by the Voyager Estate Shiraz 2005 at the same price. In the
regular advert, Annie's Lane Shiraz and Cab-Merlot @ $9.90/$9.40 may
tempt, Mitolo GAM Shiraz 2005 is $42.90/$40.80 (Kemenys $44.99, WLA, W*
$49.99) and Piper Heidsieck NV is $39.70 in 6-packs buys. Also
Courvoisier VSOP Cognac for $49.90/$48.90.
Nicks have listed some of the Dutschke 2006 reds, Sami Two
Vineyards Cabernet @ $27.99 and St Jakobi Shiraz @ $37.99 but you can
get the St Jakobi slightly cheaper ($35) direct from
Dutschke.
11 June: I decided to try out the buying from New Zealand situation, using my Wizard Mastercard that has no currency exchange fees. All was going well until the merchant told me they don't do international sales with credit card payments any more due to the number of fraudulent transactions they've had. Despite the fact that I don't have an African address they insist on Direct Credit payments. I'm just checking I've got all the right codes, another $22 fee to NAB and we are away, maybe. The merchant I'm buying from is the Fine Wine Delivery Company.
10 June: Mike
R emailed to notify some more ex-HFW bargains on Wine For Life.
Primo Moda Cab-Merlot 2000 @ $12.65,
Primo Angels Gully Shiraz 2001 @ $15.18,
Kilikanoon Covenant Shiraz 2002 @ $15.18,
Wirra Wirra McLarenVale Shiraz 2002 @ $15.18, all prices plus
freight. Update: They are mostly gone already, a few
Angels Gully and Wirra Wirra left.
This weeks Boccaccio Newsletter is up, featuring far too may
whites for winter, I believe someone complained there were not enough in
recent newsletters! Longhop Adelaide Plains Shiraz 2007 @
$14.99, Kooyong Massale Pinot 2007 @ $23.99, Mt Majura Canberra region Shiraz
2006 @ $19.99 and a couple of Italians hold up the Red flag. Also
one from prior weeks, if you are a fan of Cape Mentelle Cabernet,
the 2004 is offered @ $64.99, $5pb less than W* and $15pb less than VC.
Only Cellardor has it slightly cheaper ($63.51) but you have to buy a
full case and it's marked as Limited Stock so you have to email and ask
if they can get it.
Speaking of Cellardor, they had Magpie Estate Election Shiraz
2005 listed at a sharp price, but were unable to get stock when I
enquired. I ended up asking John at Wine Empire (where I
bought the 2004 Election) and he quickly procured some for me via the
NSW distributer at less than CD price.
09 June: Mike
A emailed to point out that St Hallett Blackwell seems to have
has a substantial RRP rise and Discount Wines claims RRP for the 2006 is
now $41 (their price is $29.95, Cellardor is $33.19 in dozens). If
you like the Blackwell, it might be a good idea to check out your local
Dan Murphy for the 2006 this week at the old price $24/90/$23.70.
The only DM in Perth told Mike they have the 2005 vintage, I don't know about other
states. Another Mike from Perth emailed that he had bought the 06
Blackwell at DM Perth on Saturday. I've got one open right now, it
is pretty ripe and showing a fair amount of American oak initially,
waiting for it to breathe a bit. Update: The wine
opened up nicely over 3-4 hours, the fruit is good enough to cope with
the oak level and if has that soft, silky mouth feel of a good Barossa
Shiraz, with just enough ripe fine tannins to hold it all together.
If you are looking for some Dalwhinnie Cabernet or Shiraz with a
bit of age, there is some on
Langtons Sydney Exchange. There is a dozen of Dalwhinnie
Cabernet 2000 @ $22pb + 15% and two dozens of the Dalwhinnie Shiraz 2000
@ $32pb + 15%. The 2000 vintage at Dalwhinnie was pretty good,
especially compared to most of SA that year. The same vintage
shiraz is being offered on the Melbourne Exchange for $47++ and they've
been selling on Langtons Auctions for $32 and $46 + commission.
Makes you wonder sometimes why people choose to sell at a lower price.
Get Wines Direct have dropped their price on the Charles
Cimicky Trumps Shiraz 2006 to $16.95 (from $18.95), the same as
Wine List Australia, but WLA has free freight too. GWD also
have the
J&J McLaren Vale Shiraz 2006 which scored the trophy for best red
under $20 at last year's McLaren Vale Wine Show, $19.95 with a bonus
case of Coonawarra Cabernet 2006 cleanskins with a case buy.
08 June: Another one for the pinot tragics, Peregrine Central Otago Pinot Noir 2006 is $34.99 at Wine Market but you have to buy a full dozen. (Prince Wine Store $44.95 after 10% case discount).
07 June: Phil
R (Vic) went into Woollies Liquor looking for the Wynns Black Label at
30% off, but it appears they had taken it off the shelf for the duration
of the sale.
Vintage Cellars still has the Black Label 2006 @ $25.99/$23.39, but
the bonus cellar shares offer has finished.
On the topic of St Hallett Blackwell Shiraz 2006, it has scored
96 points from James Halliday in the forthcoming 2009 Wine Companion, up
there with Grant Burge Meshach, Amon Ra, Rolf Binder Hanisch, Torbreck
RunRig in a total of 39 shiraz scoring 96 pts.
Another 96pt wine mentioned in JH's Weekend Australian article is the
Groom Shiraz 2006, (2004 scored 94, 2005 scored 95), the only e-tailer
listing this wine is
6J's Wine Merchants in Melbourne, and own-label / cleanskin
specialist. As previously mentioned a while back, they have if for
$36pb, the 2005 is on sale elsewhere at $45-$50.
06 June: Wynn's
Coonawarra cabernet 2006 has been added to the Featured Wine page..
Prices starting from $21.95+freight.
Dan Murphy has sweetened the specials this week with Voyager
Estate Shiraz 2005 @ $19.90/$18.90, St Hallett Blackwell Shiraz 2005 @
$24.90/$23.90 and Heathcote Estate Shiraz 2005 @ $29.90/$28.90.
Update: My local has the 2006 St Hallett Blackwell, same price as
advertised for the 2005, also Wynn's Black Label Cabernet 2006 @ $24.90
and Messenger Block Cabernet 2005 @ $35.99 (WLA $34.99), I forgot to look in the
premium rack for the John Riddoch 2005.
Wine List Australia is offering the
Penley Reserve Cabernet 2004 @ $46.99, a reasonable price for a good
wine ($50 CD), you can also get it at Vintage Cellars for $44.99 in
mixed dozens.
05 June: Amongst
the offerings from the W* "specials" list his week is the Joseph
Angels Gully Shiraz 2004 @ $59.99.
Discount Wines has it for $44 in full case buys and $47.95 in mixed
case buys, both prices + freight. Save your membership fee
on every bottle.
For
Perth people, Dave D tells me Woolworths Liquor has a 30% off
wine sale until Sunday. Probably still slim pickings, but you may
find something. I haven't seen it advertised locally, but
these sales tend to spread around most areas.
Another
Gray's story, from Peter P. This one has the vendors
being royally screwed and the buyer getting some windfall
bargains. Apparently they had some severe software problems during
an auction late last month, but early bids that did get in were taken
and Peter scored 3 6-packs and 2 dozens all at the $9 default bid except
for one dozen at $14 bid. I hope the vendors complained, but they
probably weren't told. I've also had another email fairly recently
documenting another instance of very poor and slow customer service on
getting a refund.
The
2006 Torzi Matthews Frost Dodger Shiraz has been released, same
price as last year, $30. Order direct
here.
Some Dan Murphy stores in Melbourne have the Wynns Black Label
Cabernet, Phil saw it at one and talked them into a price-match with the
Vintage Cellars offer (less cellar shares bonus though) without having
to show an advert. There wasn't a lot that grabbed me in the local
DM advert this week, maybe Grant Burge Filsell Shiraz 2005 @
$24.90/$23.70. Grant Burge must be clearing stock to make way for
the 2006 vintage, Wine Market has the 2005 Filsell also @ $23.99
in 6-packs, free freight for RBG readers.
1stChoice has slim pickings too, although the current catalogue
continues as well as the new advert. Piper Heidsieck NV @
$41.898/$39.80 and Lanson NV @ $42.00/$39.90 are the standouts.
Lee N emailed to say he's seen the 96 pts Campbell Mattinson review of
the Mayer Big Betty Yarra Syrah 2006, matching the 96 pts on
Winorama. It's available from
Cloudwine @
$28pb. The bottle I tried started off pretty reductive, took a
while to come up, but was good in the end.
For the Pinotphiles, the clear standout in a bracket of 4 last night was
the Villa Maria Cellar Selection Marlborough Pinot 2006.
Not too surprising, it won a trophy at the NWS last year, it's a pinot
even I would be happy to drink in a pinch. It was apparently
procured at 1stChoice for $40 (assume case price) and is listed
at Canterbury
Wines for $39.95.
04 June: Vintage
Cellars
are selling Wynns Black Label Cabernet 2006 @
$24.69 in 6-packs or $23.39 in full dozens. Cellar Club members
get 2 shares for a 6-pack and 4 shares for a full dozen, but today
only!. Thanks Murray B for the heads-up.
The Nicks Clearance Sale catalogue is out (see the newsletter
link in left panel), most of the wines are listed in a pdf list and
can't be ordered online. There wasn't a lot of interest for me,
but there may be more interest if you are looking for some back
vintages, but be careful of the specific vintages offered, there are
some less than stellar ones. Kilikanoon Covenant Shiraz 2005 @
$29.99, Turkey Flat Shiraz 2005 @ $35.99, Arakoon Doyen Shiraz 2002 @
$34.99, 2005 Summerfield reserve Shiraz @ $34.99, Thorn Clarke William
Randall Shiraz 2002 @ $34.99 Toolleen Vineyard Heathcote Shiraz 2002 @
$29.99 (made by Dominique Portet) and some damaged-label Glaetzer
Anaperenna Shiraz-Cabernet 2006 @ $36.99 were the ones that caught my
eye, but quantities are small in most cases. One to probably
avoid, the once-lovely 1998 Tarchalice Blackstone Shiraz is now fading
quite badly if the last couple of bottles I've tried are an indication,
I've only got one left now, should have drunk them a couple of years
ago.
If
you can be bothered to deal with Sixty Darling St / Winepool, the
new "The Wineroom" catalogue has Bowen Estate 2006 Cabernet and Shiraz @
an even $20 pb (+freight), $22.99 and up elsewhere.
The new Matt's Specials from Premium Wines Direct is up (left
panel, pdf). The Peter Lehmann Futures Shiraz 2005 is a nice wine,
but it's cheaper elsewhere ($23.95+freight @ Discount Wines in 6-packs,
$24.99 @ WLA), Willunga 100 Cabernet Shiraz 2005 @ $15 is worth a try,
Branson Coach House Shiraz 2005 @ $36 might be good if you are something
"unsubtle and powerful" (W* $39.99) and the Gemtree Tadpole Shiraz 2006
is a good buy @ $13.
As ever, email
Matt
and mention this site so Care Australia benefits from each purchase, we
are half-way to the next $1,000 donation.
03 June: Battle
of Bosworth McLarenVale Shiraz 2006 did very well in my Monday
line-up last night, ranked just behind the $49 Maverick Trial Hill Eden
Valley Shiraz 2005 and ahead of Maverick Twins Barossa Shiraz 2006, The Story
Westgate Vineyard and standard Grampians Shiraz 2006 and
a cheap Heathcote Shiraz put in to see if people were on song (they
were). This was a pretty strong lineup from a good vintage and the
two The Story wines were slightly swamped by the more luscious SA
shiraz, but are both very good wines. I got the Battle of Bosworth Shiraz from Nicks in a mixed
case for $21.99, but it can be had from
Wine Empire by the case at $19.38. A couple people in the
tasting group will be ordering some. Update: The price at
Wine Empire has dropped to $18.95 (after member 5% discount), including
freight on the case buy.
Wine Empire has some other specials in an email today which included the
Battle of Bosworth reduced price above. Balnaves Shiraz 2005 (12)
$21.75 (elsewhere $22.95 and up) Hewitson Mad Hatter Shiraz
2005 (12) @ $37.95 (W* and WLA $39.99), Torbreck The Struie Shiraz 2006
(6) @
$41.75 (NSC $43.99, elsewhere mostly $44.99). All prices including
freight, but must be full pack buys and total multiples of 12 bottles.
There should be tastings of some of the Wynn's new releases at
various places, Wine List Australia is holding one on Friday 6th June at
their Nillumbik Cellars sore in Diamond Creek, 6-8pm. Their prices
are: Messenger Block Cabernet 2005 is $34.99, John Riddoch Cabernet and
Michael Shiraz 2005 both $69.99 and 2006 Black Label Cabernet is $26.99.
Nicks is having a June Stock take sale, starting tomorrow.
The list of wines should be in the Newsletter out tomorrow. I'll
list those I think are good buys as soon as I look through the list.
Joe at Victoria Cellars has sent me a list of wines he wants to
clear before stock take gets under way, limited quantities, but some of
the wines look interesting to me an some may be of interest to you.
The prices I checked look quite sharp, but I only had time to check a
few and they are + freight. Standish The Relic 2004 at $80 won't
last long and 2002 Magpie Estate The Election @ $44 is tempting.
The list is
here.
02 June: The
Boccacio Newsletter this week (see left panel link) features Bowen
Estate Coonawarra Cabernet 2006 @ $23.99. It is actually $23.00 on
the site, Wine List Australia has it for $22.99, W* $23.99. It is
probably a good wine, but Bowen Estate has dropped off my buy list a few
years ago due to past inconsistencies and hasn't made it back yet.
Also the Witchmount Sunbury Shiraz 2005 @ $23.99, claimed to be better
than the 2004 which scored big in an obscure Syrah world challenge and
sold out instantly. Also Cape Mentelle Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 @
$64.99 (W* $69.99) and Telmo Rodriguez Lanzaga (Tempranillo) 2005 @
$42.99 continues the recent Spanish theme.
Get
Wines Direct are this week featuring the 2006 Thorn Clarke
Shotfire Ridge pair - Shiraz and Quartage @ $19.95 plus freight
charge. These wines are available elsewhere at Kemenys, Discount
Wines, Winebizz and Wine List Australia for $17.99/$18.99, plus freight
in all but the last and arte often on special at the chains. You
can even buy them
direct for $110/6-pack, but the freight rates are a bit higher.
I've noted in the RB Buys list that I bought a dozen of the Kaesler
Avignon GSM 2006 in half-bottles when I was at the winery.
This is a lovely wine and I've been looking for a nice red in small
bottles. There is limited stock and AFIK it is only available
ex-winery.
01 June: I've
done an update of the Featured Wine page, just the existing wines, no
new entries. Most merchants have now woken up to the pricing
increases and also upped the prices on prior good vintages for
Dalwhinnie and Langi Shiraz (or sold out). North Sydney Cellars
has bucked the trend and is listing
Mt Langi Ghiran Langi Shiraz 2005 @ $45.95. Get in quick,
it can't last long at that price. Update,
it has gone up to $49.99.
One
of the dangers of being an e-tailer that (seemingly) simply lists a huge
number of wines from distributor catalogues is that you sometimes miss
price rises at vintage change. This seems to have happened at
Cellar D'or with the new 2006 vintage Balnaves Cabernet being listed
at $343.80/dozen = $28.65pb (+freight) when the RRP has gone up to $35.
You could try ordering, but I suspect they would be unlikely to fill the
order at that price. I notice they have raised the price on the
Evans & Tate Reserve Cabernet 2004 I listed on 17 May from $26.09 top
$33.19. If any of you ordered some of the E&T at the low price and
the order was filled at that price please let me know.