SPECIAL EDITIONS

The release for SPECIAL EDITION wines from December to April always causes us some excitement. What will they be? New blends? New locations? Classic combinations?

This year we have ten SPECIAL EDITIONS on offer. In consequence, our descriptions will be a little shorter than in the past.

We will not over-order individual wines in the same way as in the past. If you'd really like a particular wine, PLEASE PRE-ORDER. Our deadline is 1 November, 2024.

December
Shiraz, Cabernet, Malbec - Australia

Made in 8 weeks
Price: $264.99 in store/$195.99 at home

The Wine

A perfect start with a chance to enjoy a December red with the extra depth of grape skins. Deep, rich color, this is the perfect example of the benefis of belending grapes. There are aromas of ripe berries mingled with delicate hints of toasty oak and cedar. On the palate, the wine leads with intense luscious dark fruits. Undertones of black pepper and smoky nuances further enrich its aromatic profile, lending depth and complexity to every sip. The addition of Malbec is a intriguing twist to this wine. Malbec is grown at low acreages in Australia where is expresses the quintessential Malbec style. Although described as giving flavours of plum, blackberry, vanilla, tobacco and cocoa, in trust, it is unique.

Sweetness: Dry
Body: Full
Oak: Medium
Alcohol: 14.0%

January
Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc
Veneto, Abruzzo, Italy

Made in 8 weeks
Price: $264.99 in store/$195.99 at home

The Wine

Although regularly drunk as a single varietal, its crisp acidity, floral notes and green apple make Pinot Grigio an excellent blending wine. We have a seen many SPECIAL EDITIONS with other grapes, but Sauvignon Blanc is new. Essentially, this Pinot Grigio is the life and soul of the party. The natural crisp acidity is enlivened by ripe melon, lively citrus and a complex minerality to make this one of the most exciting wines we've seen in years. The elevation and south facing slopes of Veneto provide the classic warm day/cold night combination to produce excellent grapes. Abruzzo is similar in many ways, with the sea breeze providing increased minerality.

Sweetness: Dry
Body: Light
Oak: None
Alcohol: 13.2%

January
Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc
Riverland, Australia

Made in 8 weeks
Price: $264.99 in store/$195.99 at home

The Wine

How much different is this wine from the other January offering? Completely. Riverland is warmer than northern Italy and both grapes express themselves differently. Chenin Blanc becomes luscious with tropical fruits and a rounded mouthfeel. Sauvignon Blanc also displays its 'warm climate' character with pears, gooseberry and tropical fruit. And that is what you get. There is still plenty of acidity and zesty citrus to provide balance, so go ahead and enjoy.

Sweetness: Dry
Body: Medium
Oak: None
Alcohol: 12.5%

February
Nero D'Avola
Sicily, Italy

Made in 8 weeks
Price: $264.99 in store/$195.99 at home

The Wine

Southern Italy and Sicily are home to full-bodied complex, high quality red wines. Italy has overcome its addiction to bulk production, and its ancient vines and arid conditions allow it to produce amazing wine. Nero D'Avola is an indigenous varietal that has always been grown and drunk by the local population. This full-bodied wine demands attention. There is ripe plum, succulent cherry, toasted oak, and a hint of pepper. Even sweet tannins. Intense flavours, robust, lingering and unforgettable. And of course a full-bodied wine like this comes with grape skins.

Sweetness: Dry
Body: Full
Oak: Medium
Alcohol: 14.5%

March
Petit Verdot
Spain

Made in 8 weeks
Price: $264.99 in store/$195.99 at home

The Wine

Although regularly drunk as a single varietal, its crisp acidity, floral notes and green apple make Pinot Grigio an excellent blending wine. We a seen many SPECIAL EDITIONS with other grapes, but Sauvignon Blanc is new. Essentially, this Pinot Grigio is the life and soul of the party. The natural crisp acidity is enliven by ripe melon, lively citrus and a complex minerality so make this one of the most exciting wines we've seen in years.

Sweetness: Dry
Body: Light
Oak: None
Alcohol: 13.2%

March
Macabeo, Muscatel
Manchuela, Spain

Made in 8 weeks
Price: $264.99 in store/$195.99 at home

The Wine

We met the Manchuela region its Macabeo grape a couple of years ago. A dry limestone terroir with warm day and cool Mediterranean nights, this is a superb and under recognised wine growing region. Macabeo is back in a different guise; as an off-dry blend with Muscatel. Our off-dry special edition is always the wine with fewest pre-orders, and ultimately always the best selling white. Overcome your prejudice! Peach, tropical fruit, and citrus flavours are rounded out with notes of honeysuckle and lemon zest. Such promise.

Sweetness: Off-Dry
Body: Mecium
Oak: None
Alcohol: 12.5%

April
Tempranillo, Grenache, Cabernet
Navarra, Spain

Made in 8 weeks
Price: $264.99 in store/$195.99 at home

The Wine

Tempranillo and Grenache represent classic Spanish grapes, but younger vintners are increasing using Cabernet Sauvignon is add depth and balance to their wines. Rich is really the word for this wine, which overflows with blackcurrant, raspberry and dark fruits. It's medium body and light oak allow the fabulous fruit flavours to take centre stage.

Sweetness: Dry
Body: Full
Oak: Medium
Alcohol: 14.0%

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