SPECIAL EDITIONS - 2026

The 2026 cyclic of Limited Releases continues with three new offerings. So far we have been impressed with all four completed wines. The good news is that we have been able to add another three whites to the list, with two more whites.


October

    Nebbiolo (Italy)

November
    Zinfandel Cabernet (Italy)

January
    Macabeo (Spain)

February
    Monastrell (Spain)

March
    Carménère Malbec (Chile)

May
    Pacific Quartet (Chile)

May
    Pinot Gris Verdehlo (Australia)

May
    Sauvignon Blanc Chardonnay (Spain and Chile)


  

 


October 
Nebbiolo - Italy

SOLD OUT

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

The Region

Nebbiolo is almost exclusively grown in Italy and more specifically in the mountainous northern regions of Piedmont. As a varietal Nebbiolo is not well known, but is wines, Barolo and Barbaresco are justifiably famous. Piedmont offers the classic conditions for the production of excellent grapes; dry limestone slopes result in fewer and more flavourful grapes, whilst warm summer sun and cool mountain air bring the temperature swings that result in ripe complex grapes.


The Wine

Nebbiolo, like Pinot Noir, is a translucent wine with delicate aroma. However, tasting immediately dismisses any idea that these are 'thin' wines. Robust tannins and acidity greet the taster. Expect fruit flavours to lead with cherry


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

  

 


November
Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon - Italy

SOLD OUT

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

The Region

Zinfandel - Primitivo. What is in a name? In this case it turns out to be a great deal. Zinfandel found its home in California, but where did it come from? Only genetic analysis proved that the answer was Italian Primitivo, although originally the grape was from Croatia. Puglia is the home to Zinfandel/Primitivo. The hot dry region in the heal of Italy, it is famous for its big red wines, such as Negroamaro, Primitivo and Nero. Although Cabernet Sauvignon is hardly a classic Italian grape, it is much popular with younger Vintners as a source of structure and complexity. Hence, the quality and popular of the Cabernet blend Super Tuscan over the traditional Chianti.



The Wine

Bold is the word. Zinfandel is a fruit-forward grape known for its jammy blackberry flavours backed by complex profile of spice, cinnamon and dried fruits. Cabernet Sauvignon is 'the' bold, balanced red. Blackcurrants, cedar and spice, and most of all body are the hallmarks of Cabernet Sauvignon. Togther the combination is irresistible for lovers of big, but balanced, wines.


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

  

 


January 
Macabeo - Spain

REORDERED

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


The Region

This one can almost be written from memory. We have seen Macabeo from the Manchuela region of Spain before in various blends. And they have always been good. Let's tick the boxes; poor limestone soils that produce fewer more flavorful grapes, an upland plateau the receives endless summer sun, the combination of altitude and sea air that gives cool nights, and a long growing season. Manchuela has it all and is increasing recognised as a premier Denominación de Origen Protegida.

The Wine

If you were looking for two words to describe Macabeo, they would be vibrant and citrus. This is a wine that is rewarding, even when young and perhaps at its best when young. Citrus and pear gain depth from floral notes, hints of grapefruit and a touch of stone fruit. Vibrant citrus and lively acidity. Not every wine needs gravitas to be captivating. The Holly Golightly of wines.


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

 

 


Februry
Monastrell - Spain

TWO LEFT

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

The Region

Monast-what? Monastell-Mataro-Mourvèdre are the same varietal by a different name. Famous in France as part of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and in Australia in the quintessential GSM, its real home is Spain. Probably bought to Spain by the Phoenicians 2,500 years ago, itis at its best in the southeastern regions of Spain around Murcia. Marginal soil, sun, Mediterranran cooling air and long growing seasons work their magic. 

The Wine

This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a varietal that is to often blended. Monastrell is a bold tannic wine, but here display a fruit-forward side. Deep, smokey with a predominance of blackberry fruit flavour backed by ripe strawberries, Monastrell shows notes of black pepper, cocoa and tobacco. Tannins will age beautifully to a wine with depth and soul.


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

  

 


March
Carménère, Malbec - Chile

LIMITED STOCK

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

The Region

As a country run north-south for over 4,000 kilometres, Chile encompasses almost every conceivable climate. It is a central Chile, particularly Colchagua Valley that vineyards flourish. The explanation must become repetitive; once the region enjoys a classic Mediterranean climate of warm days and cool nights. Granite, volcanic and clay soils provide varied growing conditions to suit different varietals, but none display too much fertility. Although both Carménère and  Malbec were once widely planted in Bordeaux the region was not ideal for either and both varietals are rare today. In contrast, the warmer, drier Chilean summers produce high quality yields of both grapes.

The Wine

Carménère  is a deep crimson wine which, at its best, brings out notes of cherry, red fruits, spice, and leather with moderate structured tannins. Cherries, raspberries, plum or blackberries? The character of Malbec is heavily influenced by heat. Chilean Malbec typically leads with plum, backed by roasted red pepper, classic Malbec phenolics and robust tannins. Carménère-Malbec blends are recognised to showcase the best of both varietals, and so it is here in this big robust wine.


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

  

 


May
Pinot Gris, Verdelho - Australia

ONE LEFT

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

The Region

Riverland enjoys a dry Mediterranean climate with poor clay soils. Without irrigation from the Murray river its vineyards would fail. Although summer are warm and winters mild, the South Australia location also produces cool nights. Verdelho is a varietal associated with Portugal and the island of Madeira, but has been grown in Australia for more than 200 years. Pinot Gris is essentially a Pinot Grigio which originates north of the Alps and is cultivated to produce a richer wine with hints of spice.

The Wine

Pinot Gris and Verdelho both thrive in the Riverland terroir and achieve full expression of their respective characters. Pinot Gris brings ripe pear, green apple and a hint of spice along with a trademark acidity. Verdelho offers tropical fruits; pineapple, guava and citrus. The combination of a lively, fresh wine with tropical aromas, marked citrus and crisp acidity.

Sweetness: Dry
Body: Medium
Oak: None
Alcohol: 13.0%

  

 


May
Sauvignon Blanc - Chardonnay (Spain and Chile)

TWO LEFT

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

The Region

When we first wrote about Manchuela it was largely unknown outside Spain. However, this region is a rising star in vinculture. An upland limestone plateau with hot summer days and cool winds from the Mediterranean at night. It will is a perfect climate to produce high quality grapes and one where Sauvignon Blanc thrives. Maipo in Chile is known for its reds, but this region, at the foot of the Andes offers a similar terroir of challenges soils and Mediterranean climate to offer world class Chardonnays.

The Wine

Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay pair remarkably well. Warm climate ripe Sauvignon Blanc brings tropical fruit and subtle herbaceous notes, whilst the Maipo Chardonnay is characterised by apple, pear and fresh acidity. Tropical fruits, crisp apple and a clean acidity are balanced by the natural richness of Chardonnay to give a beautiful and rewarding dry wine with balanced texture.


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

  

 


May
Pacific Quartet (Everywhere)

SOLD OUT

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

The Region

This blend combines varietals from around the Pacific Rim; Carménère from Chile, Shiraz from Australia, Cabernet Sauvignon from California, and Merlot from New Zealand. In each case they represent classic grapes from each location. The question is, does it work? Over the years Winexpert have produce similar, but different, Pacific blends. Each has been a great success. The key is the vintners art.

The Wine

Your challenge will be to identify the contributions of each varietal, but the result is a robust, but easy drinking red. Blackberry,  black cherry, and spice lead on the nose, with the same characteristics building on blackcurrant, plum, and dark chocolate on tasting. The rich from is valanced by firm tannins from toasted oak. Beautifully structured, this wine is immediately accessible, but will age to something sublime.


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

  

 

‌

No Code Website Builder