Keermont Syrah 2019
The Keermont Syrah 2019
On the nose, this Syrah opens with brooding dark fruit—blackberry and black plum—lifted by violet perfume and subtle notes of smoked meat, cracked black pepper, and olive brine. Hints of graphite, roasted herbs, and a touch of mocha emerge with gentle aeration, adding complexity and intrigue.
The palate is full-bodied and richly textured, with concentrated dark fruit framed by lively acidity and well-defined, fine-grained tannins. Spicy black pepper and a savoury streak of leather weave through the fruit core, leading to a long, mineral-inflected finish. Elegant oak influence supports without dominating, allowing the wine’s definition and typicity to shine.
This 2019 presents both power and poise—structured for mid- to long-term cellaring, yet approachable now with decanting.
Keermont Merlot 2021
The Keermont Merlot 2021 has a vibrant venetian red colour. Enticing spicy red fruit on the nose with hints of cinnamon, dried herbs, dust and mixed berries. Classical elegant, fruitful palate with dark plums, cherries and vanilla notes. Fine tannins and fresh acidity hold the wine into a long savoury finish. Best drinking: 2024-2035.
4 ½ stars PLATTER’S GUIDE
93 pts TIM ATKIN (MW)
Glenelly Lady May 2020
Glenelly Lady May 2020
Crafted from the best Bordeaux components of 2020, it reveals rich dark berry aromas with hints of mocha and cedar on the nose. The palate offers sweet fruit flavours, smooth tannins, and a long, refined finish.
Lady May is Glenelly’s flagship estate wine. The 2020 Bordeaux blend pays tribute to the pedigree of its legendary owner. In honour of May de Lencquesaing’s 100th birthday, a special-edition label graces the Lady May 2020 vintage. A rare collector’s item for your cellar.
GRAPE VARIETIES : 59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot
Tim Atkin MW 2024 96 Points
Neal Martin – Vinous 2024 93 Points
James Suckling 2024 94 Points
Descendientes de J. Palacios Pétalos 2022
Descendientes de J. Palacios Pétalos 2022 has a rather dense expression, with dark cherries and hints of lavender and oyster sauce to the slate, crushed blueberries, dark cherries and baked strawberries. Full-bodied and tannic, but silky and powdery. Long and tangy to the end. From organically grown grapes.
Aster Crianza Ribera del Duero 2020
Deep crimson colour with garnet rim, clean and bright. Aromas of black fruit, blackcurrants and blackberries with sweet spices, fine herbs and liquorice in the background. Powerful on the palate, the fruit expression is smooth with hints of spice. The finish is balanced and structured, with pleasant acidity and the characteristic mineral notes of our terroir.
Journeys End V5 Cabernet Franc 2020
The Journey's End V5 Cabernet Franc 2020 has a beautiful fragrance of rich mix of fruit aromas, baked strawberry, cherries and ripe black fruits, supported by the oak and subtle tea leaf characteristics. Savoury palate with grippy tannins which are well-integrated with the rich red fruit notes.
GOLD 95 - IWSC 2022
Yarra Yering Dry Red Wine No. 2 2017
Yarra Yering Dry Red Wine No. 2 2017
This is a wine that has many personalities and offers layers upon layers of complexity; sweet and savoury all at once. The fragrance is a melting pot of violets, plums, savoury spices and bramble. Moderate in weight; the plum fruits come in all colours dialling up the flavour interest. There is cigar box and cardamom spice lending intrigue. Firm tannins ably support the fruit and texture drive the palate. This one is hard to put in a box, there is so much to love.
Varietals: 96% Shiraz, 3% Mataro, 1% Viognier, 1% Marsanne
Reviews
2 Merit Wine – The Real Review Wine Classification of Australia
99 Points – James Halliday, Wine Companion
97 Points – Huon Hooke, therealreview.com
97 Points – Gourmet Traveller Wine, Aug/Sept 2019
96 Points – James Suckling, jamessuckling.com
Best of the Best by Varietal (Shiraz Viognier) – James Halliday, Wine Companion
Gold Medal, Royal Melbourne Wine Awards 2019
Yarra Yering Dry Red No. 1 2019
Yarra Yering Dry Red No. 1 2019
Fruit power is the hallmark of this blend, dark berry fruits and some sage adding a background herbal lift. Christmas cake mixed spice and a whisper of oak; all in balance. Beautiful fruit, a bright acid drive and tannins that form a solid foundation for a long future. Brooding but not intimidating, always exciting to watch evolve.
Varietals: 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 12% Malbec, 6% Petit Verdot
Reviews
3 Merit Wine – The Real Review Wine Classification of Australia
Wine of The Year, Halliday Wine Companion 2022
Red Wine of The Year, Halliday Wine Companion 2022
Best Cabernet & Family, Halliday Wine Companion 2022
99 Points – Tyson Stelzer, WBM (Aust Wine Business Magazine)
98 Points – Halliday Wine Companion 2022
96 Points – Huon Hooke, The Real Review
Gold Medal, Sydney Royal Wine Show 2021
17/20 – Tamlyn Currin, JancisRobinson.com 2025
La Rioja Alta S.A 904 Rioja Gran Reserva 2016
Critical Acclaim & Scores
Vinous — 97/100
Described as beautifully mature and expressive, showing a sun-kissed profile with clove, licorice, vanilla, caramel, tobacco leaf and bay. The palate is complex, creamy and seamless, finishing with a touch of camphor for lift.
James Suckling — 97/100
A deep, complex Rioja with richness, intensity and complete harmony. Aromas include cigar box, pine, wild mushrooms and fine oak. The finish is long, juicy and hedonistically satisfying.
Wine Advocate — 96/100
Called “spectacular” and a benchmark example of traditional Rioja. Aromas of cigar box, balsamic herbs, dried tea leaves, leather and tobacco. The palate is silky, fresh, structured and extremely long, with polished tannins and excellent aging potential.
Tim Atkin MW — 95/100
A defiantly traditional wine from a cooler vintage. Notes of mocha, Asian spice, ash, tobacco leaf, pomegranate and wild strawberry. Refined, elegant, sculpted and built for longevity.
Pintia, Tempos Vega Sicilia 2020
Pintia 2020 is opulent yet elegant — generous on the palate while retaining the freshness of a long-aging vintage. Layered aromas of blackberry, graphite, sandalwood and dried Mediterranean herbs. The palate offers black cherry, mocha and liquorice, with sturdy tannins that soften into ripe cherry and milk chocolate on a long, polished finish.
Antinori Pian delle Vigne Brunello di Montalcino 2019
Tasting Notes
Pian delle Vigne Brunello di Montalcino is ruby red in color. The nose presents a complex bouquet of cherries, black cherries and blood oranges that follows over to notes of violets, vanilla, and light balsamic aromas. The palate is fresh, savory with silky, elegant tannins. The long, persistent finish is defined by notes of citrus fruit, delicate spicy aromas and hints of vanilla.
🍒 Natalie MacLean – 96 Points
She calls it “complex and vibrant,” crafted from sustainably grown Sangiovese:
Aromas: Bright cherry, rose petal, wild herbs, bramble leaf, and mint
Palate: Rich, meaty texture with a long, satisfying finish
Pairings: Tagliata steak, wild boar ragù, roast lamb, hard cheeses
She notes it’s enjoyable now but will evolve beautifully through 2034.
Anthonij Rupert Optima 2021
ANTHONIJ RUPERT OPTIMA 2021
37% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, 28% Cabernet Franc, 6% Malbec
Tendrils of spice add nuance and allure to a nose packed with black berries, hedgerow fruit and some mocha notes. The palate is plush, rounded and pillowy but layered with dark fruitcake flavour, black cherry, baking spice and pencil shavings too. The mouthfeel is complemented by its overall stature and regal refinement. Balanced with seamless integration of oak and ripe, rich fruit with lovely succulence and freshness as well. Complex, supple and silky smooth, the wine is ultimately simply delicious with a superbly long tail
