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
Hartenberg The Megan 2019
Le Riche Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2022
Le Riche Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2022
Violets, pencil shavings, accents of cigar and pepper this is shows upfront charm but with real seriousness and tension on the palate. There is a vibrancy and juicy cassis profile on the palate with a beautiful line of minerality. Finely etched tannin that melts into the fruit, this is a generous and compelling Cabernet from one of the most exciting producers of the Cape at the moment.
SPRINGFIELD ESTATE Whole Berry Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
SPRINGFIELD ESTATE Whole Berry Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 is a rich, intense, powerful, full-bodied red wine with classic aromas and flavours of blackcurrant, fruits of the forest, vanilla and warm spices and a lovely smooth finish. Pairs well with red meats and medium to mature cheeses.
94/100 Deano da Vino - Complex and incredibly well structured, with beautifully balanced fruits, spice and tannins
Meerlust Red 2021
Meerlust Red 2021
Tasting Notes
Youthful colour, deep and dense with garnet red hue. Red fruit and warm spice on the nose with some supporting oak notes. Still young and intense, the palate is full-bodied, structured but packed with fresh red fruit and soft rounded tannins.
Blend Information
36% Cabernet Franc, 25% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Petit Verdot
Ageing Potential
Ageing potential of 5-8 years, provided wine is stored in ideal cellar conditions.
95/100 Deano da Vino
Lazer like focus on red and black fruit, fresh pencil like spice, layered and complex for ageing or drinking now
Hartenberg Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
The Hartenberg Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
A sublimely expressive wine that shows promise to deliver even more with ageing. Vibrant black cherry and blackcurrant on the nose underpinned by aromas of fynbos and tobacco. Just-ripe, juicy dark fruit is present on entry as well, showcasing an elegant and plush palate. Fine-grained, dry tannins prompt a lingering savoury and earthy finish.
Excellent with grilled ribeye steak. A classic match for richer savoury dishes, springbok fillet or black mushroom stroganoff.
94/100 Tim Atkins
