Michael J. Corbett is a force of nature – undoubtedly the most driven, obsessive, fastidious and dedicated winemaker I have met in my career. His passion for his small patch of sandy earth in Blewitt Springs and his unstoppable commitment to bringing his vision to life are remarkable. His top-tier Vanguardist wines have become a cult hit; critically acclaimed and highly sought after in Australia. Combined with quantities being so tiny, his last vintage sold out domestically just four hours after release.
Order by midday on Wednesday 19th February
We are the only company in the UK with access to these wines and can offer the latest release of the top 'V' wines before anywhere else in the world. This is one of the greatest compliments The Wine Society can receive, and a recognition of our shared collective passion for fine wine. Don’t miss the chance to access and enjoy these rare gems
Corbett is a serious talent, one of those perpetually restless types who don't make their wines, they inhabit themNick Ryan, The Australian
On my last visit, Michael told me that what he does 'makes no commercial sense': he has no desire to become rich but simply wants to make some of the very best wine in the world. He has gained expertise through working 30 vintages in 13 wine regions across four countries: New Zealand, Australia, France and the USA. These experiences formed the foundation for his modern twist on traditional winemaking styles in Australia, which defines the Vanguardist range today. He takes no prisoners in his approach and has become famed for the balance, elegance and precision in the Rhône varieties he works with, in particular his grenache.
What a wine. TrulyErin Larkin, The Wine Advocate, on Vanguardist Grenache
Michael’s holdings here are just eight hectares of gnarly old vines, the crowning glory being the Rende vineyard in the Blewitt Springs subregion of McLaren Vale. The soil here is pure sand, and Corbett has trained these old bush vines away from any irrigation, believing that although yields are seriously reduced, the vines are forced to be hardier and more resilient, producing better-quality fruit. This is one example of how commerciality sits a long way behind quality for Vanguardist.
The V range is a selection of only the best barrels of the best fruit; therefore, the wines that make the cut change a little each year. This year’s range includes a remarkable, herbal and textured roussanne from Yangarra Estate Vineyard in Blewitt Springs, a detailed, brooding and silky syrah and the iconic Vanguardist grenache, both from the Rende vineyard.
2023 is the tenth anniversary vintage for Vanguardist, and it was exactly the sort of vintage that Corbett likes. Temperatures were cooler, therefore better for helping to achieve the minerality and tension he strives for. 2024, however, was not dissimilar to the excellent albeit warmer 2018 vintage: a great year for South Australia, which produced slightly fuller and more fruit-driven wines.
This address is now at the top of the stylistic totem pole and one of the few true regional benchmarksNed Goodwin MW
These wines are at the very forefront of top-quality Australian winemaking and counter so many misconceptions about what can be achieved in this country. Buy them while you can.
