Australia Exclusives Case

This is charming, balanced and fresh shiraz is recognisably Barossan but Whistler harvest a bit earlier than their neighbours to capture natural freshness and to keep alcohol levels sensible. The result shows plush sweet spices, dried thyme and succulent cassis characters. The estate is one of our Wine Society Pioneers for its commitment to sustainable methods. On taking over, Sam Pfeiffer continued the organic and biodynamic practices used by his parents. In his words, ‘we haven’t used a herbicide or pesticide on our patch of dirt since 2013.’ Solar panels give them 80% of their power needs and, with water a hot topic Down Under, they have installed rainwater storage with a 50,ooo litre capacity to feed, among other things, their sophisticated drip irrigation system. The Pfeiffers have ten acres of natural scrub and to that they have added native blossoms, planted 3,000 trees around the property as part of trees for life programme and a one-acre wood lot that has trees and plants that capture carbon and store it. Whistler also stress that their operations are an important part of the local community, and they acknowledge the role of the traditional Aboriginal holders of the land.

Crisp, fresh and completely dry Tasmanian sparkling wine, with aromas of green apple, lemon zest, white flowers and pastry. The palate is taut and racy, with crushed seashell minerality, fine bubbles and a long, linear finish. Pure, precise and saline. Crafted by Peter Dredge (aka Dr Edge) this Brut Nature is a vibrant expression of Tasmania’s sparkling potential. Dredge is one of the island’s most exciting winemakers, known for his small-batch, characterful wines that capture a true sense of place.

One of the best-value fine Australian chardonnays, from a very highly regarded estate, this is a pristine, finely judged wine that captures Bannockburn Vineyards' trademark balance of texture and precision. The nose is inviting, with notes of straw, heather, crushed oyster shell and a touch of wild toastiness adding savoury complexity. Fermented entirely in barrel (25% new, a mix of 300-litre hogsheads and 500-litre puncheons) and fully through malolactic, it’s seamless in style, with oak delicately framing the fruit. The palate is focused yet generous, showing ripe white pear, lemon pith and crisp apple alongside a gentle herbal lift and saline edge. There’s lovely weight and texture, but everything is poised and finely tuned, with acidity beautifully woven in. The finish is long, pure and mineral, with lingering, perfectly ripe apple notes. Elegant, harmonious and with impressive intensity, this is a superb example of modern Geelong chardonnay.

South by South West’s final release of pinot noir from Pemberton is a generous, richly fruited example of a usually lifted and delicate grape that highlights the potential of this corner of Western Australia. Sourced from a single vineyard that shares a fence line with the renowned Batista Estate, this 2024 release captures both the warmth of the vintage and the region’s savoury, earthy complexity. The nose has concentrated red cherry and plum, with gentle spice and a touch of forest floor. The palate is plush and fruit-driven yet balanced by bright acidity and fine, grainy tannins that lend structure. No new oak and just 15% whole bunch keep the focus firmly on purity and texture. It’s relatively punchy for a pinot but that’s its charm and it's generous, open and expressive, with a lovely sense of place and an honest reflection of both vineyard and vintage. A delicious swansong for South by South West’s Pemberton pinot noir and an outstanding price for such a well made example of this grape variety. Available only while stocks last.

Beautifully expressive rosé of apricot stone, wild berry and a savoury, mineral edge, lifted by mellow herbs and a gentle creaminess. Focused and structured with wild strawberry, cranberry, a touch of spice and a complex finish with a fresh herbaceous note. We are please to call Vanguardist one of our Wine Society Pioneers for their huge commitment to sustainable methods. They grow using organic processes but are not certified due to the expense for a small producer, with a low intervention approach to winemaking that sees only sulphur added so minimally that many qualify as ‘raw wines’. A brand-new winery captures rainwater with a triple-filtration system, and the facility is totally off-grid with solar panels providing five-times the energy used. In the vineyard drip irrigation is used for only 20% of the vines while 70% are dry farmed. They have planted hedgerows thanks to Wine Society Climate and Nature Programme funds and the plan is to plant native tress and shrubs at the perimeter of the vineyards and interspersed with the vines as ‘native’ corridors. All packaging and labelling is 83% consumer wate recycled with 17% from sustainable pine forests, and the small amounts of other waste from the facilities is recycled, while organic waste, including yeast lees, is composted.

Aligoté is a grape that's loved amongst fans of Burgundy but little known outside of the famed French region. On recent travels to Australia, buyer Freddy Bulmer found a lot of people talking about the potential for Australian aligoté and having tried a selection he was impressed. This example was a stand out and comes from a very talented winemaker called Natillie Johnston (Tillie J) who sources the fruit from the King Valley. As our fine wine manager said when Freddy first showed him this wine, 'this could be from Burgundy.' The nose is fresh, focused and linear with a lovely subtle hint of lemon zest and jasmine, softened up by the subtle use of French oak barriques. The palate is pure and has a lovely toasted lemon note, supported by a delicate hint of cashew and more fresh jasmine. It is tightly wound, with tension and freshness but a beautifully measured level of generosity. Moreish, classy and delicious, and an impeccable argument not only for the potential of aligoté in Victoria but also the skill of this very talented winemaker.