Red Wine

Red wine is a type of wine made from red grapes, which are dark purple to black in colour when they are unripe. It is produced by the complete or partial fermentation of crushed grapes, generally leading to an alcoholic content of 15%–20%. It can range from slightly dry to very sweet, and is typically paired with dishes that have strong flavours such as game, red meat, and strong cheeses.

Red wine has a long and rich history. The earliest known evidence of wine production comes from Georgia, where wild grape vines were found growing around 9,500 BC. Ancient Egyptians are thought to have been the first to cultivate red grapes, and it is believed that they used them in religious ceremonies. 

Romans were also early adopters of red wine, and they made it a part of their everyday lives. During the Middle Ages, red wine became very popular in Europe because it was seen as a luxurious drink. In fact, during the Crusades, red wine was even considered sacred because it was believed that it could protect soldiers from harm. 

During the 19th century, red wine began to gain popularity in America. In 1825, John Jacob Astor opened the first American winery, and by 1875, there were more than 1,000 wineries in the United States. Today, Americans consume more red wine than any other type of alcohol. 

One of the most famous red wines is Chianti Classico. Originally from Florence, Italy, Chianti is now produced all over the world and is one of the most popular brands of red wine.

Types of red wines

There are many types of red wines, but each has its own unique characteristics. Here are three of the most common types: 

  • Zinfandel: This wine is made from a blend of different types of grapes, including Pinot Noir, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine is usually light in colour with a fruity taste and sharp acidity. Zinfandel is often served cold with food or used in mixed drinks. 
  • Sauvignon Blanc: Sauvignon Blanc is a versatile wine that can be served cold or room temperature. It's typically made from a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and other white grapes, such as Chardonnay or Muscadelle. The wine has a delicate flavour and low acidity, making it ideal for pairing with seafood or poultry dishes. 
  • Cabernet Sauvignon: Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the most popular types of red wines. It's typically made from a blend of cabernet sauvignon and other red grapes, such as Merlot.

The different types of grapes used for wine production

When it comes to wine, there are many different types of grapes used. Red wine is made primarily from the Cabernet Sauvignon grape, while white wine is typically made from the Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc grapes. Reds are generally more complex tasting than whites, and vary greatly in their flavour profiles based on where they're from. 

Why we drink red wine

Red wine is often associated with celebrations and special occasions. But what is the story behind this beloved drink? Red wine has a long and complex history, one that goes back to ancient times. Here are five reasons why we love red wine: 

  1. Red wine is full of antioxidants: A study from the University of California at Davis found that Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Pinot Noir wines had the highest levels of antioxidants. These antioxidants can help protect against heart disease, cancer, and other age-related conditions.
  2. Red wine is a source of natural energy. In addition to being packed with antioxidants, red wine also contains glucose (sugar) and energy-boosting compounds like caffeine. This makes red wine a perfect choice for energy drinks or after dinner drinks.
  3. Red wine contains healthful nutrients like fibre and vitamins A and C. Many red wines are also high in polyphenols (antioxidants), which provide health benefits such as lowering cholesterol levels and protecting against chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer.
  4. Red wine can improve your moods. Several studies have found that people who drink red wine are more relaxed.

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Chateauneuf La Bernadine 750ml
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Weight: 1.300 kg
Taylors St Andrews Shiraz 2020 (750mL) -5%
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Weight: 1.600 kg
Aroma & Palate Black cherry, plum, ripe berries, & American oak Type Shiraz Style Rich fruit characters From the Winemaker This is a voluptuous wine with great mid-palate expression, layers of flavour and yet great balance. Fresh red berry fruits are cradled across the palate by mocha and vanilla spice flavours from high-quality oak. The barrel fermentation results in a wine that has well-integrated fruit and oak and harmonious, elegant flavours and a long persistent finish.
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Woodlawn Park Waverly Vineyard Chardonnay  Vintage: 2021 Region: Waverly Vineyard, Northern Tas Closure: Cork Varietals: Chardonnay Notes: Waverley is situated just to the east of Launceston, with a little bit of elevation, it is more influenced by the surrounding mountains, rather than the Tamar River. This vineyard was planted in 2005, and we have farmed out ourselves since 2015.  At the time, the owner had stepped away, and the vineyard was derelict.  Naively, I went and knocked on the door of the owner, convincing him to let me take it on. Five years later I was still sorting it out, and producing very light crops, but...
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Weight: 1.300 kg
Embark on a journey to Tasmania with the 2022 Sailor Seeks Horse Pinot Noir, a testament to the island's extraordinary winemaking potential. This Pinot Noir stands as a beacon of craftsmanship, offering a layered and captivating taste experience that reflects the unique terroir of its origin. Ideal for aficionados seeking a standout Australian Pinot Noir. Discover the elegance of Tasmanian winemaking with the 2022 Sailor Seeks Horse Pinot Noir - a rich, complex wine that beautifully encapsulates its cool climate heritage. Key Features Hop Vine & Still Tasting Panel Score : 95/100 Region : Tasmania, Australia Vintage...
Jim Barry First Eleven Cabernet Sauvignon 750ML -10%
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Jim Barry First Eleven Cabernet Sauvignon 750ML ABV :14% Quantity : 1 Bottle Country :AUSTRALIA
Yabby Lake Vineyard Pinot Noir 750ML -10%
Yabby Lake Vineyard Pinot Noir 750ML
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Yabby Lake Vineyard Pinot Noir 750ML ABV :13% Quantity : 1 Bottle Country :AUSTRALIA
Houghton Thomas Yule Shiraz 750ML -10%
Houghton Thomas Yule Shiraz 750ML
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Houghton Thomas Yule Shiraz 750ML ABV :14% Quantity : 1 Bottle Country :AUSTRALIA
Glaetzer Anaperenna Shiraz Cabernet 750ML -10%
Glaetzer Anaperenna Shiraz Cabernet 750ML
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Glaetzer Anaperenna Shiraz Cabernet 750ML ABV :15.5% Quantity : 1 Bottle Country :AUSTRALIA
Moss Wood Ribbon Vale Merlot 750ML -10%
Moss Wood Ribbon Vale Merlot 750ML
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Moss Wood Ribbon Vale Merlot 750ML ABV :13.5% Quantity : 1 Bottle Country :AUSTRALIA
Tahblik Esp Shiraz 2017 750ML -10%
Tahblik Esp Shiraz 2017 750ML
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Tahblik Esp Shiraz 2010 750ML ABV :14.5% Quantity : 1 Bottle Country :AUSTRALIA
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Weight: 1.300 kg
Exceptional Craftsmanship: Dalrymple Swansea Pinot Noir (Single Site) 2021 Introducing the Dalrymple Swansea Pinot Noir (Single Site) 2021—a true testament to the art and science of winemaking. Crafted from the abundant harvest of 2021 at a single vineyard site, this Pinot Noir embodies the essence of the Swansea region and Dalrymple's commitment to excellence. Key Features: Single Site Excellence: The Dalrymple Swansea Pinot Noir is an expression of a single site within the Swansea region, allowing the distinct terroir and unique characteristics of this specific vineyard to shine through. 2021 Harvest: Made from...
Ch Poujeaux Moulis 750ml
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Weight: 1.300 kg
19 Crimes Mixed Red Pack (6 x 750mL) -36%
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Weight: 9.000 kg
Aroma & Palate A range of delicious reds Varietal Mixed Red Pack Style Something for everyone Our Notes The perfect lineup for some hard time, this 19 Crimes mixed bundle of red wines includes a bottle each of: 19 Crimes Cabernet Sauvignon 19 Crimes Malbec 19 Crimes Shiraz 19 Crimes Sangiovese  19 Crimes Tempranillo  19 Crimes Red Blend 6 fantastic 19 Crimes reds - that's 114 crimes! From the Winemaker Nineteen Crimes turned criminals into colonists. Upon conviction, British rogues, guilty of at least one of the 19 Crimes, were sentenced to live in...
$7245 $11334
Jacob's Creek Biodynamic Shiraz (750mL) -8%
Jacob's Creek Biodynamic Shiraz (750mL)
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Weight: 1.500 kg
Aroma & Palate Blueberry, liquorice, vanilla & cinnamon Varietal Shiraz Style Biodynamic Winemakers Comments A complex Shiraz with great cellaring potential that is a perfect showcase of premium fruit and modern biodynamic winemaking. A heady mix of blueberry, and liquorice with vanilla, cinnamon and cedar notes. Soft dark berry and plum flavours are complemented by star anise, oak complexity and supple tannins.
Stonier Reserve Pinot Noir 750ML -10%
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Stonier Reserve Pinot Noir 750ML ABV :14.5% Quantity : 1 Bottle Country :AUSTRALIA
Mount Langi Ghiran Talus Shiraz 2018 750ML -10%
Mount Langi Ghiran Talus Shiraz 2018 750ML
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Mount Langi Ghiran Talus Shiraz 750ML ABV :13.5% Quantity : 1 Bottle Country :AUSTRALIA
Yalumba Signature Cabernet Shiraz 750ML -10%
Yalumba Signature Cabernet Shiraz 750ML
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Yalumba Signature Cabernet Shiraz 750ML ABV :14.5% Quantity : 1 Bottle Country :AUSTRALIA
Penfolds Bin 128 Shiraz 750ML -10%
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Penfolds Bin 128 Shiraz 750ML ABV :14.5% Quantity : 1 Bottle Country :AUSTRALIA
Balgownie Centre Block Shiraz 2017 750ML -10%
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Balgownie Centre Block Shiraz 2017 750ML ABV :14% Quantity : 1 Bottle Country :AUSTRALIA
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Weight: 1.300 kg
Gala Estate Black Label Estate Pinot Noir Size: 750ml Vintage: 2018 Varietal: Pinot Noir APV: 13.5% Clousure: Screw Cap Region: East Coast, Tas From the Winery:    
Gala Estate 'Emerald' Syrah 2021 750ml
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Gala Estate 'Emerald'  Size: 750ml Vintage: 2021 Varietal: Shiraz APV: 14.0% Clousure: Screw Cap Region: East Coast, Tas From the Winery:   This incredible example of cool climate Shiraz wine recently took out Best Tasmanian Shiraz & The Douglas Seabrook Trophy for Best Single Vineyard Wine at the Royal Melbourne Wine Awards. Say no more! Only 10 barrels were made and it is selling out everywhere.
Peel Estate Old Vine Shiraz 750ML -10%
Peel Estate Old Vine Shiraz 750ML
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Peel Estate Old Vine Shiraz 750ML ABV :15% Quantity : 1 Bottle Country :AUSTRALIA
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Weight: 1.300 kg
Bay Of Stones Shiraz (Case of 6 ) 750mL -15%
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Weight: 9.000 kg
Aroma & Palate Sweet berry, spicy edge, vanilla/cinnamon oak Varietal Shiraz Style Classic Australian style shiraz    A classic Australian Shiraz style, Bay of Stones Shiraz demonstrates the benefits of careful fruit selection combined with traditional winemaking techniques. Bursting with fruit and stylish oak, this wine may be enjoyed now, although we suggest you put some away in a quiet place for a few years and enjoy the additional complexities which can be achieved by careful cellaring. The palate is rich and flavoursome, showing intense, sweet berry fruit flavours with a...
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Weight: 1.300 kg
Discover the award-winning Teusner Albert Shiraz 2021, a stellar example of Barossa Valley's winemaking prowess. This Shiraz boasts an impressive 99-point score, reflecting its exceptional quality and complex flavor profile. Perfect for collectors and enthusiasts seeking a memorable wine experience. Meta Description Experience the excellence of Teusner Albert Shiraz 2021 with a 99-point score. A masterpiece from the Barossa Valley, showcasing ripe blackberries, dark chocolate, and subtle oak. Key Features Region: Barossa Valley, Australia Vintage: 2021 Score: 99 Points - James Haliday Hop Vine & Still...
Geoff Merrill Reserve Shiraz 750ML -10%
Geoff Merrill Reserve Shiraz 750ML
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Geoff Merrill Reserve Shiraz 750ML ABV :14.5% Quantity : 1 Bottle Country :AUSTRALIA
Henschke Johann's Garden Grenache 750ML -10%
Henschke Johann's Garden Grenache 750ML
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Henschke Johann's Garden Grenache 750ML ABV :14.5% Quantity : 1 Bottle Country :AUSTRALIA
Mt Difficulty Bannockburn Pinot Noir 750 ML -10%
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Mt Difficulty Bannockburn Pinot Noir 750 ML ABV :13.5% Quantity : 1 Bottle Country :NEW ZEALAND
Gibson Reserve Shiraz 2020 750ml
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Weight: 1.300 kg
Gibson Reserve Shiraz 2020: A Symphony of Finesse and Structure from the Barossa Valley Dive deep into the luxurious embrace of the Gibson Reserve Shiraz 2020, a wine that encapsulates the meticulous artistry and profound richness of the Barossa Valley’s bountiful terroir. This majestic Reserve Shiraz unfurls a kaleidoscope of complexities, born from up to 30 individual Shiraz parcel components, each contributing unique notes of finesse and structure, the heralds of a wine’s ability to age with grace. Crafted with an unwavering attention to detail, the Gibson Reserve Shiraz embarks on a journey through one and two-tonne...
Jim Barry The McRae Wood Shiraz 2019 750ml
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Weight: 1.300 kg
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Deep Valley Clay Terroir Size: 750ml Vintage: 2022 Varietal: Pinot Noir APV: 13.5% Clousure: Cork Region: Derwent Valley, Tas Ceritifed Organic From the Winery:   Deep Valley, a new collaboration between Father and Son team Steve, of Stefano Lubiana Wines and Marco Lubiana. A balance of Steve Lubiana’s classically graceful wine making style and Marco’s youthful intuitiveness has resulted in a new joint label for the talented duo. Developed to produce small batch wines from Steve's biodynamic vineyards located in the Derwent and Huon Valleys, these limited production, unusual and alternative wines are pure...
Wirra Wirra Rsw Shiraz 750ML -10%
Wirra Wirra Rsw Shiraz 750ML
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Wirra Wirra Rsw Shiraz 750ML ABV :13% Quantity : 1 Bottle Country :AUSTRALIA
Wirra Wirra Angelus Cabernet Sauvignon 750ML -10%
Wirra Wirra Angelus Cabernet Sauvignon 750ML
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Wirra Wirra Angelus Cabernet Sauvignon 750ML ABV :13.5% Quantity : 1 Bottle Country :AUSTRALIA
Cloudy Bay Pinot Noir (750mL) -9%
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Weight: 1.500 kg
Aroma & Palate Cherry, boysenberry, soft earth Varietal Pinot Noir Style Supple & subtle   Our Notes Pinot Noir and New Zealand are great phrases to see together. This one's supple, earthy and bright, a food-friendly wine if we've ever seen one. From the Winemaker Cloudy Bay Pinot Noir is the perfect wine to take when you don’t know what’s for dinner. Versatile and food-friendly, it has a signature silky elegance. A benchmark Marlborough wine, Cloudy Bay Pinot Noir is proof that Marlborough’s climate and clay soils make it much more than a one-grape region.
Penfolds 2019 Bin 128 Coonawarra Shiraz (750mL) -5%
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Weight: 1.500 kg
Aroma & Palate Juicy blackcurrant, mulberry, woodsmoke Varietal Shiraz Style Creamy & classic Our Notes One of Penfolds' first regionally-specific wines, taken entirely from the famed terra rossa soils of Coonawarra. From The Winemaker With each vintage release the cool-climate Bin 128 Coonawarra Shiraz provides an interesting counterpoint to the more opulent and richly concentrated warm climate Bin 28 Shiraz.   Bin 128 comprises fruit sourced from the unique terra rossa soils of Coonawarra, a region that exemplifies the perfume, transparency and...
Taylors St Andrews Shiraz 750ML -10%
Taylors St Andrews Shiraz 750ML
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Taylors St Andrews Shiraz 750ML ABV :14% Quantity : 1 Bottle Country :AUSTRALIA
Taylors St. Andrews Shiraz 750mL -10%
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750mL @ 14.5% abv The wine has concentrated layers of violets, liquorice, chocolate, cinnamon, coffee, mocha and creamy vanillin aromas. Very rich and reminiscent of liquor cherries in rum & raisin ice cream.The wine is rich and complex with layers of flavour and a creamy, mouth filling texture. Dark berry fruits combine with mocha and vanilla spice flavours from high quality oak. The fruit and oak weight create a multidimensional palate balanced by good zesty acidity bringing freshness and great length of flavour. This is a very elegant wine with textural complexity and long, persistent flavours.All of the fruit for this wine was...
Taylors St. Andrews Cabernet Sauvignon 750mL -10%
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750mL @ 14.5% abv The wine has an enticing, lifted aroma of ripe blackcurrants, choc mint, subtle spice and a hint of dried tomato leaf. The overall nose character is one of richness and elegance.On the palate it is a very well-balanced wine with ripe blackcurrant characters, along with chocolate and mint intermingling harmoniously with oak characters of cedar and subtle tobacco. There is an understated power to the wine, with layers of complexity building across the palate and then finishing elegantly with long, fine tannins. It is a generous wine yet retains poise and the elegance of great Cabernet Sauvignon.The wine had a period of...
Wynns Black Label Shiraz (Old Wines 2019) 750mL -10%
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750mL @ 14% abv Pristine berry fruits dominate the nose. Initially, the reds fruits are apparent - cranberries and redcurrants but then there is darker fruit more blackcurrant.A classic medium-bodied Shiraz palate. Crunchy dark berries with black pepper and some sweeter cinnamon notes. The 2019 has a lovely texture - fine tannin with lively acidity.
Penfolds Venture Beyond Bin 28 Shiraz 2021 Deep Sea Gift Box -10%
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750mL @ 14.5% abv Discover Bin 28 in the newest Venture Beyond frontier – the deep sea. Our deep-sea world was brought to life by Australian Artist, Mikaela Stafford. Much like deep-sea explorers, our limited edition gift boxes embody the essence of adventure and curiosity. Join us in venturing where others wouldn’t dare with no ordinary gift. Bin 28 offers a showcase of warm climate Australian shiraz – ripe, robust and generously flavoured. First made in 1959, Bin 28 was originally named after the famous Barossa Valley Kalimna vineyard purchased by Penfolds in 1945 and from which the wine was originally sourced. Today, Bin 28 is a...
McGuigan Black Label Shiraz (750mL) Case of 6 -18%
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Weight: 9.000 kg
Aroma & Palate Jammy red fruit, long soft tannin Varietal Shiraz Style Smooth & vibrant From the Winemaker A smooth and vibrant Shiraz exhibiting rich aromas of red berries, chocolate, savoury leather and spicy oak notes. The full-rounded palate displays generous red berry fruit flavours, soft tannins and a long-lasting finish. Pairs well with a range of dishes including tomato-based pasta dishes or rich red meat dishes.
McGuigan Black Label Red Blend (750mL) Case of 6 -18%
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Weight: 9.000 kg
Aroma & Palate Blackcherry, cherry, plum & spice Varietal Red Blend Style Smooth & approachable From the Winemaker The first thing you notice about this wine is the  lovely berry and spice aromas. Following this is  the wonderful flavours of spicy plum, cherry and  blackberry that flow through the mouth, resulting  in an approachable fruit-driven wine with a smooth and mouth-filling finish. It is nicely balanced with great fruit characters and a persistence of flavour. Our famous Black Label Red is a very versatile wine that is especially rewarding...
3 Bottle Red Wine Mystery Box -25%
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Unleash your inner sommelier with the Mystery 3 Bottle Red Wine Pack from Secret Bottle. Perfect for wine lovers and curious connoisseurs alike, this carefully curated collection of red wines will take your taste buds on a journey of discovery. From rich, full-bodied reds to elegant and nuanced, each bottle has been hand-selected by our experts to offer you a diverse and dynamic selection of wines. Whether you're looking to expand your wine knowledge, try new varieties, or just seek a delicious tipple, our Mystery 3 Bottle Red Wine Pack is the perfect choice. At Secret Bottle, we believe that wine is more than just a drink, it's a...
McGuigan Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon (750mL) Case of 6 -18%
In stock
Weight: 9.000 kg
Aroma & Palate Cherry, blackberry,  hints of cinnamon and vanilla. Varietal Cabernet Sauvignon Style Rich & dark From the Winemaker Charming flavours of cherry and blackberry highlight this wine with a subtle oak influence of chocolate and vanilla. A full flavoured wine with a rich finish. An ideal partner for red meat dishes, especially succulent roast dinners.
McGuigan Black Label Tempranillo (750mL) Case of 6 -18%
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Weight: 9.000 kg
Aroma & Palate Fruit-forward, raspberry, umami Varietal Tempranillo Style Refreshing & vibrant From the Winemaker The five o'clock wine…Rich, generous and accessible, the Black Label range is your everyday guide to Australia's favourite wine varieties. Bright and vibrant, lifted cherry and plum aromas combine with rich raspberry and black cherry flavours. The palate is well-balanced with upfront berry fruits and tight tannins leading to a savoury finish. An easy-drinking style, this wine is perfectly matched with food, including a hearty paella or lamb shanks....
McGuigan Black Label Cabernet Merlot (750mL) Case of 6 -18%
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Weight: 9.000 kg
Aroma & Palate Blackcurrant, spiced fruit, mint, bramble, cinnamon & vanilla Varietal Cabernet Merlot Style Ripe & balanced From the Winemaker This wine is a blend of cabernet sauvignon and  merlot grapes. The reason this blend works so  well is that the two varieties complement each other allowing a fuller-flavoured wine with an all round mouth feel. The soft and velvety merlot combined with the more powerful cabernet sauvignon grapes produces a luscious red wine. A highlight of this wine is the b lackcurrant, spiced fruit, mint and bramble with...
Notion 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon (750mL) Case of 6 -57%
In stock
Weight: 9.000 kg
Aroma & Palate Juicy blackberry, herbaceous, structured tannin Varietal Cabernet Sauvignon Style Rich, complex and full-bodied Our Notes This is a classic Cabernet Sauvignon that goes perfectly with your favourite pizza or a rich tomato-based pasta. The wine is ready for drinking now and with a few years under its belt be sure to give it a little time to open up after decanting. From The Winemaker The 2017 vintage produced grapes of optimum ripeness, resulting in a rich, complex, and full-bodied wine. Dark crimson in colour and a long palate displaying intense...
$6195 $14490
McGuigan Black Label Sparkling Shiraz (750mL) Case of 6 -18%
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Weight: 9.000 kg
Aroma & Palate Blackcurrant, plum, cocoa, fine bead Type Sparkling Shiraz Style Sweet & refreshing From the Winemaker Sparkling Shiraz is a very versatile wine which can be served chilled as a starter or used to match with a wide range of foods for any celebration. Delightful dark berry fruit flavours of blackcurrant and plum highlight this sparkling wine. A touch of spicy oak and chocolate adds extra depth while fine beads deliver a refreshing finish and give the wine excellent length. Shiraz wine from various specially selected vintages was combined to form the ideal base for...
McGuigan Black Label Chardonnay Pinot Noir Cuvée Brut (750mL) Case of 6 -18%
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Weight: 9.000 kg
Aroma & Palate White peach, red & green apple, creamy Varietal Chardonnay Pinot Noir Style Delicate & elegant From the Winemaker A refreshing and elegant sparkling wine exhibiting delicate aromas of fresh white peach and red apple. The palate highlights generous fruit flavours of crisp pear and green apple followed by a lingering, creamy finish. This wine is elegant with a fine bead and a well integrated acid backbone. A delightful, refreshing aperitif, also a great accompaniment to a range of appetisers, fresh light seafood dishes, salads and fresh...