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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Weight: 1.200 kg
Discover the rich and complex flavors of Gapsted Limited Release Cabernet Sauvignon 2019. This exquisite wine from the renowned Gapsted Wines in Victoria’s High Country offers a luxurious blend of dark fruits, spice, and oak. Perfect for wine enthusiasts seeking a premium Australian Cabernet Sauvignon, this limited release promises an unforgettable tasting experience. Explore Gapsted Limited Release Cabernet Sauvignon 2019, a premium wine from Victoria’s High Country. Enjoy rich dark fruits, spice, and oak. Limited availability! Key Features Region: Victoria’s High Country Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon Vintage: 2019...
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Weight: 1.200 kg
Discover the Vandenberg ARI Collection Pioneer Cabernet Sauvignon 2020, a wine that pays homage to Ari Vandenberg's legacy. This rich Cabernet Sauvignon from the Limestone Coast reflects the resilience and determination of its namesake, offering a refined and powerful tasting experience. Experience the Vandenberg ARI Collection Pioneer Cabernet Sauvignon 2020, a robust Limestone Coast wine that honors Ari Vandenberg's legacy with its rich and powerful profile. Key Features Hop Vine & Still Tasting Panel Score: 91/100 Region: Limestone Coast, Australia Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon Vintage: 2020 750ml...
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Weight: 1.300 kg
Discover the Sevenhill Indigo Shiraz 2021, an elegant and full-bodied wine with abundant aromas of red currants, sarsaparilla, dark chocolate, and sweet spice. This Shiraz offers vibrant fruit, silky tannins, and a graceful complexity, making it both approachable now and perfect for aging. Experience the Sevenhill Indigo Shiraz 2021, featuring red currants, sarsaparilla, dark chocolate, and sweet spice. A full-bodied wine with vibrant fruit, silky tannins, and elegant acidity. Key Features Hop Vine & Still Tasting Panel Score: 94/100 Region: Clare Valley, Australia Varietal: Shiraz Vintage: 2021...
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Weight: 1.300 kg
Experience the Koonowla Reverence Shiraz 2020, a modern yet heritage-honouring wine with freshly picked blackberry aromas, black olive tapenade undertones, and a palate enriched with dark chocolate and fresh raspberry. This Shiraz offers a smart, ripe, and black-fruited profile, maintaining a vibrant fruit and spice aftertaste. Discover the Koonowla Reverence Shiraz 2020, featuring blackberry, black olive, dark chocolate, and raspberry flavours. A modern take on Shiraz with a vibrant fruit and spice finish. Key Features Hop Vine & Still Tasting Panel Score: 93/100 Region: Clare Valley, Australia Varietal: Shiraz...
Gemtree Bloodstone Shiraz 2019 750ml
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Weight: 1.300 kg
Explore the Gemtree Bloodstone Shiraz 2019 from McLaren Vale, an organically and biodynamically farmed wine that delivers rich, lively flavours. Created by Melissa and Mike Brown, this wine reflects their environmental mindfulness and expertise, offering a delightful blend of blueberry, mulberry, and spiced vanilla oak notes. Discover the Gemtree Bloodstone Shiraz 2019, an organic and biodynamic McLaren Vale wine with rich blueberry, mulberry, and spiced vanilla oak flavours, crafted by Melissa and Mike Brown. Key Features Hop Vine & Still Tasting Panel Score: 91/100 Region: McLaren Vale, Australia Varietal:...
Taylors Estate Tempranillo 750mL -10%
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750mL @ 14% abv A variety made famous in Spain, this is a medium-bodied with seductive flavours of blueberries, cherries and dark plums. French oak maturation provides subtle savoury, spice characters.
Hardys Tintara McLaren Vale Tempranillo 750mL -10%
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750mL @ 14% abv Tintara Tempranillo has an inviting nose of rich fruits and subtle hints of spice. A balanced palate follows, with flavours of raspberry, sour cherry and plum followed by savoury and spice characteristics. Complemented by fine tannins, this wine can be enjoyed now or stored carefully for up to 8 years. Dense and complex, a palate of dark plum and cherry balanced with savoury black olive. A fine tannin structure gives the wine great persistence and length.Dark plum and fresh tobacco leaf with subtle floral notes, hints of rose petal.
Tempus Two Varietal Cabernet Merlot 750mL -10%
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750mL @ 12% abv An elegant, soft Cabernet Merlot, with blackberry and spiced fruit characters, generous weight, and good length of flavour. A lingering sweet oak finish shows good structure and complexity.Aromas of blackberry, spiced fruit, plum, and vanilla oak with a hint of cloves.The fruit parcels were harvested individually, fermented, blended and matured on French and American oak to produce this vibrant, lively wine.
Hardys VR Pinot Noir 1L -10%
Hardys VR Pinot Noir 1L
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1L @ 12.6% abv Lifted tropical and citrus flavours, soft juicypalate and crisp cleansing finish make this anenjoyable easy drinking wine
St Hallett Blockhead Shiraz 750mL -10%
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750mL @ 14% abv Perfumed nose lifted with ripe blackberry and Mulberry, a hint of chocolate with enticing vanilla spice notes. A plush palate bursting with juicy forest berries, fine coating tannins locked intricately together by a delicious vanillin oak undertone. The Blockhead range is characterised by its drinkability and it’s soft, lush and generous palate
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750mL @ 13.5% abv A juicy and enticing Pinot Noir from Central Otago. Aromas of bold cherry and fresh red berries are underpinned by savoury notes and spicy oak. On the palate, dark fruit flavours flow into a smooth palate, delivering a long finish with fine tannins and juicy acidity.
St Huberts The Stag Victoria Shiraz 750ml -10%
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750mL @ 13% abv Medium bodied, balanced, even and supple. Morello cherries, earth and spice fill the mouth. The wine is bold and generous, without being heavy. Velvety tannins with a light cherry - chocolate finish.A brooding mix of dark and blue fruits. Black cherries, plums and perfumed fruit mince. A good measure of spice, with earthy and chocolate undertones
Cloudy Bay Pinot Noir 750mL -10%
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750mL @ 13.4% abv Fine, silky tannins and juicy acidity provide an elegant structure, with complexity coming from gentle oak and woodsmoke characters.The Pinot Noir fruit was entirely hand picked and de-stemmed before being gravity fed into the fermentation vessels. 13% of the fermentation was comprised of whole bunches. The fermentations utilised natural occurring yeast populations under carefully monitored conditions. The grape skins were gently plunged with an average of 18 days skin contact. After fermentation the wines were matured in French oak for 12 months, of which 35% was new
McGuigan Black Label Malbec 750mL -10%
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750mL @ 12.5% abv Our Black Label Malbec is an elegant and soft wine, with spiced fruit characters, generous weight and good length of flavor. Deep cherry red in colour, layers of chocolate, plum and blueberries combine producing a lingering sweet finish.
Penfolds Bin 2 Shiraz Mataro 2018 750mL @ 14.5% abv -10%
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Bin 2 was first released in 1960, yet was temporarily discontinued in Australia in the 1970s at the height of the white wine boom. The original Bin 2 was an ‘Australian Burgundy’ style (despite its Rhône varieties) – typically a soft, medium- bodied wine based on shiraz. The Bin 2 blend of shiraz and mataro is still relatively uncommon in Australian table wines. Also known as monastrell or mourvèdre, mataro was introduced to Australia in the 1830s. Often used in fortified wine production, this grape is widely planted in the Barossa Valley. It is valued by winemakers for its blending attributes, adding complexity and palate grip. Interest...
Hardys Tintara McLaren Vale Cabernet Sauvignon 750mL -10%
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750mL @ 14.5% abv A dense and layered wine with vibrant dark berry fruit flavours and more varietal characters of bay leaf, black olive and milk chocolate and complexity.Great depth of flavour and a long classical Cabernet finish.Pair with lamb shanks, steak, juicy grilled mushrooms or roasted brussel sprouts. It's a great accompaniment to a cheese plate especially with hard cheeses.
McGuigan Black Label Merlot 750mL -10%
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750mL @ 12.%% abv Our Black Label Merlot is displays delicate aromas of spiced fruit, plum, and blueberry with layers of chocolate and sweet spice. Soft and elegant with spiced fruit characters, generous weight, and good length of flavour with a sweet oak finish.
Penfolds Bin 28 Shiraz Space Gift Tin 2019 750mL -10%
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750mL @ 14.5% abv Since the beginning, Penfolds has been looking to the stars. Dreaming of what could be beyond. Their new limited edition rocket tin celebrates this pioneering spirit of going beyond, rather than accepting the status quo. Give No Ordinary Gift.
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750mL @ 14.5% abv This is a luscious wine with layers of flavours of dark berry fruit, ripe cherries and plum along with attractive oak characters of roasted coffee beans and spice. Overall, the wine is well balanced with well-integrated tannins providing the palate with firm structure and persistent length.
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Devil's Corner Pinot Noir Rose 750ml
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750mL @ 12% abv A beautiful delicate salmon pink blush. The nose is lifted with strawberry's and watermelon with a subtle spice. The palate is bright and crunchy with red fruit notes and a savoury edge. There is a core of racy acidity that keeps the wine super fresh and easy drinking. Best served well chilled and consumed when in its young and vibrant.
Innocent Bystander Pinot Noir 750mL -10%
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750mL @ 13% abv Innocent Bystander Pinot Noir has characters of dark cherries and spice. It's juicy, smooth and velvety on the palate with soft savoury tannins. Great paired with people.
Tempus Two Varietal Merlot 750mL -10%
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750mL @ 13% abv An elegant soft Merlot, with spiced fruit characters, generous weight and good length of flavour. chocolate and blue fruit characters linger on a sweet oak finish.Aromas of spiced fruit, plum, and blueberry with layers of chocolate and sweet spice.
Taylors Jaraman Cabernet Sauvignon 750mL -10%
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750mL @ 14.5% abv On the palate, this is a rich, full-bodied wine with intense flavours of cassis and blackberry fruit along with attractive oak characters of cigar box and tobacco leaf. Overall, the wine is well balanced with complex, well-integrated, elegant tannins providing structure and an intense, persistent length to the finish.
St Hallett Black Clay Shiraz 750mL -10%
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750mL @ 14.5% abv Bright cherry and blackcurrant fruit flavours flow across the palate, complemented by lush, soft tannins.A lifted nose with vibrant dark berries and supple spiciness
Taylors Promised Land Pinot Noir 750mL -10%
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750mL @ 14% abv This is a medium-bodied wine with a soft, round and gloriously fleshy palate. Delicious flavours of ripe plum, red berries abound with subtle coffee bean also evident.
Hardys Geology McLaren Vale Shiraz 750mL -10%
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750mL @ 14.5% abv Hardys Geology McLaren Vale Shiraz displays the renowned McLaren Vale characters of lifted black cherry and plum with hits of chocolate, combines with spicy oak notes and a generous mouth feel.
Penfolds Bin 23 Pinot Noir 2018 750mL -10%
Penfolds Bin 23 Pinot Noir 2018 750mL
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Bin 23’s name is derived from the place the wine matures, ‘Cellar 23’ at Magill Estate and follows in the footsteps of the success and development of the Penfolds Cellar Reserve Adelaide Hills Pinot Noir. Bin 23 Pinot Noir is a bold, and dynamic inclusion to the Penfolds red wine stable – reflecting an evolving style, regional definition and the complexities of the many and varied pinot noir clones. The relationship between Penfolds and cool-climate regions continues with the multi-regional sourcing of Bin 23 Pinot Noir.
Hardys Nottage Hill Merlot 750mL -10%
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750mL @ 13.5% abv Moderate Crimson in colour with tinges of purple, this Merlot shows aromas of dark berries, plum, spice, Christmas cake, chocolate and leather. Hints of French and American oak add to the complexity of the rich bouquet. A soft and well balanced palate with fruit driven flavours of dark berry fruits, rich plum, blackcurrant and cherry. Subtle hints of chocolate, mocha, spice and oak combined with fine extended tannins lead to a lingering finish.
St Huberts The Stag Yarra Valley Pinot Noir 750mL -10%
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750mL @ 12.5% abv A smooth Cabernet Sauvignon with a bright, lifted varietal bouquet of blackberries and a touch of mint. Soft, balanced and full of flavour, this wine is best enjoyed young and fresh with red meats and hearty pasta dishes.
Hardys Nottage Hill Cabernet Sauvignon 750mL -10%
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750mL @ 13.5% abv Deep violet colour with ruby hues and a bouquet of blackberry, mulberry and dark cherry with subtle hints of sage and mint mixed with tobacco oak aromas. A medium to full bodied red wine showing rich and intense dark fruits of blackberry, raspberry and blackcurrant accompanied by black pepper and aniseed spice. This wine has a fine tannin structure supporting the fresh dark cherry sweet fruit, a soft acid fruit balance with lingering flavours of mint, vanilla and toasty finish.
Penfolds Barossa Valley Limited Edition Explorer Gift Pack -10%
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750mL @ 14.5% abv The Barossa Valley is like nowhere else on earth. An iconic wine region, a stronghold of shiraz and a unique geological site with soil dating back more than 200 million years. With the limited edition Barossa Valley Explorer pack, we celebrate the best of this famed region with two different expressions. Bin 150 is a stylish and contemporary shiraz born from the ancient soils of Marananga, while Bin 138 is a plush and approachable blend of shiraz, grenache and mataro. Give no ordinary gift with this unique travel pack. The Wines: Bin 150 is born from the ancient soils of Marananga, which lies very close to the centre...
$13399 $14888
Taylors Promised Land Cabernet Merlot 750mL -10%
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750mL @ 14% abv This is a voluptuous, silky wine with plenty of blackcurrant and mint. The palate is mouth-filling and flavoursome with soft, velvety tannins.
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Each Bottle: 750mL @ 15% ABV Deep dark plum in colour and A medley aroma of dark red cherry, cranberry and ripe raspberries, warm spice and hints of mocha. The palate is rich and structured showing, bright fruits with silky and plush tannins which give length and finesse while finishing soft and full of flavour.
$13039 $14488
Wynns Black Label Shiraz 750mL -10%
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750mL @ 13.8% abv A layered and complex Shiraz with cool climate smoothness. Great fruit character, rich flavours of red berries, and complex notes of spice and chocolate, underpinned by tightly-focussed tannins.Palate is fine and silky. The old vines give us generous redcurrant fruit at moderate sugar levels. Hence the restrained alcohol yet perfectly ripe fruit. This is a riper version of a Cool climate Australian Shiraz.
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750mL @ 14% abv Wolf Blass Yellow Label Pinot Noir is medium-bodied and filled with cherry and briary notes coupled with nuances of spice.
Pepperjack Malbec (6X750ML) -10%
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Each Bottle: 750mL @ 14.5% ABV This Deep dense black colour Malbec with a red huec has Aromas of violets, spice, ripe blueberries and boysenberry, with hints of mocha oak. The palate shows fresh fruits of red cherry, fresh cranberries with savoury chalky tannins which give length and finesse. Winemaker, Richard Mattner, travelled to Mendoza, Argentina to source the grapes – ensuring the Pepperjack style and quality was not going to be compromised.
$13039 $14488
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750mL @ 14.5% abv Ripe berry, rich fruitcake flavours and soft, velvety tannins. French and American oak impart dark chocolate, coffee bean and vanilla characters.
Pepperjack Graded Shiraz 750mL -10%
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Rich and bright red in color with a dark purple rim, the nose shows rich and concentrated red and blue fruits, dark chocolate, and hints of spice. The palate is plush with excellent structure. Fine, chalky tannins offer length and power while finishing soft, with a full of flavor. This wine is matured in a combination of French and American oak barrels for 15 months. This wine can be enjoyed now, but will also improve with careful cellaring.   Size : 750Ml
Yalumba Y Series Pinot Grigio 750mL -10%
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750mL @ 12.5% abv Pale straw in colour with green highlights. Aromas of fresh pear juice and white flowers with hints of feijoa and cinnamon stick. Initial flavours of cut pear and apples with jasmine, followed by baked apple and cinnamon on the mid-palate. These generous fruit flavours are complemented by a rich, creamy, lingering finish.
Hardys Geology McLaren Vale Cabernet Sauvignon 750mL -10%
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750mL @ 14% abv Hardys Geology McLaren Vale Cabernet Sauvignon displays classic varietal notes of blackcurrant, chocolate, mint and dry herbs. Sweet vanillin oak complements the fruit flavours while the tannins and length and structure to the palate. Enjoy now or store carefully for up to 5 years from vintage.
Tempus Two Varietal Cabernet Sauvignon 750mL -10%
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750mL @ 13% abv Sweet dark berry fruit combined with oaky flavours backed up with good acid drive to give good length with integrated tannin finish.Pleasant typically Cabernet nose of mint and leather with subtle oak undertones.
Wolf Blass Red Label Cabernet Merlot 750mL -10%
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750mL @ 14.5% abv Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot combine to create a wine with bright berry and plum aromas supported by subtle oak. The palate displays a juicy fruit finish with approachable fine tannins. Best enjoyed young and fresh with full-flavoured dishes.
Devil's Corner Resolution Pinot Noir 750mL -10%
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750mL @ 13.8% abv A full-bodied style of Pinot Noir showing blackberry, sour cherry and hints of cedar from the quality French oak. The wine displays a juicy fruit-driven middle palate with a crisp, savoury texture and fine-grained tannins.A Pinot Noir with this intensity and concentration screams out for quality food accompaniments. Chargrilled lamb cutlets marinated in a chimichurri and served with bok choy. Or why not try it with whole roasted duck, mediterranean vegetables and a deep red wine jus.
St Hallett Faith Shiraz 750mL -10%
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750mL @ 14.7% abv Vibrant dark cherry fruit character with a hint of chocolate and lashings of spice.Black cherries and dark fruits intermingle with pepper and spice notes which flow seamlessly across the soft luscious palate and the finish is highlighted by a fine coating tannin.
Penfolds Bin 704 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 Gift Box 750mL -10%
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750mL @ 14.5% abv Being mindful of varietal nuances, regional essence and silk-like textural definition, the wine is nurtured in French barriques for maturation. Impressive is the cyclical nature of viticulture and winemaking, and Penfolds recognises that different hemispheres often end up being the mirror image of the other. The name Bin 704 draws inspiration from the “mirror” or “reverse” image of its Australian Bin 407 stablemate, a wine which also respects varietal expression.
$11599 $12888
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...
Penfolds Bin 600 California Cabernet Shiraz 2019 Gift Box 750mL -10%
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750mL @ 14.5% abv Bin 600 is intrinsically linked to Penfolds beginning in California, a narrative that now spans three decades. In 1998, Penfolds imported a heritage selection of vine cuttings from South Australia’s esteemed Kalimna and Magill Estate vineyards and planted them in Californian soil.
McGuigan Black Label Red 750mL -10%
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750mL @ 12.5% abv Deep cherry red in color, the McGuigan Black Label Red delivers intense aromas of cherry and blackcurrant with notes of spicy oak. The palate is smooth and displays sweet ripe berries and cherries, with good length and complexity.