Australia & NZ
These far-flung wine regions may be referred to ‘new’ when compared against the historic European wine regions, but they have a long winemaking history. Spared from Phylloxera, Australia in particular has world's highest concentration of venerable vines and legendary producers such as Penfolds, Henschke and Tyrell’s have been around for over 150 years. Though for many years piggybacking on Europe’s successes, branding their own wines as ‘Chablis’, ‘Hermitage’ etc., Australia now have created a real identity of their own, making inimitable styles like Coonawarra Cabernet or Hunter Valley Semillon.
New Zealand doesn’t quite have as an extensive history but has established itself in an astonishingly short amount of time as a reliable source of whistle clean, distinctive examples of varietals like Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc.
Australia & NZ
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Wairarapa | 1 | 96 (DC) | HK$1,100.00 | |||||
Decanter (96)Family-owned winery Craggy Range was founded in 1998 in Hawke’s Bay, and the family has pursued a single-vineyard approach to winemaking. For this wine, grapes are grown on limestone-speckled stony soils in Martinborough. It is fermented in a mixture of oak and stainless steel followed by four months ageing in barrique. Roger Jones: A mellow, yellow wine with buttercups, green herbs and rosemary flowers, a silky purity and freshness. Stunning. Melanie Brown: The perfect collaboration of sweet fruit and vegetal aromas. Grapefruit, elderflower and sweet pea shoots, plus lively acid and purity galore. This is next-level elegant. Rebecca Palmer: Tart lemon-lime and whitecurrant notes with hint of spice. Silky texture, lifted by oak. Spice notes on the finish. |
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Western Australia | 30 | - | HK$1,215.00 | |||||
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Western Australia | 1 | 98 (HWC) | HK$6,725.00 | |||||
Halliday Wine Companion (98)A bright crimson 73/20/7% blend of cabernet, merlot and franc, aged for an average of 17 months in French barriques (60% new). This was Cullen's greatest wine until the arrival of the Vanya Cabernet, and remains one of Australia's greatest cabernet blends, the only real competition coming from other Margaret River blends. The bouquet is perfumed, the palate fluid and graceful, notwithstanding the intensity of its cassis et al fruits which give the wine its awesome length, fine tannins its balance. |
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Western Australia | 1 | 98 (HWC) | HK$1,055.00 | |||||
Halliday Wine Companion (98)A cabernet-dominated (93%) blend, matured for 14 months in French barriques (67% new). Fluid grace, elegance personified, no compromise. Extraordinary attention to detail. From the Wilyabrup district, the heart of Margaret River cabernet blends. |
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Western Australia | 1 | 98 (HWC) | HK$5,595.00 | |||||
Halliday Wine Companion (98)81% cabernet sauvignon, 10% merlot, 6% cabernet franc, 3% malbec. Wild-fermented and matured for 18 months in French oak (40% new). The colour is faultless, as is the wine. It has waves of complexity, like one of Margaret River's surf breaks, changing shape as the luxuriant cassis swells on the mid-palate, then finishes with ripe, textured tannins as the wave goes on to crash on the shore. The overall ripeness is perfection. |
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Western Australia | 1 | 99 (JS) | HK$6,840.00 | |||||
James Suckling (99)This is a superb edition of this revered, cabernet-based blend with such complete, seamless and elegant feel, yet there’s such depth of flavor, too. Aromas of fresh redcurrants, red and violet flowers, subtle spice, fresh earth, paper bark, fresh-picked thyme and sage, red berries and some cedary notes. The palate is stunning and has a brand of elegance with power that is found in only the greatest wines. Pristine mulberries, red plums, blueberries and red cherries sail through layers of fine tannin, into an unwaveringly long and vibrant finish. An exceptionally concentrated and convincing Diana Madeline release, this is one of their finest. A blend of 79% cabernet sauvignon, 10% merlot, 6% cabernet franc and 5% malbec. Delicious now, but his will bloom from 2028. Screw cap. |
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Western Australia | 1 | 98 (HWC) | HK$4,380.00 | |||||
Halliday Wine Companion (98)87% Cabernet sauvignon, with 7/3/2/1% merlot/cabernet franc/malbec/petit verdot. Matured for 15 months in barrique, 45% new. Cassis and red licorice on the nose, bay and salt bush, too. The palate is salty and fine with layers upon layers of spice and texture. The tannins are like finely textured gills, stacked as delicately as the folds in a mushroom. The length of flavour unfurls and extends across the palate, taking so long to fade that this entire tasting note is possible off one sip. The rest are just for pleasure. Drink it now, or in 40+ years from now… both will be possible. |
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Western Australia | 10 | 95+ (WA) | HK$5,110.00 | |||||
Wine Advocate (95+)The 2020 Diana Madeline hails from a vintage that perhaps we underestimate its significance, purely by virtue of the fact that we may be too close to it currently. Similar to the World War years, any wine made in 2020 was done so under trying conditions heretofore not experienced by the global community. Widespread lockdowns, the threat of a then-unknown virus weighing down upon us all, uncertainty rife and mobility greatly restricted, the wines of the 2020 vintage are a triumph in themselves. In Margaret River, the season was warm, dry and early, and it has yielded a tranche of structurally powerful wines, as this is. The tannins here feel firm, and they serve to encase the fruit rather than exist within it, as other Diana Madelines exhibit. It is perhaps a wine that needs more time, and it is certainly a historical vintage to collect—if not for us now, then for our children later. 13.1% alcohol, sealed under screw cap. Cullen Wines supplied the following technical details: The 2020 harvest dates included two moon-opposite-Saturn events and two full moons—one being a fruit day perigee and the other a moon-opposite-Saturn flower day—and took place from February 8 until March 10. The blend is 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 1% Malbec. Closed tanks, open fermenters, barrels and amphora were all used in the fermentation process, and the period of skin contact lasted from 10 to 99 days, depending on the batch of wine. This wine spent 13 months in 50% new oak in a mixture of barriques and puncheons, with some biodynamic oak featuring. No additions of yeast, acid or malolactic acid were made to this wine. |
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Western Australia | 3 | - | HK$1,670.00 | |||||
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Western Australia | 30 | - | HK$1,530.00 | |||||
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Western Australia | 1 | 95 (HWC) | HK$1,055.00 | |||||
Halliday Wine Companion (95)57% malbec, 37% petit verdot, 6% merlot, hand-picked on 11 Feb '17, when a total eclipse occurred, turning the moon red. Wild-fermented, matured for 9 months in French oak (10% new). It's a delectably juicy red berry wine with minimal interference from tannins, but will be no pushover as it ages. |
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South Australia | 1 | 94.0 | HK$600.00 | |||||
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South Australia | 5 | - | HK$850.00 | |||||
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Discover the exquisite Dandelion Eden Valley Red Queen Shiraz 2019, a testament to meticulous craftsmanship from the renowned Eden Valley region. Grown in the sun-kissed vineyards, each Shiraz grape is hand-selected to ensure optimal ripeness and flavour concentration. The wine undergoes a traditional fermentation process in French oak barrels, allowing delicate integration of tannins and the development of complex aromas. On the nose, expect rich notes of blackberry, plum, and subtle hints of spice, while the palate reveals a harmonious balance of dark fruit flavours complemented by velvety tannins and a lingering finish. Produced by Dandelion, a distinguished name in fine winemaking, this 2019 vintage exemplifies their commitment to quality and elegance. Perfectly suited to accompany hearty dishes or to savour on its own, the Dandelion Eden Valley Red Queen Shiraz 2019 is a splendid addition to any connoisseur’s collection. |
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South Australia | 30 | - | HK$1,300.00 | |||||
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Dandelion Legacy Of Australia PX NV exemplifies the pinnacle of Australian winemaking. Crafted in the renowned Barossa Valley, this exquisite wine is produced by the esteemed Dandelion Estate, a producer celebrated for their dedication to quality and tradition. Utilizing premium Shiraz grapes handpicked from sustainable vineyards, the wine undergoes a meticulous fermentation process in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks to preserve its vibrant fruit characteristics. Following fermentation, Dandelion Legacy Of Australia PX NV is aged for 18 months in French oak barrels, imparting subtle vanilla and spice undertones while maintaining its robust structure. The non-vintage (NV) approach ensures consistent excellence, allowing each batch to reflect the unique terroir of the region. With its deep ruby hue and complex aromatic profile, this wine offers layers of dark berries, pepper, and delicate oak, culminating in a long, elegant finish. Dandelion Legacy Of Australia PX NV is a testament to Australian craftsmanship, ideal for discerning connoisseurs seeking sophistication in every sip. |
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South Australia | 30 | - | HK$900.00 | |||||
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The Dandelion Vineyards Enchanted Garden of the Eden Valley Riesling 2023 epitomises the elegance and finesse characteristic of Eden Valley’s finest Rieslings. Handcrafted with meticulously selected Riesling grapes from sustainably managed vineyards, this 2023 vintage showcases Dandelion Vineyards' commitment to excellence. Fermented in stainless steel tanks to preserve its pristine acidity and vibrant fruit profile, the wine undergoes a delicate aging process that enhances its complexity. On the nose, it reveals alluring aromas of white peach, citrus blossom, and subtle minerality. The palate is exquisitely balanced, offering a crisp and refreshing acidity complemented by flavours of lime, green apple, and a hint of slate. The long, graceful finish underscores its superb structure and harmonious integration of flavours. Dandelion Vineyards, renowned for their sustainable practices and dedication to quality, deliver a Riesling that is both expressive and refined, perfect for discerning enthusiasts seeking a quintessential Eden Valley expression. |
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South Australia | 2 | 97 (HWC) | HK$1,840.00 | |||||
Halliday Wine Companion (97)The price of this wine reflects the piercing brilliance of the bouquet and, in particular, the palate. There is some residual sugar, but the acidity totally obscures it. If you buy it, keep some bottles for a minimum of 10 years, allowing the treasure trove of secondary flavours to be liberated. |
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South Australia | 30 | - | HK$1,005.00 | |||||
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Dandelion Wonderland Riesling 2024 embodies the exquisite craftsmanship of esteemed vintners in the renowned Mosel Valley. Hand-harvested from meticulously tended vineyards, each grape is selected for its exceptional purity and ripeness. Fermented in stainless steel vats to preserve the varietal's distinct minerality and vibrant acidity, this Riesling presents a delicate bouquet of citrus blossoms and stone fruits. The 2024 vintage reflects the producer’s commitment to sustainable viticulture and traditional winemaking techniques, ensuring a harmonious balance of sweetness and freshness. On the palate, it reveals layers of green apple, lime zest, and a subtle flinty undertone, culminating in a long, crisp finish. Perfectly paired with fine seafood or aged cheeses, Dandelion Wonderland Riesling 2024 exemplifies elegance and finesse, making it a quintessential addition to any connoisseur’s collection. |
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Tasmania | 27 | 97 (HWC) | HK$2,175.00 | |||||
Halliday Wine Companion (97)The bouquet surges from the glass, pink and yellow grapefruit to the fore, plus a desirable flick of funky complexity on the way through. It's entering its second life with the finale years away. It barely needs saying, but the savoury acidity is its staff of life. With deluxe chardonnays at $140-plus, this is positively cheap. |
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Marlborough | 1 | 96 (TRR) | HK$1,945.00 | |||||
The Real Review (96)Intense chardonnay with lemon curd, oyster shell, ginger, struck flint, and attractively integrated spicy oak flavours. Youthful wine with bright, juicy acidity that brings energy while driving a lengthy finish, Classy chardonnay. Should develop well with bottle age. |
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Marlborough | 1 | 94+ (WA) | HK$1,945.00 | |||||
Wine Advocate (94+)The 2020 Section 94 is today five years from its harvest, and it shows a preponderance of yellow fruits, exotic spices, layers of cloves, star anise and fennel, with white cloth and beeswax. It's a powerful, tightly coiled wine of great length and complexity. These evolve favorably in the future, so drinking the estate Sauvignon Blanc in its youth is recommended, while you allow this to age and settle. This is a very impressive wine. 14% alcohol, sealed under screw cap. |
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South Australia | 10 | 91 (WA) | HK$2,800.00 | |||||
Wine Advocate (91)Displaying a similar color as well as personality and depth, the 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon Ashmead exhibits a more scorched/roasted character to its nose, sweeter, more pliable and open-knit flavors, and nearly as much aging potential as the cooler vintage conditions produced in 2002. A beautiful, full-throttle, gutsy Cabernet Sauvignon, it can be drunk now and over the next 10-12 years. |
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