RAW ENERGY IN A GLASS AUSTRALIA - The Wine Society · Ocean Eight ‘Verve’ Mornington Peninsula Chardonnay 2012 Mike Aylward only makes around 900 cases of this chardonnay from

thewinesociety.com/australiaAZAPR15

R AW E N E R G Y I N A G L A S S

AUSTRALIA NEW FINDS AND OLD FRIENDSSIX MIXED CASES. BOTTLES FROM £6.95

WesternAustralia

Victoria

SouthAustralia

New SouthWales

1

1110

2

3 4

895 6

7

Sydney

Melbourne

Adelaide

Tasmania

Perth

ENERGISED AUSTRALIAI ventured down under last year to

visit growers old and new to The

Society and I am delighted and

excited to present my first offer as

your Australian wine buyer. The only

problem I faced was not over what

to include but what to omit!

There was an audible buzz (typically

over craft beer) in bars from Margaret

River to Yarra Valley around such

topics as old vines, whole-bunch

fermentation (or not whole-bunch

fermentation, that is the question),

terroir, a return to basics, new

technology, clones, field blends, new

varieties… the discussions never stop!

The result of all this healthy debate?

A wonderful, and wonderfully diverse,

range of wines for every wine lover

to enjoy.

Young Aussie winemakers, such as

Gary Mills at Jamsheed, Mike

Aylward at Ocean Eight and Mac

Forbes, have returned home from

pilgrimages all over the winemaking

world full of new ideas and techniques

and are making elegant, low-

intervention wines, often from

overlooked hidden-gem vineyards.

Alongside these young guns are the

experienced winemakers who are

using all their skills gained in large

commercial wineries to make the

most of the freedom their new

small-scale quality-over-quantity

boutique wineries allow. Look out

for the wines of David Hohnen,

Stephen Pannell and Geoff

Weaver in Adelaide Hills. This highly

competitive atmosphere is also

bringing out the best in the producers

that The Society has been working

with over many years, and the wines

of Bleasdale, Cullen, Tahbilk and

Wirra Wirra, to name but a few,

have never been better.

If you haven’t had an Australian wine

in a while – give it another shot. You

really are missing out!

Sarah Knowles

Society Buyer

MAC FORBES & THE BLIND SPOT

RANGE

Mac is our man on the ground

down under with an enviable contact

list of growers right across Australia.

This allows him first dibs on some

excellent cuvées which he bottles

exclusively for members under the

‘Blind Spot’ label.

There really are some excellent

bargains to be found here.

VICTORIA

Here cooler-climate sites are giving

the wines a new-found elegance.

Discover delicious shiraz, pinot and

cabernet of the highest order and

bright, fresh whites.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

The country’s powerhouse but

we look beyond the big-brand

blends and uncover a world of

terroir expression from Barossa

to Coonawarra.

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

I avoided the mobs of ‘roos to

discover some exceptional riesling,

chardonnay and cabernet-merlot

blends.

MIXED CASES

We celebrate Aussie shiraz, Blind

Spot value and combine some

favourites into a mouthwatering

selection that showcases Australia

at its finest.

TO NAVIGATE THIS EMBARRASSMENT OF RICHES

WE HAVE SPLIT THE OFFER INTO FIVE PARTS:

Western Australia1. Margaret River & Geographe

2. Great Southern

South Australia3. Clare Valley

4. Barossa Valley

5. McLaren Vale

6. Langhorne Creek

7. Coonawarra

Victoria8. Grampians

9. Nagambie Lakes

10. Yarra Valley

11. Mornington Peninsula

REGIONS OF AUSTRALIA

MAC FORBES & THE BLIND SPOT RANGE

To order thewinesociety.com/australia 01438 740222 smartphone app

Mac Forbes is our man on the ground in

Australia and continues to perform miracles,

sourcing outstanding wines for our Blind

Spot label that offer authentic expressions

of Australian regional styles at affordable

prices. This year’s stellar selection includes

a new vibrant pinot noir from cooler sites

in the Yarra Valley, an aromatic Margaret

River semillon-sauvignon blend, and light,

spicy Gundagai shiraz. We also feature two

of Mac’s own fine wines which really are at

the cutting edge of the new-wave Australian

wine movement combining complexity with

elegance.

WHITES

Blind Spot Margaret River Semillon-

Sauvignon Blanc 2014

Aromatic fresh and dry, this is a classic ‘SSB’

blend from Margaret River at a great price.

Exceedingly gluggable! 12.5%

ref AZ-AU17221

£7.95 bottle £95 dozen

Blind Spot Yarra Valley Chardonnay

2014

This Victoria chardonnay has great purity

with lemon and apple perfume. Crisp and

refreshing on the palate with a long citrusy

finish. 12.5%

ref AZ-AU17191


Blind Spot King Valley Pinot Gris 2014

King Valley is in Victoria and known locally as

‘Little Italy’ after the high number of Italian

wine families that settled here. Plenty of

green-apple and pear flavours on this easy-

drinking crisp white. 12.5%

ref AZ-AU17211


NEW Mac Forbes Hoddles Creek

Yarra Valley Chardonnay 2013

Hoddles Creek is Mac’s highest vineyard

in the Upper Yarra Valley and is on deep,

red volcanic soils. This focused, structured

chardonnay has a pure line of lime-like acidity.

With age this will develop baked-apple and

lemon aromas, and toasty notes, from the

French oak ageing, will emerge and soften the

crisp finish. Now to 2018. 12.5%

ref AZ-AU17401 £27 bottle £324 dozen

‘This year’s stellar selection includes a new vibrant pinot noir from cooler sites in the Yarra Valley,...’

WHITE

Blind Spot Margaret River Semillon-Sauvignon Blanc 2014

Blind Spot Yarra Valley Chardonnay 2014

Blind Spot King Valley Pinot Gris 2014

RED

Blind Spot Yarra Valley Pinot Noir 2014

Blind Spot McLaren Vale Grenache-Shiraz-Mataro 2013

Blind Spot Gundagai Shiraz 2013

THE BLIND SPOT CASE

£99

A 12-bottle case containing two bottles each of the following:

ref AZ-MX1549

REDS

Blind Spot McLaren Vale Grenache-

Shiraz-Mataro 2013

This GSM blend continues to grow in

popularity and this year’s cuvée is particularly

enticing with plenty of blackberry and

blueberry fruit and a nice soft palate. 14%

ref AZ-AU17161



Gundagai is a new wine region on what was

called the south-west slopes of New South

Wales. This is a much lighter, spicier style of

shiraz with enticing plum and cherry flavours.

13%

ref AZ-AU17171


NEW Blind Spot Yarra Valley Pinot

Noir 2014

New to the Blind Spot range, this really

overdelivers. Pinot is something of a Mac

Forbes specialty and this is a cool-climate,

elegant style with bright redcurrant and

cranberry aromas. White pepper develops on

the palate, where the tannins are silky and well

integrated and the fruit flavours persist on the

finish. A great addition to the range. 12.5%

ref AZ-AU17611


Mac Forbes Woori Yallock Yarra Valley

Pinot Noir 2013

Woori Yallock is high up in the cooler Upper

Yarra Valley and ideal for pinot noir. The

2013 has a raw cranberry and redcurrant

perfume with crunchy fine tannins and fresh,

crisp acidity. A wine with great precision and

intensity that will age wonderfully. Now to

2020. 13%

ref AZ-AU17381

£39 bottle £468 dozen

SEE BACK PAGEFOR MORE MIXED CASES

REDS

Billi Billi Grampians Shiraz 2012

Elegant spicy black-fruit nose, good

blackberry and plum flavours on the palate

with a touch of pepper on the finish.

Balanced and refreshing, this is a great

example of modern shiraz from Victoria. 14%

ref AZ-AU17231


Tahbilk Nagambie Lakes Central

Victoria Cabernet Sauvignon 2009

An elegant cabernet with cassis, cedar and

leather notes on the nose and some classic

mint/eucalyptus developing in the glass.

The tannins are fine but firm, balanced by

the core of black-fruit flavours and the

long complex finish. Decant an hour or two

before serving to really make the most of

the perfumed nose. Now to 2018. 13.5%

ref AZ-AU16961


NEW Jamsheed La Syrah 2013

A very modern expression of Australian

shiraz, far removed from the fruit bombs of

old. Fresh sour-cherry and blackberry notes,

with spice and gravel developing on the fine

palate. A lovely textured, fine syrah from cool

older sites in Victoria. Now to 2018. 13.2%

ref AZ-AU17331


VICTORIA

NEW Kooyong Massale Mornington

Peninsula Pinot Noir 2013

Sandro Mosele, the winemaker at Kooyong,

focuses on making pinots that have a

true sense of place. This cooler-climate

Mornington pinot shows great tart redcurrant

fruit, but with plenty of leather and wet-soil

flavours adding great depth to this wine. Now

to 2018. 14%

ref AZ-AU17951


The Society’s Exhibition Victoria

Shiraz 2011

Specialists Mount Langi Ghiran make this

elegant, fine and spice-driven shiraz for us.

Charming cherry and plum flavours on the

spicy nose, blackcurrant and black pepper

developing on the taut finely tannic palate.

A great wine that really overdelivers. Now to

2020. 13.5%

ref AZ-AU17131


WHITES

Tahbilk Nagambie Lakes Viognier 2014

Bright fresh aromatic style, with plenty of

apricot and white-peach flavour. This wine

has been on a roll in recent vintages. 14%

ref AZ-AU17871


Tahbilk Nagambie Lakes Marsanne

2012

Crisp, precise marsanne from this historic

winery which makes by far Australia’s best

example of this Rhône grape. Although

delicious now this wine also ages exceedingly

well, developing almond and waxy aromas.

Now to 2020. 12.5%

ref AZ-AU17411


Ocean Eight ‘Verve’ Mornington

Peninsula Chardonnay 2012

Mike Aylward only makes around 900 cases

of this chardonnay from his small but perfectly

formed winery in a converted stable. Taut and

fine, showing what Australia chardonnay can

really deliver. The Granny Smith apple and

lemon flavours are well balanced by the fine

oak that develops on the finish. Now to 2018.

12.2%

ref AZ-AU17881


‘Victoria was my first stop in Australia last year, and it set the bar

pretty high for the rest of the trip’

TO ORDER01438 740222

Victoria was my first stop in Australia last year, and it set the bar pretty high for the rest of the trip. The focus was on elegance and the

wines were charming and eminently enjoyable. Cooler-climate sites are being hunted down and are highly prized, and winemakers are

embracing a more traditional approach to winemaking which is refocusing the emphasis on the grapes and viticulture rather than on

tinkering in the cellar.


NEW Geoff Weaver Lenswood

Adelaide Hills Sauvignon Blanc 2014

This is a great example of the elegance

that can be achieved in Adelaide Hills with

sauvignon. With fine gentle grapefruit and

lemon flavours, this wine is fresh, vibrant but

not OTT. A sophisticated alternative to the

more intense Kiwi sauvignons. Drink this year

and next. 12%

ref AZ-AU17711


NEW Shaw and Smith M3 Adelaide

Hills Chardonnay 2013

Martin Shaw and Michael Hill Smith MW

began planting vineyards in cool-climate sites

in the Adelaide Hills in the 1980s. Since then

they have pioneered a more restrained style

of Australian wine and the M3 chardonnay

has been their flagship. With a great perfume

of lemon, vanilla and chalk, this wine has great

elegance. Now to 2022. 12.5%

ref AZ-AU17891


SOUTH AUSTRALIA

‘...the landscape and wines are varied in style

but consistently excellent.’

The heartland of the Australian wine

industry, South Australia is sometimes

unfairly associated solely with branded

wines. Dashing around in a tank of a car (a

Holden) you can really see how complex

the many sub regions are, the sheer number

of small producers, and the intricacies

of the local terroir. From the rolling hills

of Adelaide to the deep red plains of

Coonawarra, the landscape and wines are

varied in style but consistently excellent.

WHITES

The Society’s Unoaked Australian

Chardonnay

Made by Paul Smith at Wirra Wirra

exclusively for The Wine Society, this unoaked

chardonnay has clean tropical fruit on the

nose, pineapple and lemon on the palate and

a good refreshing style. 12.5%

ref AZ-AU17091


NEW Bleasdale Langhorne Crossing

Verdelho-Sauvignon 2014

Fresh lemon and quince aromas, citrus and

spiced pear on the palate. A great dry, fresh,

very easy-drinking white from one of The

Society’s longest-term suppliers. 12%

ref AZ-AU17431


88 Growers Barossa Semillon 2012

A fruity, easy-drinking white which is

fermented in stainless steel, with no oak

influence, and bottled early to capture

freshness. 12%

ref AZ-AU16631


NEW Bleasdale Adelaide Hills

Chardonnay 2013

This is a great apple, lemon and matchstick-

scented modern Australian chardonnay.

Fermented in French oak with wild yeasts,

this wine has plenty of character and a long

intense fruit-driven finish. 12.5%

ref AZ-AU17461


Heggies Eden Valley Chardonnay 2012

Aged in French oak, this is rich and creamy

with complex flavours of baked-apple,

lemon and lime. Rounded structure with a

fresh-fruit-driven finish. Now to 2018 13%

The 2013 follows

ref AZ-AU16931


REDS

The Society’s Australian Shiraz

With rounded tannins, plenty of juicy berry

flavours and subtle black-pepper spice on

the finish, this exclusive blend is made by

Langhorne Creek experts Bleasdale especially

for The Society. 14.5%

ref AZ-AU17151


Grant Burge ‘Benchmark’ Shiraz 2013

A lovely fruity, plump shiraz which makes

for excellent everyday drinking. Matured in

French and American oak for nine months

which adds roundness and complexity. 14%

ref AZ-AU16651


Wakefield Promised Land Shiraz-

Cabernet 2013

Made by talented winemaker Adam Eggins

in the beautiful Clare Valley, this wine

has a ripe and generous blackberry and

blackcurrant nose with vanilla overtones. Juicy

and soft with intense dark fruit and mocha

flavours developing on the finish. Perfect for

barbecues, ribs and roasts. 13.5%

ref AZ-AU16761


Henschke Grandfather vines

TO ORDER01438 740222

Warner’s Corner Coonawarra

Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

A classic Coonawarra cabernet with ripe but

firm tannins to support the pure black-fruit

core. This estate is home to the Hamilton

family – one of the original winemaking

families in Australia – and has long been

renowned for its cabernet sauvignon. 13.5%

ref AZ-AU17441


NEW Bleasdale The Broad-Side

Langhorne Creek Shiraz-Cabernet-

Malbec 2012

This blend of 43% shiraz, 37% cabernet

sauvignon and 20% malbec delivers a

juicy blackberry-powered nose, with a

concentrated palate backed by ripe tannins

and a refreshing finish. 13.5%

ref AZ-AU17421


Wirra Wirra McLaren Vale Church

Block 2012

The 2012 of this popular cabernet-shiraz-

merlot blend is full-bodied, smooth and juicy

with black-fruit and mint aromas. Now to

2019. 14.5%

ref AZ-AU16491


SC Pannell McLaren Vale Tempranillo-

Touriga 2013

Stephen Pannell is one of the best and

brightest of the new generation of Australian

winemakers. This Iberian-inspired red has

great character with generous strawberry

and raspberry fruit on the nose. Savoury

notes and plum flavours develop on the

concentrated palate with a long finish. Now

to 2022. 13.5%

ref AZ-AU17071


NEW Henschke Henry’s Seven

Barossa SGM 2012

This blend of shiraz, grenache, mourvèdre

and a touch of viognier is made using younger

vines in the same vineyard as the world-

famous Hill of Grace. Dark crimson in colour

with strawberry, blackcurrant and plum

aromas on the nose. On the palate it has

a very dense core of rich berry fruit, black

olive and mocha, which are balanced by fresh

acidity and crunchy tannins. Decant. Now to

2018. 14.5%

ref AZ-AU17901


WESTERN AUSTRASOUTH AUSTRALIA


The Society’s Exhibition Victoria Shiraz 2011


The Society’s Australian Shiraz

Leeuwin Siblings Margaret River Shiraz 2012

Billi Billi Grampians Shiraz 2012

AUSTRALIAN SHIRAZ MIXED CASE

£59

A six-bottle case with free delivery containing a bottle of each of the following:

ref AZ-MX1548

I finished my trip in Perth and drove down

to Margaret River at dusk. This isn’t the best

time of day to make the journey due to the

local kangaroos who are most active as the

sun sets! The ‘roos (which I was delighted

to learn are called a ‘mob’ when in a group)

were not the only perils: while I was there

an almighty storm blew through the region

knocking over power lines, meaning that a

number of my tastings were conducted by

torch light.

However, the risks were well worth the

trip. Western Australia has always produced

a number of truly fine wines that age

gracefully. Howard Park makes a return with

a stunning cellarworthy riesling and look

out for Leeuwin’s new Siblings Shiraz which

really offers plenty of bang for your buck!

WHITES

Madfish Great Southern Riesling 2014

Intense citrus burst on the nose, with

plenty of juicy ripe lime flavours and a

mouthwatering, whistle-clean finish. A great

example of the quality of riesling currently

coming out of Great Southern. 12%

ref AZ-AU17201


NEW Howard Park Great Southern

Riesling 2010

An Australian cellar classic that ages

beautifully. Razor-sharp freshness is well

balanced by intense lemon and lime flavours.

Wet flint and mineral depth develop on the

finish, and will intensify with age. Now to

2022. 12%

ref AZ-AU17481


Hay Shed Hill Margaret River

Chardonnay 2013

The Hay Shed Hill vineyards were established

in 1975 in the Willyabrup Valley high on the

gravel ridge. Only the free-run juice is used to

make this elegant wine, which shows classic

lemon and green-apple notes. It is aged in

French oak for 11 months which has added

complexity and weight to the wine. Now to

2017. 13%

ref AZ-AU16991


Vines ready for pruning


Plantagenet ‘Omrah’ Great Southern

Pinot Noir 2013

Textbook pinot noir : redcurrant and cherry

scented with leather notes developing in the

glass. Fresh acidity, fine tannins and plenty of

red-berry fruit and spice on the palate. A

great full-flavoured but elegant wine. Drink

this year and next. 13.5%

ref AZ-AU17791


NEW Leeuwin Siblings Margaret River

Shiraz 2012

A new wine from Leeuwin that represents

excellent value. Bright blackberry and plum

fruit with a hint of black-pepper spice, and

balanced fine acidity gives this shiraz an edge

and drinkability more common in the Rhône.

Now to 2018. 14%

ref AZ-AU17681


Hay Shed Hill Margaret River

Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

Classic Margaret River cabernet: pure cassis

with a hint of eucalyptus on the nose. Fresh

vibrant flavours, rounded tannins and intense

blackberry with herbal notes developing on

the finish. A great wine, which would benefit

from decanting. Enjoy now to 2018. 14%

ref AZ-AU16981


NEW Leeuwin Estate ‘Prelude’

Margaret River Cabernet-Merlot 2010

A classic blend from a great producer in a

wonderful vintage! Cassis and cedar notes

developing crunchy black-fruit flavours and

tannins on the firm but ripe palate. The

intense fruit lingers on the finish and suggests

this wine could age well for a few years still.

Now to 2018. 13.5%

ref AZ-AU17671


Cullen Margaret River Cabernet-

Merlot 2012

Bright strawberry and cranberry aromas

with fresh herbaceous notes developing in

the glass. Intense cherry and red-berry fruit

on the palate with fine but firm tannins and

fresh acidity. This is one of Margaret River’s, if

not Australia’s, most consistent fine wines and

deservedly has something of a cult following.

Will improve over the next 10 years, but is

nonetheless delicious now, especially when

decanted. 13.5%

ref AZ-AU16751


LIA

‘Western Australia has always produced a number of truly fine wines

that age gracefully.’

McHenry Hohnen Calgardup Brook

Margaret River Chardonnay 2012

Made by local legend David Hohnen, of

Cloudy Bay and Cape Mentelle fame,

this is an exceptionally classy and elegant

chardonnay from his Calgardup Brook

vineyard in the southern reaches of Margaret

River. The cooler vineyard site is reflected

in the lemon citrus notes on this fresh, crisp

chardonnay. Now to 2017. 13%

ref AZ-AU17241


Robert Oatley Finisterre Mudgee

Chardonnay 2013

Larry Cherubino only makes a few hundred

cases of this wine each year. 100% is aged

in new and used French oak barrels which

shows on the toasty notes well balanced by

generous apple and pear flavours. Now to

2018. 12.5%

ref AZ-AU16671


REDS

Pitchfork Margaret River Cabernet-

Merlot 2012

Made by Hay Shed Hills in the Margaret River,

this perfumed wine has blackcurrant and

plum fruit with a hint of spice, which coupled

with the firm tannins and fresh acidity makes

this a pretty classy wine at an everyday price.

Now to 2017. 14% The 2013 follows.

ref AZ-AU16971


FREE UK DELIVERYWHEN YOU ORDER AT LEAST

12 BOTTLES OR IF YOURORDER IS £75 OR MORE


Blind Spot Yarra Valley Pinot Noir 2014

Blind Spot McLaren Vale Grenache-Shiraz-Mataro 2013


Pitchfork Margaret River Cabernet-Merlot 2012

Warner’s Corner Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

Bleasdale The Broad-Side Langhorne Creek Shiraz-Cabernet-Malbec 2012

ref AZ-MX1550



The Society’s Unoaked Australian Chardonnay

Tahbilk Nagambie Lakes Marsanne 2012

Bleasdale Langhorne Crossing Verdelho-Sauvignon 2014

88 Growers Semillon 2012

ref AZ-MX1551

A six-bottle case containing a bottle of each of the following:

WHITE

Ocean Eight ‘Verve’ Mornington Peninsula Chardonnay 2012

Geoff Weaver Lenswood Adelaide Hills Sauvignon Blanc 2014

McHenry Hohnen Calgardup Brook Margaret River Chardonnay 2012

RED

SC Pannell McLaren Vale Tempranillo-Touriga 2013

Kooyong Massale Mornington Peninsula Pinot Noir 2013

Leeuwin Estate ‘Prelude’ Margaret River Cabernet-Merlot 2010

ref AZ-MX1552

A 12-bottle case containing one bottle each of the following:

WHITE

Tahbilk Nagambie Lakes Viognier 2014

Bleasdale Adelaide Hills Chardonnay 2013

Hay Shed Hill Margaret River Chardonnay 2013

Bleasdale Langhorne Crossing Verdelho-Sauvignon 2014


RED

Wirra Wirra McLaren Vale Church Block 2012

Leeuwin Siblings Margaret River Shiraz 2012

Warner’s Corner Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

Tahbilk Nagambie Lakes Central Victoria Cabernet Sauvignon 2009

Bleasdale The Broad-Side Langhorne Creek Shiraz-Cabernet-Malbec 2012

Pitchfork Margaret River Cabernet-Merlot 2012

ref AZ-MX1553

THE EVERYDAY AUSTRALIAN REDS CASE THE EVERYDAY AUSTRALIAN WHITES CASE

THE BEST OF AUSTRALIA MIXED CASE THE AUSTRALIAN MIXED DOZEN

MIXED CASES FREE UK DELIVERY

£95£99

£109

This offer is open until Sunday 17th May, 2015 while stocks last.

To order thewinesociety.com/australia 01438 740222

WINE CLUBOF THE YEAR

CHALLENGE 2014

Uncork with confidence

The Wine Society is a mutual organisation, so our members’ satisfaction

is paramount. If, for any reason, you haven’t enjoyed a wine we want to

hear about it and will happily offer a credit, a replacement or a refund.

thewinesociety.com/promise

THE SOCIETY’S PROMISE£119

SEE PAGES 3 AND 6 FOR MORE MIXED CASES

Key

- bone dry to intensely sweet

screwcap new vintage

Documents

RAW ENERGY IN A GLASS AUSTRALIA - The Wine Society · Ocean Eight ‘Verve’ Mornington Peninsula Chardonnay 2012 Mike Aylward only makes around 900 cases of this chardonnay from