beautiful Friday here in Brisbane; a far cry from the torrential rain of earlier in the week, and the mood feels right to unveil another list of notable new arrivals! Before we get into it, we have a small handful of tickets left for our special masterclass with winemaker Bernardo Manetti from Tuscan legends Fontodi in two weeks time still available! The night will include an exhaustive list of some of the finest Chianti and Super Tuscans coming out of Italy, alongside hearing from Bernardo's experience and expertise first-hand. Link to the evening's details/full lineup down below!
By Farr have landed with their new duo of 'Irrewarra' Chardonnay andPinot Noir - two beautifully poised, cool-climate wines that always sit at a lower price level than their single vineyard bottles, but maintain the same fruit generosity, supportive flicks of minerality and savoury power, and endless length. The Pinot in particular is an absolute joy to drink even now, and as always, we only have access to a limited allocation - fans can again grab on with confidence! Two other Australian greats in Pierro andVasse Felix have also released their equally finite allocations of their most famous Chardonnay labels, the Vintage Reserve and Heytesburyrespectively. Gaining some of the highest consistent score averages we've seen, both further the conversation for Margaret River as one of the world's single greatest spots to grow Chardonnay.
Elsewhere, we have a limited pack available for fans of McLaren Vale's Thistledown, including a trio of vintages for their special release 'Distant Light' Grenache Shiraz blend - 2020, 2021 and 2022! With the impressive tannin structure and lifted charm as one finds in their 'Charming Man' or 'Sands of Time' labels, this is a one-time release from the winery directly to us! A cult favourite from California's Sonoma Coast, Peay, have also made their way through the doors, with reds that offer an vast amount of detail and complexity over many of California's more straightforward fruity options.
To finish off, we were able to grab hold of the final dozen available for Home Hill's pristine Kelly's Reserve Pinot Noir in its 2023 vintage before the new release lands in the near future; this '23 specifically has made a strong argument for our team's very favourite premium Tasmanian red option, brimming with ripe red fruit, baking spice, charcuterie and dense brambly earth. Keeping with the Tasmanian theme, the folks at Sinapius have also impressed at more entry-value with their pair of Close Planted Chardonnay and Pinot Noir; very reminiscent of the high density approach taken by wineries like Cobaw Ridge, Elanto and Place of Changing Winds, and bringing the same delicate mouthfeels and racy acid profiles as a result. Yarra Valley legends Mount Mary also present their own great case for well-priced Pinot, seen in their Reflexion label!
A handful of tickets left for this special one-off evening! Click here for all the evening's info
By Farr 'Irrewarra' Chardonnay 2025 -
Available for $75
(Limited availability)
"The 2025 Irrewarra Chardonnay is brilliant. Lovely white gold in the glass the palate cool from the fridge yet immediately giving. It has a softness that defers to finer notes of acidity, ripe citrus and barley sugar; delicate honey and creaminess. In a world where making everyone happy is next to impossible, this wine, in my opinion goes as close to universal appeal as it can. Generosity combined with finesse, flavour and restraint. It may seem contradictory, but this is a wine in which you see that conflict play out in the glass. It’s very, very delicious. As always, the big problem will be getting enough to drink and also keep some in the cellar. I found myself glugging rather than sipping, as it is such a pleasure to drink." - Ben Knight, Wine Writer/Critic
By Farr 'Irrewarra' Pinot Noir 2024 -
Available for $75
(Limited availability)
"Spice grip and char then softness, then more tart bright sinewy notes. The nose is petals and perfume, then darker, richer barrel notes. It is a really lovely aroma. Actually, calling it lovely diminishes it somewhat, this is unique, complex and entirely appealing for those looking for something more from a glass of Pinot Noir. There is a different oak profile maybe, something smokier, something more angular. It really works with this wine, even if I’m wrong about the new oak regime. Whatever it is, be it new or just more present, adds a layer to this wine. The Irrewarra only improves with each vintage, it seems, and this is no different. I sat with this for a little while and those spice notes just kept delivering, and each sip or sniff offered something new and delicious." - Ben Knight, Wine Writer/Critic
Pierro Vintage Reserve Chardonnay 2022 -
$169 on special this week ($189 RRP)
(Limited availability)
"The Pierro VR Chardonnay is the last premium Chardonnay of the region to be released each year. It's not released every year, and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't sad about that. I respect the decision to only highlight suitable/excellent years, but I do wish it was a mainstay. The 2022 is everything I hope it would be. It is nutty, complex, profoundly weighty and powerful, with chamomile flowers (I feel this is the vintage shining through), yellow fruit and exceptional length. This is one of the most magnificent Chardonnays in Australia." - 98 Points, Erin Larkin, Robert Parker Wine Advocate
"100% gin-gin clone. 100% malolactic. 100% Pierro. Lime, pear, biscuity clove and ginger oak, floral too. It’s powerful with plenty of flavour, pine-lime and melon, nutty and creamy with a honey gloss, a powdery and flinty grip to texture, bright citrus acidity, some savoury oak influence, with a soaring finish of superb length. It’s ripe but has freshness, balance and energy. So impressive. Margaret River power in full flight." - 97 Points, Gary Walsh, The Wine Front
Thistledown 'Distant Light' Grenache Shiraz (Trio Vintage Pack) -
Set available for $345 ($387 RRP)
(Only one available!)
This limited pack includes:
1 btl 2020 vintage (RRP $129) -
// 51% Barossa Shiraz, 49% McLaren Vale Grenache
"This immediately enticing and complete wine draws you in with its intriguing blend of ethereal aromas with more than a passing resemblance to fine Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Suave dark cherry, charcuterie, peppery spice, raspberry and roasted meat aromas deliver power and subtlety, beautifully matched to sweet oak. The Shiraz and Grenache then come together superbly to deliver a mouthfilling palate with fantastic fruit density plus a rich velvety texture underlined by firm tannins that builds to peacock’s tail finish. Seriously impressive." - 97 Points, Angus Hughson, Wine Pilot
1 btl 2021 vintage (RRP $129) -
// 51% Grenache, 49% Shiraz
"A superb wine in which the components mesh together perfectly. Seamless texture, fleshy richness, intensity and balance. An outstanding example of the style." - 96 Points, Huon Hooke, The Real Review
1 btl 2022 vintage (RRP $129) -
// 62.5% Grenache, 37.5% Shiraz
"The 2022 Distant Light Grenache Shiraz represents the marriage of two regions and two varieties. Featuring McLaren Vale Grenache (Blewitt Springs and Clarendon) and Barossa Shiraz (Ebenezer and Mengler Hill), this seamlessly merges tannin, fruit and place. This wine feels a tad lighter in fruit volume than my memory of the last vintage, with high-toned fruit and a grounding of dark tannin beneath. There's black cherry, blood plum, resinous, charry black things and a smattering of exotic spice. Firm and yet almost fine, in its way. Opulently tannic, however." - 93 Points, Erin Larkin, Robert Parker Wine Advocate
West Sonoma Coast 'Cep' Pinot Noir 2023 -
$89 on special this week ($99 RRP)
(Very limited availability)
"The ideal expression of Pinot Noir to us is a wine that has body without heaviness and is full of flavor but graceful and elegant. The 2023 Cep Pinot Noir captures this essence and is just gorgeous. The aroma features bright fruits of raspberry, pomegranate, and cranberry with floral elements blowing through and a slightly brambly, anise quality giving ballast in the face of the high tones. It is full-flavored yet not rich, a quality I find very attractive and unique, especially at this price point. The acidity is mouth-watering though not aggressive. The tell-tale Peay Pinot Noir aromas of dried pine needle, jasmine tea, and earth linger in the aftertaste. This wine offers charm, complexity, and value." - Winemaker Notes
West Sonoma Coast 'La Bruma' Estate Syrah 2022 -
$169 on special this week ($189 RRP)
(Very limited availability)
"The 2022 La Bruma Syrah is a linear, lifted take on cool-climate Syrah, picked about five days earlier than the Estate bottling for added freshness. It opens with bright, tart blackberry aromas laced with savoury herbs and a subtle citrusy lift. In the glass, it glows a deep, intense purple, and the palate follows through with layers of citric zest, rusty, savoury undertones, and vibrant acidity. A touch of spice carries through the finish, adding just the right edge to this energetic, coastal Syrah." - 96 Points, Ana Carolina Quintela, Decanter
West Sonoma Coast 'Ama' Pinot Noir 2022 -
$209 on special this week ($235 RRP)
(Very limited availability)
"Ama means ‘the land’ in the Cashia language, and the wines of Peay are focused on communicating place and showing site; this wine is about the mid-palate for Peay winemaker Vanessa Wong. The Ama bottling came on in 2009 from 4 different clones but focused on two. This wine is about the generosity and intensity of pure fruit. gaomas of berries and red plums are accented by warm spice. The palate of the 2022 is exceptional, with concentrated wild strawberries, pomegranate pulp, cherry skins, tart Montmorency cherry, and a touch of iron." - 96 Points, Clive Pursehouse, Decanter
"Fantastic length and a bright linear feel, with mouthwatering acidity and a compact feel through the long, lovely, savory finish." - 95 Points, Jeb Dunnuck
Vasse Felix Heytesbury Chardonnay 2024 -
Available for $139
(Limited availability)
"An extraordinary wine of tension, energy and power. It’s the result of the earliest vintage on record at Vasse Felix, with the fruit being picked on 17 January. It’s a wine of power and generosity, yet the subtle secondary characters in here really do strike a complex note. It’s made predominantly from the Gingin clone and shows generosity, but typically lively acidity is there, and that wild fermentation adds richness and density. The aromas are a mix of brioche, subtle lemon curd, and cashew. But then there’s a bright minerality. The palate is almost lavish, yet it’s held tightly with that fine linear precision and crisp acidity. These wines have certainly become slightly more generous in recent years and allow the full expression of the Gingin clone from these distinct sites. It’s another outstanding wine. Dare I say it, but this could be the finest Heytesbury yet." - 99 Points, Ray Jordan, WA Wine Review
"Pale colour. Lovely pure grapefruit nectarine tonic water aromas with hints of marzipan. Supple and minerally with ample grapefruit, lemon curd, nectarine flavours, fine looseknit chalky textures, attractive mid palate richness, a touch of vanilla/ marzipan and underlying saline/ crunchy acidity. Super long and tangy at the finish, giving the wine freshness and mineral length. Will develop further with bottle age. A reference Margaret River Chardonnay." - 98 Points, Andrew Caillard MW, The Vintage Journal
Complex and lifted aromas of grapefruit pith, oyster shell, struck match, melon skin, bacon fat, grilled nuts and white flowers, a super detailed chardonnay. Mouth-filling, layered and with real power, focus and poise. There's plenty of fruit and oak at play, but there's a drive of pithy acidity and some textured phenolics shaping it all up very nicely. Seriously good chardonnay." - 97 Points, Aaron Brasher, The Real Review
- Also Available -
Heytesbury Chardonnay 2024 MAGNUM 1500ml -
Available for $309
(Very limited availability)
Sinapius Close Planted Chardonnay 2023 -
$58 on special this week ($65 RRP)
"Juicy white peach, nectarine and grapefruit fruit with hints of crème fraîche, gentle spice, clover blossom, crushed shell, grilled nuts and a light lick of vanillin oak. Such lovely fruit flow on the palate. Delicate and vivid with a light umami sheen to its saline acidity, finishing with white peach, grapefruit and lemon zest." - 94 Points, Dave Brookes, Halliday Wine Companion
Sinapius Close Planted Pinot Noir 2023 -
$58 on special this week ($65 RRP)
"High-density, multi-clone, dry-grown Pipers River pinot noir; whole berry, wild ferment. Raspberry and wild strawberry fruit tones with red plum and a wisp of struck flint. Hints of undergrowth, medina spice, amaro herbs, Chinese barbecue joint, poached rhubarb, pomegranate, fennel tops and turned earth. Spicy with scattered mountain herb notes, a light gamey note, powdered rock tannins and a glutamic ache to the acidity. Such great drinking." - 94 Points, Dave Brookes, Halliday Wine Companion
Last bottles of this vintage
Home Hill 'Kelly's Reserve' Pinot Noir 2023 -
$99 on special this week ($115 RRP)
"Pretty, complex and fragrant aromas of blueberry, Asian spice, cherry, clove, earth, underbrush and an exotic woodsy edge. A mouth-filling, fleshy, opulent and juicy pinot noir. Blue and dark fruits are all at play, along with oak, spice, sap and bramble. The tannins are textured, layered and deliver plenty of shape and grip." - 95 Points, Aaron Brasher, The Wine Front
"As I write this, I've just returned from judging at the 2025 Tasmanian Wine Show, where this particular wine put in a stellar showing at the pointy end of the trophy judging. Gee, it’s lovely. There’s not a hair out of place. Beautifully pure red berry and raspberry fruits with great carry of aroma and flavour, spice, some distant undergrowth tones, some cured meats—everything in balance and true with a sapid, saline cadence and fine, powdery tannins. It is just a pleasure to drink." - 95 Points, Dave Brookes, Halliday Wine Companion
Mount Mary 'Reflexion' Pinot Noir 2024 -
$62 on special this week ($69 RRP)
"Réflexion wines are made entirely from Mount Mary estate grown fruit, primarily from the youngest plantings. The fruit grown on these vines is still developing towards the quality and consistency demanded for Mount Mary Vineyard estate wines. From time to time, depending on the vintage, the Winery will release limited quantities of red and white wines under the Réflexion label. Each bottle in Réflexion range reflects a sense of place and time." - Clos Cachet, Distributor
If you wish to buy any of these wines, please use the links above
Alternatively, email us at sales@thewineemporium.com.au, or contact us on (07)32521117 if you have any questions.
// All special prices listed valid until Friday the 29th of May