Mulderbosch Sauvignon Blanc
$24.99
A bronze medal winner from the San Francisco International Wine Competition, and "commended" from the International Wine Challenge. And 88 points from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, too. The review: "The 2012 Sauvignon Blanc is blended with 8% Semillon and sees extended lees contact in barrel. It has plenty of green pepper, nettle and asparagus scents on the nose that has plenty of personality too. The palate is well-balanced with gooseberry and asparagus on the entry, a fine line of acidity and a slightly phenolic finish that just needs a little more tension. Otherwise, this is a fine Sauvignon Blanc. Drink now."
Torbreck Woodcutters Shiraz
$35.99
Torbreck is a new breed of winery making wine from very old vines in very small batches. This Woodcutters Shiraz is a bit of a departure. Rather than the battle hardened old warriors which make up the heart and soul of the established Torbreck range, this refreshing red was bottled under screwcap for the first time in 2003. You don't have to be a woodcutter to enjoy this one after a hard day's work!
Arran Gold Cream Liqueur
$39.99
An Arran Distillery twist on a cream liqueur for those looking to expand beyond Irish Cream and the like.
Distiller's Tasting Note
Nose: Chocolate, cassis, a wee touch of fresh mint
Palate: Sweetness, Honey.
Grand Marnier Centenaire 100th Anniv
$127.99
A special edition of Grand Marnier celebrating the 100th anniversary of the creation of the company by founder Jean-Baptiste Lapostolle. This special cuvee was created in 1927. A smooth and elegant blend of cognacs aged up to 25 years, distilled essence of wild tropical oranges and the "Marnier secret".
Caol Ila 12 Year
$99.99
The most overlooked of all the peated heavyweights, despite the fact that it out-produces all of them by a substantial margin, Caol Ila (pronounced 'cull-eela') is a not-so-hidden gem for malt lovers. It is a sister distillery to Lagavulin (and Port Ellen!) and produces whisky with the same level of phenols as Lag, though generally speaking Caol Ila is a tick more delicate. The distillery's general profile is usually fairly citrus-driven, with a strong maritime influence and clean herbal notes. The 12 year old is an icon, but if you ever get a chance to walk up the age-stated range into the 20s and 30s, do not pass up the opportunity.
43% abv
Producer Tasting Note
Nose: Subdued, citric fruitiness; a whiff of bath oil and dentist's mouthwash. A fresh and appetising nose, with little or no trace of smoke.
Palate: Drinks well at natural strength; sweet start; pleasant, light fragrant smokiness and a lengthy finish.
Finish: Sweet smokiness in the lingering, slightly sour finish.
Ridge Three Valleys Zinfandel
$62.99
89 points from Antonio Galloni, vinous.com for the 2014 vintage! The review: "The 2014 Three Valleys, Ridge's entry-level Zinfandel-based red, is a delicious, value-priced red to drink young, while the fruit remains vibrant. Sweet floral notes and a burst of spiciness round out the 2014 edition."
Quinta do Crasto Douro
$24.99
On the right bank of the Douro River, between Régua and Pinhão, lies Quinta do Crasto, a 135-hectare estate, 74 of which are planted to vines. The property benefits from the prime conditions of this privileged location in the Cima Corgo region and produces premium and super premium Douro and Porto wines from grapes coming from some of the oldest and most historic vines in the Douro. This wine is made from traditional Douro red grape varieties: Tinta Roriz, Touriga Nacional, Tinta Barroca and Touriga Franca. The tannins have been toned down to produce a fresh, easy-drinking Douro red.
Arran Robert Burns Blended Scotch Whisky
$29.99
The Robert Burns Blended Scotch Whisky is produced by the Isle of Arran Distillers. Bottled at 40% ABV.
Ruinart Blanc de Blancs
$179.99
Champagne! And 89 points from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, too. The review: "The NV Brut Blanc de Blancs is a great introduction to the house style. This elegant, fragrant wine offers up an array of smoke, toastiness, minerals, ripe pears and flowers. The medium-bodied NV Blanc de Blancs offers tons of clarity and precision at this level, with the lingering Ruinart sweetness on the finish. Ruinart is Champagne’s oldest house, with a history that dates back to 1729."