The Pinot Noir & Grenache Thread

15% off all wine @ Moreish with EOFY - ends next Wednesday:
  • D.M.L. Yarra Valley Pinot Noir 2019 $51
  • D.M.L. Mornington Peninsula Pinot Noir 2019 $51
  • Jilly Wine Co. 'Black Mountain' Pinot Noir 2019 $40.80

free delivery on $200+ orders @ GoodDrop - ends today

2019 Yangarra Ovitelli Grenache - MB97, GW96, AB95, NG93 - $51 @ Fine Wine Merchant - ends next Tuesday - price match @ United Cellars


via Winefront: now $21.99/$22.99 :) don't forget MP club members price guarantee for free delivery


 
Bought this today from VM broker -

Bendigo Hills - The Stone Cottage Pinot Noir 2016. Apparently its Rock Ferry 3rd Rock but relabelled due to something with rights or label clash in Australia...Anyway it was on pre arival so no doubt it’ll hit the in boxes soon

Anyway, I plunged in for 12 bottles which at about $20 per bottle minus a referal credit of $25 with free shipping will sort me out for my pinot scarcity.
It's listed at $16 a bottle, did you receive it yet?
 
It's listed at $16 a bottle, did you receive it yet?
Are you seeing the Bendigo hills 2018 @ $16?

The ‘stone cottage’ bendigo hills is slightly different.

Should be arriving tomorrow. Excited!
 
Are you seeing the Bendigo hills 2018 @ $16?

The ‘stone cottage’ bendigo hills is slightly different.

Should be arriving tomorrow. Excited!
Oh $19.90, and this is solid? It's relabeled?
 
Oh $19.90, and this is solid? It's relabeled?
Should be pretty damn good I reckon. You’d be hard pushed to get better for the price point IMO. Proof is in the pudding - I’ll try it tomorrow.
As I said above it’s relabelled from Rock Ferry Winery as informed by the VM broker
 
Bendigo Hills Stone Cottage Pinot

So I got my box about an hour ago. Had one of those days where things just aint working the way they should. Add that to my anticipation of receiving this wine I thought - Hey, it's 5 o clock in NZ....

Looks great in the glass - A wonderful translucent cherry red with purple hue. You can tell this has some depth by looking at it.
The nose is subtle spice and vanilla. Savory red fruits with a touch of funk.
The palate is pretty damn good! Front to back palate is top notch and smooth. Powerful and traditional pinot flavors holding their weight with a lingering finish and decent tannins. This pinot is no teenager and with the bit of age it has, it is still very lively! Could go another few years IMO.

4.2 Stars
Ticks all my boxes


For $19.90 you'll be hard push to find a better wine. Original price $60 - would I pay that? Probably not, if I did, I would not be astoundingly disappointed. I reckon this wine sits around the $35-$45 bracket and would easily hold it's own with pinots in that bracket.

If you like Central Otago Pinot, it's worth jumping on!
 
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Mac Forbes 2019 Single Vineyard Release Dinners:
  • BNE: Dinner @ Maeve Wine Bar - 6.30pm Wednesday 5th May - $145
  • SYD: Dinner @ Wine Library - 7pm Tuesday 25th May - $145
from the 2019 vintage, all of our Single Vineyard wines will be exclusively from our own properties
  • Woori Yallock Ferguson Chardonnay 2019 - GW95, HH93
  • Hoddles Creek Spear Gully Chardonnay 2019 - GW94+, HH90
  • Woori Yallock Ferguson Pinot Noir 2019 - GW94, HH94
  • Gladysdale Little Yarra Pinot Noir 2019 - GW96, HH94
Mac Forbes 2019 Single Vineyard 4pk $270 delivered ($67.50/bt) @ Different Drop after $25 voucher - ends today
  • 2019 Mac Forbes Gladysdale Little Yarra Pinot Noir
  • 2019 Mac Forbes Woori Yallock Ferguson Pinot Noir
  • 2019 Mac Forbes Woori Yallock Ferguson Chardonnay
  • 2019 Mac Forbes Hoddles Creek Spear Gully Chardonnay
Mac Forbes Offer Plus New Imports @ Five Way Cellars

Jean-Marc Burgaud Morgon Grands Cras 2019 - JS(SP)96, WA(WK)92 - $41.99/$39.89 in any 12pk @ World Wine - price match @ United Cellars
Unmissable Beaujolais from Jean-Marc Burgaud @ MW Wines

 
2019 S.C. Pannell Old McDonald (GW96) & Smart (GW95) Grenache 2019 $55 each @ Fine Wine Merchant - ends Tuesday - price match @ Different Drop, Cloudwine, United Cellars

Paralian Grenache 2020 - GW96 - $42 @ myCellars (pm for free delivery code)

10% off $200 spend + free delivery @ Punch with 200+:
  • 2017 Punch Lance's Vineyard Close Planted Pinot Noir - CM(WF)96, JH95 - $70 or $63 in 3pk after 10% off
  • 2008 Punch 6pk $252 ($42/bt) - release ratings:
    • 2x 2008 Punch Lance's Vineyard Chardonnay - JH95, CM(WF)94
    • 2x 2008 Punch Lance's Vineyard Pinot Noir - JH96, CM(WF)95
    • 2x 2008 Punch Lance's Vineyard Close Planted Pinot Noir - JH96, CM(WF)94
 
30% off imported wine @ Buzz Wines via voucher includes:

  • Jackson Brooke is the best new Australian pinot noir I've had in a while - highly recommended
Jackson Brooke Pinot Noir 2020 375ml 6pk $68 delivered ($11.33/375ml) @ Airoldi with FREESHIPPING


$38.24/$37.39 @ The Wine Collective (less 8.5% Cashrewards, $10/$20 voucher)

  • Gembrook Hill Pinot Noir 2019 - CM(WF)95 - $48/$51 @ Prince Wine Store

  • Gembrook Hill IJM Pinot Noir 2018 - MB96, JH95, HH93 - $76.50 in 6pk @ Qantas (less 10% Points Plus)






JR17.5:
  • S C Pannell, Old McDonald Grenache 2017 McLaren Vale
  • Thistledown, This Charming Man Single Vineyard Grenache 2018 McLaren Vale
JR17:
  • Thistledown, Sands of Time Old Vine Single Vineyard Grenache 2018 McLaren Vale
  • Yangarra, High Sands Grenache 2017 McLaren Vale
  • Ministry of Clouds Grenache 2018 McLaren Vale
JR16.5:
  • Bondar, Rayner Vineyard Grenache 2019 McLaren Vale
  • Thistledown, She's Electric, Old Vine Single Vineyard Grenache 2019 McLaren Vale
  • Willunga 100, The Hundred Clarendon Grenache 2017 McLaren Vale
JR16+:
  • Willunga 100, The Hundred Blewitt Springs Grenache 2018 McLaren Vale
  • Aphelion, The Confluence Grenache 2018 McLaren Vale
JR16:
  • Wirra Wirra, The Absconder Grenache 2018 McLaren Vale
JR16-:
  • Bekkers Grenache 2017 McLaren Vale
 


  • Bass Phillip
  • Bannockburn
  • Hurley Vineyard
  • Craggy Range

Grenache to Try
  • 2020 Schwarz 1968 Grenache, Barossa Valley, A$50
  • 2020 Adelina Estate Grenache, Clare Valley, A$40
  • 2019 Aphelion Affinity Grenache Mataro Shiraz, McLaren Vale, A$38
  • 2014 Cirillo 1850 Ancestor Vine Grenache, Barossa Valley, A$70

  • THE $75 WINE | 2020 Seppeltsfield Great Terraced Vineyard Grenache [Barossa Valley]
  • 2020 Seppeltsfield Great Terraced Vineyard Grenache - AC96, TG/AH95/++, HH92, GW91+


vouchers available until this Tuesday
 


  • Bass Phillip
  • Bannockburn
  • Hurley Vineyard
  • Craggy Range

Grenache to Try
  • 2020 Schwarz 1968 Grenache, Barossa Valley, A$50
  • 2020 Adelina Estate Grenache, Clare Valley, A$40
  • 2019 Aphelion Affinity Grenache Mataro Shiraz, McLaren Vale, A$38
  • 2014 Cirillo 1850 Ancestor Vine Grenache, Barossa Valley, A$70


  • 2020 Seppeltsfield Great Terraced Vineyard Grenache - AC96, TG/AH95/++, HH92, GW91+



vouchers available until this Tuesday
2020 Schwarz 1968 Grenache, Barossa Valley is available for $40 online
BWS has Cirillo on clearance around the country, I'm not 100% on the vintage.

Domaine Fabien Coche Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2019 $44.80 available at Kent Cellars locally in Adelaide for $47 with no discounts.
 
Bodega Chacra Cincuenta y Cinco Pinot Noir 2020 - JS98, GW96 (recent vintages WA(LG)/JS97-98) - apparently Argentina's top pinot noir
  • $85 @ Moreish after 15% off with LD - 3 left
  • $94.99 @ Nicks after 5% off - 5 left

  • 50% off 2018 Roger Sabon 'Rhone by Roger' Cotes du Rhone $15 @ Fine Wine Merchant - free delivery with $100 spend
"The 2018 Côtes Du Rhône By Roger Sabon is a forward, charming effort that has loads of black raspberry and blackberry fruits as well as notes of cured meats, spice, and pepper. It has beautiful fruit, medium-bodied, no hard edges, and loads of upfront charm. It's ideal for drinking over the coming 2-4 years. 89 points, drink 2019 to 2023." Jeb Dunnuck.


These crus were the source of our highest-rated wines, all three rating 97 points. These are not only extremely impressive wines, but also strikingly different in character and style. The Château des Bachelards – Comtesse de Vazeilles Fleurie Le Clos 2018 is super-silky and refined the Domaine Anita Moulin-à-Vent La Rochelle 2019 concentrated and plush and the Yohan Lardy Moulin-à-Vent Vieilles Vignes de 1903 2019 enormously deep with a striking smoked bacon character.
For us this diversity is the sure sign of a maturing wine region and it was also clearly present in the eight wines wines that rated 96 points. For example, the incredibly floral expressiveness of the Château Thivin Côte-de-Brouilly Cuvée Zaccharie 2019 and the densely structured Jean-Marc Burgaud Morgon Côte du Py 2019 are both great reds unlike anything else on Planet Wine.
The twin great vintages of 2018 and 2019 showcase this beautifully. 2019 is probably the most consistently exciting vintage for Beaujolais since 1976, although we still have a soft spot for 2015. These wines have the classic lively acidity and vibrant aromas of the region’s reds from the indigenous gamay grape with lots of floral, spice and licorice notes. The 2018 vintage was the warmest growing season on record and mildew in June-July dramatically reduced crop levels. The best 2018s are powerful and concentrated with fine tannins and enough acidity to balance. Some vineyards experienced drought stress and/or were picked a bit too late resulting in atypically soft wines.
Wine Advocate's William Kelley seems to consider Daniel Bouland Morgon Les Delys the best/value Beaujolais, rating it 96/94+/95/95+ for the 2017-2020 vintages, the latter of which have recently been released:
  • 2019 $49 @ Different Drop (less $10 voucher) - 2 left
  • 2020 $47/$50 @ Prince Wine Store
  • 2020 $47.49 @ Nicks after 5% off - 4 left
  • 2019 $48 @ Auswine - possibly sold out


Joseph Faiveley Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2019 $29.90 in 6pk @ Boccaccio
I haven't had much burgundy, though may be catching the bug now, but this is the best Bourgogne Rouge I've had yet - different from, but as good as, some of my favourite pinot noirs, including 2017 Lethbridge, Bay of Fires, Hoddles Creek

As with Beaujolais, 2019 also seems to be a year for Burgundy - Jeremy Holmes at d’Or to Door:
A word about Burgundy. Much of France experienced devastating frosts last week. We heard from Alexandrine Roy (Domaine Marc Roy), and she may not make a single bottle of red wine from 2021, such is the damage. 2019 is relatively small crop for many, but one of outstanding quality. With low and/or no yield crops coming through in the next couple of vintages, there will be serious pressure on supply and pricing. We suggest you load up on some 2019’s while you can.
i've had multiple people let me know that 2019 Domaine de Bellene Bourgogne Rouge Maison Dieu Vieilles Vignes (Pommard) is one of the best Bourgognes that they've had - $39.99 @ WineStar (price match @ Prince Wine Store, maybe Randall's)
 
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Bodega Chacra Cincuenta y Cinco Pinot Noir 2020 - JS98, GW96 (recent vintages WA(LG)/JS97-98) - apparently Argentina's top pinot noir
  • $85 @ Moreish after 15% off with LD - 3 left
  • $94.99 @ Nicks after 5% off - 5 left

  • 50% off 2018 Roger Sabon 'Rhone by Roger' Cotes du Rhone $15 @ Fine Wine Merchant - free delivery with $100 spend
"The 2018 Côtes Du Rhône By Roger Sabon is a forward, charming effort that has loads of black raspberry and blackberry fruits as well as notes of cured meats, spice, and pepper. It has beautiful fruit, medium-bodied, no hard edges, and loads of upfront charm. It's ideal for drinking over the coming 2-4 years. 89 points, drink 2019 to 2023." Jeb Dunnuck.



Wine Advocate's William Kelley seems to consider Daniel Bouland Morgon Les Delys the best/value Beaujolais, rating it 96/94+/95/95+ for the 2017-2020 vintages, the latter of which have recently been released:
  • 2019 $49 @ Different Drop (less $10 voucher) - 2 left
  • 2020 $47/$50 @ Prince Wine Store
  • 2020 $47.49 @ Nicks after 5% off - 4 left
  • 2019 $48 @ Auswine - possibly sold out



i've had multiple people let me know that 2019 Domaine de Bellene Bourgogne Rouge Maison Dieu Vieilles Vignes (Pommard) is one of the best Bourgognes that they've had - $39.99 @ WineStar (price match @ Prince Wine Store, maybe Randall's)

Thanks @qaz I’ve just bought 2 of the 2019 Domaine de Bellene Bourgogne Rouge Maison Dieu Vieilles Vignes (Pommard) on your suggestion and 2 of their Chardonnay as well. I got mine price matched at Different Drop (they have cheaper shopping - $10 for under $150, and free above $150). Links here if anyone needs them: Rogue and Chardonnay



Recent posts elsewhere: The Pinot Noir & Grenache Thread, The Chardonnay Thread, Advice on champagne




MEL/SYD:
  • Bass Phillip Estate Chardonnay 2019
  • Bass Phillip Premium Chardonnay 2019
  • Bass Phillip 17k Pinot Noir 2019
  • Bass Phillip Estate Pinot Noir 2019
  • Pass Phillip Premium Pinot Noir 2019
national:
6-7.30pm Wednesday 22nd September
4x 375ml = $155 delivered:
  • Josmeyer Riesling 2018, Alsace
  • Vacheron Sancerre 2019, Loire Valley
  • Blain Gagnard 2013 Volnay 1er Cru Champans, Burgundy
  • Delas Crozes Hermitage 2018, Rhone Valley
6.30pm AEST Friday 24th September
6x 100ml = $65:
  • Bianco 2019
  • Fiano 2019 (pre-release)
  • Greco 2021 (straight from the amphorae)
  • Rosso 2019 (new-release)
  • Sagrantino 2019
  • Aglianico 2019 (new-release)


  • what wines do you like?
  • which regions and/or varieties are you considering/exploring?
  • what's your budget?
  • are there any good independent wine stores that you can visit in person?
TOB's newsletters are here, but there are a number of other French wine importers around, some specialising in certain wines

besides above, there was a recent Loire Valley online tasting with chenin blanc and cabernet franc; this week Vintec have one on the southwest, featuring Cahors (malbec) and Jurancon (manseng), possibly with the help of Mosaique; previously,


if this is too off-topic, then perhaps consider creating a new thread, such as "wine recommendations - what should i buy?"



life's too short to drink or waste money on inferior wine - i rely on professional reviews and specialised blogs, particular posters/forums, personal recommendations from those more knowledgeable, CellarTracker - Vivino is the last place that i'd check


you need to look harder at better stores - Buzz is the retail arm of importer/distributor Vintage & Vine :)



look forward to your reviews of their wines :)


so you know the prices of the wines in France, but how is TOB cheaper if they can't be found here? But to answer your other question, I love the Aussie classics - Shiraz, cab sav, pinot and rieslings, but my motivation for Bring in

But to answer your other question, I love most Australian classics - Shiraz, cab sav, pinot and riesling are probably at the top. But my motivation for branching into French wine was to try something different and go in with an open mind. So really just after a broad mix to see what I like, and at probably around/under $50pb (hence trying the ones you mentioned above). By the way, that comparison list you have dug up and quoted is great - thanks !
 
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