Australia

Jauma 2017 McLaren Vale "Sand on Schist" Chenin Blanc

"Sand on Schist" is James Erskine & Fionna Wood's sprightly Chenin Blanc from the Blewitt Springs Vineyard planted in the early 1940s in McLaren Vale. The age of the vines and the geological treasure of the white sandy soils with scattered quartz and schist form an idiosyncratic site for those who cherish the idea of Australian terroir. The subsoil is heavy clay that retains enough water for the vines to be dry-farmed. The grapes are certified organic and hand-harvested with care. The final wine is bottled under crown-cap without any added sulfur, acids, or foreign yeasts. The 2017 is the color of a golden afternoon, with vivid aromas of wet sand, salty kelp, squeezed lemon, spicy ginger, and tangy funk. The palate is brisk and lip-smacking with notes of green apple, lemon, salty leesiness, and finishes with a persistent flavor of fresh peach flesh. This bottle makes us nostalgic for long afternoons on warmer days. Fans of natural wines will not be disappointed if they choose to drink now, but we suspect this wine will benefit from some time in bottle to allow its mighty terroir to shine. Amanda Bowman 

  • white
  • 7 in stock
  • $36.99

  • Organic
  • No Sulfur

Paxton 2015 McLaren Vale Shiraz

We've been fans of the Paxtons since we started carrying their wines in 2008. Though we've never walked through the vineyards in Australia, we have hosted tastings with the Paxton family over the years, and they're great people. Their wines are also very delicious. This is a Shiraz blended from four of of their bio-dynamically farmed vineyard parcels, and giving a fresh but very generous introduction to the McLaren Vale region. There's a subtle touch of oak that blends perfectly with the lush silky Shiraz fruit. A full bodied wine, for sure, but with great balance and drink-ability.

  • red
  • 48 in stock
  • $21.99

  • Organic
  • Biodynamic

Sam Vinciullio 2017 Margaret River Warner Glen Red/White

"Red/White" 2017 is a provocative blend of organically grown Merlot (55%) and Semillon (45%) that Sam Vinciullo purchased from the Warner Glen vineyard in Margaret River. Ever careful and deliberate, Vinciullo de-stemmed and basket-pressed the Merlot and let the Semillon macerate on its skins. The hand-picked grapes are co-fermented in stainless tank and gently plunged by hand. All of his wines are bottled without fining, filtration, or added sulfur. In the glass the wine is the color of black cherry and redolent with plump blackberries, pressed violets, coffee grounds, and heady eucalyptus aromas. The fresh and kaleidoscopic palate shifts from notes of crunchy blueberries and mint to bracing passionfruit, pear skins, and spicy green pepper. A dazzling wine from a talented winemaker. We're looking forward to tasting his 2018 vintage which will be made from his own fruit in Cowaramup! Amanda Bowman

  • red
  • 5 in stock
  • $35.99

  • Organic
  • No Sulfur