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Red
750ml
Bottle: $34.94
12 bottles: $34.24
Strikes an appealing balance between spiced notes of black cherry and juicy raspberry at the core and more nuanced...
12 FREE
WS
92
Sale
Red
750ml
Bottle: $46.90 $48.00
Very attractive hibiscus with sliced strawberries and orange peel aromas that follow through to a medium body with...
12 FREE
JS
93
DC
92
Sale
Red
750ml
Bottle: $21.60 $24.00
12 bottles: $19.00
Fresh and vibrant, showcasing cranberry, pomegranate and strawberry flavors that mingle with green tea, toasted herbs...
WS
89
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Red
750ml - Case of 12
Bottle: $22.50
Lovely lifted florals with dried herbs and savoury spices backed up by sweet strawberry notes; creamy, rich and bold....
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DC
91
Sale
Red
750ml
Bottle: $34.94 $36.08
12 bottles: $34.24
Presents pretty clove, nutmeg and cardamom details that are a lovely complement to the sleek maraschino cherry,...
12 FREE
WS
93
WE
92
Red
750ml
Bottle: $53.94
12 bottles: $52.86
This wine shows black currant, ripe red plum fruit and spicy aromatics following through to a rich plush but...
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Red
750ml
Bottle: $69.93
6 bottles: $68.53
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Red
750ml - Case of 6
Bottle: $55.03
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Red
750ml - Case of 6
Bottle: $42.58
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Red
750ml - Case of 6
Bottle: $47.80
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Red
750ml - Case of 6
Bottle: $47.80
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Red
750ml - Case of 6
Bottle: $55.20
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Red
750ml - Case of 6
Bottle: $60.28
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Red
750ml - Case of 6
Bottle: $125.16
This has very attractive, ripe red-cherry and plum aromas with spicy and sappy complexity, sitting in such a pure...
JS
96
DC
94
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Red
750ml - Case of 6
Bottle: $59.69
A rich and rather decadent nose of ripe strawberry, smoke and grilled meat follows through to a full body with layers...
JS
96
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94
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Red
750ml - Case of 6
Bottle: $67.02
Very attractive hibiscus with sliced strawberries and orange peel aromas that follow through to a medium body with...
JS
93
DC
92
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Red
750ml - Case of 6
Bottle: $54.94
Lovely seductive aromas of perfectly ripe strawberries with fresh flowers and orange. Medium body, very fine with...
JS
94
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Red
750ml - Case of 6
Bottle: $102.61
There is an opulence and intensity here yet it remains fresh and vivid with orange peel and ripe strawberry aromas...
JS
97
WA
95
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Red
750ml - Case of 6
Bottle: $67.02
Fantastic clarity and transparency in this wine with fresh strawberries and cherries. So bright. Medium to full body...
JS
95
WA
94
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Red
750ml - Case of 6
Bottle: $81.76
Beautifully concentrated nose with ripe strawberries and raspberries, black cherry, hints of star anise and delicate...
DC
96
JS
95

Assyrtiko Pinot Noir Vermouth New Zealand Central Otago 750ml

Cultivated since at least the middle of the Byzantine era, the Assyrtiko grape is generally considered to be one the finest of the Greek grape varietals, as a result of its multi-purpose properties and ability to flourish on a wide range of terrains. The ancient Byzantines used it in conjunction with Aidani and Athiri grapes for the production of their unusual and naturally sweet Vinsanto wines, which are still produced today in Santorini, and continue to be popular. However, the Assyrtiko grapes are used for many different AOC wines across Greece, and are favored by wine makers who want to maintain a dryness and acidic punch to their produce.

The Assyrtiko grapes are renowned for their ability to maintain their acidity as they ripen beneath the blazing Mediterranean sun, resulting in wines which have a distinctive dryness and a range of citrus fruit aromas, as well as great structure and high tannins. Often, Assyrtiko grapes will produce wines which leave an unusual after-taste reminiscent of the mineral rich, volcanic soils they are grown in on the slopes of Santorini, making them a favorite for wine drinkers looking for something full of character and interesting attributes. The past twenty five years have seen Assyrtiko vines planted all over the Greek mainland, and even in Attica and Macedonia, where the softer terrain often produces more fruit forward wines with a milder, less astringent character. However, wherever this fine grape varietal is grown, it is rare the results will be anything less than excellent.

Additional Information on Greek Wines


Greek Wines
Ancient Greek Wines – A Brief History of Wine in Greece
The Myth of Dionysus, Greek God of Wine
What is Retsina?

Regularly described as being the grape varietal responsible for producing the world's most romantic wines, Pinot Noir has long been associated with elegance and a broad range of flavors The name means 'black pine' in French, and this is due to the fact that the fruit of this particular varietal is especially dark in color, and hangs in a conical shape, like that of a pine cone. Despite being grown today in almost every wine producing country, Pinot Noir is a notoriously difficult grape variety to cultivate. This is because it is especially susceptible to various forms of mold and mildew, and thrives best in steady, cooler climates. However, the quality of the fruit has ensured that wineries and vintners have persevered with the varietal, and new technologies and methods have overcome many of the problems it presents. Alongside this, the wide popularity and enthusiasm for this grape has ensured it will remain a firm favorite amongst wine drinkers for many years to come.

As with nearby Australia, New Zealand has over the past century proven itself to be a superb location for producing high quality wines in vast amounts, with much of the cooler regions of both islands being used primarily for vine cultivation. New Zealand wineries are notable for their enthusiasm in regards to experimentation, and for utilizing modern technologies and methods to make the most of the imported grape varietals which flourish in the rich, fertile soils and oceanic climate. In recent years, it has been the New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc wines which have gained the most attention, as a result of their smoky character and ability to carry the mineral rich nature of the terroir they grow in. Changing consumer interests have brought about a considerable rise in the production of organic and sustainable wines in New Zealand, of which again, the Sauvignon Blanc varietals are leading the way in regards to excellence, flavor and overall character.

Being in the south of New Zealand's lower island, there is no question of the fact that Central Otago is the most southerly wine region on earth. However, despite its rather extreme positioning, the past century or so has proven that Central Otago is in fact something of an idyllic area for viticulture, being shielded by the harsh, oceanic climate by a mountain range which results in a favorable micro climate. Indeed, the region enjoys long, hot and dry summers followed by pleasant autumns, perfect for ripening grapes. This did not go unnoticed by early French settlers in the 19th century, and before long, vineyards were being planted on the sides of vast glacial valleys, and even the earliest results were promising. Today, Central Otago produces an impressive quantity of wine, mostly made with the ever-present Pinot Noir grape varietal, and exports it all over the world.