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The UK's No.1 Australian Wine Specialist  How do you accept outright stupidity? No one is perfect and that includes The Vinorium. That said, we try blooming hard to get as close as humanly possible. I accept mistakes happen however, I am a firm believer in adopting back-up layers to ensure very few slip through the net. Outright, commercial stupidity is exactly that and I genuinely find it incomprehensible. Specific to our industry – the bigger the company the more stupid they are. Ignorance and arrogance meld into the same pot resulting in what can only be described as, ‘are you f***ing kidding me’… Forgive me if you find offence however, and if you read-on, you try finding a better description… We sought to purchase a wine – specifically, 800 cases (4,800 bottles) which is not a small number. In 2023, we had purchased two wines (circa 2,100 bottles) from the same collection. Granted, pricing was super-keen, but times are hard and markets depressed. 2024 will undoubtedly be harder which forces a ‘real’ sense of commerciality. Some are banking on China’s doors reopening however, that’s a foolish and dangerous game to play. 17 January 2024 – we asked ‘them’ for availability which they kindly provided. We asked them to reserve the stock (all 800 cases) and looked forward to sampling the wine. I posed the question, “presumably, this is the same price as last year’s offer?” Them “I have a meeting with Finance this afternoon to confirm all pricing so I will revert as soon as we finish.” Prices kindly received within two hours… My response “My customers would section me under the mental health act if I came out with a generic Saint Estephe @ £130.00. This is more expensive than the likes of Leoville Barton / Poyferre etc… The Burgundy has increased by 375% - great business if you can get it, but it’s a firm no from us…” Them “I have a meeting later to understand the position of the stock and what pricing we can get for you as I totally appreciate what you are saying. I’ll come back to you once I have an update – hopefully later today.” We sat, bemused, and drank wine… A day or so later – Them “The stock is off the table as I have been advised it is destined for Asia.” We sat in silence, shook our heads in disbelief, and drank more wine… I chose not to respond as I was lost for words (save for ‘are you f***ing kidding me’). The large wine players are gargantuan however, if size wasn’t on their side, they would go out of business. We purchased a container (circa 6,000 bottles) of Clarendon Hills from one. One pallet (600 bottles) failed to arrive. Currently it’s orbiting around the earth with Starlink's satellite internet constellation as they (allegedly) have no idea where the pallet went. Another sent the wrong vintage of Tassie fizz to our HQ warehouse – just 27 cases mind you! Naturally, we queried the cock-up. They hadn’t a clue – ‘a real surprise’ to quote… Essentially, the wrong wine was shipped from Australia, UK purchasing and their warehouse team both failed to pick-up on the vintage, order entry entered the incorrect wine onto their system and reps were selling the wrong vintage. Another sent cases of very expensive Pinot Noir with the wrong labels on. The front labels were correct however, the back labels and name of the wine were destined for different bottles. I kid you not – I could write a book based on my experiences with the three, wine giants. Bafoons, the lot of them… Take care of the pennies and the pounds will take care of themselves is clearly not followed by them. Accolade is in a financial mess – they’ve sold-off their most prized asset in House of Arras, as the weight of debt is taking its toll. Today (Friday) Aussie wine news reports Accolade as, “reached agreement with lenders on a recapitalisation plan that will "significantly strengthen” its financial position and support the company’s success in key markets." Under the terms of the recapitalisation plan, Australian Wine Holdco Limited (AWL), which is a group of institutional investors, will take equity ownership of Accolade, resulting in a change of control from existing shareholders. They go on a say, “Accolade has experienced acute operating and financial conditions, driven by numerous economic factors including a structural downturn in wine demand, cost inflation, excess grape supply given historical arrangements, and elevated debt levels.” Yet, and most importantly, there is no mention of outright poor management and business practices. There is a complete lack of attention to operational detail and one of the major reasons why they are in such a mess. Good luck to Wine Holdco Limited however, and if I were one of the investors, I would drill down operational practices and those that work within them… This week, Treasury Wine Estates was hit with a 46 per cent protest vote over executive pay, after the board allowed share-based incentives to chief executive Tim Ford on the basis that no-one could have foreseen the heavy profit drop from punishing wine tariffs imposed by China. It was the first time in its 12-year history as a standalone ASX company that Treasury Wine was dealt a first strike around remuneration, meaning votes cast against the resolution exceeded the 25 per cent level necessary to qualify as a strike. If only the share holders knew of their utter (respective) incompetence. Personally, all management (from the bottom to the top) require a serious kick up the arse. Moreover, they all require a leader who genuinely cares for the pennies and is prepared to make sweeping changes. Personally, I would sack the lot of them and start afresh… Delivery Update - Torbreck Wines Our delivery has arrived at our HQ warehouse and is currently being prepared for despatch. All orders placed for home delivery will be leaving us on Tuesday for delivery on Wednesday 7th February. If this date is not convenient, please ensure you contact the team before noon on Tuesday 6th February and we will arrange your delivery for an alternative date. For those customers who purchased under bond for either storage on onward delivery • The wines have arrived at LCB. We anticipate LCB will take a few days to complete the landing. • Storing with The Vinorium: Once landed, we will transfer your wines to your customer cellar accounts. • Under bond transfer to another bonded account: Once landed, we will transfer your wines to your nominated bond. Invoices will be raised for bond-to-bond delivery charges. We will contact you directly. I missed out on the new collection We have a tiny quantity of stock which will be available to order from Wednesday 7th. Keep your eyes peeled for our email as we will be sharing our tasting notes. Review of the Month - January Thank you so much for continuing to submit your reviews, it really is a pleasure to read your kind words about your experiences of shopping at The Vinorium and your thoughts on the wines you have purchased from us. This month we've decided to split the prize between two reviewers; Richard and Ian. Thank you both for your kind words. We'll be sending you each a bottle of something delicious early next week.  Ian said, "I really enjoy buying wine from The Vinorium, I wish I could do it more often. From Stu’s excellent weekly message (that usually makes me want to buy more wine!) which gives great insight into the wine industry more broadly and the stories of individual producers. The descriptions and tasting notes are not only well written, but actually useful too. Not always the case elsewhere. I can get a good sense of what wine is going to be for me. And from there comes the trust. Anyone spending their hard earned wine kitty doesn’t want to be guessing what they might like. There’s a lot of very high quality wine for sale at Vinorium, some at luxury price points, others more affordable. But I always feel there is an honesty and trust there that I’m going to get something decent for what I’m paying. I look forward to those deliveries. Richard said, "Ah, The Vinorium, my digital oasis in the vast desert of the internet! This online emporium is not just a store; it's like a virtual tour of Australian wine country, and I've been clicking my way through this delightful journey for more years than I care to admit – or, as my bank manager would cheekily confirm, "frequently enough to consider it a hobby." Navigating The Vinorium's website is like being a kid in a candy store, if that candy store was exclusively stocked with the finest Australian wines. Each click brings a new discovery, from the bold Shirazes that could give a kangaroo a run for its money, to the crisp Chardonnays as refreshing as a dip in the Great Barrier Reef. The selection is so extensive, it's like they've got a GPS tracker on every grape in Australia. They specialize in wines that are as unique and diverse as the Australian landscape itself – which means you can travel from the Barossa Valley to Margaret River without ever leaving your couch. It's like going on a wine-tasting road trip, minus the risk of getting lost or the need for pit stops. The descriptions of each wine are a story unto themselves. They're not just tasting notes; they're love letters to the grape, penned by someone who clearly has a crush on fermentation. Reading them is like going on a first date with each bottle, except you're guaranteed a second date because, well, you're going to click 'Add to Cart'. And let's talk about the service. The Vinorium team is like your wise wine-whispering friend, always ready with a recommendation. They respond to inquiries faster than a sommelier at a wine trivia night. It's like they sense you're in need of wine guidance and poof! – an email response appears. As for the delivery, it's like Christmas morning, but better, because you know exactly what you're getting and it's always wine. The bottles arrive at your doorstep, cradled in packaging that could survive a journey to the moon and back. It's like receiving a loving hug from Australia, in liquid form. In conclusion, as a long-time patron of The Vinorium, I can attest that it's not just a store, it's a lifeline for those who believe that a meal without wine is like a day without sunshine. And yes, my bank manager might raise an eyebrow at my frequent purchases, but as I like to say, "Some invest in stocks, I invest in stocks of wine." Cheers to The Vinorium, the true MVP (Most Valuable Pourer) of Australian wine online! 🍷🇦🇺💻✨"  The New Wild Duck Creek Collection has arrived at our HQ and is available to purchase by-the-bottle.A word of caution – there isn’t very much left... We are delighted to physically reveal Wild Duck Creek’s new collection – a first for us all in the UK as key wines are usually reserved for domestic wine club members. Their ‘members only’ wines are only produced when exceptional conditions prevail. These wines are crafted to be of the highest quality and are powerful expressions of the vintage and of the Heathcote Wine Region. They are rare in every sense and made for maximum enjoyment along with offering incredible cellaring potential. We have priced the collection sensitively. Of course, and out of respect for customers who took advantage of October’s pre-arrival offer, physical prices have increased by circa 15% however, and compared to previous releases, these continue to represent fabulous value. Some of the very best quality to value in our portfolio, if we are being truthful. The white wines are sensational and deliver thrilling drinking. I have already tucked into my own Spruce and White Duck purchases. Accepted, Chardonnay is not a planted varietal at WDC however, Liam is producing a range which inspires interest and most importantly, huge enjoyment. Historically, Vinorium customers have shied away from most non-Chardonnay white varietals. I am a huge fan of Chardonnay, however, give me a Roussanne, Marsanne or a combination of both any day of the week… The Riesling is a young revelation. Stylistically, one of the best examples I have enjoyed for a long time. Texture and flavours are dialled-up for maximum enjoyment, which is missing from many examples we see. Australia should take note of this fearless style… The reds are colossal, but harmoniously balanced. All require lengthy decanting or a decade or more in the cellar. Liam makes use of all maturation vessels, French and American oak hogsheads – some old and a healthy proportion new. Whole bunches in the ferments for added texture and complexity and all hand plunged which shows absolute care. The Shiraz Pressings showcases extreme winemaking as the very last drops (gently squeezed from the skins) are captured in a bucket before being carefully poured into second use French oak barrels. The counterbalance between power and richness is an astonishing achievement. Unquestionably, this is a magnificent wine. I admire Liam’s unapologetic style. Clearly, he has fun and loves to showcase every aspect of the Heathcote (Victoria) region. Chasing critical acclaim is off the agenda. He doesn’t care, as he can sell his entire collection to his loyal, club members and 1,200 bottles to his UK fanbase…     A first for us – the ’21 Shiraz Pressings made in the same way as Springflat Shiraz, but it is the very last drops of wine to be squeezed from the skins in the basket press. This process often takes all night. Their press gently squeezes the skins under a lower pressure – the juice dribbles and drips into a bucket which is then poured into second use French oak barrels. The resulting wine is super special and is either bottled blended into Springflat Shiraz or Shiraz Reserve. Rarely is it bottled under its own label (previous releases 2012 and 2019) however, Liam explained the ‘21’s are very, very special… Stuart McCloskey "‘Liquid Gold’ declares Liam. Personally, more akin to the dark universe. The aromatics are spectacular by any measure – oodles of coal, graphite, damson, plum, blackberry, red fruits, leather, warm earth, lavender, pencil lead, salt and the sweetest spice. Espresso after lots of aeration. The palate is liquid velvet. The fruit is sumptuous and voluminous. For the ultimate, palate-staining experience – this is the one. Black and blue fruits infuse with violet pastille, vanilla, spiced fruitcake, dark chocolate and coffee. The tannins are shapely and wrap the fruit up in a blanket of cashmere. The counterbalance between power and richness is an astonishing achievement. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. Decanting is highly advisable (4-6 hours). Drink now to 2040+. Served using Zalto glassware." Mike Bennie, The Wine Front "I always enjoy catching the new Wild Duck Creek releases and seem to be only one of a few who might get a set each year to look at, though I suspect as always that the loyalists buy the wines regardless. Liam Anderson is firmly at the helm these days, David Anderson of course still a guidepost and looming figure there. More nuance with Liam, perhaps? The wines still of a theme and typically robust, but, as often, balance seems to make its mark. Here is the Pressings wine, where those bold juices are extracted slowly in a basket press (and often overnight!) as it is described. Magnificent example of bold, rich, ripe, muscular shiraz with robust and shapely tannins a feature. Inky in colour, inky in texture, scents of ripe blackcurrants, coal, cinnamon toast, new leather and dark chocolate. Similar flavours, something plummy and a lick of liquorice in there too, the finish a plume of milk and dark chocolate, molten in feel, staining the palate. The rub of silty tannin works a treat. It settles in beautifully, potent as can be but only gently warming, despite the quibbles some may have with the marked alcohol percentage. Nectar." £40.00 per bottle Only 30 bottles available     Stuart McCloskey "The one wine (from the new collection) which I am most excited about. The bouquet is a beguiling combination of ripe apricot, buttery pastry, poached pear, fresh vanilla pod, chamomile, sweet spice, a soupçon of orange zest and finishes with a beautiful spray of fresh flowers. A zip of lemon too. Textural exoticism personified. Oh Lordy, this is delightful. What a treat. This is a big wine, oily, seductive, silken - an absolute charmer. The sense of balance is perfect, which is quite the achievement. Flavours are divine and wrap the palate with orange zest, fresh fennel, honey and spiced, poached pear and quince. Confit citrus and brisk acidity provides lift and energy. More spice. This goes on and on… Exotic, broad, fleshy and packed with flavour and bountiful personality. Super impressive and will reward those who stash some away. Drink now to 2035. Served using Zalto Universal glassware. Bordeaux would work too…” £24.50 per bottle Only 30 bottles available   No stone is left unturned in the production of Shiraz Reserve. The vineyards are cared for meticulously through hard cane pruning, shoot thinning in spring, under-vine mulching, as well as fruit thinning if needed at veraison to control yield and separate bunches. The fruit is then partly destemmed, often using up to 50% whole bunches in the ferment to create layers of texture, slow down fermentation and control temperature. The resulting wine is then basket pressed into 100% new French oak barriques where it will lay for up to 27 months depending on the vintage. Stuart McCloskey "The bouquet is extraordinary. There was me thinking Standish has the gold medal for a bottomless bouquet. They’re now in second spot as this is impossibly deep and highly addictive. I genuinely take as much pleasure from sniffing this as I do consuming. Mulberry, plum and damson (all tinged with a soupçon of liquor / pastille like finish). There’s a touch of tart, redcurrant. The spices are sweet, liquorice, iron, fresh coffee, black olive, violet pastille and new leather lurking in the background. I would love to sniff this over 24-48 hours. I enjoy the chew to the palate – there’s more vigour than the ‘Shiraz Pressing’s. Tannins and acidity are dialled up a notch, which are both required to deal with the smorgasbord of sweet, palate-staining fruit – lots of spice too. Particularly pleasing is the floral character which contributes to the only touch of femininity. Hedonistic and will suit those seeking unrivalled vinous pleasure. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. Decanting is highly advisable (6-8+ hours). Drink now to 2050+. Served using Zalto glassware." Mike Bennie, The Wine Front "The bottle reminds us ‘Exceptional Selection’ which I like more than Premium or Reserve in many respects. Sounds a little old school, in the best sense. And practical in a way. This wine has a stipulation that yields must be 1.5kg per vine or less, and then chosen from the varied sites to make it up. There is 30% whole bunch in the ferment too. Spends almost two years in new French oak. Unfined and unfiltered to bottles. First sniffs start with clove, char, sandalwood, espresso and dark choc-mint with whiffs of ripe plum, black olive and blueberry. Fleshy in the palate with a weave of firm, dusty tannin, more woody nuance with clove and char again, some twiggy elements, dark chocolate a strong feature, anise, salted plums. It’s full on, potent, breathy in a way, and feels a little overt in its ripeness and booze-soaked berry kind of feel, but the flow is good and the overall impact impressive, without teetering. Of an ilk, but done well." £52.95 per bottle Only 18 bottles available  Roussanne, Marsanne, Viognier, Grenache Blanc  Stuart McCloskey “A glorious and uninhibited feast of Roussanne, Marsanne, Viognier and Grenache Blanc. Abundance is tamed by a skilful winemaker and natural acidity. The bouquet unfurls rather than sprints out of the glass with sea salt, preserved lemon, fresh fennel seed along with liquid minerals. Incredibly intense, but the clarity is vivid. As expected, the palate is generous, but far from overdone. Silken, expansive, nourishing and refreshingly juicy. Mouthwatering salinity along with an unmistakable pinch of white pepper. I am still tasting this wine after 5-minutes. Flavours are savoury, smoky, salty and deep. Complexity being its middle name and keeps you on the edge of your seat. How this might evolve (in bottle) is going to be a fascinating journey. Yes, it can be enjoyed today however, I believe a few years in the bottle will provide more satisfaction. 8-10 will deliver brilliance. Served using Zalto Universal glassware.” £18.50 per bottle Only 42 bottles available    Stuart McCloskey “Commonly, I find too many Aussie Riesling’s of the same ilk. Fashionably linear and often painful to enjoy in their youth. Hallelujah to a winemaker who doesn’t give a toss about fashion or critics. Here we have a winemaker who stays true to himself… The bouquet is a delight and fills the glass with heady aromatics of lavender, mandarin peel, jasmine, quince, confit citrus peel, smoked lemon and pear. Mineral tones are lifted with time in the glass. The palate feel is dry, generous and envelopes with buttered citrus, waves of spiced orchard fruits and a lovely lick of sea salt. The length is astonishing. Minerality and salty citrus notes resonate. Taut and slender, this is not. Instead, we have a generous, moreish and supremely balanced beauty… Liam suggests cellaring over the next 10-20 years. I would love to see this after a decade in the bottle. Today, this is merely brilliant. Served using Zalto Universal glassware.” Mike Bennie, The Wine Front "A bit of an ace in the hole is the white wine program at Wild Duck Creek. Liam Anderson of course had to twist David Anderson’s arms a few times to slip some white grapes into the winery, I imagine. Anyway, this riesling is barrel fermented and also sees stainless steel. This comes from two Wild Duck Creek vineyards. The label has been given a tweak from the one displayed too. Delicious riesling, has this mellow feel to it, textural and soft, a savoury vein and yet cool, briny acidity keeping things fresh. It’s not marching to the beat of ‘classic Aus riesling’ tropes, far away, it’s clad in baked apple, nectarine, preserved lemon, ginger, oatmeal and light alpine herbs. It’s very detailed and very good with a curious, almost nourishing feel to the wine. Of course it’s persistent in its flavours, has enough tension to speak of cellaring time yielding good things. Fantastic outre expression." £18.50 per bottle Only 36 bottles available    Springflat Shiraz is the original flagship wine. It is a blend of five distinct estate grown vineyards in the Heathcote region. Parcels of fruit are made separately, utilising a small amount of whole bunches in the ferments for added texture, hand plunged, basket pressed and then matured in French and American oak hogsheads for up to 22 months, 40% of which are new. Stuart McCloskey "Brooding in a word and takes some coaxing for sure. I advise decanting for at least 4-6 hours (more if you can spare the time). The blue and black fruits are tinged with minerals, which provides lift and added interest. Olive tapenade, bacon, orange zest, raspberry, woodsmoke and camphor provide the remainder of the olfactory ingredients. Rhône-esque, for sure (albeit sweeter)… The flavours, balance, tannins, and acidity are spot-on. The fruit is ripe, but wonderfully fresh. Lots of energy. Violette pastille and spiced fruitcake appear to be the hallmark for ’21. The tannins provide grip and acidity provides clarity. There’s a smoky overlay. I do enjoy the floral character too. There’s quality on show and the finish is extremely long. This feels like a ‘baby’ Reserve but fresher, and more approachable in its youth. Drink now or cellar for at least 15+ years. Served using Zalto glassware." Mike Bennie, The Wine Front "The Dry Bucket Tasting™, sometimes co-opted by GW, is synonymous with Wild Duck Creek and I figured that I best honour David Anderson’s long held belief that this is the best way to see these wines. Mind you, I kept the pours small-ish, lest I lose the powers to see the wines. This comes from five sites across the folio of WDCE vineyards. There’s around 40% new oak in the maturation process, which takes 20 months. Some of the oak is American. Lusty red, lush and plush. Scents of booze-soaked forest berries, coconut, clove, turned earth, liquorice, old spice cupboard. The palate is full figured, very concentrated, laced with firm-ish, woody tannins, deep in its forest berry fruitiness, a splash of espresso, choc-mint in there, finishes with clove and spice-soaked tannin profile doing a good job of pucker and building chew. It feels a touch warm but in that a heartiness emerges, and, for the style, it doesn’t miss; there’s also this gentle minty-alpine herb thing happening working as a coolant. It’s probably best drunk in five years with the woody profile upfront. Let it mellow." £27.50 per bottle Only 30 bottles available  Shiraz Malbec Cabernet  Stuart McCloskey "Brambly autumn fruits, pomegranate, iodine, graphite, framboise, smoked meats, rosemary, herbal, warmed earth and clove shine through on the nose. The palate is super dense and super succulent. The core is packed with sweet, blue and black fruits, Christmas cake, sweet spice, dark chocolate, anise and black cherry. The tannins are soft and pliable. Acidity and tart red fruits provide welcome balance. Moreover, it is getting better and better in my glass. Thoroughly enjoyable today but will certainly provide better drinking in 3-5 years’ time. Of course, and given the quality, this will easily age for a decade and more. Served using Zalto Bordeaux glassware." Mike Bennie, The Wine Front "It’s such a fun wine to drink, all slurpy and loose knit, lucid in red and black berry fruitiness, ripe, round, smooth, supple, a jelly meets currants meets jube thing going on. Elements of herb and spice, some sweetness for sure but a sappy bitterness in tannin is pleasingly there and a light dusting of clove-cinnamon spice keeps some other elements in play. Heady, overt, party time gear for big red lovers, but done well." £18.50 per bottle Last 6 bottles available  Cabernet Sauvignon / Cabernet Franc  Stuart McCloksey "84% Cabernet Sauvignon & 16% Cabernet Franc. At first, the nose comes across slightly feral then soon turns into a black swan. Potent, for sure and brimming with blackberry, black cherry, plum, kirsch, lavender, graphite, menthol, blood orange, liquorice, rose petal, sweet spice and warm sea kelp. The ‘marine’ aromatics build with time in the glass, which I adore. There are layers of intensely ripe fruit, tamed with graphite, minerals and florals. Tannins provide gentle grip along with a touch of white pepper and spiced red fruit. Opulent and fleshy, albeit succinctly controlled. Incredible length. I am looking forward to seeing how this wine develops in the years to come. Granted, it can be enjoyed today however, and personally, I would find a dark, cooling home and return in 8-10 years. Served using Zalto glassware." £24.95 per bottle Only 29 bottles available  |
