We have all seen the government easing more lockdown restrictions with pubs, restaurants and hairdressers soon able to reopen, providing they adhere to Covid secure guidelines. This is great news for many who work in the hospitality sector, although I am nervous for them. I wonder if fine dining guests will be as accepting of the new norm – the loss of intimacy, the perfectly executed service and all waiting staff wearing face masks. More worryingly, can a top kitchen run with fewer chefs or financially survive with fewer covers?

Early signs are extraordinary as Paul Ainsworth, the owner of No.6 and Caffè Rojano in Padstow, The Mariners pub in Rock and the Padstow Townhouse announced this week that he’s received 3,000 bookings in two days, which is mind boggling. Time will surely tell for the success of the hospitality sector and the many wine importers and merchants who service them – I wish them all well. Professionally, I understand the need for the government to kick start our faltering economy, but I fear the cost of a second Covid-19 wave will overshadow their efforts. My team and I are fortunate that we operate both nationally and internationally with 99% of our business conducted at arm’s length. In fact, and as a direct result of our business model we have flourished over the past three months with a super-bright future ahead of us (Our six-month report will be released next weekend which I am excited to share). As an owner of a company I must consider the needs of my staff and their safety will always take precedence over sales. As such, and regardless of the new guidelines, I am not prepared to open our HQ shop until September at the earliest. I apologise to those customers who love coming in for a cuppa, a glass

of wine and a good natter but reducing the risk to my staff is my priority. 

The sheer volume of wine and Zalto glassware sold during the past three months has been staggering (I will never tire of thanking you all for your continued support), which has allowed us the opportunity to clear-out the old, bring in the ‘new’ and asses our portfolio as a whole.
Clarendon Hills and Colonial Estate sales are coming along nicely with all under bond stocks of Émigré 2006, Explorateur Old Vine Shiraz 2005, John Speke 2006, Richard Lander Old Vine Shiraz 2006 selling out and now join our delisted collection. You may find a few bottles lying at our HQ shop if you are quick. All remaining stocks can be viewed here or by the banner below. It is worth revealing that HQ stocks will not be topped-up from the bond – once they are sold, they are gone for good (rather dramatic I know).

We have also dropped Joshua Cooper from our exclusive list of producers, which and given the fact I awarded his Springs Syrah my 2019 Wine of the Year must come as a surprise. The quality and style of his wines was never an issue as the entire collection is nothing short of outstanding. We work with some incredibly generous wine producers who really go out of their way to communicate with us (and in turn you). Sadly, Joshua has a unique ‘can’t be bothered’ attitude and has no intention of answering a single email or helping to establish his name in a new market which curious to say the very least. So, and out of respect to our willing winemakers and our own ethics, he’s been unceremoniously dropped from our portfolio. There is some good news! We’ve slashed the prices as space is at a premium and reserved to wine producers who care about their customers.

The Vinorium is the UK’s leading Australian specialist but our portfolio has taken a severe battering this year and is looking decidedly thin on the ground. Despite torrid times for many in our trade, Magda and I have been busy scouring Australia for the next group of amazing winemakers, and we have unearthed some absolute belters. Our aim is to double our portfolio in the coming months with firm UK exclusivities already established with Elderton wines, Mulline, Rymill and Dilworth & Allain.

Many of you will be excited to learn of our new partnership with the Barossa producer, Elderton. Our opening order (some 2,000 bottles) consists of ten wines from their impressive portfolio. Their ‘elite single vineyard’ release consists of the Command Shiraz, Ashmead Cabernet Sauvignon and Fifteen Shiraz and will feature along with Ode to Lorraine (Cabernet / Shiraz / Merlot blend). The Ashmead family produce some of the best value ‘estate’ wines in the Barossa – We have shipped their GSM, Cabernet Sauvignon and an entire pallet of Shiraz, all being offered at £18.50 which represents fantastic value. We sampled a bottle of their E-series Eden Valley Chardonnay which was a delight – superb value. I already fear I should have doubled our order as this will over impress for £15.95 per bottle.

From Geelong, Victoria (home to By Farr wines) we have come up trumps with Mulline, an exciting new wine brand created by Ben Mullen and Ben Hine and we are absolutely thrilled to be their UK agent. The purpose and concept of Mulline is to produce single site, structural wines with definition and freshness that bring new ardour and vitality to the Geelong region. Their wines are crafted by Ben Mullen who grew up in the Barossa and studied at Adelaide University. Ben has worked at numerous wineries around Australia including Yarra Yering, Oakridge, Torbreck, Leeuwin Estate, and worked as winemaker at Craggy Range in Hawkes Bay in 2015. His love for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay truly originated during his harvest at Domaine Dujac in 2013.

We have shipped their Bannockburn Fumé Blanc, Portarlington Chardonnay, Sutherlands Creek Pinot Noir and Bannockburn Syrah. Sadly, there are only 144 bottles of each wine available – I believe these will sell out soon after arriving as we are overawed with the quality. Quite amazing in fact.

The genius that is Owen Latta (Eastern Peake) selflessly introduced Chris Dilworth and Loique Allain of Dilworth and Allain to Magda and I. Chris works with Owen as a winemaker and also in the vineyard. The pair (Winners of the Young Gun Wine Award and Best New Act in 2020) have created a small négociant business and currently work with three different vineyards in the Macedon Ranges (some are the same sites as Joshua Cooper – it’s a small world). Quantities are tiny with an overall annual production of some 350-400 cases per year. We loved their wines and cannot wait to introduce them to you all…. 

We are short on great Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon (We love Majella, but this is a non-exclusive wine to us) and are currently looking at several producers. Rymill believe they put a contemporary spin on the classics, are proudly innovative and produce world class wine in their stunning winery, nestled amongst their Certified Sustainable Coonawarra Estate. Bold words which three of their wines back up perfectly and the reason we are delighted to partner with them.

We may have found one of the best value, mature Aussie Cabernets with their 2013 ‘Classic Maturation Release’ hitting all the high notes. We will keep you updated with all the respective delivery dates.

Magda and I have enjoyed lots of enthusiastic emails from Aussie winemakers who would be thrilled to join our impressive collection. From Tasmania, Invercarron and Ghost Rock samples are en-route to the UK which we cannot wait to open. From New England, Topper’s Mountain looks very impressive. Their production is small, only a few hundred cases per batch and all bottles are individually numbered. Their wines are handcrafted to complement traditional wine offerings and to present a point of difference, introducing interesting varieties that Australia can provide but is not renowned for. These are going to be fun to sample.

Many of you were disappointed to learn that Hentley Farm was being delisted – simply on the basis that we are not their agent. However, we are delighted to introduce Andrew Quin (the winemaker at Hentley Farm) and his own wines, Quin wines. Riesling, Shiraz (Eden and Barossa), Grenache and Nebbiolo are in the air and heading to our HQ for sampling.

Meerea Park Wines (Pokolbin, NSW) have a lovely list of Roussanne, Marsanne, Semillon, Chardonnay and Shiraz which we are very keen to sample. You can never have enough great Chardonnay and Shiraz however, we certainly do not have enough Roussanne, Marsanne and Semillon which we are keen to change.

From the McLaren Vale, Gemtree wines (a sustainable and biodynamic producer) has airfreighted a lovely mixed dozen filled with lots of goodies for the team and I to sample – their sparkling looks great. From Victoria, we have a selection of samples from Box Grove Vineyard with Rhône varietals (Shiraz, Roussanne and Viognier) being their speciality. We are super-excited to sample Sarah’s sparkling Roussanne which is a first for me.  

Magda and I have already developed a soft spot for Margaret River producers Jo and Chris Davies of Windows Estate. Their approach to the possibility of working with The Vinorium has been infectious – Their wine collection looks amazing, ranging from a delicate dry sparkling wine produced from estate grown Chenin Blanc. They produce an impressive looking Fumé Blanc, Chardonnay, Malbec, Cabernet and a few Margaret classics.  Liz from the famous Toolangi winery (Yarra Valley) has got us really excited with their range. Located in the northern Yarra Valley region of Dixons Creek, Toolangi Vineyards is a special site for growing grapes. Sheltered by the Toolangi state forest on one side, the vines are positioned on undulating slopes and the block design follows the natural curve of the land. Planted in 1995, with additional plantings in 2001, the site produces premium Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Shiraz. We are promised an exceptional tasting.

Rochford winery purchased Toolangi in 2017 and they also form part of our buying strategy. Like Toolangi, their wines are serious and the breadth of their portfolio is impressive. The Rochford experience has expanded to include two gins, made with infusions of Rochford Chardonnay and Pinot Noir which will make for an interesting tasting. All-in-all, I believe we are sampling some 30 wines from these two, outstanding producers.

Samples from the Barossa producer, Utopos have arrived and look striking. The fates were kind when Neil Panuja, a friend of Kym Teusner's from 'the big smoke' said he had the wish (and the cash) to get into fine wine production, and asked that Kym keep an eye out for something special. Fate stepped in shortly afterwards and Kym’s favourite piece of land in the Barossa hit the market. Kym also believes he could make wines equal to those that he has most admired.

To provide some perspective – The vineyard is located on Roennfeldt Road, straddling one of the highest points of the boundary between Greenock and Marananga, perched on the northern end of the ironstone ridge that lays claim to some of the Barossa’s most famous vineyards. Indeed, right next door is the source of Kym’s own Righteous Shiraz, Torbreck’s Laird, Two Hands, Greenock Creek and the list goes on. At 315m it sits among the most elevated sites on the ‘valley floor’ and being on the end of the ridge there are three distinct aspects to the block – East being planted predominantly to shiraz, North to Cabernet Sauvignon and West to Grenache and Mataro. “It doesn’t come any sweeter than this” says Kym… 

I’ve had my eye on Adelaide producer, Deviation Road Winery for a long time. They produce a string of exciting cool climate wines from mature vineyard resources in the Adelaide Hills. Owners Hamish and Kate Laurie continue a five-generation winemaking tradition. Devoted to the high-altitude sites of the Adelaide Hills and with Kate’s French oenology training, the wines they produce are at once traditional and contemporary. To quote “With a fiery passion to create premium bottle fermented and aged Australian sparkling wines together with textural aromatic whites that can genuinely cellar, their signature style is restrained, elegant and balanced.” Doesn’t this sound amazing? We are stoked at the possibility of working together…

From the Coonawarra we are looking forward to sampling the wines from Highbank, regarded by many as the best from the region and some of the best Aussie Cabernet produced. Mike Bennie (WineFront) enthuses regularly “Natural wine from before natural wine became a thing – that’s Highbank. Long term biodynamic-organic farmed, wild ferment, only additive is (low-ish) SO2. Such brilliant, wonderful wines here. Highbank are one of my favourite South Australian wine producers that I seem to always forget about.  The wines are stoically traditionally, grown and raised organically and deliver a near peerless Coonawarra expression.  These are natural wines that defy the naysayers of the category.”

Finally, Montalto produces premium cool climate wine on the Mornington Peninsula, specialising in Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. We’ve requested their full offering which we know is going to be such a treat. We are still in talks with more producers but it’s early days even to request samples. As ever, you will be the first to know the outcome of each tasting and when commercial relationships are cemented.  

We’ve also been looking at the opposite side of the globe and are excited to announce a shared partnership with Stolpman Vineyards (Ballard Canyon AVA, California).  Over 20 years ago, Tom Stolpman discovered what he believed to be one of the greatest viticultural sites on earth.

Hidden in the hills of California’s Central Coast, on a rare Limestone outcropping and unobstructed from the Pacific Ocean wind, this unique land is naturally suited to grow Syrah and Roussanne grapes. They are committed to preserving this natural environment for their vines through conscious farming, dry farming, and sustainable employment. In the winery, they prefer native fermentation and minimal manipulation. Stolpman 
isn’t new to The Vinorium as we regularly stock their two Roussannes – Their L’Avion is one of the best examples you will ever sample outside of great Rhône properties.  Magda has done a fabulous job liaising with Pete Stolpman as we now have access to their entire collection. We hope to be shipping early August… Stay tuned, as they say!

We have also been busy buying small, exciting parcels which do not follow the norm of our portfolio. We have a small allocation (only 30 x cases of 6 x75cl) of Gaja’s first release from their Sicilian sites located on the ridges of Mount Etna. We sampled the wine on Thursday and we were all impressed, very much so. Our full release will be launched the week of 6 July. Contact Magda early if you would like to get on the buying list. Please note she’s on an enforced weeks’ holiday but it’s better to be safe than miss out…

We’ve had some interesting conversations with Robert Oatley and Villa Maria who are both keen to provide exclusive barrels of super premium wines to The Vinorium. The latest Pennant Chardonnay will be leaving Australia soon however, allocations are small. Currently only thirty cases are available which will sell out in one day (hence the need for exclusive barrels). Villa Maria, New Zealand’s most awarded winery has a conflict of identity. Their range is vast and the supermarket sales are enormous, which and unfairly discriminates their top flights. For years, I have appreciated their Clifford Bay Sauvignon Blanc which I believe is sensational quality and value. Their single vineyard Taylor’s Pass Chardonnay really impressed – a real ‘wow’ wine particularly if you serve it in Zalto Bordeaux glassware or something similar… Their 2013 ‘Icon’ Ngakirikiri, awarded 100 points and has been described as “Is this perfection? No, it is better than that, if that is possible.” It’s one for the cellar for sure but a nice wine to have stashed away. I believe we have a handful of bottles available. We’re really looking forward to sampling their new ‘icon’ wine, the Keltern Chardonnay, located east of the Maraekākaho region in Hawkes Bay, directly in the path of cool air currents flowing from a mountain range to the West. We will let you know our views…

Interestingly, we received a few Loire samples this week – both the Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé disappointed, as they often do for the money. Try the new Dog Point Section 94 which has just arrived – less reductive than the previous vintage and an immediate sensation. A fuller bodied, textural style of Sauvignon Blanc (take note in the Loire as lean and mean does not excite). This single vineyard parcel is situated within the Dog Point Vineyard, using the same low cropping level from vines planted in 1992. Fruit is hand-picked, whole bunch pressed and fermented and aged in older French oak barrels for 18 months. Bottled without fining and bloody brilliant. 97+ points, drinking fabulously now, but bury a six pack for 6-8 years and enjoy one of the best New World Sauvignon Blancs produced.

Villa Maria
Taylor's Pass
Chardonnay 2018

96 Points - Magdalena Sienkiewicz "Captivating aromas hinting of intensity and elegance. Struck-match, minerals as well as citrus and white nectarine make for an amazing nose. The palate follows suit with layered textures delivering delicious complexity. Impressive and long on the finish with a touch of cashew and spice. Quite simply, Taylor’s Pass Chardonnay over-delivers on every level especially when considering its modest price tag."

£18.95 per bottle

Villa Maria
Clifford Bay Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2019

Bob Campbell "Dry, concentrated Sauvignon Blanc with passionfruit, nettle, oyster shell and mineral flavours. Quite a textural wine with good weight and length. A pretty wine with good regional and varietal identity."

Winemaker "Pungent aromatics of lemongrass, jalapeño and fresh herbs leap from the glass, with the classic flavour of limes and the crunch of freshly picked garden peas."

£12.95 per bottle

2019 Dog Point Sauvignon Blanc

17 Points - Jancis Robinson 
"Very slightly reductive, struck-match nose and extra-bright fruit with strong passionfruit aromas and a certain amount of delicacy. Chalky finish. Lots of interest here. Very youthful and energetic indeed. Complimenti!"

95 Points - Bob Campbell 
"Intense, precise sauvignon blanc with grapefruit, citrus, subtle passionfruit and a suggestion of struck flint character. A powerful wine that's long and linear, with strong varietal definition that's made more interesting with a hint of reductive character"

£15.50 per bottle

2017 Dog Point Chardonnay

17 Points - Jancis Robinson "Yup, a little struck-match character on this one as well as on the Sauvignon Blancs – as one might expect. Completely deeelicious in my book. What a bargain! If, and only if, you like this style. But this seems constructed for the long term with exceedingly true and bright fruit. Coche fans could save a fortune ... Fairly rich fruit but with no shortage of trademark Marlborough acidity to keep it fresh."

£21.75 per bottle