Beaune and Beyond

Exciting new arrivals with the 2024 Turckheim release from @zindhumbrecht . Tiny quantities, incredible quality. Get in touch asap.

Yesterday, on a rainy day in Melbourne, we found ourselves gathered around a table with two Alsatian icons — Jérôme Mader and Eric Kientzler. In front of them, their glasses were not merely filled with intensely aromatic wines expressing varietal purity, they overflowed with something more intoxicating — a raw, unapologetic passion for their homeland. For 2-hours we spoke of vintage variation and the quiet courage it takes to embrace whatever the season offers. Of the focus and energy carried by the noble grapes. Of all things dirt — that sacred, living mosaic and how it shapes everything. It was clear that Jérôme and Eric know their land intimately, every contour familiar and nuance understood. That knowledge was generously extended as they spoke of the region, their peers who are evidently friends, and the shared spirit behind growing and producing great wine. The wines were thoughtfully selected by Sommeliers Australia's Hanna Johansson, and kindly donated by Vintage and Vine and Beaune and Beyond. We began with rare 100% Pinot Blanc, moving into voluminous, spiced Pinot Gris, then to the regions champion, precise and electric Riesling. Finishing on Gewürztraminer, a variety Jérôme has a personal fondness for because as he confessed, "It talks a little bit too loud." Perhaps that is the perfect way to describe the afternoon, we left not quietly content, but joyfully compelled and ready to speak a little too loudly on how extraordinary Alsace is.

@ronchi_di_cialla are one of the most significant and important producers in Friuli. In Cialla, in 1970, a small miracle happened: Paolo and Dina Rapuzzi founded the winery Ronchi di Cialla and, thanks also to the help of Bernardo Bruno, then mayor of Prepotto, managed to find about 60 surviving vines of Schioppettino. Selecting the best they could find from the shoots, they made new cuttings and managed, in the space of two years, to create the first estate vineyard of 3500 vines. It marked the rebirth of Schioppettino. The new releases have just landed from this prestigious producer and we are very excited to have them here. Delicious Summer and Autumn drinking.

California love

A little Xmas gift. The superb wines of @bilancianz have arrived and boy are we glad to have them. One of the finest producers of Syrah and Chardonnay in all of New Zealand, these wines sit comfortably among the great wines of the world. It is always a very exciting and highly anticipated arrival for us. Limited as always so please get in touch if you’re interested.

New Italian releases, mainly in tiny quantities, have just landed. Spring drinking is looking good 👌

Perfect Spring drinking just arrived into the warehouse

Melbourne friends, looking forward to splashing some new releases alongside some of Oz’s best importers and independent producers. Tuesday October 21st at The Kelvin Club, 14-30 Melbourne Pl, Melbourne. 11am/3pm RSVP via link in profile Please note that this is a trade-only event.

Some very nice photos of the winemakers and some very average photos from yours truly… Last night was a dream — dinner at @lucia.melbourne with @lockycuffe from @beauneandbeyond , lining up @eperosawine + @vanguardistwines against some Rhone heavyweights. Plenty of stories, plenty of takeaways, and the kind of hospitality from Anthony, Christian + the crew that makes it all sing. Big love for @viticult , big love for what I get to do - and honestly, Aussie Grenache is right up there with the best in the world right now. Listen to your resident wine lover and flick past the Aussie Pinot page!

Another container in and it was packed with some absolute gems. Keep an eye on your inboxes

The Neb Sessions are coming to Melbourne and Sydney. We are so excited to be teaming up with a whole cast of wondeful importers to showcase Neb in all of its forms outside of Barolo. Link in bio to register. Look forward to seeing you there!

LOTS of old favourites and a couple of very exciting new things have just landed in the warehouse. Exciting times.