Fine Wine Merchant

23/04/2025

I got a fever, and the only prescription is more cowb... uhh... gin and tonic!

$2.50 a bottle or eight bucks a four pack.

31/03/2025

Let’s face it, many of us first brought Moscato to our lips in the form of a cheap, low-acid, sickly sweet fruit bomb, but write it off at your peril! We firmly believe it is one of the world’s great aperitifs.

“Moscato” can be used to describe a number of different styles, but today we’re going to focus on Moscato d’Asti - a lightly sparkling, fragrant wine from the town of Asti in Northeast Italy.

Moscato d’Asti is a DOCG (we’ll cover that in detail another time, but for now accept that it is Italy’s highest level of regional protection - kind of like how we can’t call Australian sparkling "Champagne"). This means that there are rules for its production. The key ones here are that the grapes have to be grown in the Moscato d’Asti region and there is a maximum allowed alcohol of 5.5%.

Let’s not get too technical here, but the result is a low alcohol, lightly sparkling (“frizzante!”) wine with loads of acid and a balanced sweetness that will really impress your guests on arrival.

Memories of vaguely floral syrup will be replaced with powerfully aromatic notes of lychee, passionfruit and mango with an acid that carries the light carbonation across the tongue and lifts the spirits.

So how do you find a good one? Parts of the Moscato d’Asti region overlap with Barolo, so one sure-fire way is to find a Barolo icon who turn their attention to the bubbles on occasion. While Barolo is a region for some of the finest red wines in the world, these producers treat Moscato with the same care and finesse.

We currently carry Moscato d’Asti from two Barolo icons - Vietti and Marcarini.

We’re putting ourselves out there. Will you join us in our Moscato appreciation?

27/03/2025

We’re very excited to see the return of Mayford Wines to the Fine Wine Merchant shelves.

Mayford Wines can be found in the beautiful Northeast Victorian town of Porepunkah, falling within the little-known Alpine Valleys wine region. Alpine Valleys only has a handful of producers and is often overshadowed by nearby Beechworth and King Valley, but what they lack in quantity they more than make up for in quantity.

New to the shelf is the exceptional 2023 Chardonnay, 2022 Tempranillo and 2022 Shiraz.

The Chardonnay has a popcorn-like buttery coat over a distinct citrus freshness caused by the cool summer of 22/23. The result is a wine of exceptional balance that will only consolidate into a masterpiece over the next few years.

Summer in 2021/22 was also a chilly one, with a late harvest offering dark fruit, but plenty of pop in both the Tempranillo and Shiraz. The Tempranillo is a medium bodied red offers dark fruits - think plum and dark cherry - plus dark chocolate and delicious, fine tannins. The Shiraz is a little more robust with a hit of pepper and spice, anise and leather.

Quantities are limited, and lets face it we’re probably going to grab a bottle or two ourselves tonight, so get in quick.

Shoot us a message here on Instagram, give us a call on (03) 9787 3646 or if you’re down on the Mornington Peninsula, come say hi in person at Shop 9, 87 Mount Eliza Way, Mount Eliza.

19/12/2024

The holiday season is upon us, and we have curated a selection of last-minute Christmas specials to ease your gift-giving stress. From discounted champagnes to unique gift hampers, we are here to help you celebrate. Visit us for exclusive offers and extended holiday hours.

https://conta.cc/401TCO7

Email from Fine Wine Merchant Last Minute Gift Ideas     Last Minute Christmas Specials Dear Winelover, We know—Christmas crept up on us fast this year! If you’re still ticking off that to-do list, do

06/12/2024

Celebrate summer with our refreshing December Spritz tastings!
https://conta.cc/4f4Xyla

29/11/2024

🎉 New Bindi Winegrowers releases are here! Don't miss out! 🍷

Email from Fine Wine Merchant Latest release of stunning Pinot Noirs and Chardonnay     BINDI WINEGROWERS Offer Latest spectacular releases from one of our favourite makers Dear Winelover, A very spec

15/11/2024

Explore the exceptional wines from Willem Kurt, a boutique winery in Beechworth, dedicated to quality and sustainability. With a focus on craftsmanship and heritage, their offerings—Vermentino, Chardonnay, and Syrah—showcase the unique terroir of the region. Enjoy special pricing until November 22nd. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to elevate your wine collection!
On tasting over the weekend! Link in our bio

Email from Fine Wine Merchant Exceptional wines from Beechworth     Willem Kurt Offer Three splendid wines from rising, boutique Beechworth producer. Dear Winelover, With prestigious producers like Gi

08/11/2024

We're thrilled to announce a special tasting event featuring the exquisite DHILLON and PYRETTE wines! Join us tomorrow for a complimentary experience showcasing Michael Dhillon's remarkable craftsmanship. From the complex Glenhope Riesling to the effortlessly enjoyable Accidental Red, there's something for every palate. Don't miss this opportunity to explore and indulge in these limited-time offerings.

https://conta.cc/3NZFe1P

Email from Fine Wine Merchant A quintet of Delicious, Classic wines - On Tasting Saturday         DHILLON/PYRETTE Offer Long-awaited new releases from one of our favourite makers Dear Winelover, Confe

28/08/2024

Are you ready for Father’s Day this Sunday?
If you’re still looking for a gift, we an amazing selection of WHISKEYS available in store and online.
Whether Dad or Grandad is a fan of Scotch, Irish, Japanese or local Australian whiskey, we will find something he loves.

If you’re looking for some inspiration here are a couple of our favourites!

THE HIBIKI ‘Japanese Harmony’ Blended Whisky
$225

From the House of Suntory, an exquisite and delicate whisky that celebrates the art of blending and exceptional craftsmanship. It offers an intricate aromatic profile with notes of rose, lychee, sandalwood, and rosemary in the bouquet. The palate reveals a delightful combination of honey, white chocolate, and candied orange, resulting in a rich and indulgent taste sensation. It culminates in a delicate, oaky finish that encapsulates the essence of premium Japanese whisky.

LARK DISTILLERY ‘Dark Lark’ Single Malt
$285

Inspired by the breathtaking Tasmanian skies and the mesmerizing Aurora Australis, DARK LARK captures the untamed spirit of Tasmania. Each sip is a silky, complex, and unexpected celebration of Tasmania’s unique terroir, showcasing bright honeycomb, light spiced oak, and caramelized pineapple.T he whisky features an enticing nose of mocha and sultanas, complemented by light oak spice and a hint of cherry. On the palate, it reveals a delightful combination of white peach, crème brûlée, and rich blackcurrant crumble with ice cream, culminating in a finish of buttery milk chocolate, honeycomb, and caramelized pineapple. Presented in a beautifully designed gift box inspired by the southern lights over the dark Tasmanian sky.

BUSHMILLS 16 YO Single Malt Irish Whiskey
$165

From the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery, This exceptional single malt has been meticulously aged for 15 years in a combination of Oloroso Sherry and bourbon-seasoned casks, followed by a final nine months of maturation in large port wine barrels. This unique aging process imparts a rich tapestry of flavors, including distinct notes of almond, vanilla, sweet berry, black pepper, and spice.

To order, please phone, email or purchase online on our website.

16/08/2024

Eldridge is a name synonymous with premium Mornington Peninsula wines. The first vines were planted on the Red Hill site in 1984 and Eldridge Estate was established by David and Wendy Lloyd in 1995, with David leading the winery for more than two decades. Fast forward to 2022, the property including three hectares under vine, was purchased by Vicki and Elli Tutungi, who, although new to the wine industry, are dedicated to infusing the estate with new energy.

Vicki and Elli are building on the strong foundation, supported by Yarra Valley legends Steve Webber and Leanne De Bortoli, who serve as long-time friends and mentors, while Steve Flamsteed, formerly of Giant Steps Winery, has joined the team to provide guidance. The final addition is Grace Jiranek, most recently the assistant winemaker at Ten Minutes by Tractor. Together, they aim to continue Eldridge’s journey, focusing on refining rather than expanding.

Gamay has always been the flagship variety and will remain the focus, complemented by Peninsula staples Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. In 2023, they gave the Sauvignon Blanc one last hurrah before the vines were grafted with Gamay, making it the first and last Sauvignon Blanc under the new label. To supplement the range while the new Gamay vines grow, some grapes have been sourced from Brooklands vineyard in the Yarra Valley for a separate Gamay bottling and a fresh, delicious Amphora Rosé.

We have tasted these wines and are excited about Eldridge’s future with the new team. A selection will be available for tasting over the weekend, free of charge, as always. We look forward to seeing you in store.

These wines are available at the offer prices until Friday, 23rd August unless sold out earlier.

To order, please phone, email or purchase online on our website.

13/08/2024

This weather is too good to ignore!
As a special treat we will be holding an impromptu tasting of new release Quealy wines this afternoon, as always, free of charge.

Wines on tasting:
2022 ‘Splendido’ Metodo Ancestrale Sparkling
2021 ‘Turbul’ Ribolla Gialla
2022 ‘40 Year Anniversary’ Chardonnay

These are all delicious wines from an outstanding local producer that are perfect for this warmer weather.
Open until 7pm.

14/06/2024

It is well-known that for decades Rick and Nathan’s Giaconda vineyard and winery, just outside Beechworth in north-eastern Victoria, has been producing some of Australia’s greatest wines. The vineyard is surprisingly small - there’s just less than a hectare of the Shiraz, less of the Roussanne, and even the legendary Chardonnay plantings are modest. As spectacular as the vineyard is, the cellars themselves, blasted underground in this granite soil, are not only a sight to behold, but the contribute significantly to the wines’ gentle maturation in barrel.

Fully certified biodynamic since 2018, a gentle, natural, considered approach is taken to all aspects of growing and making, resulting in wines nothing short of spectacular. Always powerful, very complex and layered, it is the balance and purity inherent in them that elevates Giaconda’s wines above others.

This year’s releases include a brand-new wine, the Estate Roussanne. From a small plot planted in the last decade in the revered ‘Amphitheatre’ block, this wine builds on the flavours and style of the previous (non-Estate) Roussanne release, Aeolia. More intense, more complex, more powerful, and even more delicious!

This is a magical site, and the only criticism that can be levelled is that there’s just too little wine to satisfy demand. Whilst we are very fortunate to receive a generous allocation each year, sadly demand also far outstrips supply. Once again, this year’s release are a superb set of wines, powerful and ripe, yet with hallmark Giaconda restraint, balance and purity. They will not last long, so please do not delay in placing your orders, as they will sell out quickly and we cannot secure any more.

We’re thrilled to announce that a selection of the wines will be on tasting in-store Saturday from 11:00am. Free of charge, as always, come in and try these incredible wines for yourself. But again, be warned, they won’t last long!

These wines are available at the offer prices until Friday, 21st June 2024 unless sold out earlier. Please note, quantities are very limited for all wines.

To order, please phone, email or purchase online on our website.