Fine Wine Merchant

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.

27/05/2024

The name Jim Chatto may not be particularly familiar to all, but when it comes to crafting sensational Tasmanian Pinot Noirs, there is no-one more deserving of close attention.

Jim worked for big wine companies for many years, including McWilliams in the Hunter Valley where he was responsible for refining the style of its magnificent Shiraz wines.

Having purchased a site in the Huon Valley in 2006, Jim and his wife Daisy relocated there in January 2017. From their tiny home vineyard, Chatto releases two wines each year (the ‘Intrigue’ and the flagship ‘Isle’ Pinot Noir). Sadly, given the minuscule production and resounding critical acclaim of these two bottlings, Jim now sells the entire production through his mailing list each year. However, Chatto also produces several Pinot Noirs from grower’s vineyards in the north, south and east of Tasmania. The 2023s have just been released, and they are perhaps the best I’ve yet tasted under these labels.

In this year’s release there are two single vineyard bottlings: ‘Bird’, from Pipers River; as well as the ‘Seven Inch’ is a neighbouring vineyard deep in the Huon Valley. There are also a pair of wines that are blends of site, the ‘Franklinii’ bottling which comes from several vineyards in the Huon Valley, as well as the now classic ‘Lutruwita’ bottling, which is a blend of fruit from these sites, and four other sites around the state of Tasmania. A true representation of ‘Lutruwita’, the indigenous name for the island.

Each are refined, polished and pure expressions, reflecting Jim’s personal preference in Pinot Noir - he seeks red fruits and elegance in his wines.

There’s not much to go around of these beautiful wines this year. They will sell very quickly here, so please place your order ASAP to avoid disappointment

These wines are available at the offer prices until Friday, 31st May 2024 unless sold out earlier.

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

2023 CHATTO ‘Lutruwita’ Pinot Noir
Offer $50
Normally $55

2023 CHATTO ‘Franklinii’ Pinot Noir
Offer $65
Normally $72

2023 CHATTO ‘Seven Inch’ Pinot Noir
Offer $75
Normally $85

2023 CHATTO ‘Bird’ Pinot Noir
Offer $75
Normally $85

20/05/2024

We consider Bindi Wines amongst the very best of those produced in Australia. They are world-class wines, particularly the finest Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays. The success Michael and Wendy Dhillon have created over the past 36 years is testament to vision, hard work, dedication, and a superb site.

Michael’s father Bill planted the first vines in 1988, and today there are eight distinct blocks comprising seven hectares of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. All of the Bindi wines come from these blocks - estate only fruit, stunning and refined in style, and exceptional in quality. The wines are released in several tranches throughout the year.

The 2023 ‘Kostas Rind’ Chardonnay, the 33rd consecutive vintage from the first 1988 plantings, is absolutely stunning. Gorgeous and right in the groove, with perfect balance, stunning fruit depth, crisp acidity and beautiful minerality making this wine nearly impossible to keep your hands off...but history shows it will age superbly for at least two decades.

The 2023 ‘Dixon’ Pinot Noir again reflects a cooler, longer season, and is beautiful in its elegance and minerality. More open and approachable than some vintages, with terrific depth of flavour, packed with hallmark aromatics and delicacy ensure this is unmistakably Bindi.

In addition to the estate bottlings, Michael and Wendy now produce a handful of wines from several sites in Macedon and Heathcote. The Dhillon Grenache, from the ‘Col Mountain’ vineyard in Heathcote, is bright, pure and medium-bodied, with gorgeous crunchy berry fruit and soft, persistent tannins. The second vintage of Glenhope Chardonnay, from 26 year-old vines is made in the usual Bindi manner (100% wild yeast barrel fermentation and ageing in 30% new French oak. The wine exhibits classic cool climate Chardonnay flavours, some citrus and white florals and a little stonefruit.

These are tiny production, organic, biodynamic, hand-reared exceptional wines. We adore them, and strongly endorse them to you.

These wines are available at the offer prices until Friday, 24th May 2024 unless sold out earlier.

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

10/05/2024

It seems almost unbelievable that Kevin Bell and Tricia Byrnes’ magnificent Hurley Vineyards is already celebrating the release of its 22nd vintage! Hurley is today regarded one of the Mornington Peninsula’s finest - and indeed one of Australia’s most impressive - makers of Pinot Noir. From three distinct tiny single plots on their gently-sloping, volcanic-soiled property in Balnarring, they craft minuscule quantities of exceptional Pinot Noir.

Sadly, the 2022 vintage is, yet again, another vintage (in a series of six...so far) afflicted by very low yields. Taking Hurley’s usually modest production as a starting point, this means the wines are more tightly allocated and harder to find than they normally are. The upside is the quality - Hurley’s 2022 are nothing short of superb. I would go so far as to say the ‘Hommage’, always the most expressive and approachable of the trio, is in ‘best ever’ form. The ‘Lodestone’ is a little brighter and finer structured than recent years, and offering superb potential over the next decade. And the ‘Garamond’ is, as you would expect, the star, a sublime combination of fruit and power with elegance and structure. All three wines are undeniably brilliant, showcasing what Mornington Peninsula Pinot Noir is capable of.

At the risk of repeating myself, there’s not much to go around of these beautiful wines - they are completely sold out at cellar door and through their modest retail and restaurant distribution. They will sell very quickly, so please place your order ASAP to avoid disappointment.

We are thrilled to be opening and pouring all three tomorrow for tasting, free in store (as always!). The bottles will be open from 11am - come on in and try these exceptional Pinot Noirs for yourself.

2022 HURLEY ‘Hommage’ Pinot Noir
Offer $90
Normally $105

2022 HURLEY ‘Lodestone’ Pinot Noir
Offer $90
Normally $105

2022 HURLEY ‘Garamond’ Pinot Noir
Offer $110
Normally $125

These wines are available at the offer prices until Friday, 17th May 2024 unless sold out earlier.

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

30/04/2024

Today we’re thrilled to offer three beautiful Pinot Noirs new in store and each very sharply priced, given the depth of flavour, complexity and quality they offer.

First up is the super-impressive ‘Landslide’ from Tasmania’s Huon Valley. Home Hill was established in the early 1990s and is one of the oldest vineyards in the region. The ‘Landslide’ bottling comes from barrel selection and younger vines, and is designed to be an earlier-drinking style.

Next is the debut release from David Chapman’s new ‘Corner Inlet’ vineyard he and his wife have established in Gippsland. Having been at the mercy of various growers for years in producing the range under his ‘Allies’ label, Chappie took the leap of faith to purchase their own land and establish their dream vineyard. This first-up release is nothing short of stunning, offering great depth and impressively complex flavours.

Finally the newest wine from a long-term favourite of ours, the Kelvedon ‘Block 5’ Pinot Noir. The vineyard was established on the east coast of Tasmania some 25 years ago in a prime location on the 3,000 hectare grazing station. The ‘Block 5’ Pinot Noir offers greater depth and concentration compared to the regular (and long-time favourite of ours) bottling.

2023 HOME HILL ‘Landslide’ Pinot Noir.
A softer, more approachable example of the Home Hill style of Pinot Noir, produced from younger vines on the Estate. Aged for nine months in French oak barriques, mostly older.

Offer $38
Normally $43

2023 CORNER INLET ‘Liminal’ Pinot Noir
Debut vintage of this gorgeous pure, perfumed Pinot Noir from David Chapman’s recently-established Corner Inlet in Gippsland. Superb texture, flavour and definition, a most positive sign of greatness to come!

Offer $52
Normally $58

2018 KELVEDON ‘Block 5’ Pinot Noir
This sensational small-batch Pinot Noir comes from a special parcel of fruit on Kelvedon’s stunning Tasmanian East Coast property. Good power and density, with complex fruit, yet retains finesse and elegance.

Offer $56
Normally $65

These wines are available at the offer prices until Friday 3rd May 2024 unless sold out earlier.

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

07/04/2024

Winery of the year, winemaker of the year, cellar door of the year, wine of the year...the accolades have been coming thick and fast over the past few years for one of Australia’s most iconic producers, Yarra Yering. The magnificent property was established by the late Dr Bailey Carrodus in 1969, who commenced planting immediately with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot (Bordeaux varieties), and Shiraz and Marsanne (Rhone varieties). The first wines emerged several years later, Dry Red Wines numbers One and Two - named for the blocks from which they emerged.

Over the decades a loyal, even fanatical mailing list purchased the wines fervently each year, and due recognition of the superb quality of the wines followed.

Dr Carrodus passed away in 2008, and with no relatives, speculation was rife as to the future of Yarra Yering. The following year it was purchased, and since then has gone from strength to strength. Winemaker Sarah Crowe has not only honed and refined the style, but has improved both quality and consistency - no small feat given the regard the wines already enjoyed.

The recently-released 2021s set another high water mark for these two wines. They are powerful and full-flavoured, yet retain hallmark elegance and finesse, and will age gracefully for at least two decades. The only thing wrong with them is that there’s not much of them to go around! This is an amazing collection of wines - don’t miss out on these superb modern Australian classics. Please place your orders ASAP to avoid disappointment.

2021 YARRA YERING ‘Carrodus’ Chardonnay
Offer $150
Normally $175

2021 YARRA YERING ‘Agincourt’ Cabernet Malbec
Offer $105
Normally $120

2021 YARRA YERING ‘Dry Red No 1’ Cabernet blend
Offer $145
Normally $165

2021 YARRA YERING ‘Dry Red No 2’ Shiraz blend
Offer $125
Normally $145

These wines are available at the offer prices until Friday, 12th April 2024 unless sold out earlier.

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

02/03/2024

19/02/2024

Feb Fasters rejoice!
After a number of requests, your local Fine Wine Merchants have searched far and wide for the best non-alcoholic wine.
Like all of our products, these wines have been carefully curated with only the highest quality and best value wines brought into the shop. Life is too short to drink bad wine!

EINS-ZWEI-ZERO is a range of premium non-alcoholic wines crafted by the renowned winemaker Johannes Leitz. These wines are made using grapes from the famous vineyards of the Rüdesheim region in Germany and are carefully produced to ensure the preservation of natural flavours and delicate aromas. The alcohol is removed through a gentle vacuum distillation process at low temperatures.

Sparkling Riesling
$25
Fresh and elegant, perfect for the summer season. Hints of peach, apricot, and apple create a full mouthfeel, before culminating in a crisp, dry finish. This wine pairs excellently with sumptuous salads, light pasta dishes, or Asian cuisine.

Chardonnay
$25
With vibrant initial essences of fresh and citrus fruits greeting the palate the Leitz Chardonnay is a near-perfect echo of the “original taste,” capturing the precious aromatics and essence of the grapes. It is crisp with a dry finish and a relatively long aftertaste for a dealcoholized wine.

Pinot Noir
$25
An exquisite wine displaying all the characteristics of a traditional Pinot Noir, despite containing only 0.5% alcohol. It boasts a rich flavour profile of red currants and strawberries, complemented by well-structured tannins, a dry finish, and great depth.

NATUREO’s non-alcoholic wines are produced by Bodegas Torres SA, which is one of Spain’s largest and most reputable wineries. They use a unique alcohol extraction system to preserve the powerful antioxidants, vitamins, and mineral salts found in regular wine while removing the alcohol content. All Natureo products are proudly Vegan Certified.

2022 Grenache Shiraz
$20
This is a beautifully made medium-bodied wine with aromas of pomegranate, red berries and hints of vanilla. The wine spends 4-6 months in french oak helping to create soft tannins and delicate acidity.

RICHARD JUHLIN Cabernet Syrah
$30

Happy Drinking

01/02/2024

A crowd favourite is back in stock!

For those unfamiliar with this lovely drop, Montepulciano d’Abruzzo is one of those lovely dry, savoury grape varieties from central Italy that gives delicious, uncomplicated red wines perfect for matching with rich Italian cuisine like tomato-based pastas, pizza and vegetable bakes. So easily drinkable and wonderful value. La dolce vita!

UMANI RONCHI ‘Podere’ Montelpulciano d’Abruzzo

$20 per bottle
$18 per bottle in a case (straight or mixed)

22/12/2023

We are open every day until Christmas for all your wine, beer and spirits.

Plus we have a number of last minute gifts available.

GIFT IDEAS

For the Gin Lovers

FOUR PILLARS Christmas Gin
$115

PROHIBITION Christmas Gin
$145

MCHENRY Christmas Gin
$115

For the Whisky Connoisseurs

LARK ‘Christmas Cask’ Single Malt Tasmanian Whisky
$265

SUNTORY ‘The Yamazaki’ Single Malt Japanese Whisky
$210

GLENFARCLAS ‘12 Year Old’ Single Malt Scotch Whisky
$125

For the lovers of bubbles!

NV BILLECART-SALMON Rosé Champagne
$170

NV BOLLINGER ‘Special Cuvee’ Champagne
$110

NV POMMERY ‘Brut Royal’ Champagne
$75

Stocking Stuffers

FOUR PILLARS Gin Tasting Pack (3 x 200ml)
$100

MALFY Gin Tasting Set (4 x 50ml)
$30

LARK Tasting Gift Pack (3 x 100ml + tasting glass)
$200

Something EXTRA Special

Premium Peninsula Hamper
$165

Pinot Noir Hamper
$160

French Gourmet Hamper
$180