What we’re drinking: Barossa red, Yarra Fumé & Genoese amaro
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Three bottles from our shelves that deserve a closer look. Wines and spirits with a real story, a distinctive character and something good to bring to the table.
The red: Henschke Johann's Garden Grenache Mataro 2024
Johann's Garden is Henschke's tribute to the Silesian pioneers who planted Grenache in the Barossa more than 150 years ago. The 2024 is the first to bring Mataro into the blend: 60% Grenache and 40% Mataro from low-yielding vines aged 35 years and older. The two varieties were made separately and aged for 10 months in hogsheads, only 3% of them new.
Why it's in our glass: the Mataro adds depth and savouriness without dimming Grenache's brightness. Expect raspberry, black cherry and plum lifted by violet and lavender, with nutmeg, oregano and liquorice underneath and fine-grained tannins carrying a long finish.
The critics: 96 Points - Huon Hooke, The Real Review • 96 Points - Ray Jordan, WinePilot • 95 Points - Andrew Caillard MW, The Vintage Journal
Pour it with: slow-roasted lamb shoulder or braised beef short rib.
Shop Henschke Johann's Garden 2024
The white: Rouleur Sauvignon Blanc Fumé 2025
This is the Sauvignon Blanc for people who think they don't like Sauvignon Blanc. The fruit comes from a single mature vineyard at Kangaroo Ground, on the western edge of the Yarra Valley. It's whole-bunch pressed, fermented in older 225-litre barriques, and selected barrels are stirred on their lees to build texture.
Why it's in our glass: instead of loud tropical fruit, you get preserved lemon and gooseberry, then paw paw, melon and quince on a rich, textural palate kept fresh by fine, bright acidity. It's also tiny in volume. As winemaker Matt East puts it: “A lovely wine this one. And we didn’t make much either. 40 dozen only!”
The critics: 95+ Points - Philip Rich, Halliday's Wine Companion, 24 March 2026 • 90 Points - Huon Hooke, The Real Review
Pour it with: grilled seafood, goat's cheese or a Sunday roast chicken.
Shop Rouleur Sauvignon Blanc Fumé 2025
The spirit: Sangallo Amaro Camatti
Amaro Camatti began in Genoa in 1924, when Umberto Briganti created the original recipe. Today it's made by Sangallo, a family distillery in the province of Genoa founded in 1964, by infusing aromatic herbs and roots. The producer singles out one botanical in particular: almond, which brings warmth and a gentle nuttiness beneath the herbal complexity.
Why it's in our glass: at 20% ABV it's gentler than many amari, which makes it a lovely way into Italian digestivi if you've only ever tried the big commercial names. Serve it neat at cellar temperature, slightly chilled, or over a single large ice cube after dinner.
Pour it with: dark chocolate, biscotti or aged hard cheese.
Explore more bottles and stories in our journal.