  Our daily order cut-off time has changed from 2:00pm to 12:00 noon as we are forced to accommodate DPD’s unpredictable collections. Often, our route is given to a driver who couldn’t navigate his way out of a small paper bag let alone cope with 80-plus drops and then the daily collections. We are last on the collections list, with a window of 3:00pm to 4:00pm however, waiting until well past 6:00pm is common. On occasions, the buggers fail to show at all! Accordingly, if we pick and pack orders early – we hope to secure a speedier driver or one that has been sent out to collect only. Ensuring you receive your orders (next day) is our priority.  2022 Utopos (including Common Ground) and Standish orders are currently being prepared for shipping to the UK. The painstaking job of sticking an export label on each bottle is required before we contact the shippers. UK Wine Standards are sticklers for labels and will freeze all stocks if importer details are missing. EU wines can do as they please – imported by whomever and with zero traceability. Changes are coming into place, which I will be watching carefully. Recently, their attention was drawn to the ambiguous use of the words ‘minimal’ or ‘some’ with reference to the addition of sulphur. Wine Standards insist on labels showing ‘contains sulphites’ and nothing else. Being precise is OK with me however, showing precise alcohol levels on wine labels is less concerning. For example, all 2022 Standish wines are bottled at 14.9% alcohol which doesn’t work for UK Wine Standards. We are required to over sticker accurate alcohol levels with 15.0% which is incredibly pedantic and inaccurate (if you’re wearing one’s ‘precise’ knickers!). Nonetheless, shipping remains on-plan for July with an ETA into the UK for October (perhaps earlier if we get on an early July vessel). Once the vessel has sailed – we will let you all know as ETAs are much easier to predict.  As promised at the start of the year, we have been working hard with our web developers to implement a host of improvements to the website over the past six months. While many of these changes are behind-the-scenes and won’t directly impact your experience of shopping with us, there are a few that you may have already noticed when you visit our website. The first change was a new function which allows us to automatically discount wines when you order full cases of 6 or 12 bottles. Many of you have already made use of this and we plan to continue these offers. You can find these all here… A major change to the search function has been rolled-out. Our new search function is fully predictive, and recognises incorrect spellings, which makes your life much easier. Imagine typing (and incorrectly) the delicious Schloss Lieser-Thomas Haag Lieserer Niederberg Helden Riesling Trockenbeerenauslese… Simply start typing and our website will automatically suggest relevant options for you, which includes both wine and blog posts. Written content is important and not only from an information perspective. Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) and those invisible Google spiders love new and regular content, which and if formulated correctly, will see you whizzing-up the Google rankings. Some, prefer to pay for Google rankings or sponsored links for their products, which and in our experience does not work for The Vinorium. Our web developers who work with many great brands disagreed as it’s bread-and-butter for many of their clients. So, we gave them a budget and set them free. What income was generated? Zilch, which we told them from the outset, but it provided them with a clear understanding of how buyers in our sector behave. We are also working on a new way to separate orders for ‘pre-arrival’ wines – 30-months in progress, but we’ll get there soon… The new system will treat pre-arrival wines completely separately to the wines we have in stock for immediate delivery. You will see these wines in their own basket at checkout and you will receive a separate order confirmation for these. This should give a much clearer picture of where your wines are, when you view your online account. However, those of you who are happy to mix and match between wines which are here and those which will arrive later in the year will have a new option at checkout to combine your wines into one basket, wait for the last bottle to come into stock and ship the case once it’s complete. You may also have noticed new banners showing on the listing pages which highlight fast selling wines, wines with case discounts and sale bottles. We have also added a button under each wine on the listing page which allows you to add a wine straight to your basket without clicking into the individual product page. This should make creating your own mixed case much quicker and easier. It’s been an almost complete update / re-build behind the scenes (the backend as we like to call it), which has taken six-months and there’s more to come… The one thing we have learnt over the years – you cannot rest on your laurels, which is particularly appropriate in the world of e-commerce.   We shouldn’t grumble, but we are drowning in samples from Aussie producers wishing to find a home in the UK. It’s tough, incredibly tough with only the cream of the crop considered for our shelves. At our height, we were exclusive UK agents for over fifty, Aussie producers. How times have changed, and how I would love to go back in time… There needs to be a serious change in the UK economy to consider a more perky approach to wine buying… Some producers who thought the ‘grass was greener’ have enquired about returning. No bloody chance… Many importers’ sales teams are either tasked with the job of selling allocations prior to their arrival or as soon as it hits the shoreline. Save for house wines and staples – continuity of supply no longer exists. Importers are now brokers, which I thought I would never see… In some cases, small yields have resulted in a gap of several years – This week Maryann (of Wantirna Estate) and I enjoyed a good catch-up over Zoom. We loved Wantirna wines and would love to see them back in the UK however, previous yields have been too small for them to consider their export markets. Hopefully, we will see a few of these beauties in 2025! Who remembers House of Cards, Margaret River (first launched February 2021)? Young guns, indeed, and very good at their craft. Our first allocation sold through quickly and then it went quiet. You may as well put their subsequent export prices on a rocket as they were heading for the moon, and reason for the hiatus. Now, we have samples en-route and prices which ensure I can sleep at night. Watch this space, as they say… Happy mid-year. What does the second half have in store? Politics and war aside, although both directly impact wine sales, there’s a palpable sense of nervous anticipation. Bordeaux En-Primeur sales have been disastrous. Forget merchants painting a positive picture, which they need to – I have never seen so many ‘available’ wines and wines which have completely failed to sell. China could target European wine imports with retaliatory tariffs, depending on the outcome of various EU probes into Chinese state subsidies. We know they are not kidding as Australia was hit with 200+% tariffs for the three-years, which crippled their market. Like Russia, China is unpredictable, and best left to themselves. It’s time for the world to wake-up and find partners who are less volatile. Of course, if respective, domestic and export markets are weak, perhaps you have no choice than to get back into bed with the devil who has just crucified you for the past few years. Sure, you can let the grapes fall to the ground and write-off a few vintages, but it won’t be long until the banks come knocking. The world requires calm and healing. Key countries will see new leaders this year – some for good and some for bad. We’ve certainly lost touch of what is right and wrong which impacts all our lives. Accept what life offers you and try to drink from every cup. All wines should be tasted; some should only be sipped, but with others, drink the whole bottle and you should sleep well… Have a great weekend Stu  New Arrivals is the place to keep checking. Recent additions include a divine and large vertical collection from Australia’s most sought-after producer, Wendouree. One customer spotted them and took the lot. We’ve also added a collection of Penfolds Grange a few weeks back. Beady eyed customers snapped-up the 100-point 2008s along with many others… All of these came from my personal collection which I have amassed over 30-years. Condition and provenance are top-drawer. The incredible Eastern Peake Morillon OBC Pinot Noir 2017 is showing a few cases, how about the 100-point 2018 Moss Wood Margaret River Cabernet, fans of Brunello di Montalcino will love the 2016s, we’ve added the new, 2022 Coleraine from Te Mata which Huon Hooke awards 99-points together with a large collection of Bordeaux which are discounted and below respective values. Click on the below banner to see them all and ensure to check regularly.  "Very Shiraz and very Northern Rhône. The palate is addictively quaffable."  Killibinbin Scream Shiraz 2013 Stuart McCloskey "I suggest a few hours in a decanter or at least an hour in your glass prior to tucking in. The wine opens to an unmistakable scent of warmed oyster shell, old saddle leather, plum, coffee bean, caramel, truffle, dried herbs, mushroom, smoked meat, soy and vanilla. Very Shiraz and very Northern Rhône. The palate is, and I hate to use the term, addictively quaffable. The texture is sumptuous and creamy. The fruit is sweet, deep and plummy. Time has provided a zip and zap from blood orange which offers a little sprite. Flavour wise? Smoked nuts, Asian spices, leather, spiced charcuterie, juniper, along with damson / plum. Fragrant, ripe, and outright delicious. Drink now to 2028 but enjoy your purchase this summer (it’s not going to get better!). Served using Zalto Bordeaux glassware.” £23.95 per bottle SOLD OUT
Many eager customers have already spotted these and only 26 bottles remain...  Unquestionably, and regardless who you ask, Te Mata’s Coleraine is New Zealand’s greatest wine. Equally, this Bordeaux-style blend has carved out an illustrious reputation as one of the very best in the world. The 2020 vintage woke much of Australia-up as Gary Walsh (The Wine Front) scored the wine 98+ “touch and go for 99 points” to quote. As global scores go, it’s certainly impressive yet others are more generous… The 2021 was declared the "GOAT of New Zealand wine" with Sam Kim awarding it a perfect 100 Points. Coleraine is all about breed and beauty. New World brute it is not… We are thrilled to launch the 2022 Coleraine which Huon Hooke has awarded 99 Points.  Te Mata Estate Coleraine 2022 99-points Huon Hooke, The Real Review "Deep, brooding purple-red colour with a concentrated berry fruit bouquet laced with cedar, violets and dried herbs, gorgeous fruit and classy oak embellishment. The wine is full bodied and powerful, with a generous serving of fine grained tannins that add length, authority and a drying but supple finish. Tremendous persistence and wonderful structure. A great wine, that will richly reward long-term cellaring." Available in cases of 6x75cl under bond Also available in cases of 3x75cl duty paid and delivered Delivery: Mid / Late August 2024 Last 11 bottles  Te Mata Estate Bullnose Syrah 2021 99 Points - Sam Kim “Expressing precision and purity, combined with brooding strength and complexity, this is spectacular and breathtaking. Immediately appealing with dark plum, sweet cherry, graphite, olive, spicy oak and floral aromas, it’s succulent and fleshy in the mouth delivering layers of seductive flavours backed by beautifully infused tannins. It’s mouthfilling and velvety with a prolonged engaging finish.” £38.50 per bottle  Erin Larkin's perfect, 100 Point wine...   Standish Lamella Trio 2020 / 2021 / 2022 (3x75cl) 1x75cl Standish Lamella 2022 - 100 Points Erin Larkin 1x75cl Standish Lamella 2021 - 98+ Points - Erin Larkin 1x75cl Standish Lamella 2020 - 98-100 Points - Stuart McCloskey £235.00 per case (3x75cl) SOLD OUT
ETA into the UK of September / October 2024  Standish Lamella 2020 and 2022 Duo (12x75cl) - In Bond 6x75cl Standish Lamella 2022 100 Points - Erin Larkin "The 2022 Lamella Shiraz has a little secret held within, and it's one not noted on the label. Within this cuvée, is just two barrels of fruit from the Stonegarden Vineyard, the original Lamella Vineyard, before the current Huttonvale Farm. Stonegarden was planted in the Eden Valley in the middle 1800s and is a historic site. The wine rises with Chinotto and blood orange, black tea and pressed flowers. It is, in its quiet way, kaleidoscopic and mottled ... it does not stay still, it gently moves across the palate like sunlight over the course of a day. The long finish speaks of raspberry pip and sandalwood, pomegranate, Boscobel rose and even the softest suggestion of scraped vanilla pod. If you have the benefit of time, I would recommend tasting this on both day one and day two. As I see it, day two has all of the complexity of day one, with the added seamlessness and silk that only time can bring. This is the most alluring Lamella I can recall ever tasting on release, despite many previous releases' flirtation with perfection. 100% whole bunch. 14.9% alcohol, sealed under natural cork and wax." 6x75cl - Standish Lamella 2020 98-100 Points - Stuart McCloskey “Unfurling at a glacial pace - my note arrives after three days in the decanter (without any signs of oxidation), which provides an insight into the wine’s sheer concentration. Glass-staining beetroot red journeys to a core of midnight black. The bouquet interests the heck out of me – potency juxtaposed with a sense of unerring restraint, which is an artform. Savoury at first, and brooding. Cooling graphite, coal and coconut provide lift before the wonderfully heady aromas of mulberry, blackcurrant pastille, creme de mûre, black raspberry, violet and dark, bitter chocolate arrive, star anise too. A wonderfully, exotic and sensational perfume which keeps you hooked. Make no mistake, this is a towering wine, but perfectly proportioned with a masterful touch. Texturally, Lamella is one of those wines that delivers immediate impact, the quality indisputable. The flavours run deep, as deep as the ocean and quite honestly are difficult to convey. Concentrated dark berries, crème de cassis, mulberry and blueberry liquor flood the palate. Mid-palate provides relief from the richness – bitter chocolate, wild herbs and liquorice. I sense bitter orange zest – Negroni-esque which spikes even more intrigue. Acidity provides freshness and lift. Structurally, this is rock-solid with firm, grippy tannins. The complexity and animation of this wine is simply jaw-dropping. Alas, this is one for the cellar and will be drinking from 2032 to 2050+. If you cannot resist, decant for at least 48 hours. Served using Zalto Bordeaux glassware.” £755.50 per duo case under bond (12x75cl) SOLD OUT
ETA into the UK of September / October 2024  We receive lots of customer emails requesting notification when wines are close to selling out. Herewith is a timely reminder that a sizeable parcel (circa 50 wines) are limited in volume and will not be returning… Wines / producers which are not being restocked:  Giant Steps Sexton Vineyard Chardonnay 2021 97 points - Halliday Wine Companion “Made mainly from WA's Gingin clone and planted in Gruyere on the same grey clay as Applejack. Whole bunches pressed into French puncheons with 20% new oak. Smells tightly wound and concentrated with aromas of ripe peach and nectarine, together with just a hint of lanolin and apple custard. Equally powerful and punchy on the palate. This has more of everything, including sprightly acid and some phenolic grip on the very long, stone-fruit pithy finish. Today, this is my pick of the 4 single-vineyard 2021 chardonnays, but who knows what will come out on top in 5 or even 10 years from now!” Was £35.95 Last 9 bottles SOLD OUT
 McHenry Hohnen Rocky Road Margaret River Chardonnay 2018 £16.55 per bottle SOLD OUT
Last bottle  Pyramid Valley Chardonnay 2018 Was £29.95 per bottle SOLD OUT
Last 11 bottles  Eastern Peake Morillon OBC Pinot Noir 2017 Stuart McCloskey "Last week, we opened a bottle of the Morillon OBC Pinot Noir 2017 which made me rock and swoon in my chair. What a wine. Beautiful texture, an endless bouquet along with an unbelievably complex palate. 98-points any day of the week." Was £45.95 per bottle Last 18 bottles SOLD OUT
 Elderton Command Shiraz 2017 96 Points – Halliday Wine Companion "This does command respect thanks to the fruit coming off 123yo vines and the care with it from that moment right through to the winemaking. It is powerful and divine. Lush with the dark fruit coated with chocolate, pepper and coffee. The palate feels all velvety with the tannins neatly placed, the oak integrated and with a glass in hand, a sense that all's well with the world.” Was £49.95 per bottle Last 19 bottles SOLD OUT
 Domaine Naturaliste Discovery Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2021 Bruce Dukes, Chief Winemaker “Margaret River Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon are captured to highlight their attractiveness in its youth. This is a complex layered and blended white. Sauvignon offering lifted fragrances of gooseberry and lychee, with Semillon offering fig, white grapefruit and a mineral component. The barrel fermentation introduces exotic spice and textural harmonization.” £16.50 per bottle Only 63 bottles remain SOLD OUT
 Domaine Naturaliste Discovery Chardonnay 2021 £16.50 per bottle SOLD OUT
Last 8 bottles "All-in-all, an excellent Chardonnay that will continue to drink beautifully for the next five years. Tremendous value."  Lange Estate Providence Road Chardonnay 2021 5 Star Customer Review "Wonderful chardonnay and perfect for summer drinking as it has such brightness and refreshing citrus fruit as well as the depth and complexity the oak brings. Fantastic value." £17.50 per bottle Only 56 bottles remain  Curly Flat Estate Chardonnay 2018 £39.50 per bottle Only 18 bottles remain SOLD OUT
A catwalk beauty if I ever saw one...  Standish The Relic Shiraz Viognier 2018 Stuart McCloskey - Tasted 5 June 2024 "Decanted, poured back into the bottle, and sampled the following day. I strongly advise on at least an 8-10-hour decant. It’s been four years since I sampled / opened a bottle, which and given the structure and concentration of the wine, isn’t long at all however, I am intrigued to see how she’s coming along… The nose unfurls at a glacial place, and you need to work to unscramble the black hole of aromatics. It’s dark (clearly!) and certainly brooding. Mulberry, blueberry compote, violet, anise, woodfire smoke, mint, wonderfully floral, fresh thyme, tang from blood orange and sweet spice. Savouriness comes in the form of beef dripping and black olive. The palate is drinking much better than I was expecting – rather accessible with a decent decant. I love the silkiness – so creamy. Gosh, this is dripping with succulence. Equally, this remains structured, commanding and balanced. Tannins are delivered with finesse rather than grip. The sweet fruits (black & blue) do not runaway – savoury / herbal components provide a grown-up perspective as does the tang from ripe blood orange. Lordy – such a beautifully crafted wine. Confident enough for the catwalk, but her beauty comes from being natural and unforced. It was a knock-out wine from the release. It’s now got better… Heroic, benchmark, Aussie Shiraz. Drink now to 2050."
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