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Penfolds Grange + St Henri: The Collector's Set
Two of Australia's most enduring red wine expressions, together in one collection. Grange and St Henri represent opposite poles of the Penfolds phi...
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Two of Australia's most enduring red wine expressions, together in one collection. Grange and St Henri represent opposite poles of the Penfolds phi...
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Product Description:Celebratory elegance and classic Champagne craftsmanship define this special edition release from the historic house of Taittin...
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Product Description:Elegant concentration and finely tuned structure define this expressive Central Otago Pinot Noir from one of Bannockburn’s benc...
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Product Description:Bright Tasmanian purity and understated complexity define this elegant cool-climate Pinot Noir. The 2025 Pooley Pinot Noir is ...
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Product Description:Elegant perfume, savoury complexity and site transparency define this cool-climate Pinot Noir from one of Geelong’s most respec...
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Powerful mineral tension and Burgundian-inspired precision define the Apsley Gorge Chardonnay 2024 1.5L, a highly sought-after Tasmanian Chardonnay from one of the island’s cult producers. Crafted by Brian Franklin at the tiny Apsley Gorge Vineyard near Bicheno on Tasmania’s rugged East Coast, this wine reflects decades of meticulous vineyard work and a deep influence from traditional Burgundian winemaking. The estate’s cool maritime climate, low-yielding vines and extended ripening season allow the fruit to develop remarkable concentration while retaining freshness and acidity. Produced in extremely limited quantities, the 2024 vintage continues the estate’s reputation for Chardonnay of depth, structure and longevity.
In the glass the wine is intense yet poised, opening with aromas of white peach, grapefruit and citrus blossom layered with struck flint, grilled nuts and saline complexity. The palate is concentrated and textural, combining ripe stone fruit with crystalline acidity and a tightly wound mineral core. Careful maturation in French oak contributes subtle creaminess and spice without overshadowing the wine’s natural precision and site expression. The 2024 vintage shows both generosity and restraint, balancing richness with remarkable energy and drive. A distinctive saline edge and chalky minerality carry through the palate, adding refinement and persistence to the finish. Although approachable in youth, the wine possesses the structure and acidity to evolve beautifully with careful cellaring. Presented here in magnum format, the 1.5L bottle further enhances the wine’s ageing potential and collector appeal. This Chardonnay pairs exceptionally well with lobster, scallops, roast poultry or creamy seafood dishes
Powerful mineral tension and Burgundian-inspired precision define the Apsley Gorge Chardonnay 2024 1.5L, a highly sought-after Tasmanian Chardonnay from one of the island’s cult producers. Crafted by Brian Franklin at the tiny Apsley Gorge Vineyard near Bicheno on Tasmania’s rugged East Coast, this wine reflects decades of meticulous vineyard work and a deep influence from traditional Burgundian winemaking. The estate’s cool maritime climate, low-yielding vines and extended ripening season allow the fruit to develop remarkable concentration while retaining freshness and acidity. Produced in extremely limited quantities, the 2024 vintage continues the estate’s reputation for Chardonnay of depth, structure and longevity.
In the glass the wine is intense yet poised, opening with aromas of white peach, grapefruit and citrus blossom layered with struck flint, grilled nuts and saline complexity. The palate is concentrated and textural, combining ripe stone fruit with crystalline acidity and a tightly wound mineral core. Careful maturation in French oak contributes subtle creaminess and spice without overshadowing the wine’s natural precision and site expression. The 2024 vintage shows both generosity and restraint, balancing richness with remarkable energy and drive. A distinctive saline edge and chalky minerality carry through the palate, adding refinement and persistence to the finish. Although approachable in youth, the wine possesses the structure and acidity to evolve beautifully with careful cellaring. Presented here in magnum format, the 1.5L bottle further enhances the wine’s ageing potential and collector appeal. This Chardonnay pairs exceptionally well with lobster, scallops, roast poultry or creamy seafood dishes
“Franklin’s faithfully Burgundian techniques deliver a magnificent synopsis of the potential of his warm site: broad, statuesque Pinot with grand depth and texture, and a deliciously baroque Chardonnay.”
Brian Franklin, the owner and winemaker of Apsley Gorge, brings a wealth of experience to the craft of winemaking. After initially training under Philippe Charlopin, one of Burgundy’s most respected winemakers, Brian’s winemaking journey led him to the Apsley Valley. His expertise in the French tradition of winemaking, combined with his nearly 40 years of experience in both France and Australia, has shaped the wines of Apsley Gorge into one of Tasmania’s finest examples of cool-climate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Brian’s hands-on approach, from viticulture to fermentation, ensures that every bottle expresses the unique character of the land.
Apsley Gorge is a testament to Brian’s commitment to producing exceptional wines with great purity and structure. The vineyard’s location, near the entrance to the Apsley Gorge National Park, enjoys cooling afternoon breezes, which moderate the climate and promote long, slow ripening. With a focus on natural winemaking techniques and minimal intervention, Brian produces wines that are as individual as the site they come from, with each vintage representing a new opportunity to showcase the potential of the land.
At Apsley Gorge, the philosophy revolves around the careful, natural expression of the vineyard’s terroir. Brian Franklin’s approach to winemaking is rooted in the belief that great wine begins in the vineyard, where healthy soils, low yields, and careful vineyard management are key to achieving the highest quality fruit. The vineyard is farmed without irrigation, and every vine is hand-pruned and hand-picked to ensure that only the best grapes make it into the wine.
Winemaking at Apsley Gorge is focused on minimal intervention, allowing the natural characteristics of the grapes to shine through. Fermentation is carried out with native yeasts, and oak usage is kept to a minimum to allow the fruit to take centre stage. The result is a collection of wines that are rich, complex, and balanced, with a clear reflection of the region’s unique growing conditions. The philosophy of Apsley Gorge is to produce wines that are expressive, structured, and built to age, showcasing the exceptional potential of Tasmania’s cool-climate vineyards.
Aromas of white peach, lemon curd and grapefruit zest layered with flinty reduction, toasted hazelnut, citrus blossom and saline notes
Medium to full-bodied with flavours of nectarine, citrus and stone fruit supported by bright acidity, creamy texture and precise mineral tension
A persistent finish with lingering citrus freshness, struck-flint complexity, subtle oak spice and chalky minerality