WHITE WINE

Maybe its easiest to start with who and what we are not! We are not a supermarket, discount chain, lowest-common-denominator liquor outlet. In some ways we are not even a retailer who could be selling anything; tyres, widgets or beanie boos! We can only sell one thing…WINE! What we are is an independently owned wine merchant, driven by our collective passion to source and share some of the greatest wines in the world with a similarly passionate group of punters…many of which are now friends and part of the PWS family.

The Prince Wine Store's 2A range is designed to be both affordable and very drinkable!  We are proud of these wines and believe that they offer exceptional value for money in their price range.

Made from fruit sourced from Victoria's Strathbogie ranges this delicious and refreshing dry white was fermented without wood to allow the natural fruit characters to come out.  The wine was bottled with a screw cap to ensure freshness and to guarantee that the wine will not be affected by cork taint. PWS

 

A blend of Airén, Viura and Verdejo grapes from organic dry-farmed vineyards. This is under the Mesta umbrella of which we have featured numerous wines over the years. They represent incredible value given the quality material that goes into their wines. Here, the vines are over 30 years average age and managed as an integrated ecosystem where no pesticides are used, organic manure is the only fertiliser applied and weed control is done by light, superficial tilling.

There is a lovely soft mix of peach, apple and summer tree fruits sprinkled with a gentle white pepper element. Round, juicy and refreshing with punchy flavours that burst onto the palate. Unoaked and unadulterated and all the better for it. It finishes crisp and clean.

Les Vignerons is a brilliant new value range from one of the ubiquitous cooperatives of southern France. However, unlike the many anonymous wines these outfits are known for, Les Vignerons was born from a different concept. Here, a group of grape growers agitated for more input into the finished product and as a result they were permitted to work with a parcel of their own grapes and with the assistance of the coop winemaker produced their own set of wines.They are all blends of a maximum of two varieties and display good fruit expression, clean winemaking, and deliver excellent value for money.

This Vermentino and Colombard blend is a straight as an arrow. Saline, crisp and bright with a very subtle textural naunce. PWS

Maybe its easiest to start with who and what we are not! We are not a supermarket, discount chain, lowest-common-denominator liquor outlet. In some ways we are not even a retailer who could be selling anything; tyres, widgets or beanie boos! We can only sell one thing…WINE! What we are is an independently owned wine merchant, driven by our collective passion to source and share some of the greatest wines in the world with a similarly passionate group of punters…many of which are now friends and part of the PWS family.

Maybe its easiest to start with who and what we are not! We are not a supermarket, discount chain, lowest-common-denominator liquor outlet. In some ways we are not even a retailer who could be selling anything; tyres, widgets or beanie boos! We can only sell one thing…WINE! What we are is an independently owned wine merchant, driven by our collective passion to source and share some of the greatest wines in the world with a similarly passionate group of punters…many of which are now friends and part of the PWS family.

Maybe its easiest to start with who and what we are not! We are not a supermarket, discount chain, lowest-common-denominator liquor outlet. In some ways we are not even a retailer who could be selling anything; tyres, widgets or beanie boos! We can only sell one thing…WINE! What we are is an independently owned wine merchant, driven by our collective passion to source and share some of the greatest wines in the world with a similarly passionate group of punters…many of which are now friends and part of the PWS family.

Maybe its easiest to start with who and what we are not! We are not a supermarket, discount chain, lowest-common-denominator liquor outlet. In some ways we are not even a retailer who could be selling anything; tyres, widgets or beanie boos! We can only sell one thing…WINE! What we are is an independently owned wine merchant, driven by our collective passion to source and share some of the greatest wines in the world with a similarly passionate group of punters…many of which are now friends and part of the PWS family.

At the ripe old age of 28, Nick O'Leary had been involved in the wine industry for over a decade, working variously in retail, wholesale, viticulture and winemaking. Two years earlier he had laid the foundation for Nick O'Leary Wines, purchasing shiraz from local vignerons (commencing in 2006); riesling following in '08.
His wines have had extraordinarily consistent success in local wine shows and competitions since the first vintages, and are building on that early success in spectacular fashion. At the NSW Wine Awards '15, the 2014 Shiraz was awarded the NSW Wine of the Year Trophy exactly as the 2013 Shiraz was in the prior year - the first time any winery had won the award in consecutive years. JAMES HALLIDAY

A good season for CBR Riesling, I take it, given Our Mike’s recent reviews.

Distinctly spicy, ginger and that, green apple and lime, light powdery texture, positive acidity, though it feels soft and comely in a way, juice and zest and length as it goes. Excellent. A beauty. GARY WALSH, The Wine Front

 

Handpicked fruit was whole bunch pressed into tank. After cold settling overnight, juice was racked to another tank for fermentation. Parcels left on yeast lees until July 2016 to gain mouth feel and complexity, then bottled. This Red Claw Pinot Gris has lovely freshness, lifted floral aromas and bright fruit flavours. Showing a hint of nashi pear, subtle spice and a long, finely textured palate. YABBY LAKE

Very light yellow, bright colour, with a sweetly fragrant, light and grapy aroma, some nectarine, stone fruit notes. The wine is light-bodied and dry, delicate and straightforward, with a cleansing, appetising dryness to finish. It's very much a grigio style. The Real Review

De Bortoli offers some of the most interesting and best value drinking in the country at the moment. Their commitment to quality at all levels is really incredible and the fact that they manage to do this over such a large range and with such a diverse suite of wine style and varietals is unbelieveable. PWS

From the Minutello Vineyard planted '81. The sheer quality of the fruit - and its clearly articulated varietal character - leaves no room for argument: this is priced well below its value. The flavours are ripe even though framed by pink grapefruit, green apple and white peach. Oak? Don't know/don't care. JAMES HALLIDAY

Maybe its easiest to start with who and what we are not! We are not a supermarket, discount chain, lowest-common-denominator liquor outlet. In some ways we are not even a retailer who could be selling anything; tyres, widgets or beanie boos! We can only sell one thing…WINE! What we are is an independently owned wine merchant, driven by our collective passion to source and share some of the greatest wines in the world with a similarly passionate group of punters…many of which are now friends and part of the PWS family.

Maybe its easiest to start with who and what we are not! We are not a supermarket, discount chain, lowest-common-denominator liquor outlet. In some ways we are not even a retailer who could be selling anything; tyres, widgets or beanie boos! We can only sell one thing…WINE! What we are is an independently owned wine merchant, driven by our collective passion to source and share some of the greatest wines in the world with a similarly passionate group of punters…many of which are now friends and part of the PWS family.

The Gaia Notios White 2019 features bright aromas. The Moschofilero contributes vibrant floral notes of rose petal and a lively fruity profile. The Roditis provides an elegant lemony character and crisp acidity. QANTAS

How do they do it? This has been a PWS favourite for some time now and it never fails to deliver. Made by Rheinhessen legends Gunderloch with vineyards  close to the Rhines south-east steep slopes. The combination of the red slate soil, the proximity to the river, the exposure to the sun and the steepness of the vineyards - are perfect for producing wonderful ripeness. If you are a German riesling fan it would be hard to beat this for the sheer quality and insane value it represents.

The wine shows lovely stone fruit, peach and pithy characters as it opens in the glass. There is a salty mineral hit to that is really lovely. The fresh natural acidity zip through the ripe and spice flecked palate while a little aromatic lift gives this some real interest. Dry, fresh and full of character. PWS

Maybe its easiest to start with who and what we are not! We are not a supermarket, discount chain, lowest-common-denominator liquor outlet. In some ways we are not even a retailer who could be selling anything; tyres, widgets or beanie boos! We can only sell one thing…WINE! What we are is an independently owned wine merchant, driven by our collective passion to source and share some of the greatest wines in the world with a similarly passionate group of punters…many of which are now friends and part of the PWS family.

Owned arnd run by the Barry family (Jim Barrty Wines) the clos Clare patch is located within the famous Florita vineyard in Watervale and is getting on for 50 years of age. The clos Clare Riesling is often among the very best in the region amd access to their absolutely stonking older releases, which they hold back in cellar, is proof of that pedigree. PWS

This is archetypal. Quintessential. Classic. A taut thread of lime juice, grapefruit and candied lemon zest woven by a spindle of pumice, slate and bright acidity. Transparent. A flowing stream of flavour. Inimitably Clare. This will fill out with bottle age. NED GOODWIN, James Halliday

This crazy and delicious blend from vermentino, fiano, greco and arinto grapes is produced by Ashley Ratcliff and family from the Ricca Terra farms of Riverland, South Australia.

There is a lovely chalky and green melon that greets you on the nose that flows into succulent nashi pear and green tree fruits. It’s a bit like trying to catch wind with you hand as all the spicy fruit and mineral laden falvours and aromas rush around your senses. Crisp and dry with lip-smacking fruit and refreshing acidity that makes you want for more. So good!! PWS

Maybe its easiest to start with who and what we are not! We are not a supermarket, discount chain, lowest-common-denominator liquor outlet. In some ways we are not even a retailer who could be selling anything; tyres, widgets or beanie boos! We can only sell one thing…WINE! What we are is an independently owned wine merchant, driven by our collective passion to source and share some of the greatest wines in the world with a similarly passionate group of punters…many of which are now friends and part of the PWS family.

Set in the foothills before the Dolomites - with most sites sitting between 250-500 metres, the wines of Antonio Fattori are a masterclass of focus and definition. His gift is to let the varieties - Garganega for Soave, Pinot Grigio and more recently Durello and the Valpolicella red grapes which speak brightly of their origins.

These wines are fantastic and this must be one of the best value Soave's around. Lovely up-front peach and soft green almond tinged fruit greet you. There is a lovely zip to the palate and some nervy energy countered by pure and plush fruits. This is modern, stylish and very tasty.

The Agrícola Castellana Cooperative, situated in the heart of the Rueda D.O., was set up in La Seca (Valladolid) by small number of dedicated vine growers wishing to add value to their products.

Today, it consists of some 400 members who cultivate 2000 hectares of vineyards with modern equipment for the production of 7 millions of litres of wine per harvest and facilities for manufacturing one million of these in oak.

The Bodega has up to date machinery for the reception of the grapes, pneumatic presses and temperature controlled, stainless steel vessels for fermentation, all of wich have contributed enormously to improve the quality of the wines.

Another spot on release brimming with summer fruit salad, with a lovely peachy lift. It's juicy and fleshy with just a little snap on the palate to keep it fresh. Drink don't think! PWS

This wine, hailing from the Jerez/Sherry region of Spain, is composed of Moscatel and Palomino. Strong minerality on the nose and the palate, with a floral, citrusy bouquet make this a pleasure to drink. Its freshness coupled with a bit of texture on the palate speak to the care taken in the vinification and to the quality of the wine. Astoundingly good value. PWS

Maybe its easiest to start with who and what we are not! We are not a supermarket, discount chain, lowest-common-denominator liquor outlet. In some ways we are not even a retailer who could be selling anything; tyres, widgets or beanie boos! We can only sell one thing…WINE! What we are is an independently owned wine merchant, driven by our collective passion to source and share some of the greatest wines in the world with a similarly passionate group of punters…many of which are now friends and part of the PWS family.

Maybe its easiest to start with who and what we are not! We are not a supermarket, discount chain, lowest-common-denominator liquor outlet. In some ways we are not even a retailer who could be selling anything; tyres, widgets or beanie boos! We can only sell one thing…WINE! What we are is an independently owned wine merchant, driven by our collective passion to source and share some of the greatest wines in the world with a similarly passionate group of punters…many of which are now friends and part of the PWS family.

Maybe its easiest to start with who and what we are not! We are not a supermarket, discount chain, lowest-common-denominator liquor outlet. In some ways we are not even a retailer who could be selling anything; tyres, widgets or beanie boos! We can only sell one thing…WINE! What we are is an independently owned wine merchant, driven by our collective passion to source and share some of the greatest wines in the world with a similarly passionate group of punters…many of which are now friends and part of the PWS family.

Picpoul from the coastal reaches of the Mediterranean has become in recent years the 'go to wine' in France for Oysters, shell fish and indeed all fish and with good reason as besides having that dry bite and the acidity that goes with it, it also has good body and underlying fruit flavours. I love it - and particularly as it is made by my good fried Francois Chamboissier who is both a talented winemaker and a great gourmet living in a stunning small village in southern France. What a life! The wine is a treat. Racy freshness, ripe citrus fruit, and seafood-friendly purity. The palate has a lovely texture, with many layers of flavour and a notable length to the finish.

"The 2019 Racine Picpoul de Pinet is spot on. Crisp, clean and lively, it makes the perfect springtime aperitif and, blessed with a screwcap, can be opened in a trice whenever thirst strikes. JONATHAN RAY, The Spectator Magazine

Maybe its easiest to start with who and what we are not! We are not a supermarket, discount chain, lowest-common-denominator liquor outlet. In some ways we are not even a retailer who could be selling anything; tyres, widgets or beanie boos! We can only sell one thing…WINE! What we are is an independently owned wine merchant, driven by our collective passion to source and share some of the greatest wines in the world with a similarly passionate group of punters…many of which are now friends and part of the PWS family.

If you haven't looked at some of the Vinoque range from De Bortoli, do yourself a favour. Steve Webber uses this label to produce some incredible value wines and fantastic little blends. We carry a few but this one always seems to end up floor stacked somewhere in the store. PWS

51/49%/fiano/greco Hand-picked, whole-bunch pressed to used French casks for fermentation. Light straw. Rockpool, saline, lemon peel. Fermentation in old French casks has let loose some exotic flavours of figs, cut pear and honey. A touch of lemon drop confection brings these two Italian grapes together on the finish. JENI PORT, James Halliday

Fruit from Mount Barker. Wild ferment, matured for 9 months in a large-format oak. Very concentrated and delicious chardonnay here. Like a ripe grapefruit with all the tart acidity and juicy, fleshy citrus flavours. Plenty to like, this is modern, bright chardonnay with a kick. ERIN LARKIN, James Halliday

We are always thoroughly impressed by the wines of Forest Hill and feel they are often over-looked in the grand scheme of wines from the region. The consistency and quality of this estate is nothing short of astonishing, with year-in-year-out they put out an impressive selection of cabernet, shiraz, riesling and of course chardonnay.

This is off a single vineyard that used to be Mt Barkers first farm. Bought 15 years ago by Forest Hill this was planted in 2002 with a mix of chardonnay clones. The wine sees only large format French oak with less then 5% new. This is an impressive wine for the money.

Maybe its easiest to start with who and what we are not! We are not a supermarket, discount chain, lowest-common-denominator liquor outlet. In some ways we are not even a retailer who could be selling anything; tyres, widgets or beanie boos! We can only sell one thing…WINE! What we are is an independently owned wine merchant, driven by our collective passion to source and share some of the greatest wines in the world with a similarly passionate group of punters…many of which are now friends and part of the PWS family.

This wine from Northern Heathcote and coming from a warm but reasonably moderate vintage has good intensity of flavour with some texture and a bit of minerally freshness. Drink within the next 12 months. PWS

Maybe its easiest to start with who and what we are not! We are not a supermarket, discount chain, lowest-common-denominator liquor outlet. In some ways we are not even a retailer who could be selling anything; tyres, widgets or beanie boos! We can only sell one thing…WINE! What we are is an independently owned wine merchant, driven by our collective passion to source and share some of the greatest wines in the world with a similarly passionate group of punters…many of which are now friends and part of the PWS family.

Maybe its easiest to start with who and what we are not! We are not a supermarket, discount chain, lowest-common-denominator liquor outlet. In some ways we are not even a retailer who could be selling anything; tyres, widgets or beanie boos! We can only sell one thing…WINE! What we are is an independently owned wine merchant, driven by our collective passion to source and share some of the greatest wines in the world with a similarly passionate group of punters…many of which are now friends and part of the PWS family.

Maybe its easiest to start with who and what we are not! We are not a supermarket, discount chain, lowest-common-denominator liquor outlet. In some ways we are not even a retailer who could be selling anything; tyres, widgets or beanie boos! We can only sell one thing…WINE! What we are is an independently owned wine merchant, driven by our collective passion to source and share some of the greatest wines in the world with a similarly passionate group of punters…many of which are now friends and part of the PWS family.

Maybe its easiest to start with who and what we are not! We are not a supermarket, discount chain, lowest-common-denominator liquor outlet. In some ways we are not even a retailer who could be selling anything; tyres, widgets or beanie boos! We can only sell one thing…WINE! What we are is an independently owned wine merchant, driven by our collective passion to source and share some of the greatest wines in the world with a similarly passionate group of punters…many of which are now friends and part of the PWS family.

Maybe its easiest to start with who and what we are not! We are not a supermarket, discount chain, lowest-common-denominator liquor outlet. In some ways we are not even a retailer who could be selling anything; tyres, widgets or beanie boos! We can only sell one thing…WINE! What we are is an independently owned wine merchant, driven by our collective passion to source and share some of the greatest wines in the world with a similarly passionate group of punters…many of which are now friends and part of the PWS family.

The Domaine itself is plonked on the hills overlooking Eauze the capital of Armagnac. Its certified organic and has eighty acres of vines that grow on the gentle hills of sand and fine silt soils. All harvests are done by hand and the domaine does not use any chemical fertilizers or pesticides. This is a dry and textural blend of Colombard, Ugni-Blanc, Sauvignon, and Gros-Manseng.

They have done it again! This is my go to white for summer with a lovely lemony, floral lilt and powdery, perfumed nose. Gentle and bright with clean and crisp flavours of orchard fruits and white nectarine. Its uncomplicated and delicious with clean, crunchy fruits and a zippy, minerally finish. Ridiculous value. MYLES, PWS

Maybe its easiest to start with who and what we are not! We are not a supermarket, discount chain, lowest-common-denominator liquor outlet. In some ways we are not even a retailer who could be selling anything; tyres, widgets or beanie boos! We can only sell one thing…WINE! What we are is an independently owned wine merchant, driven by our collective passion to source and share some of the greatest wines in the world with a similarly passionate group of punters…many of which are now friends and part of the PWS family.

Maybe its easiest to start with who and what we are not! We are not a supermarket, discount chain, lowest-common-denominator liquor outlet. In some ways we are not even a retailer who could be selling anything; tyres, widgets or beanie boos! We can only sell one thing…WINE! What we are is an independently owned wine merchant, driven by our collective passion to source and share some of the greatest wines in the world with a similarly passionate group of punters…many of which are now friends and part of the PWS family.

Pears and apples mingle with white flowers and a touch of peach. Lovely texture, dry and rich with a sense of glycerol to the overt flavours of bosc pear and red apples. It has Gris weight but also a nice, enlivening juicy feel to the fruit. Finishes with a good degree of crispness to what is otherwise a wine of texture above all. I think the winemaker said "This is how Pinot Gris should be." That's a fair statement, tastes like a textbook description of the variety when it's made well. ROSCOE

Maybe its easiest to start with who and what we are not! We are not a supermarket, discount chain, lowest-common-denominator liquor outlet. In some ways we are not even a retailer who could be selling anything; tyres, widgets or beanie boos! We can only sell one thing…WINE! What we are is an independently owned wine merchant, driven by our collective passion to source and share some of the greatest wines in the world with a similarly passionate group of punters…many of which are now friends and part of the PWS family.

Maybe its easiest to start with who and what we are not! We are not a supermarket, discount chain, lowest-common-denominator liquor outlet. In some ways we are not even a retailer who could be selling anything; tyres, widgets or beanie boos! We can only sell one thing…WINE! What we are is an independently owned wine merchant, driven by our collective passion to source and share some of the greatest wines in the world with a similarly passionate group of punters…many of which are now friends and part of the PWS family.

The Monkey Brains wines are the brainchild of Evan Milne of Stock on Hand. Sourcing best fruit from alternative and interesting varietals packaged up in great looking bottles. But these are wines of substance and Evan has taken his time to get the best of the best.

The results speak for themselves and it has lovely clean fruit, juicy and plump but given some nice focus with a little texture and weight. This is drink don't think territory but has enough interest to keep you coming back for more. PWS

The 2019 Vernaccia di S. Gimignano is an absolutely delicious, every day white. Apricot, tangerine oil, mint, chamomile and yellow flowers all grace this tasty, supple Vernaccia from Fontaleoni. ANTONIO GALLONI

Bright and somewhat crunchy with a direct line of fresh apple like acidity. Plenty to enjoy here with all the usual elements you would want from Vernaccia of this quality, apple fruit, lemon oil and white flowers along with just enough texture to provide a little tactile interest. Clean and clear cut and something I will be drinking a lot of as the weather starts to warm up again. ROSCOE

Maybe its easiest to start with who and what we are not! We are not a supermarket, discount chain, lowest-common-denominator liquor outlet. In some ways we are not even a retailer who could be selling anything; tyres, widgets or beanie boos! We can only sell one thing…WINE! What we are is an independently owned wine merchant, driven by our collective passion to source and share some of the greatest wines in the world with a similarly passionate group of punters…many of which are now friends and part of the PWS family.

Maybe its easiest to start with who and what we are not! We are not a supermarket, discount chain, lowest-common-denominator liquor outlet. In some ways we are not even a retailer who could be selling anything; tyres, widgets or beanie boos! We can only sell one thing…WINE! What we are is an independently owned wine merchant, driven by our collective passion to source and share some of the greatest wines in the world with a similarly passionate group of punters…many of which are now friends and part of the PWS family.

Maybe its easiest to start with who and what we are not! We are not a supermarket, discount chain, lowest-common-denominator liquor outlet. In some ways we are not even a retailer who could be selling anything; tyres, widgets or beanie boos! We can only sell one thing…WINE! What we are is an independently owned wine merchant, driven by our collective passion to source and share some of the greatest wines in the world with a similarly passionate group of punters…many of which are now friends and part of the PWS family.

A new producer in the market that has just nailed it for entry level Bordeaux that actually taste like Bordeaux! Blended from vineyards across the appellation this is a superb introduction to the Bordeaux style, delivering a classic expression of the region and delicious to boot.

Raised in tank and aged on fine lees, an abundance of savoury, grassy grapefruit, tangy and beautifully balanced.Lifted tropical fruit, lime and green apple with subtle herbaceous grassy end notes. Light, fresh and dry the palate with a touch of textural slip that carries it through the zingy close. PWS