French and Australian stunners shine in both web only and printed reviews for June. Chambers tops the charts with scores ranging from 90 to 98 points, while Jasper Hill‘s Ron Laughton shows nicely at 93 points. Harvey Steiman notes a core of blackberry and licorice on the Innocent Bystander 2012 Syrah, and our fun-loving Frisk finishes with delicacy.
98 pts Chambers Rosewood Rare Muscat NV, Rutherglen, VIC
A towering wine, dense in color, unctuously sweet, with layers of toasted walnut, burnt orange peel, clove, coffee, dried cherry and spices, coming together smoothly and harmoniously on the rich finish. Drink now through 2025. 10 cases imported. H.S.
95 pts Chambers Rosewood Rare Muscadelle NV, Rutherglen, VIC
Smooth and unctuous, with coffee, sassafras and licorice notes interlaced with chocolate, prune, hay and spice flavors, coming together harmoniously on the extra-long finish. Drink now. 10 cases imported. H.S.
94 pts Chambers Rosewood Grand Muscat NV, Rutherglen, VIC
Dark, spicy and richly sweet, this is the color of brewed coffee, with espresso and bittersweet chocolate notes melding with cherry pie, toasted walnut and candied orange peel flavors, lingering expressively. Drink now through 2020. 25 cases imported. H.S.
93 pts Penley Estate Tolmer Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Coonawarra, SA (Limited Release)
Crisp, focused, expansive in flavor and open-textured, this harmonious wine layers currant, wet earth, bay leaf and spice flavors beautifully. The finish lingers nicely and the tannins are well-integrated. Drink now through 2019. 25 cases imported. H.S.
92 pts Giant Steps Sexton Vineyard Chardonnay 2012, Yarra Valley, VIC
Crisp, vibrant and expressive, layered with nectarine, grapefruit and white pepper flavors, finishing with intensity, length and deft balance. Drink now through 2010. 150 cases imported. H.S.
92 pts Greywacke Chardonnay 2011, Marlborough, NZ
Distinctive and complex, with candied orange peel, buttered popcorn, fig, lemon meringue and apricot flavors. Smooth, succulent, with a long, juicy finish. Drink now through 2025. 150 cases imported. M.W.
91 pts Innocent Bystander Syrah 2012, Yarra Valley
Fresh, expressive and light-footed, with delicate hints of sandalwood, black tea and mint layered around a lithe core of blackberry and licorice, lingering with refinement and fine tannins. Drink now through 2020. 250 cases imported. H.S.
91 pts Jasper Hill Georgia’s Paddock Riesling 2013, Heathcote, VIC
Crisp and vital, with a raw edge to the delicate pear, peach and floral flavors, persisting with poise and harmony on the dry finish. Drink now through 2025. 50 cases imported. H.S.
90 pts Chambers Rosewood Rutherglen Muscat NV
This silky, sweet version is the color of dark tea, with banana notes around the core of caramel, chocolate and cherry, finishing with moderate intensity. Drink now. 1,000 cases imported. H.S.
89 pts d’Arenberg The Hermit Crab Viognier-Marsanne 2012, McLaren Vale, SA
Tight, spicy and appealing, with pear and lychee flavors, well-modulated to fly smoothly on the medium-weight frame. Shows impressive persistence on the finish. Drink now. 6,500 cases imported. H.S.
89 pts Leeuwin Estate Art Series Riesling 2013, Margaret River, WA
Dry, on the tart side, with refreshing pear and spice flavors, picking up floral notes as the finish lingers. Drink now through 2020. 350 cases imported. H.S.
89 pts Shoofly Chardonnay 2012, Adelaide Hills, SA
Soft in texture, with pretty pear and green guava flavors on a sleek frame, lingering gently on the finish. Drink now through 2016. 2,000 cases imported. H.S.
88 pts Penley Estate Phoenix Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, Coonawarra, SA
Vibrant, taut and focused, with cedary overtones to the black currant and black pepper flavors, lingering on the toasty finish. Best from 2015 through 2019. 4,300 cases imported. H.S.
87 pts Chateau de Sours Bordeaux White 2012
This has good zip, with a lemon zest frame around the core of grapefruit pulp, straw and white peach flavors. Tasty and fresh. Drink now. 300 cases imported. J.M.
86 pts Chateau de Sours Bordeaux White 2012
Fresh, with kiwifruit pulp, straw and white peach notes, revealing a flicker of lime on the finish. Drink now. 500 cases imported. J.M.
86 pts Frisk Prickly Riesling 2013, Victoria
This is light, sweet and fizzy, with pretty pear and lemon flavors, finishing with delicacy. Drink now. 17,000 cases imported. H.S.