Secret Cellar returns with super-premium shiraz and cabernet from Clare Valley, the Barossa, Margaret River and Coonawarra
The Secret Cellar is back: prepare for super-premium Australian shiraz and cabernet, which normally sell for an average of $134 a bottle, on offer for a third of the price.
What’s the biggest leap of faith you’ve ever made? Was it trading in a well-paying job to embark on a career you were really passionate about? Or was it walking down the aisle? Or booking a one-way flight to start a new chapter in your life?
When it comes to The Australian Wine Club, this is the biggest leap of faith we’ve asked you to take.
But, if you love super drinkable, premium Australian reds, your trust in our judgment will be rewarded 12 times over.
We’re lifting the stakes this week as we pry open the door of our Secret Cellar for the last time in 2022.
This is the deal: four brilliant wines showcasing the variety that made each region famous. We’re talking shiraz from the Barossa and Clare valleys; cabernet sauvignon from Margaret River and Coonawarra.
Together, these wines collectively retail for $134 a bottle but this special dozen deal is set at a not-to-be-repeated price of $44.99 a bottle – that’s a total saving of more than $1000. Yes, this is for serious lovers of great shiraz and cabernet.
But here’s the leap: under the rules of the Secret Cellar, we can’t reveal the names of the wineries involved in this unique offer.
I’ll try to give you as much information as possible, while also ensuring the wineries are not identified as they must protect their recommended retail prices on these wines.
The wineries are taking part in this offer at a time when export markets are under pressure due to Beijing’s effective ban on Australian wines.
While wineries are building new markets, it will take years to replace the $1bn in lost sales that were being generated in China each year.
In the meantime, we have an over-supply of wine that’s looking for a home.
Our four wines are all gold-medal winners. One has won a prestigious international award, while two have received points of 95 and 96 points from reputable wine critics.
We’re offering a premium taste trip across four different vintages – if you’re up for booking your mystery flight. Just remember, though, if you really don’t like the wines, we’ll refund your investment. No divorce proceedings required.
A flagship wine from one of Clare’s leading wineries, rated five stars in the Halliday Wine Companion for well over a decade. This stunner picked up the prestigious mantle of best shiraz in the world at a leading international wine show. The first impression is one of opulence: aromas of rich dark plums, dark chocolate, vanilla and exotic spices leap from the glass. Yes, the opulence carries through on a velvety palate, showing off classic Clare berries, but there’s so much more to take in. Savoury notes of truffle, prosciutto, fennel and pepper lead to licorice and star anise. The oak – the wine was aged for 18 months in new and slightly older French oak hogsheads – is beautifully integrated, giving a polished feeling that lingers on and on. It was made from older vines from a low-yielding vineyard. Intense, concentrated and complex but still light on its feet. One of most enjoyable shirazes I’ve tried in 2022. 14.5% alc; RRP $96 a bottle.
SPECIALS $85 a bottle in any dozen; $44.99 a bottle in Secret Cellar dozen
Super premium shiraz with a retail price of between $300 and $400 a bottle (I’ll break our usual practice and not list the actual RRP to further protect this winery’s identity.) From an iconic Barossa winery that has built its reputation during more than 50 years of operation. Plums, cherries and black pepper define this deep-welled shiraz. Big flavours and everything snugly in place – precise acid-drive, fine-grained tannins, persistent finish. Scored 95 points by Team Halliday. No doubt crafted with well-heeled Chinese wine lovers in mind but will be happily greeted into cellars here (especially at this price!)
15% alc; RRP between $300 and $400 a bottle.
SPECIAL $44.99 a bottle in Secret Cellar dozen
Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Highly rated example of Margaret River’s hallmark red variety. Mint, chocolate and coffee aromas are welcomed first, with touches of olive tapenade and red capsicum, before elegant fruit flavours of cassis, dark plums and raspberry are balanced by nicely integrated tannins and fresh acidity. The name behind this brand has been synonymous with high-quality wine in Western Australia’s leading region since the 1980s. A sublime drinking experience. This wine was rated 96 points by Team Halliday and 95 points by Wine Orbit. 14% alc; RRP $60 a bottle.
SPECIAL $44.99 a bottle in Secret Cellar dozen
Coonawarra Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
From a single-vineyard site in the heart of Coonawarra’s famed terra rossa strip. Classic Coonawarra aromas of blackcurrants, violets, mint and dried herbs, with vibrant fruits flowing through its medium-weighted palate. Grippy tannins and great structure which shows this quality wine will continue to evolve and be enjoyed over the next decade. Was matured for 18 months in French oak hogsheads with 30 per cent being new. Won a swag of gold medals at prestigious wine shows including the Melbourne International Wine Competition, the Concours International Des Cabernets and the Gilbert & Gaillard International Challenge. 14.5% alc; RRP $60 a bottle.
SPECIALS $49.99 a bottle in any dozen; $44.99 in Secret Cellar dozen
SECRET CELLAR SPECIAL Three bottles of each wine for $44.99 a bottle in the dozen.
Order online or telephone 1300 765 359 Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm AEST. Deals only available while stocks last. The Australian Wine Club is a commercial partnership with Laithwaites Wine, LIQP770016550.
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