WOW. This month we were surprised and honoured to pick up a copy of GOURMET TRAVELLER WINE and see not one, but three of our wines reviewed.

Both “The Merchant” & “The Chairman” were listed as their TOP 100 AUSTRALIAN REDS in addition to “The Merchant” getting listed as their BEST BUY WINES TO CELLAR.

Whilst the vintages reviews are no longer available, the latest vintages are.

TOP 100 AUSTRALIAN REDS

2012 “THE MERCHANT” BAROSSA VALLEY SHIRAZ

This is a big, gutsy Shiraz from Hamish Seabrook (ex-Best’s). The colour is very deep and true, the bouquet loaded with chocolate, vanilla, smoked smallgoods aromas. It’s quite strongly oaked, but is still a baby and will age superbly. Cellar from two to a maximum of thirteen years.

93 POINTS

— Huon Hooke + Bob Campbell MW, GOURMET TRAVELLER WINE

2013 “THE CHAIRMAN” GREAT WESTERN SHIRAZ

This full-bodied shiraz shows the firmness of structure and fine, gritty tannins. The bouquet has a touch of eucalyptus-mint as well as spice, and there’s a note of dark chocolate. Cellar from two to a maximum of fifteen years.

92 POINTS

— Huon Hooke + Bob Campbell MW, GOURMET TRAVELLER WINE

BEST BUYS; WINES TO CELLAR

2014 “THE MERCHANT” BAROSSA VALLEY SHIRAZ

The Seabrook name is an old one in the Australian wine game: the family established a successful firm of wine merchants in Melbourne in 1878. Hence the moniker for this glorious shiraz made by fifth-generation Hamish Seabrook: it’s dark, dense and brooding with terrific tongue-hugging tannins and great complexity. Drink now with rare barbecued kangaroo or stash a few bottles away in the cellar to be enjoyed any time over the next decade or two.

— Max Allen, GOURMET TRAVELLER WINE