Welcome to the Australian Wine Centre
For more than 30 years we have built a reputation for our discerning and eclectic range as well as our ability to deliver wine to our customers worldwide.
Conveniently located in the heart of Sydney at Circular Quay, we stock wines from the most innovative and quality driven producers in the country as well as maintaining a deep inventory of old and rare vintages.
LAUREGAN
Single vineyard Pinot Noir 2017
A little over a year ago we had a call out of the blue from a winemaker in Hawkes Bay NZ. He explained that he was a Pinot Noir producer and asked if we would like to try his wines. Shortly afterwards we had the pleasure of meeting Lauregan winemaker/ proprietor Mike Old in store and tasting his Hawkes Bay Pinots. We have stocked them ever since.
Hawkes Bay is most commonly linked to the famed Gimblett Gravels and the much sought after Bordeaux variety reds & some Syrah that have a deservedly high reputation. Pinot Noir is, for the Hawkes Bay region, something of an under the radar variety. Pinot, as demonstrated by Lauregan, will reward the wise and adventurous spirit if the vines are nurtured on a site that suits the varieties very specific needs. Mike’s vineyard is in central Hakes Bay, further south of the Gimblett Gravels. Here the site is cooler and the terroir in clay based, perfect for building fruit concentration and structure. The clay soils also allow sufficient moisture retention to enable the vineyard to be dry grown. Mike has never irrigated. He applies a minimal intervention approach and a “one shoot, one bunch” method which, Mike explains, sets up low yields and consequent concentration, intensity and richness of flavour.
“The Lauregan 2017 is a fuller flavoured and bolder style of Pinot than you would commonly find in the southern Hemisphere. It lends itself to comparisons with more robust examples of Burgundy and shares traits with opulent Oregon Pinot. Comparisons aside, this is a wine that delivers plenty of flavour, structure and interest in a style that is all its own. The nose is dark cherry, violet/rose and savoury as well – shiitake mushroom broth? Dark cherry and ripe red cherry coats the palate, hints of dark chocolate, savoury elements and subtle spice. Tannins let you know they’re here but sit so very well with the weight of the fruit. Long and pleasing finish and the benefit of a few years bottle age are very much on display. At this price it is an absolute must!”
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Testimonials
On one of my many trips to Sydney, I decided to visit the Australian Wine Center as I had been looking to buy some Hollick wines that are very challenging to find outside of Australia. They were able to help and arranged to ship a case back to California for me. That was the start of a long term relationship with the AWC as I have purchased hundreds of wines from them over the years, many based on their personal recommendations, and I have now diversified my cellar to include wines from across all regions of Australia. Without the recommendations, selections, packaging and shipping services that Michael and Zachery operate flawlessly, I would have a big hole in my collection. Give them a try; you will not be disappointed.
Paul, California
As an expatriate Australian living in the U.S., I have for several years ordered my Australian wine “care package” from the Australian Wine Centre. The variety of wines available and service (including organising shipment to our home in the US) are excellent.
Doug, Florida
If you are a lover and collector of fine Australian wines and live overseas then The Australian Wine Centre is definitely the place to go. Use their website or once they know what you are interested in, they will send you specially customized offers to suit and even find those hard to get wines that you may have always wanted to try. If you are organizing a function, they will help you select the wine and deliver. Service with a smile. Logistics and delivery no problem.
Olga, Winchester, United Kingdom
I have used the Australian Wine Centre for over 20 years and bought over 500 bottles from them. They offer a tremendous selection that includes all the well known vintners, and features smaller, hard-to-find producers that are so often the highlight of Australia’s wonderful wine industry. This selection, complemented by the broad knowledge, expertise, and dedication of the staff, make the Australian Wine Centre THE source for Australian wine.
Tony, California
I continue to tell everyone I know in the States that you have the best wine service I have ever seen. Thanks for all your help with the selection as well as the shipment.
Fairfield, Colorado
All is well, the wine arrived today…FYI the case was in excellent shape, one would never know that it travelled half way round the world!
Don, California
I just wanted to say thank you so much for the wonderful service you provided to me yesterday. It’s so refreshing to encounter that kind of service. I rang to place an order, was served quickly, efficiently and with a pleasant demeanour. I then received the order yesterday afternoon, but not by a courier company, someone from your shop had walked up my 8 bottles of champagne himself – how wonderful to get such personal service and all with a smile…
Sandra, Sydney
This is probably the best place in the country to buy cases of wine to send home. The proprietors stock an extensive selection of fine Australian wines, and the staff are completely clued in to each state’s liquor laws and the shipping procedures. Their packing is almost breakage free, and they provide competent, personal service. Premium wine from all the major growing areas in the country are sold, including vintages from some boutique wineries that don’t export overseas. One of New South Wales’ largest stocks of Penfolds Grange Hermitage and other rare wines are on hand.
Frommer’s Comprehensive Travel Guide
And finally, if you’re thinking of buying wine to ship home, the best place to do it is the privately run Australian Wine Centre. It has a vast selection of Aussie wines, including some older vintages and specialises in keeping track of how to navigate American wine regulations legally.
Wine Spectator Magazine, October 1996
It’s a veritable Alladin’s cave of Australian and New Zealand drops – the choice is simply staggering. One of the city’s premium wine shopping experiences.
The Sydney Morning Herald Foodies Guide to Sydney 2011
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