Clarity Cru Wine Merchants

Welcome First Ridge!

Mudgee’s Italian varietal winegrower First Ridge Wines enlisted Clarity Cru Wine Merchants as its NSW and ACT distributor! First Ridge Wines, established on ancient rocky ridges south of Mudgee in 1998 “under the guidance of world-renowned viticulturist Dr Richard Smart”, specialises in Italian varieties grown at elevations above 500 metres in the NSW Central Ranges. Clarity Cru Wine Merchants operates as a specialist NSW and ACT distributor with a focus on “quality producers and a trade-first approach”. The businesses said their unique stories and shared attention to detail make them well aligned.

Best 1st Class White Wine

Margaret River's Flametree Wines has been crowned the producer of the world's best First-Class white wine after its S.R.S. Wallcliffe Chardonnay 2023 won best White Wine at the prestigious 2026 Cellars in the Sky Awards in London. Presented by Business Traveller magazine, the Cellars in the Sky Awards are regarded as one of the aviation industry's most respected wine competitions, celebrating excellence in airline wine programmes for the past 40 years. These awards were judged through a blind tasting process conducted by an independent panel of leading wine experts and Masters of Wine.

Riedel Vineyard of the Year

Greystone Wines of North Canterbury’s Waipara Valley has been named “The Riedel Vineyard of the Year” at the 2026 Aotearoa New Zealand Organic Wine Awards. This title is awarded each year to the estate that achieves the best results across the competition, with Greystone this year winning three Champion titles and two gold medals across five different varieties.

Silicon Valley Collection

How an original Silicon Valley pioneer curated a legendary, ‘ahead of the curve’ wine collection. After helping build Hewlett-Packard's first ever computer in the 1960s, the engineer and venture capitalist was also a key player in the modern renaissance of Napa Valley. Read more!

International Malbec Day

Are you one of those completely mad for Malbec? Drawn to those bold, fleshy blue fruit flavours and that deep, full-bodied ruby colour? Well, this is your day. Pop the cork and share the love.

Left Bank Chardonnay 2024

“It's gorgeously fruited and instantly appealing on the nose with sweet cherry, watermelon, crunchy apple and lemon zest aromas, leading to a delightfully flavoursome palate that's succulent and lingering. More generous than most rosés, yet it's vibrant and refreshing with a super-tasty finish.” 94 points, 5 stars, Sam Kim“… Medium-bodied and crunchy with fresh acidity supported by structure. Driven and succulent, it has a persistent finish” 93 points, James Suckling

Winmark SVR Chardonnay 2023

An exceptional single-vineyard chardonnay, crafted from high-quality fruit and shaped by astute winemaking to enhance its complexity, savouriness and appeal. There’s an air of sophistication, with clean, flinty sulphide detail and a mealiness that wraps around an intense, pure, lemony core. The refined palate, driven by a gorgeous line of acidity, is elegant, tight and fine, gaining length and weight with air. A thoroughly contemporary, intricate style that will delight true Chardonnay lovers. Use chardonnay-specific glassware and decant before serving to showcase it at its best.

The Prosecco Hills

This year marks five years since the Prosecco Hills of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene were officially inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in August 2019. After years of campaigning, Italy’s sparkling jewel was recognised on the global stage, joining iconic landmarks such as the Great Barrier Reef, the Grand Canyon and Machu Picchu, and placed under the protection of international treaties. These breathtaking hills are the birthplace of the sparkling wine Australians have embraced so wholeheartedly. It’s here, in this picturesque landscape, that Prosecco’s celebrated bubbles are born.

Mailly gets B-Corp!

Mailly Grand Cru joins the B Corp™ community, a global certification that recognises companies sharing the same vision: to be part of a fairer, more inclusive and sustainable business ecosystem. This movement, one of the most rigorous, validates the responsible and virtuous conduct upheld by the Société de Producteurs de Mailly-Champagne for nearly a century. Mailly Grand Cru thus becomes the first Champagne cooperative to receive this certification.

Flametree Shiraz 2023

Lots to enjoy here – from the dark purple hue and heady aromatics to the supple palate – and nothing out of place. Sweet dark plums are spiced with licorice, sumac and a more savoury woody/nutty note. The fuller-bodied palate is rather buoyant and supple, although with plentiful tannins. The texture of hazelnut skins adds shape and the juicy acidity is refreshing, so this finishes on a high note. ~ Jane Faulkner 16 June 2025

Top NZ Wineries 2025

Each year, The Real Review team tastes and assesses approximately 10,000 wines, setting a national benchmark for quality and consistency across Australia and New Zealand. Their annual Top Wineries Certificate is awarded to producers that consistently deliver outstanding wines across multiple vintages, recognising excellence, not just in a single bottle, but across a winery's portfolio. We’re thrilled to share that in the 2025 Top New Zealand Wineries list, three of the incredible brands we represent, Greystone, Astrolabe, and Domaine Thomson, have earned this prestigious recognition!

Welcome Glaetzer-Dixon!

We're thrilled to welcome Glaetzer-Dixon to the Clarity Cru portfolio, a Tasmanian producer making serious waves with world-class Pinot Noir and Shiraz.Crafted by Nick Glaetzer, winner of the Jimmy Watson Trophy and named one of the WSET Future 50, these wines reflect premium vineyard sites across Tasmania, from the Coal River Valley to the Tamar. With a 12ha estate vineyard now bearing fruit, the next chapter is just beginning!

Andrew Duff is a finalist for Young Gun of Wine 2025

Can you teach an old dog new tricks? If Andrew Duff’s wines are anything to go by, you certainly can. Duff brings all of the operational nous he’s garnered over a lengthy career in large-volume corporate winemaking to bear on the wines he crafts for two labels – reinvigorated Hunter Valley stars Briar Ridge, and his own Duff Wines – while shaking off the corporate strictures and profit-loss calculations. With a palate freshly honed by the infamous Len Evans Tutorial and a winemaking vision sharpened by the Wine Australia Future Leaders program, Duff is ready to flex his muscles and write the second act of his winemaking story.

Big cheers to Greystone!

Crafted by the ever-talented Dom Maxwell, this wild and wonderful pét-nat tames zesty citrus and crisp apple Riesling fruit (with a touch of Pinot Noir), delivering a wine that’s whistle-clean, vibrant, and seriously fun to drink.

Top 100 Value Wines!

It’s been a busy year for James Sucking and his team of of 11 tasters, rating more than 42,000 wines in 2024, traveling to dozens of wine regions in their quest to discover the best that the wine world has to offer! Clarity Cru is excited to announce that Domaine Thomson’s Surveyor Thomson Chardonnay has made the list of the Top 100 Value Wines of 2020 ($0 or Less)!

Flametree Chardonnay

In addition to their rankings in The Real Review, the SRS Wallcliffe Chardonnay 2023 has already earned several prestigious awards, including Best White Wine and Best Chardonnay at the Margaret River Wine Show, as well as Wine of Show, Best White Wine, and Best Chardonnay at the Wine Show of WA!

Product of the month

This month, Red Lantern is showcasing two exceptional Chardonnays from Winmark Wines, crafted on the historic soils of the former Pooles Rock vineyard in the Hunter Valley.

Top 10 US V day Wines

Looking to spoil your special someone (or yourself) with an unforgettable wine? Master of Wine Liz Thach has named her top 10 ‘luxury’ U.S. Cabernets, and we’re thrilled to see Ridge Monte Bello 2019 and Shafer Hillside Select 2021 on the list!

MoC Receives 95 Points

"The colour is light and youthful, and the bouquet is likewise fresh and young with dried floral aromas, which are fragrant and attractive. Intense fruit is underscored by a faint tickle of sweetness, then a cleansing dry finish that lingers long and satisfying. There is richness as well as refinement. Lovely wine and tremendous value."

Tyson Stelzer’s Top 250

Flametree, Teusner, Utopos, and Port Phillip Estate—have been recognised by renowned wine critic Tyson Stelzer in his prestigious Top 250 Australian Wines of 2024 list. These exceptional wines have been awarded for excellence in their respective categories, a testament to the passion and craftsmanship of the winemakers we proudly represent.

The Lure by Nova Vita

Clarity Cru Wine Merchants is thrilled to announce the launch of The Lure, an exceptional new range of wines created by renowned winemaker Mark Kozned of Nova Vita Wines in the Adelaide Hills, South Australia. This collection features four distinct wines—Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Montepulciano, and Gewurztraminer—each embodying Kozned’s passion for balance, elegance, and the unique character of the region.

Huon Hooke Mailly Ratings

We are thrilled to share some exciting news with you. Renowned wine critic Huon Hook, from The Real Review, has awarded Mailly Grand Cru Champagnes a prestigious 5 Gold Star rating across their range. These exceptional scores are a testament to the quality that defines this historic Champagne house. As Clarity Cru prepares to introduce these remarkable wines to the Australian market, we couldn’t be more excited to offer you this outstanding selection.

R.Paulazzo Wins Best Sweet Wine!

We are thrilled to announce that the R.Paulazzo 2019 Botrytis Semillon has been awarded the prestigious Trophy for the Best Sweet Wine at the NSW Small Winemakers Show! This exceptional wine stood out among a competitive field, showcasing the remarkable craftsmanship and dedication that went into its creation.

Fathers Day Perfect Pairing

Celebrate Father’s Day in style with a special treat straight from the kitchen of Executive Chef Mark Jensen of Sydney's iconic Red Lantern. Known for his culinary mastery and passion for Asian-inspired cuisine, Chef Jensen has crafted a recipe that’s perfect for sharing with Dad—a dish that’s sure to impress and create lasting memories around the dinner table. But the celebration doesn’t stop there! Chef Jensen goes the extra mile by pairing this delightful dish with a carefully selected wine, elevating your dining experience to a whole new level.

2025 Halliday Wine Companion Awards

Explore the latest from the 2025 Halliday Wine Companion Awards! Discover the top wines of the year and see which of our wine partners are making headlines and raising glasses. Congratulations to all for their outstanding achievements!

VALE David Hall-Jones

The wine community is mourning the loss of David Hall-Jones, co-owner of Domaine Thomson wines, who recently passed away after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Young Gun of Wine’s Top Sangiovese Picks

Recently Young Gun of Wine gathered every Australian wine labelled Sangiovese they could find and set their expert panel the task of finding the wines that compelled the most. All were tasted blind, and each panelist named their top six wines. Congrats to Paxton!

Flametree Wins Gold

Clarity Cru's Flametree wines have taken home top international honours at the IWSC 2024! Our 2023 Chardonnay scored an impressive 95 points, and our 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon earned a stunning 96 points, both winning Gold Awards. Cheers to excellence in every bottle!

Teusners Terrific Review!

The Real Review has given Clarity's Teusner Joshua a stellar rating! "Kym Teusner has been crafting quintessential Barossa reds for a couple of decades now and this latest release of Joshua is bang on again."

Scorpius Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc Gets Top Gong

Clarity’s star performer, Scorpius Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, has been crowned the NUMBER ONE Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc by The Real Review! Renowned critic Bob Campbell praises it as, “One of the best examples of a Marlborough sauvignon blanc from the 2023 vintage. Good intensity with restrained power and the perfect amount of punch without going overboard. Tantalising wine.” Experience the pinnacle of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc with Scorpius.

NZ Organic Wine Awards

We are pleased to announce the results of the 2024 Aotearoa New Zealand Organic Wine Awards. Many thanks to all of the vineyards who participated in this years awards, as well as judges, sponsors and other volunteers who made these awards possible.

Tim from Port Phillip Estate Makes the List!

Join the People's Choice Voting Competition to crown Australia's Best Winemaker! Tim Perrin from Port Phillip Estate has made the list. Let's rally behind Tim! By supporting him, you could score a collection of 52 bottles of wine from Young Gun of Wine.

Top Australian Wineries

Clarity Cru Wines is proud to announce the inclusion of several of our partner wineries in The Real Review's esteemed list of Top Australian Wineries for 2024.

Behind The Cru are many great women who make the wines we love!

Cheers to our incredible female winemakers, breaking barriers and crafting exquisite wines. Here’s to celebrating their talent and dedication this International Women’s Day!

Teusner Avatar scores 97 points

The Cru congratulates Kym Teusner with his Avatar achieving a remarkable 97 points in the Halliday Wine Companion! Explore the perfection embodied in every sip of this exceptional wine.

Finalist! Paxton Wines Vineyard of the Year Awards

Paxton's organic, biodynamic Thomas Block Vineyard is one of 41 top Australian vineyards in contention for the 4th Annual Young Gun of Wine Vineyard of the Year Awards. Thomas Block is the jewel in Paxton's crown. The first vineyard bought by David Paxton in 1979, boasts a treasure of old vine shiraz planted in 1887 – the oldest shiraz vines in McLaren Vale. Paxton’s flagship wine, the EJ Shiraz, named after David Paxton’s mother Elizabeth Jean, comes exclusively from the Thomas Block.

Great pitch for Rob and his excellent Sangiovese Rose!

Winemaker and owner Rob Paulazzo has been making wines in the Riverina since 2013, taking advantage of the Mediterranean climate to produce excellent Italian varietals. This week, Halliday Wine Companion features an article focused on three Riverina wineries to visit with the respective winemaker identifying their key wine to try.

Flametree Flying High

Qantas submits Flametree SRS Chardonnay (2022) in the “Cellar in the Sky” awards and wins the GOLD MEDAL in the ‘Business Class White Wine’ category with a score of 96 points; the highest score awarded across all awards.

Winmark Icon72 Chardonnay - a must try

From worlds-class semillon, chardonnay and verdelho, to some of Australia's best shiraz - here are 50 of the best Hunter Valley wines to try. By J'aime Cardillo, Halliday Wine Companion

THE CHÂTEAU DE LA JAUBERTIE CELEBRATES ITS 50 YEARS!

Since 2008, La Jaubertie has converted to organic farming. In discussion with Hugh Ryman, owner of the estate since 1992, he explains the developments and latest projects at Château de La Jaubertie, in the heart of Bergerac, France.

The Albert scores 99 points

Barossa Valley Shiraz doesn't come much better than this. The vintage was perfect, but few nailed the opportunity as well as winemakers Kym Teusner and Javier Moll. The silky elegance and balance are coupled with purity and freshness, in a manner seldom seen.99 points. RRP $70 14.5% alcohol Drink to 2046James Halliday's Top 40 gift wines over $40 retail, The Australian, 18 November 2023.

HELEN’S HILL 5 STARS & 97 POINTS

Helen's Hill is, once again, named a Top 5 Red Star Winery by the Halliday Wine Companion 2024. This enduring recognition spans over a decade, underscoring a consistent attainment of a 5-star winery rating from the Companion. The unwavering commitment and relentless pursuit of excellence puts Helen’s Hill in the top 3% of wineries Australia wide! And further reason to celebrate, Halliday’s Companion awards 97 points – Special Value to Helen’s Hill 2021 Breachley Block Chardonnay.

ASTROLABE SAV BLANC REVIEW

Checking all the boxes, this stunning version is fresh and vibrant yet also complex and full of flavour, from toasted green tea and lemon thyme to mouth-watering passion fruit, yuzu and mango. Ends with hints of white pepper, lemon blossoms and sea salt on the long, expressive finish. Drink now. 9,000 cases imported.

WINMARK OWNER INTERVIEW

Chardonnay is known as the winemaker's grape due to its ability to flourish in any climate and be made in a variety of styles. In Australia, chardonnay once had a reputation for wines that were big, buttery, and oaky, but modern examples are much more restrained. Yering Station's Brendan Hawker, Winmark Wines' Karin Adcock and John Belsham, Flowstone's Stuart Pym and Cullen Wines' Vanya Cullen tell us how they make this great grape their own.

PAXTON’S CELEBRITY APPROVAL

Celebrity-endorsed wine (or any wine, for that matter) is only as good as the land on which it was grown, the fruit with which it was crafted, and the team that guides it through the winemaking process. The Killers' drummer, avid wine lover and former Sonoma vineyard owner Ronnie Vannucci jnr is well aware of this. That's why the American Rockstar’s shiraz chose to collaborate with the team at Paxton Wines in South Australia. The decision to make a McLaren Vale shiraz happened over a glass of wine (or several) among mates.

WINMARK 5 STAR REVIEW

Karin Adcock is a Danish-born and educated entrepreneur with the gift of making the difficult seem easy. Scandinavian design of things large or small, utilitarian or simply decorative gave her a head start in Australia. In '16 she purchased what was then Poole's Rock, assembling teams of experts to rejuvenate the 11ha vineyard and embark on a long-term program for the whole property. The property has expanded since and is complemented by artworks, antiques and artefacts, notably sculptures, collected by Adcock from around the world.

ASTROLABE URBAN WINERY

A whatu mauri ceremony was held on the Rangitane-owned whenua, or land, on Monday morning to mark the start of construction of the Astrolabe winery and cellar door in central Blenheim. The whenua, purchased by Rangitane through its Treaty Settlement process, sits adjacent to the Opaoa River at the end of Horton Street. The development would include office space to house Astrolabe’s operations, as well as a public hospitality space, exterior landscaping and the winery/barrel hall. The winery development is the beginning of a new era for Astrolabe and the family behind the wine.

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