Armadale Cellarsis a member of the Alliance of Independent Wine Merchants. The Alliance is a strictly invite-only association that welcomes only the finest independent wine stores into its fold.

Alliance members are bound by the following Charter and are committed to achieving the highest standards for their customers.

1. Genuine Independence. This store is not part of a chain or banner group. Alliance members must be free to range the wines they choose according to quality and value, the finest and the best value on the market in any given category.
This store is not part of a chain or banner group. Alliance members must be free to range the wines they choose according to quality and value, the finest and the best value on the market in any given category.

2. World's Best. We offer a strong range of imported wines. Alliance members believe that wine is an international journey, not a nationalistic one.

3. Australia's best. As an Alliance member we seek out and range Australia's finest and best value small producers even when they do not have distribution in this state.

4. Ranging Criteria. Alliance members only range, in the vast majority of cases, wines that have been tasted critically for quality and value. It is our responsibility to sort the wheat from the chaff in order that our customers can have confidence purchasing any wine in this store.

5. Staff Training. Alliance members believe that having well-trained staff is a valuable service to our customers and that it is our responsibility to help nurture the next generation of quality wine-industry personnel through our employment practices. We therefore agree to conduct regular staff training / tastings and to encourage our staff to further their education at every possible opportunity.

6. Events. Alliance members also believe it is important to nurture their customers' passion. It is therefore expected that an Alliance member will hold regular in-store tastings, together with tutored tastings and dinners throughout the year.

7. Appropriate Storage Conditions. Wine held in long term storage is stored under temperature controlled conditions.

8. The Best Advice. We pride ourselves on the knowledge of our senior wine staff, and ultimately, an Alliance member's wine store is a place where you can get wine advice of the highest order.

As proud members of the Alliance of Independent Fine Wine Merchants, Armadale Cellars, along with the other members, has a number of exclusive wines, including:

Spinifex - Papillon 2006

This is a blend of Grenache 46%, Cinsault 28% and Carignan 26%, all sourced from Barossa Valley vineyards (35-90 years old).

Our aim with Papillon is to make a red wine with subtle fragrance, freshness and intensity yet without excessive weight. Grenache, grown predominately in lighter textured, sandy soils give lighter bodies wine with delicate red fruits and spicy aromatics, Cinsault gives dried herb, red plum. Carignan contributes sour red fruits (cherry, plum, raspberry), fresh herbal aromatics (tarragon), and on the palate its naturally high tannin and acidity give a balancing freshness, dryness and focus to the finish.

Both Carignan and Cinsault reach appropriate degrees of flavour maturity at relatively low baume levels, 11.5 - 13 baume, a critical attribute in keeping the final blend low (ish) in alcohol (13.9%) and therefore avoiding excessive weight/sweetness that we think detracts from drinkability or "beverage" quality in such a style.

Fermentation is traditional (in small open fermenters, basket pressed), no carbonic maceration is used. Matured in old oak barrels for 7 months prior to bottling, without filtration.

800 dozen made.

Tarrington - Artemisia Shiraz 2005

100 doz produced. Artemisia is named after the famous Italian Baroque artist Artemisia Gentlischi born in 1563. This is an amazingly concentrated, dark, vibrant wine,reminiscent of Cote Rotie with its spice, green peppercorn and meaty undertones. The French oak is understated and the ample tannins are balanced. The palate has great line, complex flavours, and the finish is long and fresh. It's almost an unbelievable wine for the price!

Vigneronne, Tamara Irish made only four casks of this wine from cane pruned Shiraz vines grown by the Dixon Family of nearby Hamilton. Again, classical techniques were relied upon to grow an authentic and expressive wine. A carefully non-intrusive elevage was conducted in 100% new [medium toast Allier Francois Frere] piece. However the wine is not over-oaked!

"The moist plush fruits smoothly and sensuously coat the mouth. Barely detectable cinnamon quill and freshly grated nutmeg notes mingle effortlessly with suggestions of lissom mulberry and fleshy, meaty currants and fresh ground coffee. A lingering, hedonic finish completes the encounter".
Tamara Irish

Dexter Vineyard Wines

Tod Dexter grew up with wine. He is famous for being the inspiration behind many wines we already know and love; Stonier, Yabby Lake and Heathcote Estate. Tod and his wife Debbie have created Dexter Wines.
The Dexter Vineyard is in a small east/west valley. The evening sea breezes from Port Phillip Bay, Westernport Bay and Bass Strait help moderate the
local climate. The vineyard was set out to maximise its qualities and specific site. Planted on the north-facing slope, it allows for maximum sunlight interception. Tod produces two wines of distinction, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
Fantastic wines made with passion from a great wine maker (off a 17 year old vineyard). Try some today! Rare and outstanding quality.

Chardonnay 2006

Aromas of lemon, citrus, honey and cloves combine with subtle oak and
hints of mealiness. Subtle flavours reflect the aromas - particularly citrus, cloves and elegant oak. The wine has a soft middle-palate with great length and a clean, structured finish.

RRP $45.00 - $36.75 part of mixed/straight dozen/ $39.95 single

Pinot Noir 2006

This wine displays lively floral aromas with dark berry fruit, cherries, Chinese five-spice and subtle oak. The palate flavours are similar to the aromas with fruit and oak in balance. The entry is soft and fills out in the middle palate with soft sweet fruit, velvety texture and fine tannins towards the finish.

RRP $59.99 - $45.95 part of mixed/straight dozen / $49.95 single