Aussie Buying Guide: Direct Imports and Must-Try New Finds

This week, we’re excited to introduce several new and intriguing Australian producers, including Swinney wines from the remote Frankland River region, which are available in the U.S. for the first time. We’re also welcoming back Sons of Eden, a collaboration between master winemaker Corey Ryan and renowned viticulturist Simon Cowham, after a six-year hiatus. Additionally, we have a stellar lineup from Lienert in the Barossa, known for their exceptional Roussanne. And, of course, don't forget about the world-class values from Oakridge.

• Remarkable Value from a DI Favorite: Oakridge
• Exclusive Availability on an Allocated Aussue Gem
• Sons of Eden Returns to K&L!
• Delicious, Affordable, and Dynamic: Lienert

We like to highlight a shipment from one of our oldest Direct Import Producers: Oakridge. For us, no other producer at K&L delivers such high quality at its price point. In the Yarra Valley, Oakridge and Giant Steps are the leading producers, both crafting artisanal, single-vineyard Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. By importing Oakridge directly, we can offer their Local Vineyard Series wines for $25, while Giant Steps’ prices range from $50 to $75. Now that’s value. Click here to read more about Oakridge.

In 2018, Swinney released their first wines to instant acclaim. They enlisted Western Australian winemaking legend Rob Mann from Cape Mentelle to lead the winemaking. The debut vintage garnered shock and admiration within the Australian wine scene. Since then, Swinney has continued to build its reputation. Five years into their journey, the fact that their Favrie wines are allocated exclusively to mailing list customers in Australia underscores their remarkable success. We’re thrilled to be working directly with Swinney and introducing their wines to the U.S. market. Click here to read more about Swinney.

If the quality of grapes is a measure of a wine, then the measure of a winery is the quality of the people who make it. By that estimate, Sons of Eden is one of the best Australian producers out there. Here are some of their new offerings, which have been on hiatus from the U.S. market and are now available exclusively at K&L. Click here to read more about Sons of Eden.

For those who follow Australian wine closely, the name Lienert might ring a bell. Named Barossa Winemaker of the Year in 2016 by the Barons of Barossa, Steven Lienert has had an acclaimed 35-year career crafting red wines for Penfolds. But this story isn’t about Steven—it’s about his sons, James and John. Their wines are crafted from estate fruit with a small-lot, artisanal approach. If I were to sum up their offerings in one word: delicious. Their wines are characterized by upfront drinkability and excellent value at their price points. Click here to read more about Lienert.