Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the noble varieties. And once you get a taste of Cabernet Sauvignon from a great producer, region, and vintage at the correct age, you’ll be transfixed. It grows in many wine places around the world; people know it and can, for the most part, pronounce it. I’ll use Cabernet and … Read more
Thursday was a cold Autumn day in Melbourne. Business as usual, but perfect for what was planned in the evening; showcasing the best Shiraz in Australia at a Rockford Basket Press Dinner. For my own enjoyment, I’ve been collecting Basket Press since at least 2000 vintage. But what do you do with seven or eight … Read more
The Wine Depository’s Australian Wine month tasting is one I look forward to every year. It is obvious you guys do too, as it is always the biggest event I host each year. I’m careful to choose a bigger venue and offer lot more wines than normal so we can share the joy of great, … Read more
It should be easy. But can you tell me what does Shiraz taste like? Is what you’ve tasted an accurate idea of the Shiraz taste? Even a professional like me gets confused. Let me set the scene. I spent an enjoyable January talking to people. It is one of the fun things about Jan that … Read more
On a glorious day, the last of Winter for 2013 the TWD community congregated to discover RosĂ©, Rosato, Rosado, Rosewein, Blush, TachĂ©. Whatever you call it! The order of the day was busting the myths and introducing the world of real RosĂ©: Delicate, dry, savoury, textural and so drinkable. By looking at RosĂ© in its different forms … Read more
I’ll freely admit that in the past I’ve never been excited about Australian Tempranillo. All of them were more like dry reds with some Tempranillo flavour. After a tasting on 20th August, I am a convert. All it took was two hours, six focussed and passionate producers and 23 wines. Before we go too far, what is Tempranillo? Well, … Read more
WINE OF THE WEEKKaesler Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 – Continuing the theme of Cabernet for winter is this delicious example from the Barossa. Kaesler was established in 1893. The estate has changed hands a couple of times since then but at the core of the property is large parcel of vines over 40 years old, affectionately known as ‘The Old Bastards’. A great … Read more
Over the past little while, I’ve been tasting wines from TWD’s cellar to make sure they are still in good condition (yep, that is the real reason for sure!). Here are some of the highlights. You can see the current list here and email any orders or questions to: [email protected] DOMAINE RASPAIL-AY GIGNONDAS 2008 & 1998 … Read more