Why is it that the Rhone Valley is not as universally revered as Burgundy, Bordeaux or Champagne? That is a serious question, comment below to help me understand. I have been lucky enough to have drunk a good amount of mature Rhone Valley red wine from the North and the South over my years. But … Read more
I awoke early and spritely, ready for a day of lasts in Europe. Last use of hand shower without a shower screen. Thank Bacchus for that! Last Petit dejeunier. For the love of Bacchus, why can’t we do this in Australia? Importantly, last chance to see some vineyards. After average French coffee balanced by beautiful … Read more
I awoke excitedly on my creaky futon and well-worn pillow. Today was the day I visit Domaine Tempier. Glorious sunshine, not too hot and the promise of a breakfast facing the Mediterranean spurred me on to the town again before I headed for the Rhone Valley. A lovely croissant from a bakery that had people … Read more
Firmly lodged in third place behind Burgundy and Bordeaux in the tier of quality red wine regions in France. Certainly The Rhone Valley is often underestimated. Most importantly it has the soul and terroir focus of Burgundy with the Grand Estates and ability to produce volumes like Bordeaux. But it just doesn’t do either with … Read more
You step outside to the faint whiff of wood smoke. The cold creeps down the where your shirt sits funny on the back your neck. You can’t see the houses three streets over for all the white/grey fog. The slick roads and car tyres sound like you’ve stepped into the worlds largest velcro convention. You’ve stepped … Read more
We’ve just passed the winter solstice but I don’t think the cold weather is going to disappear completely. So on those nights when the chill creeps into your bones and you’d like a nice glass of wine to help you warm up I thought I’d add another log to your wine fire. Sure, you can … 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
One of the perks of the job is shopping for these events. Trying to slide the best wines possible under the salary cap and working out the combinations often means I end up with more wine than I strictly need. But its all good wine, so the winner is me if no one else chooses … Read more
On a glorious day, the last of Winter for 2013 the TWD community congregated to discover Rosé, Rosato, Rosado, Rosewein, Blush, Taché. Whatever you call it! The order of the day was busting the myths and introducing the world of real Rosé: Delicate, dry, savoury, textural and so drinkable. By looking at Rosé in its different forms … Read more
Twice a year everyone in our group digs into their own cellar to share something special. Each wine has to be 10 years old and European. They are all served blind and therefore it is up to each of us to guess the wine after being given a series of options. Not surprisingly we call this game “options”. Due to … 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: philip@thewinedepository.com.au DOMAINE RASPAIL-AY GIGNONDAS 2008 & 1998 … Read more
WINE OF THE WEEK:JL Chave Selection Offerus Saint-Joseph 2008 – Chave is one of the top producers in the Northern Rhone Valley, world famous from their exemplary Hermitage (see my previous Chave encounter here).The Selecion label is the Chave negociant arm which that allows them to buy fruit from outside vineyards to make more wine at a more affordable price. … Read more
A memorable night for two reasons – some truly amazing wines, and the fact that two people pulled out last minute so there was a lot more wine than we needed. The plus side was there was no real disappointments, the downside was it was hard to decide what not to drink. We started of course with … Read more
One of the highlights of the year is Patrick’s Bring A Bottle Night. Not to take away from his hard and inspired work of assembling wines of a theme and quality suitable for our demanding palates, but on this night everyone pulls out all stops to bring a bottle of incredible quality. We did have … Read more
I’ve tasted some interesting wines of late and thought I would share. First off there is the wines from my Yarra tour. Part two to follow. Then there was: Pierre Gaillard St Joseph Clos de Cuminaille 2009 – Brilliant wine! I tasted their standard (horrible term but it is said with love) St Joseph and thought … Read more
In readiness for Decembers TWD Magazine, I have a few goodies open so I may write on their merits. The Highlights of my wine tastings are as follows: Marc Bredif Vouvray 2009 Chenin Blanc may well be the John Paul Jones of wine. Not the most popular or the most famous, but seriously good! Lovely, fleshy/flowery … Read more
Quality Sparkling wine can be enjoyed at any time. I think we all deserve a glass of this
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Every time you taste a wine, it is an event. I would like to think it can be educational too. I hate stuffy wine events, so whether it’s a casual tasting or a Masterclass over dinner, I promise a fun, interactive and informative occasion… with great wine. Please take a peak below or view all our events here.
Sparkling Wine, Champagne, and Seafood Dinner at Dakota 25th March
It has been a long time between shared drinks for a lot of us. I have not hosted a dinner since October 2019. I am keen to get out and share great food and great company. How about you?
Let’s not muck around either! Straight to the top shelf. Champagne, Sparkling wine, and three courses (plus canapes). I’m excited to be teaming up with Dakota for the first time, the menu they have prepared is going to elevate these wines to a new level.
Book your seat here.
Your Own Private or Corporate Event @ Any venue you’re comfortable with. Wine is more than just a thing you drink. You share it with people you care about, and you tell stories about the wines and wine places you’ve been. A well-run wine tasting can be an experience of its own. The love of great wine is a concept that brings people together. Sharing it bonds people. This is an opportunity for you to share a special experience with family, friends, clients, colleagues or anyone you want to share some great wine with. Let’s talk about how to make your event special.
WARNING: | Under the Liquor Control Reform Act 1998 it is an offence to supply alcohol to a person under the age of 18 years (Penalty exceeds $7,000). For a person under the age of 18 years to purchase or receive liquor (Penalty exceeds $500).
