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
Thursday was a cold Autumn day in Melbourne. Business as usual, but perfect for what was planned in the evening; a dinner showcasing the best Shiraz in Australia, Rockford Basket Press Shiraz. 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
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
TL:DR Chocolate is hard to match. Drink these wines with chocolate. Stray at your peril. Perhaps you are thinking it but too embarrassed to ask. Perhaps you’ve given up. Maybe you’ve got some kind of immunity. Let’s be honest, chocolate makes wine taste awful. It’s probably some mystical being’s way of saying “you’re over indulging”. But I want … 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
It is a buzz word in all forms of agriculture and probably culture in general. But in real terms what does it mean for wine? In Australia the major elements of Sustainable Wines are: organic, biodynamic and “natural”. There is certification available for organic and biodynamic viticulture and winemaking but “natural” winemaking is very much … Read more
Over the years I have hosted numerous private tastings and dinners. When I got the call that the team at Telstra wanted to do a second one I knew I was in for a rowdy night. So I roped in some help in the form of Rob Hall from Kellybrook to entertain them. We decided to … 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
It is time to look at issues close to home. Happily, we’ve got a wealth of talented wine makers producing some of the most amazing wines you will see anywhere in the world. I’ve decided to highlight a few of the more topical (ie actually have wines to sell). This is not an exhaustive list as I don’t … Read more
After a recent trip to the cellar door I was quite excited to hear that TarraWarra was hosting a ten year vertical tasting showing off their flagship Chardonnay and Pinot Noir with some of their other releases. First up was the Marsanne Roussanne Viognier blends. As a rule these blends have never excited me even … Read more
It was 5.59pm on Tuesday and I took a call from Matthew Hanson who I have chatted to regularly for well over 5 years now and who runs Fine Wine Appreciation Melbourne http://www.finewineappreciation.com.au/ . He said he had a last minute withdrawal from his William Downie dinner so would I like to come along? “It starts at 7pm” he added. I had … Read more
WINE OF THE WEEK:Thomas Sweetwater Shiraz 09 – One of the best producers in the Hunter Valley, in fact some of the best wines in NSW overall. Andrew Thomas cut his teeth at Tyrrell’s before setting up his own winery with the aim to specialise in great Semillon and Shiraz from single vineyards. One of my … Read more
WINE OF THE WEEK: Reilly’s Shiraz 2008 – Awesome Clare Valley producer who has been making some great value wines for well over a decade. The first wine I had of theirs was the Dry Land Shiraz 2001 way back in 03/04. It was love from then on in. The key to Reilly’s success is they have … 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
Today is my 30th Birthday. What better way to celebrate then tasting some of my favourite Australian wines? That’s right, on my birthday I was willing to brave inclement weather and bad Melbourne traffic to taste wines – so they would have be special. And I wasn’t disappointed. These wines are for sale and wines I … Read more
Last week a friend from paintball, Rob, decided to take me wine touring as an early birthday present. Well, that’s what he claims, but it was school holidays…. Maybe he just wanted to leave the house? Either way, it was good fun. He chose two wineries, I chose two and away we went. Redbox – … 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
Quality Sparkling wine can be enjoyed at any time. I think we all deserve a glass of this
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Follow Phil, Charlie and Tempieras they strut the cellar fantastic.
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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).
