The Vincast with Jules van Costello from Cult Wine

Jules van Costello got in touch via Twitter to let me know he was enjoying the podcast, and also to introduce me to his Kickstarter campaign for a new book called Aotearoa Nouveau, all about exciting developments in the New Zealand wine industry. Jules has a background in hospitality and writing, and has already run a succesful campaign for a book about New Zealand beer called Brewed. We chatted about how he got into the industry, and why he feels this books is so important.

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Jules van Costello

Jules van Costello

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Let’s Taste – Millon Estate 2014 wines

Josh got in touch with me via intrepidwino.com and offered me the chance to look at some wines from a brand that has recently been introduced into the domestic market, previously only being available overseas. The four Millon Estate wines I tasted are made from Eden Valley fruit, and are all from the 2014 vintage. Here are my impressions, let me know what you think in the comments below!

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Millon Estate 2014 Wines

Millon Estate 2014 Wines

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The Vincast with Judy Chan from Grace Vineyard

For those who weren’t aware, China is now the sixth largest wine-producing country in the world, more than Australia in fact. While many may cynically assume that all the wine made in China is of a poor quality, there are some outstanding examples that also reflect their unique terroir. One such example is Grace Vineyard, found in the Shanxi province. Judy Chan, the owner and operator, was recently in Australia and she introduced a number of Australian wine lovers to her wines who were delighted with them. On this episode of The Vincast we talk about the Grace story and the Chinese wine market.

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Judy Chan from Grace Vineyard

Judy Chan from Grace Vineyard

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The Vincast with Walter Speller

Walter Speller embraced wine in post-Cold War Berlin, particularly from Italy and Australia. After relocating to London, he was asked by Jancis Robinson if he would be interested in writing for her website, mostly as she admired him speaking his mind at a wine event. Since then he has become the main Italian correspondent, splitting his time between the UK and Padova. He has continued his interest in Australian wines, his opinion of Italian-variety-based wines in particular improving all the time. Walter was in Australia partly as a guest of the Melbourne International Food & Wine Festival, where I sat down with him to record this episode of The Vincast.

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Walter Speller

Walter Speller

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The Vincast with Amanda Barnes Around the World in 80 Harvests

It was the lure of the exotic that brought Amanda Barnes – a journalist and writer from Hampshire, England – to South America. Surprisingly it wasn’t until she arrived in Argentina that she discovered a passion for wine and food, and was particularly seduced by the Mendoza region. As she discovered Chile and other parts of the continent, she carved a niche in writing about food, wine and travel in Latin America. Now she is embarking on a journey of truly epic proportions, attempting to visit 42 wine-producing countries during their vintages in the space of two years. Every step will be chronicled and communicated extensively, with the idea of subscribers joining the odyssey through a number of different media. On this episode of The Vincast Amanda talks about how she became such an authority of the wines of South America, and how she conceived of this ambitious concept to travel Around the World in 80 Harvests.

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Amanda Barnes

Amanda Barnes

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Let’s Taste – Simão & Co. Uni Blanc 2015

On the way home I popped into my new favourite go-to wine shop/bar on the north-side of Melbourne, Cult of the Vine. I was after a nice bottle for sunny Saturday afternoon imbibing, and a bottle that stood out in the fridge. It was from a label I had put on my ‘to-try’ list a while ago, Simão & Co. I was intrigued to try the Ugni Blanc 2015 and share my impressions. Let me know what you think in the comments below.

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Simão & Co. Ugni Blanc 2015

Simão & Co. Ugni Blanc 2015

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February 21, 2016 · 12:18 pm

Let’s Taste – Samu Nero d’Avola Lagrein & Nero d’Avola Merlot 2015

Sam Underdown, owner of Samu Wines, contacted me recently after seeing some of my other Let’s Taste videos. He was down in Melbourne and hand delivered his two wines from the 2015 vintage for me to taste. Here are my impressions, let me know what you think in the comments.

Samu Nero d'Avola Merlot 2015

Samu Nero d’Avola Merlot 2015

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February 19, 2016 · 5:24 pm

Best’s Wines Great Western – 31/01/2016

These were wines that I tasted while visiting Best’s Wines in Great Western, on their invitation to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the estate’s establishment , and also to record an episode of The Vincast with owner Viv Thompson. Make sure to listen to the episode to hear how you can win a bottle of the 2014 Bin 0 Shiraz that I tasted. Many thanks again to the Thompson family and everyone at Best’s for the wonderful opportunity, for the bottles of wine, and of course to Fireworks PR for facilitating an amazing visit.

Riesling 2003
Lime sherbet floral. Quite viscous fresh broad, very shy at the moment, possibly an awkward phase.

Riesling 2014
Flinty spritzy zippy zesty like cordial yellow flowers. Nice intensity.

Foudre Ferment Riesling 2014
Lemon barley cordial, a little toasty. Dried pear, toasty honey, crystallised ginger.

Chardonnay 2013
Pithy grapefruit white peach kiwi. Quite toasty but not too flabby, hints of smokiness dried orange and a bit leesy too.

Pinot Noir 2014
Tight light bright lithe cherries strawberries. Actually quite yummy and drinkable.

Dolcetto 2013
Black fruits, sweet black olives, fresh soft but without the bite of Langhe dolcetto.

Riesling 1995
Oily viscous ambrosial lime blossom, walnuts maple syrup blue cheese, apricot. Constantly evolving.

Foudre Ferment Riesling 2015
Toasty almonds, peaches and cream.

Bin. 0 Shiraz 2014
Peppery briny spicy pickles and black fruits. Solid soft focused fresh juicy fruits and spices.

Bin. 0 Shiraz 1984
Savoury earthy meaty leathery red fruits. Still exceptionally fresh bright fruits, lively acids, some dried red fruits but fresh black fruits, rosemary sage, unctuous soft delicious.

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Best’s winemaker Justin Purser

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The Vincast with Viv Thomson from Best’s Wines

When the Thomson family bought the Best’s vineyard and winery in the 1920s they were continuing and building on a tradition that began 150 years ago. Great Western is one of the most historic regions in Australian wine, and it is here that some of the oldest vines and winemaking history continue to this day. Viv Thomson is the fourth generation to run this historic estate, and has been involved with the family business for the better part of 50 years. On this episode of The Vincast he shared with me not only his family’s story, but also how the wine industry has changed since the 1960s.

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Viv Thompson from Best's Wines

Viv Thomson from Best’s Wines

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Let’s Taste – Cape Jaffa Anna’s Blend White & En Soleil Pinot Gris 2015

Two sample bottles got delivered from Cape Jaffa Wines in South Australia. I opened them, I tasted them, I discussed them. Let me know what you think, do you agree?

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February 15, 2016 · 12:08 pm