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Let’s Taste – S.C. Pannell McLaren Vale Grenache 2011

Just over three years ago I helped out at the annual trade day for Cellarhand Wines here in Melbourne, and as a thank you I was gifted a few bottles of wine. They have both been sitting in my cellar since then, and I decided to open one on this edition of Let’s Taste. Steve Pannell is one of the most celebrated winemakers in Australia, and amongst his gems is the S.C. Pannell McLaren Vale Grenache, already a multiple trophy winner. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below, and be sure to like share and subscribe!

S.C. Pannell McLaren Vale Grenache 2011

S.C. Pannell McLaren Vale Grenache 2011

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December 5, 2016 · 5:16 pm
Video

AAVWS 2016 Part Three – Trophies Long Lunch

Without question, the most fun part of the Australian Alternative Varieties Wine Show calendar is the famous Long Lunch where the trophies are announced. The five-course menu is designed by none-other than Mildura institution Stefano Di Pieri, with a selection of wines from the previous years show, many of them trophy winners. The festivities are emceed by the Chair of the AAVWS, which this year was former guest on The Vincast wine podcast and all around lovely guy, Ashley Ratcliff. Have a watch, then head to the show website to find out all of the trophy winners. Don’t forget to let me know what you think in the comments below, like share and subscribe, and be sure to visit my website and follow me on social media. Many thanks to the AAVWS for the opportunity to attend as the 2016 Fellow, and also for the use of some pictures from the Facebook page.

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December 5, 2016 · 2:07 pm
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Let’s Taste – Fetherston Vintners 2015 wines

I was so thrilled to recently find out that one of my former colleagues from my days in the cellar door at Domaine Chandon Australia, has launched a wine brand with their partner! Camille & Chris have managed to source some outstanding Yarra Valley fruit to craft their first Fetherston vintage from, and I was excited to taste the wines and share my impressions. Let me know what you think in the comments below, and be sure to like share and subscribe!

Wines tasted;
Fetherston Chardonnay 2015 – RRP $25.00
Fetherston Pinot Noir 2015 – RRP $28.00
Fetherston Shiraz 2015 – RRP $25.00

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November 30, 2016 · 9:19 pm
Video

Let’s Taste – Deviation Road Wines November 2016

Deviation Road is an artisan producer based in the Adelaide Hills region. Last year I opened two of their sparkling wines here on Let’s Taste, and I’ve again been sent some samples to share my impressions. Please let me know your thoughts in the comments below, don’t forget to like share and subscribe to the channel!

Wines tasted;
Deviation Road Loftia Vintage Brut 2014 – RRP $45.00
Deivation Road Sauvignon Blanc 2016 – RRP $25.00

 

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November 30, 2016 · 8:33 pm
Video

AAVWS 2016 Part Two – Talk and Taste seminars

On the second part of a series looking into the Australian Alternative Varieties Wine Show, I look at one of the most valuable events of the week – particularly for the producer exhibitors – Talk & Taste. These seminars provide a forum for guest speakers, some of whom are on the judging panel, to discuss topics very pertinent to those working with alternative varieties in Australia. This year panels covered three areas, I took some (very amateurish) footage from the front row, here are a few talking points. Many thanks to the AAVWS for the opportunity to attend as the 2016 Fellow, and also for the use of some pictures from the Facebook page.

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November 28, 2016 · 5:39 pm
Video

Let’s Taste – Samu 2016 wines

After spending a week in Mildura having the full Australian Alternative Varieties Wine Show 2016 experience, I was thrilled not only to meet the people behind Samu Wines, but also to taste the entire 2016 range. There are a few additions to the line up this year, so I was interested to see how they are expressed. Of course part of my excitement was that the fruit all came from Ricca Terra Farms in the Riverland region. Feel free to ask any questions or make comments below, and be sure to like share and subscribe!

Wines tasted;
Samu Fiano 2016 – RRP $25.00
Samu Montepulciano Rosato 2016 – RRP $25.00
Samu Nero d’Avola 2016 – RRP $30.00
Samu Nero d’Avola Lagrein 2016 – RRP $30.00
Samu Lagrein 2016 – RRP $30.00

Samu 2016 wines

Samu 2016 wines

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November 25, 2016 · 9:24 pm
Video

AAVWS Part One – How the show works

I was honoured to be named the 2016 Australian Alternative Varieties Wine Show Fellow, given an in-depth behind-the-scenes look at the show and the events run around it. Heading up several days early and offering to steward a few days, I took the opportunity to learn more about the show, and how it improves the quality of Australian wine made from emerging grape varieties. Here is the first video in a short series on the show, outlining how the show is run. Please let me know if you have any questions, feel free to make comments below!

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November 20, 2016 · 5:09 pm
Video

Intrepid Winemaking 2016 Part Six – Bottling the wine

The final stage of the winemaking is the bottling (labelling and selling isn’t winemaking as far as I’m concerned), and I was so grateful to have extra pairs of hands to help and make things smoother. Let me know what you think in the comments below, and get in touch if you’d be keen to buy a bottle or 12 😉

 

 

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November 16, 2016 · 7:34 am
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Let’s Taste – Pewsey Vale Rieslings 2016 releases

I’m always happy to receive samples from wineries, particularly from wineries in the Hill-Smith Family Vineyards portfolio. I’m also always thrilled to be re-acquainted with a producer from my past, extra special when they are as historic as Eden valley-based Pewsey Vale. With such an incredible pedigree for riesling wines, I opened all three rieslings from Pewsey Vale on this edition of Let’s Taste, let me know your thoughts in the comments below!

Pewsey Vale Eden Valley Rielings 2016 releases

Pewsey Vale Eden Valley Rielings 2016 releases

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November 12, 2016 · 9:58 am
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Intrepid Winemaking 2016 Part Four – Blending the wine

The fifth part of the Intrepid Winemaking Project 2016 was not one that I necessarily planned on. I was however encouraged by a few people to consider blending Bin X and Bin Y, in an effort to get more of one wine rather than make people choose, and also to combine the positive attributes of each component. Let me know if you have any questions about this step in the winemaking story!

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November 9, 2016 · 9:15 pm