Whilst the D’Aloisio family have been involved with agriculture in the Yarra Valley since the 1960s, it wasn’t until 1994 that they planted their own vineyards. Starting with the most important varieties for the region (Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc), they have since diversified with alternative varieties. Barbera is one of those grapes, and I was excited to try a bottle of their 2013 vintage. Let me know what you think in the comments below!
I’ve been friends with Sam Jorgensen (aka Old Mate Wine) on social media for a few years, and was thrilled to finally meet him in person over in Perth two years ago. He’s been working in the industry for a while and gave me a bottle of his first wine to taste. Two years later his approach to riesling has changed a bit, and while he and his partner were over for dinner I thought I would open his 2016 riesling with him, to discuss how he made it last year. Let me know what your thoughts are in the comments below.
The first I became aware of Bob Colman was as a listener of my wine podcast The Vincast, and met him in person at Rootstock Sydney 2015. He’s been a fan of the new wave of low-intervention wine in Australia, and started making his own using fruit he purchased, made in his shed in the Blue Mountains. This is own of his 2016 wines, which he donated to the cause whilst visiting Melbourne recently. Let me know what your thoughts are in the comments below!
A wine from d’Arenberg that I hadn’t encountered before (not hard considering they make a few), a blend of bordeaux varieties that celebrates the tradition of small batch ‘Garage’ winemaking. Let me know if you’ve tasted this wine before and what you thought!
Some more submissions from d’Arenberg in the McLaren Vale region, new vintages of two of the best known wines they make. Let me know if you’ve had any experience with either of these wines, or indeed anything from d’Arenberg and/or McLaren Vale.
Wines tasted;
d’Arenberg The Hermit Crab 2016 – RRP $15.00
d’Arenberg d’Arry’s Original 2014 – RRP $18.00
Undoubtedly one of the most prolific wine producers in the McLaren Vale region is d’Arenberg Wines, producing over 60 different wines from at least 25 grape varieties. On this edition of Let’s Taste I look at the 2014 vintage release of the three Icon red wines, and deliver my assessment. Let me know what you think in the comments section below!
Wines tasted;
The Ironstone Pressings Grenache Shiraz Mouvedre 2014 – RRP $65.00
The Dead Arm Shiraz 2014 – RRP $65.00
The Coppermine Road Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 – RRP $65.00
To say that the 2017 vintage was different to the 2016 vintage would be one of the biggest understatement ever. Just speaking personal circumstances, this year not only did I finish up with my employer of over three years and start with a new importer/wholesaler, I also welcomed the arrival of my first child! Considering the location I made my wine at this year is a lot further from home than last year, I wasn’t able to be at the winery as much this year. Then I ended up increasing production from one tonne to five tonnes! I also worked with three new varieties; vermentino, nero d’avola and nebbiolo. Finally, the 2017 vintage was late and long; first grapes arrived on the 19th of March and last were the 24th of April!
On this Part One video I process all the fruit. Processing involves the intake of grapes, and making the first decisions for the wine (whether to press, whether to de-stem, whether to do neither). This is all before the fermentation begins and it transitions towards wine.
Vino Intrepido is a (soon to be launched) brand the combines great Italian grape varieties with great Australian wine regions and growers, experimenting with different winemaking techniques to bring you delicious wine! If you are interested in finding out more, please get in touch via email on vinointrepido@gmail.com
It was a distinct honour and a privilege to be named the third fellow for the Australian Alternative Varieties Wine Show. What an incredible insight into one of the most forward-thinking initiatives in the Australian wine scene today! Here are some of the amazing experiences that came with such an honoured award, I was truly humbled. Many thanks to the AAVWS for the opportunity to attend as the 2016 Fellow, I heartily encourage everyone to consider applying for this years show!
One of my top wines tasted on Let’s Taste last year was the 2014 Glenguin Estate Aristea Shiraz. I was thrilled to be sent a back vintage bottle of the same wine, in part to celebrate the birth of my new son Oliver! Here are my impressions of the wine, let me know what your thoughts are in the comments below!
Glenguin Estate Aristea Shiraz 2009 – RRP $59.90
Moss Wood was the first commercial vineyard planted in the Margaret River region, and since 1969 it has built much of its international reputation on its Cabernet Sauvignon. I was thrilled an honoured to be sent a bottle of the 2014 vintage and be able to share my impressions of one of Australia’s most iconic wines. Let me know your thoughts below, what’s the best Australian Cabernet Sauvignon you’ve ever tasted?
The Vincast - a Wine Podcast with The Intrepid Wino
A podcast about wine, wine culture and wine people. Every week a different guest from the wine industry joins host The Intrepid Wino (aka James Scarcebrook) for a casual chat about the world of wine.
All content on this podcast remains the sole property of the author unless otherwise acknowledged and appropriately credited. Unauthorised use and/or duplication of content without express and written permission from the author is strictly prohibited. Content may be used for reproduction provided that full and clear credit is given to James Scarcebrook and/or The Intrepid Wino with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
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