I could almost phone in the review for this St Hugo 2015 duo. Oaky reds with warm alcohol, no shortage of (added) acidity and plenty of tannins. Job done, let's go to the pub (and drink …
Authenticity. It's something we need more of in the wine industry. More authenticity, less made up brands. Less mid-tier reserve wines, more genuine wine labels. More single vineyards, less South Eastern Australia. Actually, there are plenty of …
It seems like a big jump to go from jewellery valuer to Barossa winemaker. But that's the route Michael Hall's life has followed. From a childhood in the UK to the 'rarefied air' of record breaking …
After getting stuck into Penfolds this week for a lack of authenticity in their mooted new releases, I figure it's only right today to highlight a producer that is making genuine wines. Schwarz Wine Co. is …
Following on from my Cabernet compilation on Monday, let me introduce you to the Shiraz/Syrah selection. Twenty of the better Shiraz to pass the desk in April, all in one handy place. I particularly like the diversity …
As close followers would have noticed, I've been on a mission this month, trying to get the sample pile back into shape. Now we're nearing the end of April and I'm still behind, so it's time …
Tim Smith Wines Mataro 2016 Texture. That's what I like about Tim's wines. He's a genuine guy, and his wines look authentic too, with generous Grenache, Mataro and Shiraz the standouts (in that order). This red, sourced …
Schwarz Meta Shiraz 2016 This is what great modern Barossa Shiraz tastes like, from a producer doing very good things. It's a template for how modern Barossa Shiraz can taste. The oak influence is minimal, the fruit …
Schwarz Meta Mataro 2017 Another easy drink from the Schwarz Meta line. Handpicked and wild fermented Barossa Mataro with 20% whole bunches. This is a wine built to please. Purple edged, it’s full of rather ripe and …
Schwarz Meta Grenache 2017 It's not hard to get enthused about these Schwarz Meta wines. The pointy end of Barossa wine and just delicious drinks. This Grenache is an absolute standout too. Handling is A1 for a …
Soul Growers Provident Shiraz 2016 A slightly blunter Provident this year. It's bright purple and juicy, the oak a coffeed edge too what is otherwise a generous and fruity forward wine. Pulpier and more juicy, the …
At 18 I started working in a small suburban bottleshop, largely to buy cheap beer. It was my first year of university, doing a degree that I didn't really like, and a liquor shop seemed like fun. Needless to say I discovered wine, my uni degree morphed into something completely different and wine/beer took over my life.
Almost twenty years later and I currently spend my days wearing many (wine) hats, mostly as a writer, presenter and marketer.
While wearing my writer cap I write features for the likes of National Liquor News, Gourmet Traveller WINE and the RAS plus I'm a Lifestyle FOOD channel wine expert. Read more about me here or get in touch to book your next wine event with me here.