Welcome to 2022! Taking out the recycling over the past few days reminded me that a) I drink plenty of beer b) there were some seriously fine wines opened over the …
Longtime readers will know that I have a soft spot for sparkling red. Especially grand old Seppelt Great Western, or any disgorgement of Primo Joseph. Great sparkling red I'd happily …
In what has become a semi-annual event, I ventured out into the Armageddon-esque sideways rain on Saturday to taste the trophy winners (and more) from the Sydney International Wine Competition. You're …
(This is a version of a print article that I wrote recently on the latest trends in sparkling wine. A different audience and a different, broader tone than usual, but …
Here's a selection of wines that were almost great. Some are just good, solid wines that are occasionally unready, through to slightly underwhelming/unexciting, and rounded out with a few wines that …
Q: Have you noticed any trends among the wines this year? A: 'The quality of the 2015 vintage in South Australia and Victoria'. That's James Halliday, talking trends in an article …
Hentley Farm Black Beauty Sparkling Shiraz 2016 disgorgement What a great name for a sparkling Shiraz. You can't see it very well in my crap photo, but this comes in excellent …
Best's Great Western Sparkling Shiraz 2013 I remain perplexed that more Australian Shiraz lovers don't appreciate the sparkling form. What isn't there to like? It's red wine, but for Australian weather. …
I've always wondered why sparkling red is viewed with disdain by some Australian wine writers. It seems curious to attack a style that is very much our own, works well …
I love Christmas. Surely the greatest time of year for drinking and eating and basically an excellent excuse to bring out something tasty. This year was a little more subdued at …
Primo Estate Joseph Sparkling Red (July '13 disgorgement) In what has become a Graham household tradition, this sparkling red was front and centre for today's Christmas lunch and in prime form …
Five smart new 2012 Shiraz under $30 I actually picked this five out before noticing that they were all 2012, but that's of no surprise. It was a vintage that had …
Primo Estate Joseph Sparkling Red (July 2013 disgorgement) 13.5%, Cork, $70 Source: Retailwww.primoestate.com.au Easily my favourite Australian sparkling red, I drank a bottle of this on Christmas Day and enjoyed every mouthful. What …
Capital Wines 'Black Rod' Sparkling Red 2009 (Canberra District) 14.4%, Crown Seal, $36Source: Samplewww.capitalwines.com.au Amongst wine writers it is seriously uncool to admit you like sparkling red. I've always thought it akin …
At 18, I started working in a small suburban bottleshop, largely to buy cheap beer. It was my first year of university, slogging through physics and chemistry, so a liquor shop seemed like fun. Needless to say, I discovered wine, and my life evolved with a unique dual focus - wine and the environment.
Twenty one years later and I spend my days wearing many (wine) hats, mostly as a writer, presenter and marketer. and judge at wine shows around the world...Read more