It's hard to avoid scepticism when a winery launches a brand new wine for $175. Really hard. The only producers who can get away with it probably already have even …
Is Grenache on the up? Tony Keys wrote recently about this just recently, noting that Grenache and Grenache-based reds were enjoying increased popularity in the states. Is this the start of …
Now this is a fun concept. Austins & Co. have decided to explore just how much impact the 'hand of man' can be, have by inviting two winemakers to do what …
While I'm always sceptical about articles that attack the language of wine writing, but sometimes there is an element of truth in amongst the (typically lame) generalisations. Today, it's an article …
Jean-Marc Pillot Chassagne-Montrachet Les Champs-Gain 2013 I'm a sucker for white Burgundy. I really am. When it's good, it is the best wine in the world. Or at least the wine …
In cycling, they call an individual time trial (ITT) the 'race of truth'.It's a great description because in an ITT you have nowhere to hide. No teammates to take the …
Another day, another lineup of great 2014 Hunter Shiraz. It's becoming a bit of a theme (you can start here, then here, then here), and I'm not complaining. Go on, go …
Hot on the heels of my ranty response to a rant on Australian Chardonnay styles, and Jancis' very complementary piece on modern Australian Chardonnay, let me present to you a …
A great small cellar door (with decent beer), distinct branding and interesting wines - Gundog Estate are on a roll.Winemaker Matt Burton has a bit of a bi-regional focus with …
Treasury Wine Estates (TWE) have announced some 'supply chain optimisation' moves. In particular the Seppelt Great Western cellar door will be closing and some Great Western vineyards sold. The move is …
Following on from my little spiel on the glorious 2014 Hunter Valley vintage, let me present two wines that prove the point, the 2014 Pepper Tree Coquun & Tallawanta Shiraz. Both …
I do wonder if we've hit peak Pinot in Australia yet. Each year the variety gets more mainstream love, more acceptance amongst the 'all red wines in Australia should be …
(I wrote this piece for a print article. Tone is thus more lifestyle than Australian Wine Review, but with some 2014 Hunter Shiraz reviews to come up in the next …
Despite the initial steam of the Rose Revolution some years ago, it seems that the premium Australian rosè train still hasn't quite arrived. Sure, there are plenty of wines out …
Man and vine - Peter Barry in the vineyard Serendipity is a wonderful thing. Last week, just 10 days after stepping off Santorini, I managed to land myself in Australia's own little …
I read with interest a little rant from Irish MW Dermot Nolan this week, taking square aim at modern Australian Chardonnay. Have a read here. His post does come across as grumpy …
I'm fighting through one of those nasty hangovers that just attacks your stomach today, the sort of morning after where you just feel like someone has punched you in the …
150 eh? Not a bad innings. Best's celebrate their 150th birthday next year and they're making a big deal about the occasion with special new packaging. To honest, I'd demand new livery …
Easing back in with three bold Balgownie Shiraz I managed to sleep all the way through overnight, gladly not waking up at 5am again. Take that jet lag! Tonight I'm celebrating with …
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 environment.
Twenty years later and I spend my days wearing many (wine) hats, mostly as a writer, presenter and marketer.
I now judge at wine shows around the world, sit on the Australian Wine List of the Year awards panel and was once a Wine Journalism Young Gun (but baby that was years ago).
Currently, I write features for a variety of publications including National Liquor News, Gourmet Traveller WINE and the RAS, plus I'm a former Lifestyle FOOD channel wine expert.
In 2019 and 2020 I was voted in the Top 30 Best Wine Critics in The World, and in my spare time, I'm a sucker for punishment and run trail ultra marathons, much to the delight of my long-suffering family. Read more about me here or get in touch to book your next wine event with me here