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 in The Conversation that takes …
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 I want to drink the …
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 brunt of the wind. No …
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 buy some. Today's lineup is proudly …
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 collection of what I'd call …
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 this label, the wines sourced …
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 expected to be finalised by …
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 of these wines are sourced …
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 produced from Shiraz, Cabernet or …
(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 few weeks, I thought this …
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 there, but the highlights remain …
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 slice of Greek wine. A …
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 and presumptuous, and there are …
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 guts. How does one slay such …
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 if I was 150 years …
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 a beer and three Shiraz …
I came home to this. Not bad at all Sydney After 9 weeks, 10 countries, 35 hotel rooms (including the odd Airbnb apartment and such) and many many airports, it's genuinely great to be home. Travel is …
I'm in Santorini at the moment, a Greek island that is seriously stunning. Yet despite the magic of the famous sunsets over the caldera, and indeed the quality of the local food and wine, this remains …
I've crossed over into Italy this week for a few days exploring the trails and beaches around Finale Ligure on the Ligurian coast. l'Hortus with the Pic in the background Before swapping baguettes for focaccia (I'm a …
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.