Winestate Magazine July August 2015

travelbriefsHARD WORK PAYS OFF after a short spell living in Launceston. The lunch and a local beer or wine.Tours run on wines are named for Andrew’s late mother Wednesdays and Fridays at 10am and canThere can be few harder working couples Joanie and can be tasted at 163 Glendale be organised directly through the hotel byin the Tasmanian wine industry than Rd, Sidmouth; phone (03) 6394 7005. www. calling (03) 6210 7700. Comprising 56 first-Andrew and Prue O’Shanesy, the driving winesforjoanie.com.au. class suites, a restaurant, bar and functionforce behind the Tamar Valley’s latest rooms, The Henry Jones was Australia’swine label and cellar door - Wines for HOBART’S HIDDEN GEMS first dedicated art hotel, showcasing workJoanie. They opened their cellar door at by some of Tasmania’s finest visual artists.Sidmouth late last year and have just two The Henry Jones Art Hotel, the leading Guest rooms and public spaces exhibitwines made in tiny quantities in their initial hostelry on the Hobart waterfront, has original artworks, which are available foroffering - a chardonnay and a pinot noir. announced a “Back Streets & Hidden purchase. Set on Hobart’s waterfront in aThe couple has a contracting business, Eats” Tour. The historical tour offers several row of converted sandstone warehouseshelp manage vineyards for Bay of Fires stops in Hobart’s CBD, with a focus on the dating to 1825, the hotel accommodationand also maintain their own vineyards - hidden eateries and treats that are both off takes in luxury fittings such as king orone at Kayena purchased in 2012 and the beaten track and favourites with locals. queen size beds with exotic silk coversanother they planted at Sidmouth. They The tour invites guests to “eat and drink and ottomans. Most rooms are surroundedalso plan to open a bed and breakfast. like a local” while exploring the stories of by the rich sandstone walls of the era andThe O’Shanesys moved to Tasmania from early Hobart Town with the Henry Jones Art feature harbour or mountain views, whilea farm in Queensland’s South Burnett Hotel team. The tour winds its way around others overlook the stunning glass atriumregion in 2012 opting for grape growing Hobart’s beautiful CBD area, stopping revealing glimpses of the historic jamand winemaking in the Tamar ahead of a for treats along the way. Visitors learn factory interior. Visit www.thehenryjones.cattle station in the Northern Territory and a about the people who lived and worked com.coffee plantation at Byron Bay. With Andrew in heritage-listed buildings, and admirea qualified viticulturist and both huge wine 19th and early 20th century architecture. Above Top: Henry Jones Art Hotel deluxe spafans, they purchased Glendale at Sidmouth Included in the tour is morning tea, coffee, bedroom and installation suite. Opposite page: Bangor Wine & Oyster Shed. July/August 2015 W I N E S TAT E 101

101 TASTED77 AWARDEDTASMA N I AThe coolest wine region in Australia, according to some. Here Pirie Tasmania Clover Hill Vintagewe check it out and confirm that there are some cracking Sparkling Brut Pipers Riversparkling wines, great chardonnays, rieslings and pinots. Tick, NV HHH1/2 Chardonnay Pinottick, tick - report card says A+. Soft lemon curd-like Noir Pinot Meunier nose with a floral 2009 HHH lift. Great palate not Smells like a candy shop hugely complex but with a citrus bomb of a has lovely regional fruit palate that has length characters. $30 and complexity. $50Sparkling Josef Chromy Barringwood Classic Heemskerk Abel’s Heemskerk Coal Traditionelle Tasmania Cuvée Tempest Tasmania River Valley21 TASTED Tasmania Cuvée 2011 HHHH Chardonnay Pinot Chardonnay Pinot15 AWARDED 2009 HHHH1/2 Bright aperitif style with Noir 2011 HHH1/2 Noir 2009 HHH Caramel and old spice a very youthful citrus Caramelized/toffee Delicate strawberry“An excellent line-up of characters on the blossom bouquet and aromas and flavours of aromas. Palate still verythe best sparklings in nose. Lovely palate - lean tight acid palate. honey and toast with a clean and citrussy forAustralia - and some are all strawberries and Good length of lemon citrussy sherbet finish its age with mineralworld class,” said the cream with good depth sorbet-like flavours. $40 and herbal notes. $N/A acidity. $50judges. and concentration of Bream Creek Josef Chromy Pepik honeysuckle, lemon and Vineyard Tasmania Sparkling Other WhiteArras Tasmania ginger notes. $42 Traditionelle Rosé NV HHH Varietals &Grand Vintage Arras Tasmania Tasmania Cuvée Sweet fruit-driven Blends2005 HHHHH Sparkling Rosé 2009 HHHH style; lively intensity ofA very fine and delicate 2005 HHHH1/2 Lovely lifted floral-like rhubarb, red delicious 2 TASTEDwine yet also a very Delicate complexity aromas leading to a and Turkish Delight 2 AWARDEDpowerful one. Has an of pot pourri and rose primary fruit-driven characters. $32elegance of buttery petal-like aromas. Palate palate with nice Arras Elite Tasmania A couple of excellentstewed apple characters, shows great finesse, mousse, good acid and Brut NV HHH alternative varietals.toasty elements, a touch lovely mousse and lime-like finish. $40 Finely structuredof honey and great crisp beautiful red apple Pirie Tasmania sparkling; bright apple/ Barringwoodacidity. $69.99 presence. Nice touch of Methode strawberry fruit, toasty Tasmania oak. $79.99 Traditionnelle complexity and good SchonburgerArras E.J Carr Arras Tasmania 2009 HHHH acidity. $49.99 2014 HHHH1/2Tasmania Late Blanc de Blancs Beautifully structured Clover Hill Vintage Beautifully honeyedDisgorged 2005 HHHH1/2 wine with great length Brut Pipers River floral fragrances and2002 HHHHH Toasty, creamy and and developing nicely. Chardonnay Pinot some very attractiveRich and toasty on the buttery on the nose Complex yeasty aromas; Noir Pinot Meunier intense musky/floralnose with touches of with rich toasty flavours powerful flavours and 2010 HHH flavours on a soft juicycitrus showing through. showing a slight savoury crisp acid finish. $40 Lifted strawberry/citrus palate. A great semi-Long elegant palate still element and some lovely nose with subtle floral sweet style offeringamazingly youthful with complexity and length. notes and a lean savoury/ lovely drinking. $26intense toasty/ lime Long and lingering on the malty palate. $50cordial flavours. “Don’t finish. $79.99wait - drink now!” $149judges Fran Austin John Bown Natalie Fryar Co-owner and winemaker Winemaker at Frogmore Chief sparkling winemaker of Delamere Vineyards, Creek Wines for the past 15 for Yalumba. Natalie’s tastes in Pipers Brook Tasmania. years. Prior to that worked also extend to the bubbles Formerly site winemaker/ for Corbins in New Zealand. of ales and lagers (as do manager for the Bay of Associate judge for the many sparkling winemakers). Fires Winery. Has vintaged Tasmanian wine show. Regular sparkling wine show in Burgundy, Oregon, Yarra judge. Valley and the Adelaide Hills.102 W I N E S TAT E July/August 2015

Spring Vale Josef Chromy regional tastingFreycinet Coast Tasmania FuméGewurztraminer Blanc 2013 HHH1/2 THE TASMANIAN2014 HHHH1/2 Very subtle bouquet andPure Gewurtz aromas quite a plain but oaky WINECENTRE- all rose petals and palate with lean floralTurkish Delight. fruit and some nice ~ for all the ~Excellent true varietal minerality. $28palate; intense musky Best Winesflavours with hints of Pinot Gris/ from Tasmaniaspice and great acid/ Grigiosugar balance. $28 www.tasmanianwinecentre.com.au 10 TASTEDSauvingon 5 AWARDEDBlanc &Blends Some very strong wines in this group with nice11 TASTED diversity showing that5 AWARDED there is great potential for aromatic varieties.A mixed bag with thebest showing those Barringwoodintense fruit characters Tasmania Pinot Gristhat Tasmania can 2013 HHHHHdeliver. A perfect, varietally correct Nashi pear noseDevil’s Corner with hints of guava.Tasmania Elegant spicy pearSauvignon Blanc flavours on the juicy2014 HHHH1/2 palate; good length andAttractive pungent intensity and great acidgooseberry/passionfruit balance. “Very more-fragrances and a “clean ish.” $32and tidy” palate withsimilar characters to Devil’s Cornerthe nose and showing Tasmaniasome mineral intensity. Pinot Grigio$20 2014 HHHH1/2 Very lifted nose withFreycinet attractive sweet ripe pearVineyard Tasmania and nectarine aromas.Sauvignon Blanc More of the pomé2013 HHHH1/2 fruit characters on theInteresting fumé style. palate with spicy gingerLovely smoky characters complexity. $20on the ripe peach nose.Great palate weight with Riversdale Estatestalky spicy fruit. Good Coal Riverbalance between the Valley Pinot Grisfruit and acidity. $25 2012 HHH1/2 Toasty bouquet withHeemskerk Abel’s floral hints and a leanTempest Tasmania palate with delicateSauvignon Blanc fresh crunchy apple2014 HHH1/2 flavours. Good acidMusk sticks and lychees length. $19on the nose with sometropical notes. Very Bream Creekintense, distinctive Vineyard Tasmaniazesty fruit flavours. Tight Pinot Grisacid. $N/A 2014 HHH Very lifted, veryBream Creek attractive nose - it’s aVineyard Tasmania tropical fruit explosionSauvignon Blanc with floral gooseberry2014 HHH1/2 flavours. $26Very floral fragranceswith pretty sweet fruitsalad flavours showinglength and intensity withlean acidity. $26 July/August 2015 W I N E S TAT E 103

TA SMAN IASpring Vale Devil’s Corner Riversdale Bream Creek Heemskerk Abel’sFreycinet Coast Tasmania Riesling Estate Coal River Vineyard Tasmania Tempest TasmaniaPinot Gris 2014 HHHH1/2 Valley Riesling Chardonnay Chardonnay2014 HHH Lovely floral aromas with 2011 HHH1/2 2012 HHHHH 2013 HHHH1/2Tropical fruit nose with some interesting funky Attractive nose with Savoury aromas Citrus fruit nose witha marmalade influence nuances. Beautiful floral the beginnings of showing nice toastiness some floral nuances.and luscious botrytis flavours running all the honeycomb bottle age. and light well-handled Elegant palate structure.palate. Very Alsace. $28 way through the palate Fabulous flavours of oak. Excellent palate, Lovely balance and with a good textured brown lime cordial and with great finesse intensity of citrus/Riesling finish. $20 toasty oak. $20 and lovely texture and nectarine flavours Third Child Tea well-integrated cashew, with oak adding subtle12 TASTED Tree Ella-Mae The Wine Society citrus and nectarine complexity. $26.9511 AWARDED Tasmania Riesling Director’s Selection flavours. $29 Heemskerk 2014 HHHH1/2 Tasmania Riesling Cape Bernier Coal River Valley“A fantastic class Attractive and complex 2014 HHH Tasmania Chardonnaywith varietal strength nose; some apples with Great Turkish Delight Chardonnay 2013 HHHH1/2from micro-climates rose petal and jasmine nose. Attractive 2012 HHHHH A clean precise wineunmatched anywhere florals, similar characters balanced palate with rich A really attractive rich with a creamy texture.in Australia,” found the echoed on the lovely lime flavours and lovely full savoury style with Oak tending to dominatejudges. Natural acidity long palate. Good lime- acidity. $21.99 lifted buttery/toasty the fruit on the noseoffers great ageing like acid. $22 oak nose and a crème with crisp stonefruit andpotential. Tamar Ridge Chardonnay brulee palate with cedary oak flavours lifted Tasmania Riesling lovely complexity and by spiciness. $29.90Freycinet Vineyard 2014 HHHH1/2 12 TASTED integration of fruit and Devil’s CornerTasmania Riesling “A floral bomb,” 9 AWARDED oak and a zesty line of Tasmania2014 HHHHH commented one judge. acid. $42 ChardonnayA bold nose; huge lift Nose underscored by “An excellent class 2014 HHH1/2of rose petals, spices muscat notes. Lovely of beautiful wines An attractive lift ofand some sweet orange palate full of talc, that show elegance, nectarine and cashew-blossom characters. frangipani and rose petal yet intensity with line like aromas. Tight floral/Lovely line of pure fruit flavours with hints of and texture,” said the peach fruit-driven palateflavours with lemon spice. $24 judges. Tasmania offers with creamy oak. $20acid giving length and Leo Buring Tamar great natural acidity. “Acompleteness to the Valley Riesling pleasure to drink.” Iron Pot Bay Tamarwine. $25 2014 HHHH1/2 Valley Chardonnay Funky ripe and cheesy Frogmore 2013 HHHJosef Chromy aromas with attractive Creek Tasmania Open fruit-drivenTasmania Riesling greengage/guava notes. Chardonnay nose; oak evident.2014 HHHHH Beautiful delicate citrus/ 2013 HHHHH Rich and round in theLovely wine driven lime palate with sorbet Restrained nose with mouth with sweet fruitby lime-like citrus notes. Still very young – delicate toasty oak flavours. $29.95characters. Nose is a possibly too young? $41 aromas opening up towarm toasty complexity Riversdale Estate some nice nectarineof aromas - the palate Coal River fruit characters. Lovelyis tight but rich showing Valley Riesling varietal fruit length tofreshness and a lift of 2010 HHHH1/2 the textured palate withcitrus flavours. $28 Nose of marmalade very good acidity and on toast with some tannins. $30Riversdale Estate greenness. SlightlyCygnus Coal River honeyed lemon rindValley Riesling palate with toastiness2008 HHHHH developing givingThis wine is still richness to the juicyamazingly fresh and palate. “More-ish!”vibrant for its age. Smells $20of apricot jam on toast Pipers Brookwith a touch of lime. Tasmania RieslingLovely delicacy of bright 2014 HHHHlime flavours. An absolute Lifted floral bouquetdelight to drink. $32 with a palate showing creamy complexity, a nice mineral line, tight acidity and a lovely spicy finish. $34104 W I N E S TAT E July/August 2015

s a l e sonline riversdaleestate.com.au RIVERSDALE ESTATE VINEYARD tasmaniaTasmania’s hidden brillianceRIVERSDALE ESTATE RIVERSDALE ESTATECottages winesirresistible country life... 4 star winery...take the time... James HallidayLuxury Country Estate CottageS, Set Riversdale Estate is located in the CoalIn Award Winning Vineyard & Olive River Valley and lies in the shadow ofGrove. 15 Minutes From Hobart CBD & the Utas radio telescope. RiversdaleAirport. Panoramic water views, rolling Estate produces MULTI-AWARD WINNINGcountryside & rambling walks. Purchase single-vineyard wines & practicesdelicious gourmet delights from Island sustainable viticulture. ENJOY OUR rangeOlive Grove, factory on estate. of ultra premium cool climate wines!luxury accommodation NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL SALES t: 0409 232 250 / 03 6248 5432 t: 0428 991 152 / 03 6248 5666 e: [email protected] e: [email protected]

TA SMAN IAFreycinet Relbia Estate Barringwood Mill Josef Chromy Home Hill Kelly’sVineyard Tasmania Tasmania Pinot Noir Block Tasmania Tasmania Pinot Noir Reserve HuonChardonnay 2013 HHHHH Pinot Noir 2013 HHHH1/2 Tasmania Pinot Noir2013 HHH A lovely nose that’s 2012 HHHHH Big oaky nose that with 2013 HHHHFine fragrant floral, very varietally Attractive powerful air opens up to earthy A very attractive fleshynectarine, citrus and oak expressive. “Smells lifted aromas with lovely blackcurrant and berry ripe fruit wine - quitearomas. Lots of warm like a blackberry patch,” varietal fruit expression fruit. Lovely palate commercial in style withfruit flavours. $22 said one judge. Shows and showing good oak texture with purity of great spicy raspberry excellent texture, handling. Excellent varietal fruit flavours and fruit and subtle vanillinFreycinet Louis good purity of fruit, palate, lovely and long excellent tannins. $38 oak use. $63Tasmania fine tannins and crisp and layered with a tight Freycinet Vineyard Barringwood EstateChardonnay acidity. $22 acid spine. $45 Tasmania Pinot Noir Tasmania Pinot Noir2013 HHH Tamar Ridge Tamar Ridge 2013 HHHH1/2 2012 HHHHSmells of peach blossom Tasmania Pinot Noir Reserve Tasmania Very pungent aromas Cigar box nose withwith tropical notes. 2012 HHHHH Pinot Noir but lovely pinot vibrancy attractive raspberry fruitObvious sweet/spicy A very good wine with a 2012 HHHHH underneath. Quite underneath. Acid a littletropical fruit palate. $25 lifted floral bouquet and Big hit of floral-like drying and tannic in the high on the palate. Nice a touch of cedar. Very aromas; all rose petals mouth with lots of spice, fruit expression. Well-Rosé good palate; on the lean and pot pourri. Attractive some restrained varietal handled oak. $34 side with nice varietal palate is fleshy and fruit and oak. $601 TASTED fruit expression, good flavoursome with very Heemskerk Coal Cape Bernier1 AWARDED dusty tannins and tight good tannins and tight River Valley Pinot Tasmania Pinot Noir acidity. $30 acid. “Very more-ish,” Noir 2012 HHHH1/2 2012 HHHHA nice simple example Home Hill Estate said one judge. $65 The nose is reminiscent Lifted dark fruitof the style. Huon Tasmania of boysenberry-like fruit fragrances showing Pinot Noir fragrances. The palate some tarry touchesCape Bernier 2012 HHHHH has lovely richness of and has very ripe blackTasmania Pinot Nose described by ripe fruit with a lovely fruit flavours with quiteRosé 2014 HHH one judge as smelling length of tannins to gravelly tannins toDelicate lifted musky/rose of ripe tamarillos with balance. $50 match. $42petal bouquet and quite charry smokiness. Really Frogmore Creek Bream Creeksweet but well-balanced beautifully textured Tasmania Pinot Noir Vineyard Tasmaniaflavour profile. $30 palate with layers of 2010 HHHH1/2 Pinot Noir fleshy raspberry fruit, Quite brooding and 2011 HHHHPinot Noir spices and velvety brambly on the Simple dried plum fruit tannins. $36 nose with hints of aromas with herbal25 TASTED blackcurrants. Palate has touches and has dried22 AWARDED quite lean varietal fruit fruit characters on the characters with very palate with plenty ofAn amazing result in this good tannin structure to grippy tannins. $36group with the majority support. $32awarded. Seems like Devil’s Cornerpinot noir is where it’s at Resolution Tasmaniain Tasmania. Pinot Noir 2013 HHHH Dense varietal fruit bouquet and a very fleshy palate with appropriate spiciness and ripe boysenberry flavours with great tannin structure. $30 Home Hill Estate Huon Tasmania Pinot Noir 2013 HHHH With air the nose opens up to lifted boysenberry aromas. Gorgeous spicy varietal fruit richness to the palate. Great line and texture. $36106 W I N E S TAT E July/August 2015

regional tastingIron Pot Bay The Freycinet Louis Cabernet & Sweet White Iron Pot Bay DessertMillers Blend Tamar Tasmania Pinot Noir Blends & Fortified Tamar ValleyValley Pinot Noir 2013 HHH1/2 Riesling 2008 HHH2011 HHHH A bright juicy 3 TASTED 4 TASTED Developed aromasSlightly sappy commercial style of 3 AWARDED 4 AWARDED showing hints ofraspberry nose with pinot noir with plenty hair oil with somenice herbaceousness. of blackberry-like fruit A small but strong group Strong class of sweets attractive candied citrusTight attractive palate characters and drying of cabernet showing ranging from off-dry to flavours. $20.95with a sappy texture tannins. $35 that, in the right year intense botrytis styles.and showing good Spring Vale and right region it can befinesse. $N/A Freycinet Coast done in Tasmania. Freycinet VineyardDevil’s Corner Pinot Noir Tasmania BotrytisTasmania Pinot Noir 2013 HHH1/2 Holm Oak 2011 HHHHH2014 HHH1/2 A lighter style with Vineyards Tasmania Excellent botrytisPlush plum and cassis sappy cherry and Cabernet Merlot expression here withfruit aromas on the nose rhubarb aromas. Quite a 2013 HHHH1/2 rich perfumed raisin-likewith some very ripe fruit fleshy palate, simple but An intense lift of lovely fruit aromas which areflavours layered with very varietal with subtle plum fruit aromas echoed on the palatevanilla oak. $22 oak. $45 seamlessly layered with and balanced by the Josef Chromy Pepik spicy nuances. Fleshy on zesty citrus acidity. $25 Tasmania Pinot Noir the palate with nice ripe 2013 HHH mouthfilling mulberry Bream Creek Very lifted brambly fruit flavours. $40 Vineyard Late bouquet and lean Picked Tasmania balanced palate with Bream Creek Schonburger bright fruit and tobacco Vineyard Tasmania 2013 HHHH leaf notes. $25 Cabernet Merlot A very varietal fruit nose Third Child Tea Tree 2012 HHHH - smells of custard apple Benjamin’s Reserve Oak tending to dominate with hints of nutmeg Tasmania Pinot Noir the nose but has and these characters 2013 HHH nice dark berry fruit follow through onto the Quite oaky aromas with underneath. Tight well- palate. $27 some spice and simple balanced palate with ripe ripe fruit flavours. $44 fruit and fine tannins. $30 Josef Chromy Riversdale Estate Delikat SGR Coal River Valley Holm Oak Tasmania Riesling Pinot Noir Vineyards Tasmania 2013 HHHH 2011 HHH Cabernet Sauvignon An excellent sweet Minty blackberry leaf 2013 HHH wine - very more-ish nose with similar Black cherry nose with a with great florals on characters to the tight spicy lift and a pleasant the nose and lovely tannic palate. $29 sweet and sour flavour balanced sweetness on profile. $40 the palate. Great mineral line. $28 July/August 2015 W I N E S TAT E 107

travelbriefsWINSOR DOBBINWairarapa, Nelson & CanterburyBEST OF BOTH WORLDS BOUTIQUE BLISS opportunity to capture the creativity of the CBD rebuild, and enjoy the historyTerrace Downs, just an hour’s drive from Christchurch’s newest boutique hotel and beautiful gardens in an informative,Christchurch, is described as the perfect has a polo theme and an elegant interior personalised and interactive way. Visitorsvenue to combine golf with fine wine and that belies its outer skin. The rooms at the to Christchurch get a sensory experiencecuisine. Close to Mt Hutt ski field and family-owned-and-operated Hotel Montreal within the CBD as local guides showMethven, Terrace Downs is known for its are large and well appointed, and the hotel off the best of the evolving city. There ispar-72, 18-hole championship golf course is well situated on Cranmer Square, close an element of fun for everyone as theythat takes in the grandeur of the Canterbury to some of the city’s best eateries. Formerly admire the street art and peek inside theHigh Country. Mountain biking and hiking the Chateau Blanc Suites, Hotel Montreal Transitional Cardboard Cathedral. The tourin the Southern Alps are also popular, while offers 25 rooms, plus a three-bedroom is billed as a great opportunity to find outother activities include clay target shooting, penthouse, with space for up to 70 guests. about new cafes, bars, trendy restaurantsarchery, fishing, jet boating, horse riding, All rooms feature a private balcony, large and hot shopping spots. Christchurchsky diving, or simply relaxing at the resort’s plasma TV, iPad, complimentary high- Bike & Walking Tours owner Stephanieday spa. With a mountain backdrop, the speed wifi, modern bathrooms, unique Fitts says: “The tour is designed to giveclubby Hunter’s restaurant offers starters furnishings and artwork. A gym is also visitors an understanding of the changedlike slow-braised pork belly with roasted available to guests. The on-site Polo Bar nature of the Christchurch CBD and buildsesame and sauteed pak choy, and serves Argentine-style sharing plates, with excitement and interest around the futurevenison tataki with soy ginger dressing locally sourced meats, bespoke cocktails of Christchurch as a 21st century city.and micro greens. Mains may include the and award-winning wines. With a fleet of It is a really positive way to show-off thelikes of Rakaia salmon baked with seasonal three new Landrovers and a partnership progress that is being made.” Tour numbersgreens, roasted gourmet potatoes and with Over The Top Helicopters, Hotel are limited to eight people to allow for aHollandaise sauce, or Canterbury eye fillet Montreal also offers a range of regional personalised experience. The tour pace ischargrilled with bacon-wrapped seasonal excursions. Hotel Montreal is at 363 leisurely and suitable for all fitness levelsgreens and potato croquette with a pinot Montreal St, Christchurch Central; phone and ages. Walks can start from inner citynoir reduction. Accommodation includes +64 3 943 8547. www.hotelmontreal.co.nz. accommodation. Tour duration is two hoursTerrace Villa suites, self-contained units and cost is $35 per adult, $20 per child.with raised spa baths and spacious open- STEPPING OUT Phoning 0800 733 257 or online at www.plan living areas ranging from one to three chchbiketours.co.nz.bedrooms, and chalets that comprise Christchurch Bike & Walking Toursfour-to-seven-bedroom houses on the front has launched a new two-hour personalised ‘HEAVENLY’ EXPERIENCEnine holes of the golf course. Visit www. experience of Christchurch city by foot.terracedowns.co.nz. The City Walking Tour gives people the A luxury five-day tour exploring the best of the Canterbury region will take in cuisine, wine, gardens, art and local attractions from October 28 to November 1. The “A Taste of Heaven” tour aims to offer a stylish entree to the South Island lifestyle and there will be a maximum of 25 guests on the fully- escorted tour, which will feature premium accommodation and travel by luxury air conditioned coach. Among the events being showcased is the annual Culverden Christmas Country Fete, with over 200 stalls of fine local produce and hand-crafted gifts. The Art in the Garden event at Flaxmere Farm will showcase works by some of New Zealand’s most talented artists, sculptors and jewellery makers, and is set within a108 W I N E S TAT E July/August 2015

travelbriefsgarden, deemed to be one of the country’s includes all arrangements in NZ, including reception, car parking, express checkout,most significant, near Hawarden. Hanmer coach transport and accommodation, photocopying and business kiosk withSprings, a stunning alpine village, is also event entrance fees and most meals. See wireless printers and Apple computers. Theon the itinerary and offers natural thermal www.edibleevents.com.au/tours.html. $30 million development features 263 “pod-hot tubs, spa treatments, local cafes, style” rooms and is adjacent to the recentlyfly fishing with professional guides and REGIONAL BEAUTY announced “The Crossing” developmentwalking tracks, plus extreme sports for the due to open in October 2016, which willmore daring. A particular highlight is a fine Christchurch is slowly but surely include office and retail space, food andregional dinner at a private venue hosted rebuilding and the newest hotel to open beverage outlets and a 630-space carby the Rural Women of New Zealand and is funky with a lot of attitude – and is park. The new hotel will be overseen bylocal winemakers. The chefs will showcase affordable, too. BreakFree on Cashel is veteran general manager Graeme Back.wild-caught salmon and venison. Another in the centre of New Zealand’s third city “I could not think of a more excitinghighlight is a full Pegasus Bay Estate and promotes itself as a great base from project to take me back to New Zealand,”private wine tasting and three-course which to explore the region. With a busy, he says. “BreakFree on Cashel is anseasonal menu luncheon. urban vibe, this innovative hotel is one important development in the rebuilding of for the tech-savvy, with smart TVs, wifi Christchurch and will bring a much needed A rare cultural Maori experience throughout and mood lighting in each of supply of room inventory to cater to thebookends a day visit to the delightful the tightly-configured rooms. Opened in growing number of leisure, conference andFrench colonial bayside village of Akaroa. April, it is located in the heart of the CBD corporate travellers entering the city.” TheA Taste of Heaven is being organised by near Manchester and Hereford streets, BreakFree, formerly the All Seasons, closedEdible Events/Gourmet Journeys, based in and about 500m from Re:START Mall - an after the February 2011 earthquakes. SeeSydney and owned by tourism/hospitality iconic shopping precinct with over 50 www.breakfree.com.auexpert Anne Stewart. She personally retailers from food through to fashion andescorts this tour, which explores the North giftware. The hotel lounge features a cafe Above: Pegasus Bay Estate grounds and wine cellar.Canterbury Food & Wine Trail. A Taste of and bar, and guest facilities include 24-hour Opposite page: Terrace Downs Golf Course.Heaven is priced at $2299 per person and July/August 2015 W I N E S TAT E 109

WAIRARAPA, NELSON & C ANTERBURY93 TASTED70 AWARDEDWAIRARAPA, NELSON& C A N T E R B U RYThe central wine regions of New Zealand straddle Cook Strait, Palliser Estate Anchoragefrom Wairarapa at the bottom of the North Island to Nelson and Martinborough Family EstateCanterbury in the upper South Island (Marlborough is the focus Sauvignon Blanc Nelson Sauvignonof a major, separate tasting). Sauvignon blanc shone, as you would 2014 HHHH Blanc 2014 HHH1/2expect in these cool-climate regions, but the judges were also highly Weighty and fleshy, Fleshy, with ripelyimpressed by the rieslings and chardonnays. with ripely herbaceous herbaceous flavours, a flavours showing minerally streak (notedPrices shown are approximate New Zealand retail. Wines available in richness through the by two judges), freshexport markets are shown as (A) Australia, (UK) and (US). palate. Fresh and lively, acidity and a smooth with good acid spine finish. $19 (A, UK,SPARKLING SAUVIGNON Renato Nelson and harmony. $27 (A, US) BLANC Sauvignon Blanc UK, US) Richmond Plains1 TASTED 2014 HHHHH Greenhough Hope Blue Moon Nelson1 AWARDED 17 TASTED Fleshy, vigorous, Vineyard Nelson Sauvignon Blanc 16 AWARDED generous wine, grown Sauvignon Blanc 2014 HHH1/2Palliser Estate on the Waimea Plains. 2014 HHHH Nutty, toasty bouquet,Martinborough A strong class, in Aromatic, with rich Fleshy, ripe, tropical leading into a ripe,Methode which the judges found tropical fruit flavours, fruit-flavoured wine tropical fruit-flavouredTraditionnelle excellent sauvignon enlivened by fresh with leesy notes adding wine with good weight2009 HHHH blancs from all three acidity, and a long, dry, complexity and a well- and a powerful woodFragrant, yeasty blend regions and some great finely poised finish. rounded, long finish. influence. Needs moreof pinot noir (51%) and buys from Nelson. Great value. $18 Worth cellaring. $26 time, but one judgechardonnay (49%), with Brightwater Mt Beautiful scored it five stars. $25a persistent ‘bead’. Rich, Motueka Vineyards Vineyards Nelson North Canterbury (A, UK)complex style, with Nelson Sauvignon Sauvignon Blanc Sauvignon Blanc Te Mania Nelsonstrong, peachy, yeasty Blanc 2014 HHHHH 2014 HHHH 2014 HHHH Sauvignon Blancflavours, showing good Very fresh and lively, Refined, tightly Generous wine with 2014 HHH1/2autolysis, and a lingering with mouthfilling body, structured wine with fresh herbal and tropical Fresh, crisp and lively,finish. $49 intense, ripe fruit vibrant, ripe fruit flavours fruit flavours, showing with very good depth flavours, a minerally and a finely poised, dry, a touch of complexity. of vibrant, ripely streak and a lasting long finish. One judge Finely balanced, with a herbaceous flavours. Still finish. A top buy. (From scored it five stars. crisp, refreshing finish. youthful. $22 Anchorage.) $16 $20 (A, UK, US) $19 (UK, US) Thistle Ridge Te Kairanga Waipara Sauvignon Martinborough Blanc 2014 HHH1/2 Sauvignon Blanc Medium-bodied, sweet- 2014 HHHH fruited wine with ripe, Ripely scented, tropical fruit flavours mouthfilling wine with and a smooth finish. lively acidity and fresh, (From Greystone.) penetrating, tropical fruit $19 (A, UK) flavours. Finely textured and lingering. $22judges Michael Cooper Cameron Douglas Liz Wheadon Winestate’s New Zealand MS Liz joined Glengarry editor is the author of the A senior lecturer at Wines - which has internationally acclaimed Wine AUT University, where 17 retail stores Atlas of New Zealand and he heads the wine and in Auckland and the annual Michael Cooper’s beverage program, Wellington - in Buyer’s Guide to New Zealand Cameron judges 1994. She is now Wines. In the 2004 New frequently on wine the company’s Year Honours, Michael was panels and is the only general manager appointed an Officer of the New Zealander to hold and often judges New Zealand Order of Merit the US-based Master on magazine and for services to wine writing. Sommelier Diploma. competition panels.110 W I N E S TAT E July/August 2015

regional tastingAronui Single Aronui Single Pegasus Bay Bel Palliser Estate Waipara HillsVineyard Nelson Vineyard Canto Dry Riesling Martinborough Waipara Valley PinotSauvignon Blanc Nelson Riesling 2014 HHHH Riesling 2014 Gris 2014 HHH1/22014 HHH 2014 HHHHH Slightly honeyed bouquet, HHH1/2 Floral, off-dry style,Pale, lively wine, Praised by one judge leading into a distinctive, Fleshy, medium style youthful and lively, withgrown at Brightwater, as ‘gorgeous’, this is full-bodied Waipara wine with fresh, ripe, peachy good mouthfeel andon the Waimea Plains. a crisp, off-dry style with rich, ripe flavours flavours, a hint of texture and appealingFreshly herbaceous, (11 grams/litre residual of grapefruit and honey, passionfruit, and firm pear, apple and spicewith good depth of sugar) with a floral a vague hint of oak acid spine. Drink-young flavours. $22 (A)melon/lime flavours, bouquet and vibrant, and good complexity. appeal, but also worth Aronui Singlecrisp and dry. $22 citrusy flavours, showing A generous wine, it’s cellaring. $23 (UK) Vineyard Nelson excellent harmony and already very expressive. Pinot GrisBrightwater depth. Already delicious, $33 (A, UK, US) Pegasus Bay 2014 HHHVineyards Lord it also has good Riesling 2013 Pale, with high alcoholRutherford Nelson potential. $25 Thistle Ridge HHH1/2 (14.5% alc/vol) noted bySauvignon Blanc Main Divide Waipara Waipara Riesling Light gold Waipara two judges. Fresh, off-2013 HHH Valley Riesling 2013 HHHH wine with generous, dry flavours of pears andElegant, tightly 2013 HHHH1/2 Pale yellow, medium peachy, slightly spicy spices, showing goodstructured wine with Light gold, generous, style with good depth of flavours and a gentle varietal character, withcrisp, ripe, peach and medium style with peachy, citrusy flavours, honeyed influence. balanced acidity andherb flavours that linger good weight and finely a hint of honey, and Fresh, lively, medium satisfying depth. $22well. $25 balanced, peachy, faintly some development style, drinking well Mud House Single honeyed flavours. A top showing. Drinking well now. $30 (A, UK, US) Vineyard HomeMount Brown buy from Pegasus Bay. now. (From Greystone.) Block WaiparaWaipara Valley $20 (A, UK, US) $19 PINOT GRIS Valley Pinot GrisSauvignon Blanc Te Kairanga Mount Brown 2014 HHH2014 HHH Martinborough Estate Waipara 15 TASTED Vibrant, youthfulPale, single-vineyard Riesling 2014 Valley Riesling 8 AWARDED wine with strong,wine with grassy, HHHH1/2 2013 HHH1/2 citrusy flavours, a dryherbaceous and tropical Fleshy, dryish wine Vibrant, medium-dry Overall, a rather impression on the palatefruit flavours, showing with rich, citrusy, limey style (10 grams/litre disappointing class - as and fresh acidity. $24 (A)decent depth, and a flavours that linger well. residual sugar) with so often with pinot Palliser Estaterounded finish. Priced Youthful and tightly good depth of appley, gris - in which the Martinborough Pinotright. $16 (UK) structured, with good lemony flavour and a judges found plenty of Gris 2013 HHH acid spine and cellaring floral bouquet. Fine attractive, easy-drinking Fresh and lively, in aOkiwi Bay potential. $23 value. $16 wines, but very few with dryish style with ripe,Nelson Brightwater Nelson Mud House Single the fragrance, flavour citrusy, appley flavours,Sauvignon Blanc Riesling 2014 HHHH Vineyard The richness and personality crisp acidity, and good2014 HHH Scented, vibrant wine Mound Waipara to rate highly. delicacy and depth.Grassy aromas, leading with strong lemon/lime Valley Riesling $29 (UK)into a strongly varietal, flavours and a slightly 2014 HHH1/2 Terrace Edge Renato Nelson Pinotherbaceous wine with sweet (16 grams/ Poised, vibrantly fruity Waipara Valley Pinot Gris 2014 HHHsome tropical fruit notes, litre residual sugar), wine with youthful, Gris 2014 HHHH Pale, medium-bodiedand good freshness appetisingly crisp lemon/lime flavours Fleshy, with strong, wine with good depth ofand length. (From finish that lingers well. and a slightly sweet, ripe stonefruit peachy flavours, hints ofAnchorage.) $16 Enjoyed by all panellists. mouth-wateringly crisp flavours, a gentle pears and spices, and an $20 finish. Drink now or splash of sweetness, off-dry, finely balancedTorrent Bay Nelson Greenhough Apple cellar. $24 (A) gentle acidity and finish. $20Sauvignon Blanc Valley Nelson excellent harmony and Te Kairanga2014 HHH Riesling 2014 HHHH roundness. (Hand- Martinborough PinotMouthfilling, crisp wine Floral, zesty, light-bodied picked, oak-fermented Gris 2014 HHHwith racy acidity and wine with crisp, slightly wine, certified organic.) Vibrantly fruity, withgood depth of lemon, sweet, appley flavours, $23 (A) fresh, peachy, citrusylime and green apple showing excellent flavours, lively andflavours (one judge delicacy and vigour. Richmond Plains skilfully balanced fordetected a ‘cider-like’ ‘Mosel-style,’ enthused Nelson Pinot Gris easy, early drinking. $22note). (From Anchorage.) one judge. Best drinking 2014 HHH1/2$17 (A, UK) 2017+. $20 Fleshy, off-dry style Greystone Waipara with ripe stonefruit andRIESLING Riesling 2014 HHHH spice flavours, a slightly Rich, faintly honeyed oily texture, and good15 TASTED wine with generous, balance and depth. $2312 AWARDED ripe, peachy flavours, (A, US) a hint of apricot, goodA strong class, in sugar/acid balance andwhich the judges found a long, smooth finish.attractive, well-priced $27 (A)wines from all threeregions, ranging in stylefrom full-bodied and dryto light, medium-sweetand racy. July/August 2015 W I N E S TAT E 111

WAIRARAPA, NELSON & C ANTERBURYGEWURZTRAMINER CHARDONNAY Greenhough ROSÉ5 TASTED Hope Vineyard 7 TASTED Nelson Chardonnay 1 TASTED3 AWARDED 2013 HHH 1 AWARDED 7 AWARDED Citrusy, peachy and crisp, in a full-flavoured Aronui SingleThis small class revealed A small but strong class style with a seasoning Vineyard Nelsona wide range of quality, in which wines from of rich, spicy, nutty oak Pinot Roséfrom plain and simple the Martinborough sub- adding complexity. $34 2014 HHHto an Alsace-like beauty region of the Wairarapa Bright, light red colour,from Waipara. stood out. Sensitive oak OTHER with fresh, smooth, handling was a feature. WHITES strawberry/spice flavours, and a hint of 4 TASTED herbs. Off-dry style, 2 AWARDED showing good balance and depth. $22Greystone Waipara Palliser Estate Thistle Ridge Pegasus Bay OTHER REDSGewurztraminer Martinborough Waipara Chardonnay Sauvignon Semillon2014 HHHHH Chardonnay 2014 2013 HHHH 2013 HHHH 3 TASTEDExotically perfumed HHHHH Generous, peachy Tightly structured, 2 AWARDEDand mouthfilling, Fragrant, citrusy wine with a subtle mouthfilling, dry Waiparawith concentrated, bouquet, leading into oak influence (50% wine. Aromatic, with Catherine’s Blockripe stonefruit and a generous palate with barrel-fermented), a lively grapefruit and Waipara Valleyspice flavours, gentle grapefruit-like flavours, flinty streak, and good herb flavours, showing Tempranillosweetness and an oily finely integrated oak acidity and length. (From excellent depth, and a 2013 HHHrichness. Bold style, and very impressive Greystone.) $22 touch of complexity. $29 Full-coloured, with goodwith a hint of botrytis complexity, drive and Te Kairanga (A, UK, US) depth of vibrant red berry,and some barrel elegance. ‘Fabulous!’ John Martin dried herb and spicefermentation adding noted one judge. $39 Martinborough Greenhough flavours, showing somecomplexity. $35 (A) Chardonnay Hope Vineyard complexity (18 monthsAnchorage Family Te Kairanga 2013 HHH1/2 Nelson Pinot Blanc in French oak barriques,Estate Nelson Martinborough Citrusy, appley, full- 2013 HHH 30% new). (From MountGewurztraminer Chardonnay flavoured wine with Fleshy and full-bodied, Brown.) $302014 HHHH 2013 HHHH mouthfilling body, a with generous lemon,Perfumed and fleshy, Mouthfilling, with crisp, slightly creamy texture apple and spice Terrace Edgewith mouthfilling lively grapefruit and and good acid spine. $37 flavours. Chardonnay- Waipara Valleybody, ripe fruit flavours spice flavours, showing Anchorage like, with good Syrah 2013 HHHand a slightly oily good ripeness, and well- Family Estate complexity, but two Bright ruby, with atexture. Medium style, integrated oak. Slightly Nelson Chardonnay judges found it slightly very spicy bouquetharmonious and well- creamy and nutty, with a 2014 HHH oak-dominated. $34 and flavours. Vibrant,rounded. $19 (US) lengthy finish. $24 Fruit-driven style with with some savouryTe Mania Nelson vibrant, citrusy, appley SWEET complexity and goodGewurztraminer aromas and flavours. WHITES length. $31 (A)2014 HHH Not complex, but goodCharming, youthful wine weight, texture and 1 TASTED PINOT NOIRwith lemony, gently length. $19 (US) 1 AWARDEDspicy flavours in a fresh, Aronui Nelson 24 TASTEDoff-dry style, skilfully Chardonnay Pegasus Bay Aria 16 AWARDEDbalanced for early 2013 HHH Late Picked Rieslingappeal. $23 (A, UK, US) Full-bodied, fruit-driven 2013 (375ml) HHHH A good but not style with crisp, peach Floral, slightly honeyed exciting class, in which and grapefruit-like bouquet, leading the three regions flavours and a gentle into a sweet but not shared the honours. twist of oak. Lacks cloying Waipara wine Te Kairanga, a long- complexity, but with concentrated, established producer enjoyable young. $25 lemony, appley flavours, in Martinborough, now enlivened by racy acidity. owned by American Bill ‘Yum!’ enthused one Foley, stood out for its judge. $38 (A, UK, US) consistency.112 W I N E S TAT E July/August 2015

regional tastingBrightwater Te Kairanga Terrace EdgeVineyards Nelson Runholder Waipara Valley PinotPinot Noir Martinborough Pinot Noir 2013 HHH1/22013 HHHHH Noir 2013 HHHH Floral, generousEnticingly floral, very Deep ruby, mouthfilling red with sweet-fruitfinely textured and red with ripe, spicy characters and veryharmonious red with flavours, seasoned with good depth of plum/excellent depth of ripe sweet oak (noted by spice flavours. Finelyplum and spice flavours, two judges), and good balanced wine, alreadygently seasoned with concentration. $34 drinking well. $28French oak, supple Aronui Single Anchorage Familytannins and a lengthy Vineyard Nelson Estate Nelson Pinotfinish. Great value. $25 Pinot Noir Noir 2014 HHH(A, UK) 2012 HHH1/2 Light ruby. Medium-Greystone Thomas Fruity, full-bodied red bodied, fruity style withBrothers Reserve with good depth of plum and spice flavours,Waipara Pinot Noir fresh, juicy plum, cherry fresh and lively, and a2013 HHHH and dried herb flavours, tight finish. Best drinkingDeeply coloured, with showing some savoury 2016+. $21 (A, UK, US)concentrated, vibrant complexity, and a Brightwatercherry, raspberry and smooth finish. $28 Vineyardsherb flavours, seasoned Pegasus Bay Lord Rutherfordwith French oak (70% Waipara Valley Pinot Nelson Pinot Noirnew). Very finely Noir 2012 HHH1/2 2012 HHHtextured, with ripe, Sturdy, with strong, Shows some coloursupple tannins and a slightly herbal flavours, development, butlasting finish. $100 (A, showing a hint of still lively, with berry/UK, US) greenness, but also plum flavours, herbalMain Divide Waipara good concentration and touches, savoury notesValley Pinot Noir complexity. Savoury and adding complexity and2013 HHHH firm. $48 (A, UK, US) moderate length. $40Deeply coloured and Sherwood Estate Mount Brownmouthfilling, with Waipara Valley Pinot Waipara Valley Pinotvibrant, plummy, spicy Noir 2014 HHH1/2 Noir 2013 HHHflavours, showing good Bright ruby, with good Deep ruby, vibrant redconcentration. Youthful, depth of fresh berry with cherryish flavoursbut finely balanced and and spice flavours, to the fore, a sweet oakalready drinking well. supple tannins and a influence, fresh acidity(From Pegasus Bay.) $26 touch of complexity. and a touch of earthyMotueka Vineyards $25 (A, UK, US) complexity. $19 (UK)Nelson Pinot Noir Palliser Estate2014 HHHH Martinborough PinotFloral and ruby hued, Noir 2013 HHHwith good balance Full-coloured, with goodand energy and some depth of ripe plum andsavoury, earthy notes. cherry flavours, fine-Priced sharply. (From grained tannins andAnchorage.) $18 savoury notes addingTe Kairanga complexity. However,John Martin two judges criticisedMartinborough Pinot some rusticity in theNoir 2013 HHHH bouquet. $54Deep ruby, floral and Sherwood Estatefleshy red with fresh Waipara Collectionacidity and concentrated Nor’wester Pinotcherry, plum, herb and Noir 2012 HHHspice flavours. Bold and Still fresh and lively, withsavoury. $49 cherry and dried herbTe Kairanga flavours, showing someMartinborough Pinot savoury complexity, andNoir 2013 HHHH a well-rounded finish.Generous, with $30 (A, UK, US)mouthfilling body and rich,ripe fruit flavours. Slightlyearthy and savoury, withgood complexity. Finevalue. $25 July/August 2015 W I N E S TAT E 113

MICHAEL COOPERThe latest releases from New Zealand include something for ½everyone, including a trio of top Central Otago pinot noirs andsuperb examples of gewürztraminer, sweet white wine and Babich FamilyHawke’s Bay merlot. The highly rated wines also featured syrah, Estates Gimblettriesling, chardonnay and – predictably - Marlborough sauvignon Gravels Hawke’sblanc. Bay Noble GewurztraminerPrices shown are approximate New Zealand retail. Wines available 2014 (375ml)in export markets are shown as (A) Australia, (UK) and (US). HHHH1/2 Showing strong Craggy Range Rockburn Central personality, this Elephant Hill Gimblett Gravels Otago Pinot Noir amber-hued, honeyed Hawke’s BayBannock Brae Barrel Hawke’s Bay Merlot 2013 HHHHH dessert wine was hand- Merlot MalbecSelection Central 2013 HHHHH Generous, very fresh harvested at 42 brix. Cabernet FrancOtago Pinot Noir Delicious young, but and supple blend of Mouthfilling (14.5 per 2013 HHHH1/22011 HHHHH still youthful, this classy, Cromwell Basin (85%) cent alcohol), with rich Densely coloured blendLovely, generous, very harmonious red was and Gibbston (15%) peach, spice and apricot of similar portions ofsavoury red, estate- matured for 17 months fruit, matured for 10 flavours, it’s a sweet but merlot and malbecgrown at Bannockburn in barriques (21% new). months in French oak not super-sweet style (with a splash ofand bottled without The colour is deep and barrels (33% new). (115 grams/litre residual cabernet franc), grownfining or filtering. Still purple-flushed; the Deeply coloured, sugar) with a powerful in the Gimblett Gravelsyouthful, with deep ruby palate generous, with full-bodied red, sweet- botrytis influence. Drink and the Bridge Pacolour and a welcoming rich, ripe blackcurrant, fruited and savoury, now onwards. $25 Triangle. Concentratedfragrance. Concentrated, plum, spice and dark with plum, cherry and Craggy Range and supple, with avigorous plum, spice chocolate flavours, oak spice flavours, showing Gimblett Gravels powerful surge of ripeand nut flavours, complexity and fine- impressive richness, Hawke’s Bay Syrah berry, plum and spiceshowing excellent grained tannins. $32 (A) vibrancy and complexity. 2013 HHHH1/2 flavours, finely texturedpotential, complexity Pegasus Bay Encore $50 (A, UK) This floral, intensely and very youthful.and harmony. $60 (A) Noble Riesling 2011 Rockburn Eleven varietal red was estate- Open 2017+. $34 (375ml) HHHHH Barrels Pinot Noir grown, almost entirely Rockburn Pale gold Waipara wine 2013 HHHHH hand-picked, and Tigermoth Central with concentrated, Powerful, fragrant, matured for 17 months Otago Riesling citrusy, sweet, gently deliciously sweet-fruited in French oak barriques 2014 HHHH1/2 honeyed flavours. Lovely Central Otago red, (22% new). Bold and Already open and poise and harmony, with estate-grown at Pisa and youthful in colour, it expressive, this is a a rich, oily mouthfeel and matured for 16 months shows good density gently sweet style (56 lasting finish. $38 (A, in French casks (45% of plum and black grams/litre residual UK, US) new). Deeply coloured pepper flavours, with a sugar) with a lovely Pegasus Bay and sturdy (14.5% alc/ long, spicy finish. Best lightness of body (8.4% Gewurztraminer vol), with rich cherry/ drinking 2017+. $32 (A) alc/vol) and excellent 2013 HHHHH plum flavours, a hint Domaine Rewa vigour and intensity of Exotically perfumed, of licorice, a strong Central Otago Pinot citrusy, slightly peachy weighty Waipara wine, seasoning of oak and Noir 2013 HHHH1/2 flavours, woven with fermented in old oak ripe, supple tannins. Still Very youthful, single- lively acidity. Drink now casks. Sturdy, with rich, very youthful and likely vineyard red from or cellar. $39 (A) peachy, gingery, well- to be long-lived. $96 Lowburn, in the spiced flavours, gentle Cromwell Basin. Ruby- sweetness, an oily hued and mouthfilling, texture, and impressive with deep, vibrant complexity and harmony. cherry, plum and spice Delicious now, but flavours, fine-grained should mature well. $29 tannins, and a long, tight finish. $38114 W I N E S TAT E July/August 2015

recent releasesSoho Carter Yealands Estate Black Peak Wanaka Domaine Rewa Grove MillWaiheke Island Winemakers Central Otago Central Otago Marlborough PinotChardonnay 2014 Reserve Awatere Riesling 2014 HHHH Riesling 2013 HHHH Gris 2014 HHHHHHHH1/2 Valley Marlborough Pale, light-bodied wine Tangy, youthful wine Fresh, mouthfilling,Fragrant, skilfully Sauvignon Blanc (9 per cent alc/vol), with good intensity youthful wine, growncrafted wine, fully 2014 HHHH1/2 still very youthful, with of citrusy, limey in the Wairau Valley.barrel-fermented. Pale, Richly scented, clearly lemon/apple flavours, flavours, a splash of Ripe, stonefruit flavours,mouthfilling and sweet- herbaceous style, slightly peachy and sweetness (17 grams/ with a gentle splash offruited, with strong, estate-grown and spicy, a hint of sherbet, litre residual sugar) and sweetness, balancedcitrusy, peachy flavours, fermented in a mix of and a medium-sweet firm acid spine. Tightly acidity, an oily texture,mealy and biscuity notes tanks (70%) and French finish. Shows excellent structured, it should be and excellent delicacyadding complexity, a oak puncheons (30%). purity, delicacy, vigour long-lived. $23 and depth. Best drinkingslightly creamy texture, Mouthfilling and vibrant, and harmony. $27 2016+. $20and excellent depth with concentrated Craggy Rangeand harmony. Already tropical fruit and Gimblett Gravels Hunter’s Kahoenjoyable but best herbaceous flavours, a Hawke’s Bay Te Roa Marlboroughdrinking 2017+. $37 subtle seasoning of oak Kahu 2013 HHHH Sauvignon BlancSpy Valley Envoy and a crisp, dry, very Deeply coloured, still 2013 HHHHMarlborough persistent finish. $28 purple-flushed, merlot- Showing considerableSauvignon Blanc (A, UK) based blend, with minor complexity, this is a2013 HHHH1/2 portions of malbec, partly barrel-fermented,Tightly structured, still  cabernet sauvignon partly barrel-aged style.youthful wine, hand- and cabernet franc, Maturing gracefully, itpicked and fermented Babich barrique-aged for 17 is full-bodied and lively,and lees-aged for Family Estates months. Mouthfilling, with good concentrationnearly a year in wood. Headwaters Organic with fresh, concentrated of ripe melon andStill developing, with a Marlborough blackcurrant, plum and passionfruit flavours,complex bouquet and Chardonnay spice flavours, a subtle balanced acidity and apiercing, very ripely 2014 HHHH seasoning of oak and dry finish. Drink now-herbaceous flavours, This mouthfilling, gentle tannins. $28 (A) 2016. $25 (UK)slightly toasty, taut and youthful wine is vibrant, Crossroadsminerally. High acid style citrusy and faintly Milestone Series Elephant Hill Central Hunter’swith a real sense of buttery, with a subtle, Hawke’s Bay Otago Pinot Noir Marlboroughdrive and potential. $32 biscuity oak influence, Chardonnay 2013 HHHH Gewurztraminer(A, UK, US) good concentration and 2014 HHHH Deep ruby, youthful red 2014 HHHHSpy Valley complexity. An elegant Mouthfilling, top with strong, ripe plum, Very youthful, sturdyIced Sauvignon wine, certified organic, value wine in the cherry and spice flavours, wine (14.5% alc/Blanc 2014 it should be at its best classic regional savoury and supple. vol) with fresh, ripe(375ml) HHHH1/2 2016+. $27 style, grown mostly Showing good substance stonefruit and spiceLight gold, honeyed Babich inland, at Mangatahi, and vibrancy, it’s well flavours, a hint of ginger,wine, picked at 42 brix Family Estates and predominantly worth cellaring. $34 good concentrationwith an ‘almost perfect Headwaters Organic fermented in French Goldwater and an off-dry, finelynoble rot infection’, and Marlborough Pinot oak barriques. Very Marlborough balanced finish. $25 (UK)fermented in tanks and Noir 2014 HHHH harmonious, with Sauvignon Blanc Hunter’sbarrels. Inviting, complex Deep ruby, this single- strong, ripe stonefruit 2014 HHHH Marlboroughbouquet, leading into a vineyard Marlborough flavours, finely Fresh, ripe, tropical Rieslingvery harmonious wine red was bottled integrated oak and good fruit aromas lead into a 2014 HHHHwith concentrated unfiltered. Generous, complexity. Drink now or mouthfilling, crisp wine Fleshy, dry style (2stonefruit and honey savoury and supple, it cellar. $20 (A, UK) with strong passionfruit grams/litre residualflavours, a slightly oily has concentrated plum/ Domaine Rewa and lime flavours, drink- sugar) but not at allrichness, and a sweet, spice flavours, showing Central Otago young appeal and lots of austere, with citrusy,lingering finish. Lovely good ripeness and Chardonnay youthful impact. Ready slightly spicy flavours,vibrancy and poise. $25 complexity, and the 2013 HHHH to roll. $21 (A, UK, US) lively but not highStoneleigh structure to age well. Estate-grown at Greylands Ridge acidity, and lots of drink-Rapaura Series Fine value. $27 Lowburn, in the Central Otago Pinot young appeal. $21 (UK)Marlborough Ballasalla Central Cromwell Basin, this full- Noir 2014 HHHH Leveret EstateChardonnay Otago Pinot Noir bodied, barrel-fermented Very youthful, Reserve Hawke’s2014 HHHH1/2 2013 HHHH wine has strong, citrusy, mouthfilling, full- Bay SyrahFleshy, creamy-textured Already drinking well, mealy flavours, showing coloured Alexandra 2014 HHHHwine with mouthfilling this finely poised, excellent depth and red with strong, ripe Deeply coloured,body, rich, ripe, peachy single-vineyard Bendigo complexity. It’s still cherry, plum and spice mouthfilling, suppleflavours, and toast and red is vibrant and youthful; open 2016+. flavours, integrated oak red, still very youthful,butterscotch characters sweet-fruited, with $30 (UK) and supple tannins. A blended from syrahadding complexity. cherry, plum, spice and stylish, generous wine, (95%) and viognier (5%).Powerful, concentrated nut flavours, showing it’s well worth cellaring Fresh, vibrant plum andwine, already drinking excellent depth, texture to 2017+. $35 black pepper flavours,well. $28 and harmony. Good with gentle tannins and value. $29.95 excellent depth. Open mid-2016+. $30 July/August 2015 W I N E S TAT E 115

MICHAEL COOPERMain Divide Waipara Rochfort Rees Saint Clair The Last Shepherd Leveret ReserveValley Pinot Gris Gimblett Gravels Marlborough Central Otago Pinot Hawke’s Bay Pinot2014 HHHH Hawke’s Bay Syrah Gruner Veltliner Noir 2013 HHHH Noir 2014 HHH1/2‘Full-on’, Alsace style 2013 HHHH 2014 HHHH Elegant, supple red, still Deeply coloured, fleshy,with a fragrant, slightly Full-coloured, youthful, Mouthfilling, dry youthful, with a strong youthful red with strong,honeyed bouquet. mouthfilling red with style, hand-picked in surge of vibrant cherry, plummy, spicy, slightlyMouthfilling, with good concentration of the Omaka Valley and plum and spice flavours, cherryish flavours,peachy, spicy, gently ripe plum and black partly barrel-fermented. oak complexity, and a nutty oak and balancedsweet and honeyed pepper flavours, nutty Good personality, with finely poised finish. Very tannins. Best drinkingflavours, a hint of ginger, oak adding complexity, concentrated, vibrant fresh and lively, with mid-2016+. $31and a rich, well-spiced finely balanced tannins peach, melon and lime good potential. Fine Main Divide Waiparafinish. Attractive now, and a well-spiced finish. flavours, a slightly oily value. (From Pernod Valley Chardonnaybut best drinking 2016+. Well worth cellaring. $32 texture and a tightly Ricard NZ.) $25 2014 HHH1/2(From Pegasus Bay.) structured finish. Drink Mouthfilling, harmonious$19.95 (A, UK, US) Sacred Hill HALO now or cellar. $22 (UK) ½ wine, fermented withNevis Bluff Central Marlborough Pinot Saint Clair Pioneer indigenous yeasts andOtago Pinot Gris Noir 2014 HHHH Block 5 Bull Block Alex Ridgeback lees-aged in barrels.2012 HHHH Ruby hued, mouthfilling, Marlborough Pinot Central Otago Pinot Grapefruit and peachBright, light yellow/ supple red, hand-picked Gris 2014 HHHH Noir 2014 HHH1/2 flavours to the fore,green, this mouthfilling, in the Omaka Valley and Elegant, youthful Omaka Ruby hued, full-bodied with fresh acidity andlively wine was grown French oak-aged for a Valley wine with citrusy, Alexandra red with very hints of honey and toast.at Pisa and lees-aged for year. Youthful, generous appley aromas and good depth of vibrant, Drinking well already.nine months in tanks. wine with ripe cherry, flavours. Good vigour ripe, plummy, spicy (From Pegasus Bay.)Drinking well now, it has plum and spice flavours, and delicacy, with hints flavours and a smooth $19.95 (A, UK, US)concentrated, citrusy, earthy and savoury of peaches, spices and finish. A very youthful, Main Divide Waiparaslightly spicy flavours, notes adding complexity, ginger, gentle acidity and gently oaked style with Valley Sauvignonshowing lees-aging and gentle tannins. a finely balanced, off-dry some complexity, it’s Blanc 2014 HHH1/2complexity, fresh acidity Enjoyable now; best finish. Very ageworthy. still unfolding. (From Fresh, tangy, medium-and a tight finish. $33 (A) 2016+. $28 $27 (UK) Greylands Ridge.) $25 bodied wine with veryNevis Bluff Saint Clair Spy Valley Babich Black Label good depth of tropicalMerrill’s Block Marlborough Marlborough Pinot Marlborough Pinot fruit flavours and plentyCentral Otago Pinot Gewurztraminer Noir 2013 HHHH Noir 2014 HHH1/2 of youthful impact.Blanc 2014 HHHH 2014 HHHH Bright ruby, mouthfilling Ruby hued, this is a (From Pegasus Bay.)Fresh, full-bodied wine, Attractively perfumed, and supple, with fresh, mouthfilling, supple $19.95 (A, UK, US)grown at Pisa and richly varietal wine strong cherry, plum and red with good weight O:TU Marlboroughfermented in an even with very good spice flavours and a and depth of ripe Sauvignon Blancsplit of tanks and old depth of fresh, ripe gentle seasoning of oak. cherry, plum and spice 2014 HHH1/2oak casks. Dryish, with lychee, pear and spice Elegant, youthful wine, flavours, youthful and Aromatic, nettleydelicate, citrusy, appley, flavours, a slightly oily showing good drive and harmonious. Open wine, estate-grownslightly spicy flavours, texture, gentle acidity depth. $35 (A, UK, US) 2016+. $25 in the Awatere Valley.showing a touch of and a slightly sweet, Stoneleigh Latitude Leveret Estate Medium-bodied, withcomplexity, a hint of soft finish. Delicious Marlborough Hawke’s Bay Syrah melon, lime and greennectarines, balanced young. $22 Chardonnay 2014 HHH1/2 capsicum flavours, aacidity and a lingering 2014 HHHH Fruit-driven style, minerally streak, andfinish. Well worth Mouthfilling, youthful blended from syrah very good delicacy andcellaring. $35 (A) wine, grown at Rapaura. (95%) and viognier (5%). depth. $20O:TU Blend 102 Softly textured, with Full-coloured and supple, Peter YealandsMarlborough strong, ripe, grapefruit- with vibrant plum and ReserveSauvignon Blanc like flavours and nutty, black pepper flavours, Marlborough Pinot2014 HHHH savoury elements fresh and generous. Noir 2014 HHH1/2Aromatic, single- adding complexity. Delicious young. $20 Drinking well from thevineyard, Awatere Valley Already enjoyable; best Leveret Reserve start, this bright ruby,wine. Mouthfilling and drinking 2016+. $23 Hawke’s Bay very fresh and lively redvibrant, with punchy Stoneleigh Latitude Merlot Cabernet was partly barrel-aged.melon, lime and green Marlborough Rosé 2009 HHH1/2 Mouthfilling and supple,capsicum flavours, 2014 HHHH Mature, flavoursome it has very good depth ofappetising acidity and a Bright pink, mouthfilling blend of merlot (65%) plummy, spicy flavours,lingering finish. $25 and smooth, with and cabernet sauvignon showing some toasty, vibrant, finely balanced (29%), with a dollop of savoury complexity. $22 watermelon, spice and syrah (4%). Mouthfilling, apricot flavours, dryish leathery and spicy, and lingering. Delicious with hints of herbs and now. $23 plums, considerable complexity and a firm finish. $30116 W I N E S TAT E July/August 2015

recent releasesRapaura Springs Sanctuary Yealands Estate Leveret IQ R R MarlboroughReserve Central Marlborough Pinot Single Vineyard Premium Brut Sauvignon BlancOtago Pinot Noir Gris 2014 HHH1/2 Awatere Valley NV HHH 2013 HHH2014 HHH1/2 Fragrant, mouthfilling Marlborough Straw-hued blend From Rochfort Rees,Deep ruby, mouthfilling wine with peachy Riesling of pinot noir (50%), this is a tangy,red with fresh acidity flavours and hints of 2014 HHH1/2 chardonnay (43%) and medium-bodied, clearlyand vibrant cherry, plum lychees, ginger and Youthful, basically dry pinot meunier (7%), herbaceous wine withand spice flavours, spices. Slightly sweet style (5 grams/litre lees-aged for at least satisfying depth ofshowing some savoury, style, showing very residual sugar) with 18 months. Crisp, with crisp melon and greennutty complexity. Open good balance and depth. vibrant, citrusy, slightly satisfying depth of capsicum flavours. Good2016+. $26 (A) Priced right. $18 (A) gingery flavours, fresh peachy, toasty, slightly value. $13Sacred Hill Reserve Stoneleigh Latitude acidity and good depth. nutty flavours, in a Saint ClairHawke’s Bay Syrah Marlborough Merlot Worth cellaring. $23 (A) moderately complex Hawke’s Bay2014 HHH1/2 2014 HHH1/2 style with some ViognierFruit-driven style, full- Full-coloured,  maturity. $20 2014 HHHcoloured, with a floral, mouthfilling, fresh and Music Bay Pale, youthful wine,spicy bouquet. Fresh youthful, with very good Haha Marlborough estate-grown in theplum and black pepper depth of blackcurrant, Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc Gimblett Gravels andflavours, with a subtle plum and spice flavours, Pinot Noir 2014 HHH tank-fermented. Fresh,seasoning of French oak, a hint of dried herbs, 2014 HHH Vibrant, herbaceous full-bodied and dry, inripe, supple tannins and and finely balanced Ruby hued, floral, lively wine from the Awatere a vibrantly fruity stylevery good depth. $30 tannins. Best drinking and supple, with fresh, Valley. Punchy, with good depth ofSaint Clair mid-2016+. $23 ripe, plummy flavours with strong, green peachy, slightly spicyMarlborough The Crossings in a slightly savoury capsicum-like flavours, flavours. $22Chardonnay Marlborough Pinot style (45% barrel-aged) fresh and smooth.2014 HHH1/2 Noir 2014 HHH1/2 and lots of drink-young (From O:TU.) $15Fresh, youthful wine, Ruby hued, finely charm. $20 (A) Peter Yealandsgrown in the Wairau balanced Awatere Valley Haha Marlborough PinotValley and mostly red, mouthfilling and Marlborough Noir 2014 HHHfermented and matured supple, with very good Sauvignon Blanc Ruby hued, partly barrel-for six months in French depth of plum, cherry 2014 HHH aged red with plumand American oak and spice flavours, Lifted, herbaceous and dried herb flavours,barrels. Peachy, appley, showing some savoury bouquet. Fresh, green- showing good depth.gently nutty aromas lead complexity. Already edged style with punchy, Fresh and lively, withinto a vibrantly fruity drinking well. Fine value. capsicum-like flavours drink-young charm. $18wine with good depth of $20 (A, UK, US) and lots of youthfulripe fruit flavours, hints impact. $16 (A) (A, UK, US)of spices and ginger,creamy notes and acrisp, dry finish. Worthcellaring. $22 July/August 2015 W I N E S TAT E 117

HOW WE JUDGE WINESTATE MAGAZINE tasting criteria OUR STAR RATING SYSTEM Our tastings and published ratings are designed with one thing in mind: to provide a useful and genuine balanced guide on wines to our readers. In order to achieve this we follow certain procedures in an activity that is notoriously difficult! There are regular criticisms of wine shows and vari- ous scoring systems; here is how we approach our tastings.A wide selection of wines there are unpleasant flavours. These advertise if they wish, their awarded final ‘medals’ are then converted into wine’s review will be featured regardlessWines are invited from any producer, a star rating system for publication in of advertising. The judges’ decisions areprovided that they meet the criteria Winestate. A gold means 5 stars, silver final and these are published accordingof the class being judged. The class is 4, and bronze is 3 stars. to the judges’ scores, whether advertisingmay be a regional, style or new release is taken or not.tasting and generally the wines must be The biggest judging systemavailable for consumers to purchase, The judgesalthough we have museum and rare Winestate examines on average morewine tastings as well. Australasian wines per year than We take care in selecting our judges. any other forum - more than 10,000. But remember: judges are human andAwarding scores Compare this to the biggest show in their own preference will influence Australia, the royal Melbourne wine their scores. We use judges withWinestate carries out the judging show, with just over 4000 entries. complementary backgrounds and ausing Australian capital city wine show three-person panel for each flight willprocedures; the wines are not known Independence of advertising include winemakers with technicalto the judges. The three judges taste expertise and often a marketing/retailthe wines blind and assign a score Winestate does charge a nominal expert who knows consumer tastes.without reference to each other. Once entrance fee for wines submitted which Often one or more of the judges arethis is done, only then do they compare covers our administration costs only, masters of wine with vast internationalscores, and if there is dissension they and will often purchase ‘yardstick’ experience, and most judges havere-taste the wines and come to an wines to be evaluated where we believe experience at major Australian wineagreement. Scores are compiled using that these are of consumer or trade shows. We are also aware of expertise.the 20-point international system: gold interest if these have not been entered If we are judging a region, for example,is 18.5 and above; silver is 17 and by the wineries. In order to produce we will have a winemaker judge fromabove and is an excellent wine; bronze the biggest and best wine magazine, that region because that person knowsis 15.5 and above and represents good Winestate includes advertising; the local style. We balance that withwine. A reasonable, sound everyday- however, this is fiercely independent a judge from outside the region anddrinking wine scores 15 (but does of any wine tasting editorial. Wine generally someone with broad andnot gain a medal). A bland but clean companies are advised of the blind mature experience.wine scores 14. Below this score tasting results and it is their choice toHOW WE COMPAREWinestate Rating Comment Wine show Medal International 20 100 Point System Point System HHHHH Outstanding Gold 18.5 - 20 93 - 100 HHHH1/2 Excellent High Silver 90 - 92 Very Good 18 - 18.4 85 - 89 HHHH Silver 83 - 84 HHH1/2 Good/Very Good High Bronze 17 - 17.9 78 - 82 Good HHH Bronze 16.5 - 16.9 15.5 - 16.4 Wine judging is an inexact art, not a science - even at the highest levels of proficiency. Accordingly, Winestate uses the star ratingsystem which reflects a range, rather than a specific point score. Point systems indicate a level of accuracy that simply does not exist.

insiderthe wine & spiritAUSTRALIAN & NEW ZEALANDJuly/August 2015 Issue 142In this issue... COMPLIMENTARY COPYOrganic Wines & New ReleasesBest Value Buys under $20 MOLLYDOOKER COVERSarah & Sparky Marquis, Winemakers of the 2014 AUS & NZ Wine of the Year. The Wine & spirit Insider is a Promotional guide from the liquor trade to the consumer. Winestate Publishing ABN 56 088 226 411

87 TASTED53 AWARDEDORGANIC WINESsponsored by NASAAOrganic products in themselves, bereft of chemicals, including Nature's Step Wildpesticides and fungicides, are a desirable pursuit, but to please the Ferment Adelaidepublic they also need to be good. Here we evaluate a nice line-up of Plains Sauvignonexamples for you to consider. While not all deliver, there are many Blanc 2014 HHHthat do and these rival the best of the commercial examples in the Subtle flinty aromas withmarketplace. some sweetness and a crisp punchy varietal palate. $10 Riesling 4 TASTED 3 AWARDEDSparkling Sauvignon A solid group with one Blanc stand-out that could1 TASTED easily compete with the 4 TASTED best rieslings around.0 AWARDED 2 AWARDEDOther White A mixed result in a groupVarietals of quaffers!4 TASTED Macaw Creek2 AWARDED Organic Mount Lofty Ranges RieslingA small class with future 2014 HHH1/2potential. \"Keep trying,\" Lovely lifted herbaceousadvised one judge. bouquet and somewhat broad fruity floral palate. A very nice flavoursome drink. $15 Tamburlaine Reserve O'Leary Walker Hunter Semillon Polish Hill River 2014 HHHH1/2 Clare Valley Riesling A lifted varietal nose 2014 HHH - smells like lemons Rich aromas - very and rock melons. The perfumed and great ripe crisp acid palate has a VBBAEULSYUTSE fruit weight and length on zesty balance of lemon Em's Table the crisp dry palate. $22 Certified Organic and grassy-like varietal Clare Valley Riesling Chardonnay characters. $33 & BLENDS Tamburlaine On The 2014 HHHHH A fresh and floral style 7 TASTED Bassham Wines Grapevine Orange of riesling showing 4 AWARDED Sauvignon Blanc Organic Riverland 2014 HHH1/2 some oily complexity. A good class. \"But watch Petit Manseng residual sweetness and 2014 HHH Very varietal easy Smells of ripe limes oak balance,\" suggested and flowers with a fine, one judge. Light floral fruit nose and drinking style with crisp evenly balanced, crisp interesting balance of tropical characters, spicy, berry and apricot some residual sugar but palate showing good level of natural acidity. flavours. $20 in balance. \"Will have $19.95 many fans.\" $20120 The Wine & Spirit INSIDER

ADVERTORIALNASAA Ltd - Certified Organic Certified Organic producers are required More recently however, publishedWine of the Year to undergo a 2-3 year process to ensure scientific research findings are being that industrialised farming methods and communicated (with the help of socialInternational markets for organic products inputs are phased out. Certified organic media), to the effect that organic foods dohave experienced rapid growth recently. products do not contain: Genetically contain fewer pesticide residues, greaterThe world organic market is now modified organisms, synthetic or nutrient levels and may provide healthestimated to be worth around $91 billion, chemical additives, herbicides, fungicides, benefits.with the Australian market at about $1.72 insecticides or fertilisers.billion and growing at an estimated 15% Marketing Advantages & Truth inCompounded year on year (AO Market While the first main phase of wine LabellingReport 2014). production (grape growing) is relatively straightforward in terms of organic Many products claim to be organic,NASAA – Australia’s First Organic practices, the second (fermentation and “natural” or additive and pesticide free.Certifier bottling etc.) is more difficult. While many However, there is no legal assurance winemakers support the use of small of such claims unless they are CertifiedThe National Association for Sustainable quantities of sulfites to stabilise the wine, Organic, as is the case with all winesAgriculture, Australia (NASAA) was formed others use no added preservatives, albeit submitted for Organic Wine of the Year.in 1986, and soon developed its first set of at the cost of a shorter available ageing In today’s marketplace, and with currentorganic standards, certification policies, and period. environmental concerns, more and moresystems/workshops for organic inspectors. people are switching towards organic andToday, NASAA is based at Stirling in the In conventional winemaking, chemical biodynamic consumption.Adelaide Hills, and supports the education fertilisers are used to promote largerof industry and consumers on organic, yields and protect against disease. These Certified Organic means that under thebiodynamic and sustainable agricultural chemicals are absorbed through the Australian Consumer and Competitionpractices. roots into the vine and are then passed Act, the product must be independently through leaves and stems into the fruit. audited and verified by a third party Through its certification arm, NASAA Organic winemakers believe that this certifier accredited by the DepartmentCertified Organic (NCO), NASAA use of chemicals can destroy the unique of Agriculture (such as NASAA Certifiedis Australia’s leading national, and character of the land, and thus the flavour Organic). These products must complyinternationally oriented organic certifier. that the terroir imprints on the wine. with strict organic standards, and carry a certification logo and certification number. NCO now certifies operations in 13 Health Benefits This is your assurance that there is a thirdcountries globally and with 7.7m hectares party certification of the integrity of everycertified, is regarded as the largest For years, researchers, producers and step of the production process.certifier of agricultural land in the World. consumers have debated whether organic products are “healthier”. This debate has Australian organic standards have NCO provides certification and largely been fuelled by the environmental developed a solid reputation overseas,inspection services that facilitate market movement and strong consumer now making exports attractive. Foraccess throughout the world for NASAA perspectives on one side, and a lack of example, organic winemakers such ascertified organic product. concrete scientific evidence on the other. Temple Bruer now have significant export opportunities to China as a result of theOrganic Winemaking In 2012, NASAA and the Organic partnership between NASAA and Chinese Federation of Australia supported a Organic Certifier, CHC.The principles of organic production research project led by CQUniversity andinclude: the University of Canberra to investigate Sustainable agricultural approaches> Working positively within natural consumer intentions around organic such as Organics, Biodynamics and system foods. Permaculture Design are all experiencing> Maintaining and Encouraging growth and acceptance across different agricultural and natural biodiversity The findings showed that consumers areas of food and wine production, as> Improving the long term productivity are influenced by 3 factors: is evidenced by their recent percolation of soil HEALTH - The perception that organic into informal, TAFE and Higher Education> Using renewable resources products are better for us/more nutritious sectors – bringing organics to a new TASTE - The idea that organic products generation of students, who could be the have more pleasurable effects on the winemakers of the future. palette Dr Stuart Baulk - NASAA Ltd  STATUS - The notion that buying organic indicates more responsible/sustainable Left to right: Ben Copeman (NASAA), David Bruer behaviour (Temple Bruer), Temple Bruer Winery at Milang, Sth Australia and Wenpeng You (NASAA) inspects Temple Bruer Winery.

ORGANIC WINESRosnay Grandmere Kalleske Buckboard Whistling Cabernet &Cowra Chardonnay Barossa Valley Durif Kite Riverland BlendsSemillon 2013 HHHH Montepulciano2014 HHH1/2 Inky oaky style almost 2013 HHH1/2 10 TASTEDWarm, inviting black in colour with long Bright up-front fruit 6 AWARDEDfruit-driven nose generous chocolaty/ fragrances and nicelyand restrained but plum flavours and strong structured palate with A solid result from bothflavoursome lemony tannins with a drying a chewy mouthful of the varietals and thepalate with lovely finish. $24 sweet and savoury blends. \"Make surecreaminess and sweet characters. $35 you keep the cabernethints. $30 varietal to the fore,\"Tamburlaine Reserve Kalleske Clarry's was a note for theHunter Chardonnay Barossa Valley winemakers from one2014 HHH1/2 G.S.M. 2014 HHH judge.Beautiful clean fresh Lots going on here;rock melon bouquet and great balance ofa rich and creamy palate generous juicy fruit,with good intensity of earthy/meaty/spicypeachy fruit and oak. $33 notes and savoury tannins. $20Tamburlaine On Settlers Ridge Grancari Estate Temple Bruer Settlers RidgeThe Grapevine Organic Wines NAP McLaren Vale Loxton Eden Valley Organic WinesOrange Chardonnay Margaret River Grenache Shiraz Langhorne Creek Blend 51 Margaret2013 HHH Sangiovese Blend 2012 HHHH Mataro Shiraz River CabernetAttractive fragrant fruit 2014 HHHH1/2 Smells earthy with loads Grenache 2014 HHH Blend 2014 HHHHnose and crisp, balanced A lovely inviting creamy of licorice and black Very soft, light, early Alluring mulberries,palate with nice peach/ wine offering great fruits. Soft palate has drinking style with simple chocolate and blacklemon flavours profile. alternative drinking. lovely length and purity red fruit that has meaty pepper aromas. Soft and$20 Fragrant and elegant on of variety fruits. Not menthol notes. $26 thick in the mouth; lots the nose. Bright youthful overly tannic. $14 Kalleske Fordson of flavour with a warmWhistling Kite palate with luscious Paxton McLaren Barossa Valley finish. $21Biodynamic blueberry fruit and Vale Graciano Zinfandel 2013 HHHRiverland savoury tannins. $24 2014 HHH1/2 Nose is lifted, complexChardonnay Hedonist McLaren Interesting medium- and quite fragrant.2012 HHH Vale Tempranillo bodied style of wine Slippery palate has lotsNose initially shy but 2014 HHHH rich with lifted plum of rich oak but plenty ofopens up to ripe peach Inviting and savoury and raspberry-like fruit fruit. $24aromas. Sweet peach with nice oak profile. characters on a savoury Pure Vision Organicpalate. Drink now. $25 Flavoursome mix of structure. $30 Adelaide Plains earthy, savoury and Merlot 2013 HHHOther Red sweet characters A big merlot with loadsVarietals & with a lingering tannic of lovely varietal fruit andBlends finish. $25 nice tannin structure. Whistling Kite \"Will age well.\" $1516 TASTED Riverland Petit11 AWARDED Verdot 2014 HHHH Deep purple wine withThe judges agreed inviting lifted herbaceousthere were too many aromas, solid, bright,developed, dull wines rich juicy fruit palate,here, bar the awarded significant tannins andwines. hot end. $35judges Dwayne Cunningham Troy Kalleske Paul Kernich Winemaker at Paxton Winemaker and co-owner Senior Winemaker Vineyards. Has worked of Kalleske Wines. at Angove's wines. vintages in Marlborough, Previously with Southcorp Has judged at the Rheinhessen, McLaren Vale, Group, including Penfolds, Limestone Coast, Coonawarra, Adelaide Hills Seppelt and Lindemans. Riverland and Swan and Langhorne Creek. Judge Also vintaged with Kendall Hill wine shows. at Australian Inland wine Jackson in California. Previously winemaker show. Associate judge at the at Stonehaven Barossa wine show. (Limestone Coast) and Berri Estates.122 The Wine & Spirit INSIDER

feature tasting Hedonist Rosnay Grandpere Kalleske Johann McLaren Vale Cowra Shiraz Georg Barossa Cabernet Sauvignon Mourvedre Valley Shiraz 2012 HHH 2013 HHH 2013 HHH1/2 True varietal with Light-bodied style, Plenty of good quality mulberry, herb and not very complex but black/plum-like varietal peppery characters, well-made with simple fruit here nicely balanced dry chalky tannins and red fruits and good with well-handled oak chocolaty oak. $25 tannins. $30 and lots of tannins. $120 Shiraz Temple Bruer Pure Vision Organic Blends Langhorne Creek Adelaide Plains Shiraz Malbec Shiraz 2013 HHH 5 TASTED 2008 HHH A big, rich, warm and 5 AWARDED Tempting choc mint inviting wine; good fruit, and plum aromas and soft tannins and oak Consistent class of nice generous red and black complexity. $15 quaffers. fruit flavours. Drinking well now. $19 Em's Table ClarePure Vision Organic 919 Reserve Valley ShirazAdelaide Plains Shiraz Collection 2013 HHHCabernet Sauvignon 2014 & 2013 Riverland Shiraz Ripe, toasty and very2013 HHHH 2014 HHHH1/2 varietal with pastille-likeSmells of blackcurrant 18 TASTED A big solid wine that fruit and taught tannins.and lantana, tastes of 10 AWARDED smells of chocolate, Needs time. $19chocolate, mint and molasses and Christmascrunchy red fruits. Good A very strong class of cake. Plenty happening Kalleske Moppaoak balance, some varietally intense styles. on the old fashioned Barossa Valleygreenish tannins. $15 Nice diversity of both palate with its Shiraz 2013 HHH cool climate and warm mouthfilling flavours and Jammy/beetrootGemtree Wines Grancari Estate climate styles. \"Need great tannins. $40 aromas and a grippyPhantom Red Blend Premium to keep alcohol and Kalleske tannic palate with ripeFour McLaren Vale McLaren Vale tannin in check to make Greenock Barossa fruit flavours. \"VeryCabernet Blend Shiraz Grenache even better wines,\" Valley Shiraz regional.\" $282012 HHH1/2 2012 HHHH commented one judge. 2013 HHHH1/2Dark and oaky on the Attractive complex wine Powerful aromas - both Shiraznose; big, rich and warm ageing nicely with years Rosnay Freedom savoury and sweet 2012 & Olderin the mouth. Loads ahead of it. Classy spicy Red Cowra Shiraz with excellent fruit andof tannins. Just needs mint fruit, good use of 2014 HHHH1/2 classy oak. Extremely 13 TASTEDsome more time. $40 oak and lovely creamy A youthful fruit-driven complex, lengthy and 8 AWARDEDTemple Bruer texture. $18 shiraz with deep purple/ balanced palate full ofPreservative Jacob's Creek Earth red hues and an aromatic flavour with good tannin A mixed bag! SomeFree Langhorne Vine Grape Shiraz violet and purple fruit structure. $40 very good wines hereCreek Eden Valley Cabernet 2014 HHH bouquet. Vibrant juicy Kalleske with maturity andRiverland Cabernet A lifted cool climate black fruit palate well- Eduard Barossa development in check.Merlot 2014 HHH varietal with light spicy integrated with the very Valley Shiraz But there were othersAttractive nose; rich oak purple fruit characters fine, gentle tannins. 2013 HHHH1/2 that were either tired,profile and blackberry and tart acidity. $20 $17.50 Candy-like aromas of had their acid balancefruit. Medium-bodied Paxton AAA prunes and raspberries. out of whack or showedpalate with complex McLaren Vale Shiraz Gemtree Wines Lots of sweet varietal alcohol in excess offlavours. $20 Grenache 2013 HHH Ernest Allan fruit dominates the requirements.Redden Bridge Fresh bright plum McLaren Vale Shiraz mid-palate with plentyThe Crossing bouquet and soft 2013 HHHH1/2 of grippy tannins. NeedsWrattonbully supple palate with a A solid full-bodied wine. more time to settleCabernet Sauvignon lovely mouthful of ripe The nose is lifted and down. $852012 HHH blackcurrant flavours. complex with lots of oak Windowrie PigSolid oak complexity but $20 but also has good fruit in the House Cowrahas plenty of fresh plum weight. Great chocolaty/ Shiraz 2013 HHHHand blackcurrant fruit raspberry flavour A complex winewith solid grippy tannins. richness on the thick with prominent oak,$20 palate. $40 big tannin structure and juicy perfumed varietal fruit. \"Will age gracefully,\" said one judge. $25 The Wine & Spirit INSIDER 123

ORGANIC WINES Hart of the Barossa Limited Release124 The Wine & Spirit INSIDER Old Vine Barossa Shiraz 2012 HHH A solid ripe style with stewed-like berry fruits and complex earthy meaty overtones. $79 Kalleske Johann Georg Barossa Valley Shiraz 2012 HHH Big, powerful and very attractive. Lots of ripe fruit complimented by the well-handled oak. $120 Jacob's Creek Steiner by Maverick Biodynamic Eden Valley Shiraz McLaren Vale 2012 HHH Shiraz 2012 HHHH A simple enjoyable A lift of cherry and wine with true shiraz raspberry varietal fruit characters, plenty characters on the nose of oak and good acid and well-made medium- spine. $300 bodied palate of red berry fruit. Very nice Sweet White drink. $75 & Fortified Tamburlaine Reserve Orange Syrah 2 TASTED 2012 HHH1/2 2 AWARDED Great nose - all herbs, spices and white Two nice wines here. pepper. Smooth in the mouth with a fresh, Kalleske J.M.K. well-balanced, flavour Barossa Valley profile. $44 Shiraz VP 2014 Gemtree Wines (375ml) HHH Obsidian McLaren \"Just a baby that needs Vale Shiraz lots more years,\" said 2012 HHH1/2 one judge. Very intense A deep dark oak-driven complexity of fruit cake- shiraz with ripe black like characters. $23 fruits sitting underneath. Silky in the mouth. A Tamburlaine good drink! $70 Reserve Orange Paxton Jones Block Noble Chardonnay McLaren Vale Shiraz 2013 HHH 2011 HHH1/2 A luscious lifted golden Gentle red fruit bouquet. wine with lingering Quite a grippy well- lifted toffee apple rounded palate with and marmalade-like big flavours and some characters balanced by alcohol warmth. $37 the acid. $29 Grancari Estate Low Preservative McLaren Vale Shiraz 2010 HHH1/2 A rich and well-aged wine with very complex oaky aromas and lovely soft palate full of solid fruit and tannins. $14

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NEW RELEASES139 TASTED91 AWARDEDNEW RELEASESA compact new release tasting judged during the hectic vintage Palmer Margaret Stefani Estate Theperiod earlier this year. Although there were good wines to River Sauvignon View Yarra Valleyrecommend across all categories, the surprise was the strength of Blanc 2014 HHHH Pinot Gris 2014 HHHthe pinots. These were some of the best we have seen, along with A well thought-out An interesting, complexan excellent flight of cabernets. wine with a restrained oaky style with toasty but very varietal nose; oak aromas and softSparkling Other White Tomich Woodside smells of passionfruit mouthfilling flavours. $25 Varietals & Vineyard Adelaide and capsicum. And a Tuck's Ridge4 TASTED Blends Hills Gruner Veltliner tight and very varietal Mornington3 AWARDED 2014 HHHH palate. $25 Peninsula Pinot Gris 8 TASTED A lighter style with 2014 HHHA couple of real crowd 3 AWARDED lifted zesty herbal/ Sileni Estates Smells of pears andpleasers here and one floral aromas. Good Valiant Marlborough apple blossom withtraditional style. Some nice examples persistence of some Sauvignon Blanc slight flinty notes. Palate here of alternate varieties unusual sherbet-like 2014 HHH has lovely retainedJohnston Christina but there were some flavours with balancing \"No mistaking this freshness. $29Adelaide Hills Pinot showing disappointing acidity. $25 varietal.\" Very NewNoir Chardonnay early development. Zealand with sweet/sour Riesling2011 HHHH Palmer Margaret passionfruit and pineappleExcellent fresh bright River Semillon characters. $22.99 3 TASTEDappley bouquet with 2014 HHH1/2 3 AWARDEDlovely yeast autolysis. Green bean and cut Pinot Gris/ Good strike rate hereTastes of quince and red grass nose. Excellent Grigio with wines from theapples with a good crisp length of tropical very dry styles to theacid spine. $24 flavours with stalky 5 TASTED off-dry ones for drinking overtones. Drink early 4 AWARDED now or for cellaring.Sileni Estates style. $25Hawke's Bay A solid group of Artiste Eden ValleySparkling Sauvignon Sauvignon evenly matched wines Riesling 2014 HHHHBlanc NV HHH Blanc & of differing styles Fresh lively aromasClean, bright and fresh Blends described by the judges of lemons and limeswith floral/citrus aromas as being for \"drinking, with hints of honeyand loads of estery 8 TASTED not thinking\". and pleasant zestytropical flavours. 3 AWARDED herbaceous flavours Artiste Eden with good acid finish. 3-5 $17.99 Valley Pinot Grigio 2014 HHH1/2 5+ $22.95Fox Creek Arctic Fox Too many green, stalky Bright and zestyGrand McLaren Vale fruit wines here. honeydew melonCuvée NV HHH bouquet. Crisp livelyCitrus and stonefruit Palmer Margaret appley flavours thatnose with yeasty hints. River Sauvignon sit well on the longSimple creamy palate. Blanc Semillon lingering palate.Flavoursome quaffer. $23 2014 HHHH Loads of capsicum and 3-5 $22.95 Artiste Eden Valley green bean aromatics Viognier 2014 HHHH with estery floral notes Sileni Estates Nice herbal aromas with and lots of green Hawke's Bay Pinot hints of canned apricots. herbaceous flavours. Gris 2014 HHH Excellent varietal fruit Excellent acidity. $25 Spices and quinces depth to the palate on the nose with with a good crisp acid a nicely balanced balance. $22.95 unctuous palate; some sweetness. $16.99126 The Wine & Spirit INSIDER

wine & spirit insider tastingGeorges Exile Tomich Woodside Tomich Woodside HandcraftedClare Riesling Vineyard Adelaide Vineyard Adelaide by Geoff Hardy2014 HHH1/2 Hills Chardonnay Hills Pinot Noir LanghorneA crisp mid-weight 2014 HHH 2014 HHH Creek Gracianocitrus/floral varietal Touch of honeysuckle on A good food wine 2014 HHHH1/2that's offering very nice the nose with layers of with nice intensity A very well-made winedrinking now or in five peach, quince and apple- of red berries, some with a highly perfumedyears plus. 3-5 like flavours. $25 BBQ sauce and floral bouquet; lovely violet$18.99 overtones. $30 and herbal elements Windance and a peppery lift. VeryArtiste South Face Reserve Margaret Sileni Estates varietal palate of brightOff Dry Eden Valley River Chardonnay Hawke's Bay Pinot cherry fruit, mint andRiesling 2014 HHH 2014 HHH Noir 2013 HHH pepper. 5+ $30Nose has an elegance Delicate citrus aromas Nose shows stewedof spices, flowers and with fresh lively citrus blueberry nuances with Di Giorgiocitrus. Some residual flavours and a light toasty spicy touches Limestone Coastsweetness on the tannic finish. $38 - similar palate. Enjoy Montepulcianopalate. $22.95 now! $18.99 2014 HHHH Rosé Briary fruit andChardonnay Shepherds Hut Great violet aromas with a 2 TASTED Southern Pinot Noir perfumed lift. Interesting16 TASTED 1 AWARDED 2013 HHH confectionery cherry Simple linear pinot with palate with sweet herbal6 AWARDED The judges commented nice balance between touches and drying that 2015 could be a blueberry fruit, spicy finish. $23 promising year for rosé. Satyr by Sileni cedary oak and acid. $25 Estates FoothillsA mixed bag with the Milhinch Seize the Hawke's Bay Pinot Sidewood Estateyoung wines performing Day Barossa Valley Noir 2013 HHHHH Adelaide Hills Pinot Handcraftedconsistently well and Rosé 2015 HHH Lovely nose of dark Noir 2013 HHH by Geoff Hardyshowing fresh lively fruit. Simple but very berries, plums and Pleasant red berry, Limestone CoastSome of the 2013s had appealing wine with rhubarb with excellent floral, spicy bouquet and Lagrein 2013 HHHHearly aging problems. intense strawberry, rose oak integration. Very moderate fruit palate with Well-structured, petal characters and long and lingering light chewy oak. $25 seamlessly balancedSidewood Estate tropical notes. $25 complexity of cherry, offering deep denseSignature Collection strawberry and barnyard Rockburn Central licoricey aromas andThe Owen Adelaide Pinot Noir flavours on the soft Otago Pinot Noir a mouthful of grippyHills Chardonnay palate. 3-5 $28.99 2013 HHH chocolate/plum flavours.2014 HHH1/2 16 TASTED Freshness rather thanA well-made chardonnay 10 AWARDED complexity is the key to 5+ $30with slight toasty this lovely wine with richcomplexity on the citrus/ \"One of the best Tomich Icons of sweet varietal fruit. $49.99 Handcraftedstonefruit nose and New Release pinot Woodside 1777 by Geoff Hardycomplex yet restrained tastings we have seen,\" Adelaide Hills Pinot Koonara The Limestone Coastpalate. $50 enthused the judges. Noir 2014 HHH1/2 Desolate Soil Mt Montepulciano \"Well done winemakers!\" A fresh, vibrant, well- Gambier Pinot Noir 2013 HHH1/2Artiste Eden These wines are mainly made varietal. Moderate 2012 HHH A light-bodied style withValley Chardonnay from cool climate intensity of spicy red Smells of spicy cherries plenty of promise and2014 HHH regions and grown to berry aromas with lovely with talc-like notes and good depth and balanceA pleasant zesty, tight ripeness without going seductive flavours. $60 a leathery licorice palate. of earthy, cherry, cola andand light unwooded overboard. A pleasure to At its peak. $35 spicy characters. $30style with stonefruit/ judge. Tomich Galleryhoneydew fruit Collection Duck Other Red Handcraftedcharacters. $22.95 & Weave Adelaide Varietals by Geoff Hardy Hills Pinot Noir McLaren Vale NeroDi Giorgio 2014 HHH 14 TASTED D'Avola 2014 HHHCoonawarra A well thought out pinot 9 AWARDED Meaty beetroot aromasChardonnay with lovely persistence and a light crisp palate2014 HHH of beetroot, rhubarb and A very interesting class. with good flavourA simple but well-made strawberry characters. \"A kaleidoscope of intensity and length. $30style that smells of $18 flavours,\" said one judge.honeydew melons and Many of these showedtastes of peaches. $23 Tomich Hilltop promising emerging Handcrafted by Adelaide Hills Pinot varieties with excellent Geoff Hardy SouthShepherds Hut Noir 2014 HHH varietal presence. Australia TeroldegoGreat Southern Rhubarb and beet 2014 HHHChardonnay characters on the nose \"Crazy and interesting2014 HHH with clean varietal style shows greatInteresting style with flavours and appropriate potential for the varietyvery lifted tropical nose oak use. $25 in Oz.\" Sweet velvetyand excellent length of and youthful. $30crisp flavours with goodoak. $25 The Wine & Spirit INSIDER 127

NEW RELEASESHandcrafted by Fox Creek Fox CreekGeoff Hardy South Postmaster McLaren ValeAustralia Aglianico McLaren Vale Merlot 2013 HHHH2013 HHH G.S.M. 2013 HHHH A fuller style withoutLifted fresh blueberry A well-made blend being over-the-top.aromas and fresh fragrant showing the best of all Fresh vibrant balance oflight bodied palate with varieties. Lots of plums, sweet stewed stonefruithigh acidity. $30 raspberries, mocha oak characters and chewy oak and soft tannins. Good tannins. 5+ $23Stefani Estate food wine. $23Boccalupo Yarra Cooks Lot VBBAEULSYUTSEValley Sangiovese Brini Estate McLaren Allotment2013 HHH Vale Grenache No. 8888 OrangeDark berry nose with Shiraz 2010 HHH1/2 Merlot 2014 HHHsavoury notes and Still fresh and vibrant A very pretty violet/nice oak treatment on with excellent dark fruit/ blueberry nose and light,the minty strawberry licorice persistence and bright and lively berrypalate. $30 well-handled oak to palate. $20 balance. Drink now! $21d'Arenberg The Sileni Estates Three Koonara Angel's Gralyn ReserveCustodian McLaren Burnbrae Clive Gale Roads Hawke's Bay Peak Coonawarra Margaret RiverVale Grenache Mudgee Cabernet Merlot 2013 HHH Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Sauvignon2012 HHH Blend 2013 HHH Smoked almond notes 2013 HHHH1/2 2010 HHHH1/2Earthy, leathery, cherry, Lean, elegant wine to the berry nose. Inky blackcurrant/ Very youthful for its ageraspberry, peppery wine; showing chocolate, Balanced palate - nicely medicinal aromas lift with lovely vibrancysome alcohol warmth licorice and dark red retained varietal fruit. out the glass. Lovely of berry aromas andbut acceptable in a berry characters with integration of chocolate medicinal notes. Typicalgrenache. $18 grippy tannins. $25 5+ $28.99 and Christmas cake cool climate cabernet characters fill the mouth palate that has massesOther Red d'Arenberg d'Arry's Brini Estate with flavour. Good tannin of very fine tannin.Blends Original McLaren McLaren Vale structure. $20 Vale Shiraz Merlot 2012 HHH 5+ $1208 TASTED Grenache 2012 HHH \"A baby cabernet style,\"5 AWARDED Black cherry nose thought one judge. with licorice overtones Pleasant mellow aged and well-balanced, fruit, oak and soft flavoursome palate. tannins. 5+ $21 Good food wine.A mixed group of Cabernet d'Arenberg The High Glenwillow Bendigoblends where sound 5+ $18 Sauvignon Trellis McLaren Vale Cabernet Sauvignonwinemaking was the Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 HHH1/2key. Merlot 12 TASTED 2012 HHHH1/2 Floral/capsicum Lovely combo of red nose with blackberry 4 TASTED 10 AWARDED currant, mulberry, overtones and a veryTokar Estate 4 AWARDED capsicum and coffee pleasant blackberryYarra ValleyShiraz Cabernet A small but consistent ground aromas. Firm varietal palate. A crowd group of elegant, lively \"An excellent class of tannic palate with pleaser. 3-5 $282013 HHHH wines showing true cabernets - some of the seamless balance ofA great Aussie classic; varietal characters. best we've seen.\" Greatperfect balance between fruit brightness in the dry red-like flavours. A Stefani Estate The 2012/13 wines shows keeper. 5+ $18 Gate Yarra Valleythe two varieties. Smells winemakers across the Cabernet Sauvignonof berries, chocolate and regions and styles have 2013 HHH1/2mint. Seamless flavour a good understanding A mellow seamlesslyintegration. 5+ $28 of this variety. Oak integrated cabernet that has been pulled back; is delicate but complex primary fruit retained. and has a bright acid backbone. $45judges Peter Simic Shane Harris Tracey Seibert Editor/publisher Winestate Winemaker for Wines by Senior Scientist, Magazine. More than 35 years’ Geoff Hardy including, Australian Wine Research experience in the wine industry. Pertaringa Wines, K1 and Institute (AWRI). On the Formerly founding publisher Handcrafted by Geoff Hardy Technical Quality Panel, of the first US colour wine Wines. Has also completed Descriptive Sensory magazine, manager of the SA vintages in Queensland and Panel, and Fault Panel. Wine Information Bureau, and Victoria. Completed the wine educator with Regency AWRI advanced sensory College, in SA. Also a regular course and has associate wine commentator on national judged at McLaren Vale radio and television programs. wine show.128 The Wine & Spirit INSIDER

wine & spirit insider tastingClaymore Black Handcrafted Sileni Estates Kalleske WinesMagic Woman by Geoff Hardy Hawke's Bay Syrah Johann GeorgClare Valley McLaren Vale Shiraz 2013 HHH Barossa ValleyCabernet Sauvignon 2013 HHH1/2 A youthful Rhone-like Shiraz 2013 HHH2012 HHH1/2 Subtle varietal aromas style all pepper and Slightly porty, raisinedVarietal, lean and elegant and a drying tannic spice on nose with aromas and a ripe,style. Earthy Christmas palate with good length a similar mid-weight sweet, basket of berriescake nose with violet of slightly sweet, chewy palate. $18.99 flavour profile. $120touches. Similar stonefruit flavours. $30characters on the palate. Picarus Shiraz Kalleske Wines Wrattonbully VBBAEULSYUTSE 2012 & Older 5+ $45 Eduard Barossa Valley Shiraz Shiraz 2013 HHH 13 TASTEDCooks Lot 2013 HHH1/2 Simple inky chocolaty 9 AWARDEDAllotment VBBAEULSYUTSE Spicy fruitcake of a nose bouquet and very A good class but maybe with similar characters we expected more.No. 9999 Orange across the length and flavoursome, slightly \"Some of these shouldCabernet Sauvignon depth of the wonderfully astringent, mid-weight have been bottled2014 HHH fragrant palate. palate. $19.99 earlier to retain primaryA youthful mix of dark fruit characters,\" saidberries, capsicum and 5+ $85 Tatiarra Culled one judge. \"And a fewgreen beans with floral Barrel Heathcote lost focus of fruit andtouches and hints of Shiraz 2013 HHH tannins.\"mint. 5+ $20 Pertaringa Lovely aromas and The Yeoman flavours of sweet plums Domaine AsmaraFox Creek Domaine Asmara McLaren Vale Shiraz and dark chocolate with Private CollectionMcLaren Vale Reserve Heathcote 2013 HHH1/2 licorice layers. Hot finish. Heathcote ShirazCabernet Sauvignon Shiraz 2013 HHHHH Brooding nose - $19.99 2012 HHHHH2013 HHH Lovely integration of powerful yet restrained. Cedary oak aromasA warm, dark and vibrant floral fruit and Palate is a complexity Johnston slightly overpower thebrooding style of cedary oak aromas. of briary fruit, tar, roses, Adelaide Hills youthful cassis fruit - formulberries and black A bright and lively lavender and leather. Shiraz 2013 HHH now. The well-balancedolives with a soft tannic fruit-driven palate with Interesting confectionery palate offers a lovely mixfinish. 3-5 $23 excellent quality and 5+ $195 fruit nose; sweet and of sweet and savoury use of oak to balance. spicy plum palate with flavours supported byTapestry Estate Drying on the finish. Cooks Lot VBBAEULSYUTSE soft tannins and good some chewy oak. Allotment acid. $20McLaren Vale 5+ $45 No. 1010 Orange 5+ $35Cabernet Sauvignon Fox Creek Short Shiraz 2014 HHH2013 HHH Row McLaren A lighter youthful wine PepperwoodMinty blackcurrant Vale Shiraz with fresh, simple Premium Geographebouquet and nice 2013 HHHH1/2 stonefruit aromas and Shiraz 2013 HHHintegration of varietal \"My wine of the clean fresh sweet fruit Nose is pungent,fruit and tannins on the day,\" said one judge. palate. 5+ $20 pruney and perfumed.palate. 5+ $25 Gorgeous peppery/ The palate - minty cherry aromas and a Tokar Estate and rhubarb-like withKoonara Ambriel's well-structured palate; Yarra Valley Shiraz underlying savouriness.Gift Coonawarra great use of oak 2013 HHHCabernet Sauvignon supporting the fruit. \"Drink while young.\" 5+ $202012 HHH Charming stalky fruit/Upfront sweet oak but 5+ $32 wild ferment bouquet. Claymore Darksome very good varietal Fox Creek Old Vine Inviting, slightly sweet, Side of the Moonfruit underneath with McLaren Vale Shiraz flavours. $28 Clare Valley Shiraza soft warming finish. 2013 HHHH 2013 HHH Big old school style. A A nice mix of fruit cake 5+ $40 fruit compote of a nose Cartel Padthaway and tarry oak aromas. laced with caramel. Shiraz 2013 HHH Rich fruit cake-like Lovely creamy palate; A certain smokiness to flavours and dryingShiraz sweet fruit flavours and the nose. Soft, slightly tannins. 5+ $252014 & 2013 drying tannins. $50 warm, palate with Claymore Walk moderate mellow fruit Fox Creek Reserve24 TASTED on the Wild Side flavours. $12 McLaren Vale Shiraz Clare Valley Shiraz 2013 HHH19 AWARDED 2013 HHH1/2 Long, balanced and Sweet fruit characters on flavoursome wine withA very strong and the nose; some pencil Giggling Goose simple, bright fruitconsistent class with the shavings-like oak. Very Padthaway Shiraz characters and cedary2013 vintage showing astringent palate with 2013 HHH oak. $75great potential with sweet/sour flavours. $22 Slightly porty characterswinemakers using to the herbal/berryappropriate oak. Lots to aromas. Softly texturedlook forward to with this palate with sweet fruitvintage. flavours. $16 The Wine & Spirit INSIDER 129

NEW RELEASES Reillys Dry Land Clare Valley Shiraz130 The Wine & Spirit INSIDER 2012 HHH A crowd pleaser with its sweet dark berry/plum fruit and well-handled oak and acid. $29 Brini Estate Limited Release McLaren Vale Shiraz 2012 HHH Loads of classy oak here sitting on top of developing fruit characters. A nice drink! $50 Koonara Ezra's Gift Brini Estate Coonawarra Shiraz Sebastian McLaren 2012 HHHH Vale Shiraz Leathery/raspberry nose 2010 HHH with lovely violet and Brooding chocolaty nose lavender notes. Well- and well-integrated balanced palate -great ageing sweet fruit/oak texture, sweet spicy fruit flavours. $28 and peppery notes. $35 Sweet White d'Arenberg The & Fortified Footbolt McLaren Vale Shiraz 2 TASTED 2012 HHH 2 AWARDED Deep crimson, almost black in colour with A couple of dense berry aromas and scrumptiously rich wines similar palate. 5+ here. $18 Alpanae Colli Koonara Angel's Euganei D'Arancio Peak Coonawarra Veneto DOCG Shiraz 2012 HHH Sweet White Dense minty capsicum 2012 HHHH1/2 nose - more of the Beautiful botrytis capsicum characters on bouquet - smells of the palate. Oak adds raisins and canned interest. 5+ $20 pineapple with a perfumed lift. Intense Brini Estate and sweet floral/ Blewitt Springs perfumed flavours on McLaren Vale a thick rich mouthfilling Shiraz 2012 HHH palate with matching Lovely aromas - all acidity. $49 berries, chocolate and raisins with generous Tomich Woodside inky plum flavours. $21 Vineyard Ice Block E Adelaide Fermoy Estate Hills Riesling Margaret River Gewurztraminer Shiraz 2012 HHH 2013 HHH Still youthful. Has an Gorgeous treacley elegance of berries, Turkish Delight aromas spices and chocolate and sticky sweet aromas and soft sweet marmalade-like flavours. fruit flavours. $25 A crowd pleaser! $25



UNDER $20Mt Beautiful North Anchorage Family Haha Marlborough Okiwi Bay NelsonCanterbury Sauvignon Estate Nelson Sauvignon Sauvignon Blanc 2014 Sauvignon Blanc 2014Blanc 2014 Blanc 2014 Lifted, herbaceous bouquet. Grassy aromas, leadingGenerous wine with fresh Fleshy, with ripely herbaceous Fresh, green-edged style with into a strongly varietal,herbal and tropical fruit flavours, flavours, a minerally streak punchy, capsicum-like flavours herbaceous wine with someshowing a touch of complexity. (noted by two judges), fresh and lots of youthful impact. $16 tropical fruit notes, and goodFinely balanced, with a acidity and a smooth finish. $19 freshness and length. $16crisp, refreshing finish. $19 Fern Ridge / Haha Anchorage Wines NZ Ltd Phone: +64 6 834 3888 Anchorage Wines NZ LtdMt Beautiful/Teece Family Vineyards Phone: +64 3 528 8350 Email: [email protected] Phone: +64 3 528 8350Phone: +64 3 319 2993 Email: [email protected] Web: www.fernridge.co.nz Email: [email protected]: [email protected] Web: www.anchoragewines.co.nz Web: www.anchoragewines.co.nzWeb: www.mtbeautiful.co.nz The Drummond Family, pioneers of the land since 1866, producing handcrafted wines that capture the land and sea… www.anchoragewines.co.nz132 The Wine & Spirit INSIDER

Haha Marlborough 5171 McLaren Vale Second Left Eden Valley Picarus WrattonbullyPinot Noir 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 Cabernet Merlot 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon 2013Ruby hued, floral, lively A density of black fruit and Leafy blackberry bouquet with Violet and mulberryand supple, with fresh, soy sauce characters on the hints of capsicum. Soft in the aromas showing a slightripe, plummy flavours in nose and a very good core mouth with nicely integrated smokiness. And an elegant,a slightly savoury style of fruit and oak flavours on berry and oak flavours. $8.99 tightly structured and well-(45% barrel-aged) and lots the full-bodied palate. $12.99 balanced palate. $19.99of drink-young charm. $20 Aldi Stores Aldi Stores Phone: +61 2 9675 9382 Winetrust Estates Pty LtdFern Ridge / Haha Phone: +61 2 9675 9382 Email: [email protected] Phone: +61 2 9949 9250Phone: +64 6 834 3888 Email: [email protected] Web: www.aldiliquor.com.au Email: [email protected]: [email protected] Web: www.aldiliquor.com.au Web: www.winetrustestates.comWeb: www.fernridge.co.nz The Wine & Spirit INSIDER 133

UNDER $20Totino Estate Adelaide Patrick of Coonawarra Em's Table Certified Reillys Barking MadHills Cabernet Shiraz 2011 Mother Of Pearl Organic Clare Valley Watervale Clare ValleyMeaty savoury nose Coonawarra Cabernet Riesling 2014 Riesling 2014and elegant palate with Merlot 2010pleasant mellow integration Lovely rustic nose - smells A fresh and floral style of Light fresh citrus nose;of flavours. $18.95 of fig paste with well riesling showing some oily fragrances of lemon zest. aged flavours on the complexity. Smells of ripe Palate offers a mouthful ofFestival City Wines structured palate. $19 limes and flowers with a excellent varietal fruit flavoursPhone: +61 8 8349 1200 fine, evenly balanced, crisp with good length of acid. $16Email: [email protected] Patrick of Coonawarra palate showing good levelWeb: www.festivalcitywines.com.au Phone: +61 8 8737 3687 of natural acidity. $19.95 Reillys Wines E: [email protected] Phone: (08) 8358 0480 Web: www.patrickofcoonawarra.com Macaw Creek Wines Email: [email protected] Phone: +61 8 8847 2237 Web: www.reillyswines.com.au Email: [email protected] W: www.macawcreekwines.com.au134 The Wine & Spirit INSIDER

Sevenhill Inigo Estate Picarus Clare Valley Richard Hamilton Almond Fat 'n Skinny Picker'sGrown Clare Valley Riesling 2014 Grove McLaren Vale Choice McLaren Vale RedRiesling 2014 Quite intense fresh lemon Chardonnay 2014 Blend 2013Very intense pineapple-like bouquet and very dry citrus A lovely sophisticated, dry,aromatics with herbaceous palate with alert acidity. $18.99 Complexity of yeasty/stonefruit savoury style with nicelynotes and big phenolic varietal aromas with hints of honey. contained mature complexpalate with great flavours. Winetrust Estates Pty Ltd Good fresh fuller style palate fruit aromas and flavoursAn a-typical style. $20 Phone: +61 2 9949 9250 with malo evident and a all underscored by some Email: [email protected] peachy fruit finish. $15.50 powerful tannins. $15Sevenhill Cellars Web: www.winetrustestates.comPhone: +61 8 8843 4222 Leconfield Wines Pty Ltd/ Hastwell & LightfootEmail: [email protected] Richard Hamilton Phone: +61 8 8323 8692Web: www.sevenhill.com.au Phone: +61 8 8323 8830 E: [email protected] Email: [email protected] W: www.hastwellandlightfoot.com.au Web: www.leconfieldwines.comBest VALUE WINES OF AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND$U2N0DE&R Is updated in each issue of The Wine & Spirit Insider. To Qualify Some wines may - if they are still available - remain in the next issue’s Best Value Wines listing. Others 1 Wines must have first been recommended will sell out, or be replaced by higher-rated wines. in Winestate Magazine style or new release The Wine & Spirit Insider’s Best Value Wines listing tastings. Style tastings are defined as varietal comprises the best wines currently available, from big- tastings - eg, shiraz, chardonnay, etc. - or name brands and the higher volume ‘second labels’ blended styles such as shiraz/cabernet wines. from the smaller producers, as tasted by Winestate 2 Wines from designated regional tastings Magazine panels. The Best Value Wines listing gives are eligible provided they are widely available. credit to the value wines in the marketplace - wines 3 All wines must be currently available from that would otherwise be overshadowed by their much the winery, or be readily available in the more expensive cousins. marketplace. Cellar door wine is ineligable. The Wine & Spirit INSIDER 135

UNDER $20Reillys Barking Mad Cooks Lot Allotment No. Reillys Barking Mad Cooks Lot Allotment No.High Trellis Clare Valley 8888 Orange Merlot 2014 Clare Valley Cabernet 9999 Orange CabernetGrenache Shiraz 2013 A very pretty violet/blueberry Sauvignon 2012 Sauvignon 2014Lifted Cherry Ripe aromas and nose and light, bright anda huge, oak dominated palate. lively berry palate. $20 Great depth of colour with rich A youthful mix of dark berries,Some sweet licorice characters sweet oak aromas sitting on top capsicum and green beanswith velvety tannins. $16 Cooks Lot Wines of the Cherry Ripe-like fruit. Oak with floral touches and Email: [email protected] dominates the palate but it's hints of mint. 5+ $20Reillys Wines Web: www.cookslot.com.au full of flavour and underscoredPhone: (08) 8358 0480 with lovely sweet tannins. $16 Cooks Lot WinesEmail: [email protected] Email: [email protected]: www.reillyswines.com.au Reillys Wines Web: www.cookslot.com.au Phone: (08) 8358 0480 Email: [email protected] Web: www.reillyswines.com.au136 The Wine & Spirit INSIDER

Richard Hamilton McLaren Shingleback Vin Vale Cooks Lot Allotment No. Taylors Special ReleaseVale Shiraz 2013 McLaren Vale Shiraz 2013 1010 Orange Shiraz 2014 Clare Valley Shiraz 2013 Malty licorice-like aromas with Some licorice on the noseLovely intense colour with a hint of mint. Full and fleshy A lighter youthful wine with and estery fruit flavours ona soft blueberry and violet- in the mouth with lingering fresh, simple stonefruit the long tight palate. $14.99like bouquet. It's smooth raspberry fruit flavours and aromas and clean fresh sweetand creamy in the mouth a firm tannic finish. $14.95 fruit palate. 5+ $20 Taylors Wines Pty Ltdwith generous flavours, Phone: +61 8 8849 1199great tannins and crisp Shingleback Email: [email protected]. 3-5 $19.95 Phone: +61 8232 9919 Cooks Lot Wines Web: www.taylorswines.com.au Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Web: www.shingleback.com.au Web: www.cookslot.com.auLeconfield Wines Pty Ltd/Richard HamiltonPhone: +61 8 8323 8830Email: [email protected]: www.leconfieldwines.com Come and taste the best HHHH½ and HHHHH wines across all varietal categories entered into the 2015 Wine of the Year finals. Friday 4th September 20156pm - 8.30pm ~ National Wine Centre, AdelaideTo receive your FREE subscriber ticket contact: [email protected] or call 08 8357 9277. The Wine & Spirit INSIDER 137

UNDER $20Reillys Barking Mad Clare Picarus Wrattonbully James Estate The Estate Simon Hackett OldValley Shiraz 2013 Shiraz 2013 Hunter Valley Cabernet Vine McLaren ValeMeaty characters on the Simple inky chocolaty bouquet Franc 2013 Grenache 2012nose and 'sticky' jammy fruit and very flavoursome,palate; ripe and rounded. $16 slightly astringent, mid- Floral and spicy on the nose A pot pourri of aromas weight palate. $19.99 with elegant and refreshing with pretty red currantReillys Wines flavours. A good quaffer. $17 flavours showing lightPhone: (08) 8358 0480 Winetrust Estates Pty Ltd licorice and spicy notes. $18Email: [email protected] Phone: +61 2 9949 9250Web: www.reillyswines.com.au Email: [email protected] James Estate Simon Hackett Wines Pty Ltd Web: www.winetrustestates.com Phone: +61 2 6547 5168 Phone: +61 4 1846 7799 Email: [email protected] E: [email protected] Web: www.jamesestatewines.com.au Issue 142 | July/August 2015Editor & Publisher Winestate Web Site electronic medium or machine-readable form without E-mail: [email protected] the express permission of the publisher. Every care isPeter Simic E-mail: [email protected] taken in compiling the contents of this publication, butManaging Editor Printing DAI Rubicon the publisher assumes no responsibility for the effects Website: www.distalliance.com arising therefrom. ABN 56 088 226 411Lara Simic E-mail: [email protected] Bozsoki E-mail: [email protected] Designer Winestate Publishing Pty Ltd. WINESTATE is published seven times a year by Telephone (08) 8357 9277Lisa McPike E-mail: [email protected] WINESTATE PUBLISHING PTY LTD, Facsimile (08) 8357 9212Marketing Manager 81 King William Road, Unley SA 5061. E-mail [email protected] Copyright 2014 by WINESTATE PUBLISHING PTY LTD. Website www.winestate.com.auPeter Jackson E-mail: [email protected] This publication may not, in whole or in part, be copied,Tasting Coordinator photocopied, reproduced, translated or reduced to anyMadeline Willoughby E-mail: [email protected] The Wine & Spirit INSIDER

Join Peter Simic, Editor/Publisher of Winestate Magazine and Travelrite International for the FRANCE2015 WINE TOUR TO September 12 to September 29, 2015 Two and a half wonderful weeks with Peter Simic, exploringthe best of French wine regions including visits to Champagne, Burgundy, Dijon, Lyon, the Rhone Valley, Marseille, Toulouse and Bordeaux. MAGAZINE

Tour leadership by Peter Simic FRANCE2015 WINE TOUR TOPeter Simic, your tour guide, is an ideal host for Great fun exploring and discoveringthis trip. With a background in publishing and the fine wine regions of France withwine education over 30 years, his wine knowledgeis vast. In addition to being the founding editor/ Winestate’s Peter Simicpublisher of Winestate, Peter was formerly thefounding publisher of Wine & Spirit (US), managerof the SA Wine Information Bureau, and wineeducator with SA Regency College. He is also aregular wine commentator in newspapers and onradio and television. Peter recently led a number ofhighly successful wine tours: the Winestate toursto France in 1999, 2003, 2006, 2007 and 2011,the QE2 Winestate cruise in 2001, the Winestatetours to Italy in 2002, 2005, 2009 and 2010 and theWinestate tour to Spain, 2000, 2004 and 2009.Tour Itinerary Day 5 Wednesday September 16, 2015 Dijon After breakfast the tour group will travel south to Dijon for two nights, stayingDay 1 Saturday September 12, 2015 Departure at the four-star Mercure Dijon Centre Clemenceau hotel. Dijon is capital of the Burgundy wine region and is famous for mustard and other culinary delights.Tour members depart Australian capital cities and travel on Singapore It sits at the north of the region comprising the Cote de Nuits in the northAirlines overnight services to Paris. It will be possible for tour members to and Cote du Rhone in the south, with the town of Beaune in the middle.depart Australia on an earlier day – accommodation will be offered at the Burgundy produces ethereal, silky, cool-climate elegant wines of pinot noirParis hotel for clients arriving early. Please call for details. and chardonnay grapes in regions such as Romanee Conti, Chambertin,Day 2 Sunday September 13, 2015 Paris Vouget and Chassagne Montrachet. The exploration will commence afterOn arrival early morning at Paris airport, the tour group will be met and lunch with a vineyard and cellar visit combined with a structured tasting ledtransferred to the centrally located, four-star Millennium Hotel Paris OperaHotel. After time to freshen up we will enjoy a sightseeing tour of the main by Peter Simic.sights of Paris with a local guide. Lunch will be at leisure before we return tothe hotel for check-in. Peter Simic will host a Welcome Drinks Party before Day 6 Thursday September 17, 2015 Dijonrecommending interesting nearby restaurants for dinner. This morning we will visit a prestige winery and enjoy tastings with Peter Simic. The afternoon will be free for wine bar exploration in this fabulous town, or a quiet rest. This evening we will enjoy a Celebration Dinner at aDay 3 Monday September 14, 2015 Reims Michelin-starred restaurant hosted by Winestate’s Peter Simic with superbAfter breakfast the tour group will travel by private coach to Reims, the capital wine and food from the region.of the Champagne wine region, for a two-night stay at the four-star Holiday Day 7 Friday September 18, 2015 LyonInn Reims Centre. The Champagne vineyards are located south of Reims, with After breakfast the tour group will travel to Beaune, the delightful main townthe main producers near Reims and around the villages of Epernay and Ay, in the Burgundy wine region. There will be time for individual sightseeingclose to the banks of the River Marne. There are approximately 27,500 hectares and early lunch before we continue south to visit a prominent Beaujolaisof vines in the Champagne region, with more than 19,000 producers. Only producer to taste the Gamay Beaujolais variety at its source. Late afternoon,about 10 percent of the vines belong to the great international producers. we travel on to Lyon, the second largest city in France, superbly located atThe tour will commence with visits to the vine-growing areas and to some the junction of the Soane and Rhone rivers. It is a lively cultural city withof the very best producers. We will meet the winemakers and enjoy a a history extending back beyond Roman times. Today it is an importantseries of tastings under the guidance of Peter Simic. We will travel to our centre for scientific research, higher education and high-tech industries.tour hotel late-afternoon for check-in. Good quality local restaurants will be Late afternoon, we will check in for two nights at the four-star Mercure Hotelrecommended for dinner. Carlton. Interesting restaurants will be recommended for dinner.Day 4 Tuesday September 15, 2015 Reims Day 8 Saturday September 19, 2015 LyonAfter breakfast we will travel to Epernay and Ay for a full day of vineyard visits. A full day of exploration in the Rhone Valley, where the familiar shiraz (syrah),We will drive through the vines along the picturesque ‘Champagne Route’ so well-known in Australia, is the main variety. Famous names include Guigal,and visit two of the region’s main producers. We will meet the winemakers Chapoutier and Paul Jaboulet. We will visit some of the finest producers ofand sample a range of the best crus. Local restaurants will be recommended this great variety from Cote Rotie and Hermitage. Good quality restaurantsfor dinner. will be recommended for dinner in Lyon.

Very Special ExperiencesFollowing great success of previous wine tours toFrance, Italy and Spain, Peter Simic and the staffat Winestate Magazine have arranged for a seriesof very special visits in the historic and impressivefine-wine areas of France. We will visit vineyardsthat are rarely open to the public and samplespecial vintages and meet people responsible fortheir skillful production. It will be a unique time tomeet the characters and expand our knowledge inmost enjoyable and pleasant surroundings.Comfortable Tour HotelsWe have carefully selected well-located four andfive-star hotels (with top class comfort and verycomfortable Michelin ratings) that provide highquality and good value for money. All the hotelshave clean, comfortable rooms with privatefacilities. Some of the hotels will provide anenjoyable “European style” experience, rather thanthe uniformity of standardised modern hotels. Inset image: Deutz Champagne House © Thomas Raffoux 2005.Day 9 Sunday September 20, 2015 Marseille Day 14 Friday September 25, 2015 BordeauxToday we travel south along the Rhone Valley to Marseille for a two-night Today the tour group will return to the Medoc to visit wineries and tastestay at the four-star Grand Hotel Beauvau, Vieux Port. We will visit wineries in wines in the southern regions of Margaux and St Julien. Peter Simic will leadthe southern Rhone Chateau Neuf du Pape region and taste some distinctive the group on visits to a range of top-level producers and guide us thoughand delicious grenache and syrah blends under Peter Simic’s guidance. enjoyable and informative, structured tastings. The regions are home toRestaurants and wine bars will be recommended for an evening at leisure. Chateau Margaux, Chateau Beychevelle, Palmer, Brane Cantenac and ChateauDay 10 Monday September 21, 2015 Marseille Talbot among others. We return to Bordeaux for an evening at leisure. Good-A leisurely, free day to enjoy Marseille. Take a side trip to Aix en Provence or quality restaurants will be recommended.relax in nearby Cassis. This evening we will enjoy a Celebration Dinner at a Day 15 Saturday September 26, 2015 BordeauxMichelin-starred restaurant, at which Winestate’s Peter Simic will showcase Today we will visit the right bank St Emilion and Pomerol regions to the east of Bordeaux. The regions are home to many fine producers that includethe best wines from the regions we have visited. Cheval Blanc, Troplong Mondot, Vieux Chateau Certan, Canon, Pavie, Petrus and Latour Pomerol. Their wines are based mainly on merlot, with cabernetDay 11 Tuesday September 22, 2015 Toulouse franc and cabernet sauvignon also involved. Peter Simic will introduce us to some of the most important producers and guide us through structuredAfter breakfast we will travel west to the modern city of Toulouse for a one tasting sessions. There will be some free time in the delightful small town of St Emilion.night stay at the four- star Grand Hotel de l’Opera. We will enjoy a wineryvisit in the vast Languedoc wine-producing region, noted for high-volumeproduction and rapidly improving quality. We will stop in the medieval townof Carcassonne for sightseeing at leisure. Day 16 Sunday September 27, 2015 BordeauxDay 12 Wednesday September 23, 2015 Bordeaux A free day for relaxation or further exploration. We will come together forAfter breakfast, we travel west to the famous Bordeaux region. Bordeaux, our Farewell Celebration Dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant, with locallocated on the grand Garonne River just after it joins the Dordogne River, is the wines carefully selected by Winestate’s Peter Simic. We will celebrate thesixth-largest city in France and is the centre of the most renowned wine region success and enjoyment of our time in France with Peter. It will be a mostin the world. On the outskirts of Bordeaux we will visit the famous Chateau enjoyable evening.Climens First Growth Barsac winery before checking into the wonderful Day 17 Monday September 28, 2015 Departurefive-star Grand Hotel de Bordeaux & Spa (Michelin’s highest rating hotel in After breakfast the tour group will be transferred to Bordeaux airport for anBordeaux) for a five-night stay. This evening we will enjoy the CelebrationDinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant, hosted by Winestate’s Peter Simic. Air France flight to Paris to connect with Singapore Airlines flights to Australia.Day 13 Thursday September 24, 2015 Bordeaux Day 18 Tuesday September 29, 2015 AustraliaThis morning we travel north to the left bank of the Gironde to spend a Early morning arrival in Australia and the tour concludes.day of exploration in the Pauilliac and St-Estephe regions. Pauillac is thehome of top rate producers such as Chateau Lafite-Rothschild, Chateau Relax and enjoyLatour, Chateau Mouton Rothschild, Chateau Lynch-Bages and Pontet Canet.Cabernet Sauvignon is the prominent variety here, often blended with someMerlot and Cabernet Franc.

FRANCE2015 WINE TOUR TOSeptember 12 to September 29, 2015The price for the 15-night tour is $10,275 per person twin-share.Single supplement is $1,950 per person.The land-only price for the tour (no flights) is $9,135 per person twin-share.International and general travel taxes and fuel surcharges are additional.At November 2014 they were approximately $950 per person.Included in the tour price:• Return economy-class air travel from east coast Australian capitals to Paris and return from Bordeaux via Paris. Long-haul travel will be on Singapore Airlines. Please call for other departure cities. Passengers will be able to travel early or extend their stay in Europe at no extra airfare.• Accommodation in four and five-star hotels with private facilities. Hotel taxes and service charges.• Breakfast daily and four special celebration lunches and dinners.• Entry and tasting fees and special services at vineyards in each of the regions visited. Sightseeing and general entry fees as detailed in the itinerary.• Tour leadership by Peter Simic, editor/publisher of Winestate Magazine.• Tour management by Travelrite International Pty Ltd, with an experienced staff member travelling with the group.• A Travelrite International travel bag.Not included in the tour price:• Passport and visa fees.• International airport and general travel taxes.• Travel insurance.• Sightseeing and general expenses not specified in the itinerary.• Items of a personal nature.• Additional travel arrangements – these will be quoted for separately.General information and booking conditionsInternational touring can involve a considerable amount of walking and stairclimbing in the places visited and it is important that all tour participants have alevel of physical fitness that allows them to take part in this activity without theneed of assistance from others.TOUR OPERATOR: Travelrite International Pty Ltd (ABN 64 REFUNDS: The tour is based on arrangements that The passage contract in use by the carriers concerned,005 817 078) is the tour operator. do not allow for any refunds in respect of sightseeing, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between accommodation, meals, airfare or other services not the transportation companies or firms and the purchasersTOUR PRICES: The tour prices are based on airfare, general utilized after the tour has commenced. of these tours. Baggage is at owners risk throughout thetransport, accommodation and other costs at foreign tour. The contract between passenger and Travelriteexchange rates at October 2014. Travelrite International TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: All passengers will need to be in International shall be construed in accordance with thereserves the right to alter the tour price or modify the tour possession of a valid passport. Passengers holding other laws of the State of Victoria.if any of these factors change, giving any passenger who than an Australian passport should check requirementshas booked the right to withdraw with a full refund of with Travelrite International. HOW TO BOOK: Bookings can be made by completing amonies paid. No alteration to the tour price will be made booking form and sending it with a deposit of $500 perwithin 65 days of departure from Australia. BAGGAGE: Economy class passengers qualify for a 20kg. person to: airline baggage allowance.DEPOSITS AND PAYMENTS: A deposit of $500 per person Travelrite International Pty Ltdis required at the time of booking. Full payment will be CHANGES TO THE TOUR ITINERARY: Travelrite Intern- 423 Whitehorse Roadrequired 65 days before departure. ational reserves the right to make changes to the tour Balwyn, Victoria 3103 itinerary to fit in with operational requirements. AnyCHANGES: After confirmation of travel arrangements, one change to the itinerary will be replaced with similar Further information can be obtained by telephoningchange to travel arrangements will be provided free of arrangements with an equal or greater value.charge. Subsequent changes to travel arrangements will Toll free: 1800 630 343incur a fee of $ 25 for each change. RESPONSIBILITY: Travelrite International Pty Ltd (ABN 64 Phone: (03) 8803 6868 005 817 078, ATAS A10538) is the tour organiser. Neither Fax: (03) 9836 8068CANCELLATIONS: Cancellation advised more than 65 Nationwide News Pty Limited nor any of its subsidiaries, Email: [email protected] from the date of departure from Australia will incur a nor any of its newspapers have any involvement in the www.travelrite.com.aucancellation fee of $ 300 per person. Cancellations advised tour, and have no liability of any kind to any person in65 days or less from the date of departure from Australia relation to the tour. Travelrite International acts only ABOUT TRAVELRITE INTERNATIONAL: Travelrite Inter-will result in the loss of all monies paid. Travel insurance is as agent for passengers in making arrangements with national Pty Ltd (ABN 64 005 817 078) is a well-establishedstrongly recommended to cover the cost of cancellation carriers, hoteliers and others for the tour. As a result, we travel company which has been marketing throughoutfees that could result from a death in the family, illness, etc. cannot accept liability for any act or omission whatsoever, Australia for over 30 years. It has two ATAS No A10538 whether negligent or otherwise of those carriers, hoteliers accredited offices at Balwyn and Heathmont which areMINIMUM TOUR NUMBERS: The tour has been priced or other persons providing services in connection with the also accredited with IATA. As such they directly representon the basis of a minimum number of passengers having tour over whom we have no direct or exclusive control. the major airlines of the world and all major domestic andbooked on the tour 65 days prior to departure. Travelrite We do not accept responsibility for any injury, damage, international hotel, tour and transport operators. TravelriteInternational reserves the right to cancel the tour if loss, delay, change of schedule, or any other events that International Pty Ltd is a full member of the Australianinsufficient passengers have booked by 60 days prior to are beyond our direct control, such as, but not limited to, Federation of Travel Agents – AFTA.departure, giving a full refund of all monies paid, or offering war, terrorism, flood, fire. Civil disturbance, acts of God,arrangements to proceed with the tour at a modified price. acts of Government, or any other authorities, accidents to or failure of machinery or equipment, or industrial actions.

contact detailsCLARE VALLEY AND SURROUNDS Palmer Wines Molly’s Cradle Wines Koonara Wines Pty Ltd Phone: 08 9756 7388 Phone: 02 9979 1471 Phone: 08 8737 3222Kirrihill Wines Pty Ltd Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]: 08 8842 1233 Web: www.palmerwines.com.au Web: www.mollyscradle.com.au Web: www.koonara.comEmail: [email protected]: www.kirrihillwines.com.au Patrick of Coonawarra Parous Wines Australia Sileni Estate Phone: 08 8737 3687 Phone: 0437 159 858 Phone: +64 6 879 8768Reillys Wines Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]: 08 8358 0480 Web: www.patrickofcoonawarra.com Web: www.parous.com.au Web: www.sileni.co.nzEmail: [email protected]: www.reillyswines.com.au Reschke Robert Oatley Vineyards Pty Ltd The Collective Wine Company Phone: 08 8239 0500 Phone: 02 9433 3255 Phone: +61 2 9955 2008Sevenhill Cellars Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] W: www.thecollectivewinecompany.com.auPhone: 08 8843 4222 Web: www.reschke.com.au Web: www.robertoatley.com.auEmail: [email protected]: www.sevenhillcellars.com.au Saddler’s Creek Wines Shingleback NZ RECENT RELEASE Phone: 02 4991 1770 Phone: 08 8323 7388Skillogalee Winery Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Bannock Brae EstatePhone: 08 8843 4113 Web: www.saddlerscreekwines.com.au Web: www.shingleback.com.au Phone: +64 27 221 0695Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]: www.skillogalee.com.au Shingleback Wines by Geoff Hardy Web: www.bannockbrae.co.nz Phone: 08 8323 7388 Phone: 08 8388 3700Vini Ennio Mercuri Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Elephant HillEmail: [email protected] Web: www.shingleback.com.au Web: www.handcraftedbygeoffhardy.com.au Phone: +64 6 873 0400 Email: [email protected] Estates Pty Ltd Winetrust Estates Pty Ltd FLEURIEU PENINSULA AND Web: www.elephanthill.co.nzPhone: 02 9949 9250 Phone: 02 9949 9250 SURROUNDING REGIONSEmail: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Sacred Hill WinesWeb: www.winetrustestates.com Web: www.winetrustestates.com Adelaide Winemakers Phone: +64 6 873 9893 Phone: 08 8323 6124 Email: [email protected] AND BLENDS McLAREN VALE Email: [email protected] Web: www.sacredhill.com Web: www.adelaidewinemakers.com.au ORGANIC WINESAldi Stores Aldi StoresPhone: 02 9675 9382 Phone: 02 9675 9382 MERLOT AND BORDEAUX 919 WinesEmail: [email protected] Email: [email protected] VARIETALS Phone: 0417 997 414Web: www.aldiliquor.com.au Web: www.aldiliquor.com.au Email: [email protected] Ross Hill Wines Web: www.919wines.com.auBowen Estate Dog Ridge Vineyard Phone: 02 6365 3223Phone: 08 8737 2229 Phone: 08 8383 0140 Email: [email protected] Grancari EstateEmail: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Web: www.rosshillwines.com.au Phone: 08 8382 4465Web: www.bowenestate.com.au Web: www.dogridge.com.au Email: [email protected] Tenafeate Creek Wines Web: www.grancari.com.auDog Ridge Vineyard Hastwell & Lightfoot Phone: 08 8280 7715Phone: 08 8383 0140 Phone: 08 8323 8692 E: [email protected] Light’s View WinesEmail: [email protected] Email: [email protected] W: www.tenafeatecreekwines.com Phone: 0412 600 875Web: www.dogridge.com.au Web: www.hastwellandlightfoot.com.au Email: [email protected] NEW RELEASES Web: www.lightsviewgroup.com.auFestival City Wines Leconfield Wines Pty Ltd/ Richard Hamilton+61 8 8349 1200 Phone: 08 8323 8830 Domaine Asmara Macaw Creek [email protected] Email: [email protected] Phone: 03 5433 6133 Phone: 08 8847 2237Web: www.festivalcitywines.com.au Web: www.leconfieldwines.com Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Web: www.domaineasmara.com Web: www.macawcreekwines.com.auMajella Wines Maxwell WinesPhone: 08 8736 3055 Phone: 08 8323 8200 Giggling Goose Wines Pernod Ricard Winemakers Pty LtdEmail: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Phone: 04 3865 6012 Phone: 08 8131 2559Web: www.majellawines.com.au Web: www.maxwellwines.com.au Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Web: www.gigglinggoose.com.au Web: www.pernod-ricard-pacific.comMills Reef Winery Mitolo WinesPhone: +64 7 576 8800 Phone: 08 8282 9012 Gralyn Estate Settlers RidgeEmail: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Phone: 08 9755 6245 Phone: 08 9755 5883Web: www.millsreef.co.nz Web: www.mitolowines.com.au Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Web: www.gralyn.com.au Web: www.settlersridge.com.auMollydooker Wines Mollydooker WinesPhone: 08 8323 6500 Phone: 08 8323 6500 Tamburlaine Organic WinesE: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Phone: 02 4998 4200Web: www.mollydookerwines.com.au Web: www.mollydookerwines.com.au Email: [email protected] Web: www.mywinery.com July/August 2015 W I N E S TAT E 143

Your wine, our ports. c o n t a c t d e t a i l s Australia WAIRARAPA, NELSON & Fern Ridge / Haha Export Customer Service- 1300 134 096 CANTERBURY Phone: +64 6 834 3888 Equipment and Logistics - 1300 135 801 Email: [email protected] Import Customer Service- 1300 132 813 Foley Family Wines NZ Limited Web: www.fernridge.co.nz New Zealand Email: [email protected] Outbound - 0508 222 444 Web: www.foleyfamilywines.com Festival City Wines Inbound - 0508 333 666 Phone: +61 8 8349 1200 Greystone Wines Pty Ltd Email: [email protected] No matter what. Phone: +64 272 525 331 Web: www.festivalcitywines.com.au E: [email protected] www.hamburgsud-line.com Web: www.greystonewines.co.nz Hastwell & Lightfoot Phone: +61 8 8323 8692 Follow us and keep up to Palliser Estate Wines Email: [email protected] with all our latest wine Phone: +64 6 306 9019 Web: www.hastwellandlightfoot.com.au Email: [email protected] info, tastings and events Web: www.palliser.co.nz Leconfield Wines Pty Ltd/ Richard Hamilton on facebook, twitter and Phone: +61 8 8323 8830 TASMANIA Email: [email protected] instagram. Web: www.leconfieldwines.com Barringwood Estate Phone: 03 6492 3140 Macaw Creek Wines Email: [email protected] Phone: +61 8 8847 2237 Web: www.barringwood.com.au Email: [email protected] Web: www.macawcreekwines.com.au Bream Creek Vineyard Phone: 03 6231 4646 Mt Beautiful/Teece Family Vineyards Email: [email protected] Phone: +64 3 319 2993 Web: www.breamcreekvineyard.com.au Email: [email protected] Web: www.mtbeautiful.co.nz Cape Bernier Vineyard Phone: 03 6253 5443 Patrick of Coonawarra Email: [email protected] Phone: +61 8 8737 3687 Web: www.capebernier.com.au Email: [email protected] Web: www.patrickofcoonawarra.com David Johnstone & Associates Phone: 03 6234 9999 Reillys Wines Email: [email protected] Phone: +61 8 8358 0480 Web: www.davidjohnstoneandassociates. Email: [email protected] com.au Web: www.reillyswines.com.au Iron Pot Bay Vineyard Sevenhill Cellars Phone: 0407 724 511 Phone: +61 8 8843 4222 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Web: www.ironpotbay.com.au Web: www.sevenhill.com.au Tamar Ridge (Brown Brothers) Shingleback Phone: 03 6394 1111 Phone: +61 8232 9919 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Web: http://www.brownbrothers.com.au/ Web: www.shingleback.com.au about-us/our-brands/tamar-ridge/ Taylors Wines Pty Ltd BEST BUYS Phone: +61 8 8849 1199 Email: [email protected] Aldi Stores Web: www.taylorswines.com.au Phone: +61 2 9675 9382 Email: [email protected] Winetrust Estates Pty Ltd Web: www.aldiliquor.com.au Phone: +61 2 9949 9250 Email: [email protected] Anchorage Wines NZ Ltd Web: www.winetrustestates.com Phone: +64 3 528 8350 Email: [email protected] Simon Hackett Wines Pty Ltd Web: www.anchoragewines.co.nz Phone: +61 4 1846 7799 Email: [email protected] Cooks Lot Wines Email: [email protected] James Estate Web: www.cookslot.com.au Phone: +61 2 6547 5168 Email: [email protected] Web: www.jamesestatewines.com.au144 W I N E S TAT E July/August 2015

PLEASE SEND ME MAGAZINE FOR:AUSTRALIA & NEW take out a subscription and save! Australia SUBSCRIBE TO OUR COMPLETE ZEALAND WINE BUYING GUIDE 7 issues (1yr) $A69 (includes $6.27 GST) PACKAGE which 14 issues (2yrs) $A128 (includes $11.64 GST) includes hard-copy and digital Price include GST, postage and handling. versions plus full on-line access to Winestate’s web site and reviews. New Zealand Binders Available only through online Price includes Airmail. Australian residents only order, www.winestate.com.au Please mark  one option: Your attractive binder easily holds 7 issues - handy for 7 issues (1 year) $A79 quick reference! 14 issues (2 years) $A150 Please mark  one option: Asia, Pacific 1 Binder $A19.80 Price includes Airmail. Please mark : 2 Binders $A33 7 issues (1 year) $A120 Elsewhere 3 Binders $A49.50 Price includes Airmail. Please mark : (includes GST) 7 issues (1 year) $A130 Prices available for overseas on application. Home WineMaster Price includes Airmail. Please mark : Complete Software Programme V11 $A89 Upgrade to V11 $A34.95 Subscription Update* (1 year) V10 $A29 Subscription Update* (2 years) V10 $A49 *Requires software programme. Mr / Mrs / Miss Address MAY/JUNE 2015 WINESTATE VOL 269 ISSUE 2 BEST OF THE WEST SOuTH aFrica SWEET WHiTE & FOrTiFiEdS adElaidE HillS cEnTral & WESTErn nSW nOrTH iSland, nZ print post approved 100003663 THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE TO WINE SINCE 1978 Over 10,000 tasted annually Suburb State Country Phone ( ) AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND WINE BUYING GUIDE Post Code E-mail Your subscription will start from the next issue. 346TASTED I enclose my cheque for $ payable to WINESTATE Magazine or charge my: New Best Value Buys! Mastercard Visa CULTURAL SHIFT India’s wine fascination Name on card: May/June 2015 PLANE CHOICES Vol 269 Issue 2 What to drink at 12,000m $12.00 AUS (inc GST) NZ $13.00 SGD $17.95 US $17.99 GBP £10.95 EUR $9.95 China RMB100 HKD $120 CHF 15.00 Signature Expires / plus Central & Western NSW • Sweet White & Fortified • Adelaide Hills • South Africa • North Island (Gisborne, Auckland & Northland) NZ Send to: 81 King William Road, Unley SA 5061 Fax to: 08 8357 9212 269_CoverFRONT_215.5x297.indd 1 2/04/2015 5:12:18 PM GIFT SUBSCRIPTION GIFTSUBSCRIPTION Recipient’s Name Tel: 08 8357 9277 Address www.winestate.com.auConditions: Offer is limited to the first 70 new Suburb State Country subscribers in Australia only. Recipient must Post Code ) be over 18 years of age. Phone ( Please send a gift card to Me Recipient Also fill in your details in the section above. July/August 2015 W I N E S TAT E 145

aftertasteELISABETH KINGJAPANESE BREWERS CRAFTING A FROTHYFUTUREEven those who have never been to Japan The big four Japanese brewers University in Osaka. Loyally and accurately,have heard of the famous spring cherry were founded in the 19th century Meli says that the city known as the gourmetblossom viewing season. What’s not so following the rapid Westernisation capital of Japan also has some of the bestwell known is that it’s a long-held custom to of Japan. As in other parts of Asia, craft beer breweries and bars.enjoy a drink with family and friends as you German brew masters were calledwander down the avenues of blossoming in and the most popular beer style At Beer Belly Tenma you can buy thetrees. I learned this on a visit to Yokohama in Japan is lager. Twenty years ago internationally famous Minoh brews,two years ago when I was given a copy of when the ji-biru trend kicked off, including Seasonal White Ale made fromthe Yokohama Beer Magazine, a guide to 50 per cent were lagers but many yuzu, a Japanese citrus fruit that looks likethe city’s 20 craft breweries and brew bars. of today’s 270 micro-breweries a mini-grapefruit. Even better, several of produce distinctive, more flavourful Osaka’s other destination ji-biru bars are Japan’s four major beer brands - Asahi, beers. close by. Craft Beer Marciero sports eightKirin, Sapporo and Suntory - dominate beer taps delivering such top drops assales. The Japanese down over six million Baird Brewing offers Kurofone Porter but Shiga Kogen’s Imperial Black IPA and Sanktkilolitres of beer each year but craft beer forget the heaviness of traditional stout. Gallen’s Kokutou Sweet Stout. Iwatekuraor ji-biru - from ji meaning craft and biru Lighter and dryer than European and wheat beer is the draw card at Beer Standmeaning beer - accounts for a tiny market American dark beers, it has pronounced Molto! in Umaeda Station. Two other ji-birushare of only 0.26 per cent. According caramel and chocolate notes. Hitachino bars not to miss on a visit to Osaka are theto Bryan Baird, the American founder of Nest beers from the Kiuchi Brewery are Yellow Ape Craft, a two-storey pub, andBaird Brewing in Numazu, the first five craft among the best-known ji-birus with an Dig Beer Bar.breweries in Japan were all owned by the overseas following, notably White Ale (agiant beer conglomerates, which opened Belgian-style wheat beer) and Red Rice Kiuchi Brewery, the home of Hitachino, isniche operations to increase the parent Ale, which contains 25 per cent rice and is 160km north of Tokyo in the town of Naka.company’s core business. fermented with both sake and ale yeasts to Mikio Kiuchi inherited the family sake deliver a very fruity flavour. Coedo Beniaka business in 1950 and when the beer laws The marketers saw their chance with a is a spicy potato beer that mimics a dark changed he started making the amber fluid.change in Japanese law in 1994 following Belgian ale. Japan’s most well known micro-brewer, thethe deregulation of the alcohol excise tax. Kiuchi Brewery produces 950,000 litresThe revamped legislation lowered the Over the past three years, the return to of beer a year and pulls in revenues ofamount of beer a brewer had to make in trendy status of craft beers in Japan has $A10.3 million. More than half the outputa year to hold a license from 2000kl to produced a rise in the number of great is exported to the US.60kl. In the wake of the launch of the first beer bars, especially in Tokyo and Osaka.five craft breweries from the major beer Following international tastes, the go-to Youichi Kiuchi, the company’s vicecompanies, notably Echigo which makes hotspots also offer craft beers from the president, says that the switch to beerthe tasty Koshihikari rice lager, the number US, Belgium and Scandinavia. Japanese making has been a game-changer for aof craft breweries increased to 24 in 1995 micro-brewers most often riff off American family which has been making sake forand 242 by 1999. Over the next 11 years, pale ales and Belgian styles but they have seven generations. Making sake is like judoconsumer interest in the fledgling sector their own unique takes on beer-making or origami and brewers are judged by howdipped and the number of craft breweries ingredients. At the annual International faithfully they stick to rigid rules, he says.in Japan dropped to 173 by 2010. Beer Competition in Tokyo, which is “Craft beer is about doing what you want. sponsored by the Japanese International It’s fun to make and fun to sell.” The year 2000 marked the beginning of Craft Beer Association, award-winninga resurgence. According to Baird, whose brews often contain such “out there”Rising Sun Pale Ale is sold in Australia ingredients as hot peppers, pineapple,through Dan Murphy’s, eating in Japan is plums, limes, herbs and spices.all about small share plates accompaniedby alcoholic beverages. “It’s no longer a With only a tenth of the number ofhigh alcohol level like sake and beer is the American craft breweries, tracking downperfect match for Japanese cuisine and ji-birus even on home turf takes a bit ofthat’s why it’s become the nation’s most sleuthing. The best guide is Craft Beer inpopular alcoholic beverage,” he said. Japan by Mark Meli, a professor at Kansainext issue: Everyone’s favourite tasting of the World’s Greatest Shiraz & Blends – now in its 10th year! Plus, semillon and blends, Yarra Valley and Southern Victoria, Riverland and River Regions, Otago (NZ), and some lovely brandy, cognac and armagnac to finish.146 W I N E S TAT E July/August 2015

Taste the Wine Drink the Region Farnese Wines has established itself as a leading winery of Southern Italy by rediscovering the native vines of the region and successfully fusing past traditions with modern winemaking techniques. Festival City Foods & Liquor is now proud to offer these unique and intriguing wine varietals to Australia. … look out for the range at leading Adelaide restaurants and discover the distinctive flavours of the Abruzzo terroir.Proudly distributed by Festival City Food & Liquor T +618 8349 1200 www.festivalcitywines.com.au

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