Wine & Spirit Insider July August 2015

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.