Kiwi Winery Wins International Accolades At Wine of The Year Competition

Media Release

Award-winning Kiwi winery Mud House has continued its golden run on the international stage, scoring Wine of the Year for its 2010 Sauvignon Blanc at Finland's Wine of the Year Competition 2011.

Now in its 14th year, Finland\'s Wine of the Year Competition judges 470 different wines across 19 categories. Mud House was a standout success at the competition, picking up a Gold - Best Wine in Category - for New World White Wines (over 10 Euro), as well as Wine of the Year.

Testament to the quality of Mud House's Sauvignon Blanc, its 2009 vintage also won Gold - Best Wine in Category - for New World White Wines (over 10 Euro) at the 2010 Awards.

Success wasn't limited to Mud House white varietals either; with the 2009 Mud House Central Otago Pinot Noir winning Bronze - Third Best Wine in Category - for New World Red Wines (over 10 Euro).

Mud House Wines spokesperson Cathy Wansink says recognition for Mud House wines on a global stage is hugely rewarding for the winery.

"Finland is proving to be a very successful and profitable market for Mud House Sauvignon Blanc, as well as other varietals," she says.

"With both Mud House Swan Pinot Noir and Mud House Pinot Gris recently listed in Finnair Duty Free, we believe the opportunities for our company are endless and are thrilled to be a part of this dynamic market."

For more information visit www.mudhouse.co.nz

Holy Dollar Rum. No ordinary, hum drum rum

Media release

Arguably rum is one of the most diverse spirits around, with examples coming from all over the globe including the Caribbean, Philippines, Venezuela, Cuba, and Trinidad and Tobago. But it's an Australian owned rum – Holey Dollar Rum – which is taking the world by storm with its unique and distinctive flavours setting it apart from the mass-produced rums that dominate the spirits market.

Having already been recognised at the International Wine and Spirit Competition two years in a row by taking out some of the highest honours in the spirits category, this week the Holey Dollar Rum range was celebrated at The Spirits Masters Series...

Holey Dollar Rum Cask Strength (75.9% A/V) (RRP $84.99)           Awarded MASTER

Holey Dollar Rum Overproof (57.2% A/V) (RRP $64.99)                Awarded MASTER

Holey Dollar Rum Premium (40% A/V) (RRP $39.99)                     Awarded GOLD

MASTER is the highest accolade that can be awarded by The Spirits Masters Series and is only awarded in exceptional cases when the product clearly stands out well above its competitors. The Spirits Masters Series is held by The Spirits Business Magazine, a publication that takes its spirits very seriously and is the only international trade title that is solely dedicated to what is going on globally in the world of spirits. The Rum Masters section of the competition is independently judged by a panel of leading industry experts. Judging is done on appearance, nose, palate and overall balance.

Stuart Gilbert says, "It's wonderful that the International market is recognising the quality of the rums that we are creating but what's even better is seeing how Australian consumers are embracing the 'buy local, think global' concept. The growing group of Holey Dollar Rum drinkers are people that are passionate about discovering something a little bit different and enjoy consuming the highest quality, world-class products, but at the same time, appreciate something that is actually close to home and 100% Australian Family Owned Company. Go on, join the rum rebellion!"

ABOUT HOLEY DOLLAR RUM

Holey Dollar Rum is named after the coins with holes punched out that, significantly, superseded rum as the main form of currency in NSW after the Rum Rebellion. The name was chosen by owned and maker, Master Distiller Stuart Gilbert (2009 IWSC International Distiller of the Year) to reflect the Australian Heritage of the brand and honour the Australian pioneering spirit by hand-crafting a rum at a very high level of quality craftsmanship whilst remaining affordable to all.

Holey Dollar Rum is distilled from the finest and purest Fijian sugar cane. This cane is hand cut to yield the highest possible sugar content and produces molasses of unsurpassed quality. The ingredients are distilled in a 100 year old wood fired copper Pot Still under a unique and specific Australian recipe.

No longer banished to be mixed with coke or orange juice, these are finely hand-crafted rums with smooth, complex aromas and flavours, and offered in 3 strengths to suit different palates and occasions.

Stocked at: First Choice nationally, and other selected liquor outlets

Stockists Contacts: Stuart Gilbert, Holey Dollar Rum T: 0411 508 070

E: stuart@holeydollarrum.com.au  or visit www.holeydollarrum.com.au

Chateau de Sours set to soar with Tyrrell's

Media Release

Martin Krajewski, Owner and Proprietor of French wine label Chateau de Sours, lands in Australia today as does the much anticipated first vintages from his brand new winery in Bordeaux. The brand is set for a re-launch in Australia with a new and improved image, updated packaging and a new distribution partner, Tyrrell's Wines.

Chateau de Sours, situated high on a commanding limestone plateau just to the south-west of Libourne and Pomerol, near St Emilion, recently unveiled its new, state-of-the-art winery. Originally dating back to the 14th Century when it served as an inn on the pilgrimage route to Northern Spain, the property planted its first vines in 1792.

Since 2004 under the stewardship of Krajewski, the property has been carefully restored to its former glory. Today Chateau de Sours prides itself on combining traditional rigor and craftsmanship of the old world together with innovative new world flair.  Its modern, creative approach enables them to produce some of Bordeaux's most respected red, white and rose wines.

Beneath the new winery, with an annual production capacity of 70,000 cases, lies a labyrinth of caves which are used for optimal cellaring of the wines before release.

The Chateau de Sours range in Australia includes a Sparkling Rose, a Sauvignon Blanc based Bordeaux Blanc and Merlot based Bordeaux Rouge and its famous still Rose that has been critically acclaimed by Spectator Magazine’s Auberon Waugh as "Probably the best rose in the world".

Although the wines are born and bred in Bordeaux, they are modern in style and approachable in price. With most outlets retailing the range with an AUD$28 price-tag, they are extremely affordable and attractive to the everyday consumer, as well as the connoisseur.

"My winemaking team do a stupendous job on combining the old world techniques with the new, and have a creative approach to producing wines which are elegant and complex, but at a price point that is accessible to the everyday wine consumer" says Krajewski.

Although the brand has been available in Australia for some time, the time has come for more focus to coincide with greater consumer interest in drinking more elegant, savory, lighter alcohol, imported wine. Krajewski has consequently sought out a new distribution partner in Tyrrell's Wines.  "Tyrrell's is a leader in the Australian wine industry and have brand prominence globally – they have strong rapport among consumers and the trade and their philosophies are built on maintaining healthy relationships in all levels of business.".

Martin is in Australia to promote his re-energised brand and oversee the transition to his new distributor Tyrrell's Wines.

Distribution enquiries: Tyrrell's Wines, www.tyrrells.com.au

www.chateaudesours.com

TRY THIS SOFT TASSIE RED WITH SEAFOODS

Wc07Mar11

FULL-flavoured red that's soft enough
to enjoy with seafoods.

David Ellis

BROWN Brothers' acquisition of Tasmania's Tamar Ridge Estates in August of last year was a shrewd move, particularly as it included the very respected Devil's Corner label that's one to look for in value-priced, buy-now and drink-now cool-climate wines.

While not one of those regions that spring straight to mind when talking about Australian wines, the first vineyards were established in Tasmania in colonial times, although Tamar Ridge did not come on the scene until 1994. But they've certainly made their presence known since then and their first releases in 1997.

One that's just hit the shelves under their Devil's Corner label is a 2010 Pinot Noir that was made from fruit sourced from Tamar Valley and East Coast vineyards. Violet, black cherry and suggestions of ginger spice aromas swirl from the glass, and the palate is up-front with rewarding cherry flavours and savoury hints.

And interestingly while it's a full-flavoured wine, this one is soft enough for those who like both their reds and seafoods on the table at the same time, or maybe a creamy risotto; good-value buying at $18.95.

IDEAL match with fresh
oysters on the shell.

ONE FOR LUNCH: Another interesting cool-climate area is the NSW Central Ranges, and a just-released 2010 Rolling Sauvignon Blanc Semillon is a rewarding drop for those who like to try wines originating from vineyards away from our more major regions – and finding just how rewarding they can be.

Winemaker Debbie Lauritz chose fruit from the company's own vineyards in the foothills of the Central Ranges and has crafted a wine that's juicy and fresh with tropical fruit flavours and lemon zest acidity. Pay just $17.95 and enjoy with a plate of fresh oysters on the shell.

(NEED A FOOD/DRINK IDEA? Check out  http://www.vintnews.com )

Most successful Sydney Cellar Door ever

Media Release

The new NSW Wine Festival programme (formerly NSW Wine Week) is on track to be a huge success with the opening weekend's festivities – Sydney Cellar Door – attracting the biggest attendance ever. The number of wine and food lovers converging on Sydney's Hyde Park South this Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th February was up on last year with an estimated crowd well in excess of 30,000, and many of the 100+ winemakers showcasing their wines reporting sales more than double those in 2010.

This was the fourth year that NSW Wine has hosted Sydney Cellar Door but the first year that visitors have had two days (a full weekend) to experience and discover wines for our State's amazingly diverse wine regions. It was also the first time that the talented team behind the Sydney International Food Festival have been involved dramatically increasing the variety and quality of food and entertainment on offer throughout the weekend.

James Agnew, Chair of NSW Wine Strategy and Director at Audrey Wilkinson Vineyard, says "Sydney Cellar Door was a massive success and shows that the new format and improvements made to the event this year have been really well received by Sydney. We still have a few figures to collect, but early indications are that most exhibitors saw a good increase in visitors to their stalls, with some experiencing subsequent wine sales of over 300% more than in the previous year! This proves that the city's wine-lovers are not only interested in learning about the diversity of NSW's 14 fabulous wine regions but are also happy to put their money where their tastebuds are."

The success of the weekend reflects the recently released Nielsen figures which show that sales of NSW bottled wine in NSW retail outlets are experiencing continued year on year growth, reaching yet another record high of $82.1 million for 2010, up an outstanding 18.3% or $12.7 million from the previous year! Impressively, over half the growth achieved falls within the super-premium $20+ bottle category, confirming NSW wine drinkers' growing appreciation for the quality of their State's product.

The opening event's success also bodes well for the rest of NSW Wine Festival. Celebrations don't end here and there are still plenty of opportunities to enjoy the extended 2011 NSW Wine Festival throughout the month of March (Feb 26th – March 31st) including:

·          Dine with NSW Wine

Throughout March, participating restaurants will offer a special lunch or dinner meal matched with a glass of premium NSW Wine for under $50. Participants include: Azuma, Number One Wine Bar, Catalina Rose Bay, Golden Century, Bathers' Pavilion, Ormeggio, and a number of regional NSW restaurants such as Silo in Newcastle, Eschalot in Berry and Arnott's Bakehouse in the Hunter.

·         NSW Wine at The Sydney Morning Herald Growers' Market ~ Saturday 5th March 2011

To celebrate the NSW Wine Festival, the ever popular Growers' Market, held on the first Saturday of every month at Pyrmont Bay Park, will be transforming the regular Market Chef stage into the Market Wine stage. The stage will for one month only feature not one but two of Australia's most respected wine gurus. Monthly MC Joanna Savill will be joined by Sydney Morning Herald wine authority Huon Hooke as well as the author of the SMH/Age Good Wine Guide, Nick Stock.

Even better news – these leading Australian wine commentators will also be joined by many of the State's talented winemakers, including Jeff Byrne from Audrey Wilkinson and Duane Roy from Glandore, who will treat lucky market goers to guided tastings of premium NSW wines. This expert panel will offer commentary and wine tips as well as advice on pairing wines with delicious tidbits provided by key food producers at the market.

What goes with goat's cheese (Nugan Estate Durif or Tyrrell's Shiraz?), smoked fish pate (Scarborough Chardonnay or Logan Rose?) and Indian samosas (Glandore Tempranillo or Cumulus Luna Rosa Rosado?) Find out at the NSW Wine Festival Market!

Make sure you are there at 9 am and 10am to purchase your $5 tasting glass and be part of the tasting sessions.

Market details: The Sydney Morning Herald Growers' Market is held on the first Saturday of every month at Pyrmont Bay Park on Pirrama Road, from 7 am to 11 am. Every month features around 80 stalls offering everything from fresh fruit and seasonal vegetables to lamb, beef, pork and seafood.

EASY TO IMPRESS WITH THESE $10 TEMPTERS

Wc28Feb11

A GREAT $10 match with Hoisin sauce-basted
barbecued pork chops and salads.

David Ellis

WE're never averse to dabbling with $10 and under wines, particularly with a large tribe of grown-ups who like to drop around for weekend barbecues – and Deakin Estate had us dabbling marvellously a couple of weekends back with their just-released 2010 Chardonnay and 2010 Pinot Noir.

These wines are amongst six $10 releases from the 2010 vintage (the others are a Moscato, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier and Rosé) that winemaker Phil Spillman crafted from a perfect season on the Murray River – aiming all the while for exceptional quality, value for money wines for those watching the budget.

The Chardonnay was quite a stand-out and significantly different to the "peachiness" we've been used to with Deakin Estate Chardonnays in the past: this one has loads of citrus, pineapple, pear and apple flavours with nice acidity and is quite sweet for a Chardonnay. And it proved a perfect match with the Hoisin sauce-basted barbecued pork chops and salad.

YOU can't but enjoy this one
with a Sunday lamb roast.

The Pinot Noir blended from Coonawarra and Murray Darling fruit certainly didn't disappoint either at $10, with nice strawberry, cherry and vanilla overtones that well-satisfied the red drinkers who weren't quite sure how it would go with the pork and salad. The answer: wonderfully.

ONE FOR LUNCH: LOGAN Estate's Peter Logan well remembers the 2008 vintage at Orange on the NSW's Central Tablelands, in particular for one of his favourite tipples, Cabernet Merlot. Rain in February when sunshine was more important brought on botrytis in many early-ripening varieties, but fortunately winds and good sunny and mild weather later dried the vineyards and his Cabernet and Merlot both then ripened slowly – and beautifully.

The result is a 2008 Logan Cabernet Merlot of quite dark broodiness with bright berry-fruit flavours and savoury herbal notes. Really good buying at $25 to make that Sunday lamb roast all the better.



(NEED A FOOD/DRINK IDEA? Check out  http://www.vintnews.com )

A big year for Oliver's Taranga

Media Release

Oliver's Taranga achieves a rare milestone this year - racking up 170 years of grape growing in South Australia's McLaren Vale.

The third oldest known family business in Australia including present day vigneron Don Oliver (fifth generation), winemaker Corrina Wright (sixth generation) and Cellar Door Manager Brioni Oliver (sixth generation) is planning to make it a big one, honouring a tradition started by their "great, great, great, great grandfather".

"170 years of continuous family ownership - with a few small hiccups and many more triumphs along the way - is something worth celebrating," said Corrina. "There are stories to be told and parties to be had," she said.

"2011 not only marks 170 years for Oliver's Taranga, it will also be the year that we begin the conversion of our vineyards to certified organic and when we release our first McLaren Vale Vermentino," said Corrina.

Oliver's Taranga began in 1841 when Scottish migrants William and Elizabeth Oliver settled in McLaren Vale immediately planting orchards and vineyards. William and Elizabeth prospered on the property, located in the "Seaview" sub-region of McLaren Vale.

The Oliver family are renowned grape growers. Oliver's Shiraz has been supplied to make Penfold's Grange consistently over the years and Don Oliver was awarded the inaugural Viticulturist of the Year by the McLaren Vale Grape Wine & Tourism Association in 2005.

In 1875, the Adelaide Chronicles wrote, referring to Don's great-great-grandfather: "Although Mr Oliver's farm operations are large scale, it is evident from the quality of his wine that he has not neglected his vineyard and cellar" (July 10, 1875).

Since 1994, when Corrina convinced her uncles and grandfather to let her have some fruit from the vineyard to make wine from, the Oliver's Taranga vineyards have been producing wines under their own label, welcoming Corrina back officially as the winemaker in 2000.

A limited museum commemorative wine from the revered 2002 vintage will be released this year and a celebration for 170 people to take place at the Oliver's Taranga property is also planned for October this year.

Stay tuned for more news about Oliver's Taranga's 170th year.
www.oliverstaranga.com.au
Twitter @oliverstaranga
facebook.com/oliverstaranga