Logan Wines 2016 Sauvignon Blanc- NSW Central Ranges

THIS one makes for a
delightful match with pork
four-quarter chops and apple sauce.

A SAUVIGNON BLANC SO TRUE TO VARIETY

David Ellis

THE growing season for vintage 2016 in NSW's Central Ranges that local maker Logan Wines summed up as "unpredictably kind," gave the company both the biggest harvest in its 20 year history, and it's earliest.

After starting, in the words of owner and winemaker, Peter Logan "scarily hot and dry," the 2016 season soon gave way to much needed rain and mild temperatures, which all proved that even cold climate wine can benefit from a good dose of vitamin D and a wash-down with a healthy amount of water.

"As a result we squeezed in our biggest harvest ever in the shortest number of days," says Peter. "A few records were broken, and nearly a few backs in the process, but we're already reaping the rewards."

And he's particularly happy with the season's 2016 Sauvignon Blanc, a variety that loves sunshine, but with too much heat can ripen without developing flavour, and also lose the all-important acid that it needs. "But this one's proved absolutely true to variety, with complexity and round but fresh drinkability," Peter says.

With prominent grapefruit and guava flavours on a core of lime and minerality, it's a delightful match with pork four-quarter chops and apple sauce; well-priced at $23.



27 March 2017

T’Gallant Pink Moscato - Mornington Peninsula

ONE TO NOTE:  T'GALLANT that was founded amid the rolling hills of Main Ridge on Victoria's Mornington Peninsula in 1990, has a nice range of bubblies pitched at the growing market for quality sparklings priced around $15 to $20.

Their T'Gallant Pink Moscato is particularly interesting, being slightly sweeter than the others and thus of appeal to those with a sweeter tooth, or equally it will pair-up delightfully with sweetish desserts – and yet conversely with spicy Asian food.

And at $20 it comes in an attractive curve-shaped bottle that gives it added appeal as either a gift, or to take along as a thank you to a home-dinner host.

[] EQUALLY enjoyable with sweetish desserts, or spicy Asian dishes.

3 Apr 17

Apple Tree Flat 2015 Chardonnay - NSW Central Ranges

A GREAT CHARDONNAY'S PRICE SURPRISE

David Ellis

WE'VE readily confessed in the past to being unabashed lovers of Chardonnay, a drop we'll defend to the end against the chorusing of the "not another Chardonnay" crowd.

And when recently offered a sip of a just-released 2015 from Apple Tree Flat in the NSW Central Ranges, we told ourselves that here was yet another reason for our love of the variety… although we did have one query: how come one of such elegance and complexity could be sitting on our local liquor store shelves at just $13?

So we put our query to the 2015's winemaker Peter Logan, who confessed his own love of the variety, and added: "When handled with respect and allowed to show its true elegance, this one's proof as to just what can be achieved at any price point."

Peter also spoke of the 2015 vintage that he described as a joy in his NSW Central Ranges, the region enjoying a sunny and dry spring and summer, and mild temperatures throughout both seasons.  And all of which, he says, then continued into autumn, ensuring a harvest of richly flavoured grapes with good texture and varietal character, and thus this ultimately lovely chardonnay with its flavours of pear, lemon and nectarine before a long clean finish.

A really great drop with seafood party platters or a dinner of grilled salmon.

3 April 2017

[] THWART the 'Not Another Chardonnay' crowd with this great drop.

2016 Shaw Winemakers Selection Semillon Sauvignon Blanc - Canberra District

ONE TO NOTE:  GRAEME SHAW confesses to being a huge fan of his own vineyard's Semillon, and with almost 5ha growing at Murrumbateman in the Canberra district he's in fact got more of it than the rest of the district put together.

And after indulging the rewards of his 2015 Semillon that he says came out of his best vintage ever, he now says his 2016 has equalled that best-ever 2015. And to prove it he's released a 2016 Shaw Winemakers Selection Semillon Sauvignon Blanc, that with some 85% Semillon is basically all about that, and just how beautifully it has blended with the acidity and lighter body of the Sauvignon Blanc.

At $18 it's a great match with seafood, pork, creamy pasta dishes, chicken or turkey.

10 Apr 17

[] AT $18 a great match with seafood, pork, creamy pasta dishes, chicken or turkey.

Katnook Prodigy Shiraz 2012 - Coonawarra

A REALLY VERY SPECIAL OCCASION SHIRAZ

David Ellis

WHEN you are one of just 65 wines listed as "Excellent" in Langton's #VI Classification of Australian Wine – considered the ultimate guide to local fine wines – you certainly know you are doing something right.

And Katnook Coonawarra have definitely proven just how right they have done that something with their now-released Katnook Prodigy Shiraz 2012, a wine crafted from small parcels of grapes off low-cropping Coonawarra vineyards renowned for fruit of consistently outstanding depth of flavour, plus excellent colour and firm tannins.

Planted in the mid-1990s these vineyards are meticulously managed with hand-pruning, bunch-thinning and shoot-removal to result in this most remarkable Shiraz.

Winemaker Wayne Stehbens says he considers 2012 to have been one of Coonawarra's finest vintages, its grapes of wonderfully generous pure-fruit flavour, with underlying liquorice spice, finely-grained tannins and plenty of length of flavour.

With no change out of $100 a bottle, this is one to offer for very special occasion long and leisurely enjoyment with brioche, hard cheeses, paté and quince paste, or a main course of richly gamey venison that will play beautifully to the wine's flavours.

10 Apr 17

[] DEFINITELY rewarding from one of Coonawarra's finest vintages.

The Farmhouse @ Blue Wren Winery Mudgee

Blue Wren, nestled amongst the vines and situated in one of New South Wales premium wine regions –Mudgee in Central West New South Wales- has recently launched its new boutique homestead accommodation, The Farmhouse @ Blue Wren.

Offering guests unique, country hospitality, coupled with a contemporary and luxurious style, The Farmhouse @ Blue Wren provides guests with an unforgettable experience in the heart of the Central West’s thriving wine region.

To celebrate the launch of the latest addition to the stunning boutique winery, The Farmhouse @ Blue Wren has just released special Autumn Accommodation Packages starting from only $170.00 per night.

Guests can stay overnight from Sunday in the one room suite for a reduced rate of $170.00 per night, with a complimentary Cellar Door experience in the Tasting Room @ Blue Wren. Or choose to stay at The Farmhouse two room studios for a reduced rate of $190.00 per night, also with a complimentary Cellar Door experience.

Or for a luxurious weekend getaway to NSW’s spectacular country side stay a Friday or Saturday night at The Farmhouse @ Blue Wren in the one room suite for a reduced rate of $280.00 per night, including a complimentary Cellar Door experience. Or choose to stay at the two room studios for a reduced rate of $300.00 per night, also including a complimentary Cellar Door experience.

Situated three-and-a-half hours’ drive from Sydney, Blue Wren is only a few minutes from the heart of the Mudgee Township - where guests can explore and discover the small town that offers plenty of old world charm and ambience. In recent years the region has grown into a thriving wine and food producing district - with award-winning wineries, first class restaurants and stunning views of the NSW country side.

Guests can take the opportunity to dine at the Chef’s Table @ Blue Wren, located at the winery’s recently refurbished intimate restaurant. They can dine as Head Chef and owner Kip Harris showcases first-hand, an innovative menu using only the finest produce matched with Blue Wren’s latest wine releases, ranging from the new Verscato, to Rose and even a White Port to end the night.

Limited to only seating 20 people, guests are invited to dine either at an intimate table in the restaurant, or positioned at an exclusive place at the Chef's Table. Here guests are open to discuss every part of their culinary journey with the Chef – making it a truly memorable and engaging dining experience.

Guests can then finish their night nestled at The Farmhouse offering a delightful mix of luxurious country accommodation, paired with stunning views of the vineyard from the five-bedroom boutique property. Each room offers an individual contemporary design, featuring king beds, quality linen, and deluxe bathroom amenities.

The Farmhouse @ Blue Wren is the perfect location for your next visit to Central West NSW. A showpiece in the region with its outstanding boutique accommodation and first class restaurant – the accommodation is ideal for corporate travellers and individuals, couples, groups and extended families & friends.

The Farmhouse @ Blue Wren Wines is quickly becoming the ‘must stay’ destination for those wanting to explore regional New South Wales.

For further information please visit: www.bluewrenwines.com.au

Neil McGuigan just back from Canada

GAME BET WITH A BOTTLE OF RED

David Ellis

WINE consortium Australian Vintages Limited that embraces McGuigan Wines, Miranda, Nepenthe, Tempus Two and Passion Pop, has plenty of reason to raise a glass or three to vino enthusiasts in Canada,  because last year those enthusiastic Canadians downed a whopping 2,340,000 bottles of AVL's wines.

McGuigan Wines Chief Winemaker, Neil McGuigan who's just back from a visit to Canada, says that's a 128 per cent increase on sales of five years ago. And Canada overall is now Australia's fourth biggest wine export market after mainland China, the United States and the United Kingdom, with sales of a near 50,000,000 cases in the twelve months to September last year worth AU$190,000,000.

Interestingly our reds outsell our whites in Canada two-to-one, being matched on the table as Neil McGuigan found, with some interesting offerings. "Australian reds are generally popular matches with lamb and beef wherever you go," he says. "But in Canada where game meats are so abundant, you'll actually find these wines equally popular on restaurant and home tables with such options as reindeer, boar, moose and rabbit.

"And if you are visiting Canada and want to try some of those game meat offerings, which you really should do, and have an Aussie red with them, a Cabernet Merlot such as our Black Label is a good match and quite readily available.

"Also with Canada having some of the best seafood in the world, a white like Bin 9000 Semillon that's also widely available across Canada, makes for a great match with the wonderful British Columbia salmon."


[] PERFECT match, British Columbia salmon and white wine at The Pines, Jasper. Diners and wine buffs last year downed a whopping 2,340,000 bottles of Australian Vintages Limited wines in restaurants, hotels, cafés and homes across Canada. (Image: The Pines Jasper)

3 Apr 17