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The Royal Melbourne Wine Show 2011 – Two Heads Are Better Than One

25 Oct
2011

I once stumbled across a collection of words followed by a gorgeous photograph in a magazine that I used to find quite witty, but which has now fallen to that infuriating level of try-hard.

Hence, I subscribe to it no longer.

I may or may not have written them a letter reading,

Dear off-the-pulse editor of the magazine,
Farewell. You no longer fulfil me.
Signed,
Krystina

The point is however, that I believed in the motivational strength of these words so much that I applied it as somewhat of a philosophy for myself to work on in the year 2011 and beyond.

“Get out there. Share your ideas. Find your kinships. Start something new. Two heads are better than one.”

Edie Sedgewick and film director Ray Wisniewski in conversation at Andy Warhol

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Wine Reviews October

18 Oct
2011

NARKOOJEE Pinot Noir 2009

Gippsland, Victoria

RRP $24

Gippsland, Victoria, wine

I sat there gazing at the Pinot Noir before me, which at first glance had the appearance and hue of a deep, unfiltered Burgundy.

“Won’t you take me to funkytown!“, I sung to myself.

This steers away from the more ubiquitous style of primary fruit-driven Pinot Noir that you tend to find at this price range. In fact, I’d almost dare to say that it’s a little naughty to be offering such chompy, boastfully-flavoured, savoury goodness so cheaply.

How very Mrs Robinson!

The Graduate, undo bra

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Wine Reviews September

13 Sep
2011

SHADOWFAX Viognier 2010

Goulburn Valley, Victoria

RRP $25

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Wine Reviews August

9 Aug
2011

BY FARR Chardonnay 2007

Geelong, Victoria

RRP $55

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Wine Reviews July

12 Jul
2011

SHIRVINGTON Cabernet Sauvignon

McLaren Vale, South Australia

RRP $55-$65

Hmm…that name…Shirvington. Doesn’t it make you think of the Australian track athlete Matt Shirvington and the package that was so infamously publicized on television years ago?

Or was that just me getting a little excited? Anyway, the joke beckons, but I will save that until last.

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Wine Reviews June

2 Jun
2011

CHALMERS Nero d’Avola 2009

Mildura, Victoria

RRP $29

This is a wine of mid-burgundy hue with dusty pink tones that made me seriously want to watch ‘Pretty in Pink’ because I kept picturing Molly Ringwald’s character fabulously suited up for her prom in that garish pink dress…you remember the one!

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Wine Reviews May

3 May
2011

GIACONDA Aeolia Roussanne 2008

Beechworth, Victoria

Photograph courtesy of the Wine House

Not everybody is privy to the fact that Rick Kinzbrunner of Giaconda has a gorgeous 100% Roussanne wine up his sleeves that he has been making since 2000. Some would say it’s a bit old-school, then rub their hands together as they wait in anticipation for the arrival of his ‘should be interesting‘ Nebbiolo.
Sorry, sidetracked for a moment there!

Back to this wine in particular, it is made from the Nantua and Warner vineyards in Beechworth and called Aeolia. That’s right, Ae-o-li-a. I’m not referring to the pigmented aureole around your nipple nor the Italian garlic mayonnaise aioli. Aeolia is a wine that can go the distance (such as the superb vintage of 2005 Aeolia), or is heavenly in its youth (like the focused 2008 Aeolia). Core to both wines is a heady perfume of honeydew and cashews, a hint of exotic spice, followed with a mouth-filling, tropical fruit, minerally, textural palate that continues to surprise with its length. Who ever thought Roussanne could be so good looking on its own!

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Wine Reviews March

18 Mar
2011

WOODLANDS ‘Chloe’ Reserve Chardonnay 2007

Margaret River, Western Australia

 

There is a definite reason why, like acclaimed wine critics, I have decided to praise this wine so highly: Woodlands have performed a triumphant feat with this sumptuous Reserve Chardonnay! The striking base of white stone fruits and grapefruit acidity was given real drive and length using the battonage technique, which has then added the sublime textural element and persistency in flavour that I am ultimately bragging about. This is one Margaret River Chardonnay that not only makes you sigh, but also makes you sing.

JEANNERET Big Fine Girl Riesling 2008

Clare Valley, South Australia

The Question: What do you get when you cross a Swiss chemist with the Clare Valley, a love of grapes and a beautiful dream?

The Answer: The beginning of Jeanneret where the son, Ben Jeanneret, now runs this kooky business. I introduce to you one of his offspring, the Big Fine Girl Riesling from the 2008 vintage. Appropriately named because she speaks from the more luscious side of the Riesling family with bucketloads of juicy apple and lime fruits with an acidity described as ‘refreshing and bracing as a mountain stream’. Now this is wine with personality!

NGERINGA Chardonnay 2008

Mt Barker, South Australia

 

“Our vineyards are the essence of our wine and the love of what we do, and biodynamics is the path along which we allow their character to shine.” Erinn and Janet at Ngeringa Vineyards wear their poetic hearts on their sleeves and put their passion into the vines and the resultant wines. The minimalist approach leads to no forced additions to the grape juice and it is wild yeast fermented. It is showing excellent intensity of flavour with tart grapefruit, white stone fruits and a thrust of spicy oak. After two years in bottle, this wine is now in perfect harmony. Drink now or in the next couple of years.

SORRENBERG Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2010

Beechworth, Victoria

 

Here is the latest release from the man whom in my eyes can do no wrong by stylistically breaking every rule in the Australian wine book. This is a rocking blend of 80% Sauvignon Blanc and 20% Semillon with the former getting a bold eight hours of skin contact before pressing! This, along with the large barrel fermentation and extended lees contact, has assisted in giving this wine real mid-palate drive and weight complemented by the naturally refreshing, tight acidity. The finish is strong and with such unique structure and overall finesse, this wine exudes Sorrenberg’s character in bucket loads.

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MFWF – Wine Retreat with Dan Sims

14 Mar
2011

I’m such a good girl volunteering my only day off in the week to help pour wine. Not just anybody can pour wine, you know? Clearly, that is why sommeliers and other wino people get asked to contribute a small portion of their time to such wonderful events!

Speaking of pouring skills, I might as well just get my doofus actions out of the way immediately!

So I got asked by Dan Sims (of the Wine Guide and Sommeliers Australia) to volunteer for this event during Melbourne Food & Wine Festival at the Langham Hotel Saturday morning. It would be lovely to sit in on the events, help pour and set up and taste the line-up of wines free of charge so of course I said yes!

Where my debacle comes in was at the start of the day when I was out the back opening some Gembrook Hills Blanc de Blanc sparkling with Leanne Altmann (Assistant Somm at Cutler & Co.) who was also volunteering at the event. Picture Scarlett Johannson and her ad for Moet e Chandon…opening a bottle of sparkling seems seamless, right?

Advertisement courtesy of Moet e Chandon

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Wine Reviews February

18 Feb
2011

TEUSNER Riebke Shiraz 2009

Barossa Valley, SA, Australia

The Riebke is such a sterling performer which makes the consumer thankful to the gang at Teusner for continuing to make it the little affordable quaffer year after year. It is really approachable being mouthwateringly juicy, packed full of flavour and perfectly balanced from acidity through to the firm finish. Winemaker Kym Teusner has a pretty good handle on these vines and has certainly done the Riebke Brothers proud.

DI LENARDO Pinot Grigio IGT 2009

DOC Grave & DOC Aquileia, Friuli, Italy

 

Massimo Di Lenardo is a man of unique character…Aren’t all Italian men for that matter? :-S Regardless, his wines are consistently beautiful, harvested by hand and lovingly made. His winery is located in the Friuli region in the north-east of Italy, in vineyards renowned for producing world-class Pinot Grigio. The palate is juicy with plenty of pear, a twist of lemon and a hint of cashew and a bouquet of Acacia florals, whilst the finish is dry, the acid streamlined and an elegant lingering flavour reminiscent of pear syrup and quince peel. Sure, this is a wine made for an export market, but it accurately targets and pleases Pinot Grigio lovers of a more textural and pear-fruited style.

TYRRELL’S Vat 1 Semillon 2000

Hunter Valley, NSW, Australia


I can’t rave enough about this wine. After doing a vertical tasting of Vat 1 Semillons at my work, I was rapped to find out that patience had paid off. The 2000 has gallantly ridden out of its adolescent maturation phase and now boasts gorgeous toasty notes, cashew and hints of beeswax with a still beautifully textured and restrained palate. The finish is long with sumptuous honeydew notes and leaves you asking your host, “Please sir, I want some more!”

Cheese Match: Try this wine with a soft Brie, perhaps combined in a gorgeous roasted pear, brie and rocket salad

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The ladies check out Luke Lambert’s wines in the Yarra Valley

3 Feb
2011

Oh dear, I was glancing through photos and realised I hadn’t even written up the trip to see Luke Lambert and his wines in the Yarra Valley back on November the 1st.

Oops.

My cousin Amanda is a massive cheese geek and overall foodie. We complement one another perfectly because I’m the massive wine nerd who also loves to eat food. Do you see how we mesh so well now?

After little debate, I convinced Amanda to take the day off work for health reasons and to accompany me on a visit to the Yarra Valley. First stop? Madden’s Rise Winery off the Maroondah Highway and also Luke Lambert‘s hideaway where he weaves his own magic.

After a home-brewed coffee in the lab, a tour through the vineyards to see his nebb (nebbiolo vines) and a sip through and comparison of the Heathcote and Yarra Valley Nebbiolo in barrel, we were met with this:

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Wine Reviews January

18 Jan
2011

SORRENBERG Gamay 2009

Beechworth, Victoria

Sorrenberg’s Barry Morey’s humble offerings earn praise year after year, whether it is for his Sauvignon Blanc/ Semillon, or his stunning Chardonnay which I tend to pine for every so often. His latest Gamay continues this strong tradition. Intriguingly it contains a small portion of Pinot Noir to combine two French styles of Beaujolais and Burgundy. The result is seamless but remarkably distinct with red berry aromatics tied to a hint of fresh cherry. For something made in the depths of a cellar underneath Barry’s house, the wine is a true delight said by those who know all about it.

S C PANNELL Nebbiolo 2007

Adelaide Hills, South Australia


In January 2011 Steve Pannell spread the Aussie love with his ‘All for One Wine’ campaign promoting Australian wines. With so many grape variety options here in Australia and to align myself for a moment with SC Pannell’s thinking, why would I venture overseas just for the day?! (Rheotorical question DO NOT ANSWER!).

OK, so be warned. I am a self-confessed Neb-head. For a variety that some would say is more easily misunderstood than appreciated, I am an ardent advocate of the Nebbiolo grape. The 2007 is classic in style from the autumnal colour, to the delicate red fruits that are beginning to edge into a more savoury tone. The picture is completed by the wonderfully high acidity that is balanced by its lashing of tannin and palate weight. Steve Pannell really is an exceptional producer of this complex variety. Share the Aussie love if you wish.

VINEA MARSON Sangiovese 2008

Heathcote, Victoria


“When the world seems to shine like you’ve had too much wine…” – The dear Dean Martin

As the Best Italian Varietal for the 2011 Good Wine Guide, Mario Marson’s most recent vintage provides the perfect template from which to benchmark great Aussie Sangiovese. A backbone of freshly picked cherries with hints of bramble and a lick of vanilla are complemented by a taut acidity, firm tannic kick and almond meal finish. Get on it.

GROSSET Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2010

Clare Valley, South Australia


For their nineteenth vintage, Grosset has continued to drive for distinction, undoubtedly (and enviably) having one of the best styles in the country. Made from 60% Clare Valley Semillon and 40% Adelaide Hills Sauvignon Blanc, this blend never disappoints in its flavoursome offering of tight citrus and pristine stone fruit perfumes. The overall lemon core provides the generous length and mouthwatering texture. A wine of this intensity will further evolve in the glass so don’t drink it too quickly!

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Wine Reviews December

10 Dec
2010

BRESS GOLD CHOOK CHARDONNAY 2008

The Gold Chook theme is Adam Mark’s ode to things made traditionally with artisan care and minimal intervention. I could go into his love for breeding French chickens, but that would just detour us from focusing on this stunning wine. The fruit comes from the Macedon Ranges and so classically you get a tight wine packed full of grapefruit and citrus flavours whilst the lees stirring and subtle use of oak give it a distinct savoury richness. A beautifully made, hand-crafted wine representing some of the best in cool-climate Chardonnay that Victoria has to offer.

BRESS Gold Chook Chardonnay 2008

Macedon Ranges, Victoria


The Gold Chook theme is Adam Mark’s ode to things made traditionally with artisan care and minimal intervention. I could go into his love for breeding French chickens, but that would just detour us from focusing on this stunning wine. The fruit comes from the Macedon Ranges and so classically you get a tight wine packed full of grapefruit and citrus flavours whilst the lees stirring and subtle use of oak give it a distinct savoury richness. A beautifully made, hand-crafted wine representing some of the best in cool-climate Chardonnay that Victoria has to offer.

GALLI ESTATE Artigiano Sangiovese 2008

Heathcote, Victoria

Sangiovese is one of those success-story varieties and has come a long way in Australia. Our vineyards are becoming more mature with each passing vintage and thus producing richer, more flavoursome and structured fruit. Galli Estate have provided a much appreciated hand in improving the standard of Australian Sangiovese for us consumers. Their current 2008 vintage is drinking fabulously with supple cherry compote and plum flavours lying against some chalky tannins. I had it with pappardelle pasta in a rich tomato sugo and a little part of me died and went to heaven. So sit back, relax, and savour the work of the Artigiano!

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Sorrenberg Chardonnay and Gamay 2009

8 Dec
2010

Not bad for an after work drink

Was drinking the Sorrenberg Chardonnay 2009 at my work today. Super intriguing wine and one of a kind in Australia. Also a big fan of his 2009 Gamay. Sorrenberg’s Barry Morey’s humble offerings earn praise year after year, whether it is for his Sauvignon Blanc/ Semillon, or his stunning Chardonnay which I constantly pine for. His latest Gamay continues this strong tradition. Intriguingly it contains a small portion of Pinot Noir to combine two French styles of Beaujolais and Burgundy. The result is seamless but remarkably distinct with red berry aromatics tied to a hint of fresh cherry. For something made in the depths of a cellar underneath Barry’s house, the wine is a true delight said by those who know all about it.

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Wine Reviews November

18 Nov
2010

FRANKLAND ESTATE Isolation Ridge Riesling 2010

Frankland River, Western Australia


The hardworking team at Frankland Estate have been showcasing the best from this prime vineyard site at Isolation Ridge, which sits on an iron­stone ridge with ancient duplex soils of gravel and loam. Not only does it grow their stunning Isolation Ridge Shiraz, but it is also home to their dry-grown vines that are consistently producing a beautiful Riesling. There are graceful floral notes that then pull you into its juicy citrus palate and distinctly spicy ironstone minerality. An absolute cracker from these guys, and one with the bonus potential to age just as distinguishingly.

PUNTERS CORNER Spartacus Reserve Shiraz 2002

Coonawarra, South Australia


Well we all got a bit excited this week at my work when we decided to pull the almighty Spartacus from out of the cellar! It collected a number of accolades back in the day when it was first released, promising the prospect of ageing beautifully. Do you know what? It is still a commanding wine. There is an unmissable dense blackberry and spice core but the tannins have now smoothed to provide a more refined and delicate finish. I’m sure there’d be plenty of people willing to be a slave to such a stellar wine…

Note: You have failed if you did not get the Spartacus reference there…

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Welcome to Henschke Park, Sam Neill!

27 May
2010
WARNING! Please refrain from touching the wild animals in the cellar on your journey through Henschke Park. We hold no responsibility should you be sprayed with wine, trip over a hose, hear loud noises known as Triple J, or mistake a female animal for a male.
Jack with Sam & Gazza

That’s right Ladies & Gentlemen, today we had an honourable guest arrive at the winery. He has his own winery in NZ called Two Paddocks, and is these days more famously known for his red meat endorsements rather than latest acting accolades. Mind you, he will always hold a special place in my heart for his courageous battles against the animal kingdom in Jurassic Park! I am talking about none other than Sam Neill!

I’ll admit, he looked like an old man coming out of a camping trip…and he is an old man at that, but he was pretty lovely. So lovely in fact that he was nice enough to have a snapshot taken with us goofbags (from left: Gazza, Cynthia (cellar door), Sammy boy, Susannah (PR & Marketing) and Elaine (cellar door). I suppose I shouldn’t pick on his attire considering my own manly threads (shakes head).

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Vintage 2010 Staff Awards

6 May
2010

CREATED BY KRYSTINA MENEGAZZO (TWEEDLEDEE) + KYLIE HENDERSON (TWEEDLEDUM)

For his continued presence, early starts and committed work ethic during the arduous hours of vintage

THE MOST COMMITTED WORKER AWARD
ANDREAS HENSCHKE
TRACK: “Pretty Fly for a White Guy” –
The Offspring

For his totally distinguishable murmurings and particular sayings throughout vintage

THE ELOCUTIONIST AWARD
PETER GRAETZ
TRACK: “Working Class Man” – Jimmy Barnes

For caring for all living and injured creatures and her abiding attention to the vines

A DEGREE IN VETERINARY SCIENCE AND THE DR DOLITTLE AWARD
PRUE HENSCHKE
TRACK: “I Love My Dog” – Cat Stevens

For her gracefulness in the laboratory and ensuring the glassware inventory was replenished sooner than later

THE LADY WITH THE MOST DELICATE TOUCH AWARD
KYLIE HENDERSON
TRACK: “Every Little Thing She Does Is  Magic” – The Police

For setting a chic and high standard in the fashion stakes for the other cellar hands to follow

THE SEXIEST LEGS/HOT PANTS AWARD
HARRY
TRACK: “Hero” – Enrique Inglesias

For providing the ladies at C A Henschke & Co with ample ogling opportunities, we thank you

THE GASSIEST EMPLOYEE BUT WITH THE MOST  FIRM/TIGHT/PEACHY/PINCH-ABLE/HOT ARSE AWARD
JACK WEEDON
TRACK: “I’m Too Sexy For My Shirt”

For his in-your-face humour, quick remarks and routine comedy act with Fella in the lab

THE BEST COMEDY ACT AT THE FRINGE FESTIVAL AWARD
JOSHUA PFEIFFER
TRACK: “Life In The Fast Lane” – The Eagles

For his philandering ways with an ample collection of women that kept him otherwise occupied outside of vintage hours

THE CASANOVA AWARD
STUART DUDINE
TRACK: “Just a Gigolo” + “Stayin’ Alive” –   The Bee Gees

For her abandonment of care to the wind and her elegant, some might say, superior driving skills on the road and forklift

THE KAMIKAZE AWARD
KRYSTINA MENEGAZZO
TRACK: “Most People I Know Think That I’m  Crazy” – The Atzecs

For his perpetual attempts to talk in a French or Italian accent and his ventures into ethnic cuisine with canned ‘rich tomato’ spaghetti

THE WANNABE WOG AWARD
PAUL HAMPTON
TRACK: “The Zorba Dance” – LCD

For his daily comedic routine with too many puns to remember, such as Neville’s ‘road-tested’ or ‘rocky road’ Grenache

THE BEST DAD JOKES AWARD
STEPHEN HENSCHKE
TRACK: “Praise You” – Fatboy Slim

 

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Last night…I popped my Grange cherry!

5 May
2010

We did it inconspicuously at the restaurant called 1918 during the end-of-vintage dinner being celebrated for Henschke Winery where I’ve been working the last few months. If I had to describe the experience with him for the first time, I would say he was amazing. Did I mention that I had him alongside the 2005 Henschke Hill of Grace to compare for good measure? Both left a lasting impression and were of a very high standard, although if truth be told, upon tasting them blind, I commented that the Henschke Hill of Grace was doing more wondrous things to my mouth than the Penfolds Grange at this stage. So there you have it.

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Schnitty night

15 Apr
2010

The last schnitty nite (schnitzels) was held at the Eden Valley Pub. This time we went closer to home and went to my ‘local’ pub Angus Park in Nuriootpa. We were a large group of 14 arriving all together and having a drink at the bar before sitting down for a relaxed work dinner, generously covered by Henschke Winery.

Schnitties were nice all around, I had mine with a Diane sauce on Fella’s recommendation seeing as normally I like mine just plain with perhaps a slice of lemon. It only gave them more reason to call me a Mexican because I was not in the habit of putting some bizarre topping like ‘prawns and bernaise’ or ‘Hawaiian’ mix on top of the meat!
Wines were a real treat and I have listed below the highlights for your viewing pleasure:
2008 Shadowfax Chardonnay East Gippsland
2008 RK Chardonnay Beechworth (Giaconda’s)
2002 Cullen’s Chardonnay Margaret River
2005 Fossati Dolcetto d’Alba DOC by Brezza Giacomo e Figli, Barolo
2005 Domaine Brusset Gigondas AOC Les Hauts De Montmirail
2002 Rosemount Estate Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon Mountain Estate
2005 Rockford’s Basket Press Shiraz
1986 Cape Mentelle Cabernet Sauvignon
1975 Wolf Blass Shiraz + 25% Cabernet Sauvignon
2008 Shadowfax Fortified Shiraz (vintage port aka ‘Farnacles’)
Yummmmmmmo

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Ola’ it’s Gazza bucketing out Spa 13 – Tempranillo!

14 Apr
2010

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