Posts Tagged ‘Wine’
Tonight.
To eat: Baked Beans courtesy of Tresna.
Now, Two Metre Tall cider (more on this later).
Next. Some Young Punks “The Squids Fist” Sangiovese/Shiraz.
Later. Running with Bulls Tempranillo.
(this order may vary)
You should follow me on Twitter.Governor-General’s Wine Cellar
A few weeks ago I posted about the Governor-General’s wine cellar. At the time there was very little information at hand other than the article in The Age so I contacted Senator Scott Ryan’s office who has provided the entire list. Here for your viewing the entire list of wine at Government and Admirality House. This cellar is pretty impressive and I would personally be very disappointed if it was sold and not appreciated by the guests of our “head of state”.
The purchase price of the current cellar is $88,067 but I would suggest that the real value is more than twice that. Needless to say, whoever has put this collection together (the previous Governor-Generals) has pretty good taste, or at least pretty expensive taste.
The wines marked with ** have been purchased by the current Governor-General
| Type of wine |
Number on hand |
| Baileys Bundarra Cl Herm 1989 | 12 |
| Bannockburn Shiraz 1996 | 48 |
| Bleasdale Shiraz Cab/Sav 2003 | 6 |
| Bleasdale The Wise One Verdelh | 12 |
| Blue Cutting Rd Cab/Merlot 03 | 9 |
| Brands Cabernet Sauvignon 1997 | 12 |
| Brands Shiraz 1997 | 12 |
| **Brindabella Ries 08** | 7 |
| Brown Bros Banks. Shiraz 1997 | 24 |
| Brown Bros Fam Res Chard 1995 | 3 |
| Brown Bros Graciano 1997 | 9 |
| Brown Bros LH Nob Ries Dess 96 | 6 |
| Brown Bros LH Noble Ries 1998 | 1 |
| Brown Bros Orange Muscat/Flora | 6 |
| Brown Bros Pat Pinot Chard 97 | 12 |
| Brown Bros Pat Shiraz 2000 | 24 |
| Brown Bros Verdelho 1999 | 9 |
| **Chalkers Cross CabSav 06** | 24 |
| Chalkers Crossing Merlot 04 | 4 |
| Charles Cimilky CabSav 1992 | 23 |
| **Clare Vall St John Blanc de B** | 58 |
| Clare Vall Stephen John Blanc | 28 |
| Coldstreams Hills R Chard 1996 | 6 |
| Dalwhinne Shiraz 05 | 12 |
| Dalwhinnie Moonambel Chard 00 | 3 |
| Dalwhinnie P/Noir 2001 | 3 |
| D’Arenb GrenShirMourvedre 1993 | 12 |
| D’Arenberg CabMerl Franc 2002 | 12 |
| **D’Arenberg Ceno CAT 07** | 18 |
| D’Arenberg D’arrys Orig SG05 | 34 |
| D’Arenberg Dead Arm Shiraz ’00 | 18 |
| D’Arenberg Fort Shiraz 2000 | 12 |
| D’Arenberg Noble Reisling 95 | 10 |
| D’Arenberg Noble Ries 1998 | 12 |
| D’Arenberg Pepperrm. Pdk Champ | 10 |
| D’Arenberg Shiraz 2000 | 4 |
| D’Arenberg The Stump Jump GSM | 25 |
| **D’Berg Fish Sav Blanc 09** | 24 |
| **D’berg Money Spider Rouss 06** | 24 |
| **D’berg Money Spider Rouss 07** | 12 |
| **D’Berg Noble Riesling 08** | 6 |
| **D’Berg Stump Jump Sticky 08** | 48 |
| Devils Lair Chardonnay 1998 | 36 |
| Elderton Botrytis Semil 2004 | 12 |
| Elderton Botrytis Semillion 02 | 4 |
| Elderton Botrytis Semillion 05 | 3 |
| Elderton Command Shiraz 2001 | 6 |
| Elderton CSM 2001 | 24 |
| Elderton Friends Riesling 05 | 13 |
| Elderton Merlot 2001 | 7 |
| Elderton SB Verdelho 04 | 1 |
| **Fire Block Grenache 03** | 12 |
| **G/Burge Hillcot Merlot 07** | 1 |
| **Geoff Merrill Shiraz Gren Mouv** | 35 |
| Grant Burge H.T GrenShirM 1997 | 23 |
| Grant Burge Mashach Herm 1991 | 12 |
| Grant Burge Meshach Herm 00 | 6 |
| Grant Burge Meshach Herm 1996 | 24 |
| Grant Burge Meshach Herm 1998 | 36 |
| Grant Burge Shad. CabSav 1996 | 24 |
| H/ford Hill Btryt Sem 2004 | 9 |
| Hav Alkoomi Blackbutt Blend 98 | 24 |
| Hav Alkoomi CabSav 2001 | 24 |
| Hav Alkoomi LH Chard 2004 | 12 |
| Hav Alkoomi Shir Viognier 2002 | 12 |
| Hav Edlerton Est Shiraz 2002 | 12 |
| Hav Wil Br Rs CabSav Rose 2003 | 12 |
| Hav Willow Br CabSav 2001 | 24 |
| Hav Willow Br Est Merlot 2001 | 2 |
| Hav Willow Br Res Shiraz 2001 | 10 |
| Henscke Hill of Gr. Shiraz ’94 | 19 |
| Henscke Hill of Gr. Shiraz ’96 | 6 |
| Henscke Hill of Grace Shir 1993 | 2 |
| Henscke Mt Edelstone Shir 1996 | 8 |
| Hungerford Botrytis Sem 2000 | 1 |
| Hungerford Hill Botrytis Sem05 | 26 |
| Ingoldby Cabernet Sauvignon 89 | 12 |
| Jasper Hill G. Padd. Shiraz 93 | 36 |
| Jim Barry The Armagh Shir 1998 | 4 |
| Jim Barry The Armagh Shiraz 96 | 2 |
| Jim Barry The Armagh Shiraz 99 | 36 |
| Kilikanoon Conv Shiraz 2002 | 12 |
| Kilikanoon Oracle Shiraz 2002 | 8 |
| Lindemans H.R Burg. Shiraz ’91 | 24 |
| Lindemans L.R Shiraz Cab 1992 | 24 |
| Longview My Fat Goose SSB 06 | 38 |
| **Longview Red Bucket Shir Ca 07** | 21 |
| **Longview Red Bucket SSB 07** | 8 |
| **Longview Whippet SBlanc 08** | 48 |
| **Majella Musician 07** | 67 |
| Majella Musician 2004 | 26 |
| Majella Musician 2006 | 12 |
| McWilliams Mt Pleas. Shiraz 96 | 24 |
| Miceli Michael Meth/Champ 2001 | 12 |
| Moorilla B/L UnW Chard 03 | 6 |
| Moorilla Botrytis SB 05 | 6 |
| Moorilla Res Pinot Noir 1999 | 6 |
| Moorilla Vintage Brut 2000 | 12 |
| Mount Langi Ghir Shiraz 1990 | 3 |
| Mount Langi Ghiran Ries 1999 | 16 |
| Mount Mary Lilyd Cab 1990 | 4 |
| MSV The Barossa 2005 | 12 |
| Oakridge Res Cab Sauvignon 91 | 5 |
| Old Station Gren/Shiraz 1999 | 8 |
| Parker Estate TRFG Shiraz ’98 | 24 |
| Penfolds Bin 407 CabSav 1990 | 30 |
| Penfolds Bin 707 CabSav 1997 | 24 |
| Penfolds Bin 707 CabSav 1998 | 22 |
| Penfolds Gr Herm 1985 | 17 |
| Penfolds Gr Herm 1986 | 32 |
| Penfolds Gr Herm 1987 | 12 |
| Penfolds Gr Herm 1988 | 8 |
| Penfolds Gr Herm 1989 | 12 |
| Penfolds Gr Herm 1990 | 2 |
| Penfolds Gr Herm 1991 | 6 |
| Penfolds Gr Herm 1992 | 3 |
| Penfolds Gr Herm 1993 | 36 |
| Penfolds Gr Herm 1995 | 30 |
| Penfolds Gr Herm 1996 | 48 |
| Penfolds Gr Herm 1997 | 42 |
| Penfolds Mag.Est Shiraz 1992 | 24 |
| Penfolds Mag.Est Shiraz 1997 | 12 |
| Penfolds Mag.Est Shiraz 1998 | 24 |
| Pepp Tr GR C’Warra CabSav 2000 | 12 |
| Pepper Tree R C’Warra Mer 1998 | 12 |
| Petaluma (Hanlin Hill) Ries 02 | 26 |
| Peter Lehm Ment CabMerSM 1996 | 12 |
| Peter Lehm Ment CabMerSM 1997 | 12 |
| Peter Lehm Stone. Shiraz 1991 | 12 |
| Peter Lehm Stone. Shiraz 1996 | 24 |
| Peter Lehmann Shiraz 1998 | 24 |
| Pirramimma R Petit Verdot 2001 | 24 |
| Pitchfork Cab Shz Mer 2005 | 12 |
| **Pitchfork Sem SB 08** | 36 |
| Polkolbin Lks Foll Cab 1996 | 2 |
| Polkolbin Lks Foll Cab 1998 | 3 |
| Polkolbin Lks Foll Cab 2000 | 12 |
| Redbank Emily NV | 48 |
| Rosemount B.S Shiraz 1995 | 6 |
| Rutherglen Botrytis Musca 05 | 24 |
| Rutherglen Ratafia 2003 | 6 |
| Rutherglen Ratafia Viognier 03 | 1 |
| Rutherglen Shiraz Durif 2006 | 24 |
| Rymeill Merlot Cabernet 2001 | 6 |
| Rymill June Traminer | 1 |
| Rymill Merlot Cabernet 2001 | 15 |
| Sandalford Sandalera | 7 |
| Seagrams Sambucca Liqueur | 2 |
| Shottersbrooke Merlot 2003 | 12 |
| Tatachilla Cab Sauvignon 1999 | 24 |
| Tatachilla F.L Shiraz 1998 | 24 |
| Thomas Hardy C’Warra CabSav 90 | 11 |
| Tyrrells McLaren Merlot 99 | 16 |
| Tyrrells McLaren Shiraz 00 | 24 |
| Tyrrells RH Shiraz 00 | 15 |
| Tyrrells RH Shiraz 98 | 6 |
| Tyrrells Rufus S Merlot 00 | 12 |
| Tyrrells Show Res Cab Sav 1990 | 4 |
| Tyrrells T Block G’traminer 05 | 7 |
| Tyrrells Vat 1 Sem 96 | 3 |
| Tyrrells Vat 1 Semillon 1996 | 24 |
| Tyrrells Vat 1 Semillon 1997 | 1 |
| Tyrrells Vat 47 Chard 00 | 10 |
| Tyrrells Vat 47 Pinot Chard 00 | 1 |
| Tyrrells Vat 47 Pinot Chard 99 | 36 |
| Tyrrells Vat 55 Shiraz Mer 98 | 24 |
| Tyrrells Vat 6 Pinot Noir 1996 | 9 |
| Tyrrells Vat 9 Shiraz 1991 | 23 |
| Tyrrells Vat 9 Shiraz 1995 | 36 |
| Tyrrells Vat 9 Shiraz 1998 | 12 |
| Vasse Felix noble Riesling 00 | 2 |
| Virgin Hills Blends CabShir 88 | 12 |
| Water Wheel Memise Red 06 | 69 |
| **Water Wheel Memsie White 07** | 6 |
| Water Wheel’Memsie’ 2003 | 7 |
| Watermark Cabernet Sauv 2002 | 12 |
| Wellington Iced Reisling 2001 | 6 |
| Wellington Iced Riesling Des. | 1 |
| **West Cape Howe Riesling 08** | 37 |
| **West Cape Howe Rose 08** | 1 |
| **West Cape Howe Sau Blanc 08** | 24 |
| **West Cape Howe SS Blanc 08** | 31 |
| **West Cape Howe Tempranillo 07** | 7 |
| West Cape Howe Viognier 07 | 6 |
| Wilson Leucothea Liq Gew | 1 |
| 375 Wirra PinotGris 2003 | 1 |
| Wirra Wirra Late Picked Pinot | 8 |
| Witchmount Estate Cab. Merl 04 | 12 |
| Wynns Cent. Cab Shiraz 1991 | 24 |
| Wynns C’Warr Ridd Cab Sav 1992 | 3 |
| Wynns C’Warr Ridd Cab Sav 1993 | 13 |
| Wynns C’Warra Cab Sav 1986 | 5 |
| Wynns C’Warra JR CabSav 92 | 6 |
| Wynns C’Warra ridd Cab/Sauv 90 | 7 |
| Yalumba Menzies Cab Sav 1988 | 36 |
| Yalumba Menzies Cab Sav 1992 | 11 |
| Yalumba Menzies Cab Sav 97 | 12 |
| Yalumba Octavius Shiraz 1992 | 11 |
| Yalumba Signat Cab Shiraz 92 | 12 |
| Yalumba Signat Cab Shiraz 97 | 18 |
| Yalumba Signat Cab Shiraz 98 | 24 |
| Yalumba Virgilius Viog 2000 | 10 |
| Yarra Yering D.R Cab Shiraz 88 | 12 |
| Yering Station R Pinot G Botry | 3 |
A Dinner Party Menu
Tomato panna cotta with basil syrup
with Turkey Flat 2008 Barossa Valley Marsanne Vigonier Roussanne and Rolf Binder ‘Christa Rolf’ 2008 Barossa Valley Semillon
Prawns and Pipis in a light paella style sauce and sourdough bread
with Kooyong Estate ‘Massale’ 2008 Mornington Peninsula Pinot Noir, Te Kairanga 2008 Martinborough Pinot Noir and Innocent Bystander 2008 Yarra Valley Pinot Noir.
Olive and rosemary encrusted lamb rack served wtih kipfler potatoes, peas, asparagus and broccoli greens
with Allies 2009 Heathcote Shiraz and Negoce 2007 Heathcote Shiraz.
Warm rhubarb and strawberry pie
You should follow me on Twitter.Vinography in Australia
One of my favourite wine bloggers, Alder Yarrow, is currently in Australia checking out a few of our wine regions (the trip is sponsored by Wine Australia and Tourism Australia). I’ve long been a fan of his writing, the focus on people and place is something I believe is sorely missing in the traditional wine media and I’m really excited that it is Australia’s turn. From his Twitter account and inital post, it seems he started in the Yarra Valley, has been to Heathcote, Beechworth, King Valley, Mclaren Vale and is now in the Barossa Valley.
If you are interested in his adventures in Australian wine, I will keep the following list up to date.
- Yarra Yering (my favourite Yarra Valley wines)
- Castagna Winery – Beechworth
- Artisans of the Barossa Valley
Confused Governor General doesn’t know what to do with Wine
Update: I have just published the full list of wine in the Governor General’s wine cellar.
An article in The Age today discusses the problem that Governor General Quentin Bryce (who doesn’t drink often) and her teetotalling husband have with their inheritance of a pretty amazing wine cellar. The article suggests that they are thinking about selling it, donating some of it to charity or something else. They also don’t want to serve it to guests because they don’t want to be seen to be extravagant.
Personally, I don’t see the problem here. Let me put it this way. Wine is meant to be drunk. If you don’t want to serve a nice bottle of wine to your guests then don’t. You are only going to come across looking cheap and promoting the idea to your international guests that Australian wine is cheap and shit. Doesn’t sound like something most people would do, given the choice.
This wine isn’t going to go bad, in fact it’s only going to get better. It’s not yours to sell, but it is yours to drink. Stop whinging like a kid that can’t spend your inheritance fast enough. Either enjoy it, or leave it for the next person.
Wine Tasting – By Farr Wines
Recently I attended a wine masterclass with Nick Farr of By Farr and Farr Rising (hosted by Randalls Cellar.) This is the sort of event that I, as someone with more than a passing interest in wine, absolutely love. A chance to talk to winemakers about how they make the wine, what they intend for it and where it will go in the future. I hate it when you go to a cellar door and you are told what is written on the tasting notes of the wine and not about what was involved in making it. Thankfully the focus of these sessions is very rarely about the wine itself and more so about the wine as a journey.
Nick was going to be a sports teacher until his father Gary sent him to an industry wine tasting before he started university. He cites the unlimited supply of oysters, beer and wine as what turned him onto the track of winemaker. Gary was the perfect mentor for a young winemaker, sending him straight to the United States and Burgundy to be taught in what he considered to be the wineries of the best Pinot Noir producers in the world. You get the impression that after countless vintages around the world and his own label from the Geelong area, Gary has finally handed over some semblance of control to Nick. He has headed overseas for a holiday and has only called to have more money put in the account.
Nick’s passion for wine is captivating. He has a great grounding in the new and old worlds of winemaking and shares his knowledge of wine and his own vineyards with ease. So much of the focus on wine today is on terroir and this case is no different. The sites for the vineyards have been carefully selected for their soil, aspect and locations and it wouldn’t surprise me if Nick has walked every inch. The particular site that Nick was most excited about was their “Tout Pres” vineyard. This site has 3 types of soil and 3 different slopes each with different facings.
The By Farr winemaking style is particularly standoffish, with the least interaction from the winemaker. Pinot Noir grapes are fragile and overworking them will make the wine tired. Instead, the winemaking is done in the vineyard tending the vines. The hand picked grapes are whole bunched pressed, and very little is done after the wine is barrelled. The whole bunches add tannins (hopefully not too much herbaceousness) creating a wine with great structure and funkiness (sic).
This structure, perfume and funk is evident in the flavours of all of the wines. The Pinot Noirs are rich and complex with great tobacco flavours throughout. The “Tout Pres” is particularly interesting with the quartz in the soil bringing through a minerality rarely tasted in Pinot Noir. My choice however was the “Farrago” Chardonnay/Viognier. This white has exceptional mineral flavours and an oily but not overdone mouthfeel. Interestingly, the blend is 50/50 but the apricot flavours of the Viognier are surprisingly subdued.
This introduction to the By Farr winery has me really interested in Geelong Pinot Noir and anything that Nick Farr is involved with. The prices on this label ($50-$90 a bottle) are sadly well out of my price range and having this opportunity to taste them was amazing; given the chance I would love to buy a case or 2.
You should follow me on Twitter.MxMo: Hard Drinks for Hard Times – Cheap wine cocktails
The theme for this month’s Mixology Monday is “Hard Drinks for Hard Times” hosted over at the recently laid off Matthew Rowley’s blog. His thinking is, that in the current economic climate a lot of us are having trouble drinking well – actually, he says he is drinking better than ever due to having stockpiled huge amounts of booze over a long period of time. This is pretty much the complete opposite to me, I’ve been a student for just about as long as I can remember and drinking cheap is something I’ve become pretty accustomed to.
I’ve got a heap of tricks for getting on the booze cheap, but thinking about how to make some cheap cocktails got me thinking back to drinks 2 of my friends have told me about. Both of them involve mixing wine (generally very cheap wine) with something to make it slightly bearable. The beauty of this is that wine here in Australia seems to be getting cheaper and cheaper due to the rise of cleanskins. What can be better, grabbing a $5 bottle of wine that wasn’t too bad to begin with and making it better.
The first is known as Calimocho, Jameses assures me that when he was in Spain he used to buy a 2 litre bottle of red wine and mix it about 50/50 with red wine. Cheap, nasty but tasty. The second drink was recently introduced to me by my French housemates, known as “Kir“, it is a dry white wine mixed with creme de cassis, peach liqueur or blackberry liqueur. This is really quite tastey and can just top off a ridiculously cheap bottle of Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay. The other option is to use sparkling wine instead.
I fully support the cuting of costs in regards to boozing, but remember. Friends don’t let friends drink Grants or Pipers.
You should follow me on Twitter.