Mother Nature: An Ally in the Vineyard
Vintage 2021
The 2021 vintage was an auspicious way to cement that professional partnership between the couple, with the weather swinging away from the hot and dry conditions of recent years to usher in a year that John says had the coolest average temperatures since the 2001–02 growing period
In 2021, we had Mother Nature on our side once again. It has been challenging the past two years, but this year gave us sufficient rains for the vines to grow large and healthy canopies, protecting the fruit from the sun. A slower ripening period allowed for perfect ripening conditions, retaining great acidity in the berries – just what we require to make great Riesling.Happily, favourable conditions in November also allowed for ideal flowering, with the vines carrying a good, balanced crop that was supported by the earlier spring rains. Those rains set the vines up ideally in the warm spring for what was then a cool and dry summer, which saw intense flavours develop at low potential alcohol levels alongside thrilling natural acidity. Well-timed rain events kept the vines fresh, while disease pressure was not a concern. All in all, an idyllic year with the potential for great wines across the Rieslingfreak spectrum, from dry and racy styles to those carrying residual sugar. Well-timed rain events kept the vines fresh, while disease pressure was not a concern. All in all, an idyllic year with the potential for great wines across the Rieslingfreak spectrum, from dry and racy styles to those carrying residual sugar.
09/08/2021 at 11:11 PM
Permalink
The Pawn Makes a Move with New Labels
Tom Keelan (viticulturist and winemaker), Rebecca Wilson (Winemaker) and David Blows (a leading Adelaide Hills vigneron) joined forces. The 3 Amigos feared that special parcels of fruit, in exceptional vineyard sites were being blended away into "large company" wines..in essence they decided to channel their skills towards small batch winemaking, and to stop being "pawns" of the global game. A recent label change has seen this smart brand really "go there" and we're loving them.
The carefully hand selected parcels of fruit produce wines that are not only unconventional, but incredibly food friendly.
New for the brand is the Pawn Star Maturana Tinta 2018. Another bold and beautiful label. "A rare grape in the Adelaide Hills, producing a rich, ripe and vibrant red with attractive aromas of spice, earth and bracken, leading to a bold but drinkable palate that is packed with ripe dark-berry and plum flavors. The tannins are carved in thick, soft slices. Drink over the next five years." 92 Points, Nick Stock
09/08/2021 at 4:00 PM
Permalink
Taittinger x Van Gogh Alive
Late last year Mezzanine The Fine Wine Specialist welcomed Champagne Taittinger into the collection. Since then together we have joined with two prestigious partners in Australia who encompass and highlight our shared passion to create moments of great enjoyment and pleasure.
Van Gogh Alive is an unforgettable multisensory experience, hailed as the most visited in the world. Travelling to most major cities across Australia from 2021, Champagne Taittinger is proud to be the official Champagne partner of a perfectly aligned celebration of elegance, heritage and luxury.
09/08/2021 at 3:22 PM
Permalink
The Imports Specialist on Bright Dry Reds
There is no doubt that lighter-framed, high-toned reds have been surging in popularity. I’m talking the likes of Gamay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Dolcetto to name a few of the current number one hits. They are so versatile, and you can serve them chilled if you fancy. But in the cooler months the more medium-bodied, savoury styles of reds are chiming in with some serious vigour and an equal amount of excitement. I’m not only talking single-varietal celebrations, but the artful skill in making great wines from meticulously crafted blends. The blend can certainly be your friend!
When you think of the Veneto in Italy you would normally have your Soave hat on. When you think of Carmenѐre you probably are dreaming you were in Chile right now and actually able to travel out of Australia. Veneto Legend Stefano Inama did some early trials that showed there was great potential for Carmenѐre just south east of the Soave Hills (Colli Berici). Each plot is assessed, worked, harvested and vinified separately. Inama are entering an exciting new phase working with Bordeaux’s Stephane Derenoncourt Consultants alongside their own talented team including son’s Alessio, Luca and Matteo. Watch this space!
Matt Dunne - Wine Group Ambassador
Inama Carmenere Più IGT 2018
(70% Carmenѐre and 30% Merlot) From low yielding, organically farmed vines. Bursting aromas of red cherries, cocoa and black pepper. Palate is fresh, spicy with a juicy smattering of layered red & black fruits, soft powdery tannins and a sophisticated, long length. Did someone say grilled pork, polenta, mushrooms and cheese?
Tell your customers: Think of it as a great alternative to Valpolicella or an Argentinean Malbec.
Fabien Jouves You F&@k My Wine 2020
This is a blend of 50% Malbec and 50% Jurançon Noir from a single 0.5 hectare plot located on a hill 350 metres above sea level with calcareous soils. From 50 year old vines the wine is vatted in cement tanks and barrels and macerates on skins for 7 days. Lashings of fresh raspberry and cherry on the nose and palate. Fresh, intense with a rustic tannin profile and some slight meatier notes (salami) and spice elements (wild sage). Definitely the ultimate mid-week pizza wine and it’s such a great drink by itself.
Tell your customers: Ever tried a Jurançon Noir? Typically has a moderate level of alcohol and colour and often used to make rosé or lighter styles of red. Supposedly named after the commune of Jurançon in the Pyrenees-Altantiques, in the far south west of France.
Domaine Louis Claude Desvignes Morgon Saint Vincent 2020
The beginning of the Desvignes range is Saint Vincent, which comes from numerous estate parcels in Douby, north of the Côte du Py and bordering Fleurie. Douby has deeper, sandier, granitic soils and yields a more supple style of Morgon compared to Py's famously muscular one. The vines for La Voûte average 60 years old. This wine sports an easily digestible tone, echoing the resonance of its schist terroir, dark black fruits with firmly framed tannins and a sleek, fresh finish. Beef Pho and vegetarian spring rolls with this please!
Tell your customers: The Morgon cru, overlooked by Mont du Py, is the largest of the Beaujolais crus. The famous Côte du Py is made up of decomposed shale.
29/07/2021 at 1:42 PM
Permalink
15 Years of Tar & Roses
It's been 15 years. Some will remember the launch of this brand. We do. It was such a formative time in Mezzanine's history. These beautifully expressive, in-the-moment wines have been a pleasure to bring to the market from day one.
A perfectly odd couple of winemakers Narelle King and Don Lewis. Together they were the rugged beauty of Tar & Roses' Central Victorian home. The grip of tannin and the perfume of fruit: elegant power; a balance that few can replicate; a walking, talking, winemaking paradox.
Their friendship was defined by their differences as much as their similarities. Their deep love and highly-tuned skill for making wine from Mediterranean varieties was a commonality we have enjoyed watching flourish these past 15 years.
We were so sad to lose Don to cancer four years ago. His legacy lives on through Narelle and in every glass of Tar & Roses. He is missed, but certainly not forgotten.
Reflections
By Narelle King
"When I reflect on the last fifteen years it makes me smile. It makes me happy to think of our achievements over this time, the problems we overcame, the fun we had along the way and the joy our wines bring to so many people.
In the bigger scheme of things fifteen years is nothing but it feels like we’ve packed a lot of change and growth into a short period of time. Being able to make an array of different varieties from different areas around Victoria has given Tar&Roses the opportunity to engage with multiple vineyards and wineries each with their own distinctive personalities and foibles.
From the King Valley to Faraday/Sutton Grange, Strathbogie Ranges to Heathcote, Murrandindi to the Yarra Valley and multiple sites in between. Above all though the personal interactions and relationships that we have been able to foster makes us feel connected to the greater Victorian wine team not just team Tar&Roses.
Over this time the change in consumer tastes has been a blessing with more people turning to the alternative varieties. Its hard to believe today that Pinot Grigio was once considered an alternative variety as it is almost as ubiquitous now as Sauvignon Blanc once was in the nineties. Consumers still struggle a little with pronunciations, eg: Neb_bilio instead of Nebb_i_olo, but essentially who cares so long as people are willing to try.
We started with PIG, Sang, Temp, Neb and Shiraz however over the years we have introduced five new variants. First was our Spanish wine, made and bottled in Spain from Grenache, Carinena, Shiraz, Cab Sav and Merlot simply called Miro.
To the introduction of our Riesling and premium shiraz, The Rose Shiraz in 2013 and finally our NV Prosecco and Nebbiolo Rose in 2019. Each has its own individuality and place within the range, and each are all distinctly varietal.
With our grape sourcing coming from far and wide we settled on Nagambie, in Central Victoria as our home and barrel store.Nagambie also being Don’s home and well situated for easy access to vineyards and winery options.
Unfortunately, Don contracted cancer and died in early 2017. He loved Tar & Roses and what we had be able to achieve and it also gives me great pleasure to think we have been able to continue and grow the brand successfully in his absence. He would be so happy to see how many people now love and drink the Pinot Grigio.
"[Don] would be so happy to see how many people now love and drink the Pinot Grigio." - Narelle King Winemaker Tar & Roses
And the next fifteen years, well who knows. Life is short and you do really need to “just do it”. I think Covid has taught us to appreciate that and what’s important in our lives. Just like good coffee, you should enjoy the things that make you happy, especially fine wine."
29/07/2021 at 1:05 PM
Permalink
Escape to the Country | A Photographic Essay
What a brilliant thirty six hour jaunt in the depths of NSW wine.
Stops in Gundagai, Eurongilly, Wallaroo & Bungendore.
With special thanks to Jenny and Katie from Mezzanine TFWS and James from red+white, Annette Lacey and her team of Sommeliers from Solotel, and of course the phenomonal producers Nick Spencer from Nick Spencer Wines, Nick and Amy O'Leary from Nick O'Leary wines, Chris Carpenter from Lark Hill winery and Simon Rebertson from Tumblong Hills.
Nick Spencer (left) & James Kilmartin unpacking the essentials into the delightful Airbnb 'The Crossing Place' in Gundagai, NSW.
Leaves on the Riesling vines slowly yellowing in the Autumn sun. Nick O'Leary estate vinyards in Wallaroo, about 30mins NW of Canberra's CBD, yet oddly in NSW.
The picturesque dinner setting on the crest on Nick Spencer's yet to be planted, new vineyard. Situated in the tiny hamlet of Eurongilly in the central part of the Riverina and situated about 19 kilometres north west of Nangus and 21 kilometres south east of Junee.
Sampling a glass of Nick Spencer's Tumbarumba Chardonnay while the suns sets and the temperature sharply drops. Eurongilly, NSW.
Esky diving.
Ted Rutledge (Aria, Sydney) getting a warm welcome from one of the Eurongilly locals.
The hearty campfire. A long dead tree from the property was hoist up the dusty track and lit five hours prior to our arrival to ensure maximum guest warmth.
08/07/2021 at 11:14 AM
Permalink
Cullen Celebrates 50 Years of Fine Wine
A brief break from most lockdowns and a fleetingly-ajar Western Australian border saw MTFWS representatives Jenny Butcher (NSW), Gae Grant (QLD), Nick Kay (SA), Tyrone Stott (WA) and Craig Haworth (QLD) join Vanya Cullen and some very special guests for the 50 Years Tasting and associated events.
"Venturing into the vines we planted sunflower seeds in the centre of the vineyard which had been marked with a special quartz stone. Spending time among the vines emphasised how central the earth, soil and site are to the wine. Feeling the energy held in the land and finding the "heart" beating beneath our feet." - Gae Grant MTFWS (QLD)
"We were totally spoiled. The Kevin John and Diana Madeline verticals were once-in-a-lifetime. I also found the Semillon Sauvignon Blanc tastings so interesting. The original Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc (Cullen Vineyard) were planted in the 70s, with planting of the Mangan Vineyard commencing the mid-1990s. Originally, Cullen blended the two vineyards, but the introduction of biodynamics in 2006 began to amplify the sites' own styles. Vanya decided to showcase their individuality release both a Cullen and a Mangan Vineyard wine from then on. Seeing the differences emerge through time was illuminating." - Gae Grant MTFWS (QLD)
"It was such a privilege to attend the tastings and absorb the conversations of some of the country’s best wine writers and industry leaders. Vanya’s passion shone through in the wines and expressed her vision in every glass." - Nick Kay (SA)
08/06/2021 at 11:27 AM
Permalink
Family Matters
|
Passionately led by sisters Katherine and Julia Jackson, Cambria Estate sits on storied land located in the cool, coastal ridges of the Santa Maria Valley. Early pioneers of this region, Jess Jackson and Barbara Banke purchased the estate in 1986. All wines are single vineyard expressions, sustainably farmed, and Estate grown, produced and bottled. Known for site-specific Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from Katherine’s and Julia’s vineyards. As home to a rare geological feature, found in only a few places in the Western Hemisphere, the Santa Maria Valley is an ideal place to make wine. A transverse mountain range—running east-west instead of a common north-south orientation—plays a major role in grapes’ maturation. Cool air and fog funnel from the Pacific Ocean inland. Not only is it a wine produced amidst the stress and uncertainty of the Covid19 lockdown, but it is also the inaugural release of an organic single vineyard wine from the Nanny Goat Vineyard in Queensberry. |
These elements temper what would normally be a hot climate. The Jackson sisters and winemaker Jill Russell refer to the climate as their “refrigerated sunshine.” As a result, the vines benefit from a long and steady growing season, about 200 days a year compared Burgundy’s 160-day-long season, and it’s easy to see how Cambria wines develop a beautiful texture and great fruit, while still retaining energy and bright acidity.
The Pacific Ocean not only influences the climate, but our soils as well. Marine sediments, like seashells and fossils, coupled with mixed sand, create numerous sites, all which give grapes diverse personalities and profiles. A good place to start is the Cambria Julia's Pinot Noir 2019 and Cambria Katherine's Chardonnay 2019.
NANNY GOAT QUEENSBERRY CHARDONNAY 2020 and NANNY GOAT QUEENSBERRY PINOT NOIR 2020 available now in limited quantities through your Mezzanine The Fine Wine Specialist Area Manager
SHOP ALL NANNY GOAT VINEYARD WINES
19/10/2016 at 8:59 AM
Permalink
My Fourth Blog Post
This is a blog post. Learn how to add/edit blog posts here »
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Nam nisl nunc, mattis et interdum quis, elementum ac ligula. Sed nulla nisl, posuere eget euismod quis, aliquet nec eros. In libero libero, tristique ut interdum et, dictum porta mi. Suspendisse id egestas lectus.
Proin justo lectus, blandit vel auctor nec, pretium venenatis elit. Phasellus purus justo, tempor ut molestie luctus, eleifend eget quam. Aliquam pulvinar neque ac leo euismod sed vulputate ipsum semper. Sed sed quam sed diam consectetur mollis vitae nec urna. Cras fermentum nisl eget augue dictum id euismod metus tincidunt. Maecenas a lorem risus. Nunc sit amet ante luctus lacus porta varius. Mauris eu ante vitae eros faucibus aliquet nec ac nisl.
Vestibulum pharetra, orci id aliquet venenatis, velit turpis rutrum velit, eget pharetra turpis lectus nec massa. In ultricies massa a tortor blandit cursus. Morbi sed nibh vel nulla porta ultrices. Ut neque tellus, laoreet sed volutpat sed, pulvinar eu ipsum. Nullam rutrum ante eu neque molestie non tempus elit viverra. Sed pellentesque odio vel massa luctus feugiat. Class aptent taciti sociosqu ad litora torquent per conubia nostra, per inceptos himenaeos. In in euismod velit. Nulla lectus est, rhoncus sit amet tempus quis, hendrerit eu ante. Nam dignissim tincidunt lacus, non iaculis urna posuere et. Fusce molestie, elit eu vulputate lacinia, est sapien luctus lorem, ut placerat nisl lectus sit amet orci. Vestibulum ac risus sed sem auctor vestibulum et eget nisi. Nunc vel pulvinar velit. Sed egestas purus quis nibh sagittis adipiscing.
17/10/2016 at 9:03 AM
Permalink
My Third Blog Post
This is a blog post. Learn how to add/edit blog posts here »
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Nam nisl nunc, mattis et interdum quis, elementum ac ligula. Sed nulla nisl, posuere eget euismod quis, aliquet nec eros. In libero libero, tristique ut interdum et, dictum porta mi. Suspendisse id egestas lectus.
Proin justo lectus, blandit vel auctor nec, pretium venenatis elit. Phasellus purus justo, tempor ut molestie luctus, eleifend eget quam. Aliquam pulvinar neque ac leo euismod sed vulputate ipsum semper. Sed sed quam sed diam consectetur mollis vitae nec urna. Cras fermentum nisl eget augue dictum id euismod metus tincidunt. Maecenas a lorem risus. Nunc sit amet ante luctus lacus porta varius. Mauris eu ante vitae eros faucibus aliquet nec ac nisl.
Vestibulum pharetra, orci id aliquet venenatis, velit turpis rutrum velit, eget pharetra turpis lectus nec massa. In ultricies massa a tortor blandit cursus. Morbi sed nibh vel nulla porta ultrices. Ut neque tellus, laoreet sed volutpat sed, pulvinar eu ipsum. Nullam rutrum ante eu neque molestie non tempus elit viverra. Sed pellentesque odio vel massa luctus feugiat. Class aptent taciti sociosqu ad litora torquent per conubia nostra, per inceptos himenaeos. In in euismod velit. Nulla lectus est, rhoncus sit amet tempus quis, hendrerit eu ante. Nam dignissim tincidunt lacus, non iaculis urna posuere et. Fusce molestie, elit eu vulputate lacinia, est sapien luctus lorem, ut placerat nisl lectus sit amet orci. Vestibulum ac risus sed sem auctor vestibulum et eget nisi. Nunc vel pulvinar velit. Sed egestas purus quis nibh sagittis adipiscing.
17/10/2016 at 9:02 AM
Permalink