By Dan Coward
They say that a day is a long time in politics. Well imagine thirty long days of politics and you’ll get an idea of how ready Australia has been to vote in the general election. Not just because people want to do their democratic duty, but also so that we are spared any more negative political advertising. Both of the major parties have been flinging mud at each other and Julia Gillard (current female PM, Welsh roots!) and Tony Abbott (popularly know as the ‘Mad Monk’) now resemble exhausted revellers, covered head to toe in Glastonbury’s finest. What we wanted to hear more about was what they are going to do to address certain issues head on. The sad thing for many of Australia’s grape growers and farmers is that they don’t live in marginal constituencies, so they don’t get the attention they deserve. Water is a huge problem and no one is putting forward much of a plan.
Back on more solid ground it’s been a manic month around the wineries. Wither Hills is getting ready to launch its two new single vineyard Pinot Noirs, from the Taylor River and Ben Morven vineyards. Very different in style, they show how Ben Glover and his team have really sought to understand the different terroirs at their disposal. They also reinforce the strength of the proposition of the 2008 Wairau Valley Pinot Noir, which takes fruit from both of those vineyards. It’s a supremely well-judged balancing act that draws some of the feminine charm from Ben Morven and allies it with the power and structure of Taylor River. Ben put on a great show for the Australian media at a couple of beautiful events in Melbourne and Sydney. Multiple vintages of Pinot were matched with fab food from Kiwi chefs Justin North (Becasse, Sydney) and Ben Shewry (Attica, Melbourne). Lucky, lucky journos…….
The major development at St Hallett has been the redevelopment of the cellar door. Over the last couple of months a dramatic metamorphosis has taken place, now bringing the visitor even closer to the workings of the winery and the production process. It has also been put back together with as much reclaimed and original material as possible, including some ironstone that came from the Lindner family, who originally founded St Hallett. Winemakers Stuart Blackwell and Toby Barlow continue to criss-cross the globe and Australia, spreading the word and playing the odd game of golf. The reception for the new reds: Old Block Shiraz 2007, Blackwell Shiraz 2008 and Garden of Eden Shiraz 2008 has been exceptional, so hats off to those guys and their team. Good to see that Old Block 2002 went down a treat at the Wine Communicators of Australia Twitter tasting in Sydney, Melbourne and London.
You can actually keep up with them pretty easily. Stuart can be founding tweeting now at all times of day and night. You can follow him at @Stuart_Off_Par and Toby at @BacchusBarlow. Meanwhile, Ben Glover’s really got into it as well…plenty of good stuff coming from @WitherHillsWine. Make them work for it people…may your tweets keep them on their toes!
Meanwhile back here in suburban Surry Hills I’ve just about figured out how not to go broke EVERY month. The culinary masterpieces have been appearing in our kitchen rather than on expensive looking restaurant plates. Still so many cracking Sydney restaurants to try out but must be patient. Chef Mark Best and his restaurant, Marque (67th and ‘One to Watch’ in the San Pellegrino Best in the World List) are only just around the corner though and their siren calls are hard to ignore…
Our House white has been the stunning Knappstein 2009 Hand Picked Riesling…I reckon the best value Rizza in the nation. Also been looking at a bit of Blaufrankisch, or ‘Franky as it’s known locally. At a dinner out with Petaluma winemaker, Andrew Hardy, we tried a bottle and now we can’t seem to give it the slip…it’s popping up everywhere! Don’t expect to see it planted in a Petaluma vineyards any time soon! Speaking of Mr Hardy, I caught up with him at the Coonawarra Roadshow earlier this week in Sydney. The Petaluma table was absolutely mobbed all evening, with 380 thirsty tasters through the door. The 2007 Coonawarra and 2008 100 Line Cabernet were both looking spectacular…as was the amazingly complex 1992 Merlot – a rare treat.
Sportswatch
The AFL season is drawing to its bruising conclusion and it looks like a Collingwood-Geelong stroll to the final. Rugby league is at the same stage. Some big blokes have run into some other big blokes and everyone’s fallen on the floor. Someone will win…not sure who. In cricket Ricky Ponting has executed the “Glenn McGrath” manoeuvre and has predicted a 5-0 whitewash. Only one problem with that mate…Glenn McGrath ain’t playing any more. Not a chance without him. My sofa is now all booked up for the Sydney test…though still some space available on the floor.
Tags: Ben Glover, Knappstein 2009 Hand Picked Riesling, St Hallett, stuart blackwell, toby barlow, Wither Hills, Wither Hills Pinot Noir