Cellar Tastings

Although the history of wine production in Australia dates back to 1788 (vineyards were planted by Captain Arthur Phillip with vines taken from Rio de Janeiro en route to Sydney), it is only in the last 20 years that the world has truly awakened to the excellent quality of Australian wines. In that short time, the Australians have taken 20% of market share from the French wines in the UK market, and a bottle of Rosemount Chardonnay or Shiraz can now be bought in virtually any wine merchant or deli from New York to Madrid. The Australian’s invented the concept of a ‘Flying Winemaker,’ and have been possibly the most forward thinking and innovative country in the winemaking world in terms of technology and its potential in the vineyard and the winery.
S. Australia- Barossa, McClaren Valley, and Coonawarra

South Australia is the country’s largest grape-growing state. It has more than 50,000 ha of vineyards and accounts for 45% of Australia’s total industry. When Phylloxera came to Australia, this region was protected between the desert and the ocean leaving South Australia as the only wine producer in the county for a short time. This region is very diverse in climate and wine style and runs along the Riverland Irrigated area of South Australia. Wine styles range from bulk cheap wines to high quality Reserva wines. It is an old and very well established area including such districts as the well-known Barossa Valley, the infamous Coonawarra, scenic Clare Valley (famed for Rieslings), and the promising McLaren Vale (doing spot on Shiraz). The prestigious Coonawarra district has emerged from the image of cheap bulk wines with its reds grown from rich red soil on the very tip of Australia.

South Australia is home to exceptional Shirazes, luscious Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, and Grenache-Shiraz blends, along with whites made of Chardonnay and Cabernet Blanc. Shiraz seems to be a traditional search for perfection of this wine, as it has brought Australia national and international recognition. The wines are light, fragrant, with a true varietal tang.

Good producers: Tim Adams, Ashton Hills, Barossa Valley Estate, Barratt Picadilly Valley, Jim Barry, Basedow, Bethany, Wolf Blass, Bowen Estate, Chain of Hills, Charles Cimicky, Clarendon Hills, Fox Creek, Grosset, Hamilton, Penfolds, Petaluma, Rockford, Rosemount, Wynns Yalumba
New South Wales- Hunter Valley

This is Australia’s most populous state. The land is vast, hot, and has an irrigated area of 9000 ha. New South Wales grows 14% of Australia’s grapes of lower table quality, but is showing signs of improving quality. It is known for the Australian archetypal wine, the big bold tarry reds and big, strong, oily, petrolly whites. Its terroir is all wrong for wine production but manages to make some of Australia’s best wine in spite of itself. Sydney boasts many lawyers and professionals turned wine makers and with their enthusiasm the area grew. The smaller vineyards in the south are the more eccentric and are lucky to have many inspired vintners. To the west, higher in Altitude is Mudgee, which is known for its Chardonnay and Cabernet. There are over 60 different grape varieties in this region and the range of wines made is just as wide as anywhere in the world. The main grape grown here is Syrah/Shiraz, which here is called Hermitage. Chardonnay whites from this region are also exceptional. There is no appellation system in New South Wales although Mudgee has established it own. Adherences to varietals and vintage are less common here than elsewhere, given a long history of blending and mixing.

Good Producers: Allendale, Arrowfield, Brokenwood, Craigmoor Huntington, Lake Folly McWilliam’s, Peterson’s, Reynolds, Rosemount, Rothbury, Tyrells Victoria and Yarra Valley
Western Australia- Margaret River, Swan District

Considered to be the most glamorous wine region in Oz at the moment, Western Australia’s wine producing industry is solely located on the south-west corner, as no where else is the land suited for growing grapes. The Swan District and Perth are the oldest and hottest districts, with huge growing interest in the Great Southern, Margaret River, and most recently, Pemberton/Manjimup regions. Overall quality is excellent with constantly increasing consistency. West Australia only produces 2% of Australia’s wine, but it has a comparatively high percentage of quality wine sales. Prices range from moderate to very expensive.

The popularity of this region has come about through the top end Chardonnays and Cabernets from Margaret River. The individualistic and innovative styles were the first to be restricted under appellation in Australia.

Good Producers: Leeuwin Estate, Vasse Felix, Moss Wood, Chateau Barker, Conti Forest Hill, Plantagenet, Capel Vale, and the Peel estate.
Tasmania

Of all the Australian Wine producing areas, Tasmania has only 550ha under vine. It has a very cool climate which has served well to make great Pinot Noir and Chardonnays. Production here is very sporadic and unreliable but standards are improving. Tasmania is an up and coming region, which is starting to break through. It has a relative lack of wine-savvy local market and it isolated from the mainland. It has favorable climate and soil as it is a bit colder than the other parts of Australia, comparable to that in Bordeaux. Its red soil famous in Coonawarra is also prevalent here in this region.

Good Producers- Anakie, Freycinet, Heemskerk, Moorilla Estate, Pipers brook, Wellington.