I’ve just watched Stephen Oliver’s excellent documentary on Australian wine, and how it changed British drinking habits. The title, ‘Chateau Chunder,’ comes from a 1972 Monty Python sketch knocking Aussie…
An English white Pinot Noir and an Aussie Topaque
Headed over to Denbies wine estate today, in Dorking, Surrey, for a meeting of Elevage. Elevage is the organization I’m involved with that runs the International Sparkling Wine Symposium (ISWS)….
Two lovely, full-on wines from First Drop
I love the packaging of the First Drop wines. The labels seem to resonate with the wines. And while I’m all for elegance, sometimes it’s great to have full-flavoured Aussie…
Royal Melbourne Wine Show – the film!
A short film, set to music, of the Royal Melbourne Wine Show judging. Ever wondered what an Australian wine show is like? Here’s your chance to find out, although I…
A delicious Zinfandel from Western Australia
Laithwaites have unearthed a gem here. It’s a wine that surprised me: I’m not a fan of Zinfandel normally, but this is really elegant and utterly delicious, and it’s at…
Trophy judging and heading home
On the way home, in transit in Singapore. I love Changi for its relaxed atmosphere, its free, reliable internet and its swimming pool, which I’ll soon be using when it opens…
More from the Melbourne Wine Show
It is lunchtime on Friday and judging is almost finished at the Royal Melbourne Wine Show. The team here has really gelled. It feels like family and I’ll be sad to…
A big night out in Melbourne, with a good feed and lovely wines
Sunday night in Melbourne. Just before the beginning of the Royal Melbourne Wine Show, which I am here to judge. The evening started off in the City Wine Shop, Spring…
Dinner at 28 50 with some interesting Aussie wines
After the Semillon tasting I reported on a couple of days ago, a few of us retired to nearby restaurant 28 50 for dinner, with some interesting Australian wines. I love…