Interesting article in the Melbourne Age today at
http://www.theage.com.au/news/epicur...772451944.html

I find it hard to argue against any of these selections, though I know
there are plenty on this group who will.

Cheers Andrew

"Andrew Goldfinch" wrote...........

I find it hard to argue against any of these selections, though I know
there are plenty on this group who will.

You'll get no argument from me - however, I just plain disagree with the
inclusion of Yellowtail, just because they sell 8 million cases a year.

Jacobs Creek did much more to put the Australian market on the international
map; and YT would have never made the same inpact if it hadn't have been for
what JC had previously created.

I am not totally sure if I would include a Pinot Noir (I have never tried
this particular PN - but generally Australian PN in general leaves me
underwhelmed!).

Myself, I would have placed Hunter Valley Semillon on that list - if only
for 100 years of history of this variety. (I fully agree with the author's
sentiments "Tyrrell's Vat 1 semillon will one day get the recognition it
deserves. The Tyrrell family has doggedly pursued a truly world-class wine
even if the world - and especially Australians - fail to acknowledge just
how damn good it is."

Just recently, a friend opened a bottle of Ben Ean Moselle (what a hell of a
misnomer! This is 100% Hunter Valley semillon) dating back to the late 60's.

In a word - astonishing! This would have cost less than a dollar - yes, it
was medium/sweet - but it was a lesson in the age-worthiness of these wines.

But the Gossett Riesling; The Grange; The Quintet and most particularly the
Rutherglen Muscat are fine wines indeed.

Now, as to whether they define Australia? Big; Bold; Brash; Sunburnt;
Lacking any sort of class; I dunno!!!!!!!

--

st.helier

Salut/Hi Milord,

le/on Tue, 6 Sep 2005 15:28:04 +1200, tu disais/you said:-

I am not totally sure if I would include a Pinot Noir (I have never tried
this particular PN - but generally Australian PN in general leaves me
underwhelmed!).

Have you tasted the Moss Wood? I was pretty impressed.

I suppose it's a bit churlish to criticise the choice of Grange for
inclusion, but for me, there are other Shiraz wines the epitomise Australia
better, in that they're more affordable, and much more approachable.

As for the rest, I'd want to have put in a Yarra Yering wine as typical of a
type of winemaker that in some ways embodies Australian winemaking -
individualistic, iconoclastic and brilliant.

--
All the Best
Ian Hoare
http://www.souvigne.com
mailbox full to avoid spam. try me at website

"st.helier" wrote in message
news
"Andrew Goldfinch" wrote...........


Just recently, a friend opened a bottle of Ben Ean Moselle (what a hell of
a misnomer! This is 100% Hunter Valley semillon) dating back to the late
60's.

That takes me back to the early 70s when I lived there. 'Moselles' were
sweet and 'hocks' were dry. The reds were labelled 'claret' and 'hermitage'
without regard for the grapes used. Ben Ean Moselle was drunk by less
sophisticated drinkers and Houghton's White Burgundy by the more
discriminating (with ice and a dash of soda water on hot days).
A couple of years ago I opened a bottle of 1974 Wynn's cab. What a beaut
and it cost me Can$4 in 1976.
Graham

"Ian Hoare" wrote........

I am not totally sure if I would include a Pinot Noir (I have never tried
this particular PN - but generally Australian PN in general leaves me
underwhelmed!).

Have you tasted the Moss Wood? I was pretty impressed.


Yes, and you are right - a very good example of new world pinot. And yes, I
have tried and was impressed by a couple of others from Mornington and the
Yarra Valley.

However, I stand by my statement that, if one was listing wines which define
Australia, then I would not be including Pinot Noir on the basis that one or
two might impress.

IMNSHO, PN, as a variety, would be be the least impressive of those
varieties produced in Australia.


I suppose it's a bit churlish to criticise the choice of Grange for
inclusion, but for me, there are other Shiraz wines the epitomise
Australia
better, in that they're more affordable, and much more approachable.

I have no problem including iconic wines with over half a century historic
excellence, regardless of price


As for the rest, I'd want to have put in a Yarra Yering wine as typical of
a
type of winemaker that in some ways embodies Australian winemaking -
individualistic, iconoclastic and brilliant.



Likewise, Joe Grilli of Primo/Joseph fame.


--

st,helier

On 5 Sep 2005 17:52:34 -0700, "Andrew Goldfinch"
wrote:

Interesting article in the Melbourne Age today at
http://www.theage.com.au/news/epicur...772451944.html

I find it hard to argue against any of these selections, though I know
there are plenty on this group who will.

Cheers Andrew

I guess the "out" is the claim that only 6 wines could be chosen.
Why, oh why, was it not the clich'ed Top 10. Then we all would be
happy, as Tyrells Vat 1, Leuwin Art Sreries Chardonnay, The Barkly
Durif, and a lively debate for a Cabernet (the traditional
Coonawarra's Vs the silky Margaret River wines) would have transpired.

I really hope Yellow Tail is NOT definitive of Oz wines, however, I
understand her point re overseas acceptance and market presence.
Others before Yellow Tail should perhaps be preferred.

Freycinet Pinot is magnificent, and despite the common claim that
Yarra Valley and Mornington Penninsula are home of our better Pinot's,
Freycinet is from Tasmania, where I would also include Apsley Gorge
and Anvers way ahead of anything on the mainland. It is hard to
justify Oz Pinot's, the best being upwards of $50 -60 per bottle, when
luscious drops from across the pond (NZ), can be purchased for under
$30.

Anyway, the article made me thirsty, so for my Friday night wine
session with friends, I have pulled out of the cellar a '98 Yalumba
Signature (Shiraz- Cab) and a '90 Barkly Durif.

hooroo....

On Tue, 6 Sep 2005 15:28:04 +1200, "st.helier"
wrote:

"Andrew Goldfinch" wrote...........

I find it hard to argue against any of these selections, though I know
there are plenty on this group who will.

You'll get no argument from me - however, I just plain disagree with the
inclusion of Yellowtail, just because they sell 8 million cases a year.

Jacobs Creek did much more to put the Australian market on the international
map; and YT would have never made the same inpact if it hadn't have been for
what JC had previously created.

here here!!

I am not totally sure if I would include a Pinot Noir (I have never tried
this particular PN - but generally Australian PN in general leaves me
underwhelmed!).

Only because you are spoiled with the price and availability of your
local drops...:)

Myself, I would have placed Hunter Valley Semillon on that list - if only
for 100 years of history of this variety. (I fully agree with the author's
sentiments "Tyrrell's Vat 1 semillon will one day get the recognition it
deserves. The Tyrrell family has doggedly pursued a truly world-class wine
even if the world - and especially Australians - fail to acknowledge just
how damn good it is."

There is nothing in Oz white wine more sublime than a Vat 1. I buy a
case EVERY year...only sell a couple of bottles, so my cellar is well
stocked with aged Vat 1's...:)

Just recently, a friend opened a bottle of Ben Ean Moselle (what a hell of a
misnomer! This is 100% Hunter Valley semillon) dating back to the late 60's.

In a word - astonishing! This would have cost less than a dollar - yes, it
was medium/sweet - but it was a lesson in the age-worthiness of these wines.

Unbelievable... and we used to laugh at it. Dear me.

But the Gossett Riesling; The Grange; The Quintet and most particularly the
Rutherglen Muscat are fine wines indeed.

Now, as to whether they define Australia? Big; Bold; Brash; Sunburnt;
Lacking any sort of class; I dunno!!!!!!!

Well if we had to include a Shiraz (which seems so typical
Australian), the debate would be long and loud!

hooroo....