Went off to Sydney (Melbourne man here) for Wine Australia 06. Not as
many winemakers attending, and a lot fewer Victorian wineries showing.
Can't help but suggest it is because 1) They're still peeved at the
cessation of alternating the event between Melbourne and Sydney, and
2) When it was at the Horden Pavillion (Sydney), a few years ago, they
put the Victorian winemakers in a "shed" out the back.

Nonetheless, with over 500 wineries represented, and no-shows from
many of the big boys, (Penfolds included), it was a great opportunity
to sample some great boutique wines.

Highlights were being involved in a vertical tasting of Leeuwin
Estates famed "Art Series Chardonnay", including the magnificent 2001,
often lauded as one of Australia's finest ever white wines. I am not
a Chardonnay lover, but these wines would change anybody's taste. The
creaminess, elegant ripe fruit, that rich malo nose, golden viscous
wine, which (the '01 especially) seemingly has years left to live.

Most popular winery seemed to be (especially on the 2 public days)
Torbreck. Run Rig was being continually poured, and credit for the
magnamity of the winemaker(s). His other wines were all class acts, I
particularly enjoyed "The Descendant".

My favourite wine for the event was Castagna's Genesis 04. It was the
most voluptous and opulate red wine I have had in years. Smooth as
silk, plum, strawberry and a hint of tobacco. Totally charming.
Re-tasted a couple of days later, whilst not as awe inspiring as the
1st time, remained as the most decadent wine of all tried in 4 days.
Has enough spine to cellar for 15 years, so to be tasting so well so
early is amazing. For those not knowing the wine, it is a Rhone style
Shiraz Viognier blend, (as is the Run Rig), and these two wines along
with Clonakilla's version are all world class wines.

Strangest wine tasted was a bottle sample (no label) of an intended
new release from Beelgara. A Chardonnay - Viognier. Well, peaches
and apricots explode. Bit over the top for me personally, but it's
price point will be around $10AUD and will probably sell well in the
Oz hot summer.

Funniest booth was the James Halliday Wine Atlas stand, where the good
James fronted for a couple of hours on Day 1, then I don't think the
man re-appeared, nor do I recall ever seeing the booth operating.
There was a very large portrait poster of the good James sitting
behind the serving tables. As the stand was unattended the booth
became a dumping ground for used wine glasses. So there was the life
sized James, ever so lonely, surrounded by hundreds of empty but well
used wine glasses. He looked pleased.

There was unfortunately a lot of negative vibes from many of the
attendees. Some suggesting it would be the last of Wine Australia.
Others seem to be lobbying to take the show to Queensland in 08.
Queensland is now the 2nd biggest Australian wine market, and whilst
their sparse wineries are beginning to produce some decent wines, the
heavy ex-pat population are demanding quality. Personally, I still
believe the best ever show was the sole Melbourne show, the 2nd ever
Wine Oz. Most of the wine folks I spoke to agreed, and believe it
should return to Melbourne. Either way, I'd not have my money on it
being in Sydney in '08, which means I'll need to find another "working
holiday" venture...:>)

hooroo....

Swooper