"Matt S" > wrote in message
...
>
> 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

Thanks for the excellent report.
Cheers!
Martin