The Auswine Forum

The SSB is a stunning wine - I try not to miss out.

The 2016 is superb, as is 17 - the 21 no slacker either. Each 2016 we've had has been a joyous ride. Crazy VFM, I've enjoyed the 2016 as much as any local wine over past decade.

a recent addition to the Melbourne BYO list is The Recreation in Clifton Hill.

It's not all nights, I think it's $20 or $30, but very worthwhile as the food is just superb - nearly Scopri level. Perhaps as good.

Great to read Allan! I was puzzled by the comments from B the B as it's very, very rare in my experience to find a Tahbilk red, or white for that matter - that hasn't aged gracefully. I've got some ESPs around the cellar somewhere - you've inspired me to get digging. I've a 2006 cabernet sauvignon i...

Nice phoenixing Sam!

Kudos.

Checking in from Melbourne here, which really is the heart of the nearly total collapse in Australia Post service over past few months. I've had packages between Fitzroy and Caroline Springs (approx 27 km) take 5, and 6 weeks respectively. Turns out Sunshine West was smashed by COVID and was on skel...

I concur with Ian's points on your selection of bases - you've avoided high pressure centres, and chosen some charmers. I've rarely had time to do winery visits, always skipping through on work trips, so time is short. But have never been disappointed when visiting any village, or town located a qua...

That Matarius is a gem.

Leave as long as you possibly can.

I have had a couple of 2010s this year, so expressive, rich, best mataro I've had outside Bandol. But they need time....

indeed, and it was at Chois as I recall Jamie.

Was really good to meet you - in fact, knowing how young you are, I've done a double-take that you are retiring.

But good luck to you! Hope I'll be able to make an Adelaide off-line one day.

G'day Allan, I can only imagine how hard its is in WA. We sure do have excellent access through a variety of means here, and a newly re-opened King & Godfree outlet that the Valmorbida family have spent a motza on offers an eye-popping selection of Italians in all colours from all regions. Will ...

Roger Pike made a straight Marius mataro in 2010 which gets a little better each time I open one.

Andrew Caillard made one for a few years that got really positive response, but i have yet to bump into one.

Nice summary Allan. There's not much to disagree with there - white wines at sunset with local aperitivo offerings is a way of life all over Italy. One of the frustrating things is that, in what is a mirror version of our own market, the real succulent local wine are often small batch, and don't tra...

Absolutely 100% happy to support any boost for the joys of Bandol. That ferrous moody mouvedre blend is so rarely a disappointment, and at it's peak, little compares. I've dabbled a little throughout the years, but now happily invest all my bandol money with Gros du Nore or with Domaine Tempier. The...

Beautifully put Scotty. I too have had a great adventure over the years with Roger. Gary Walsh's review of the 2006 Symposium remains my favourite description of a wine ever: " Rich and decadent yet powerful and muscular – a gladiator relaxing at an orgy." . I often recall the line when en...

Ending not given away at all. And for a book with Stalin in the title, you'll get next-to-nothing about the big man of evil. You will get lots of Georgian business, ahem, protocols. And some warmth towards Tbilisi. It's an excellent constructed story that absolutely drips authenticity for wine buffs.

Hi Con, the question is a beaut, but not one that i ever imagined coming from you! First thing that happened when COVID arrived was household spending was rationalised by my wife - and wine storage bills were uncovered. After a dose of smelling salts were applied, and we were all in a good place, th...

If you were unsatisfied, imagine how John and Kev felt!

I suspect the ending was impinged upon by reality - it does feel like you're in a very wild novel for 90% of the time, reality always a bit of a shock.

Couldn't agree more - it's the most unputdownable book I've read in yonks - and all wine lovers will swoon for it!

Max Allen's just released book is apparently a cracker too - it's on the bedside table ready to go.

Very wise advice indeed. File under "If I knew then what I know now "

One of the collateral damages at my house was when my partner went to trim spending and noted my wine storage fee each month. That has arguably been our worst scenario to deal with. And happily, as per others above, one of the unintended consequences has been an upswing in cellar raids, and some ver...

This is such a great point. Always amazed at the amount of red meat that is eaten here, and I think that the big red can go well with a big steak, as long as there is enough acidity in the wine, even if the alcohol is high. Long term, with summers getting warmer and longer and beef being seen as a c...

Great to see the Sami-Odi up there in the exceptional cut Craig. Fraser's annual mail-out is one of the most pulse-pounding ones of the year - I've tasted the quality rise year on year, and gee the prices are cracking based on the stellar output. His wines are charming and graceful - and the bottles...

Thanks Craig, certainly a great place from which to get a recommendation!

I recall the notes on 08 suggested it was shy early, and the years might be kind. i got a few, so must be time to find the right occasion and dive in.

Cheers.

That's a really fine list of wine-makers, even without a few of my favourites. William Kurt's chardonnay is great, Castagna's portfolio is great, actually, I'll give up listing now - most of them are very good. My appreciation for Beechworth wines increases year on year. And the spend per year too. ...

Sicily remains one of my favourite places on earth - and I have only taken in a small amount of it! The fact that I have distributed Inspector Montalbano in Australia and NZ for 15 years plays in a little, but i'd adore it regardless of that. CATANIA is an incredibly great town that hets overlooked ...

Coleraine would indeed be an excellent match-up Craig.

Speaking of which, I've a couple of 08s laid down, and wonder when you reckon they'd be in a good place to crack?

Cheers.

6 x 2017 Simpatico
3 x 2017 End Play
3 x 2017 Matarius
3 x 2018 Serrat Pinot Noir
3 x 2018 Serrat chardonnay

Hi Sam, Alba is such a superb place to be - striking distance with a fair chunk of the wine producers I most enjoy. If weather is clement, and electric bike or scooter tour of the villages around Barbaresco never fails to please. I did my touring there on a bicycle which caused locals to question my...

I can feel you relishing that one from here Allan! I recall my one trip to Perth as a wine alert person, and I became so obsessed with getting to MR, I missed the very specific beauties of the Swan Valley - the fortified producers in particular - always wanted to try. I am sure that Paulf will be he...

G'day Allan, Yes indeed - life, and work have become busier than I ever planned for, so leisure time for wine boards has been curtailed somewhat. Shall be sure to follow up your reco on the Oliver's Taranga if one passes my view. I motored through a half case when Blue Poles were dabbling a few year...

I'll third the sentiment, super valuable sampler option, and you've shone a light for all of us! Many thanks. The only issue I guess is getting access - we only see the stock standard Coriole releases at retail in Melbourne, and I'd love to have a go at these. More fiano popping up locally - I find ...