The Auswine Forum

Had a chat with them today...still happily processing orders. Cabernet getting low.

Shiraz 52%, Malbec 25%, Cabernet 23%.

Great idea. Castagna la chiave 2015 should do the trick... pls let us know how it goes!

Shauno, where are you based?

Hi Chris, I’m no expert, but did have a lovely trip to Leoville/langoa Barton when I was in Bordeaux a few years ago. Contacted well in advance, private tour...and no cost if I recall correctly. Wines tasted out of barrel and bottle. Simon

In terms of bottle shops, I’m far from being an expert, but hopefully the below can help: The Sampler. Interesting range, and wins lots of awards. Obviously has a large range of wines to sample, some of which get very exciting around Christmas (perfect for the person who’s always wanted to try 25ml ...

The Winefront was mentioned above. I'd highly recommend spending the $50 on a subscription. Not only will it provide you with many reviews (which are usually way ahead of other media), the comments are often very useful too.

Oh, and don't forget to buy Pinot...

Some great advice here! For something a bit different, drop into Baigorri. The wines are developing (less wood than a few years ago)...but the winery is the real highlight!

I'm torn on this one. That article is funny, and I realistically know it's the case. But at the same time, I do just love a bottle of decent claret from time to time. And I like the sound of the 16's as the alcohols are much lower than the 09's and 10's. To be honest, I'm terrified what may happen w...

Interesting timing Michel as they have just sent their medallion members an email re the 2015's and a price increase come May 1 Yeah, I saw that. It irritates me slightly that the price increase is a week before tastings are available. "Buy now before tasting" doesn't seem a very customer...

It's been a few years, but here are some thoughts: I personally love the Left Bank, so just driving up past the great chateaux was pretty exciting. The Pichons, Palmer, langoa...splendid! For easy visits, Lynch Bages and Pontet Canet...they are set up for lots of people. For more personal visits, ju...

Good advice! Definitely support the call on Hurley...my personal favourite. Looking forward to the 15's.

My only addition would be Scorpo.

Hi all, I had a think about what I’d show to people overseas, and decided that I wanted to show good quality – but also great value. Most wines listed here are available for mid-$30’s (or a little less). I also wanted to highlight (in general) small producers. And lastly, I wanted to highlight wines...

Main Ridge Estate 2015 Half Acre Pinot
Giant Steps 2015 Syrah
Crawford River Young Vines Riesling 2016
A bucket load of 2009/2010 Sauternes on clearance.

I went searching a year or so back for a good quality grower available for a decent price locally. After extensive tasting, I settled on Serge Mathieu as my preferred "low cost" champagne. Available for sub-$50, I just never seem to see anything else that comes close.

Oakridge Shiraz 2014 x6
Oakridge Pinot willowlake 2015 x3
Oakridge Chardonnay willowlake 2015 x3
Mac Forbes Pinot 2015 x3
Mac Forbes Hoddles Creek Pinot 2015 x3
Tonic Mataro 2015 x3
Tonic Nebbiolo 2015 x3
Chatto Pinot 2015 x3
Clyde Park Pinot 2015 2 each of D,B2, F blocks
Vilmart Grande Reserve x3

Good story! Reminds me of the time I was in a supermarket in the uk and decided to put a bottle of 96 Veuve in a mixed 6. It was about GBP30 so a lot of money for me at the time. When it went through the checkout, it came up at GBP12. I had it rescanned, and that was the price in a 6. I then spent 4...

if I had a day, I would visit Eldridge, MRE, 10 mins, Montalto and Moorooduc. They are all close together (except moorooduc, which is easily accessible just off the highway on the way down). Other options are Kooyong, Paringa, Ocean 8 and Scorpo. Most cellar doors are on their 2014's currently...but...

Yep, my only regular Barossa purchase nowadays. Contrarian often seems to be the best balance of quality/cost for me...but I don't think I have been disappointed by any wine yet.

2013 Stonier Reserve Pinot. Decanted 6 hours, while smoking some lamb. Very floral, red fruits, light and smooth. Bought a 6 pack, down to 3. Pinot doesnt seem to make it to the cellar. Usually dies on arrival at home. I had the same problem, and fixed it by purchasing Pinot at a ratio of 2:1 to ot...

Jamie, love the sound of Wendouree Day. As 1893 is the date most associated with Wendouree, so what about 9/3 (9th March or 3rd September depending on your location!). Or what about the 93rd day of the year? April 3rd.

All, I know the cost of top end French wine can be frustrating in Australia, but please don't always assume you are being gouged by importers / wholesalers. Tax rates are very low in France for wine, where they constitute approx 50% of the cost of a bottle when imported to Australia. For personal co...

Cracking wine this one...and a perfect description. Tightly coiled, and restrained compared to the other GS releases, but with more class. Best in a couple of years, I'd say.

It's been a while, but I'd go here:

Samuels Gorge
Coriole
Chapel Hill
Kay's

Lunch at d'Arenberg (book). d'Arenberg also do a "blend your own bottle" thing...we really enjoyed it, and you would need to book well in advance.

Hope that helps a bit.

Clonakilla SV 2011 Very disappointing. Mid colour and lots of white pepper but no fruit development and a pitiful finish. I guess this is what is expected from a poor vintage. I can't see any improvement for this wine. A shame. I used to buy a mixed case of Clonakilla every year with 3 of the SV in...

I'm sure Mr Halliday will help when his new book is launched next week. However, I'd suggest that the wines will get many, many points (as usual)...therefore if you fancy some, I'd buy in the next 3 days!

Good game! I'd agree with a Riesling. So many to choose from that would do the job, but for something a bit different, Crawford a River Young vines 2015 is a super wine. I thought about a Sem (Thomas Breamore), but think a Chardonnay is probably a better bet. Luke Lambert (around for just under $30)...

Oh, I wouldn't trust the MPVA map as gospel. There are many wineries missing from this (well, when I say "wineries" please remember many of the vineyards/brands available from Mornington may very well actually be made on contract...say at Moorooduc Estate winery...). I'd suggest there will...

Maximum range + impressive building + great views: Kooyong. But less personal. Maximum quality + legend: Main Ridge. But few wines currently on sales (in between the '14's and 15's). Great all rounder + few visitors: Moorooduc Estate. Great all rounder + lots of visitors: Ten Minutes. I'd go to Moor...

2xProdduttori Barbaresco 2012
2xTalenti Brunello 2010
2xJuniper Cabernet 2011