The Auswine Forum

Took the little munchkins to Dubbo for Western Plains Zoo and stopped by Orange on the way back to Sydney. It was a very good experience.

We stayed in Serenity Studio just outside of town (http://www.serenitystudio.com.au/). It is only a few months old and peaceful. Highly recommended.

Pick of the wineries was easily Bloodwood. I wasnt going to go there but every cellar door recommended giving them a call, so I did. Was not disappointed.

Orange Mountain, Word of Mouth and Phillip Shaw were the other stand out wineries.

Recommend eating at La Colline Racine. We had lunch there. Couldnt do dinner (grumpy munchkins) so missed out on Selkirks, Lolli Redini.

Bloodwood is one of the a few wineries I did not visit because they required appoinment.
If I make an appoinment and they open the cellar door just for me, I feel compelled to buy something if if I don't like the wines. I agree about the other wineries mentioned, specially Orange mountain was a great suprise for me. Their wines were all good and reasonably priced. Loved their icewine.

I too do not like making appointments for the obligation thing. But everyone I spoke to said I should go try Bloodwood. They were most accommodating even when I disturbed them having afternoon tea with a friend! I bought the 08 Riesling, 08 Silk Purse (Sticky Riesling) and 07 Shiraz. It was a tough call between the Shiraz, Cab and the Maurice (a red blend). The reds seemed to have so much more depth of flavour than anything from others.

Orange Mountain have good things with the viognier blends. I bought a Shiraz Viognier and Charvio which is a Chardonnay and viognier blend. Also bought the Mountain Ice (iced riesling). Their Shiraz Viognier was a medium bodied wine with a lush feel from the viognier.

From Philip Shaw I bought the Sav Blanc and Rose. The reds were quite good too though I wanted to go back to Word of Mouth and buy but when I went back they had closed early. Very good Sav Blanc from them.

Back to the obligated thing. One other winery though did not say anything, was visibly taken aback that I left without purchasing. Their wines were OK but it was difficult to buy from them given I enjoyed others much more and was quickly filling the car boot. I prefer to taste, buy a handful of bottles and make a note of what to look for on my next bulk purchase.

We visited Bloodwood about 25 years ago when they lived in the winery. Only a start up operation then. Tasting area was in their sleeping area. Quaint but good wines even then. They made a damn good icewine as I recall. Good to see they are still going strong.

Appointment was even necessary then!

Chuck