The Auswine Forum

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Not been up tasting in the Yarra valley for ages and as you mention, these things are becoming very corporate at one end and at the other there are small producers who don’t make enough to justify having a cellar door.

Remember having the Friends of Punch Chardonnay and Sparkler a few years ago and being impressed, especially the sparkler.

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I never felt that St Huberts was considered an important brand for Treasury/Berringer-Blass/Mildara Blass. It's interesting that Gerry Ryan purchased it then leased it back. I'm curious what is in it for him and what his long term plans are. It's a little sad when Treasury make the wines elsewhere, but I guess they have form in this area. Is T'Gallant also made at Coldtream Hills these days?

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Wow, well remember St Huberts in the 1980's. The identity of three microbiologists/brewers (Grinsberg) were kept secret for quite awhile, with a fellow called Peter Conolly being the front man for exhibitions etc., and he certainly had some front! They were controversial in their pricing, with the 1977 Cabernet selling for $13.95 in 1979 while 1973 Grange was selling for $14. Later in 1979 Penfolds released the 1974 Grange for $7! Shit vintage and new (brewery) owners .. say no more. A new label released in '79 was Taltarni, whose impenetrable '77 Cabernet sold for $4.50, while Virgin Hills sold for $5.50. St Henri was also around the $5 mark but most reds were in the $2.25 to $3.75 range. Great memories.

That will be Kevin McCarthy, not Andrew. I'm from down that way originally, and crossed paths with him a couple of times back in the 90s

I definitely agree on the Treasury Supply chain optimisation thing. I'm not convinced it is good for the brands that no longer have a winemaking home base, at least in the long run, but I guess people care less about it than I do.

There were a few properties that changed hands on the Mornington Peninsula last year. It is interesting to note that both Treasury and Accolade divested assets with Accolade selling off Stonier completely as well. David Eldridge sold off his estate and there were a couple of others that I saw listed but don't know the outcomes on. Red Hill Brewery is also currently up for sale.