Category: Geelong

Lethbridge Wines (Geelong) – A winery that I hadn’t tried wines from prior to this event. The vineyards are maintained with a strong bio-dynamic and organic influence. The Lethbridge Pinot Noir was also included in my Pinor master class review, and although it didn’t show well on that occasion, others have said that their sample […]

Curlewis Winery (Geelong) – One of my favourite small wineries after I tried their wines at the 2005 version of this event. This year they have a new range of very good, lower priced (around $22) wines called “Bel Sel” which stands for Bellarine Selection and comes from purchased fruit from the Bellarine Peninsula. The […]

Austin’s Barrabool Wines (Geelong) – Some good wines here from an up and coming region. I also take a look at the 2004 Pinot Noir in the Pinot Tutorial here “Ellyse” Chardonnay 2004 – Named after the winemakers grand-daughter. Some good complexity and “funkiness” here along with roasted nuts on the nose. 89/100 Riesling 2005 […]

Eight Pinot Noirs tasted as part of the recent Victorian Winemakers Exhibition tutorials in order of preference. Paringa Estate “Estate” Pinot Noir 2004 – (Mornington Peninsula): Quite an unyielding nose – cherry and some well blended oak. Nice textured mouthfeel – length is great. Just needs some time to develop some complexity and open up. […]

Bannockburn is an iconic winery, based in Geelong, Victoria. This was an opportune time to stop and look at Bannockburns past vintages with the ex-winemaker Gary Farr moving on to his own ventures after more than 20 years at Bannockburn and new winemaker Michael Glover coming on board for the 2005 vintage. The tasting offered […]

From Geelong in Victoria, Australia – Nutty, toasty, slightly funky, complex nose. Restrained power on the palate, very nicely integrated oak. Balanced and stylish. Very good length. Loved it. Will develop additional complexity over the next few years. 93/100 Drink: Now – 2008

A nose of fresh apples, citrus and just a slight hint of yeast. Palate also shows fresh fruit and a little kick of refreshing acidity. Simple but somewhat calming for the price (Around $17AU). 85/100 Drink: Now

I was pleased to share some excellent wine over a couple of nights recently with some friends who enjoy drinking it, but perhaps aren’t quite as obsessed with it as I am. From left to right: Bannockburn Shiraz 2002 – ($50 – Geelong, Victoria): Earthy and stalky with spice and pepper, well balanced oak lending […]

Another wine dinner with the good people from the Winestar Forum. This time we convened at the Castel Mola Italian Restaurant at Leichhardt. The Wines: Once again, most wines were served masked. Egly-Ouriet Tradition NV – Disgorged Sept 2004 (Champagne, France): A fantastic way to start the evening. Fine and focused with great length. Visibly […]