by Chris | 28 Aug 2015 | Australia, Chardonnay, Tasmania, White Wines
On the home page of the Freycinet Vineyard website I read this statement; Absolute dedication – no compromise. Inspired by the tremendous opportunities of the East Coast of Tasmania, Geoff and Susan Bull cleared the site in 1978, planted the first vines in 1979...
by Chris | 31 Mar 2015 | Australia, Chardonnay, Tasmania, White Wines
Another wine kindly offered for me to taste by Stuart Robinson of Cellarmasters. This is a multi trophy and gold medal winner. Coal River is in the next valley north of the Derwent River valley and just a short drive from Hobart. For those wine collectors that...
by Chris | 27 Oct 2013 | Australia, Chardonnay, Tasmania, Victoria
Was I An ABC Wine Drinker? In truth I think I still am (anything but Chardonnay), but occasionally you get to drink something like the 2008 Eileen Hardy Chardonnay that changes your thinking. There was a great deal of hype about this wine at release; 97 points from...
by Chris | 19 Jun 2012 | Australia, Pinot Noir, Tasmania
Freycinet was established in 1979 and was the first commercial winery on the east coast of Tasmania. Colour is slightly opaque, light red. Nose has dark cherry, forest floor and various spices, at once intriguing and inviting. Palate is astonishing: medium bodied with...
by Chris | 10 Jul 2009 | Australia, Chardonnay, Tasmania, White Wines
The SMH Wine of the Week this week is the Heemskerk Chardonnay 2007. Huon Hooke writes:Foster’s has revived the Heemskerk brand with a snappy etched-label design and a trio of fine Tassie wines, this one from Coal River Valley grapes. It’s shy and a little...
by Chris | 16 Jun 2009 | Australia, Pinot Noir, Tasmania
After managing to survive a few years in the cellar, this highly regarded wine from the supreme 2005 Tasmanian vintage was tasted recently with pancetta wrapped pork fillet with sage and apple, accompanied by roasted vegetables.The wine is a deep crimson colour and...
by Chris | 1 Oct 2008 | Australia, Riesling, Tasmania, White Wines
The wine of the week in yesterday’s SMH is the 2007 Josef Chromy Botrytis Riesling. Huon Hooke writes:”This remarkable Tasmanian sweetie wasn’t out of place alongside $250 German and Austrian trokenbeerenausleses at a recent wine tasting, despite...
by Chris | 24 Sep 2008 | Australia, Pinot Noir, Red Wines, Tasmania
My cellar program says drink now but this has years ahead in the cellar if you can keep your hands off it. This wine has the backbone and structure of a good Burgundy (albeit the bolder Pommard version). Unfortunately the ’05 has long since run out and it was...
by Chris | 27 Mar 2008 | Australia, Pinot Noir, Red Wines, Tasmania
Huon Hooke’s wine of the week in the SMH on Tuesday was 42 Degrees South Pinot Noir, 2004.He says, “This label is the new focus for Wellington Wines produced by Andrew Hood and his team just outside Hobart. It won a gold medal and topped the 2004-and-older...
by Chris | 20 Feb 2008 | Australia, Riesling, Tasmania, White Wines
Bay of Fires Riesling, Tasmania, 2007 Huon Hooke’s Wine of the Week in the SMH 19/2/07… Bay of Fires is the Tasmanian winery of the Hardy group; Fran Austin is the winemaker. This riesling is a thrilling wine that really leaps from the glass. It is...
