Event: Marius Wines Tasting - Melbourne 29th July 2008 Friday, Jul 11 2008
Press Release:
Later this month we invite you to taste through the fantastic current release wines (and more) from Marius Wines of McLaren Vale.
For people unfamiliar with these site driven wines, here’s what the critics are saying;
“While many newcomers to the wine industry spend several years with the training wheels on, some astonish us by hitting the ground sprinting” Ralph Kyte-Powell and Huon Hooke
“Simple, fanatically straight winemaking.” Philip White - Adelaide Advertiser
“…. Roger Pike of Marius Wines is a hit machine.” Gary Walsh - Winorama
“…for those wine lovers who like ‘em styled big, coffeed, big-chested - and yet laced perfectly together.” Campbell Mattinson
Print this article
eMail this article
Comments Off
I’m tasting the 2008 red releases from Hillcrest at the moment (well not exactly at this moment, I’m having a cup of tea right now) and will review the 2006 Cabernet pair shortly. If you happen to be in the Yarra or fancy a trip up from Melbourne then this may be of interest. 
North Sydney Cellars “Meet The Maker” Tasting:
NIGHT WITH THE GREAT WHITE
FIRST EVER HUNTER UNCORKED AT BALMORAL PROMISES AN UNFORGETTABLE DAY FOR THE SENSES
I attended the Melbourne event last night and as usual it was excellent. Pinot South is a group of five Pinot producers from South Eastern Australia who run thematic tastings.They have already run sessions in Brisbane and Adelaide but Sydney readers are tomorrow, Wednesday August 15. The venue is the Park Hyatt, 7 Hickson Street, The Rocks: Wednesday 16th August. Bookings via a quick call to Steven Paul Tel: 03 52513176. The theme for this year is CLIMATE CHANGE. A rather scary implication of global warming is an increased risk of frosts. One wine presented from the Yarra Valley was the result of 60kg harvested from an entire vineyard after frosts wreaked havoc. Another wine explored the effect of drought. Traditionally, wine lovers believed low yields from harsh conditions produced better wine, taste for yourself. I will give greater notice of next years program. Great value at $30.
With winemaker Steve Webber
Saturday October 6th 2007
BRESS -Bendigo, Victoria
Mount Langi Ghiran
North Shore Liquor will be holding a pre-promotion for the annual 
The night was planned with a little restaurant advice from GW. Shane of 
Most agreed they were all excellent. Then came three different NV by Charles Heidsieck; 1998, 2000 and the 2001. The house style was obvious and the 1998 was outstanding. Suggesting a good NV can age for several years after release. The final bracket featured Taittinger Comtes de Champagne, Charles Heidsieck Blanc des Millenaires (both 100% Chardonnay) and Roderer Cristal. The Charles Heidsieck was textural, rich, citrus and lovely. The Taittinger was a little more elegant and we strongly suspect that the Cristal had a sub threshold level of cork taint because rather than being its usual showy self we saw a tight, steely wine with low flavours. We were fortunate to have many experienced palates present including Winorama regular, Jules and also Vin de Champagne finalist Steve Blandford. The main debate during the night was wrt dosage levels and whether this disguised a lack of fruit. Some like a little sweet edge to the wine and others prefer the near dry style.
I shared a seminar with Chuck Hayward, Bob Campbell and Gary Steel today, on Pinot Noir of course. On the way out I came across some wines from the Hunter. I first started buying Hunter wines in the 70’s but lost interest as the quest for the holy grail became all consuming. The kind Hunter Vignerons explained their wares. I remember Hunter Valley Riesling but they explained to me the history of the wine. It was Aussies answer to German Riesling, picked early to produce low alcohol (9 to 11%). My semillon would look disgusting at that sugar level. These wines had limey citrus flavours and an almost tropical note. I am not sure if I have time to get to know these wines again and since GW seems to have it covered I will look forward to my next Hunter visit. But to sum up, the wines were very good and I have lost another bias. The show was a trade event and the range of food and wine available would make a really worthwhile visit. DWS, who import Blain Gagnard and Billecart are there too!!!!
North Shore Liquor present a tasting of the Elderton range with Allister Ashmead at 
I have read the various comments and reviews on Champagnes with interest. Some talk about Blanc de Blanc, some prefer Blanc de Noirs but few have mentioned the value of Pinot Meunier. Years ago I was a finalist in the Vin de Champagne awards and still retain a love for the wine. So I am running a Champagne Master class at Three Clicks West restaurant, 127 Booth Street Annandale , Tuesday evening, September 12. The wine will be based on my favourite house, Charles Heidsieck. They are supporting the event and offering a discount for wines purchased on the night. There will be four brackets of champagne with food matched to each bracket. Other houses will feature to enable me to illustrate features and characteristics of houses and styles.![[Valid RSS] title=](image/valid-rss.png)