Just back from the QANTAS Mt Barker Wine Show. What a week!! We judged some pretty inspiring wines and managed to find a few hidden gems. But it was hard work! Judging typically started at 8.30am with half an hour off for lunch, finishing at 6.30pm in the evening. Mind and body are pretty exhausted by the end of the week, not to mention teeth, but it is always so inspiring to exchange stories and wines with other industry folk. And catch up with old winemaking buddies.
As chairman of the Show, Vanya Cullen (who I think has one of the best palates in the country) did a remarkable job at directing her judges yet not overriding their decisions as sometimes happens in wine shows. And her 2007 Chardonnay is an exercise in precision - fine, lively and long with beautiful line and focus.
The finishing line is in sight for me now. Just the Margaret River Show in November and that's the show season done for this year! Sydney, Cowra, Mt Barker and Margaret River - four fabulous shows, each with their own identity and character. But if I had to choose a favourite, I would pick Mt Barker for the outstanding quality of wines entered.
Fancy passing on some of your judging knowledge? I'm chasing some dry white 'wedding' wine for my sisters wedding to be held in the Mornington Peninsular region of Victoria. A penny for your thoughts! :-)
There are some fabulous wines coming out of the Yarra and Mornington Peninsula at the moment, especially Pinots and Chardonnays. Mac Forbes makes some exciting rieslings and chardonnay. I tried Dave Bicknell's Oakridge 864 Chardonnay last week and was impressed by the seamless palate; it is a beautifully crafted wine. 10 Minutes by Tractor is another Mornington label that I think makes fabulous wines which reflect their site - I recently tasted their 08 McKutcheon vineyard chardonnay and rated it highly as I did their Judd vineyard pinot noir. The single vineyard Kooyong 2008 chardonnays are also beautiful wines, they show great purity of fruit. On the cheaper end, look for De Bortoli. Sarah Fagan is doing great things over there under Steve Webber's wing. Good luck!!!