2019 Tobin Estate Max Shiraz Block Two, Granite Belt, Queensland If you come by someone who has a property in the Granite Belt area and innocently ask them what they grow, their response might be “granite”. It is an area where the parent material pokes out through the soil as mounds that can be anywhereContinue reading “Wine Code Breaker #377”
Author Archives: jameskeneally
Wine Code Breaker #376
2019 Paradigm Hill Les cinq Pinot Noir, Mornington Peninsula, Victoria When is a single vineyard wine not a single vineyard wine? Perhaps it is when it is only a row or two from within the vineyard. Many wineries are starting to appreciate the complexity of their vineyard particularly where there is a desire to presentContinue reading “Wine Code Breaker #376”
Wine Code Breaker #375
2019 School House Headmaster Cabernet Sauvignon, Coonawarra, South Australia A sheep station and a hotel were established to the north east of Penola in 1850 and both were but one of a few. Grape plantings followed soon after in 1861. With sheep and grapes there came jobs and with these, workers, and with workers, thereContinue reading “Wine Code Breaker #375”
Wine Code Breaker #374
2018 Shaw + Smith Shiraz, Adelaide Hills, South Australia National Shiraz Day is marked down as the 22nd of July and I hope you celebrated this day in style. This day provides us with an opportunity to reflect on how Australian Shiraz has evolved in becoming the sheep’s back of the wine industry. It providedContinue reading “Wine Code Breaker #374”
Wine Code Breaker #373
2020 Alejandro (Alex Russell Wines) Saperavi, Murray Darling, Victoria Georgia is a small country that happens to be considered the “cradle of wine”. This tag was bestowed upon Georgia with the discovery that burying grape juice in a qvevris underground for the winter creates wine. A method with historical records dating back to 6,000 BC,Continue reading “Wine Code Breaker #373”
Wine Code Breaker #372
2019 Paradigm Hill L’ami sage Pinot Noir, Mornington Peninsula, Victoria Decanters are more than just a lump of glass or crystal sitting on a shelf. The core purpose is twofold. For younger wines, the graceful mixing of the wine with air brings forward the aromas and flavours offering you purity and an opportunity to ponderContinue reading “Wine Code Breaker #372”
Wine Code Breaker #371
2019 Thomas Wines The Dam Block Shiraz, Hunter Valley, New South Wales The etymology of the word “yum” has been the subject of debate. One theory suggests it is derived from the Sanskrit “yum,” which is said during meditation to focus on love and pleasurable things. Another suggests it is derived from the African “nyam,”Continue reading “Wine Code Breaker #371”
Wine Code Breaker #370
2017 Garden of Earthly Delights (by Syrahmi) Nebbiolo, Heathcote, Victoria The “Nebb Off” highlights are completed with a comparison of the fruits. As with all grapes, the flavours will be a function of place and season. The warmer the climate, the fuller and rounder the fruits will be. The cooler will be finer, perhaps moreContinue reading “Wine Code Breaker #370”
Wine Code Breaker #369
2018 Prōterō Gumeracha (by SC Pannell) Nebbiolo, Adelaide Hills, South Australia The “Nebb Off” highlights continue where a comparison of tannins can be made. Nebbiolo tannins are inherently obvious and if mishandled, will dominate to deliver a chunky and chewy wine that will just not soften. Handled deftly, the tannins will balance the fruit andContinue reading “Wine Code Breaker #369”
Wine Code Breaker #368
2017 Mac Forbes EB40 Flaming Nebbiolo, Yarra Valley, Victoria Ever heard of a “Nebb Off?” No? Let me explain. With the increased interest in Australian Nebbiolo, a “Nebb Off” is a flight of wines at a tasting that are, of course, Nebbiolo. A recent “Nebb Off” allowed for a comparison of Nebbiolo across three differentContinue reading “Wine Code Breaker #368”
The Unexpurgated Wine Code 