Tasted at the same event as the Wendouree shiraz, this is another amazing wine from Down Under. I bet this would not look out of class when placed next to the very best syrah from France… Continue reading
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The best wine I tasted in 2022: Wendouree Shiraz 2019
Wendouree is one of the hardest wines to get. Unless you live in Australia and you are one of the lucky few who are on the mailing list of this legendary producer. The only reason I tasted their wines during the last decade is that a friend of mine from Sydney brings one or two every year when he is visiting us here in Budapest. But this was the first time for me in 2022 July to taste the shiraz, probably Wendouree’s most highly regarded red. Continue reading
Barossa Shiraz done well: Kaesler Reach For The Sky 2018
Big reds were still popular when I started to explore Barossa shiraz but they were difficult to get in this part of the World (Hungary), so there are many famous producers whose wines I never tasted. Kaesler is one of them and even though the wine world has changed since then, I still love big Aussie reds, given that they are not a caricature of a wine.
World class cabernet from Australia: Cape Mentelle 2010
Glaetzer Wallace 2018
I was expecting a fruit bomb, but it’s something different, which I liked first, but then… Continue reading
Lovely OZ Grenache: Willunga Clarendon 2015

As far as I can tell Grenache is on the rise down under, at least some bloggers are enthusiastic about the variety. I can see why, when tasting wines like this Willunga The Hundred Clarendon Single Vineyard 2015 release.
Not a Shiraz – Mayer Syrah 2019, Yarra Valley, Australia
Small production, artisanal Australian Syrah from a cooler climate. It indeed has nothing to do with bold Oz Shirazes. I found their Close Planted Pinot Noir 2012 quite stunning earlier this year, and while this Syrah is also pretty, it hardly comes close.
S. C. Pannell Basso Grenache 2017, McLaren Vale

It’s been too long since the last Grenache post on this blog… so here you go. This comes from Australia, from a highly regarded artisanal producer and it does not disappoint.
Something special – Greenock Creek Apricot Block Shiraz 2014, Barossa Valley
Unmistakeably Greenock Creek – it’s so different to all Aussie reds I know. To me, the style is even more unique than Wendouree’s.
Top class Grüner Veltliner from Australia – Hahndorf Hill 2016
Grüner Veltliner is not a variety one associates with Australia, but taste this and you will probably agree with me: they should plant more. Continue reading