Winestate Magazine

Launched in 1978, Winestate is one of the world’s longest running wine magazines, featuring over 140 pages on all things vinous from around the globe. Winestate tastes and rates over 10,000 wines a year, making Winestate the leading authority on Australian and New Zealand wines.

Winestate Magazine • NO.300 MARCH/APRIL 2020

editorial

briefs

nz briefs • what’s happening in the NZ wine scene

OUTPUT SLIDES AS BIG THREE TALK UP QUALITY

SANGIOVESE SET TO STEAL THE SHOW

SINGAPORE SWINGS - FROM THE REVAMPED RAFFLES TO THE BEST BARS

DOLAN KICKING GOALS WITH HIS PINOT • It’s been a long journey from the sports field to the vineyard but former footballer Rob Dolan now scores with his vinous skills.

HONG KONG COURTS THE WINE WORLD • AFTER CELEBRATING ITS 12TH INTERNATIONAL WINE AND SPIRITS FAIR, HONG KONG’S ASIAN WINE HUB IS BIGGER THAN EVER.

adelaide grapevine

hong kong grapevine

brisbane grapevine

melbourne grapevine

sydney grapevine

WHAT’S IT WORTH? • Prices listed are exceptional auction highs and do not include buyer’s premium.

CENTRAL & WESTERN VICTORIA

CENTRAL & WESTERN VICTORIA • A great snapshot of the wines of middle and western Victoria. Here we saw excellent examples in the so-called Rhone styles of marsanne and roussanne along with new varietals like nebbiolo performing well. Meanwhile consistent results from riesling, cabernet and shiraz continue to impress.

GRÜNER VELTLINER • This is our second designated Global Grüner Challenge exploring the great nuances that this variety can offer. This time the judging was held in Vienna with Austrian judges and guest Australian judge, Shane Harris.

BRANDY, COGNAC & ARMAGNAC • Often called the "Spirit of the Grape" these amazing high spirited products offer the contradiction of high proof alcohol yet smooth and balanced characters through the benefit of oak maturation and aging.

ITALIAN & SPANISH • Always a pleasure! It is great to see the diversity of styles and flavours in this tasting with Aussie examples taking on the occasional old world iconic example along with the occasional Kiwi. It does make for a lot of discussion and most of these are worthy drinks ranging from quaffers to serious contenders.

BAROSSA VALLEY & EDEN VALLEY

BAROSSA VALLEY & EDEN VALLEY • Internationally Australia's most recognised region which offers a lot of bang for your buck. Here we see lots of flavour across the board with a contrast between the bigger wines from the valley floor to the cooler climate Eden Valley above.

CHARDONNAY & BLENDS • We have said it before but chardonnay is the ultimate "pottery white", which can be moulded any which way, from crisp French chablis style, to big and ripe buttery well-worked versions and everything in between. It makes for a lot of fun deciding which style is your favourite!

MARLBOROUGH

MARLBOROUGH • Marlborough’s international reputation for pungently aromatic, flavour-packed sauvignon blancs casts a long shadow over its often-exciting wines from other grape varieties. The good news is that this tasting uncovered not only several superb sauvignon blancs from the 2019 vintage, but also classy examples of chardonnay, pinot gris, riesling, gewürztraminer, dessert wine, bottle-fermented sparkling and pinot noir

MICHAEL COOPER RECENT RELEASES • This very classy line-up included striking wines from seven different grape varieties. If you are a chardonnay fan, don’t miss the fivestar wines from Hawke's Bay, Martinborough and Waipara. Pinot noir also featured, with outstanding reds from Central Otago and Waipara. Lovers of pinot gris, riesling, syrah, merlot - even pinotage - will also find wines to treasure.

NEW RELEASES •...