Readers Contributions
Sydney Time
Copyright © Ric Einstein 2008
Wild Yeast, Brett, Screwcaps (10 Nov)
My good email mate Murray, a viticulturalist in New Zealand and I have just had an email exchange that I found enlightening. Murray not only clarifies the misconceptions about "wild yeast " but then provides startling information about the transfer of Brett and finally, how these are impacted by closures. If it sound "techo" - its not - Murray knows I am a technical cretin and need it explained simply.
It can be found here.
Two Different Readers Customer Service Experiences
(4 July)
A short snippet from Jeff Pitts in Bunbury details his experience with a
visit to a winery. The winery has received substantial press coverage for
some time, and this experience just shows one of the possible reasons they are
in financial difficulty. The second, is from John Foster and details his
"customer service" wine experience on a paddle steamer. Both make very
interesting reading and the second would be hilarious if it wasn't for the
stupidity. They can be found here.
The National Wine Show: Diary of a First-time Steward (6 December)
Have you ever wondered what goes on beyond the scenes at a wine show? My good mate Brian Handreck (aka Red Bigot), has wangled himself a position at the prestige National Wine Show as a steward. In a very interesting Readers Write article, Brian gives us a behind-the-scenes look at the logistics required to run the event. It makes fascinating reading. It can be found here.
Murrumbateman Cool Climate Wine Show 2006
(30 October)
Long time professional journalist, Gilbert Labour was a judge at this years Cool Climate Wine Show and once again, provides not only the results, but his own personal thoughts. The good oil can be found here.
Wine Show Report and Proposal for Reform
(6 September)
Erl Happ
of Happs wines, whilst eccentric, and I say that in the most positive way, is
one of the most respected producers in Margaret River, even though he flies
below the radar most of the time. Erl has never been afraid to do his own
thing, even when it goes against the general consensus and whilst some see that
as being a bit "radical" or contrary, over time many of his innovations and
radical ideas have been adopted by others. Erl is certainly not afraid to try
new things and experiment, something he has done very successfully in the
vineyard. Now he is turning his hand to the marketing problems facing the
premium wine industry, but unlike some others, he is not bitching about it, he
is trying to doing something positive. This is his
story and whilst it
was written for the WA Wine Industry Association, and has a strong WA
focus, it could be applied to any region. (It has not been written for a
consumer audience, so don't expect it to be a flowing story, but it is
well-worth reading.)
"Drongo Wombat's" Importer Responds with Her Perspective
(9 August)
I received an email from Deborah Gray of The Australian Wine Connection, who is the US importer for the winery who was the subject of last weeks story. To say that "she was not well pleased" was an understatement! Deborah was hopping mad, and when you read her lengthy and well considered response, which is so long that it justified it's own page in the Readers Write section, you will understand why. It reinforces much of what was stated by Mike Opdahl in the previous weeks article but provides another engaging perspective.
A Tale of Three (not so) Little Vinous Pigs (19July)
The proposed sale of Seppeltsfield is a very emotive issue amongst wine lovers, and many people have opinions on the topic. Judging by his past Readers Writes articles and lengthy internet posts, Sean O'Sullivan is a man that thinks through the issues and come up with some good points and logical conclusions. His latest article, which covers the proposed sale of Denman, (most of) the Penfolds site, and Seppeltsfield is no different. It offers an interesting perspective and can be found here.
The Fizzics of Fizzy Corks (11July)
When the screwcap closure resurfaced in it's current format, it fostered much debate about the pros and cons of cork versus alternatives closures in still wine. Now there is a ground swell that is slowly staring to ask questions about alternatives for sparkling wine closures. John Casey is no Johnny come lately; he has a wealth of industry experience behind him and is obsessed with both closure systems and the chemistry of sparkling wines; so John is well placed to comment on the physics of corks in sparkling wine. When I read the article he sent me, it lead to a heap of questions and John was kind enough to answer those too. As this is a complicated subject, it is suggested that you read the original article first, and then reread it, but this time the version that has my Questions and John's Answers dispersed though the article.
or to put it more politely, "A Winemaker Gives His Perspective." In a recent newspaper article in the Melbourne Age, Ben Candier wrote an article titled "Red or dead?" and stated ,"Australian reds are getting bigger - and not always better. Winemakers' egos are killing the great Australian red. There are three reasons for this new trend: physiological ripeness, the US market and deranged winemaker ego."
Never short of an opinion, or the fear to express it, Andrew Sutherland-Smith of Warrabilla Wines answers Candier 's criticism a by providing his perspective; and wine doesn't come much bigger than Smithy's stuff, so he is in the perfect position to respond.
Pinot
Sean O'Sullivan looks like becoming a regular contributor and this is his best work yet. It is somewhat fashionable in certain quarters to knock Australian Pinot, and if truth be told I have been guilty of doing so too. In this article Sean provides some excellent tips and pointers to assist those looking for something worthwhile. Buying Pinot doesn't have a complete gamble and it's always better to have some worthwhile tips on what to back.
The 2005 Murrumbateman Cool Climate Wine Show
Gilbert Labour throws his hat into the ring again with the results and summary of his experiences at the Cool Climate wine Show. Some unexpected results too!
Tahbilk Old and New (14 Sept 05)
Sean O'Sullivan is a regular contributor on the Auswine Forum and is known for his monologue length posts which are underpinned by a great deal of careful thought. This is his debut Readers Write story on Torbwine and covers a recent visit to Tahbilk where he tried a lot of c-though.
Big Spending Bruce Bitches 'bout Blazing CD Back Chat
In an email to me, Bruce outlines an unbelievable experience at a cellar door in Rutherglen. Not exactly a case of how to win customers, more like how to ensure you don't have any! You have to read it to believe it!!
Murray Paterson - another interesting letter
This effort from Murray is in response to my article on The Pepsi-fication of Penfold. As usual, Murray makes knowledgeable observations that have a firm grounding in reality and provide an excellent perspective.
Murray Paterson - a very interesting letter to me on Brett
Murray is a switched on viticulturalist and grower in New Zealand that knows his apples - and his grapes! This letter, whilst a little technical, shows insight and understanding about a real problem area.
Parker - Oz Wines - and the UK Market, a Reader's Perspective
Phil Shorten provides an excellent general UK perspective on Parker as well as his influence on Oz wines in the UK.
Beware of using your credit card over the net
Fraser Park, a keen purchaser of Oz wines writes and shares his experiences in buying wine on line that has possibly lead to fraudulent activity on his credit card.
The Games that Distributors and Producers Play
In a previous article I wrote about the games that retailers play to hook the buyers. It looks like "interesting" practices in the wine business are not restricted to retailers and the producers and distributors have their own versions. This article is the culmination of two retailers experiences, one in Australia and one in San Francisco.
The Mad Hungarian Invites Us For Dinner
August saw a gathering of a select bunch of wine desperados, who despite the best efforts of the wine Gods, were determined to have a good time anyway. Seven blokes and over 20 bottles of plonk. Kindly written by Adair Durie with a few comments thrown in from the peanut gallery.
Cleanskins – Not a New Phenomenon
Red Bigot is at it again! The journalists have provided their perspective on cleanskins and even some retailers have been quoted in the papers, but what about the "serious wine buyer? What do they think about cleanskins? In this article, Brian tells all and provides a realistic, balanced opinion.
A Very Special Night Of Food and Wine
Picture this, a mad as a meat axe Hungarian organising things, a trainee MW who has a very deep cellar with all sorts of truly great wines, an excellent cook with a delft and creative hand, a young "I want to know it experience it all person", two other dedicated wine lovers and yours truly. The brief, bring two bottles of old and/or rare wine. The result? Read it all for yourself.
My good friend Marion outlines an interesting experience when she tried to book a table for nine people and wanted to bring one bottle of "special wine."
In another thought provoking article, guest writer Red Bigot (aka Brian Handreck) examines the stages of evolution of Internet-based wine merchants, and the gimmicks or "differentiators" they use for survival. Buying wine in a relative wine-glut can be a boon for wine-consumers/collectors, but as we will see there are many ways you can waste your money if you buy carelessly or fail to notice that your favourite merchant has subtly moved to a new mode of operation.
Thoughts from the 2004 National Riesling Challenge
In an annual fit of magnanimous generosity I have let Gilbert Labour, who is an Associate Judge at the recently held National Riesling Challenge to bring some interesting facts in relation to his beloved c-through to light.
Red Bigot’s Thoughts on Pedigree and Loyalty
One of the most eagerly awaited releases (in a good vintage) is the release of the Penfolds Bin range, especially Bin 389. This year there has been a number of pre-release tasting notes available and much controversy and debate associated with the pricing and value of the wine. In this article, Brian Handreck examines a number of aspects in relation to this wine, its compulsive reading.
An open letter to On-line Wine Merchants
If you serious about selling wine via the internet you should read this because it applies to you! - by Brian Handreck
Brian Handreck (aka Red Bigot) is a man that has been known to spend a dollar or two on a bottle of wine and has an extensive cellar that he has built over many years. Not too many wine lovers manager to buy smarter than Brian manages to do and in this article he shares his secrets. But what's as important is the link which shows what Brian is buying and who has the best prices for those wines. Comparison pricing is also provided; very useful stuff!
Gilbert labour looks at the national Wine Show and some faults in wines. Some readers may not agree with the numbers quoted here but the rest of the article makes interesting reading.
Another well written story by Gilbert labour. At the recent 2003 Murrumbateman Cool Climate Wine Show an unacceptably high level of wine taint was noted by the judges. Whilst spoilage by the more commonly recognised TCA was, thankfully minimal, an outbreak of Brettanomyces tainted wines was evident
Its been said that if one customer tells you of a complaint there are a hundred that feel the same way. Roger Black has written an excellent article that should serve as a wake up call to many wine retailers, especially by the sound of things, those in Brisbane. You won't read an article like this one on any wine retailers web site for obvious reasons.
Murray Paterson attended a tasting of Malt Scotch and was kind enough to provide the tasting notes and scores.
The Curious Case of The Icon Wine
Roger Black comes up with a very interesting hypothesis as to why there is so much 1998 Grange on the secondary market.
Gilbert Labour takes a light hearted look at a c-through topic.
The American Obsession with Points, Gurus and Pi**ing Contests
Roger Black proves an erudite Australian view on the stoush between Parker and Oliver and an insight into the American psyche in relation to wine.
Adair and I were lucky enough to attend a 'killer Macrobiotic dinner' were guests were asked to only bring wines of the highest level. Follow the story of a long night with some hilarious antics and comments amongst the serious tasting notes.
Frank Hayward comments on the article by Gilbert Labour (below)
One readers opinion on corks, sc*ew caps and a few other things of relevance to the cork taint story.
- Real life experience on cork taint from a wine show judge
I have no idea why I am putting this one up, its all about Rieslings but the information contained in it is very interesting and informative. Thanks to Gilbert Labour for providing an insiders perspective at what happens at a National Wine show.