An Aussie wine tasting with a visiting Aussie Chef

An Aussie wine tasting with a visiting Aussie Chef – Episode #616

February 2, 2009

Chef Benjamin Christie and Gary Vaynerchuk taste 3 Australian wines that are widely available.

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Comments on this episode(207) Leave a comment ›

“If you like the D’arenberg Hermit Crab, you should try their “Dry Dam …” by Gavin
“I think you’re right on point, Gary. The bin 407 is also ridiculously…” by ulu ulu ulu ulu
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Wines tasted in this episode:

2007 D’arenberg The Hermit CrabAustralian White Meritage
2006 Kooyong Massale Pinot NoirAustralian Pinot Noir
2005 Penfolds Cab/shiraz Bin 389Australian Red Meritage

Links mentioned in today’s episode.

Benjamin Christie . com

207 Responses

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February 2, 2009

Tenacious E
‘98 Elderton Command, although I still have an ‘01 Wynns Coonawarra cab left that I should have bought half a case of at a fraction of the price.

And for the sake of perspective, I think I paid $14-15 for the ‘01 Bin 389 I have sleeping in the other room.

Loved the Hermit Crab, though; the viognier and alcohol content worried me, but it was a really nice wine at an agreeable price.
February 2, 2009

F Jackie Martling
Bravo Gary. When you show restraint and let your guest join in the show is great.
qotd: Two Hands Shiraz
February 2, 2009

cgatesman
2006 Two Hands Brave Faces
February 2, 2009

Dominick Mack
Good episode!

Gary – I think you were actually somewhat reserved on your usual over-the-top, over oaked, fruit bomb, Aussie bashing!
February 2, 2009

RJurman
So far, the Mitolo GAM takes it for me.
February 2, 2009

Ray Barnes
Very good show – this guest was 10 times more engaging than both of the guests from the last show.

QOTD – I don’t have a favourite Aussie wine, yet.
February 2, 2009

SpoiledinCalbyPinot
QOTD

Best Australian Wine is 2005 Cab by Bleasdale. Great mid palate with excellent nose. Love the show
February 2, 2009

Redbanker
QOTD: Kaesler Stonehorse Grenache/Shiraz/Mourvedre Barossa Valley.

Another great show. I love the shows where the guests are so accessible. A strong blow for the demystification of wine.
February 2, 2009

Neener
Great show…can’t wait to try the Hermit Crab. Admission: I’ve been spending way too much time tasting the Kiwi concoctions and not enough back in Australia. That said, the Grange is probably my favorite (though rarely shell out for it). I’m also a fan of some of the more common Penfolds…usually staying in the $12-$17 range. I have not had the 389, but will try a bottle the next time I cook up some steaks. Some of the other wineries I’ll frequently taste: Chapel Hill, Barton Vale, Hare’s Chase, and Cullen.
February 2, 2009

brorjace
Penfolds Thomas Hyland was one of my first “serious” wines, but I will pretty much drink any Aussie Shiraz, Cab, Riesling, etc.
February 2, 2009

Andy
Great ep G ……. always forget about good Aussie wine.
Qotd…. Right now its the Innocent Bystander …. Shiraz-viognier
February 2, 2009

Alan and Gayle
QOTD: Definitely Pensfold Bin 407 2004 Cab

Dam, it was great when he said “Barby”
through some thick dirty steaks on the barby
February 2, 2009

Chris Hansen
Love the chef “play.” QOTD: This is probably rube central, but I like the Penfolds Coonawarra.

Good episode, but I wonder if blue sweater wasn’t there if the Oak Monster would have been on full display in all its glory?
February 2, 2009

Edog
Hey Gary !

Your guest today seems like a really good guy. Looks like he was having fun !

QOTD: My fave Australian wine would be a Barossa Sauvignon Blanc.
February 2, 2009

Laurie in VT
We like Benjamin! Have him back again, maybe for a show on what Aussie wines go well with food on the grill (sorry, ‘barbie’)? Maybe from the parking lot at a Jets game? Just a thought…

QOTD: Sentimental favorite is McLaren Valley Wallace Shiraz, can’t think of the maker just now.
February 2, 2009

jonomck
QOTD: Amon Ra!
February 2, 2009

billyg
Massena Shiraz Eleventh Hour
February 2, 2009

David
QOTD – Been a while since I was on line but glad I came back for this ep. Bin 389 and the reason is it was my first big purhcase too. In 1999 or 2000 I tried it and loved it. Ended up purchasing a few bottles and then a few more when those ran out, eventually buying about 2 cases before I could no longer find it around town. I have been attempting to get that same kick from it ever since, but most vintages have not had the same punch.
February 2, 2009

Gobi
QOTD: Mollydooker the Boxer
February 2, 2009

Danny @wineweek
Hey Gary,

Shame to open the Kooyong now… it’s a wine that really won’t show it’s best for another 5-10 years. So many other great Aussie Pinots that Ben could have brought up that would have jumped; Savaterre, Epis, Main Ridge, by Farr, William Downie and heaps of others.

Also, the 389 might have too much oak for you right now, but you’d be a bit remiss to suggest it’s a brand issue as you do at 20:05. Have a look at the current St. Henri (which is a bit more expensive) to see that Penfolds is well and truly capable of letting the terrior and varietal speak through.

QTOD: so tough, so many brilliant wines. Perhaps Torbreck Run-Rig, Kalleske Greenock Shiraz or Morris Old Premium Liqueur Muscat… but so many other brilliant wines.
February 2, 2009

Little Jonny H
Solid show, and a great guest. Enjoyed the knowledge he brought about buying trends from “Down Under”. As for the wines, what kind of plums do you eat, GV? Clearly the chef would have more experience with them than you

QOTD: Holly’s Garden Pinot Gris
February 2, 2009

purplejuicebruce
QOTD… so far Layer Cake Shiraz is my favorite.
February 2, 2009

Greg Z
great show gary. fantastic host. you both held to your guns. fun,honest with no apologies.
February 2, 2009

CBone
Nice show, Gary. But, I thought today was going to be the show picked from Facebook suggestions? Maybe tomorrow. Either way, I’ll check out that white Meritage.

QOTD: I had some heavy duty Shiraz that had a bird on the label…maybe a grouse or something. It was good.
February 2, 2009

flynbrian
Have had the Hermit Crab and liked it, but for my favorite(at the moment)I’d have to say Molly Dooker Two Left Feet. I also like the Ball Buster that someone else mentioned.