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 3, 2009

Andy
QOTD – 2005 Peter Lehmann Barossa Shiraz: 89 points: Aroma: cherry vanilla; Taste: some pepper & chocolate, full mouthfeel and pleasant silky finish; medium tannins; tastes not overly alcoholic; some complexity; highly agreeable by itself. Good value for money ($13.50 at Costco) and worth buying again.
February 3, 2009

RonD
QOTD: Penfolds RWT
February 2, 2009

JS
Much better stuff, Gary…glad you bounced back from ep 615 (”the stoner episode” as it will be hereinafter referred to) with some good content. Solid guest, knowledgeable and enjoyable. Really like Australian reds too..
February 2, 2009

OSCAR FALCON LARA
I like Aussie Wines…

QOTD: Penfold’s Koonunga Hill is my favorite Australian wine.

Had a Greg Norman Once, didn’t think it was all that much but a good one nonetheless.

Good Show.
February 2, 2009

Melissa
GREAT show! I don’t have a lot of experience with Australian wines yet, but am headed there next month and can’t wait! I do have a Mollydooker in my cellar. I may crack that open tomorrow night!
February 2, 2009

SCOTTYL
QOTD:2003 Clarendon Hills Brookman Shiraz
February 2, 2009

laposte
QOTD:
Oh, I would have to say Leeuwin Estate Chardonnay Artist Series
February 2, 2009

Mike in Wisconsin
Ball Buster Is WEAK! Go for the Two Hands “Gnarly Dudes” or “Angels Share”!
Kilakanoon Killerman’s Run great also!
February 2, 2009

Mari
QOTD: Gary, you’ve knocked on Mollydooker in the past, but I don’t think you’ve ever reviewed The Boxer 2005 — one of the best value wines ever. Really phenomenal, at least in my opinion.

Also really love The Violinist (unique and charming Verdelho)
and Carnival of Love 2005.

Also have an 05 Velvet Glove put away!! Hopefully it doesn’t disappoint. What does everyone else think about these folks?
February 2, 2009

SteveW
Great guest, much better than the 2 from College Humor who lacked both humor and any knowledge of wine, they also looked to old to be in college.
QOTD: Amon Ra
February 2, 2009

urbwes
QOTD: I don’t roll deep, but my favorite thus far has been the Archetype Shiraz.

Gary, why no viewer’s choice episode? I loved this guest and subsequent episode, but we do need to see you idea happen.
February 2, 2009

Jim in Atlanta
QOTD – I like anything from D’arenberg. I met Chester about 12 years ago at a tasting in Illinois and was taken by his wines and him. They don’t make a bad wine. I am glad that you enjoyed his wine today.
February 2, 2009

Zigmy
I am very value driven….Banrock Station – most all are “Wednesday” wines, in my opinion, but good everyday for great prices! Penfolds do a great job and I go there for the “Saturdays”…Great episode!
February 2, 2009

Drew
Two Hands garden series.
I have been watching for a couple years now and for whatever reason Gary,It finally hit me about the OAK MONSTER and what you mean by the balance w/ fruit. Thank you so much for everything you do. ADHD is a big part, but thats what keeps the thoughts flowing and really imparted to me your passion and understanding of the complexities of wine.
February 2, 2009

Justin L. Ove
2004 Killakanoon Kellermens Run Shiraz. 20 bones, to me a 92+ fruit bomb that is straight delicious.

Benjamin poured your wine for you. Was that the first time a guest has done that? What a nice guy.
February 2, 2009

Dr. Mike
QOTD: Number 1) Henschke Hill of Grace. Close Behind with better QPR: Jasper Hill Georgia and Emily’s Paddock, Hanging Rock and Craig Lee
February 2, 2009

J Crazy
Awesome episode!!!
Great guest!

QOTD: Two Hands Angel’s Share or Bowen Estate Coonawara ‘05 Cab.
I had a ‘94 Bin 389 that was awesome! And I picked it up for about $17 bones at this littttle old liquor shop in the middle of BFN Ibaraki, Japan.
February 2, 2009

AaronB
QOTD: Yellow Tail! Sadly, that pretty much encompasses my experience with Aussie wines.
February 2, 2009

mrfroopy
I love Grosset Polish hill
and The Dead Arm
And 2003 Vasse Felix CAb
February 2, 2009

Jade
Far too little experience with them to have a favorite at this point. Only tasted Yellow Tail and a few others. Gonna search out the Hermit Crab. Good show.
February 2, 2009

damon aka unknownwine
I think that was the first time a guest poured wine for you!

qotd
1999 Penfolds St. Henri Shiraz
February 2, 2009

John Farrin
QOTD: Probably the 2005 Hewitson’s Private Cellar Shiraz/Mouvedre for the red and the 2005 Nugan “Frasca’s Lane” Chardonnay for the white.
February 2, 2009

Dominus
Very nice show with a fine bloke!

QOTD: Devil’s Lair Chardonnay with the Cape Mentelle Chard/Semillon blend a close second and The Dead Arm Shiraz rounding out the trifecta.

Cheers!
February 2, 2009

manonthemoon
Nice opening for the week.

QOTD: 2001 D’Arenberg Dead Arm, was my fav aussie so far and I think it offers something different from most of the others from the area
February 2, 2009

Tom Mok
Yeah, it was the ‘92 Penfolds 389 that got me into Australian wines in the first place. So you were the guy that bought up all the stock. No wonder it was so hard to find. Sorry to hear about the 2005, although I am probably not as much bothered by the oak as you. I’ve had the 407 once. I still think the 389 is a better value play. I have never tried the 707 or the Grange, although I would love to some day.

QOTD: My all-time favorite Aussie wine is still the Coldstream Hills Reserve Chardonnay. I think it was 1994 or 1995 the last time I had it. It was by far the best Chardonnay that I have ever had (before and since), and believe me, I’ve had many. I haven’t been able to find this wine in New Jersey. What’s with that?

Thanks for doing the show. Because of you, I am more appreciative of different grape varietals and wine regions. I am learning a lot.