I don’t think it’s Australian in general, for me anyways, it has been the shiraz. They’re all way over-oaked, and over the top, just like the Penley was today. I find myself prejudging all Australian shiraz as a result of the last 10 or so that I have tried being that way. Oh well, there’s plenty other places to get wine from…

QOTD: Santa brought me two more Ayn Rand novels…hopefully they’re as good as Atlas Shrugged!

QOTD: Eye glasses so I can read the back label on wine bottles!!!

I’m not much of a Shiraz drinker. Our customers love the Tait Shiraz. We get lots of positive feedback.

QOTD: Eye glasses so I can read the back label on wine bottles!!!

I’m not much of a Shiraz drinker. Our customers love the Tait Shiraz. We get lots of positive feedback.

qotd asked for a wltv episode with a vin jaune in it, I hope santa comes thru

Finally! (Sort of)

What this episode finally showed is that Australian wine not made in South Australia IS balanced, it IS complex, and it IS good!
The Innocent Bystander wine is from the Yarra Valley, about an hour away from where I live. That is the entry range from the winery Giant Steps, who make exceptional Pinot and Chardonnay. They are the two best grown varieties in the Yarra Valley and Mornington Peninsula (also in Victoria).

Gary, for your next Aussie show (whenever that may be), can you PLEASE stay away from South Australia? Coonawarra is a SLIGHTLY less nuts version of Barossa – but still that huge style Australia is ‘famous’ for.

I have said this so many times on here because it frustrates me as much as the Oak monster frustrates you – Yarra Valley, Mornington, Hunter Valley, Orange, Tasmania, Padthaway, Margaret River….ALL regions offer greater complexity, quality, terroir, value, thunder – WAY more than almost everything from S.Aust.

Good episode that you got one in there! SEE the potential?

QOTD: My Christmas has been and gone, obviously, which is why I was late coming to this episode. Got some great things but most importantly spent alot of time with family.

Finally! (Sort of)

What this episode finally showed is that Australian wine not made in South Australia IS balanced, it IS complex, and it IS good!
The Innocent Bystander wine is from the Yarra Valley, about an hour away from where I live. That is the entry range from the winery Giant Steps, who make exceptional Pinot and Chardonnay. They are the two best grown varieties in the Yarra Valley and Mornington Peninsula (also in Victoria).

Gary, for your next Aussie show (whenever that may be), can you PLEASE stay away from South Australia? Coonawarra is a SLIGHTLY less nuts version of Barossa – but still that huge style Australia is ‘famous’ for.

I have said this so many times on here because it frustrates me as much as the Oak monster frustrates you – Yarra Valley, Mornington, Hunter Valley, Orange, Tasmania, Padthaway, Margaret River….ALL regions offer greater complexity, quality, terroir, value, thunder – WAY more than almost everything from S.Aust.

Good episode that you got one in there! SEE the potential?

QOTD: My Christmas has been and gone, obviously, which is why I was late coming to this episode. Got some great things but most importantly spent alot of time with family.

no man should have wood in his mouth:) will be looking for the bystander

Yiiiiikes…. started with potential and turned into a train wreck!

QOTD: I have had very very few Australian wines for the exact reasons you’ve presented. Far too many over the top science projects that completely loses the fruit. When I roll the dice (which is often) I will go to other parts of the world where I’ve enjoyed other varietals and regions. I definitely have not given Australia a fair chance, and this demonstration isn’t changing my approach in the near future!!!!

Yiiiiikes…. started with potential and turned into a train wreck!

QOTD: I have had very very few Australian wines for the exact reasons you’ve presented. Far too many over the top science projects that completely loses the fruit. When I roll the dice (which is often) I will go to other parts of the world where I’ve enjoyed other varietals and regions. I definitely have not given Australia a fair chance, and this demonstration isn’t changing my approach in the near future!!!!

QOTD: Santa is bringing me treasured time with my loved ones and family and hopefully the good fortune of enjoying many delicious wines in 2010.

Gary – just watched the NBC spot, nice work. I like how you said “crap” 3 times, hilarious. Also, surprised he said you’re corny, what was that all about?!?!

Misha is ridiculously CUTE… You are blessed!

Gary – just watched the NBC spot, nice work. I like how you said “crap” 3 times, hilarious. Also, surprised he said you’re corny, what was that all about?!?!

Misha is ridiculously CUTE… You are blessed!

Sorry…I am a little late on my comment, nice intro Gary, I almost thought you were getting ready to punch someone in the neck 😉 I agree with you about these over oaked wines….wine makers TAKE NOTE!!

i agree about the bystander, LOVE this pinot and its not “juice box” flavored like a lot of australians. Do you know why the big difference between new zealand and australia in the wines? I find new zealand soooo much better in most wine styles. simillar climates and all right? hmmmm

QOTD: i got a wii wich as it turns out goes very well with wine!

i agree about the bystander, LOVE this pinot and its not “juice box” flavored like a lot of australians. Do you know why the big difference between new zealand and australia in the wines? I find new zealand soooo much better in most wine styles. simillar climates and all right? hmmmm

QOTD: i got a wii wich as it turns out goes very well with wine!

Santa brought my sister and her family to Atlanta for the second year, so I did not have to go to Chicago like I did for many years at Christmas. I am more a fan of old world wines, but I do like some of the Molly Dooker and Marquis Phillips wines when done correctly. I usually prefer D’Arenberg wines from Australia over the more extracted types.

Santa brought my sister and her family to Atlanta for the second year, so I did not have to go to Chicago like I did for many years at Christmas. I am more a fan of old world wines, but I do like some of the Molly Dooker and Marquis Phillips wines when done correctly. I usually prefer D’Arenberg wines from Australia over the more extracted types.

just got a bottle of the bleasdale as a gift 3 weeks ago, and have the option to swap it at the store (not your store, im in london), was really undecided. the store gave a real good sales pitch, but now i think i will swap, thanks GV again for the tremendous service to my wine world.

just got a bottle of the bleasdale as a gift 3 weeks ago, and have the option to swap it at the store (not your store, im in london), was really undecided. the store gave a real good sales pitch, but now i think i will swap, thanks GV again for the tremendous service to my wine world.

I haven’t had a ton of shiraz that I’m crazy about, but the Marquis Phillips #9 Shiraz (at least the ’06 vintage, only one I’ve had) was awesome to me. I’m curious about the Innocent Bystander Pinot because their Good Dog, Bad Dog blend is kind of blah for me.

I haven’t had a ton of shiraz that I’m crazy about, but the Marquis Phillips #9 Shiraz (at least the ’06 vintage, only one I’ve had) was awesome to me. I’m curious about the Innocent Bystander Pinot because their Good Dog, Bad Dog blend is kind of blah for me.

*Addendum: But I’m a huge fan of Cote Rotie, and a few Syrah’s I’ve had from Paso Robles and Oregon. I’d like to see some good recommendations of those on the show.

*Addendum: But I’m a huge fan of Cote Rotie, and a few Syrah’s I’ve had from Paso Robles and Oregon. I’d like to see some good recommendations of those on the show.

Awesome! Has your Penley rep cancelled their next appointment with you?

I am actually going to try to find a bottle just to see for myself.