A swathe of Aussie good news

A swathe of Aussie good news

We say it a lot: we’re enormously proud of our whole Portfolio of world class family-owned wineries.

But our Australian range is unquestionably among the crown jewels.

The likes of Yalumba, Vasse Felix, Tyrrell’s, Torbreck – we’re talking about true wine world icons.(As you can taste for yourself at our Torbreck and Tyrrell’s free-pouring tasting next week if you book a place quickly…)

Lodestars in their styles and regions. Wineries responsible for building the reputation of Australia’s modern fine wine industry.

As such, there’s often good news to share on their behalf. But so many bits have come through this week that we thought we’d put them together in one place.

Heytesbury wins silver in battle of the global Chardonnay giants

To say it was a tough field at the London Wine Fair’s ‘Greatest Chardonnay Showdown’ would be an understatement of epic proportions.

Blind-tasted by 18 of the UK’s most trusted palates – more than two thirds of them Masters of Wine or Master Sommeliers, including Jancis Robinson MW, Dawn Davies MW, Tony Lécuroux MS and Pierpaolo Petrassi MW – the 30 wines in the lineup included some of the world’s greatest and most famous.

We’re talking the likes of Domaine Henri Boillot’s Bâtard-Montrachet, Felton Road’s Bannockburn, Penfolds Yattarna, Dom Ruinart Blanc de Blancs and Premier Cru Chassagne Montrachet.

So for Vasse Felix’s exquisite Heytesbury to come away in second place is a testament to what an exceptional wine it is. The essence of Margaret River – and officially among the greatest Chardonnays in the world. (As we already knew).

Yalumba’s Louisa Rose honoured – and quite right too

We were delighted to hear that Yalumba’s one and only Louisa Rose has been awarded the Real Review’s prestigious Len Evans Prize, recognising outstanding individual contribution to Australian wine.

Judges noted her more than 30 vintages with Yalumba, 17 of them as head winemaker, now head of sustainability and global ambassador, saying: ‘there should be a better word than dedication to describe Louisa.’ They commented on the many ways Louisa has lent her expertise to Yalumba and Hiill-Smith Family Estates, especially with regards to her two great loves: Riesling and Viognier.

We can’t think of anyone more deserving. Cheers to Louisa – have a watch of this short film celebrating her win.

Last call for the Torbreck/Tyrrell’s icons tasting

We couldn’t sign off an Australia celebration without a last plug for the Torbreck and Tyrrell’s icons tasting at Aki Restaurant next Wednesday (3^rd).

A chance to taste the very best from two producers who have virtually defined their regions – ancient vine, Rhône variety Barossa wines from Torbreck, standard-bearing Hunter Valley Shiraz and Semillon from Tyrrell’s.

How often do you get the chance to taste through the likes of The Laird, RunRig and Vat 1 Semillon side-by-side?

Not very, unless you’re incredibly lucky.

But join us on the 3^rd and that’s exactly what you can look forward to – with members of the Torbreck and Tyrrell’s team on hand to guide you through the wines and answer your every question. Too good to miss. Book your place whilst you still can.