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MORE Wine Industry Pain?!

08 Jul 2010 11:00:00 +1000

New Zealand winemaker Cape Campbell Wines has gone in to voluntary receivership, owing creditors millions of dollars.

The Marlborough wine company went in to voluntary receivership on Friday and is just the latest in a recent string of wineries to have collapsed under the killer-combo pressure of global wine glut, world recession, increased taxes and a strong dollar.

When Boggy Creek hit the skids last year, Mark McKenzie from the Wine Grape Growers Australia warned that "hundreds of grape growers and winemakers are fighting for survival" and since then we have seen many more go to the wall.

And some industry insiders claim that we are still only seeing the tip of the iceberg...

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

Tags: Wine Red Wine White Wine Video Wine Tasting Wine Reviews BoozeMonkey Wine Community Social Network Australia Australian Wine McLaren Vale Margaret River Barossa Hunter Valley Yarra Valley New Zealand

Mules of the Wine World

06 Jul 2010 11:00:00 +1000

Hybrids. What do we know about them?

Cheap to run, fuel saving, energy efficient… Disease Resistant?!

Hybrids of the wine world are those single varieties which are genetic result of two or more other grape varieties. But how prominent are hybridised varieties in the Australian Market? They might be more common than you think.

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

UK Wine :: Sticking It To The French!

02 Jul 2010 11:00:00 +1000

A little-known UK winemaker has picked up an International Wine Challenge Trophy, beating more than 450 other wines, including French champagne giants with huge reputations.

Camel Valley, in Bodmin, Cornwall was set up by Bob Lindo and his wife Annie in 1989 and the estate is now run by their son Sam...

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

Australian Wine in China :: A+

01 Jul 2010 10:00:00 +1000

Australia's multi-million-dollar push to boost its market share in the Chinese wine market was launched last night with the unveiling of Wine Australia's "A+" brand at the Shanghai Expo pavilion.

Australian wine exports to China are expected to be worth as much as $200 million by the end of this year and it is predicted that China will become Australia's largest customer within the next five years.

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

Sangria :: A Taste Of Summer

25 Jun 2010 10:00:00 +1000

It’s cold out and you’re longing for lazy summer days on the beach. So instead of opening up the big, meaty Cabs and Shirazzes this weekend, why not fast-forward to summer and treat yourself to some Sangria?

Or better still, knock up some tapas or a quick paella (here’s how) and pretend you’re in Spain.

Sangria is easy to make (5 mins tops), it’s cheap (so it’s ideal for making a cheap bottle of red more drinkable) and for those of you with Masterchef tendencies, you can indulge your creative side by spicing the basic recipe up with your own additions. Maybe a little cinnamon or nutmeg?

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

Paella Mariscos and Cheap Red Wine

17 Jun 2010 20:00:00 +1000

One of the great things about upping-sticks to live somewhere new is meeting new people (which *can* be a mixed blessing of course) and trying lots of new things to eat.

We've been very lucky on both counts so far: everyone we've met has been remarkably friendly and helpful since we moved to Valencia, and the only poor meals we've had are ones we've made ourselves -- sometimes you just can't find the ingredients you're looking for and sometimes you think you've found what you want but it turns out to be COMPLETELY different when you cook it...

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

Why Do They Plant Roses At The End Of The Rows In The Vineyard?

16 Jun 2010 20:00:00 +1000

This is a common question I recieved from customers when I was working the cellar door in the Hunter. There are various reasons that I know of....

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

Guinness is Good for You -- It's Official

24 May 2010 20:00:00 +1000

The old advertising slogan "Guinness is Good for You" may be true after all, according to researchers.

A pint of the black stuff a day may work as well as a low dose aspirin to prevent heart clots that raise the risk of heart attacks.

Most people may not be aware, but the Australian wine industry is very heavily regulated. It needs to be. Australian wine is now exported across the globe, and so we need to comply with every countries’ food safety laws, as well as our own domestic legislation.

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

Organic Viticulture Versus Conventional Viticulture

24 May 2010 17:00:00 +1000

The Chalk Hill wine making story has been six generations in the making. The wines are sourced from our family owned vineyards that were first planted in the 1890’s, and we started making wines mostly to stock the family cellar and to share with our friends. The great response from our circle of friends led to us making more wine, turning the hobby into a business. The principles haven’t changed, and like anyone growing their own food and vegetables, we are just as interested in what goes into making the wine as how it tastes. That starts with not using any pesticides on any of the vineyards.

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

Silver from International Wine Challenge for Blackenbrook Sauvignon Blanc 2009

24 May 2010 13:00:00 +1000

The International Wine Challenge – now in its 27th edition - is the world’s most prestigious and influential independent wine competition. With a record number of 46 wine producing countries entering the 2010 Challenge, the competition enjoyed a 15% increase in entries year on year with standards higher than ever.

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

Valencian Paella

24 May 2010 10:00:00 +1000

The first thing you notice about Valencia is how damn friendly everyone is, and how helpful. And less than a week after our toes hit Spanish soil, we met a fantastic couple (Alicia and José-Louis) who invited us to their house for paella. Well, it would have been churlish to refuse...

The longer a wine ferment takes to complete, the more delicate aromas and flavours are retained to give a more complex wine. We now try to extend the ferment to around ten days by chilling the yeast down and slowing its reproduction.

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

Michael Cooper Gives Top Marks To 2009 Aromatics

22 May 2010 13:00:00 +1000

Grown in the Tasman district, harvested by hand and lees-aged in stainless steel tanks, the 2009 vintage is a dry style. Aromatic, it is fresh, vibrant and punchy, with good intensity of gooseberry and lime flavours, racy and long...

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

A Bit About Yeast

21 May 2010 10:00:00 +1000

This little fungal workhorse of the wine industry is a fascinating micro-organism. Yeast is probably the uncelebrated hero of the wine industry. The job of yeast is to ferment the wine (turning the sugars into alcohol) but it also leaves its own flavour stamp and character to the finished wine.

Little yeast cells love to reproduce, with the grape sugars producing the energy to do the funky stuff. Alcohol and carbon dioxide are the by-product. They can turn newly harvested grapes into wine within three days, but like most things wine related, fastest isn’t best.

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

A quick thanks to all the restaurants...

20 May 2010 10:00:00 +1000

A quick thank you to all the restaurants who have taken Molly Morgan Vineyard on board recently. Not only for helping us grow our business but also for taking a chance on a small, family-run wine business.

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

Stunning Vintage at Blackenbrook Vineyard

20 May 2010 08:00:00 +1000

It’s all smiles at Blackenbrook Family Vineyard in Tasman this week as the harvesting reveals what they believe will be their best year yet for quality grapes.

Vineyard manager and Winemaker Daniel Schwarzenbach says bin after bin of their handpicked grapes are showing the effects of sunny dry days and cool night temperatures with an intensity of flavour he has never seen at his vineyard before.

“The tests confirm that the fruit is fully ripe with sugar levels of up to 26 Brix and the taste is incredible – amazingly intense. It’s exciting working with the new wines and I can’t wait to get them into bottles and share the experience.”

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

BoozeMonkey Online Sales System :: WE NEED YOUR FEEDBACK

19 May 2010 21:00:00 +1000

Development of the BoozeMonkey Online Sales System (BOSS) is in full swing, and we want your suggestions to add to our wish list of features.

This is your chance to have us develop the sales sytem YOU want: please leave your suggestions.

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

The Two Mates Story :: Part 8

18 May 2010 19:00:00 +1000

Over a big drink in a small bar in Italy two Aussie mates decided to make their perfect Shiraz...

Part 8 :: When Even The Worse Case Scenario May Be A Good Result

A few days later David and I sat in our favourite bar and decided we had better think about how to market the wine. We had a lot of time as the longer you leave it in the bottle the better the wine when released. We were in no hurry … but we were impatient. We had twelve months.

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

2010 Vintage Review

16 May 2010 23:00:00 +1000

Once again I find myself gazing out on a dampen vineyard. Leaves clinging on for dear life, and the latest vintage resting in tank and barrel.

This year’s vintage again was subjected to the weather gods, and an earlier onset of ripening brought us more in line with the vintage of 2008. Like last year we began with the Semillon from the warmer climes of Boyup. A little earlier, but with our aim to capture more natural acidity we managed to secure a very good start to the harvest.

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

The Two Mates Story :: Part 7

13 May 2010 22:00:00 +1000

Over a big drink in a small bar in Italy two Aussie mates decided to make their perfect Shiraz...

Part 7 :: Producing Our First Wine Was Like Winning A Grand Final

You are by now aware David and I didn’t spit out too much during our full day blending session and by that evening it was taking its toll.

We eventually managed to meet up with our wives and go out for dinner that night with Matt and his wife Katy. Matt had booked a table at his local pub, the famous Victory Hotel at Willunga. We arrived at the same time as Matt, who as usual, was wearing a t-shirt and carrying an armful of red.

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

What's New In Paradise?

08 May 2010 11:00:00 +0100

It's all systems go at Galafrey, with new initiatives, new wines, and even a new addition to the family, so Kim Tyrer says "enough doom and gloom" and wants to hear some positive news from the wine industry…

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

The Two Mates Story :: Part 6

08 May 2010 10:00:00 +0100

Part 6 :: There Is Nothing More Beautiful Than A 100 Year Old Lady

In the months leading up to the blending day Matt had done his research into our likes and dislikes of Shiraz. He had shown us many samples of his barrels. We had made comment on other winemaker’s products we liked and we had sampled Matt’s many barrel selections as our wine aged in the predominantly French oak barrels for the 18 months prior to bottling.

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

2007 Yalumba Eden Valley Viognier Wine Review

05 May 2010 13:00:00 +0100

Tis is a hedonistic little white. Beautiful straw/barley yellow colour with great clarity. Very intriguing nose. Grab some oatmeal or muesli with dried apricot pieces. Hold the milk. Pour on a little vodka before adding a shredded lemon leaf, the zest of an orange and a grapefruit and a dollop of orange marmalade. Tastes bad, smells wonderful. On the palate the high alcohol (14.5%) is a wonderful textural element. The wine coats the mouth but never becomes cloying or excessively thick thanks to a spicy, pickled ginger like lift that cleanses the palate. But not before your taste buds are tantalised by flavours of apricot & ginger juice, grapefruit, toast and a hint of leesy lemon seed. More please!

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

McLaren Vale Wines and Wineries - Vasarelli's

02 May 2010 19:00:00 +1000

I heard that a new cellar door was on it's way. I heard it was for a local identity family - Vasarelli. I got a message on Facebook that a new restaurant had opened just before Xmas day called, you guessed it Vasarelli's. Well I had to find out about this myself. By my reconing this was the 62nd normally opened cellar door (ie not a by appointment only cellar door) in McLaren Vale - I have been to 59 cellar doors in the last 2.5 years so I though I had better get to number 60. I must say it is great to see a local business deciding to take their accountant buy the b_lls and expend at this time in the wine industry cycle - I take my hat off to them…

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

The Two Mates Story :: Part 5

02 May 2010 17:00:00 +1000

Part 5 :: Blending Is Winemaking

Normally the word “blend” conjures up thoughts of something like Cabernet blended with Merlot or Shiraz with Voigner. But in our case “to blend” means a blend of Shiraz from differing barrels from different vineyards and from different selections within vineyards and all within our region … McLaren Vale. These selections have been carefully chosen by our winemaker Matt because of the subtle and sometimes not so subtle smell, feel and tastes they can give a wine. Australia’s most famous red wine “Grange” is a blend of different varieties from different regions and they vary each year. 2 Mates is a blend of Shiraz only within one region and neither the region nor variety will vary.

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

Brakenwood Vineyard

02 May 2010 11:00:00 +1000

An interesting mix! This cellar door is on the main street of Willunga, in what was previously an antique furniture shop. The wines are made from estate grown grapes in the Adelaide Hills GI next to Kuppito Forest overlooking Willunga. This cellar door is relatively new and when I first saw it the blackboard out the front and saw they had wine flight options…

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

Medals And Medallions

01 May 2010 15:00:00 +1000

The Toasted Hostess whipped up here breaded medallions to serve with three (3) award winning wines from Australia…

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

KarriBindi Harvest Over and Autumn Monkey Wine Special

30 Apr 2010 15:00:00 +1000

Harvest is over.

It was a perfect growing season in Margaret River, with warm days and nights and very little rain through spring and summer. With some seriously hot days in Karridale throughout January and February (a couple of 39 degree days) vintage was upon us more quickly than normal. Our first night harvest of whites was on 3 March and our last harvest, the Shiraz, was on 12 April. It was a mad rush to get nets off and organise harvesters and staff, but like every vintage it was worth it! Especially so when tasting the fresh grapes straight from the vine and then getting the call from our winemaker proclaiming that the fruit was in perfect condition and had beautiful varietal expression.

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

Aussie Wine Industry Must LOSE 50% Of Brands!

28 Apr 2010 05:00:00 +1000

The Australian wine industry must shed HALF its producers and brands to avoid ruin.

That's the message from former Winemakers' Federation of Australia president Alister Purbrick, who said the industry's oversupply was so severe it had become "totally unsustainable".

Mr Purbrick said the number of wine producers had to be halved for the industry to become sustainable.

What do YOU think?

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

The Pub With No Beer

24 Apr 2010 20:00:00 +1000

We've recently returned from the Wineries Unlimited trade show in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. Where is that I hear you ask? It’s about 30 minutes outside of Philadelphia and is ranked as the second biggest wine industry show in the US - the biggest on the East Coast.

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

The 2 Mates Story - Part 4

24 Apr 2010 18:00:00 +1000

Part 4 :: To Spit Or Not To Spit Wine

It is easy to understand why people who have to taste a lot of wine spit it out. There is no way a wine show judge could do the job all day without spitting. There is no way professional winemakers can make great wine without spitting. We were neither.

To set the record straight I have never been a spitter. I find the act of spitting a problem because I got the cane from Mr Judd in grade 6 primary school after being spotted spitting in the yard. I always think of him when I see people spit wine out. But more than that...

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

Wino Wings Video

13 Apr 2010 20:00:00 +1000

This is not your grandmother’s chicken - The Toasted Hostess has twisted-up some fine pairings of wine and wings toasted a twist worth tasting… Cheers!!

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

The 2 Mates Story - Part 3

13 Apr 2010 18:00:00 +1000

Part 3 :: Never Wanting To Be “Just A Part Of The Crowd” Suits Us Well

A week after the lunch meeting at Directors Hotel, David and I reflected on that first meeting with Matt. We still felt very excited about the future and we were eager to get things rolling.

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

Cullen Wines Needs Your Support!

12 Apr 2010 20:00:00 +1000

Cullen Wines needs your support to protect the Wine Industry for the future!!

A brewery has been proposed to be developed on the property immediately north of Cullen Wines. Whilst the Busselton Shire has recently ruled against this on the basis that it is “incompatible” with our vineyard operations this decision is expected to go to the State Administrative Tribunal on appeal.

The risk is that yeast cells from the brewery will escape and contaminate the wild yeasts in our vineyard. We use these yeasts to ferment grapes and make our wine. This is likely to have negative effects on the quality of our wines. These risks have been supported by a report from the Australian Wine Research Institute.

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

WA Wine Labels

5 Apr 2010 20:00:00 +1000

Why would a WA guy attack WA wineries? Surely this is counter-productive for the WA wine industry?

Not to mention a really bad piece of journalism.

Who exactly on the international front is laughing????

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

Vintage a Trois :: A Vintage In 3 Parts

28 Mar 2010 20:00:00 +1000

Being a wine tragic, I thought in only fitting that those of us that are not working a "real" vintage, should post something topical about the vintage and its conditions for 2010.

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

The 2 Mates Story - Part 2

25 Mar 2010 20:00:00 +1000

Over a big drink in a small bar in Italy two Aussie mates decided to make their perfect Shiraz...

Part 2 :: “Let’s Call It Two Mates And Get On With It”

"I think we should call it Two Mates and get on with it" ... My statement came during a lunch meeting six months after returning from Italy. It was as simple as that. We had no winemaker and no grapes but we believed they would, as had happened many times in the past, find us.

We both preferred Shiraz to any other wine and we both admired the two winemaking Bens ... Glaetzer and Riggs. Ben Glaetzer’s Bishop, Wallace and Heartland were excellent wines and his Amon Ra was king … Ben Rigg’s The Gaffer and Mr Riggs were similarly appreciated by both of us.

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

Linda Tyrer - Pioneer of WA Wine Industry and Founder of Galafrey Wines

25 Mar 2010 13:00:00 +1000

I have now been in the wine industry for over 33 years, one of the dinosaurs of Western Australian Wine Industry, sometimes kindly known as 'pioneer'.

It all began way back in the 1975, after years of wandering around the globe...

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

Luxury Wine Tour to Puglia, Southern Italy

18 Mar 2010 23:00:00 +1000

Join The Toasted Hostess on a luxury wine tour to Puglia, south Italy

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

The 2 Mates Story - Part 1

18 Mar 2010 13:00:00 +1000

Over a big drink in a small bar in Italy two Aussie mates decided to make their perfect Shiraz...

Several years ago good mate David Minear and I, with our wives, attended our friend Steve’s 40th birthday celebrations in the tiny walled village of Panicale in Umbria, Italy. It was the trip of a lifetime and included many elements in life we enjoy … mateship, family, food, wine and discovery.

Umbria is an amazing region of Italy. Nestled right next to Tuscany, it has everything except the ocean. You experience endless hills, forests, rolling pastures, ancient villages, great food and wine, olives, wild boar and it is equally famous for its black truffles as its forest mushrooms.

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

It's A Pizza Party!!!

13 Mar 2010 13:00:00 +1000

The Toasted Hostess is shaking it up and sharing the fun of food prep with the folks at her nest little gathering. I make the dough, they bring the show… each guest brings their favorite ingredients to share the flavors of their world….Of course with my toasted twists…… Namibian BBQ Chicken and a Greek Goddess pizza paired witha couple of classy Canadians and a very sexy Australian…

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

Wine For Haiti Auction via Grays

06 Mar 2010 17:00:00 +1000

As I mentioned in the newsletter last week, we have now teamed up with Grays Online to help auction all the amazing donations which have been pledged to the WINE FOR HAITI AUCTION ::: Grays have a huge customer database and they shift tens of thousands of cases of wine every month.

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

McLaren Vale Wines - Bellevue Estate

03 Mar 2010 13:00:00 +1000

The Bellevue Estate wine is available for tasting at The Bahn - a Bistro and Wine Bar on the Main Street of McLaren Vale. The Bahn is a resturant is a location of note in McLaren Vale - with one if it's features being a "Cellar Door" where the cellar contains a large selection of wines from McLaren Vale boutique wineries. The Bahn is owned by Ben & Bev Vandeleur. The Bahn looks like a great place to eat and the "Cellar Door" caters to most wine styles.

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

Riesling Tasting - Damn That Cunning Little Grape!

02 Mar 2010 23:00:00 +1000

Within the last couple of weeks I have had the distinct pleasure to attend two separate Riesling tastings. Well actually I attended one and drank the leftovers from another, but it amounts to the same thing. I have also knocked off a couple of decent bottles at home and am preparing myself for my mates 40th tomorrow which will include three 1970 1st growths and a few other gems. I will make sure I post something about that dinner, it should be an absolute ripper.

So, instead of boring you with details about all the mundane business of my day to day life, I will move right on to a few notes from the highlights of what I have had to drink of late. I think I will group them by tasting and such. More for ease writing than any need to actually explain when I drank anything.

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

Lonely Grape TV #13 - AT Alpa Box & DIce Cellar Door

02 Mar 2010 19:00:00 +1000

Today a tasting at the Alpha Box & Dice Cellar Door - Tasting their Dolcetta and Nebbiolo offerings. Both impressive wines from alternative grape varieties that I am fast becoming a fan of!

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

Tactical Nuclear Penguin :: World's Strongest Beer

22 Feb 2010 18:00:00 +1000

A Scottish brewery has launched what it describes as the world's strongest beer: with a 32% alcohol content, Tactical Nuclear Penguin is the brainchild of BrewDog of Fraserburgh in Scotland.

The company has previously been criticised and branded as "irresponsible" for producing an 18.2% beer called Tokyo, following which they then came up with a low alcohol beer... which they called Nanny State.

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

The Sydney Booze Cruise -- Jan 2010

19 Feb 2010 07:00:00 +1000

I don't know about you, but when I'm not out drinking world-beating wine with friends, I like to go out drinking world-beating wine with strangers.

So when Deborah Dickson-Smith called to say she was planning a cruise in Sydney Harbour on a $7m luxury yacht with seventy journalists and more great booze than you can shake a stick at... well that appealed to me. And it particularly appealed because it would give us an opportunity to bang a drum and wave a flag and shout about some of our fantastic boutique wineries. Because Deborah wanted US to bring the wine...

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

Continuing The Galafrey Dynasty

18 Feb 2010 23:00:00 +1000

Fantastic news from Galafrey Wines in Mount Barker WA!

Jack Lea Rowe was born 5 Feb 2010 @ 12.35 weighing 8 pounds 6oz

Parents are proud as punch at their new and beautiful boy.

Cheers and thanks for all your well wishes

Kim Tyrer and Nigel Rowe

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

HAITI JUST ISN'T NEWS ANY MORE...

13 Feb 2010 13:00:00 +1000

Getting publicity for the WINE FOR HAITI auction in newspapers, magazines, radio and TV has proved very difficult over the past few weeks, even for the professional PR companies who have been helping us.

The problem, we're told, is that "HAITI JUST ISN'T NEWS ANY MORE..."

I think the poor bastards who are now living in tent cities with no food, no water and no sanitation would beg to differ: it's been just four weeks since their lives were decimated, and already they have been consigned to the "no story" pile. Frankly, that leaves a bitter taste in my mouth...

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

McLaren Vale Wines - Noon Wines

07 Feb 2010 13:00:00 +1000

Right from the start I must admit that Noon Winery is one of my all time McLaren Vale wineries. I first went there during a Bushing Festival in 1986, where the father of current owner (David Noon) was the wine maker and one of the worlds gentlemen - Clive was the cellar door manager. After the initial winery visit, when I went to McLaren Vale I would goto Noon's last and just give them the last of my money with Clive working out how many bottles I could get. Clive had a photographic memory and thus could remember your last purchases - this with his leather fisherman hat were a part of the charm of the place. It was truly a very sad day when I found out that Clive had passed on. Another lingering memory was turning up to find David working in the winery and he asked for my help to plunge the reds in the open vats. After this help we tasted some wine and then the purchases were organised, David invited us to "have a drink".

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

Wine For Haiti Video :: TELL ALL YOUR FRIENDS!

04 Feb 2010 13:00:00 +1000

Ross Anderson from Empire Wine Auctions makes a video appeal for WINE FOR HAITI.

We've got some fantastic wines, including a magnum of the 2004 Penfolds Grange (signed by by the winemaker Peter Gago), 4 magnums of the 1996 Eileen Hardy Shiraz (signed by Bill Hardy), the 2000 Houghton Jack Mann, the 2001 Summerfield Indulgence...

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

Tuesday's BoozeNews (2nd Feb 2010)

02 Feb 2010 15:00:00 +1000

:: WHO'S STARTED VINTAGE?

:: HAPPY BIRTHDAY MUM!

:: HAITI WINE AUCTION THANK YOUS

:: LOVE, LOVE, LOVE

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

For the Monkeys :: Friday At Last!

29 Jan 2010 16:00:00 +1000

:: BOOZE CRUISE UPDATE

:: THE WINE AUCTION IS NOW LIVE!

:: MEDALS FOR OUR WINE HEROES

:: GARY VAYNERCHUK AND THE PRESS -- HURRAY!

:: WINE WEEK TWITTER LIST

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

Gary Vaynerchuk :: Wine For Haiti Plug

29 Jan 2010 13:00:00 +1000

Okay, granted Gary doesn't spend the ENTIRE program talking about Wine For Haiti...

... he talked about football (sorry to hear the Jets lost, Gary) and Alsation wine too (that's wine from Alsace, not wine made by very talented German shepherds). But he was true to his word, he gave us a shout out, and he linked us up under the video (both the BoozeMonkey and the Palate Press sites).

Which is very cool.

Interestingly, Gary has a trip to Australia planned in April, and he will be filming an episode of WineLibrary TV whilst he's here.

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

Wine For Haiti Appeal Goes BALLISTIC!

25 Jan 2010 13:00:00 +1000

The past week has been incredibly busy and because of the WINE FOR HAITI charity auction, the phone has been ringing off the hook.

And if you look at the comments below THE WINE FOR HAITI BLOG then you will see we have been literally INUNDATED with donations of wine from wineries across the country. So far we've had around $30,000-worth of wine donations pledged for the appeal, with more and more coming in every day. YOU GUYS ROCK!!

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

Lonely Grape TV #11 - The Neb

24 Jan 2010 23:00:00 +1000

Join Shane Barker trying 2 Nebbiolo wines called The Nebb - sensational wines from a micro producer in McLaren Vale.

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

2005 Mt Langi Cliff Edge Shiraz

23 Jan 2010 19:00:00 +1000

First off I got to say big love to Marc for the wine for Haiti gig. I am doing my little bit by hounding reps, but as we are all aware getting free booze from reps is like trying to pry a half eaten furry animal from the jaws of a salivating rottweiler. But we can live in hope.

I hope every one has been cruising along nicely and enjoying a casual drink or two. Me, well I have been drinking an increasing amount of rum old-fashions of late in an attempt to cut back on my beer consumption. As per usual my logic in this area is infallible.

On the other side of things I am getting back in to the swing of tasting after the festive seasons binge drinking extravaganza. So I thought it was about time to knock off a couple of notes here and highlight a wine I really am enjoying at the moment.

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

TOUR DOWN UNDER and CAUGHT REDHANDED Wines

23 Jan 2010 13:00:00 +1000

FOR STAGE 4 of the Tour DOWNUNDER - Caught REDHANDED will have a tasting stand where we will be offering our wines in Willunga on the main race route. We will be set up at Linear Park - Aldinga Road (Biscay Rd) Willunga in front of the water tower.

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

McLaren Vale Wines - Caught Red Handed

20 Jan 2010 13:00:00 +1000

Caught Red Handed is the venture of Phil Rogers who is based in Sellicks Beach in the McLaren Vale wine region. Phil has all but completed his winemaking degree in Wagga and after working in a few wineries (including McLaren Vale wineries - Rosemount, Hardys Reynella & Wirra Wirra) during vintage as a cellar hand. During this time he became frustrated at the lack of opportunity to get a winemaking gig so he turned this frustration into a decision to start his own brand and make his own wine. The 2007 reds were made at the Hawkers Gate Winery (in the McLaren Flat area of McLaren Vale region) and since then the wines are made at the Dennis Winery (on the Kangarilla Road just outside the McLaren Vale township).

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

Wine For Haiti Banner Ads

18 Jan 2010 03:00:00 +1000

A number of people have asked if they can support the WINE FOR HAITI fund-raising efforts by promoting the auction on their own websites using one of our banners.

ABSOLUTELY!

THERE ARE THREE ADS BELOW :: PLEASE SUPPORT THE WINE FOR HAITI FUND-RAISING EFFORTS BY COPYING THE CODE BELOW THE AD AND PASTING IT INTO YOUR WEBSITE OR BLOG.

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

Wine For Haiti :: YOUR CALL TO ACTION!

17 Jan 2010 13:00:00 +1000

If you can spare some wine for the auction -- however much or little -- then we would like you to leave your name and details below. Please tell us what you can donate with a rough idea of how much it is worth. Five dollars or five hundred -- it's not about who's is the biggest (my wife reliably informs me), but if we can get a little generosity from everyone, that will make for a hell of a lot of wine, a hell of a lot of donations at the auction and please believe me that every dollar counts in Haiti right now.

So we are asking you DIRECTLY to register your support.

PLEASE LEAVE THE DETAILS OF YOUR DONATION IN THE COMMENTS SECTION BELOW :: YOU WILL NEED TO LOG IN FIRST.

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

Wine For Haiti

16 Jan 2010 16:00:00 +1000

We've been talking to some of our winemakers over the past couple of days, about raising funds for the Haiti disaster relief.

The nightmare has only just started for the poor bastards in Haiti and they will be suffering long after the media have stopped printing photographs of collapsed buildings, broken bodies and tent cities, long after the story has disappeared from the public conscience.

Because an earthquake like this doesn't just knock a few houses down and kill a few families: there's no food, no clean water and no medical supplies for the countless wounded and dying. And with so many bodies everywhere, it's only a matter of time before disease kicks in. You can't even imagine it.

So we're asking for your help.

Tell me, how can we best raise cash for the disaster relief fund?

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

BoozeMonkey Rant... Is It Me?!

15 Jan 2010 16:00:00 +1000

Is it me?! I'm hoping that won't become my catchphrase for the year, but if the past two weeks have been anything to go by, it could well be that 2010 is the Year of the Rant.

We're only half way through January and already I've seen a flood of HOT CROSS BUNS in the supermarkets. Did they move Easter and forget to tell the rest of us? What's the betting we start to see a tidal wave of chocolate eggs in the stores before the end of the month?

+ Alcohol Ban on Australia Day

+ Caught RedHanded's new website

+ The Booze Cruise Wine List

+ Haiti

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

BoozeMonkey?! You're Kidding, Right...?

14 Jan 2010 13:00:00 +1000

One of the questions I am most frequently asked is "WHY BOOZEMONKEY?"

I know exactly what you are saying, and I agree that BoozeMonkey is certainly an odd choice of name for a wine company. But it was deliberate (difficult to imagine how it might have been an accident...).

There were a number of elements we wanted to bring together, and BoozeMonkey has all of them...

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

Starting The Year On A High Note :: the 2009 Climbing Sauvignon Blanc

11 Jan 2010 14:00:00 +1000

Orange's high altitude and cool climate is what makes it such a great wine region for Sauvignon Blanc and why NSW Wine selected Sauvignon Blanc for the areas 'regional hero'. What better way to celebrate the beginning of the year and the continuation of summer than with the release of the new vintage of the signature white from Climbing - the 2009 Climbing Sauvignon Blanc (rrp $21.99)

Climbing's winemaker Debbie Lauritz was present at the first Sauvignon Blanc specific educational symposium held this year in Orange and has a clear understanding of the great qualities of Orange Sauvignon Blanc. Debbie comments, "Our Sauvignon Blanc has distinct varietal character with mouth watering acidity. It is generally riper and more floral in style which means it is a perfect stepping stone between the New Zealand and French styles."

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

It's Hot!! Heatwaves And Grapes

09 Jan 2010 13:00:00 +1000

With many of Australia’s wine growing regions in the midst of a heatwave of 3 or 4 days of over 40 degrees this weekend I bet many of you are wondering what this means for the 2010 grape harvest?

Heatwaves like this are not uncommon (at least not anymore), but what does change is their timing, and the climatic conditions leading up to them.

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

Granite Hills, 2008 Riesling

07 Jan 2010 17:00:00 +1000

This is just a quick post to highlight what is always one of my favourite wines released every year. Yes the 2008 Granite Hills has been kicking around for a few months, but this is the first time I have had a chance to sit down with a bottle in front of the laptop.

For those who don't know the winery, it is based in the Macedon region of Victoria and the wines are produced by Llew Knight. Llew is, in my humble opinion, one of the true characters of the Aussie wine trade. He always seems to have an answer and usually quite staunch in his opinions. That is an endearing quality in the industry and probably one of the major reasons he makes such incredible Riesling.

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

A New Year Begins... Jan 2010

02 Jan 2010 21:00:00 +1000

Hey Monkeys, we hope the festive season has been happy, indulgent and fun-filled for you guys! Was santa kind?

We've tried our best to shut down the WBB office and soak up some summer weather, and I think by-and-large we've been successful. Plenty of great weather here in Margs, plenty of super food and wine downed, and plenty of top action on the waves.

In booze news... as we head into a new year I thought a little end of year roundup would be appropriate.

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

Shiraz Bench-Marking

02 Jan 2010 18:00:00 +1000

With my ridiculous workload over the Xmas/New years period (150 rostered hours in two weeks), my friends graciously invited themselves over for a BBQ at my place to spread some Christmas cheer before I went MIA at work.

Never one to miss a chance to drink some wine with friends, I took this opportunity to place two of my wines in a greater context by pitting them against some other good wines from premium SA regions versus the two Caught REDHANDED McLaren Vale shiraz’s, the 2007 and the just bottled 2008.

The aim of this was to see where my wines were in the marketplace and how they compare to other good quality wines from the same variety.

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

CHINTA RIA / Caught REDHANDED Wine Luncheon

02 Jan 2010 17:00:00 +1000

* Sneak Peak at two soon to be released wines- the 09 Pinot Noir and upcoming premium "The Oscar"

TEN WINES, FIVE COURSES, ONE PLACE -- Chinta Ria at Cockle Bay -- Darling Harbour

Saturday Lunch -- 1pm for 1:30 sit down -- 9th January

All wines presented and poured by the winemaker. Treat yourself for the New Year!!!!

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

St Hallet Riesling And A Bit Of A Catch Up

02 Jan 2010 13:00:00 +1000

I know it has been a fair while since I managed to put together anything for the site, it is just a product of the industry and general madness of the festive/insanity season. But with that all behind me it is time to get back to sharing the love and drinking a little less, just a little less not too little.

During the last month I have consumed an insane amount of spectacular wines and tasted many, many more. I do not however have notes for most of them because I have either not had the time or have been consuming them at social events where pulling out the pen and pad just didn’t seem right…….. damn you Christmas.

I will give a list of some of the highlights though, before I tell you about a ripper Rizza I drank on NYE...

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

... And A Happy New Year!

31 Dec 2009 13:00:00 +1000

Well folks, it's the last day of the year, and the last day of "the noughties". Are you glad to see the back of it or are you sad it's over? Was it a good year for you? A good decade? Or are you happy to be rid of it and are now looking forward to... what are we going to call the next decade? The "teens"?

And what will you remember it for? It's the decade which gave us the iPod and the iPhone, USB flash drives (does anyone even remember floppies now?), a shock financial meltdown (the "global financial crisis" or GFC, which will no doubt reverberate for a while longer before we can put it behind us), and it is the decade which saw the birth of reality TV: some things are just unforgiveable...

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

New European Wine Labelling Rules

28 Dec 2009 18:00:00 +1000

I have just read an article by wine writer Jonathan Goodall published in the November issue of the UK magazine SAGA which was sent to me by one of our British BoozeMonkeys. I found it particularly interesting so I have reproduced it below and (as always) I am interested in your thoughts.

The article discusses new labelling rules which have recently been introduced for European wines which could make French wine more accessible and which could therefore have a dramatic effect on the volume of French wine sold abroad.

What I would like to know is what sort of effect this will have on our wine sales abroad?

And given that this is just one of the factors which threatens our overseas wine sales (the strong dollar… the GFC in Europe & the US… the wine glut…), what’s going to happen to the wine industry in the next couple of years?

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

Sydney To Be An Alcohol-Free Zone On New Year's Eve

27 Dec 2009 15:00:00 +1000

At first I thought it was a joke, but we're a way off April Fool's Day: apparently Sydney is to be an alcohol-free zone on New Year's Eve, with all the major public areas banning and confiscating booze of any kind to ensure that there is no "alcohol-induced stupidity".

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

Lonely Grape TV Episode #10

23 Dec 2009 13:00:00 +1000

Thanks for joining my review of the 2007 Five Geese Shiraz and the 2007 Marius Shiraz Mourvedre. The tasting was conducted in the Freerange Gallery in McLaren Vale.

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

A Very Merry Xmas From BoozeMonkey!!

23 Dec 2009 15:00:00 +1000

This is our last newsletter before Santa arrives:

++ THE BEST WINES OF 2009

++ LOOKING FORWARD TO 2010

++ THANK YOU -- YOU ROCK!

Hope you all have a fantastic Christmas, surrounded by friends and family.

Cheers!

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

Lonely Grape TV Episode #9

20 Dec 2009 13:00:00 +1000

This tasting was conducted at the Freerange Gallery from McLaren Vale. I taste the 2008 Reserve Bush Vine Grenache (which won a Gold Medal in the 2009 McLaren Vale wine show) plus the 2007 Inkwell Shiraz. -

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

Lucky 7 Wines - Tasting Notes

19 Dec 2009 13:00:00 +1000

++ Malbec 2008

++ Merlot

++ Carmenere

++ Cabernet Sauvignon

++ Chardonnay

++ Sauvignon Blanc

++ Rose

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

Lucky 7 Wines hits USA Market

19 Dec 2009 12:00:00 +1000

Lucky 7 – a new brand owned and marketed by the Friday Monkey Group hits the USA market this December. The brand will be launched nationally this Christmas with a theme to launch in ‘7’ states. It will be available in Colorado, Missouri, Delaware, Maine, Vemont, New Jersey and New Hampshire.

The brand is all set for National Distribution over the next year and with a retail price around $9.99 in most states, the wine offers great value to the consumer. Lucky 7 has seven varietals; our line consists of Malbec, Merlot, Carmenere, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Rose. The brand includes the best of grapes from Argentina and Chile, two countries that are doing very well in the USA market.

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

Revisit Chardonnay. Your Local Wine Industry Will Thank You For It!

18 Dec 2009 13:00:00 +1000

Chardonnay. You remember that beautiful wine that you used to drink? But somewhere along the line you were enticed into the world of Sauvignon Blanc, claiming “ I don’t like Chardonnay!” Well let me remind you what’s so great about Chardonnays.

Chardonnay is the great iconic wine of Australia. It’s the most recognized wine variety and what Australian Wine and it’s history is built on. If you look at Mt Barker, we were the first to make unwooded Chardonnay at Plantagenet wines. So Mt Barker can claim Unwooded Chardonnay as one of it’s own. In 2001 Galafrey won a gold medal, raising their profile as being a great producer of Unwooded Chardonnay. In 2003 when I came on board Galafrey was making and selling out of 1000 cases of Unwooded Chardonnay. We couldn’t keep up or find enough fruit. But now I’d be lucky to sell 64 dozen. Why?

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

Cheap NZ Imports Spark A Wine War In The West

18 Dec 2009 11:00:00 +1000

A group of leading WA wine producers has launched a major drive to promote their wine and the local industry in the face of cheap New Zealand and other imported wines flooding into Australia.

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

Booze News...

17 Dec 2009 14:00:00 +1000

+ Great Wine Reviews

+ BoozeMonkey Competitions

+ KarriBindi Special

+ Caught Redhanded Hits Sydney

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

KarriBindi Christmas Monkey Special

16 Dec 2009 13:00:00 +1000

Due to the fantastic response to the KarriBindi competition, the great support and commitment to wine of the BoozeMonkey team and with the banner ad still flashing away at the top of the page, I feel I should make a Christmas offering to all those Sauvignon Blanc loving monkeys...

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

Sydney Caught REDHANDED/Chinta Ria Wine and Food Show

15 Dec 2009 17:00:00 +1000

The date and details are all set! January 9th 2010 -- 1pm for a 1:30pm start. Five Course Asian Banquet with matching wines to each course! $70 per head including all food and wines, tea and coffee

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

Be Shaw to share a bit of Love and Laughter this Christmas

11 Dec 2009 17:00:00 +1000

This Christmas Graeme Shaw wants to give something back. He’s giving something back to the memory of the inspirational woman who established his fine wool and vineyard estate, Isabella Anderson, by launching his flagship Riesling as a tribute to her – the new Shaw Vineyard Estate Reserve Isabella Riesling 2009. He’s also giving back to families living with kids with cancer.

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

Lonely Grape TV Episode #8

10 Dec 2009 19:00:00 +1000

Shane goes to an art exhibition.

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

Booze News!

09 Dec 2009 11:00:00 +1000

:: SABELLA TAKES MAJOR WINE AWARD

:: PREMIUM WINES FLOODING BOOZEMONKEY CASTLE

:: YELLOW TAIL ARE ASKING FOR IT

:: THE SUMMER HOLIDAYS ARE UPON US

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

It's Friday... What's HOT?!

04 Dec 2009 13:00:00 +1000

Okay, it didn't happen *quite* in the blink of an eye (as I have been claiming since June), but December is here at last and the fat man is upon us. And apparently he's making a list and checking it twice... who knew Santa had OCD? Are you looking forward to Christmas as much as I am? You'd better not shout, you'd better not cry...

So once again, it's Friday... What's HOT?!

You really wanna know? Okay, I'll tell you what's hot...

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

KarriBindi Competition Winners

02 Dec 2009 17:00:00 +1000

What a response! Over 130 entries were received from enthusiastic monkeys Australia wide. Thank you to everyone who entered the KarriBindi New Release Wine Competition, and a special thank you to those of you that signed up for the KarriBindi E-News. KarriBindi E-news subscribers receive special offers on wine, free delivery and are in the running to win a case of wine every E-News. Welcome to the KarriBindi family.

And the two winners of our new release wines are...

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

Quick trip to the Mornington Peninsula

30 Nov 2009 19:00:00 +1000

Seriously, how much booze can people really expect me to be able to drink? I only have one renal tract and it is over-worked as it is...

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

The Egg Leaving Incident, or "Where Not To Eat In Manly"

29 Nov 2009 22:00:00 +1000

You would think, in this day and age, this age of Masterchef and a proliferation of foodie magazines, that you could rely on most cafes in Manly, a fairly upmarket suburb of Sydney and one full of international tourists, to serve decent food and offer above average service. No so on South Steyne, east of the Corso on Manly. Most cafes on this strip appear to serve overpriced, badly cooked meals, served with plenty of attitude and not much appreciation for the paying customer.

My experience this weekend has made made me vow never to sample this part of Manly again. I'll leave it for the unknowing tourists...

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

McLaren Vale Wine : Madeleines

29 Nov 2009 09:00:00 +1000

This label (previously known as Vincognita Wines) is the infusion of 2 families. The Belej family and the Dix family. The Nangkita Vineyard was purchased by Peter Belej in 2003 after having significant Riverland vineyard experience - particularly with the Viognier variety. Chris Dix was working for another winery but had intentions to produce his own wine and contacted Peter to buy some of the excellent Viognier fruit. At the time Peter was sick of winemakers taking his fruit, and in his mind, destroying his product. Peter thought that Chris had talent as a winemaker, however he refused Chris's grape purchase request. Peter had another idea - lets make the wine together. That was in 2002 and the rest, as they say, is history.

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

AMAZING ITALIANOS

27 Nov 2009 19:00:00 +1000

Booze Chimps -- Just wanted to alert you to a FABULOUS wine that I had last week. I'm part of a group of foodie/wine geeks that meet once a month to look at some wines, then match those wines with classic food suggestions applying to those wines. Last week I hosted the Italian night...

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

It's Friday! What's HOT?!

27 Nov 2009 14:00:00 +1000

Friends and Tank Rats ¦ Karribindi Wine Competition ¦ BoozeMonkey Booze Cruise

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

Karribindi Competition

26 Nov 2009 21:00:00 +1000

Well, you Monkeys are active thirsty mammals. The KarriBindi competition has been up and running for only two days and it seems all the monkeys in the house are keen to wrap their hands on some crisp, fresh, citrusy, refreshing southern Margaret River Sauvignon blanc and Semillon Sauvignon Blanc. (Together with our newly released 2007 Shiraz).

And why wouldn't you?

Respected wine judge and wine writer, James Halliday, has reviewed all our wines and rated KarriBindi a 5 star winery, with our first entry in his Australian Wine Companion 2010. Our trophy winning 2008 Semillon Sauvignon Blanc received 95 points and it was listed as equal 2nd in his "best of the best" of Semillon Sauvignon Blanc Blends and in the top ten best value Whites!

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

MadFish Wines partners up with Australia's Qantas Airlines

25 Nov 2009 17:00:00 +1000

While lots of swirling, sniffing, spitting and seriously animated discussion goes into selecting the wines that fly in Qantas First and Business, just as much thought and effort goes into the wine program for Economy. Once a sadly neglected component of international airline wine lists, Qantas has dedicated significant time and energy in creating an Economy offering that leads the world in more ways than one.

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

FROG ROCK ROSÉ A HOP, SKIP AND A JUMP AWAY

25 Nov 2009 10:09:50 +1000

The release of the new 2009 Frog Rock Rosé (rrp $15) not only coincides with the arrival of summer but the launch of direct flights between Sydney and Mudgee courtesy of Aeropelican. It is now even easier to enjoy this wine in the stunning surroundings of the Mudgee vineyards this holiday season, and this Rosé is definitely worth jumping on a flight for!

Frog Rock Wines owners the Turner family are inspired by Mudgee merlot, and as well as making a straight varietal (awarded silver in Cowra Wine Show 2009) they also believe it is the ultimate variety for expressing the crisp, yet fruity, provincial style of Rose wine that Mudgee can do so well. They made their first merlot Rose in 2001, just 50 cases, but since then local demand has proved so strong that they now hand-craft 600 cases a year.

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

Nangkita Viognier 2008 and Nangkita Shiraz 2007 Video Wine Review

25 Nov 2009 09:00:00 +1000

Nangkita Viognier 2008 and Nangkita Shiraz 2007 Video Wine Review by Shane Barker at Lonely Grape

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

Caught REDHANDED in Sydney

25 Nov 2009 08:00:00 +1000

Following the raging success of Caught Redhanded's Asian Fusion Extravaganza in Adelaide in November, the next event is planned for January 2010 at Sydney's Darling Harbour... get in quick while there are tickets still available.

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

Tuesday Booze News

24 Nov 2009 15:00:00 +1000

++ Christmas Plans

++ Karribindi Wine Competition

++ Sydney Booze Cruise

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

Graham Stevens Cellar Door Video

23 Nov 2009 20:00:00 +1000

Graham Stevens Cellar Door Video

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

The Caught REDHANDED Asian Fusion Wine Extravaganza

22 Nov 2009 17:00:00 +1000

They came, they saw, they ate... and boy did they drink!

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

It's Friday! What's HOT?!

20 Nov 2009 17:00:00 +1000

Asian Fusion Wine Extravanganza in Adelaide

NZ Wine Online competition winner

Win a chance to work Vintage 2010 with Kirrihill

Cat-Lovers -- Simon's Cat video

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

Win a chance to join Kirrihill Wines for vintage!

18 Nov 2009 14:00:00 +1000

Many wine-lovers harbour a hidden dream of giving up their day-jobs and moving to one of Australia’s most picturesque wine regions to make a living hand-crafting stunning wines...but with little experience where do you start?

The team at Kirrihill Wines is offering one lucky individual the opportunity to experience the 2010 vintage with them in one of the country’s most beautiful wine regions, the Clare Valley. Becoming part of the hard working vintage team, they will embark on a behind-the-scenes wine adventure, under the guidance of Kirrihill’s talented winemakers Donna Stephens and Marnie Roberts.

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

Tags: Wine Red Wine White Wine Video Wine Tasting Wine Reviews BoozeMonkey Wine Community Social Network Australia Australian Wine McLaren Vale Margaret River Barossa Clare Valley Kirrihill Hunter Valley Yarra Valley New Zealand

King of the Yarra Valley Wine Show

17 Nov 2009 19:00:00 +1000

At this year's Yarra Valley Wine Show Mr Tom Carson cleaned up, and justifiably so. His 08 Serrat PN, from a little close planted plot he owns and works in the Yarra, got best Pinot and best wine on Show.

We have been pumping his wines for months because of just how good, and cheap, they are so it is good to see others agree with us...

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

Booze News :: A New Format And Everything...

17 Nov 2009 15:00:00 +1000

Our illustrious leader or Alpha-Monkey as he likes to be called (…seriously, it is just creepy) has managed to damage himself in a bizarre accident he refuses to discuss when there are children around, so I have grabbed the throne and am penning this week’s Newsletter.

Ever since July, when the Xmas decorations started appearing in my local shopping centre, I’ve been thinking about what joys this year will bring... hot weather, odd relatives, and that person in the bad wig no-one really understands how he is even related and where he knows to go each year...

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

ASIAN FUSION WINE EXTRAVAGANZA

16 Nov 2009 22:00:00 +1000

If you're in Adelaide on Saturday night (21st NOV) - can make it to T-Chow (Moonta St behind the Central markets), have 2 redbacks in the purse/wallet and a very empty stomach - COME ALONG and get Caught - REDHANDED style!

Call Phil - 0419 252 967 or e-mail - caughtredhandedwines@gmail.com

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

McLaren Vale Wine - Olivers Taranga Vineyards

15 Nov 2009 09:00:00 +1000

The Taranga Vineyards are 6th generation owned by the Oliver Family with Corrina Wright (part of the 6th generation) being the winemaker. The 96 ha of vineyards, first planted in 1841, are home to mainly Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon, but also include 14 other varieties. Most of the grapes are sold, with the added distinction that one block is sold as Penfolds Grange stock (the only Grange supplier in McLaren Vale). The family are experimenting with "new" varieties such as Fiano to review the ability of these varieties to assist in sustainable farming (in this case reducing water consumption). The Olivers are part of the McLaren Vale sustainable initiative called Generational Farming Sustainability Farming where vineyards will be assessed on their sustainability (in the areas of pest & disease control, soil & weed management, water use, environmental management & continuing education). The system will lead to vineyards being able to obtain a sustainable certification. About 60 McLaren Vale vineyards have joined this excellent local initiative.

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

A Couple Of Quick Burgs

13 Nov 2009 22:00:00 +1000

For some reason I always seam to be writing about wines with restrictive price tags. In actuality I try a lot more reasonably priced wines but I guess I like to write about the ones that rock my socks, wines that result in my vinous senses being seriously aroused.

This is one of those posts. I pulled a shift at the other store on Thursday and by pure bloody luck it was the week that the boss was holding his Burgundy class, whites this time around. And so I was in the fortunate spot to get my nose into a glass of the leftovers.

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

It's Friday! What's Hot?!

13 Nov 2009 14:00:00 +1000

Global Warming... NZ Wine Competition... Blog Of The Week... and in case you didn't know THIS IS WHY YOU'RE FAT

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

Yarra Valley Legends

11 Nov 2009 17:00:00 +1000

Almost a year on from the devastating fires, Roscoe Halligan tastes his way through some of the best wine on offer from the Yarra Valley.

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

Lonely Grape Video :: Fox Creek Wines

10 Nov 2009 14:00:00 +1000

Lonely Grape Video :: Fox Creek Wines

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

Booze News

10 Nov 2009 11:00:00 +1000

BoozeMonkey's regular Tuesday roundup of what's going on in Australian and New Zealand wine.

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

Adelaide Review Hot 100 Results Announced

09 Nov 2009 09:00:00 +1000

In a field of over 700 wines, Moorooroo Park are very proud to announce that we had two of our wines make it into this year's prestigious Adelaide Review Hot 100 South Australian Wines: Silentium Sparkling Shiraz 2005 and Dolce Far Niente Late Harvest Semillon 2005

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

A Blind Date At El Bulli, World's Best Restaurant

07 Nov 2009 12:00:00 +1000

You might think it’s a sad state of affairs when a restaurant reservation out lasts a relationship. But when said reservation is for the best restaurant in the world and was secured over 12 months in advance – it doesn’t seem quite so tragic.

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

Old Arse French Vines

07 Nov 2009 02:00:00 +1000

For those of you who've never had the chance to see one of these up close, here's what it looks like. I found this particular old vine at Chateau Haut Bailly while traveling in Bordeaux. Chateau Haut Bailly uses wine from their oldest vines (pictured below) to benchmark all of the other wine they produce. It's kinda like their litmus test for each vintage.

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

McLaren Vale Asian Fusion Wine Extravaganza

06 Nov 2009 18:37:57 +1000

McLaren Vale Asian Fusion Wine Extravaganza :: A night of great food and wine, highlighted by Pinot Noir 09 barrel samples from top winemaker Phil Rogers at Caught Redhanded and tender duck at T Chow's. Quack!

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

2009 Milldale Viognier

06 Nov 2009 18:27:38 +1000

2009 Milldale Viognier. Winemaker Trevor Christie claims, "this wine is s-o-o-o good I think I probably will not sell it!"

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

It's Friday! What's HOT?! on BoozeMonkey, Australian Wine Social Network

06 Nov 2009 18:20:50 +1000

All the latest in Australian wine from BoozeMonkey, Australia's hottest wine social network.

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

McLaren Vale Wines - Battle of Bosworth Wines & Spring Seed Wine Company

05 Nov 2009 16:59:54 +1000

Joch Bosworth took over the Edgehill Vineyards from his parents in 1995 and started to convert them into organic vineyards and now, after alot of work, he and his family have a certified organic vineyard. The Edgehill vineyard was established in the 1970's however the Bosworths have been growing grapes in the McLaren Vale district since the late 1840's.

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

Booze News (4th November 2009)

04 Nov 2009 16:59:54 +1000

BIG NOSE IS BACK! (BoozeMonkey 101 "How To..." Videos) :: Wine Samples for Video Review :: NZ Wine Online Competition

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

Cheese Temptations…

04 Nov 2009 01:59:54 +1000

In her latest video, The Toasted Hostess, pairs cheese with Molly Dooker wines

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

Champas, The Serious Stuff :-)

01 Nov 2009 09:59:54 +1000

There are a few things in the wine world that really rock my socks, styles that, when at their peak, seriously make my wine brain go into googy mode. I forget everything else around me and tend to go into what my lady refers to as WINE FREAK MODE. Good bubbles are a style that bring out a lot of emotions in wine nerds and drinkers alike. Even at a serious tasting like this there is an air of celebration and joviality. Tastings like this tend to turn rapidly into drinkings once the business is taken care of.

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

Lonely Grape TV - The BoozeMonkey Edition

01 Nov 2009 09:58:40 +1000

A video wine review made specially for BoozeMonkey by Shane at Lonely Grape TV.

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

McLaren Vale Wines - Genders McLaren Park Wines

01 Nov 2009 09:55:40 +1000

Genders McLaren Park Wines (Genders) is what should be termed a micro winery (no more than 2000 cases of wine produced). It has 2 generations of history from the 1960's where the current property was purchased in 1948 by Keith Genders who was vigneron until 1968 where the first shed was erected to allow the wine to be produced...

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

At the end of every week we ask the same question :: It's Friday! What's Hot?!

30 Oct 2009 15:31:00 +1000

Hah! I should have kept my mouth shut last week. All that talk of "fantastic weather" and "aren't you jealous?" must have jinxed it, because by the time Sunday came around (when I was planning to hit the beach) it was raining and we were back to winter temperatures again...

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

A Bodacious Bordeaux Wine Slide Show

29 Oct 2009 01:54:00 +1000

It was a trip of a lifetime and a 30th birthday that I'll never forget. I can't think of any better way to spend my...

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

Intwines TV :: Fresh Spring Whites

28 Oct 2009 14:54:00 +1000

A look at some Fresh Spring Whites from France, Italy and Australia. The weather's getting warmer so here's some interesting, great value and very tasty white wines to drink over the coming months.

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

Backyard BBQ

26 Oct 2009 22:48:06 +1000

The backyard barbecue will never be the same. The Toasted Hostess shares her Toasted Twists on a classic family gathering.

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

How NOT To Blog About Wine

26 Oct 2009 22:48:50 +1000

I spend a lot of time thinking. I think about what makes wine taste good... I think about what I enjoy reading... and I think about...

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

It's Friday! What's Hot?!

26 Oct 2009 22:54:31 +1000

I don't want to risk upsetting our European, Canadian and American friends, but I just can't help gloating a bit as your clocks go forward.

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

Twitter For Wine Marketing

26 Oct 2009 22:54:00 +1000

So, you're convinced! Twitter IS for your. How do you get started? Take a deep breath, sign up and... LISTEN.

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

Spring Gardens On Show

26 Oct 2009 22:53:25 +1000

So its not exactly Wine News, but the weather here in the barossa has just been that stunning today...

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

Australian Beer Festival

26 Oct 2009 22:52:57 +1000

Okay all you Boozemokeys out there who live in Sydney and enjoy also a fine boutique refreshment in the form of a beer, take note...

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

Spring Racing Hat And Wine Tasting

26 Oct 2009 22:52:20 +1000

Be inspired for this year’s racing season with a hat parade by leading Sydney designer and milliner Catherine Kelly and a wine...

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

Nibbles And Sips For Breast Cancer

26 Oct 2009 22:51:37 +1000

In honour of Pink Ribbon Day, Wine Odyssey Australia will be hosting a special tasting of Rosé wines in all their beautiful forms...

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

The BoozeMonkey Weekly (20th October 2009)

26 Oct 2009 22:50:57 +1000

Okay... NOW it's starting to feel like spring is here! Bright, sunny mornings, cockatoos squawking in the trees, lizards scuttling into the undergrowth...

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community

Thrilled About Rosé Results

26 Oct 2009 22:49:59 +1000

We're sooo proud of our 2009 Rosé -- we've just been informed it received 4 stars and top of category in the upcoming Nov/Dec issue of WineState Magazine...

Submitted By: BoozeMonkey :: Wine Community