TRADE TASTING: Icon Wines of South Australia, October 8, 2008

The Time and Date: Wednesday, October 8, 2008    1 PM to 3 PM

The Event: A tasting of the Wines of South Australia, led by the Honourable Rory McEwen (the SA Minister for Agriculture) and Cameron Ashmead (Elderton Wines). They provided a good commentary onm the Oz wine industry today.

The Venue: LCBO Summerhill Event Kitchen

The Target Audience: wine writers, agents and importers.

The Availability/Catalogue: variously available.

The Quote: Instead of a big show, the Australians are highlighting regional differences and icon wines. They are leading several classes in several different parts of Ontario throughout the year.

The Wines: Every region of South Australia had a wine here except for Riverland. Coonawarra had two wines. All the wines were poured and after the tasting there was a q and a with the two speakers. But prices were hard to come by, with retail prices being vague for Ontario.

 

**** Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):

-Pewsey Vale The Contours Eden Valley Riesling 2002

-Penley Estate Chertsey Cabernet Sauvignon57, Cabernet Franc15, Merlot28 Coonawarra 2005 ($50?)

-Elderton Wines Command Shiraz 2004 Barossa Valley – 100 year old vines

 

***1/2 Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):

-O'Leary Walker Polish Hill River Riesling Clare Valley 2008

-Kelermeister Tempranillo 2005 Adelaide Hills/Barossa Valley

-Wirra Wirra RSW Shiraz 2006 McLaren Vale ($50?)

 

*** Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms):

-Di Giorgio Family Coonawarra Sparkling Pinot Noir 2007

-Zonte's Footstep Pinot Grigio 2007 Langhorne Creek

 

The Food: cheese platter and breads and biscuits.

The Downside: there were eight wines, but it seemed a bit rushed, and started a bit late, finishing well after 3 PM.

The Upside: a chance to commingle with agents,

The Contact Person: marie.ross@austrade.gov.au

The Marketing Effectiveness (numerical grade): 89.

 

 

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com