Stick to the plan
James HallidayConsistency of style, quality and durability is the hallmark of Hay Shed Hill’s “keep it simple” approach to winemaking.
Succession plan
James HallidayRobert Ellis has assumed the role of chief winemaker of the Ellis family’s Hanging Rock.
Penfolds perennials
James HallidayHowever much Grange Penfolds makes it won’t limit the demand for more, and the same applies to its Bin range.
Wine: Peak pinot
James HallidayAustralia’s pinot noirs stack up well on price and quality, an international tasting shows.
Wine: Chardonnay challenge
James HallidayFrom 560 wines and 40 regions, the winners of the James Halliday Chardonnay Challenge are...
Wine: Chatto
James HallidayWinemaker Jim Chatto has the X-factor: he can turn the impossible into reality, and keep everyone in the loop happy.
Wine: Two Hands
James HallidayNo winery from any part of the world has equalled Two Hands’ feat — and the wines today are better than ever.
Wine: Handpicked
James HallidayHandpicked’s name is no accident: the best wine consultants were headhunted from the start.
Sober approach to wine
James HallidayOnly buy wine that is known and appreciated by the wine community. If it seems a bargain, there’s probably a flaw.
Wine: Stella Bella
James HallidaySerie Luminosa is the last piece of the jigsaw for the Stella Bella brand.
Wine: Greek roadshow
James HallidayThe recent roadshow of Greek winemakers was by far the largest of the five such events I have attended, and the first to be led by a Master of Wine.
King and Queen of champagne
James HallidayIf, as I believe to be the case, Krug is the king of champagne, Dom Perignon is the Queen.
Wine: Adam Richardson
James HallidayAdam Richardson created the Cupcake brand, which has sold more than 6 million dozen since its launch in 2008.
Wine: Clonakilla
James HallidayTim Kirk was the first to co-ferment shiraz and viognier and describe the wine as such on the front label.
Wine: Yelland & Papps
James HallidayMichael Papps and his wife Susan (née Yelland) have turned the Barossa Valley upside down and inside out.
Wine: White burgundy tasting
James HallidayThe annual white burgundy tasting organised by Lance Parkin was held in Melbourne on June 17.
China’s thirst for knowledge
JAMES HALLIDAYThe speed with which China has become Australia’s largest wine market (by value) is extraordinary.
Reasons to celebrate
James HallidayJoin me as I meet Veuve Clicquot’s chef du cave in Melbourne to taste, inter alia, the extremely good ’08 Brut.
From Petaluma to Tapanappa
James HallidayIn a life dedicated to improving Australian wine, Brian Croser has been misunderstood and at times reviled.
Wine: Stoney Rise
James HallidayWhen Joe Holyman bought the then Rotherhythe Vineyard in Tamar Valley, it marked the return of the prodigal son.
Wine: Stoney Rise
James HallidayJoe Holyman’s purchase of the then Rotherhythe Vineyard in Tamar Valley marked the return of the prodigal son.
Wine: Dr Loosen riesling
James HallidayThis was a special tasting of 12 superb wines, all rieslings from the glorious 2015 vintage, all but one from Germany.
Wine: Dr Loosen riesling
James HallidayThis was a special tasting of 12 superb wines, all rieslings from the glorious 2015 vintage, all but one from Germany.
Wine: Dr Edge
James HallidayPeter Dredge’s winemaking career had started in 1997 at Petaluma, an oenological crucible of enduring importance.
Wine: Dr Edge
James HallidayThis 2016 batch of pinot noirs was made using ‘traditional and modern techniques’.
Wine: Kellermeister shiraz
James HallidayKellermeister was established in 1976 without any fanfare or trumpets, let alone Barossa bassoons.
Wine: Kellermeister
James HallidayKellermeister was established in 1976 by Ralph and Val Jones without any fanfare or trumpets, let alone Barossa bassoons.
Wine: heavenly riesling
James HallidayRiesling is the white wine that winemakers drink on Earth and in heaven.
Wine: riesling
James HallidayRiesling is the white wine that winemakers drink on Earth and in heaven.
