Learn about wine
There's a reason wine lovers in the know light up when they hear the name Dappled. Shaun Crinion has quietly carved out a reputation as one of the Yarra Valley's most exciting small-scale producers. The 2024 Appellation Pinot Noir isn't just a wine - it's a masterclass in cool-climate winemaking and textural precision.
If there's one thing I love about Chardonnay, it's that it can be a chameleon. Same grape, wildly different outcomes depending on where it's grown and how it's made. The 2024 Dappled Appellation Chardonnay sits in that rare, happy middle ground between crisp and creamy, proving exceptional balance is worth seeking.
Bordeaux is home to some of the most age-worthy, investment-grade wines ever made. But if you've ever heard people talking about the Left Bank and Right Bank, you might be wondering what's the difference? It's not just geography - it's about soil, grapes, and style that shape collector favourites.
If you've been watching the wine market closely, you've probably noticed a major shift. After years of sharp price growth, things have cooled. But is that cause for concern - or a signal to buy? Here's what you need to know about current market trends and where opportunities may lie for patient collectors.
What is malolactic fermentation (MLF)? Or as wine nerds say... "has it gone through malo?" This conversion process turns sharp malic acid into softer lactic acid, creating those creamy, buttery notes you taste in some Chardonnays. Understanding MLF can totally change how you experience wine.
Some wines are meant to be cracked open on a weeknight. Others are made to go the distance, improving for decades in the cellar. But what actually makes a wine age-worthy? It's not about price or prestige - it comes down to structure, balance, and key factors that determine whether a wine will flourish with time.
Buying a great bottle is one thing. Opening it at the right time? That's where the magic happens. A wine's drink window is its prime time - when it tastes its best. Too early and it might feel closed, too late and it's past its peak. Here's how to know when to pop the cork.
Once overlooked, Gamay is now shining as one of wine's most exciting comeback stories. From juicy Beaujolais Nouveau to complex, spice-rich Australian expressions, this versatile grape is experiencing an evolution that's capturing attention from casual drinkers to serious collectors worldwide.
Each year, The Standish Wine Company drops four single-vineyard Shiraz wines from the Barossa zone, and yet every bottle is wildly different. From Eden Valley's bright Lamella to the flagship Standish built for decades of aging, discover how terroir and technique create a masterclass in what one grape can achieve.
When one of Burgundy's most respected winemakers buys a small biodynamic vineyard in Gippsland, you know it's not just a business move - it's a statement. Jean-Marie Fourrier's takeover of Bass Phillip represents where French precision meets Australian soul, creating some of the country's most expressive wines.
Wine is more than a drink - it's a living thing that evolves over time. The fruit mellows, the structure softens, and the flavours become more complex, but only if it's stored right. Whether you're saving a special bottle or building a collection, proper cellaring makes all the difference.
Think Sauvignon Blanc is just crisp and grassy? Think again. This versatile grape offers so much more than its reputation suggests. From New Zealand's vibrant fruit-forward styles to France's elegant oaked versions, there's a whole world of complexity waiting to be discovered.
