Australian Wine Blog by Petaluma Wines

Well well, the new blog column is certainly gaining momentum and I thank all of those involved for posting comments thus far..

 It’s a big week next week where we’ll have the 2007 Adelaide Hills Wine Show kicking off for another year. There will be nothing less than 350 entries to sort, pour and present to esteemed judges such as Sophie Otton and Nick Ryan, not to mention recalcitrant comments from Aaron Brasher in the back corner.

 We here at Petaluma enjoy supporting our local community and throw our Adelaide Hills wines into the mix with the ever growing band of Adelaide Hills producers. Matthew Jukes and Huon Hooke certainly had some postive things to say about the rise and rise of the Adelaide Hills as a region so we’ll wait with bated breathe at the Trophy Luncheon on Friday 23rd Nov at the Bridgewater Mill.

Any questions or comments? Don’t hesitate……….

 Viognier (vee-oh-NYAY). Inspired by Condrieu in the Rhõne Valley has taken a while to get used to in the eyes of the Australian public. We’ve had a bit of a head start here at Petaluma, planting in 1992 in Mt Barker, Adelaide Hills and I would argue that only a few examples of quality Australian Viognier have been apparent over the last few years. But, as the greater winemaking community finds its feet, the quality follows and the curious drinker is rewarded. Cue the 2006 Petaluma Viognier. Viongier’s a decadent variety by nature and is coupled nicely with Marron, crustacean mousseline and truffle cream at Petaluma’s Bridgewater Mill Restaurant. I often struggle to prepare this sort of thing at home and am open to suggestion from those who have had some success. I’ve had some huge success (in my eyes) with rare salmon steaks and various accompaniments… suggestions?

Ronny, glad to read that you enjoyed the 2005. This is/was a stunning year for wines in the Adelaide Hills and the country as a whole for that matter.

The  ‘B&V Vineyard,’ Mt Barker - Adelaide Hills was planted with Shiraz and Viognier in 1992. The first release of the Shiraz was vintage 1998 under the “White Label” to depict the experimental aspect of the young vineyard wine. The 2005 has been bottled under the classic Petaluma Yellow Label. The mature vineyard wine has basked in various accolades and joins the flagship family of Hanlin Hill Riesling, Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot blend and Piccadilly Chardonnay along with our Viognier also from Mt Barker.

Send an email to cellardoor@petaluma.com.au and ask about the limited amounts of 1999 and 2002 Petaluma Shiraz available and the friendly girls and boys at Petaluma’s Bridgewater Mill should be able to sort you out.

The 2002 is looking stunning at the moment, a fine example of this vineyard’s wine and its ability to age. It also won a ‘Trophy’ at the London International Wine Challenge in 2006. Good luck and thanks for the blog .

Hello ladies and gentlemen, I hope you are enjoying your surf around the new
Petaluma website. My name is Peter Dredge or Dredgey to you. I’ve been floating around
Petaluma for over ten years now as a lackey, student, assistant winemaker and now winemaker. Feel free to forward your experiences with our wines of the past and present (or winemaking staff in some instances), to me and the team here at Petaluma. Get personal, get technical, go ahead…..

I recently tried to smuggle a 6 pack of 2007 Petaluma Hanlin Hill Riesling to enjoy with friends whilst on a surfing trip in Male and the Maldives. With Male being Islamic, the Riesling was quickly ushered away to the seconded area that I can only image is enormous.  I hope whoever consumed the Riesling (behind closed doors), if at all enjoyed it. Are there any other tales of misfortune or success out there?  I’ve carried many special bottles all over the planet but still think it is worth the effort!

We recently re-corked some of our museum Coonawarra wines from Vintage 1990 and 1991. Most of the staff was around to observe and try two stunning vintages of Coonawarra. I know I did…many times. We’d love to hear about wines you’ve been patient enough to cellar, just cracked or are unsure when to. We try all wines from all vintages constantly and can answer any query you have.