Why Burgundy is awesome and Australia only imitates

Oooh... ultra harsh statement... especially from an Australian, though I stand by it. That is not to say that Australia is a poor imitator, or, that imitation does not sometimes lead to a result that surpasses the original.
 

Your turn to judge

In this week's tasting we talk through a brief history of both Burgundian and Australian wine making, describing the link between the two. Then we taste.

Wines on tasting

1. Tadpole Chardonnay Viognier 2007, Gemtree Vineyards, McLaren Vale, Australia.

£14.50 bar price. This Australian Chardonnay-Viognier blend demonstrates fantastic complexity of flavours and outstanding value. Many people have written off Chardonnay, particularly Australian cuvees. This wine makes a strong case for why you should give Aussie Chardy a 2nd chance! Unoaked and full of minerality.
 

2. Pouilly Vinzelles 2006, Bret Brothers, Vinzelles, Burgundy

100% Chardonnay; 13% abv. £31.10 bar price. Fact: the Bret Brothers are awesome. Really properly awesome. These young Frenchies inherited their grandparents vineyards and quickly set about farming the land biodynamically. They have a fantastic energy for the environment, sustainability and all things that produce a shockingly traditional white Burgundy! Before I met the boys, I was certain that all I‟d read was hype and that this would be an ultra commercial modern venture. Wow was I wrong. The Bret Brothers use old style “machinery” – including horse drawn cart. I arrived at the winery to find them sticking labels to bottles themselves… these guys are hands on & the wine is beyond sublime. I think I could drink Pouilly Vinzelles every day – I urge you to try it – it‟s an unfathomably delicious blend of mineral & tropical fruit flavours.
 

3. Macon Villages 2006, Les Héritiers des Comtes Lafon, Milly-Lamaratine, Burgundy,

100% Chardonnay. £26.50 bar price. Chewy, supple & velvety with lovely stone fruits & a touch of spice. A beautiful introduction to white Burgundy and tastes of Maconnais.
 

4. Bloodstone Shiraz 2006, Gemtree Vineyards, McLaren Vale, Australia

95% Shiraz, 5% Viognier £22.10 bar price. Concentration, power & amazing balance reflecting the variety from which it is made. Big red jammy fruit flavours – perfect if you enjoy your wine with a bit of a (metaphorical) punch!
 

5. Clos du Chapeau 2004, Domaine de l‟Arlot, Prémeaux-Prissey, Burgundy

100% Pinot Noir. £42.00 bar price. Domaine de l‟Arlot is an absurd place. No where in the world should be this beautiful. I can‟t even think of a way to be more Burgundian than these guys manage. The estate is regal but not overstated; the gardens are manicured yet decorated by stone carvings from hundreds of years of children playing there; the wines are elegant and opulent all at once. For me, a bottle of these wines is a bottle of Burgundy. Beautiful, sumptuous red Burgundy. There‟s a reason wine lovers love Pinot Noir so much & this wine can show you. Perfection in a bottle, ready for you to drink now (though it will age if, like me, you‟d like to keep some for home).
 

All wines on tasting available at further 10% discount from regular SHOP PRICES when purchased on the day of tasting