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In Season 3, Episode 9, I sat down with Doug Neal to cover the basics of oak in winemaking—a conversation that became a fan favorite. Doug's deep passion for oak is contagious; as a former history teacher turned wine maker and expert, he brings a wealth of knowledge and a unique perspective on the subject. So, naturally, I couldn’t resist inviting him back for a deeper dive.
In this episode, we get into the finer details: the specific forests oak comes from, how it’s prepared for barrel making, its nuanced impact on different wine styles, and even the current state of the oak market. Doug's insights and stories are pure gold for any wine enthusiast, and he didn’t hold back.
Grab your notepad, because you’ll want to jot down Doug’s tips and tidbits. I hope you enjoy this fascinating exploration of oak with the ever-knowledgeable "Dougmeister" himself!
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They don’t come much cooler than Chris Morisoli. He flies UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters, he’s completed deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan as a MEDEVAC polite rescuing wounded soldiers out of firefights and flying them to safety, he has served more or less his entire life as a volunteer fire fighter and – oh yes – he is the latest generation of the Morisoli family who are custodians of some of the most magical vineyards in the Rutherford Bench, and the entire Napa Valley for that matter. One might say the Morisoli story is the story of Rutherford. It spans the Italian migration to the United States, prohibition and the rise of the Napa Valley. Chris was born in 1984 and has Rutherford Dust in his veins. He grew up running in and out of the vines and you might be forgiven for seeing his return to the vines post deployment as inevitable.
Chris’s story and the Morisoli story is one of the most genuine and remarkable stories one will find. And yes – like most special things – you have to find it – tucked away in the shadows of the Mayacamas Mountain range, just off Highway 29, down Niebaum Lane, here lies a historic charming little house surrounded by historic vineyards that whisper memories and stories. This is Chris’s home and the home of the Morisoli legacy. Like most who are part of small family businesses, Chris spends most of his time on the tools, in the vineyard, in the winery or in the car, so cornering him for a chat is no small thing. Hence my elation when we finally settled on a time. This was a truly special conversation to have. My sincerest thanks to Chris for joining me.Support the show
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I’ve been living in the USA since April, with April through July immersed in the vibrant Santa Barbara Wine Country alongside Wes Hagen and his wife, Chanda. Longtime listeners will know Wes as a foundational figure in this region, notably for his work in establishing many of Santa Barbara’s AVAs. But next to Wes stands Chanda, his steadfast partner and inspiration, whom he met at a Grateful Dead cover band gig—how Californian! Together, they welcomed me into the heart of Santa Barbara, offering an insider’s view of its history, personality, and the essence of its young and dynamic wine industry. After my deep dive into Santa Barbara, Wes had a unique idea: flip the script and put me in the hot seat. Though it took some persuasion, I finally agreed to let Wes give me a taste of my own medicine. We share a passion for wine, history, and the bigger questions of meaning, which fueled hours of effortless conversation. In this episode, we focused on our shared love of wine and the color it channels. I owe a big thank you to Wes for hosting this lively conversation and to both Wes and Chanda for their generous hospitality. Enjoy this special episode!
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Fraser Mackenzie is the Group General Manager at Artisans of the Barossa, a collective of artisan producers dedicated to showcasing the unique diversity and heritage of Australia’s Barossa Valley. The Artisans’ mission is to dispel myths and redefine perceptions by highlighting the region's remarkable range—from ancient vines and rich soils to the innovative techniques of the families and winemakers who craft its wines.
Originally from Auckland, New Zealand, Fraser has a dynamic background in marketing and selling wine across the globe, from New Zealand to the USA and even the Middle East. His journey eventually led him to Australia, where he guided Montalto through the challenges of the COVID era. Joining Artisans of the Barossa in late 2022, Fraser has since been steering the group’s vision and message, with a focus on celebrating the exceptional character of the Barossa Valley.
In this episode, Fraser shares his insights on navigating market challenges, the nuances of wine marketing, and the deep joy he and his team derive from sharing the Barossa’s beauty with the world. A heartfelt thanks to Fraser for joining me for this conversation
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What is blind tasting? Why do it? Who benefits from it? To explore these questions, I sat down with two exceptional guests: industry veteran and Master Sommelier Bobby Stuckey, and dynamic wine student Cokie Ponikvar. Bobby brings seasoned wisdom to the table, while Cokie offers her trademark passion and fresh insights that make her a standout voice in the industry.
In this episode, we dive into the world of blind tasting—demystifying a practice that some might see as needlessly complex, yet one that Bobby and Cokie champion as a powerful tool for honing wine knowledge, curating wine lists, and deepening one’s appreciation for wine. My heartfelt thanks to Bobby and Cokie for sharing their perspectives on this invaluable aspect of wine education
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Robert Joseph is a wine industry luminary. He’s been in the game for a long time and has observed and considered a great many things. He has launched wine labels, he’s had a decorated career as a wine journalist and along the way he found time to launch the international wine challenge considered by many to be the most rigorous, impartial and influential wine competition, yet interestingly Robert decided long ago to leave the world of wine criticism and pursue more innovative projects including launching French label Le Grand Noir, and his experimental Georgian label K'AVSHIRI. In today’s conversation, Robert shares his candid thoughts on the state of the wine industry. He firmly believes that we’ve forgotten that wine is part of the entertainment world—an industry meant to captivate and delight consumers. With too much noise and confusion, consumers are left bewildered, and this has had serious consequences. Robert challenges the industry to reexamine its purpose, starting with the fundamental question: Why? Every action, every label, every marketing decision must have a clear reason behind it which is communicateable and hence communicated to consumers. Robert’s passion for the industry shines through his sharp insights. I thoroughly enjoyed this conversation and I hope you do to. A huge thanks to Robert for joining me.
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Some time back a friend graciously gifted me a bottle of wine from a label I had only a distant familiarity with. A quick glance at the bottle set my mind racing. It was a Grenache crafted from Barossa vines over 150 years old—an 1850 Ancestor Vine Grenache from Cirillo Wine Estate in the Barossa Valley’s Nuriootpa sub-region.
A brief dive into the history of Cirillo Estate revealed that the winery is the custodian of some of the oldest surviving vines in the Barossa. In the 1970s, the Cirillo family relocated to Light Pass in the Barossa Valley, where they inherited and began working with ancient vines—some as old as 170 years—that miraculously survived the Great Australian Vine Pull of the 1980s.
Naturally, I set out to track down the elusive Marco Cirillo, elusive because he is perpetually engrossed in the daily demands of the winery. Whether tending the vines, crafting wines, or driving sales, Marco is the force behind nearly every facet of Cirillo Estate. What I discovered was a family man of Calabrian descent, part of a lineage with over 400 years of winemaking tradition in Southern Italy. It’s no surprise that Marco was destined to become a winemaker. And if over 400 years of wine making pedigree were not enough, Marco is married to Annika Lehmann (the Lehmann name needing no introduction in Australian wine circles). She is Marco’s driving force, supporting him in every aspect of the business and doing what Marco describes as the “smart stuff” behind the scenes.
What strikes me most about Marco is how much he avoids the spotlight. It took quite some time to pin him down, but when you ask him a question, you get a straightforward answer—sometimes delivered with both barrels. Marco acknowledges that his directness can be mistaken for arrogance, but he views it as a reflection of his passion for wine and a deliberate effort to tune out the noise of wine politics and undue criticism.
The Cirillo brand has recently ignited global interest, especially following its success at the 2024 Vinous Icons event in New York City, where Marco’s Grenache became a talking point. Marco’s philosophy is to let his viticulture and winemaking speak for themselves, and it seems this approach is yielding significant rewards. I was fortunate to have Marco join me on the Cellar Door Podcast, where he shared his personal journey, insights on working with some of the world’s oldest Grenache and Semillon vines, the Barossa Old Vine Charter, and his overall winemaking philosophy. A heartfelt thank you to Marco for taking the time to join me.
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In or around 2013 three Aussie mates conspired to create the ultimate digital wine playground in a bid to make it easier for everyday Aussies to access great Australian wines. Today the DifferentDrop acts as one of the premier platforms for and supporters of domestic Australian wine. They keep an eye on the trends and form relationships with great Aussie producers to get access to the best wines. But that’s not all. They also want to share their experiences and what they learn along the way, and this has resulted in them creating one of the most engaging and educative online media presences in the Aussie landscape, particularly with their YouTube content. Co-founder Tom Hollings sat down with me to share the story of DifferentDrop and his perspectives on the wine game across Australia. A huge thanks to Tom for joining me.
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Get ready for an inspiring tale that’s guaranteed to warm your heart! It’s a story about passion, community, and a group of remarkable students at Upper Yarra Secondary College who are taking a bold step into the world of viticulture, winemaking and hospitality. Under the expert guidance of their dedicated teacher and mentor, Marcus Cook, these students have been hands-on in farming their very own school vineyard. The result? The inaugural 2023 Junction Road Pinot Noir, a wine crafted with hard work and determination, which went on to make waves at the prestigious Yarra Valley Wine Show.
Not only did this student-made wine score an impressive 95 points, but it also took home the award for Best Small Batch Wine – a massive achievement for a school project! Marcus Cook joins me on the Cellar Door Podcast to share the incredible journey of these young winemakers, as they forge a unique path through the world of viticulture, gaining invaluable skills and confidence along the way.
This is more than just a feel-good story – it’s a testament to what can happen when passion, education, and community come together. I can’t wait for you to hear all about it. A huge thanks to Marcus for joining me!
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According to the World Health Organization, “any level of alcohol consumption is associated with preventable net harms due to multiple health conditions such as injuries, alcohol use disorders (AUDs), liver diseases, cancers and cardiovascular diseases, as well as harms to persons other than drinkers.” According to Dave Parker of Benchmark Wine Group, that statement is demonstrably false. Dave Parker is the CEO and founder of Benchmark Wine Group, one of the worlds leading curators of rare and fine wine selections for retailers, restaurants and collectors. Dave also runs a data analysis company. It was Dave’s passion for wine and details that lead him into the conversation in defense of wine against the growing voice of those who Dave considers making the baseless claim that all alcohol is in any amount is bad for a persons health. According to Dave, its all about the J Curve, a data analysis, which plots that moderate consumption of alcohol is actually overall a health benefit for the average person – a J curve that recent critics claim to be outdated. I sat down with Dave Parker for close to an hour, during which he explained the basics of this topic and the importance of it to the wine industry at large. Given the complexity of this topic, Dave and my conversation is far from a complete analysis of the issue, so I have included links in the show notes to some of the resources Dave provided me. A huge thanks to Dave for joining me.
Article from Wine Business Monthly: www.winebusiness.com/wbm/article/284944
Article from Christopher Snowden: https://snowdon.substack.com/p/cherry-picking-the-evidence-on-alcohol
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This episode features none other than Joe Fattorini, a true force in the world of wine. Many of you know him as the co-presenter of The Wine Show, where he takes viewers on a journey through vineyards and wine cultures across the globe. But Joe’s influence reaches far beyond the screen. He’s a seasoned wine merchant, expert, educator, and marketer who has spent decades passionately sharing his love for wine, whether through writing, speaking, or consulting.
My introduction to Joe came through an article he penned on the anti-alcohol lobby and the complex challenges the wine industry faces in countering its relentless influence. His sharp insights and vibrant personality were evident, and I knew I had to get him on the show. While I wasn’t entirely sure where our conversation would lead, one thing was clear – with Joe, we could dive deep into just about anything.
In this episode, we talk about his fascinating journey in the wine industry, his thoughts on building consumer engagement, and the ongoing battle against the anti-alcohol lobby. A huge thank you to Joe for joining me.
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Tom Kline writes about wine. He has written for publications including Decanter Magazine, Wine Spectator, Halliday Magazine, Winepilot, and the much-loved Gourmet Traveler Wine of happy memory. Yet most recently Tom has embraced the challenge of writing as the Australian contributor to Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy, Jasper Morris MW’s online database dedicated to showcasing the very best of Burgundy to an audience of Burgundy tragics. According to Tom, Jasper senses the importance of identifying and presenting real alternatives to Burgundy given the practical realities that make Burgundy inaccessible to many. This is the perfect assignment for Tom. A clear brief to cover the very best of pinot noir and chardonnay across the Australian landscape, while affording Tom the scope and creativity to project his own voice and style through his work. You can clearly see this in Tom's recent reports on Mount Mary, Bannockburn and less recently on Giaconda.
Tom’s childhood was spent in North East Victoria’s pristine wine country, his father working for Brown Brother’s and Tom absorbing a love of wine by osmosis. Yet, Tom’s first passion was music. I have discovered a link between wine and creativity, particularly music. Tom Kline is no different. Tom eventually discovered that wine writing afforded him both increased stability and an avenue through which to channel his natural creativity.
In our conversation, Tom and I discussed his recent work and more generally the role that wine writers play in an industry in a state of flux while also touching on the responsibility that attaches to being part of the cohort of opinion leaders who influence consumer perceptions and decision making. Tom’s approach to this is simple, though no doubt difficult. Mold your own distinct and independent voice, then scrupulously work to maintain it. Tom shares a trove of insights in this conversation which was as fascinating as it was enjoyable to engage in. A huge thanks to Tom for joining me.
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I’ve been searching for the ideal introduction to the South African wine industry for the Cellar Door Podcast. When a friend recently on holiday in South Africa messaged me and asked me if I’d heard of Anthony Hamilton Russell, I knew that opportunity had arrived. For those unfamiliar, Anthony Hamilton Russell and his family’s Hamilton Russell Vineyards are among the most esteemed names in South African wine. The story began in 1975 when Tim Hamilton Russell acquired 170 hectares of untamed land, marking the start of his quest to craft cool climate wines. In 1991, Anthony Hamilton Russell took the reins, focusing the family’s efforts on producing just one Pinot Noir and one Chardonnay. This focus channeled through two wines has solidified Hamilton Russell Vineyards’ reputation for excellence in both domestic and international markets.
Anthony is not only a vanguard of his family’s legacy but also a passionate advocate for what he calls South Africa’s “Second Renaissance” in wine. Despite centuries of challenges, from industry oversupply to broader political turmoil, Anthony believes that the way forward is through relentless effort—more “airport and airplane” than “beach and board.” In other words, winemakers must hit the road and share the fruits of their labor, as there’s no substitute for hard work.
In our lively conversation, Anthony shared his insights on the Hemel-en-Aarde appellation, the history of Hamilton Russell Vineyards, and his thoughts on the current state of the wine industry. A heartfelt thanks to Anthony for taking the time to join me for this engaging discussion.
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In 1974 David Anderson embarked on a project in Victoria’s Heathcote region to plant vines and craft wine. His son Liam Anderson describes that David was more or less taking a shot in the dark, with no intention of founding what would become a label with a cult following across Australia and even certain locations across the globe. Liam describes customer relationships with Wild Duck Creek spanning over 30 years, the result of hours and hours of hard work, dedication and focus on delivering a premium wine experience to consumers.
Though Wild Duck Creek has in the past found favor with critics, not to mention being the first Victorian label to score 99+ points from Robert Parker Jnr at the Wine Advocate, Liam Anderson describes how over the years, and amid a change in fashion and trends, Wild Duck Creek has stayed true to its style of bigger, richer, wine’s of balance . They don’t try to please everyone. Rather they have a singular focus on enhancing the quality of what they have done since day dot - that is, crafting the highest quality wines given the unique terroir that Heathcote offers.Liam Anderson grew up watching his father’s ever expanding passion for Wild Duck Creek, a passion and focus that Liam says is fastidious . Liam has been managing the vineyards at Wild Duck Creek since he was 18 y/o. He’s been making the wines since he was 20. Liam has decades of Wild Duck Creek running through his veins. He has seen the evolution of Wild Duck Creek as a cult winery and is now largely responsible for its day to day management. He has inherited his father’s passion for Heathcote and dedication to the family brand. Liam joined me for an expansive conversation, on everything from Heathcote’s climate and geography, and what makes Heathcote - well - Heathcote, to the Wild Duck Creek’s story, the experience in the US market and Liam’s aspirations for the label’s future.
A huge thanks to Liam for joining me.
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Few Australian wine families can match the storied pedigree of the Hardy family, whose legacy began when Thomas Hardy founded Thomas Hardy & Sons in 1853. Thomas later purchased the Upper Tintara Vineyard in Blewitt Springs, McLaren Vale in 1871, marking the birth of a winemaking dynasty.
Today, Australian wine legend Andrew 'Ox' Hardy, the great-great grandson of Thomas Hardy, carries the McLaren Vale tradition in his veins. As the custodian of the Upper Tintara Vineyard, Andrew has pushed his team to innovate, notably through his eponymous label, Ox Hardy Wines.
Andrew's work is further strengthened by his son, Henry, who has fully embraced the family's heritage. Henry brings his own expertise, honed through multiple vintages, industry studies, and valuable experience marketing and selling both here in Australia and abroad.
Both Andrew and Henry understand the critical importance of preserving the Upper Tintara Vineyard, one of Australia's most precious viticultural sites, and they're on a mission to reinforce the strong association between the Hardy name and top-quality winemaking.
It was an absolute pleasure to sit down with Andrew and Henry, father and son, for an interview brimming with insights, stories, and charm. The Hardy family saga is a remarkable Australian story, and it was a true privilege to speak with both Andrew 'Ox' Hardy and Henry. A massive thanks to them for joining me.
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Neli Naumovski is the recently appointed national sales director at Oliver's Wines. Neli brings lengthy experience in the fine wine sector, and secondary markets and has teamed up with Jeremy Oliver to launch the old rare and collectable wine project which incorporates a unique classification system. It was this classification aspect which caught my attention. I've previously spoken with Huon Hooke on my show about the classification system at the Real Review and so when I heard there was a new system entering the market, I wanted to get the inside scoop. Neli was good enough join me to give a crash course on this new project, the secondary market and for an update on all her projects at Olivers Wines. A massive thanks to Neli for joining me.
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Presqu’ile (‘press-keel’) is a family-owned winery in the Santa Maria Valley dedicated to crafting exceptional Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah. Roughly translating in French to “Peninsula”, Presquile was the Murphy family’s gathering place in the Mississippi Gulf Country who after Hurricane Katrina, decided that they would name their winery in homage to the place that engendered a conviviality among family and friends, evoking a warmth of human spirit and a rapport among all who “passed a good time” there.
In 2007 the Murphy family set out to find the perfect place to farm pinot noir and chardonnay, a search that spanned America’s West coast, from California up to Oregon. The Santa Maria Valley in Santa Barbara Wine County won out, and the Murphy’s set about building what has become one of the most beautiful wineries in California with a wine experience to match. South African born Dieter Cronje has been making wine with the Murphy family since Presquile’s beginning. Dieter was drawn to California on the tales of promise of its wine industry and never left. Dieter invited me back to Presquile to enjoy some Santa Maria hospitality and I took the opportunity to capture his journey and perspectives on Presquile, Santa Maria and everything in between. A massive thanks to Dieter for joining me.
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On this episode, I had the pleasure of catching up with Jeremy Oliver to get his insights on the latest developments in the Australian wine industry. We dive into Treasury Wine Estates’ recent decision to part ways with iconic brands Wolf Blass, Yellowglen, and Lindeman’s, and we explore Jeremy’s perspective on the broader market dynamics. While the challenges persist and the road ahead is long, it’s clear that resilience, determination, and will be the defining traits of those who succeed in these tough times. A huge thanks to Jeremy for joining me
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The Balnaves family first arrived in South Australia’s Coonawarra District in 1855. It's worth taking the time to research the story of William Wilson (available on the Balnaves website) to truly appreciate how deeply the Balnaves family is intertwined with the history of South Australian wine. Fast forward to 1971, when a young and ambitious Doug Balnaves was hired by Hungerford Hill to establish 100 hectares of vineyards. In 1974, Doug received a winemaking masterclass from Bill Redman, affectionately known as "the Grand Old Man of Coonawarra," which played a pivotal role in igniting and fueling Doug’s passion for crafting exceptional red wine.
In 1975, the first Balnaves vines were planted, covering 2.5 hectares each of Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz, which are still flourishing 49 years later. In the ensuing years, Kirsty and Pete Balnaves returned to the family business, joined by Pete Bissell as the winemaker, who led the winemaking team for over 25 vintages. During this time, Balnaves went from strength to strength, with the Tally winning Jeremy Oliver's Wine of the Year in 2004 and Balnaves being named Halliday's Winery of the Year in 2008.
In 2018 Jacinta Jenkins, known as JJ to her friends, joined the Balnaves team. A native of Coonawarra, Jacinta brought her global wine education back to her roots, making it particularly fitting that she took on the role of head winemaker in 2020, when Pete Bissell passed the torch to her. Jacinta has quickly made her mark, being shortlisted for Halliday Winemaker of the Year this year—a true testament to her hard work and talent.
Jacinta recently joined me on the show to provide a glimpse into what’s happening across Coonawarra and at Balnaves. A huge thanks to Jacinta for sharing her insights.
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In this episode, we delve into the remarkable journey of Legend Wine Imports, a venture spearheaded by two American sommeliers, Jonathan Ross and Jane Lopes. Their path to success took an unexpected turn when they immersed themselves in the vibrant Australian wine industry. The duo first crossed paths at New York’s esteemed Eleven Madison Park before making the bold decision to relocate to Australia. Jane found her niche at Melbourne’s acclaimed Attica Restaurant, while Jonathan took charge of the wine program for the Rockpool Group. This transformative experience deepened their appreciation for Australian wine, ultimately inspiring them to co-author "How to Drink Australian." This book captures the essence of Australian wine through the lenses of history, terroir, and the nation’s unwavering commitment to viticulture and winemaking excellence. Jonathan and Jane have since become passionate advocates for Australian wine in the USA, tirelessly working to enhance its presence and reputation. Join me as I sit down with Jonathan to explore his fascinating story and the origins of Legend Wine Imports.
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