This event was billed as a tasting of the wines of Slovenia but, due to organisational difficulties and illness, the presenter called off at the last moment, hence the change of theme! An opportunity to try a few of my Aussie favourites was taken, as follows:

The Whites

2022 Yalumba Y Series Viognier

From vineyards in South Australia, a super-value example of this grape, aromatic and perfumed on the nose with a lovely fruity acidity (Majestic £7.99 mix 6)

2022 Jim Barry Lodge Hill Riesling

From this renowned Clare Valley winemaker’s house, a very young and fresh take on this grape, lots of citrus and just the faintest hint of the characteristic petrol note. Very good value at £9.99 (Majestic mix 6)

2022 Vasse Felix “Filius” Chardonnay

From the leading Margaret River winery, this a lovely understated wine, subtle oak and well-balance acidity with a rich undertone. Beautifully balanced and light but long on the palate; entry-level New World Chardonnay at its best, very good value (Majestic £12.99 mix 6)

The Reds

2017 Jim Barry “The Cover Drive” Cabernet Sauvignon

Classic entry-level Cabernet Sauvignon, blackcurrants and blackberries on the nose and palate, very gentle tannins, probably from younger grapes, nice label! (2019/2020 vintage at Majestic and others, £9.99 mix 6)

2006 Magpie Estate “The Black Sock” Mourvedre

From my cellar, a glorious Barossa example of this rare single varietal, rich but not heavy, lovely black fruit, velvet tannins and long on the palate. Favourite wine on the night. Unfortunately no longer available anywhere! Nearest might be Smalltown Vineyards “Clovella” Mataro (a.k.a. Mourvedre/Grenache (NY Wines ca. £16)

2005 Two Hand’s “Bella’s Garden” Shiraz

Again, rescued from long repose in my cellar. As with so many of these big Barossa wines, as fruity as the day it was made, Quite well balanced for such a big wine, with smooth tannins and rich and long on the palate. (£240/6 i.b.from Jeroboams) Later vintages are available to drink or lay down (2017/2018 Majestic £40)

Bonus wines

2021 Drood Winery “The Merchant” Samarghandi (Sweden)

Made from frozen Iranian grapes in Sweden, this has to be the most unusual wine we have tasted at BWC. As wine is illegal in poor benighted Iran, it has to be made by family relations in Sweden. Very pale in colour but actually quite fruity and rich on the palate, a very interesting experience. (Cava Spiliadis £28.50)

2010 Marcel Martin Gros Manseng Molleux

A non-botrytis sticky, all honey and grapes on the palate, very nice with Jill’s festive mince pies! (No longer available but other similar Gros Manseng Molleux available, e.g. Domaine de Millet at Villeneuve Wines £10)