Bannockburn
Since its founding in the 1970s by Stuart Hooper, Bannockburn Vineyards has firmly established a reputation for quality and excellence within Australian wine, indeed such is the esteem in which these wines are held that they are being compared to the great domaines of Burgundy. The 2024 Release in an exceptional collection of single vineyard and estate wines that only contributes to this lofty position that Bannockburn now occupies.
It's no great secret that my eldest son Gus works at Bannockburn, so there is a "connection". I do get to hear about the "workings" and some trials and plans; pleasures and pains. So I am acutely aware that in recent years there has been a more intense desire for improvement, and great strides with quality increases.
Cheers, Randall.
Cheers, Randall.
2008 Alfred Gratien Cuvée Paradis Brut Rosé
This is a thoroughbred Champagne in its origins and in its expression.
Champagne Alfred Gratien has always reminded me of Krug in some ways, and in particular a visit to Krug many years ago. Catherine Seydoux, one of the Krug family, said that Gratien was similar to Krug in many ways, not the least of which is the total barrel-fermentation in the 1000 old 228lt barrels, no MLF and long ageing in bottle. This is a deep, powerful and serious “Prestige Cuvée” with nice age and a long way still to go. Cheers, Randall.
