I recently had the pleasure of attending a special wine dinner hosted by the person that inspired my own journey through wine writing, critic Jeremy Oliver.

I got into wine through reading each and every one of Jeremy’s reviews within his 2016 Wine Annual book. I was captivated by the detail and complete descriptions he had on each wine and from those notes I taught myself how to taste, assess, describe and understand wine to the best of my ability.

Over the years, my knowledge and understanding of wine and winemaking developed into something deeper, stronger and more concise and thanks to the guiding hearts, minds and hands of both Jeremy and brilliant winemaker Doug Neal (and the many first hand experiences and lessons) I’ve been able to speak in my own voice as a wine writer and contribute to this great industry in a positive, truthful and helpful way. To be seated with both Jeremy and Doug at a tasting like this, treated as an equal and looking at wines whose makers I consider to be friends took me aback in a very humbling way.

The line-up showcased 3 vintage verticals of Australian producers who have excelled in a particular style and/or variety. The wines, all of them, were just beautiful and I was proud to be Aussie that night. Here’s the line-up and if you’d like notes on any of the following, feel free to get in touch at marc@iheartwine.com.au and I can certainly share them with you. The wine in capital letters defines my favourite in each bracket.

2005 Arras EJ Carr Late Disgorged Sparkling

2006 ARRAS EJ CARR LATE DISGORGED SPARKLING

2007 Arras EJ Carr Late Disgorged Sparkling

2017 Giaconda Estate Chardonnay

2019 Giaconda Estate Chardonnay

2021 GIACONDA ESTATE CHARDONNAY

2019 Bindi Block 8 Pinot Noir

2020 Bindi Block 8 Pinot Noir

2021 BINDI BLOCK 8 PINOT NOIR

2015 Paradise IV Dardel Shiraz

2017 Paradise IV Dardel Shiraz

2021 ALTERA TERRA WOODS PADDOCK SYRAH

2005 MOUNT MARY QUINTET

2012 Mount Mary Quintet

2015 Mount Mary Quintet