Latest News
FORMER BROADCASTER TAPS INTO GROWING WINE AUDIENCE
10/1/2010
By John Fordham
Following a stellar radio career with the ABC, Andrew Buchanan is now using his considerable communication skills to tap into a growing wine audience.
Buchanan, who oversaw the ABC’s 60 regional stations once his own on-air career wound down, is at the helm of the Queens Pinch winery on the outskirts of Mudgee.
And the ratings achieved by his debut 2006 Queens Pinch Cabernet Sauvignon at the 2009 Mudgee Wine Show points to the brand’s exciting promise.
Sadly now out of stock, this ripper red won trophies for best red wine and best cabernet sauvignon and a gold medal in the open cabernet sauvignon class.
“With one more point, it would have taken out the award for the most outstanding wine in the show,” laments journeyman winemaker Frank Newman, who lists impressive careers with Penfolds, Hardys and Angoves before hitching his tent at Queens Pinch.
Newman has now backed up his first vintage triumph with a trio of first-rate 2007 releases: 2007 Select Cabernet Sauvignon ($22), 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon and 2007 Rose (both $15). The Select is a richly-driven, complex wine with abundant fruit power and near-perfect balance.
For easy-drinking, everyday wines, the introductory cabernet sauvignon and rose easily fit the bill. (Go to www.queenspinch.com for stockists).
When the Buchanan family purchased the vineyard just on a decade ago, it did so with the knowledge that fruit quality was the equal of Mudgee’s best.
Southcorp (now Fosters) were ready buyers of its fruit until then, but once the Buchanans grabbed ownership plans fell into place to launch Queens Pinch.
“I have a simple philosophy,” says Newman. “Respect the fruit and let it dictate the techniques. This has allowed us to create wines displaying regionality, character and elegance”.
++
Diary note: Enjoy tasting the 2010 Sydney Royal Wine Show entries at the Sydney Showground’s Southbee Complex from 11am-4pm on Saturday, February 13 (tickets $65, details www.sydneyroyalshows.com.au/wine).
+++
2009 Shaw & Smith Sauvignon Blanc ($23). The 20th vintage release of this palate-sensuous Adelaide Hills wine bursting with fresh, fruit-driven tropical flavours is an absolute knockout.
2007 Mount Eyre Three Ponds Shiraz ($29). Devotees of Hunter Valley shiraz should immediately track down this medium-weight red whose peppery flavours are enhanced by French oak.
2008 Bests Great Western Bin 1 Shiraz ($25). From Victoria’s Great Western region comes another cracker shiraz with booming spicy, peppery flavours long-term cellaring potential.
The Sunday Telegraph, January 20, 2010