In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David talks to Elaine Chukan Brown, author of The Wines of California, telling the story of the state’s wine industry, from its establishment by indigenous peoples, through Prohibition, to the pioneers who created today’s wine map, while looking to the challenges Californian wine faces in the future. Â
Plus, David has news of the IWSC wine judging results for 2025, announced this week, featuring the three highest scoring wines:Â
The Trouble With Dreams Magnum Brut 2009 by Sugrue South Downs
Verdelho 2001 by D’Oliveiras
Old Premium Rare Muscat NV by Morris Wines
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1:01:34
Episode 214 - Ian Hongell, chief winemaker, Torbreck
In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David’s guest is Ian Hongell, chief winemaker at Torbreck, one of Australia’s most celebrated names, celebrated for its Barossa Shiraz from dry-farmed, old vines descended from those planted in the mid 19th century.
IWSC medal winners featured:
Campbells Merchant Prince Rare Muscat NV (gold and trophy winner)
Morris Old Premium Rare Muscat NV (gold)
Peter Lehmann 8 Songs Shiraz 2021 (silver)Â
Soumah Chardonnay 2023 (silver)
Fourth Wave Wine Little Giant Single Vineyard Cabernet 2021 (silver)
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56:50
Episode 213 - Andrew Caillard MW on The Australian Ark
In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David chats to Master of Wine, Andrew Caillard, winner of the IWSC Wine Communicator of the Year award, about his epic three volume work ‘The Australian Ark’, the story of the country’s wine industry, from its origins to the present day.
IWSC medal winning wines featured, all gold medal winners:
Dandelion Vineyards Firehawk Shiraz 2022
Golden Amrita Sunshine Hill Shiraz 2021
Ponting Wines The Pinnacle Shiraz 2022
Levantine Hill Katherine's Paddock Chardonnay 2021
Orlando Wines Lyndale Chardonnay 2021
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50:38
Episode 212 - Alex Watson
In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David chats to Alex Watson about Renais Gin, the brand he has founded with his actor sister, Emma Watson, a premium gin produced from the skins of grapes, from the vineyards of Chablis where their father is a winemaker.
IWSC gold medal winning gins featured:Â
Three Engineers Oy 3E GinÂ
North of Eden Admiral Navy Strength Gin
Karu Distillery Affinity Gin
Enceladus Distilling Company Limited
Astra Premium New Zealand Gin
Vinha Alta Balancal Barrel Rested Gin
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New Zealand