Irregular Update

                 Sydney Time

           Copyright © Ric Einstein 2008

Welcome to this weeks Irregular Update. The visit to South Australia was our best yet; the standard of wines tasted was far higher than any previous tour. Three good vintages, 04, 05 and 06 had a lot to do with it, but there are other factors that contributed; unfortunately you will have to wait till next week for the Tour Diary Summary, and the week after that for Chapter One. Start saving your pennies, I can keep you broke over the next year or more, buying both great wines, and wonderful value wines.

If for some reason you missed last the last Special Edition of the Irregular Update, you missed one of the most interesting articles I have written.  I guarantee you will chuckle and be fascinated when you read 'A True Story' – Australia’s most Decorated Winemaker. Grab a glass of good red and click here.

All over the Barossa those in the industry, just like wine lovers all over Australia are delighted with the sale of Seppeltsfield to the Trust that will be made up of the Kilikanoon shareholders and two big names. Since that announcement, there is now some concern about the future of another great Australian Fortified winemaking company. Orlando/Jacobs Creek has listed Morris in Rutherglen for sale. And speaking of sales, Classic McLaren which made the La Testa range has been sold to Mollydooker. Assuming they have also bought the winery, they will no longer be a "virtual producer."

This week I have another special treat for you. It's been a while since there has been a Feature Winery Review, but that's this weeks new story. Who or what is David Franz you may well ask; I know I did. David Franz is a boutique wine label belonging to the son of one of Australia's most well-known wine producers. Rather than trying to capitalise on the family's name, David is determined to do it "his way" and be recognised because what he is doing is good and deserves recognition, rather than trying to rely on his family's reputation. He is a young man that is not afraid to wear his heart on his sleeve and tell you his personal thoughts. As a result, his story is refreshingly honest, devoid of bovine manure, and worth reading. Find out who the man is behind the David Franz label here.

The News section has been dead over the past two weeks. Some of the stories of possible interest include:

• Wine group says Margaret River well placed for exports

• The alternative investor: wine

• Scientists prove wine buffs are talking rubbish

• Australia's dry threatens wine drought

• Wine exports set new volume records

• Troubled WA wine company faces grape shortage

• Moderation generation

Those stories and more can be found here.

This weeks quote. 'A man, fallen on hard times, sold his art collection but kept his wine cellar. When asked why he did not sell his wine, he said, “A man can live without art, but not without culture."' - Unknown

Until next week ....  Cheers!

Ric

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