Welcome to the boomtown: Doing Perth in style

So you want to be within walking distance of Perth's downtown core, but also want to stroll to Northbridge at night for a few drinks and meal. 

Peppers Kings Square - just across the road from the Perth Arena and round the corner from trendy King St - has location, location on its side. 

You're just a stroll from the CBD, boutique shopping, dining and laneway bar districts meaning it is an equally good choice for leisure or business stays. 

With a 24-hour reception (good news as our Qantas flight didn't get us into town until well after midnight), the rooms are well thought-out with modern furnishings, very comfortable king beds with great pillows, air conditioning, wifi, Nespresso machines and gourmet tea facilities. Effective blackout curtains, too, for those wanting a lie-in.

The bathrooms have good showers with quality Appels toiletries and there are plenty of charging points for those of us with voracious laptops and iPhones.

The on-site Stage Bar & Kitchen is closed right now, but the kitchen turns out some pretty spectacular breakfasts. The staff are very professional across the board, too. Nothing is too much trouble. 

Rooms start from $199 - which is excellent value in a city that is booming. The upper level rooms have some great light in the mornings and evenings. 

There is no on-site parking. There are, however, plenty of public transport options on the doorstep, so you might not need a car.

Details here: https://www.peppers.com.au/kings-square/

Snoop Dogg aims to convert Australian wine drinkers

Americans traditionally drink a whole lot more Australian wine than Australians consume wine from the US of A. Too sweet, too oaky, too expensive are three commonly given reasons. 

One man is aiming to change that: US rapper, turkey donator and home delivery advocate Snoop Dogg. 

Dogg is the man behind 19 Crimes Snoop Cali Red, which was named the number one wine innovation of 2020 launched in the US and exceeded its initial 12-month sales forecast in the first two months of launch.

But will Australians take to this blend of petite sirah (someone tell Mr Dogg we call it durif in Australia) and zinfandel? 

Born and raised in Long Beach, Dogg joined forces with 19 Crimes to create the first Californian wine in the portfolio, a wine described as "a unique red blend with ripe, punchy fruit". 

“I’m such a fan of this wine and I’m excited to bring ‘Snoop Cali Red’ to my Australian peeps and share the experience with my fans," Snoop Dogg says. "19 Crimes is one of the most successful brands in the market, so I’m more than eager to bring this collaboration to the world!” 

Angus Lilley, Treasury Wine Estates Chief Marketing Officer says: “Snoop Dogg is a culture creator, innovator and a leader in pop culture. Australians love him, and they have been asking for this wine since it launched in the US back in July. We are truly excited to launch 19 Crimes Snoop Cali Red to Australia.”

19 Crimes Snoop Cali Red is available now for $18 RRP. I have no idea what to expect of wine doggstyle. 

Join the club: a whole new experience in the Southern Highlands

The heritage village of Berrima was recently named Top Tourism Town in New South Wales. 

Adding to the Southern Highland's hamlets attractions is Berrima Vault House - originally hand built by convicts in 1844 and now a recently opened five-star hospitality venue and private members club. 

Si Philby, Berrima Vault House's Founder and CEO, said: “When I first saw this building it was clear there was a special canvas to work with. The property has a series of spaces - including unseen rooms that have stood the test of time - with unbelievable history. 

"The original jail cells with their stone walls built by convicts are now private dining rooms, for example. We have curated a specific team with local expertise and world-class credentials, to bring the building back to life for the 21st century to continue to tell the story of the building but in a modern way.

“One of the silver linings to come out of the global pandemic is people have realised they don't need to live in the city or if they're living in the Highlands, commute as much – or at all - anymore. They're also a bit tired of working from home so are looking for somewhere they can hold business meetings, take business calls, have great wifi with high-level data security, print, scan, whatever they need to work…but they also want to relax and socialise.”

Berrima Vault House includes a number of public and private areas, including Taylor's Inn Cafe, 'The Dining Room' restaurant, The Snuggery, The Fireplace Lounge, private dining jail cells known as King George's Cell and Queen Victoria's Cell, The Village Shop, Hank & Molly's Bar, The Vinery, and The Rose Garden, giving guests plenty of places to retreat and relax. 

Guests will also discover a three-bedroom boutique accommodation offering, known as 'The Courthope Residence', where a stay includes complimentary access to all membership facilities. A concierge is also on hand to offer anything guests might need – but without the old-fashioned formality and stuffiness members clubs are all too often known for.

“Berrima Vault House is a place which doesn't quite feel like anywhere else," said advisor Dan Flower. "It's a place to call home, and that's how we want guests and members to treat the House – we won't tell you to take your feet off the couch – not literally of course."

Executive chef Tommy Prosser is leading the gastropub-style Taylor's Inn Café and The Dining Room, where local produce and ingredients are showcased. 

Pairing with the food is a substantial wine list by local sommelier Linda Lambrechts. 

Southern Highlands wineries such as Artemis, Bendooley Estate and Cherry Tree Hill feature on the list, along with organic and biodynamic wines. 

Memberships at Berrima Vault House start from $2,400. Applications are open now, with enquiries to be sent to concierge@berrimavaulthouse. 

Stays at Berrima Vault House's 'The Courthope Residence', start from $1,200 midweek and $1,600 on weekends (minimum two-night stay).

See www.berrimavaulthouse.com/

Meet the most exclusive wine school in the world

So you are involved in the wine industry, as a sommelier, perhaps, a distributor, or even a writer?

You think you have a decent palate and like the idea of one day judging at wine shows?

Here is your chance to get a foot in the door.

Applications are now open for the 2021 Len Evans Tutorial, which this year celebrates 20 years, having seen close to 230 scholars attend what is said to be "the greatest wine school on earth".

The Tutorial was postponed last year due to Covid-19.

Twelve Australian wine professionals will attend Spicers Guesthouse in the Hunter Valley from Monday, November 1 to Friday, November 5 with the chance to taste some of the world's greatest wines.

The panel of tutors includes James Halliday, Ian McKenzie, Iain Riggs, Michael Hill Smith MW, Vanya Cullen, Sarah Crowe, PJ Charteris, Jim Chatto, Tom Carson, David Bicknell, Matt Harrop, Tyson Stelzer, Samantha Connew, Randall Pollard and Patrick Walsh, with Philip Rich joining for the first time in 2021.

Over its 20 years, the Len Evans Tutorial has proved to be an invaluable training ground for its scholars many of whom have gone on to become wine show chairs and senior wine judges, industry leaders and better wine professionals.  

Held annually in the first week of November, this year the Tutorial will include additional judging sessions featuring riesling from around the world as well as a masterclass on Barolo.

As has been the case from inception, the week concludes with a tasting of Domaine de la Romanee-Conti, led by James Halliday AM.

All tuition, accommodation, travel, wine and food is covered by Tutorial sponsors and donors.

Applications will be reviewed by a panel made up of current and past tutors, past scholars, chairs of judges from capital city wine shows, and a range of industry advisors.

Applications received for the cancelled 2020 LET will be rolled over to 2021, though applicants are encouraged to update details and experience as required.

Visit www.lenevanstutorial.com.au/apply for more information and how to apply. Applications will be accepted until close of business Friday, August 13.

New date for peninsula wine party

The Mornington Peninsula’s Winter Wine Weekend has been rescheduled to Saturday, July 24, as a result of the current lockdown.

Wine lovers across Victoria will now enjoy a mid-winter experience in picturesque Red Hill, tasting world-class wines and some of the state’s most celebrated food.

As the event is no longer taking place on the Queen’s Birthday long weekend, the Winter Wine Festival in the Pavilions at Red Hill Showgrounds will be the focus with the Long Lunch to be rescheduled later in the year.

Running from from 10:30am to 4pm, The Winter Wine Festival will be a showcase exhibition and tasting offering attendees the opportunity to taste over 200 premium wines from 45 Mornington Peninsula wineries.

Designed as a progressive tasting, three sheds will be transformed into sub-regional experiences, allowing groups to circulate from one to the next after 90-minutes.

Each shed will house two restaurants who have created bespoke menus of entrée-sized dishes from regionally sourced produce and designed around the wines. 

Restaurants include Montalto, Many Little (Polperro), Paringa Estate, Barmah Park, Lindenderry Red Hill and Pt Leo Estate.

All tickets purchased for Saturday’s event have been transferred to the new date unless requested otherwise.

For more information and to purchase a ticket, please visit www.mpwine.com.au

Tickets are $120 and include a complimentary Riedel tasting glass, all wine tastings, a tasting book and three entrée-sized dishes.

A sweet symphony of drinking pleasure

Penfolds has Grange. Henschke has Hill of Grace. Yalumba has the much more recent - but equally compelling The Caley - named in honour of a family pioneer. 

Australia’s oldest family-owned winery is today celebrating the global launch of the fifth release of The Caley - the 2016 vintage. 

This unique blend of Coonawarra cabernet and Barossa/Eden Valley shiraz is the Yalumba flagship that celebrates over a century of cabernet/shiraz blends. 

I was fortunate enough to have an advance tasting with winemaker Kevin Glastonbury (below) - and to finish the rest of the bottle that night. 

So what is it like? 

Harmonious is the first word that comes to mind. 

Think Smokey Robinson and the Miracles (stay with me people). Think of the cabernet as Smokey's pure and precise voice and the shiraz as the beautiful, sweet harmonies of the Miracles. Smooth. 

Everything in its place, with 25% new oak soaked up by the quality fruit..

You can drink it now, but cellaring is certainly recommended.

"It's a wine of style and substance that reflects the very best of two regions," says Glastonbury. "In each vintage we are aiming for greatness, but each release will also reflect the year." 

Fifth-generation proprietor Robert Hill-Smith said: “Since its inaugural release in 2017, The Caley has relied on our own provenance, integrity and enthusiasm which we have built over the past 172 years.

"Through consistent narrative and quality, we have recruited a loyal base of connoisseurs across the world, and we are buoyed by the exceptional feedback we receive. 

“Having followed the ferments and the development of the wine since 2016 and worked alongside KG on the final blend, I cannot help but be excited about this release. It was an even ripening season, with clean bunches and exceptional balanced flavours."

This release of The Caley is a blend of 71% Coonawarra cabernet and 29% Barossa shiraz, numbers Glastonbury says will vary from vintage to vintage depending on the season. 

He described 2016 as “a magnificent vintage. It gave us pristine fruit with richness and concentration”.

“The Caley 2016 comes into its own as a very sleek, refined and focused wine. It is a wine that sets us on a clear trajectory which we are very excited about. Aromatic, plush, rich, inviting, with the hallmark palate drive of The Caley.” 

The wine is named in honour of Fred Caley Smith, grandson of Yalumba’s founder Samuel Smith. Fred was a horticulturist who had a profound impact on the development of Yalumba’s orchards and vineyards. 

He is best remembered for a ground-breaking research journey he undertook in 1893 and 1894 to the USA, UK, Europe, the Middle East, Sri Lanka and India. 

His detailed and poignant letters to his father, sent home every few days, were collected and are kept in Yalumba’s archives.

Each release of The Caley celebrates a step in Fred’s journey, and for the 2016 vintage, the spotlight falls on January 1894 and his journey to visit his family in the United Kingdom. 

Yalumba The Caley 2016 is available at yalumba.com and in fine wine retailers from today with an RRP of $365. I'm as sure as I can be that this will be a collectors' item.