Bob the Builder

Just quietly I'm going to play Bob the builder!  Have bought a small block of land in the rural town of Darlington Point, 30kms south of Griffith. It will become the permanent un-virtual home of Andy's Patch consisting of a dwelling+studio+cellar!

The Point as it is known is situated on the Murrumbidgee River, the river that in typical Australian fashion winds like a snake from the foothills of southern New South Wales to eventually join up with the Murray River, the magnificent river that eventually empties into the Southern Ocean in South Australia via Lake Alexandria and the Great Australian Bight. Lined with Red Gum trees, the Murrumbidgee river provides an Australian oasis from the often parched landscape. It is in Wiradjuri Country, the traditional owners existing here for (only) the past 40,000 years.

The Beach @ The Point



Reddus gummus

New Wines from the World's Second Largest Wine Company

The Wine Group, the world's second largest wine company, based in the US, are releasing a range of budget wines onto the Australian market.  Made at their Griffith winery, the brand is dubbed Fisheye, with catchy labels for the younger drinker.  The brand has been around for some time in the North American market, but has not been seen here before.

All wines are varietal, not blends. The range consists of Riesling, Moscato, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay in the Whites, and Pinot Noir, Merlot, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon in the reds.  Prices are $9.90 ex cellar door, and current releases are all 2010 vintage.

Whilst distinctly modest in style, the wines are all well made, easy drinkers, with the Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir being the most varietal.  Sweetness appears most prominent in the Merlot with the Cabernet Sauvignon suffering from warm climate/warm vintage material.

It is difficult to know exactly what the Wine Group are up to, as they appear quite secretive, but I suspect it won't be long before these wines start appearing in the discount liquor barns. Quite possibly with the resources of such a giant company, the likes of Dan Murphy and First Choice may well carry this range from Australia, and import co- ranges from America, in a bundled deal.

Watch this space.

Casella Estate Brewery

Casella Estate based in Yenda in the New South Wales Riverina and maker of one of the world's most powerful wine brands Yellowtail, is reportedly establishing a brewery at their Yenda site.

By the looks of things, they are targetting the export market, using existing distribution channels and marketing strengths.

As far as I am aware no brand has been announced, but from what I understand it won't be a yellow kangaroo..