Feb 2, 2010: Portfolio Tasting of Hesketh Wine Co, Australia

1. The Time and Date: Tuesday, February 2, 2010.  2 – 3:30 PM

The Event: Jonathan Hesketh of the Hesketh Wine Company (Australia) led a portfolio tasting.

The Venue: Monkey Bar and Grill, Yonge and Lawrence.

The Target Audience: wine trade

The Availability/Catalogue: nothing is currently on order, but the agent Bokke Wines is assessing possibilities and was looking for comments and buzz on applicable wines.

The Quote/Background: Hesketh makes wines from contracted growers, and some of the wines come from New Zealand and Australia. So far there are no international blends. Jonathan's father Robert was a pioneer in the Australian wine business:  developing new world viticulture in Southern France, and development of the James Herrick brand in the UK.; marketing of Australian wines in the USA through the Mark Swann / Roo's Leap brands in the early 80's.;  introducing membrane filtration technology to the Australian wine industry in the 70's; building fine-wine distribution business in NZ; founding wine industry publications (The Australian & NZ Wine Industry Directory and Wine Industry Journal.) ; and Robert Hesketh was the founding chairman of the Australian Wine & Brandy Corporation.

The Wines: prices are approximate, and are for Licensees.

 

**** Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):

-Pathfinder Chardonnay 2009 Adelaide Hills, $15 Licensee

-Protagonist Shiraz 2006 Barossa Valley, $21.70 Lic

 

***1/2 Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):

-The Proposition Premium Cuvee Sparkling Rose NV, $17.50 Licensee, 8.5% ABV

 

*** Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms):

-Perfect Stranger Gruner Veltliner 2008 Austria, $19 Lic

-Hidden Garden Sauvignon Blanc 2008 Marlborough, $19 Lic

-Pathfinder Shiraz 2008 Barossa Valley, $15 Lic

-Usual Suspects Shiraz 2008 McLaren Vale, $21.70 Lic

-Thirsty Dog Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 Coonawarra, $19.80 Lic

 

The Food: almonds and cheese, bread sticks.

The Contact Person: eleanor.rigby1@rogers.com

The Marketing Effectiveness (numerical grade): 85.

 

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com AND http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com