Rick Allen and Brenda Christian are the Press Partners. We know our way around a printing press and enjoy the fruits of a wine press: we’re experienced journalists who love a good drop of wine. After successful careers in Sydney, we’ve opted for a vine change to the Hunter Valley – the final frontier. Our continuing mission is to explore strange new worlds, to seek out new food and wine, to boldly go where no wine writer or travel writer has gone before.

Feature Article

GOING FOR BROKE

By any standards Broke is hardly a thriving metropolis.

Population 300, it lies in the back corner of the lower Hunter Valley wine country, a 20-minute drive from the wine-tasting hustle and bustle of Pokolbin, but for all intents and purposes it’s a world away.

It’s sleepy – dreaming and snoring sleepy.

So here’s my question: after a day of wine tasting, visiting cellar doors, buying a few bottles and taking in the country scenery, isn’t this exactly the sort of place you want to come back to?… more

Wine of the Week – Louee Nullo Mountain Pinot Grigio, 2010, $25

He says: Weather conditions in Mudgee meant that this had to be picked earlier than usual which resulted in greater acidity in the wine. For my palate, it couldn’t have worked out better. That same acidity gives it zing and freshness, which is the stand-out feature of the wine. The flavours are clean and tight with pears and some slightly sweeter quince, but this wine is all about the feel in the mouth.

She says: It’s an easy drinking style ideal for summer barbies. From the cool-climate Rylestone sub-region in Mudgee this wine has a light perfumed nose with the typical fruity palate you expect from grigio, but with a good backbone of acid. I’m not usually a fan of grigio but asked for a second glass… and then a third!

Hot Off the Press

Rick’s Picks
This week’s tasting notes include 09 Tarrawarra Chardonnay, 09 Leconfield Cabernet Sauvignon and 10 Printhie Sauvignon Blanc,… more

Product Review
Looking for a stylish wine decanter? This IItalian vessel by Vinocchio is now available in Australia at Simon Johnson… more

Brunch with Brenda
Jefferson Hack, a guest at Melbourne Fashion Festival Business Seminar in March, on David Bowie, Cuba and the next big thing… more

Hunter Headlines
We’ve compiled a list of upcoming events in the Hunter, so if you’re looking for info on the latest concerts and festivals click here

Follow Brenda

(@Brendasbugle) on Twitter

Follow Rick

(@tippleandtweet) on Twitter