Since arrving on the forum, I have seen an encouraging interest in the wines produced down under in addition to the gems of the Old World ( I am still getting over reading the wonderful DRC 05 write up, knowing I will never be able to track any of them down let alone afford them in our glorious land of excess taxation). It only seems fair therefore to share details on one of the best books on Australian wine to come out in years. "Why the French Hate Us" by Campbell Mattinson is a glorious romp through the vineyards of Australia. Hunter S Thompson may have passed away but have no fear, there is a new champion of Gonzo journalism alive and well striding through the hills and valleys of the sun burnt land with a bottle of red firmly grasped in his right hand.
Campbell has taken it upon himself to address the charge that Australia is only capable of producing industralised wine, a common insult flung at Australian wine by the French hence the title. In his beat up old car he has driven across the country tracking down and visiting a vast majority of those passionate winemakers who strive to produce that little bit extra. A must read for anyone vaguely interested in Australian wine, ok I skimmed the last few pages but in the book he truly has written up all the leading lights down under. For me it was most interesting to read just how many of my favourite wineries had gone biodynamic, something I had always thought was a bit blue faced howling at the moon. Enjoy, it is still available somewhere.
[Name updated care of one kind NZ reviewer. Still a great little book and as they say in the Castle, "It goes straight to the Pool Room".]