You may have noticed (or maybe not noticed at all) that I haven't posted anything in a little while. I can assure you that the worst hasn't happened - I have not given up alcohol, I have not died and I have not found a new career in the depths of the jungle wrestling tigers. I have had some personal changes over the last few months which have kept me away from the keyboard.
So this is just a quick piece to say that I am back and ready to rock.
The relevant information, though, is that I have moved up from Sydney to the Hunter Valley and now work at a cellar door.
THE GOOD NEWS
Living in a wine region and working with a winery that owns and operates its own vineyards, I'll have a lot more access to the practical side of wine. Not just how it tastes and smells, but how it is grown, the importance of soils and the science/magic of what turns grape juice into something a lot more fun. I'll still be speaking to somms and retailers, but I'll also be spending time with growers, winemaking and the unsung heroes who work in the labs (I had a really long and interesting conversation with a soil biologist lately – I may have geeked out). That said, I am not giving up on other wines from other regions. I am well aware that I run the risk of becoming a 'Hunter Valley expert' and forget that Spain also makes great wine. Luckily, I also have gotten a side-gig writing content for a great retailer who specialises in weird and wonderful wines, so I'll be sure to keep my eyes open for anything cool.
THE BAD NEWS
There are a few big names in the Hunter Valley and I am fortunate to now work for one of them. I am employed by Tyrrell's, who make some of the best wines I've ever had. Sadly, it would be a massive conflict of interest for me to write about and review their wines on this blog. It goes without saying that I wouldn't have applied for the position, or be working for them, if I didn't have a lot of respect for who they are and what they do. But, at the end of the day, you won't find my opinions or reviews of Tyrrell's after this date. If you are in the Valley, though, I'd be more than happy to chat to you at the cellar door.
I am working on a few articles at the moment and will be getting some new wines to look at soon, so stay tuned and watch this space!
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