Plenty would reckon Dave Brookes from Halliday Wine Companion to have the best job in the world. As one of Australia’s most senior wine commentators, Dave gets to taste a lot of wine. A lot of very good wine. Including some of the best in Australia. And the world for that matter. In one respect, Dave is lucky. He’s turned a personal passion (bordering on obsession) into a career.
But wine reviewing is no walk in the park. Or walk in the vineyard for that matter. Because rising to the top in this trade demands commitment, discipline, and an encyclopedia grasp of a vastly complex subject. Requiring a palate capable of tasting 30-40 wines a day on average and the ability to craft for each a review that entwines the deft art of describing wine with a rating and ranking for each that fits within a consistent framework – the 100 point scale. All under the gaze of a very sensitive winemaking community. It’s a space to make plenty of good friends, but I suspect also the odd enemy.
Possessing a seemingly inexhaustible appetite for wine knowledge, Dave was great company as we tasted the new releases and a few wines still maturing in barrel. The questions came thick and fast! His words neatly capturing the distinct expression of place and time we aim to enshrine in each wine. We are also very pleased with scores that position Schubert Estate amongst the Barossa Valley’s best wine estates.
We exited the winery late in the day and headed back to The Residence at Schubert Estate where Dave was staying for the week. We were joined by good mates and local winemakers John Lienert from Lienert Vineyards, John Hughes from Rieslingfreak, Stephen Cook from Eisenstone and Kym Teusner from Utopos. With the chefs from Fino taking over the Residence kitchen, a great night of good food and wine followed. There was a bit of wine trade talk, but the conversations roamed far and wide. Wine bringing people together – which I reckon to be its ultimate purpose.