James Halliday
Australian Wine Companion 2009
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RELEASED TODAY
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James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion is the No.1 bestselling guide
to wineries and wine in Australia. Keenly anticipated by winemakers, faithful
collectors and wine lovers alike, the brand new 2009 edition has been
completely revised and updated to bring you up-to-the-minute information.
The release of the 2009 Companion sees the announcement of this year’s
wine ratings, including:
WINERY OF THE YEAR
Brookland Valley, Margaret River
TOP SCORING WINES
Shiraz: 2004 Yabby Lake Vineyard Roc, Mornington Peninsula - 97 pts
Cabernet sauvignon: 2005 Leasingham Single Vineyard Release
Schobers, Clare Valley - 96pts
Sauvignon blanc: 2005 Geoff Weaver Ferus Lenswood, Adelaide Hills -
96 pts
Chardonnay: 2006 Shaw & Smith M3 Vineyard, Adelaide Hills - 97 pts
Sparkling: 2000 Bindi Wine Growers Extended Lees Aged, Macedon
Ranges - 96 pts
In the 2009 Companion Halliday shares his extensive knowledge of wine
through detailed tasting notes, each of which includes vintage-specific ratings
and advice on optimal drinking, as well as each wine’s closure, alcohol
content and price. He provides important details on wineries including opening
times, contact details and web addresses, in addition to biographies on each,
and information about the winemakers.
Featuring a beautiful metallic cover, the Companion also features the
inclusion of a second colour to highlight special interest wines (special quality,
but top value wines, and those made from unusual varieties and/or unusual
techniques). Other features include:
Expert tasting notes for 5778 wines
Profiles for 1661 wines
169 new winery entries
Vintage rating charts for each region
Top-rating wineries of the year
Regional index showing availability of food, accommodation,
music events and cellar door
Full colour map of the wine regions of Australia
This year we also see the introduction of Ben Edwards, head of the
Australian Sommeliers Association and a top-flight wine show judge in his
own right, as a taster. Ben has a world view of wine quality and his input into
the tasting notes to the Companion has introduced a ‘breath of fresh air’ to
this year’s edition.
An indispensable reference for all enthusiasts of Australian wine, the
Australian Wine Companion is a must-have for anyone planning to visit a
wine growing region or to replenish their cellar or wine rack. It is the most
authoritative and entertaining guide to Australian wine available.
AUTHOR INFORMATION: Respected wine critic and vigneron James
Halliday has a career that spans over forty years, but he is most widely
known for his witty and informative writing about wine. As one of the founders
of Brokenwood in the Lower Hunter Valley region of NSW, and thereafter
founder of Coldstream Hills in the Yarra Valley, James is an unmatched
authority on every aspect of the wine industry. James is constantly in demand
as a wine judge in Australia and overseas and has contributed to more than
55 books on wine since he began writing in 1979. He is the author of James
Halliday’s Wine Atlas of Australia (published by Hardie Grant, new edition to
be published later this year) and is the wine writer for the Weekend Australian
newspaper, as well as a regular contributor to many other publications.
James Halliday Australian Wine Companion 2009 is released today,
RRP $34.95 paperback.
To request a review copy or an interview with James please contact
Jenny Macmillan on 03 8520 6444 or email
jennymacmillan@hardiegrant.com.au
JAMES HALLIDAY AUSTRALIAN WINE COMPANION 2009
DETAILS WILL BE AVAILABLE ON THE WINE COMPANION
WEBSITE FROM 4 AUGUST 2008
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