Australian wine makers have shaken the world's other wine producers with the vastness of their exports. At first it was just about quantity, the result of their long growing season and fine soils. Now it's about quality as well: the amazing intensity of their Shiraz; their staggeringly powerful and luscious blends, including various mixes of Shiraz, Cabernet, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Grenache. When New Zealand's Marlborough district Sauvignon Blancs started coming in here ten years ago we were shocked by their quality for the dollar. Now we are further amazed by their range of Sauvignon styles and a soaringly higher quality of the grape than previously. |