These days if you haven't been hacked you're either very lucky or you don't own a computer. Neither applies to Mudgee winemaker David Lowe.
Earlier this year the Lowe Wines Facebook page was targeted, resulting in the family winery losing access to a decade of memories, content and, perhaps most importantly, its loyal fan base of 5800 followers - many of whom were Lowe wine club members.
"We were gutted ... we tried everything to get it back," Lowe admitted.
But their best efforts were to no avail as a certain 'Christene' took over the site and, in Lowe's own words, "started re-branding with an all-too-familiar confidence". It's fair to say it had little to do with wine.
But say what you like about Lowe, his sense of fun is as sharp as his wine-making skills.
His popular sparkling red, formerly known as Lowe Jodie Wilbertree Sparkling Rosé, made a reappearance with a new, tongue-in-cheek moniker - Jodie, Hacked by Christene.
While the wine inside remains the same, the bottle now sports a playful new label that nods to Christene's bold takeover.
"We've finally moved on from our old Facebook page and started a new one, but Christene has made a big impression on us - so we're giving her the recognition she deserves," he said. "If you can't beat 'em, join them. And change your password often."
NSW WINE AWARDS
Tamburlaine Organic Wines has won 2024 NSW Wine of the Year with its 2023 Reserve Orange Syrah. NSW Wine Awards chair of judges Adam Walls described the wine as "a brilliant example of cool-climate shiraz".
A few thoughts:
The Silkman juggernaut continues, collecting four trophies including best exhibitor.
Mudgee's Robert Stein winery took the trophy for best riesling for the fourth time in six years.
For the first time, Hunter winemaker Andrew Thomas has produced a shiraz touriga blend - and it was named best red blend.
Orange winemakers had a strong show with seven trophies - for pinot gris, pinot noir, shiraz, cabernet sauvignon and best organic wine.
- NSW Wine of the Year: Tamburlaine Organic Wines 2023 Reserve Orange Syrah
- Best Sauvignon Blanc: Hungerford Hill 2024
- Best Riesling: Robert Stein 2024 Dry
- Best Semillon: Silkman Wines 2014 Reserve
- Best Pinot Grigio/Gris: Nashdale Lane Wines 2023 Pinot Gris
- Best Chardonnay: Silkman Wines 2023 Reserve
- Best Other White Single Varietal: Yeates 2024 Albarino
- Best Light Red/Rosé: Bunnamagoo Mount Lawson 2024 Rosé
- Best Pinot Noir: Cooks Lot 2023 Allotment 9 Handpicked
- Best Shiraz: Tamburlaine Organic Wines 2023 Reserve Orange Syrah
- Best Cabernet Sauvignon: Canobolas 2023
- Best Other Red Wine Varietal: Mercer Wines 2023 Malbec
- Best Red Wine Blend - Thomas Wines 2023 Shiraz Touriga
- Best Organic Wine - Tamburlaine Organic Wines 2023 Reserve Orange Syrah
- Best Exhibitor - Silkman Wines
- Best Sparkling Wine: Mount Majura Vineyard 2011 The Silurian Late Disgorged
- Best Sweet Wine: Lillypilly 2021 Noble Blend
- Best Fortified: McWilliams Wines NV 20-Year-Old Topaque
- Best White Wine: Silkman Wines 2023 Reserve Chardonnay
- Best Red Wine: Tamburlaine Organic Wines 2023 Reserve Orange Syrah
WINE REVIEWS by RICK ALLEN
FRUITY FLAVOURS
Hungerford Hill Tumbarumba Sauvignon Blanc, 2024
$27
Intensely aromatic and big on flavour, this trophy winner is a crowd pleaser. Quite fruity with green apple and passionfruit flavours, freshy, zesty and bright, but with a strong note of herbs showing through as well - grassy basil and lemongrass. There's a real sense of vitality here, enhanced by lively acidity. A lot to like.
FULL-BODIED FLORALS
Handpicked Collection Tasmanian Pinot Noir, 2022
$90
This is from vineyards in the Tamar Valley. The florals jump out of the glass - rosewater, strawberry and red fruit. Full-bodied and plump, yet retaining that essential silky delicacy. There's cherry and strawberry, rich with a stalky complexity. The tannins are super fine and linger, acidity fresh and supportive. Very good.
THE SPARKLING STATE
Corryton Burge Martha Mae Pinot Noir Chardonnay, 2019
$45
Tasmania is generally regarded as home to Australia's best sparkling wines, so it's probably no surprise that the fruit is sourced from there. With a fine bead, this five-year-old has impressive drive that carries flavours of white peach, lemon, apple and citrus, lifted by a drop of strawberry. There's brioche starting to show too. Happy days.
