Making Wine in the Barossa Valley with David Thomas.

The Barossa is unlike any other wine region in the world. With 150 years of tradition and culture, fuelled by centuries of European experience it is not a New World wine region in the mode of Chile or United States. Australian energy and innovation, untrammeled by Old World restrictions has enabled it to chart a unique indentity.

David, from Caviste, led us through a tasting of fine wines and entertained us with tales about the winemaker friends he has in the area. We tasted the following wonderful wines, all of which are available from Caviste:

 * Tin Shed Wild Bunch Riesling 2004 (£13.95)
 * Rockford local Growers Semillon 2003 (£12.50)
 * Diggers Bluff Watchdog Shiraz 1999 (£12.00)
 * Teusner Avatar 2004 (£16.95)
 * Schwarz Wine Company Thiele Road Grenache 2004 (£18.95)
 * Massena Howling Dog Durif 2004 (£21.50)
 * Spinifex Shiraz Viognier 2005 (£27.00)
 * Dutschke The Tawny (37.5cl - £26.95)