AN INTERNATIONAL BENCHMARK CHARDONNAY EVENT IN THE YARRA VALLEY
Saturday, July 24, 2010
COMPARING YARRA VALLEY CHARDONNAY WITH
GREAT CHARDONNAYS FROM THROUGHOUT THE WORLD
An international benchmark chardonnay event, Chardonnay 10, is planned for the Yarra Valley on July 24, 2010, comparing a selection of Yarra Valley chardonnays with great chardonnays from throughout the world.
The celebration of chardonnay is being organised by Garry and Julie Hounsell of Toolangi Vineyards to mark the tenth anniversary of Toolangi, which commenced production in 2000 from grapes grown on their Dixon’s Creek property in the Yarra Valley.
Since the initial vintage, Toolangi has consistently been acknowledged as one of Australia’s premier chardonnay producers as well as a leading producer of pinot noir and shiraz.
THE JUDGES
A group of distinguished judges is confirmed for the inaugural Chardonnay 10 event— Chairman James Halliday, New Zealand’s Bob Campbell MW, Huon Hooke and Debra Meiburg MW from Hong Kong.
The judges will take part in a private international benchmark chardonnay tasting on the eve of Chardonnay 10, Friday July 23, tasting a range of Yarra Valley chardonnays (15 wines) alongside benchmark chardonnays from New Zealand, France, Italy and California (25 wines).
PUBLIC EVENTS
The public events for Chardonnay 10—Chardonnay 10 Masterclass and Toolangi Gala Dinner—will take place in the Yarra Valley at Relais & Chateaux property Chateau Yering on Saturday July 24.
CHARDONNAY 10 MASTERCLASS
Chaired by James Halliday with his fellow judges as panellists, the two-hour Chardonnay 10 Masterclass will be a tutored tasting of chardonnay taking attendees through four brackets of chardonnay comprising a selection 20 wines from the judges’ tasting. Limited to just 100 places, this will be a milestone tasting and “must attend” event for wine enthusiasts interested in chardonnay, the Yarra Valley, and great wines of the world.
A sample of the 20 chardonnays to be included in the Masterclass:
2007 Blain-Gagnard Chassagne Montrachet “La Boudriotte“
Premier Cru, Burgundy, France
2007 Bouchard Pere & Fils Meursault Genevrieres
Premier Cru, Burgundy, France
2007 Etienne Sauzet Puligny Montrachet “Les Perrieres“
Premier Cru, Burgundy, France
2006 Tarrawarra Reserve Chardonnay
Yarra Valley, Australia
2008 Felton Road Block 2 Chardonnay
Central Otago, New Zealand
2006 Toolangi Reserve Chardonnay
Yarra Valley, Australia
TOOLANGI GALA DINNER
A sumptuous six course dinner matched to the current range of Toolangi chardonnay, pinot noir, and shiraz plus a selection of international wines. Judy Sarris, Editor, Gourmet Traveller WINE, will welcome guests for the evening and provide an introduction to chardonnay from a reader’s perspective. Chairman James Halliday will announce the results from Friday’s benchmark tasting by the judging panel. In addition, Toolangi will make an award to an individual who has made a valuable contribution to the Valley and its wines.
Whilst the event is not a competition and there will not be a winner, Chardonnay 10 aims to be a learning experience for all involved. It is an opportunity to hear from a panel of experts and see how the best Yarra Valley wines stand up to their counterparts around the world.
Organiser Garry Hounsell commented on the event. “Naturally I am biased in thinking the Yarra Valley is potentially Australia’s greatest chardonnay region, but I also feel that our best chardonnays have developed to a stage where it is time to see them against a world class line up, hopefully proving just how far we have come towards being recognised as world class producers of chardonnay”.
It is envisaged that Chardonnay 10 will be an ongoing event to be held every two years – with the next event to be held in 2012 - Chardonnay 12.
TICKETS
Prices for the Chardonnay 10 events are:
Masterclass—$205 per person
Toolangi Gala Dinner—$195 per person
Package: Masterclass/Dinner/Riedel offer—$425 per person
Download the PDF booking form and email to admin@toolangi.com or
fax to +613 9827 6626.
RIEDEL SPECIAL OFFER—
TWIN PACK
All glassware for Chardonnay10 is being provided by Riedel. Riedel have made available a special offer for the event of a Twin Pack of 6416/97 Vinum Montrachet/Chardonnay glasses. Please see booking form for pricing.
ENQUIRIES
For enquiries please contact Toolangi Vineyards on: +613 9827 9977 or
email admin@toolangi.com.
BOOKING CANCELLATIONS
Please note tickets are not refundable.
ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation available around Chateau Yering (5 to 15 mins): Yering Gorge Cottages (book by phone 03
9739 0110), Balgownie Estate Resort, Melba Lodge, Immerse, Araluen Lodge and Yarra Valley Grand Hotel,
Yarra Glen. Also, there are many B&B’s in and around Yarra Glen. For further accommodation
details see: www.visityarravalley.com.au
or phone 03 5962 2600.
DRESS FOR DINNER
Jacket preferable for men.
MEDIA INFORMATION
For media information contact:
Betsy Pie
Betsy Pie Communications
+613 9827 2386 or +61 411 886 386
betsypie@bigpond.com
