Welcome to the Wine Animal Blog
28.04.2026
2024 Standish Release, My Thoughts
The 2024 Standish release showcases some of the most site-driven Shiraz in Australia, highlighting the unique character of each vineyard across the Barossa and Eden Valley. Tasted alongside Dan Standish, this lineup reveals a meticulous, uncompromising approach to selection and winemaking.
From plush and expressive to structured and deeply complex, each wine tells a different story of place, proving just how diverse and compelling Shiraz can be in the right hands.
31.03.2026
Chablis as a Region
Chablis is one of the purest expressions of Chardonnay in the world, shaped by its cool climate, ancient marine soils and a deep connection to place. This piece explores what makes the region so unique, from its vineyard hierarchy to the natural forces that define its unmistakable style.
Alongside the region, Domaine François Raveneau stands as a benchmark producer, showcasing just how profound Chablis can be at its highest level. Together, they tell a story of precision, patience and wines that reflect their origin with absolute clarity.
24.03.2026
Chardonnay Challenge Perth
The Chardonnay Challenge lands in Perth, bringing together 12 of Australia’s top expressions for a night built on energy, conversation and discovery. Rather than focusing on rankings alone, the event created space for guests to debate, compare and explore styles from across the country in a relaxed, engaging format.
With a full house and incredibly tight results, the tasting highlighted just how strong Australian Chardonnay is right now. From powerful, oak-driven styles to refined, mineral expressions, the lineup showcased depth, diversity and the sheer quality that continues to define the category.
17.03.2026
Veraison: The Moment the Season Turns
Veraison marks the moment grapes begin to ripen and the season shifts toward harvest. This article explores what happens in the vineyard during this critical stage and why it shapes the quality of every wine.
10.03.2026
What is Flowering?
Flowering is one of the quiet but critical stages in the vineyard calendar. During this brief window, the potential size of the crop is decided as grapevine flowers either successfully set into berries or fail due to weather conditions. Though subtle and easy to miss, flowering sets the tone for the entire vintage.
03.03.2026
What Is Terroir and Why It Matters
Terroir is one of the most misunderstood words in wine. This article explains what it really means, where it comes from, and why it shapes the identity of every great bottle.
25.02.26
Oak in Wine
Oak is one of the most misunderstood elements in wine. This guide explores what oak actually does, from structure and micro oxygenation to flavour, balance and ageing, and why it matters more than most people realise.
19.02.26
Old World vs New World Wine Explained
Old World versus New World wine is often oversimplified. This guide explores the real differences, history, philosophy, climate and winemaking mindset and why the distinction matters today.
11.02.26
How to Read a Wine Label
Wine labels can feel confusing, but once you understand the logic behind them, they become one of your most powerful tools. This guide breaks down how France, Italy and Australia approach labelling, and how to read each with confidence.
03.02.26
Why do we care so much about temperature when it comes to wine
Wine storage only sounds boring until a great bottle is lost to heat. Temperature isn’t a technical detail, it’s one of the defining factors in whether a wine ages gracefully or falls apart before its time. From expanding liquids to creeping oxidation, this piece breaks down why stability matters more than perfection, and why once you’ve lost a special bottle, you never look at storage the same way again.
27.01.26
Domaine Guilbert-Gillet: The Hottest Producer from Burgundy Right Now
Domaine Guilbert-Gillet has quickly become one of the most talked-about producers in Burgundy, capturing attention through precision, restraint and site-driven wines rather than hype or critic scores. Based in Savigny-lès-Beaune, the domaine is led by Benjamin Guilbert and René Gillet, whose thoughtful approach to farming and winemaking has delivered a compelling and complete range, particularly in the standout 2022 vintage.
22.03.25
Eutypa: The Silent Killer of Vines
Not all vineyard stories are glamorous. Behind great bottles is a constant fight to keep vines healthy and productive. In this piece, Prue Henschke sheds light on Eutypa dieback, a silent trunk disease that works slowly and unseen, often for years, before the damage becomes obvious. It’s an important reminder that great wine starts long before the winery, and that vigilance in the vineyard matters more than most people realise.
04.12.25
Leeuwin Estate: The Royalty of Australian Chardonnay
A deep dive into Leeuwin Estate’s Art Series Chardonnay — its improbable beginnings, its rise to Australian Chardonnay royalty, and a five-vintage journey showcasing why it stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the world’s greatest wines.
27.11.25
Dom Perignon Lunch: A Pinch-Me Moment
A once-in-a-lifetime Dom Perignon experience: co-hosting an intimate lunch with head winemaker Jean Baptiste Terlay, exploring rare vintages, and witnessing the precision, patience, and philosophy behind one of the world’s most iconic sparkling wines.
