Episode-six

In the last episode of Halliday Cellar Door, Sally Stanton visits the remaining two First Families of Wine: Taylors Wines in the Clare Valley, and Howard Park Wines with vineyards in Margaret River and the Great Southern Wine Region. Stanton tastes their finest bottles, learning their astonishing stories while she sips.

Taylors Wines was established in 1967 by Bill Taylor, and is now the most awarded winery in the world. James Halliday names their 2009 The Visionary release as “the best of the best". Stanton talks with family member and managing director Mitchell as he praises the versatility of the region. Together they taste the 2015 St Andrews Clare Valley Cabernet Sauvignon which shows incredible length along the palate. Stanton also tastes the 2015 St Andrews Clare Valley Shiraz and the 2017 St Andrews Clare Valley Riesling with relatives Clinton and Justin, who both work within the business.

Howard Park Wines was established in 1986 by John Wade, and in 1993, Amy and Jeff Burch joined partnership. Jeff shares with Stanton his longtime love for the beach, surfing, and the vineyards. They produce exceptional French-influenced sparkling wine, particularly their petit jeté' which translates to ‘small jump’ in French (named after his brother who was a ballet dancer). Jeff shares the parallels between sparkling wine and ballet: both in need of “passion, commitment, technique, and a lot training.” Another member of the family Richard shows Stanton the 2015 Howard Park Leston Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon, and the 2016 Allingham Margaret River Chardonnay. Stanton talks with Jeff's wife Amy on her creative input to the business, too.

Watch the full episode here: