Sarah Ahmed – The Wine Detective

I’ve visited Jacobs Creek Down Under twice, the first time, not  the most successful of visits, the second, which focused on core strength Riesling, a real high point of my trip.  This time, tasting with UK Wine Development Director Adrian Atkinson in London, I was pleasantly surprised by the freshness and balance of pretty much the whole range – not just the Rieslings. 

For Atkinson, Jacobs Creek Orlando is “making better wines than we ever have”  – a high note on which much respected Chief Winemaker Phil Laffer hands over the reins to Bernard Hickin (pictured), who hosted my 2008 Riesling visit.  Aside from the Rieslings, I thought the range includes some really good buys in the Jacobs Creek Tempranillo 2008, Shiraz Cabernet 2007 and  Jacobs Creek Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, each at £6.99.  You can check out all my recommendations on my Australia regional report page here.