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© Brenden Robnik
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Welcome to the Wine Animal Podcast, where wine, stories, and good company collide. Hosted by Brenden the Wine Animal, each episode uncorks the people and passions behind the bottles; from legendary winemakers to local legends. Expect honest chats, wild stories, and plenty of laughs. If you love wine and the characters who make it, pour yourself a glass and join the jungle.
27 Episodes
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Standing among 150-year-old Shiraz vines in Eden Valley, Stephen Henschke shares the story of migration, faith, farming, and family that shaped one of Australia’s most iconic wines. We explore vineyard orientation, Easter harvests, screwcap philosophy, and what makes this site so singular.A conversation about legacy, longevity, and the responsibility of custodianship.
From Sauternes inspiration to the science of botrytis, we unpack how humidity, timing and noble rot create remarkable concentration and freshness. With more than 182 trophies to its name, this isn’t just dessert wine, it’s heritage in a glass.We also explore ageing potential, closure choices, and why the best sweet wines are always about balance, not sugar.
From a quiet Adelaide Hills winery to more than sixty years of lived experience, this episode explores the philosophy behind Riposte and a winemaker who has seen every side of the craft. It’s a story built on observation, patience, and the belief that the most important decisions happen long before the grapes reach the wineryTim reflects on 64 consecutive vintages, unpacking the realities of cold-climate growing, vineyard selection, Pinot Noir, Riesling, and the risks that come with marginal sites, frost, flowering, and dramatically low yields. At the heart of the conversation is the rare 2024 season, a year that finally allowed him to create the Pinot Noir he’d envisioned for more than three decades.This goes beyond tasting notes. It’s perspective, precision, and a lifetime of choices that quietly shape every bottle.
From Prussian roots to Eden Valley icon, this episode dives deep into the Henschke family story: a legacy shaped by six generations, relentless attention to detail, and an unwavering belief that great wine is built in the vineyard, not manufactured in the winery.Stephen Henschke shares the journey from forced migration to farming some of Australia’s most important vineyards, exploring soil science, old vines, Riesling, Shiraz, Grenache, and the quiet decisions that never make it onto a label but define what’s in the glass.This is more than wine.It’s history, heritage, and a lifetime of work behind every bottle.
In this episode, I sit down with Gords from 1683 Wines, a genuinely global winemaker whose journey runs from France to New York, Japan, Australia, Burgundy and finally Margaret River.We talk about:* Why copying Bordeaux or Burgundy misses the point* Cabernet Franc and Malbec as serious Margaret River wines* What “sense of place” actually means (and why it’s often lost)* Old world prestige vs new world reality* Why Australian wine still struggles with global perception* Labels, luxury, ego, and drinking wine for the right reasonsThis is an unfiltered conversation about wine as agriculture, culture and personal expression, not trophies, Parker points or playing it safe.Two wines tasted:🍷 2021 Cabernet Franc🍷 2020 MalbecBoth made with restraint, respect for site, and a refusal to chase expectations.If you care about why wine tastes the way it does, not just what it costs, then this one’s for you.
Back at De Bortoli in the heart of the Yarra Valley, I sit down with Jai and Kate to talk vineyards, vintages, and where Australian wine is heading next.From old-vine Chardonnay planted in the 1970s to the growing case for Gamay as a future-proof variety, this episode dives into:* Why Gamay is ripening later, holding acidity, and winning hearts* The difference between Upper and Lower Yarra, beyond just altitude* Old vines, new vessels, and why amphora is creeping into Chardonnay* How climate, farming and drinkability are reshaping wine styles* Why value, versatility and enjoyment matter more than comparisonsThis is a relaxed, honest conversation about wine as agriculture, culture and daily pleasure, not trophies or hype.Filmed on site at De Bortoli, Yarra Valley
Step into the studio with me as I sit down with the legendary Bruce Dukes of Domaine Naturaliste, a guy whose story literally starts in backyard compost heaps and somehow leads all the way to the vineyards of Margaret River, with a pretty wild detour through UC Davis and Napa Valley.In our chat, Bruce takes me through:The childhood obsession with soil that kickstarted his whole journeyHow studying plant nutrition and soil microbiology shaped the way he farms todayThe early days of building a custom-crush winery and the creation of Domaine NaturalisteWhat it’s like working alongside family and farming with real intentionAnd why he treats wine like a multi-coloured canvas instead of a single brushstrokeHis time in California and the mentors who completely shifted his winemaking philosophyWhether you're a wine geek, a WA diehard, or just love a good yarn, this episode pours out the depth, humour, passion and grounded wisdom of one of Australia’s most thoughtful winemakers.
Join me in the stunning Victorian High Country for an unfiltered, warm, and genuinely hilarious conversation with winemaker and mentor Kepple Smith of Savaterre.On the first day of spring, with a flight of Chardonnay in front of us and an incredible spread prepared by Kepple’s wife, we dive into the story of how a former Sydney surfer, police officer, and foreign-exchange executive ended up becoming one of the most respected Chardonnay producers in Australia.Kepple talks about:* His unexpected path into wine* Planting vines in Beechworth before anyone believed in the region* Close-planted vineyards, ancient soils & the magic of elevation* Reduction, ripeness, and the tightrope of Chardonnay winemaking* The 2024 vintage, bottled just last week and not released until MayIt’s a conversation full of honesty, wisdom, and laughs… and yes, you’ll hear us chewing.👉 If you love wine, stories, and real insight into what makes Beechworth so special, this one is for you.
Join us at the Wine Animal YouTube channel for an in-depth exploration of Western Australian sparkling wines! We’re joined by two legends of the WA wine scene, JJ and Ray Jordan, to taste and discuss seven exceptional wines, 5 white sparklings, and 2 roses. From Pemberton to Margaret River, discover how these regions are producing some of Australia’s most refined and elegant sparkling wines.Learn about the history, the winemaking techniques, and the dedication behind these handcrafted wines. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just curious about Australian sparkling, this video offers a fascinating look at how WA wines are coming of age.
Four wines. Same producer. Same vintage.Two estate-grown, two négociant and the differences are wild.From lifted, blue-fruited, old-world-meets-new-world charm…to earthy, spicy, more structured Pinot…to the powerful Premier Cru…and finally the Grand Cru: deep, electric, wide on the palate, and insanely pure.These 2022s are already singing, no need to wait 20 years.If you see them on a list, drink them. 🍷🔥Wine Animal out.
Join me in Heathcote as I sit down with winemaker Adam Foster, the man behind Syrahmi, to open the very first vintage he ever made, the unreleased current vintage, and everything in between.We dive into Adam’s journey from chef to Rhone-inspired Shiraz producer, the philosophy behind single-vineyard expression, and why patience, process, and Mother Nature shape every bottle he releases.From the legendary 2004 debut vintage to the upcoming 2021 “Once in a Lifetime,” this episode goes deep: winemaking decisions, whole bunch use, oak vs ceramic vs eggs, how he sells almost entirely to restaurants, and why his wines are released with years of age, not months.If you love Shiraz, stories, and the people behind great wine, this is one of the most honest and insightful conversations you'll see.
Join me for the second episode with Doug Neal, one of Victoria’s quiet achievers in wine, a man whose journey started as a teacher before becoming a winemaker, mentor, and close friend of Rick Kinzbrunner of Giaconda.From Paradise IV to Gaffy & Neal Wines in the Mornington Peninsula, Doug’s story is built on friendship, perseverance, and a deep respect for the craft. This time we talk Chardonnay, Shiraz, and the philosophies that have shaped a life dedicated to balance, patience, and authenticity.It’s a conversation about more than wine. It’s about legacy, learning, and the beauty of doing what you love.🍷 Learn more about Doug’s wines: www.winesbydougneal.com🔔 Subscribe to The Wine Animal for more vineyard visits, winemaker chats, and behind-the-scenes stories from Australia’s most inspiring producers.
Brenden visits Heathcote to chat with Adam Foster of Syrahmi Wines, diving into the origins of his iconic La La Shiraz, a wine inspired by the Rhône and aged for over 50 months in 100% new oak. They explore its evolution, the challenges of patience and perfection, and why this limited release has become one of Australia’s most fascinating fine wine stories.👉 Subscribe to The Wine Animal for more behind-the-scenes conversations with the people shaping Australia’s wine scene.
In this episode, we dive deep into a rare side-by-side tasting of Syrahmi’s La La 2006 and 2019, two vintages that reveal just how far Adam Foster’s winemaking has evolved. The 2006 La La, Adam’s very first release, a tiny one-barrel project, marks the beginning of the Syrahmi story. We compare it directly with the beautifully fragrant, whole-bunch-driven 2019 La La, showcasing how his craft has developed over more than a decade.As we taste, Adam walks through the pivotal years that shifted his approach, from fully destemmed ferments and small barrels to larger formats, whole bunch, and eventually ceramic and egg aging. This is a fascinating look at how technique, intuition, and time can transform Shiraz into two completely different expressions.
Everyone knows Margaret River and the Barossa, but far fewer have travelled inland to discover one of Western Australia’s most compelling wine regions: Frankland River. In this episode, we sit down with Rob Mann of Swinney to uncover what makes this remote, rugged landscape one of Australia’s most distinctive terroirs.Rob takes us inside the meticulous vineyard management, the precision behind Swinney’s approach, and the unique conditions that elevate bush-vine Grenache, Syrah and other Rhône varieties in this part of the country. It’s a rare look at a region quietly producing some of Australia’s most exciting wines.If you’re curious about emerging regions, cutting-edge viticulture or the future direction of Australian wine, this deep dive into Frankland River is essential listening.
In this episode, we head into the Yarra Valley to sit down with cult producer Shaun Crinion of Dappled Wines. Known for crafting some of the best value Chardonnay in Australia — and for releasing some of the most talked-about Pinot Noir in the region — Shaun has quietly earned a reputation as one of the country’s most exciting boutique winemakers.We explore the philosophy behind Dappled Wines, what drives Shaun’s approach in both the cellar and the vineyard, and how he has created a label that consistently overdelivers on quality. Shaun also gives insight into his highly anticipated 2024 releases and why his Chardonnay has become a benchmark for value, precision and regional expression.Whether you’re passionate about Yarra Valley wine, curious about Australia’s top boutique producers, or simply want to deepen your understanding of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, this conversation offers a rare look inside one of the country’s most quietly influential wineries.
This episode takes a no-nonsense look at one of Australia’s most iconic wines: Giaconda Chardonnay. Four of us sit down with three different vintages and let the conversation unfold naturally — bold opinions, unexpected favourites, and a fair bit of chaos included.It’s an honest, unfiltered tasting that cuts through the hype and gets to the heart of what makes Giaconda so revered. Whether you’re a serious Chardonnay collector or someone who just loves hearing passionate wine drinkers debate, this episode delivers insight, energy and plenty of entertainment.If you enjoy raw reviews, deep dives into Australia’s top producers, and the spirit of Wine Animal at its best, this one’s for you.
This week on Wine Animal, we sit down with Doug Neal to demystify one of the most influential elements in winemaking: oak. It’s a topic many wine lovers hear about, yet few fully understand. Doug breaks down the differences between French and American oak, how barrels shape aroma, flavour and texture, and the impact oak has on a wine’s ageing potential.Whether you’re a casual drinker, an emerging collector, or someone deep into the world of fine wine, this episode offers clear, practical insights that will change the way you think about oak-aged wines.Recorded here in Australia, the conversation highlights the traditions behind some of the country’s most exciting wines and connects them to the broader global approach to crafting premium bottles.If you enjoy learning about winemaking, tasting, and the stories behind the craft, follow the show and join the Wine Animal community.
Comfort zones disappear quickly when JJ is involved. Cabernet has never been my go-to grape, but this tasting might be the one that changes everything. In this episode, we dive into a line-up of Margaret River Cabernet that showcases why Western Australia continues to shape conversations around world-class wine.Recorded at Lamont’s Cottesloe, it’s a full Cabernet immersion with one of the sharpest palates in the country. Along the way, I’m pushed to rethink long-held assumptions about the region, the style, and what truly defines great Cabernet — and I may have to admit that JJ is onto something.Real wines. Real talk. No fluff.
The Yarra Valley wasn’t always the land of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. For decades, Cabernet Sauvignon held the crown — with iconic producers like Mount Mary, Yarra Yering and St Huberts defining the region. But the landscape has shifted dramatically, and the numbers from the past seven vintages (2018–2024) tell a very different story.In this episode, we break down how the grape crush data has changed over time and what it reveals about the modern Yarra Valley. From Pinot Noir now making up more than 40% of the region’s crush, to Chardonnay’s continued rise, Shiraz holding strong in third place, and Cabernet’s steady decline, we explore the forces reshaping one of Australia’s most dynamic wine regions.We also look at the impact of climate, sparkling wine production, and evolving consumer tastes — and why Pinot and Chardonnay have become the undisputed rulers of the Valley.If you’re keen to understand the real story behind the Yarra’s varieties and how the region is evolving, this episode is for you.
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