Featured Partner
Alex McKay
Collector Wines
In a trade where the talk often lacks the walk, Alex McKay is a man of very few words, in fact, he hardly makes any noise at all. Note to self: check Alex for ninja skills. Actually the wines do the talking and the walking with Fred Astaire style. These weapons of mass seduction are fragrant, alluring, sassy cool-climate Canberra shiraz that set the hearts of both experts and novices all aflutter. Easy to see why Collector was nominated Best New Winery in the 2009 Penguin Wine Guide and why Alex is a finalist in the 2010 Gourmet Traveller Wine Magazine Winemaker of the Year Award.
Q&A
Is there a wine or a person that inspires you as a winemaker?
People who ‘get' vines - their physiology, habits, idiosyncracies and the little (but important) things that matter in elevating them to perform at a high level. Bay of Fires' Ray Guerin is one such person.
What is so-hot-right-now in wine?
‘Unnatural wines'. The backlash has started!
What got you into wine?
Inhaling the smell of a barrel hall. Five minutes later, the cork popping on a bottle of good Burgundy sealed it.
What's your desert island wine?
Something to soak up the salt - a Manzanilla sherry.
Why should you win the people's vote for the YGWA?
I just got tapped on the shoulder. I've got the numbers.
(Complete this sentence) If there was no wine in the world...
there'd probably be no vegemite.
As a winemaker, where do you see yourself in 10 years time?
Still without a getaway plan.
What's the one word that sums you up?
Rowdy.
Is there a wine or a person that inspires you as a winemaker?
People who ‘get' vines - their physiology, habits, idiosyncracies and the little (but important) things that matter in elevating them to perform at a high level. Bay of Fires' Ray Guerin is one such person.
What is so-hot-right-now in wine?
‘Unnatural wines'. The backlash has started!
What got you into wine?
Inhaling the smell of a barrel hall. Five minutes later, the cork popping on a bottle of good Burgundy sealed it.
What's your desert island wine?
Something to soak up the salt - a Manzanilla sherry.
Why should you win the people's vote for the YGWA?
I just got tapped on the shoulder. I've got the numbers.
(Complete this sentence) If there was no wine in the world...
there'd probably be no vegemite.
As a winemaker, where do you see yourself in 10 years time?
Still without a getaway plan.
What's the one word that sums you up?
Rowdy.
