Featured Partner
Dylan McMahon
Seville Estate
Dylan McMahon was on track to become an electrical engineer until he decided to follow his destiny and make wine - a good choice Dylan! His grandfather, Dr Peter McMahon, planted the first vines at Seville Estate in Victoria's Yarra Valley in 1970 and, with various incarnations including a stint under the Brokenwood wing, Dylan stepped into the winemaking seat at Seville in 2004. He's made the pilgrimage to Europe, like most of our finalists, but there's a home-grown preference for elegance and finesse that runs along family lines.
Q&A
Is there a wine or a person that inspires you as a winemaker?
I am more inspired by the whole industry. While people such as my Grandfather (Peter McMahon) and a certain 1996 Chambertin Clos De Beze Grand Cru Rousseau help, I am always inspired by people that are passionate about making great wine and also know how to enjoy it.
What is so-hot-right-now in wine?
I think chardonnay is having a great come back. There are a lot of really interesting chardonnays being made that are more focused on texture and purity than fruit and oak.
What got you into wine?
Ultimately, it was the family connection to Seville Estate. Growing up, I used to work in the vineyard during vintage driving a small ute picking up the buckets and delivering them to the winery. My grandfather Peter McMahon would pay me $50 a day to work my heart out and I loved it.
What's your desert island wine?
I only get one? Most likely I haven't tasted it yet. In the meantime, the 1996 Chambertin Clos De Beze Grand Cru would be it.
Why should you win the people's vote for the YGWA?
I am an honest winemaker, no bull#@$%. I won't try and sell you wine that I don't like to drink or wine that I am not happy with.
(Complete this sentence) If there was no wine in the world...
I would be wealthier, fitter and probably smarter but I would not have as much fun.
As a winemaker, where do you see yourself in 10 years time?
I would love to be a contract winemaker overseas where I would spent a few months of a year in a foreign country and the rest in Australia making good wine that is true to style and region. When I get there I would be a happy man.
What's the one word that sums you up?
Affable.
Is there a wine or a person that inspires you as a winemaker?
I am more inspired by the whole industry. While people such as my Grandfather (Peter McMahon) and a certain 1996 Chambertin Clos De Beze Grand Cru Rousseau help, I am always inspired by people that are passionate about making great wine and also know how to enjoy it.
What is so-hot-right-now in wine?
I think chardonnay is having a great come back. There are a lot of really interesting chardonnays being made that are more focused on texture and purity than fruit and oak.
What got you into wine?
Ultimately, it was the family connection to Seville Estate. Growing up, I used to work in the vineyard during vintage driving a small ute picking up the buckets and delivering them to the winery. My grandfather Peter McMahon would pay me $50 a day to work my heart out and I loved it.
What's your desert island wine?
I only get one? Most likely I haven't tasted it yet. In the meantime, the 1996 Chambertin Clos De Beze Grand Cru would be it.
Why should you win the people's vote for the YGWA?
I am an honest winemaker, no bull#@$%. I won't try and sell you wine that I don't like to drink or wine that I am not happy with.
(Complete this sentence) If there was no wine in the world...
I would be wealthier, fitter and probably smarter but I would not have as much fun.
As a winemaker, where do you see yourself in 10 years time?
I would love to be a contract winemaker overseas where I would spent a few months of a year in a foreign country and the rest in Australia making good wine that is true to style and region. When I get there I would be a happy man.
What's the one word that sums you up?
Affable.
