Fine cars & fine wine

Fine cars and fine wine

These terms go hand in hand – so it’s unsurprising that a long-time Porsche owner and his son established a company treating its customers to some of the best wines available.

Simply Wines was founded by Stuart Macdonald, who purchased his first of many Porsches in the ’80s. Established by Stuart and his best friend, the business is now owned by Stuart and his son Lachlan.

‘When my father started the business in 2009, I was enlisted to build a website,’ Lachlan says. ‘My passion for wine emerged around 2015, when I bought the business partner out.’ Simply Wines shares a philosophy with Porsche Centre Brighton, both companies being depended on for premium products and advice.

Lachlan handles high-end wines from some of the planet’s most famous wine regions, including many made here in Australia. ‘Several distributors helped me source rare and unique wines,’ Lachlan explains. ‘After hearing recommendations from customers, I contact wineries directly. I’m constantly talking to wine lovers and enthusiasts, assessing whether there are any interesting new wines I should try. I sample wines from all over the world, from vintages in Bordeaux to sparingly produced champagnes.’

Lachlan also relies on his distributors. Many of these import directly from wineries, requiring strict temperature control to keep wines in optimum condition.

Lachlan Macdonald

‘You should look after your wine like you look after your car, including storing it at the optimal temperature and humidity,’ Lachlan explains.

Lachlan carefully pairs wines with customers, catering to their palates by building up a record of what they enjoy. His wines are aimed at discerning drinkers, with prices ranging from $60 to the thousand-dollar mark.

‘Some of my customers have been drinking insane wine from around the world for up to 40 years, so I help them out by suggesting new producers. For customers who are starting out, I’ll point them in the right direction.’ So, what are some of those ‘insane’ wines?

‘When I think of really high-end wines, I think of Burgundy – first-growth Bordeaux and champagne,’ he says. ‘You don’t really need to spend a great deal of money, though,’ he adds reassuringly. ‘If you’re spending $50 or more on a bottle of Australian wine, you’ll get something high-quality.’ What are Lachlan’s favourites?

‘My favourites include Mount Mary, Savaterre, Domenica, Bacchus Family wine from Margaret River, Izway, Standish, Sami-Odi, Luke Lambert, Sentio, Bass Phillip, Mayer … I could go on. There are many great producers, so call me if you’re after something special.’

Simply Wines customers are based all over the world, receiving personal attention with conversations revolving around their current favourites and tastes.

‘We normally hold wine tastings at a private residence every two to three months, inviting people to come and taste an interesting range. ‘Most of the time, I’ll have the winemaker there to discuss their wines, along with their life’s journey.’ For more information about Simply Wines or to make contact with Lachlan, visit www.simplywines.com.au, Instagram @simply.wines.

CLIC K HERE TO LEARN MOR E

Chris Catlow

SENTIŌ Wines

After first meeting Chris back in 2018, we were lucky enough to try some of his back vintages – including his sensational 2014 Shiraz.

Chris is currently engaged in crafting some of Australia’s most acclaimed, and accessibly priced, wines. SENTIŌ: Feel. Perceive.

Sentio creates handcrafted wines, highlighting regional expression through unique single vineyards and consistent vinification techniques.

The company is the brainchild of Chris Catlow, a local Beechworth lad who’s already making a name for himself as a winemaker to keep an eye out for. His wines are already being recognised as stellar, and his reputation will only grow in prominence in the years to come.

As a teenager, Chris worked with Barry Morey, coowner of the acclaimed Sorrenberg Vineyard in the Beechworth hills.

When Barry suggested Chris complete his tertiary education, Chris listened, completing a double degree in viticultural and wine science. After graduating, Chris didn’t waste any time getting dirt under his fingernails again. He completed seven vintages on the Mornington Peninsula, the bulk of these with Sandro Mosele at Kooyong Estate on the Mornington Peninsula. He has also completed five vintages with Benjamin Leroux, the star of Meursault. The Chardonnay and Pinot Noir presently on offer from the Turbo Wine Club is from Smiths Vineyard, also based in Beechworth. Far from being a one-trick pony, Chris has a deft hand with reds, too. The Pinot Noir comes from the vineyard of Mark Walpole, one of Australia’s viticultural legends. Soft and plush, the 2019 Pinot Noir is a spectacular and luxurious creation. ‘My philosophy for SENTIŌ is a work in progress,’ Chris confides. ‘Making wines that represent where they’re from is the fundamental point. I always loved seeing wines that give a story of the vineyard and the region.’ The wines Chris has released so far are already drawing acclaim. ‘One of our favourite Chardonnays at the moment is the 2019 from Beechworth,’ says Lachlan Macdonald (AKA Mr Simply, Australian designer of wine collectibles). ‘Chris Catlow is a remarkable winemaker producing stunning wine.’ •

TURBO WINE CLUB OFFER

PACKAGE 1 (Total value - $1320) 12 bottles of Sentio 2019 Beechworth Pinot Noir

12 Grassl Glasses Vigneron Series (Cru or 1855)

PACKAGE 2 (Total value - $1380)

12 bottles of Sentio 2019 Beechworth Chardonnay 12 Grassl Glasses Vigneron Series (Cru or 1855)

Simply order at www.simplywines.com.au FIRST 10 CUSTOMERS TO ORDER WILL RECEIVE FREE

(Total value - $175) 1 Grassl Glass Carafe 1 bottle Sentio Wines (back vintage Pinot Noir or Chardonnay)