Media Release - May 21st 2004
February 01 2010 at 11.16am
The name Matt Wenk is fast becoming synonymous with fine Australian wine and the launch of new producer Smidge Wines with partner Trish Wenk, is no exception.
The inspiration for 'Smidge' is as much their vision for quality - that is, every wine has to be of such exceptional quality that you won't resist another smidge, as it does about the volumes available, yes you guessed it-there is only a smidge!
At only 32, Matt has established an enviable reputation for consistently delivering premium wines that have and continue to be acclaimed at home and around the world.
Over the past three years, in any spare time Matt has had away from the cellars of Nepenthe or Two Hands, he has been quietly and meticulously making and developing wine of his own, and has again stamped his signature of high quality, fruit driven, exciting wines all over them.With the first vintage (2002) sold out before it was released, only two labels have been released for sale this year - a 2003 Adelaide Hills Merlot, and 2003 Langhorne Creek Zinfandel.
The Zinfandel, named the Tardy in honour of Matt's reputation for time keeping is the first in what is planned to be a regional Zinfandel Series. The quality and feedback on this wine reflects Matt's passion for it which began in his day's at Nepenthe with Peter Leske and transformed into an obsession for making it during his time in California.
The Merlot, called Le Grenouille, meaning Frog in French, says as much about the wine as it does the 'leap' Smidge has taken releasing a new label. That said it doesn't take a leap of faith to buy it, as again it has all the trademarks of a Matt Wenk Wine.
Next year we look forward to tasting two new wines in the Smidge stable, an Adelaide Hills Viognier and a Barossa Valley Zinfandel.