A TOP 10 SHIRAZ AVAILALE IN CANADA
James Oatley TIC TOK Shiraz 2010 selected as a TOP 10 Shiraz available in Canada by Wine Access International Value Wine Awards 2012
Robert Oatley Vineyards launches a new range of wines, Robert Oatley Signature Series. Coming soon to Canada.
The Robert Oatley Signature Series draws on a remarkable portfolio of vineyards nurtured by the winemaking talent of Larry Cherubino showcasing Australia's most successful wine styles and regions. Bob Oatley's mantra is that all wines should be a "darned good drink", and the high quality Signature Series delivers immediate appeal, with satisfying flavours over an elegant frame. Each wine embodies the grape varietal and region in which it was grown, from aromatic Western Australian Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc to Pinot Noir from Mornington, luscious McLaren Vale Shiraz, and classic Margaret River Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Halliday elevates ROV winery rating to highest possible RED FIVE STAR rating
"Outstanding winery regularly producing wines of exemplary quality and typicity." Australian Wine Companion 2013 Edition, James Halliday
"Vintage Oatley better with age"
FEW people understand the wine industry like Robert Oatley, yachtsman, Hamilton Island owner, businessman and founder of Rosemount Estate, which in its heyday was one of Australia's most successful labels. In 2002 the Oatley family agreed to merge with Southcorp in a $1.5 billion deal. The deal was a disaster with Oatley admitting he was ashamed at what happened to the brand. Three years later he sold his 18.8 per cent stake to Foster's, which set up a $3.2 billion takeover of what is now known as Treasury Wines Estates. Several years on and Oatley, his son Sandy and industry veteran Chris Hancock, all key players when Rosemount was in its pomp, are back in the business in a major way. Robert Oatley may be 81, but retains all his enthusiasm for labels under his umbrella, which include Wild Oats, Montrose, Tic Tok, Craigmoor and the new Robert Oatley Signature Series wines ($23.95 a bottle), which were launched a couple of weeks ago. He still sails (Wild Oats XI has won four of the last five Sydney to Hobart races) and still visits his Sydney office daily. The Oatleys are sourcing fruit from premium vineyards around the country, particularly Western Australia, which is no surprise given the hugely talented Larry Cherubino is their director of winemaking. Oatley describes Cherubino as the best winemaker in Australia. Cherubino's team includes former Thorn Clark winemaker Derek Fitzgerald, ex Constellation winemaker Robert Merrick and former Yarra Burn star Mark O'Callaghan. The Signature Series label has a suitably seafaring theme—a blue triangular nautical flag— and the Oatleys expect to sell in excess of 200,000 cases this year, many of them in the US. There is also a super-premium range in the pipeline with $100 price tags and Tasmanian pinot will be added to the range from the 2013 vintage. "We see the new range as a rebirth of our involvement in the wine industry," says Sandy Oatley. "They are part of our vision for the future, using the knowledge we have gained since we planted our first vineyard back in 1969. This is a family business and we can sense a lot of excitement still to come."
Wine Access selects 2 Robert Oatley wines in their list of top 5 Australian wines in the Wine ACCESS international Value Wine Awards
#1 rated value wine - James Oatley TIC TOK Chardonnay receives a score of 90 points. "This cutting-edge, modern chardonnay is made in the remote and lofty Mudgee region. A clever combination of barrel-fermented and stainless steel lots creates this utterly delicious wine, with guava, passion fruit and pineapple on the palate and crunchy acidity on the finish. Drinks above its weight."
#3 rated value wine - Robert Oatley Chardonnay receives a score of 89 points. "Aussie legend Bob Oatley is a pioneer in remote, high-altitude Mudgee, where he makes this complex chardonnay that combines buttery richness, citrusy freshness and the minerality of Mudgee's ancient red soil. Techniques including night harvesting, partial stainless steel/partial barrel fermentation and limited malolactic fermentation produce a wine of true depth and style."
NBC's Today Show recommends 2009 TIC TOK Shiraz
"The name is an ode to the family patriarch - a clockmaker."
Judges' Choice Award for Robert Oatley Chardonnay 2009 in Vanmag.com 2012 International Wine Awards
"Hint of toasted oak, crisp acidity, and citrus peel flavours"
Wine Spectator Smart Buy, 90Points for Robert Oatley Chardonnay 2009
"Polished, lively and appealing for its sunny pear, cream, vanilla and lychee flavors which slide smoothly through the long, elegant finish." Harvey Steiman, January 31, 2012.
91 points & Best Value White Wine for Robert Oatley Pinot Grigio 2010 by Natalie MacLean.
"A mouth-watering, terrifically refreshing Pinot Grigio with lively notes of lime, green apple and lemon zest. Medium-bodied with a clean finish that leaves you wanting a top up. Perfect as an aperitif on the deck or dock, or pair it with a variety of dishes including grilled veggies and seafood. Yum! Food matches: seafood appetizers, antipasti, salmon, white meats, roast chicken."
Gordon Stimmell likes TIC TOK. In February, he reviewed 2 TIC TOK Wines in the TORONTO STAR.
90 points for TIC TOK Shiraz, 89 points for TIC TOK Chardonnay. On the shiraz he has this to say; "The TIC TOK Shiraz is new to the shelves, with bold, rich flavours suitable for sharing with friends over an upscale steak dinner." For the Chardonnay he says; "We’re always on the hunt for pleasantly oaked chardonnays under $15. New to general list is Tic Tok, with smoky apple, lime, lemongrass and peach aromas. The flavours are mellow, with ripe apple, lime and lemon. The finish shows a classy balance of ripe fruit and palate cleansing acidity."
James Oatley TIC TOK 2008 Chardonnay - selected as one of the "Best Medium White Wines of 2010"
James Oatley TIC TOK Chardonnay 2008 is selected as one of 7 "Best Medium White Wines" by Vancouver Magazine's International Wine Competition.
WineDiva's annual Top 100 wines of 2010
Included in WineDiva's annual Top 100 wines of 2010 are both Robert Oatley Chardonnay 2007 and James Oatley TIC TOK Pinot Gris 2009. Both available in BC.
James Oatley TIC TOK Chardonnay - selected as "One of best wines to always have on hand"
Here's a Chardonnay with lovely green apple and butterscotch notes that's still bright and lievely with mouth-watering acidity. Finishes clean. Yum! Pair with shellfish, chicken and lighter meats.
Beppi Crosariol recommends TIC TOK Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 in Globe & Mail
A full-bodied red with an almost sweet, maraschino-cherry core, savoury back note and crisp, juicy finish. Good for grilled beef.
Tony Aspler on Robert Oatley Sauvignon Blanc 2009
Tony reviews Robert Oatley’s new Sauvignon Blanc and provides food pairing ideas
Download mp3
Release of JOTT in Ontario – TIC TOK wines now available at LCBO stores
A TIMELY ADDITION TO THE ROBERT OATLEY VINEYARDS RANGE
The Oatley family is proud to announce the release of the James Oatley TIC TOK range to their growing stable of wines produced at their Mudgee winery. Joining the Robert Oatley label in the USA and Canada, James Oatley TIC TOK is of special significance to the family’s personal and wine history.
With interests spanning winemaking, agriculture, yachting and more recently tourism, the Oatleys are more than just wine producers. The first two Australian generations were clockmakers.
Bob Oatley’s heritage begins in the early days of Australia’s settlement, when his great, great grandfather James was banished for life from England to the penal colony of Sydney. Thankfully James’ clock making talents were soon recognized and he became the colony’s most highly regarded clock and watch maker.
From the Oatley family vineyards in Mudgee comes a wine style reflecting old world wine influences as well as contemporary international tastes. It’s the beginning of a second Australian wine renaissance grounded in a sense of place and tradition, led by the vision of Australia’s first wine statesman.
Bob Oatley and his family are once again playing a key role in setting a new direction for Australian wine. Focused on creating wines with flavours that instil a lasting impression, James Oatley TIC TOK reinterprets the Aussie style with the subtlety required for today’s culinary fare.
“We’ve crafted James Oatley TIC TOK in tribute to my great-great grandfather,” says Bob Oatley, “and I am thrilled that the label was designed by my grandson James, yet another of my grandchildren who’ve joined the business.”
The range to be released through LCBO stores in early October comprises a Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon with retails of $14.95 for the whites and $15.95 for the reds.
Release of JOTT in Ontario – TIC TOK wines now available at LCBO stores
The Oatley family is proud to announce the release of the James Oatley TIC TOK range to their growing stable of wines produced at their Mudgee winery. Joining the Robert Oatley label in the USA and Canada, James Oatley TIC TOK is of special significance to the family’s personal and wine history.
5 Stars for Robert Oatley Vineyards
(August 3, 2010) In the 2011 edition of his Australian Wine Companion, James Halliday rated Robert Oatley Vineyards a prestigious five out of a possible five stars, with the observation: “Outstanding winery capable of producing wines of very high quality.” Halliday named Robert Oatley Vineyards as one of the best wineries in Australia.
Since 1976, “Australia’s leading wine writer” has written and co-authored over 40 books on the subject of wine, including contributions to The Oxford Companion to Wine. He has published an annual overview of Australian wine since 1986, and has won numerous awards for his work including being made a member of the Order of Australia by Queen Elizabeth II in 2010 for “service to the wine industry as a winemaker, show judge, author and promoter of Australian wine internationally, and through senior roles with a range of professional organisations.”
Robert “Bob” Oatley has built a diverse family business that ranges from vineyards and winemaking to luxury tourism on Australia’s iconic Great Barrier Reef. A decade after their success with Rosemount Estate, the Oatley family are leading a second Australian wine renaissance from their vineyards in Mudgee, New South Wales.
5 Stars for Robert Oatley Vineyards
(August 3, 2010) In the 2011 edition of his Australian Wine Companion, James Halliday rated Robert Oatley Vineyards a prestigious five out of a possible five stars, with the observation: “Outstanding winery capable of producing wines of very high quality.” Halliday named Robert Oatley Vineyards as one of the best wineries in Australia.
Margaret Swaine National Post review of Robert Oatley Sauvignon Blanc 2009 - Recommended
“From Pemberton in Western Australia, this cool fermented sauvignon blanc is made from separate parcels of grapes harvested at various stages of maturity. There's zesty acidity and grassy notes from the early harvest and pineapple passion fruit tastes from the later harvest. The result is vibrant tropical fruit with tang and length on the palate.” Margaret Swaine – National & Financial Post, September 2010
Margaret Swaine National Post review of Robert Oatley Sauvignon Blanc 2009 - Recommended
"From Pemberton in Western Australia, this cool fermented sauvignon blanc is made from separate parcels of grapes harvested at various stages of maturity. There's zesty acidity and grassy notes from the early harvest and pineapple passion fruit tastes from the later harvest. The result is vibrant tropical fruit with tang and length on the palate." Margaret Swaine – National & Financial Post, September 2010
3 TIC TOK wines selected as "Good Value Wine Picks" on NatalieMaclean.com
2008 JAMES OATLEY TIC TOK SHIRAZ
87 & Good Value Wine Pick - Juicy and tasty with fleshy-ripe plums and berries. Wonderful richness to this round, full-bodied red. Food matches: steak, stew, spicy BBQ dishes.
Natalie MacLean – www.nataliemaclean.com, October 2010
2008 JAMES OATLEY TIC TOK CHARDONNAY
89 & Good Value Wine Pick - Lovely green apple and butterscotch notes yet bright and lively with mouth-watering acidity. Finishes clean. Yum! Food matches: fish, shellfish, chicken, lighter meats.
Natalie MacLean – www.nataliemaclean.com, October 2010
2009 JAMES OATLEY TIC TOK SAUVIGNON BLANC
87 & Good Value Wine Pick - Crisp and clean with refreshing notes of white melon and lime. Not too herbal, just right. Great aperitif or accompaniment to many dishes. Food matches: oysters, shellfish, chicken, lighter pastas, goat cheese, green beans, sushi.
Natalie MacLean – www.nataliemaclean.com, October 2010
3 TIC TOK wines selected as "Good Value Wine Picks" on NatalieMaclean.com
2008 JAMES OATLEY TIC TOK SHIRAZ
2008 JAMES OATLEY TIC TOK CHARDONNAY
2009 JAMES OATLEY TIC TOK SAUVIGNON BLANC