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David Stevens-Castro

David is a wine, beverage & gastronomy consultant. A passionate professional, with rounded expertise: from wine & fruit production as an Agricultural Engineer; marketing, wine trends and wine business as a wine merchant; buying, stock management and financial management as a wine & beverage manager; assessing wines as an international wine judge plus food and wine pairing expert as the co-author of PAIRED Volume 1: Champagne & Sparkling Wines. Find out more about David here at paired-media.com

Salatin Prosecco Treviso DOC Extra Dry NV

Prosecco’s vigorous and persistent bubbles are always a sign of good things to come. Salatin’s expression is quite stylish with...

Z Wine Rustica Grenache 2020

The Zerk sisters once again deliver the goods. This is an enticing medium bodied red that gets me excited. It...

Albert Bichot Fleurie La Madone Beaujolais 2020

More and more, Beaujolais wines are becoming part of my repertoire. I am certainly enjoying juicy, fruit forward, medium body...

Heartland Directors Cut Shiraz 2019

This is the flagship of all Heartland Wines, and it delivers on its promise. The sleek packaging certainly denotes the...

Heartland Directors Cut Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

A sleek cabernet sauvignon that celebrates the power and finesse of Langhorne Creek. It has cedar, sage and blueberry notes...

Heartland Cabernet Sauvignon 2014

Cabernet Sauvignon and steak are a reliable and satisfying pairing proposition. This wine has a bouquet of ground coffee, chocolate...

Heartland Sposa e Sposa Dolcetto-Lagrein 2021

What a revelation this is, nothing short of amazing. It opens up immediately with plum and blueberry characters, showing generous...

Heartland Shiraz 2019

An attractive introduction to Heartland’s range. This Shiraz has a dense appearance and enticing deep colour with a bouquet of...

Heartland Dolcetto 2020

This Dolcetto from Langhorne Creek is such an experience of discovery and indeed, my first encounter with an Australian example...

Quattro Mano ‘La Reto’ Tempranillo 2014

An old, low-yielding, Barossa vineyard delivers a wine full of character. ‘La Reto” Tempranillo is built for distance and —...

Tsarine Rose NV

One of my ultimate pleasures is Champagne rosé. This example shows notes of strawberry, cranberry and rose petal swirls with...

The Ethereal One Vermentino 2021

Vermentino has huge potential in Australia. The popularity of ‘all things Italian’ is ever increasing and the variety adapts well...

Duplessis-Duval ‘Muscadet Sevre et Maine’ Melon de Bourgogne 2019

This is by far the most delicious Melon de Bourgogne I have had the pleasure of enjoying. Aromatically gifted —...

Bay of Fires Riesling 2020

Bay of Fires has led the way in elevating the reputation of Rieslings from Tasmania. This example displays Tasmania at...

Kosciuszko Pinot Noir 2019

Pinot Noir can be a tricky variety when you’re looking for value. Thus it’s a pleasure to find such a...

Capital Wines The Ambassador Tempranillo 2021

What a delicious young red. Approachability early on is a challenge, yet this wine is a triumph. Beautifully perfumed with...

Capital Wines The Swinger Sauvignon Blanc 2021

This is quality Sauvignon Blanc with superb drinkability. ‘The Swinger’ is certainly a step away from the tropical examples that...

Tahbilk 1927 Vines Marsanne 2014

Sometimes I can easily visualise the elements of a wine and a dish in my mind. On this occasion however,...

Ballandean Estate Durif 2018

Friendships are more colourful when shared around a dining table. Connections cultivate and expand when we eat and drink together....

Ravasqueira ‘Coutada Velha’ Signature Red Blend 2020

Being open-minded with food and wine matching can take you to places you never thought you could reach. The idea...

Te Mata Syrah 2018

I personally often prefer the Syrah style over Shiraz. They are usually lighter, fresher and more vibrant examples, making them...

Chapel Hill Small Batch #02 Shiraz Mourvèdre 2020

Spicy foods are an integral part of my diet. I like that burning sensation even at breakfast. On this occasion...

Cirillo The Vincent Grenache 2020

Over time, I have developed a serious appreciation for grenache. How little I knew 10 years ago when I laughed...

Credaro Five Tales Chardonnay 2020

The Australian Chardonnay scene is quite dynamic these days. “Buttery oaked” examples are scarce and buyers who appreciate this less...
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