Len Evans Tutorial dux André Bondar (right) with Basil Sellers. Len Evans Tutorial
The Len Evans Tutorial has mystified many onlookers because of its focus on old and rare wines, especially French wines, while purporting to train young Australians to be wine show judges.
Now it seems common sense has prevailed and this year’s recently concluded tutorial has pivoted to topics that are more practical.
McLaren Vale winemaker André Bondar was announced as the recipient of the Basil Sellers Prize for Dux of the Len Evans Tutorial 2023.
Several of the older tutors appear to have been retired, and younger faces brought in. Those people have brought subjects more relevant to young Australian wine professionals than tired old wines from the distant past.
This year, the 21st year of the tutorial, a much larger cast of presenters was involved. They included these mostly (relatively) young faces:
Sarah Crowe, Michael Hill Smith, Tyson Stelzer, Tom Carson, Louisa Rose, PJ Charteris, David Bicknell, Amanda Yallop, Samantha Connew, Jane Faulkner, Jim Chatto, Patrick Walsh, Philip Rich, Mike De Iuliis, Adam Wadewitz, Stuart Hordern, Randall Pollard, Sue Bell, Steve Pannell, Sally McGill, Virginia Willcock, Andrew Caillard and Rhys Eather.
That said, the press release still said “Many of the rarest, oldest, and greatest wines were opened” during the five days in October-November, when 12 Australian wine professionals including sommeliers, educators, members of the trade and winemakers were put through a rare tasting schedule.
Masterclasses included ‘Barolo’ led by Jane Faulkner, ‘Wendouree’ led by Michael Hill Smith
This Article was originally published on The Real Review
