By Margaret Swaine
Fall 2007 ClubLink NewsLink
Greg Norman continues to expand his vinous empire with ever more successful vintages. His first wine labels from Australia were launched back in the late nineties as a joint venture between Great White Shark Enterprises and Beringer Blass Wine Estates. Last year his California Estates wines debuted in Canada to great acclaim. And next?
“Given our success in Australia and California, we might be poised to develop a range in another country, which is groundbreaking as very few wine businesses have transported their brand from one region to another,” Norman commented recently.
Norman’s interest in wine started in the 70s when he was playing professional golf in Europe. “I made it a point to absorb the fine food and wine culture in the many counties I had the opportunity to visit,” he said. Now an avid collector, when he’s at home he opens a bottle most nights with dinner.
“I have 25-40 different varietals and not a real preference to red or white, but like most people tend to match wines with my meals….I’m especially fond of California chardonnays, but nearest to my heart and palate are the wines of Australia,” he said.
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However, publicity pictures aside, Norman’s not out picking grapes or topping up barrels. The Greg Norman Estate collections in both countries are in the hands of full-time winemakers. He does give stylistic direction for the wines under his shark logo label which is to make them approachable, food-friendly and good value.
As any golfer knows Norman is actively involving in course design. On a trip this spring to Ireland I was greatly impressed by his links course at Doonbeg. Locals told me Norman visited over 30 times to get it perfect. I asked him about this.
“I have been visiting Ireland for nearly 30 years,” said Norman. “I would always plan my summer schedule around a trip to the British Isles, usually traveling to Ireland or Scotland at the beginning of July, in the weeks before the Open Championship….Yes, I was working on my game, but at the same time I got to see Ireland’s and Scotland’s most famous retreats. These trips prompted me to explore the idea of creating my own course in the region, and I was fortunate to be given the opportunity at Doonbeg. And yes, I did make more than 30 trips to Doonbeg.”
Greg Norman Estates wines benefit from the same devotion to perfection. Now connected with Foster’s Wine Estates (a combo of the former Beringer Blass and Southcorp Wines) the enterprise has access to the over 15,000 hectares of vineyards in around the world. We can expect to see much from this fruitful collaboration. Currently available Greg Norman Estates Australian wines that I heartily recommend include The Limestone Coast Shiraz 2005 ($24.15) which is full flavoured, well balanced with smoky, spicy fruit and a smooth opulence. From California the North Coast Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 ($24.95) has a ripe berry character that’s velvety with oak nuances and good intensity.