Tallarook

Martin Williams collects degrees like those who collect postage stamps, his master of wine (MW) almost incidental to his wine career. He began with a degree in chemistry and biochemistry at the University of Sydney, followed by a master's at the University of California, working in Burgundy along the way. Years in the wine industry followed till Martin went on to obtain a doctorate in medicinal chemistry from Monash University in ’12. He returned to the wine world in ’15 and is now chief winemaker for Tallarook, a winery that has had a chequered existence after the vineyard was planted in 1980. It was intended to be a feature of a Porsche racing event centre, the track on the 475ha property on which the vineyard is planted. In ’17 it was acquired by the Yang family. Only a token amount of wine is sold in Australia. Exports to China. -JAMES HALLIDAY