Uncorked: Andrew Caillard MW

British-born Andrew Caillard is a fine wine specialist for Woolworths Liquor and co-founder of Langton’s wine auctions in Australia. He produces his own wine, Caillard Mataro and Shiraz in Barossa and occasionally dabbles in fine art.

Andrew Caillard MW

What Vintage are you? 

1959.

What bottle sparked your love of wine?

1961 Chateau Canon – it converted me.

Ambition or talent – what matters more?

Without ambition, there is no destination. Talent, steeped in imagination, often brings self doubt. They have to be perfectly balanced to achieve happiness I think.

What would you be as a wine?

Something voluminous and long, with a slightly acidic bite.

Where are you happiest?

In front of an easel at home.

What’s your greatest vice?

Oil paint.

Best advice you ever got?

Believe in yourself.

What’s the best & worst thing about the wine business?

I love the people at all levels but hate the increasing bullshit – a mixture of spin and fantasy – associated with fine wine.

Personal satisfaction (Parker points – out of 100)

80-100 depending on how I feel on the day.

Most overused word?

Probably an expletive.

Desert island vine?

Mataro. It is resilient and wonderful.

Your cellar’s underwater, which bottle would you dive in a save?

None. The one’s most important are screw capped and would survive.

Which wine would you like served at your funeral?

Penfolds Grange – probably 1963 – now regarded as a great year. The story of Grange is so Australian and inspiring. It has been a pillar of my career. Would have to have Caillard Mataro too. Obscure maybe, but highly personal.