By Fergal Gleeson

Do you remember the Dandy Warhols? An American alternative rock band whose heyday was in the late ‘90s and early 2000’s. Smart ass choruses like “I never thought you’d be a junkie because heroin is so passé”? Or how about “Bohemian Like You”? It powered an old Vodafone commercial.

Their lead singer Courtney Taylor- Taylor described his inspiration as “making music to drink beer to.” These days I’m more likely to match the Dandy’s with a glass of wine from Goon Tycoons. The guitar driven rock, the psychedelic choruses, the knowing lyrics go well with the anarchic Goon’s style. Forget about wine and food. It’s time to think about wine and music pairing…

The Goon Tycoons are not a reference to the current white house incumbent. They are a side project for Julian Langworthy and the Fogarty brothers whose day jobs are at Deep Wood Estate. The Goons focus on single vineyard sites, less familiar varieties and minimalist winemaking.

Goon Tycoons ‘Smoking Gun’ Chenin Blanc 2017

The vines are from Trenton, a cool site in Margaret River and are over 20 years old. Chenin vines were widely planted in region in the ‘90s and used in the ‘not so cool’ sweet Amberley Chenin. Most have been pulled out in favour of Margaret River’s more familiar varietals but those that remain are being reinterpreted by a new band of winemakers such as Goon Tycoons, tripe.Iscariot and Aravina Estate.

The wine was made in the style of a high end Chardonnay –whole bunch pressed, time spent on lees and barrel fermented. I asked Julian to describe the flavour for people who haven’t tried a Chenin before? “Like Margaret River Chardonnay and Frankland River Riesling had a love child.” Rock n roll.

RRP $25                Rating: 3.5 Stars

Goon Tycoons Teroldego 2017

A rare variety that lovers of Italian wine will warm to. The grapes are sourced from one of just two plantings of Teroldego in the state. For those who like to know the origin of things, Teroldego is native to the Alto Adigo in North East Italy, which is in the foothills of the Dolomites.

Goon Tycoons Teroldego is in the classic red Italian wine style with bright acid and swirling tannins but also plenty of fruit that make it easy to appreciate. I could drink this by the bucket though the use of glassware is preferable.

RRP $28                Rating 3.5 Stars

Both wines are very good indeed. Try with your favourite alternative rock band.

More at www.goontycoons.com.au