McLaren Vale Wines – De Lisio Wines

Posted on October 31, 2010 by Lonely Grape

Tony De Lisio has had a lifetime of experience in the wine industry from growing up in the family vineyard in Clarendon to making some wine in 1992.  When the family vineyard was sold Tony was involved in starting a 100 acres of vineyard to the north of McLaren Vale.  From these vines the best fruit went into the Classic McLaren range – the winery off Seaview road and is now the home to Mollydooker.  De Lisio wines came from an American importer wanting Tony to produce wines to go directly to the USA.  From this start Tony & his wife Krystina now produce about 7,000 cases per year sold mainly into USA, Canada, Denmark, Hong Kong and sometimes into England.

It was wonderful talking to Krystina about De Lisio Wines and wine in general and I would recommend checking out their range.  I had not heard of this brand before but it will not be the last time for me to check out this range.

2009 Del Lisio “Argento” Pinot Grigio ($A18) (A$12.50 up to Xmas 2010)

What a surprise – a Pinot Grigio that I like!  The aromas were green apple with some citrus but there was almost a minerality here of slatey or steely.  I am not sure one can smell slate or steel but that was the best association I could come up with.  The flavors have the pear and green apple that you would expect and then that minerallity of steel was on the finish.  Not as much acid on the finish as I was expecting from the minerallity notes and this did not detract from the wine.  The overall effect provided a textural mouthfeel that I was not expecting from such a wine.  When you consider the special price leading up to Xmas, whay not have a few of these ready for the hot days that are coming.  I can see warm nights and cold seafood in this wines future.

2006 De Lisio Grenache ($A35) ($A28 up to Xmas 2010)

With some bottle age and seeing notes that the average vineyard yield was 1.5 t per acre, I was excited to try my favorite variety from a good vintage.  There was all the usual juicy red fruits with some savory oak and a hint of roasted nuts (which I thought was very interesting).  The only slight detractor for this wine was a slight bitterness on the back of the palate, which I suspect comes from the 16% alcohol in the wine.  I suspect a home made steak sandwich with lots of red onion relish would go down a treat.

2006 Quarterback Red Blend ($A20) ($A12.50 up to Xmas 2010)

This wine originated from comments from their USA distributors wanting a mid price wine to sell.  While in the Sates watching an American Football game and started to think the name Quarterback would be a good pitch into the USA market.  Low and behold the name was not registered – so they say the rest is history.  Last year’s American Superbowl had this wine being drunk at the stadium – good effort, and smart as well.

The wine is a blend of Shiraz (26%), Grenache (17%), Cabernet Sauvignon (30%) and Merlot (27%) plus it is not shy at 15.5% alcohol.  The wine is all about up front almost sweet fruit with little oak coming through the red fruits (from the Grenache) and black fruits (from the rest of the varieties).  There is a mid weight on the finish but it lasts quite a long time.  At the price (particularly at the special price) the wine is good value.  The other thing in the wine’s favor is that it can be drunk with almost any food.

2006 Overloaded Shiraz ($A12.50)

This wine has just been bottled (about 2 weeks ago) and has about 5% Grenache in an attempt to produce a drink now style at the lower price scale.  While a little disjointed this wine is all about ripe fruits with a soft drink now style.  The Grenache has some effect but the overall wine is just an uncomplicated everyday drink that I can see with a good pizza on Friday nights at work.

2005 Del Lisio Catalyst Shiraz Grenache ($A30) ($A24 up to Xmas 2010)

Yet again a wine with Grenache was my favorite.  Interestingly there is a blueberry component here to mix with the black and red fruits.  I believe the blue based fruits are from a specific Shiraz clone and from a Clarendon vineyard.  Fruit based spices here as well but what I really like is the minimal oak used in this wine.  Bring on a bowl of Beef Red Thai Curry.

2006 Del Lisio Krystina Shiraz ($A40) ($A32 up to Xmas 2010)

This is and should be a classy wine.  A tough call when you make a wine with your wife’s name on the label!  The aromas went straight to blackberry, vanilla and mocha – straight away making one thinking of McLaren Vale Shiraz with American oak.  The wine starts with fruit sweetness of plum, blackberry and a hint of blueberry.  Tho oak is there but plays a minor part in this concentrated offering to the welcoming glass.

2006 Del Lisio Shiraz ($A65) ($A52 up to Xmas 2010)

One big steak and a bottle of this and I would be happy.  There is a lot to this wine.  The aromas have plum, blackberry and some blue fruits with violets and chocolate.  The layers do not stop there – all the same fruits are there in the flavor profile plus spices and mocha.  The finish is all about chocolate.  So where are my steak knives?

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Lonely Grape TV Episode # 54 – 2 whites from somewhere else

Posted on October 26, 2010 by Lonely Grape

Today I am tasting a Clare Valley Riesling that was made in the Riverland and then a Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc from the Adelaide Hills that was made in McLaren Vale. Hove you enjoy.

Check out these wines and more from www.graysonline.com/wine.

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McLaren Vale Wines – Middlebrook Estate

Posted on October 23, 2010 by Lonely Grape

Middlebrook Estate Cellar Door & Function Centre

Middlebrook is a McLaren Vale restaurant and function center that specialises on Weddings (where the Rotunda comes into it’s own).  I have been visiting the cellar door on an infrequent basis since 1986 and the inside of the function center has seen many changes for this McLaren Vale function institution.

I can still remember my first visit when I was introduced to Duris (see below) and it was just so different I was not sure about it on the first try – so I asked for another taste.  Well the look from the lady working the cellar door indicated she thought this was a request of some drunk.  Anyway, I did get another taste and then there was no complaints as I walked out with a case of this very unusual liqueur.

Now days the wines seem to be made to suit the catering for the masses at wedding functions ie lighter bodied and sweet wines.  If this is their aim they do well – so well that a number of the wines were not available for tasting as they were in limited quantities and those remaining were reserved for future functions.

To me all I really care about is to see they keep making Duris!

Middlebrook Estate Gazebo

N/V Cogno Brothers Cuve Brut ($A10)

A nice clean and neutral bubbly that is popular for the wedding parties that utilise the facility.

2005 Cogno Brothers “Cin Cin” Pinot Grigio ($A15)

Shows that aging of this variety does not make much sense.  There were developed characters here with most of the fruit flavors almost gone.  There was also a slight bitter after taste.  Life is too short………

2008 Middelbrook “Contessa” Unwooded Chardonnay ($A15)

After the disappointment of the Pinot Grigio and then to be offered an unwooded Chardonnay, I started to think this was going to be a long, long tasting!  Well I was wrong again.  This wine showed really nice dried peach aromas (maybe some residual sulphur coming through).  The flavors were peach again plus some apricot that provided an interesting textural mouthfeel.  I could see why this wine was only available for functions as it would just evaporate on a hot day with a few people at a gathering.

N/V Middlebrook Ma Cheri Moscato ($A15)

As expected there was loads of grapey sweetness with some bubbles added – again a walk in start at most functions.

2008 “Cin Cin” Sangiovese ($A15)

Macerated cherries that were dropped and rolled around on the ground – if you can imagine this and add some oak tannins and this is what I was tasting.  Sangiovese and value for money means a match for many menus at such a function house.

2006 Cogno Brothers Family Selection Merlot ($A15)

Mulberries and cherries in an obvious tannic mix and a dry finish.  Merlot oh Merlot you are still not my style of wine.

2006 Cogno Brothers Family Selection Barbera ($A15)

This wine was all about drinking spiced fruit cake.  All the aromas and flavors brought one back to this fruit cake recipe.  I can see a lot of people liking this style.  Matching food with this would be challenging to ensure the flavors are complimentary.

2006 Cogno Brothers Family Selection Shiraz ($A15)

So typical of a lot of Shiraz one finds around.  Sweet fruit (plums & Cherries) aromas that evolve into the plum fruit that is Shiraz.  The overall wine experience is a little lighter than what I would consider “normal” and again I can see a lot of people liking it for that reason.  It also works well as this wine would suit many different food styles – just like the differences at a function.

2005 Joseph Cogno “Il Padrino” Cabernet Shiraz ($A20)

The aromas were closed but this does not give a clear indication of what is to come.  The flavors are well balanced between black fruits, soft tannins and good acid length.  Again this good old Aussie blend does good things.  The wine has length but is not too heavy – again a theme for this winery.

N/V Middlebrook Duris ($A25)

Again a treat that has been bringing me back to Middlebrook Estate in McLaren Vale since 1986.  A Honey Cumquot Liqueur that has great length and citrus character.  The flavors start with the honey and continue onto the citrus that is the cumquot (probably best described as a mix of mandarin and lemons).  There is a hint of complexity here that seems like the cumquot peel.  This blend has less obvious alcohol than what I remember from previous tastings, but the overall effect is not diminished.   Other than drinking it straight after a meal, my best use has been as an integrate part of the fruit mince used for the Xmas pudding and Fruit Mice Pies.  I macerate the dried fruits in Duris, Brandy and fortified wines that are handy.

Wines not taste or not availiable:-

Cobbity Cooler range

Cogno Brothers Deluxe Rose (sparkling)

Cogno Brothers “Black Harvest” Sparkling Grenache

Cogno Brothers Frontignan Spaetlese

Cogno Brothers Bin 77 Fruity White

Cogno Brothers Camden Gold

Cogno Brothers La Morra Rose

Cogno Brothers Cobbitty Classic Red (sweet)

Cogno Brothers “Black Harvest” Still Grenache

Middelbrook Scenario (Viognier Chardonnay)

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Lonely Grape TV Episode #53 – Duris Liqueur

Posted on October 19, 2010 by Lonely Grape

What a joy – a honey cumquot liqueur, and 2 versions.  The current commercial version and a barrel sample (barrel labeled 30/03/2001).  This liqueur has been a favorite of mine since 1986.

Check out Middlebrook Estate web site here.

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McLaren Vale Wines – Possoms Wines

Posted on October 15, 2010 by Lonely Grape

First of all I thought Possum wines was born from a couple of folks that liked possums – well that maybe the case but the name came from parts of the names from the founding couple.  Dr John Possingham and Carol Summers.  They have 2 vineyards.  30 Ha in Blewitt Springs on the rolling sandy hills with some vines over 80 years old.  Another 30 Ha are in Willunga – between town of Willunga and Sellicks Beach.  The 2 different vineyards produce wines of very different charachter.

Their winery is on Adams Road near the Blewitt Springs vineyard and a full time winemaker is now employed.  Cellar Door tastings can be arranged by appointment.  Their web site is www.possumswines.com.au.

As a general comment I was surprised at the vast range of wines – some of them form older vintages than are normally found for sale in McLaren Vale.  Also, I found their wines were good value.  I was surprised at how good most of the wines were – particularly for the price, so I would recommend checking them out.

Anyway, now for the wines…….

2008 The Springs Unwooded Chardonnay ($A10 or $8 on dozen buys)

What value here – particularly with dozen buys.  The price probably reflects that Chardonnay can be difficult to sell at the moment.  There are melon and peaches here that are not over the top like some of these style wines can be.  There was a level of bitterness apparent on the after taste that made me think of sulphur.  Not for me but for those that are price conscience then “drink up”.

2008 Viognier ($A15)

Blewitt Springs fruit has produced a very pleasant drink that is true to the peach and apricot flavors and aromas one expects from this variety.  I was particularly happy with the acid length of this wine.  To me this shows excellent value for money and would be a good one to drink cold on a hot day and sharing it with friends.

2008 Two in the Pouch White ($A13 or $A10 on Dozen buys)

A blend I have not tried too many times and I was not disappointed.  The value for money quotient here was very high.  A well made wine with good varietal characters for this price – I had to look twice at the price list to make sure I had not mad a mistake.  The stone fruit of peaches and nectarines are hear in spades.  Again a wine more made for casual consumption instead of food – why not and “pass me a glass”!

2010 Dr Johns Single Vineyard Pinot Gris ($A28)

A new label that shows the new direction of the marketing people.  Different labels and almost no reference to Possoms wines on the label.  It must be that possms are not fashionable!

One of the better Pinot Gris wines I have tried.  Made from Blewitt Springs fruit the wine has really good passionfruit and acid length characters.  I was also pleasantly surprised that the wine was quite dry.  So good with a warm chicken salad dish – just right for the coming summer months.

2006 Willunga Chardonnay ($A13)

This wine has seen a bit of French oak and is just starting to show some developed citrus peel characters combined with nectarines and this really good nutty finish.  The wine probably is getting close to it’s time so drink it right now.

2009 Pink Possum ($A15)

This Cabernet Sauvignon Rose has the usual strawberries and cream aromas and flavors with an added effect from Turkish Delight on the nose and cherries added on the palate.  This wine has a dry finish – much drier that I expected from the aroma.  Bring on Sunday lunch with Willunga Almond Dukkah some Coriole EVOO (Extra Virgin Olive Oil) and some fresh crusty bread – oh and maybe some friends to share it with.

2008 Two in the Pouch Shiraz/Cabernet ($A13 or $10 for dozen buys)

There is fruit here from both the Willunga and Blewitt Springs vineyards.  The Blewitt Springs component shows through particularly with the aromas of peatyness that combines with both red and black fruits.  The flavors are initially dominated by sweet cherries and plums with some spices and some chocolate on the finish.  At this price give me a bottle or 2 at any BBQ as it will go with charred meats.

2006 Grenache (A$15)

A lighter that expected offering from the Blewitt Springs vineyard.  The peatyness comes through again on the nose with red spicy fruits – Yum.  The flavors are a medium bodied mixture of raspberries, cherries & spice with just a hint of oak.  Sorry, it is unlikely I will be sharing this.

2008 Willunga Shiraz ($A15)

I found the aromas somewhat closed – all I got was a hint of vanilla.  The flavors are a meld of plums, mixed spice, chocolate and licorice.  Not a classical McLaren Vale offering but at that price …….

2005 Cabernet Sauvignon ($A20)

Well how interesting is this – a 2005 red wine being offered for $20!  A proportion of the wine was made from 80 year old vines at the Blewitt Springs vineyard.  As readers of the Lonely Grape would know that Cabernet Sauvignon is not always my favorite wine variety – but this was different.  So much so I left the tasting with some.

The aromas have the traditional blackcurrent fruit but there was also blackberry and an interesting tobacco leaf hint.  The flavors were rich black fruits, this tobacco again and spices to leave a lingering finish.  All I could think about as I tasted this was eating pork chops with this (I had pork chops last night with another Cabernet last nigh and it was a wonderful match).

2006 Possums Vineyard Shiraz ($A25)

This Blewitt Springs wine was the real deal and I have tasted a lot of comparable McLaren Vale wines for much more money, so this wine has to be seen as good value.

The aromas were of fruit cake with a touch of vanilla and some fresh plums on the side.  The flavors just showed such layered complexity – the usual peatyness of Blewitt Springs, the typical McLaren Vale plums, cinnamon spice with a lingering chocolate finish.  Just “Yum” in a bottle – yes I took some of this home as well.  I can feel a steak coming on…..

Not Tasted

2006 Dr Johns Single Vineyard Shiraz ($A35)

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Lonely Grape TV Episode # 52 (again) – 2 McLaren Vale Shiraz wines

Posted on October 12, 2010 by Lonely Grape

Oops I got my numbering wrong – Oh well there is now 2 Episode 52’s!

Join me with my assistant Son in bringing you the wine variety that McLaren Vale does best – Shiraz. This one had surprising results!

The Jorgensen Hill Shiraz is for sale on Grays Online (www.greysonline.com.au/wine)

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McLaren Vale Wines – Gemtree

Posted on October 9, 2010 by Lonely Grape

 

Salopian Inn - Gentree's Cellar Door

 

Gemtree shares it’s cellar door with Dowie Doole – at the Salopian Inn – check out my review of Dowie Doole.

The cellar door offers wine flights with cheese & lavosh breads and 6 wines.  The wines are from both Gentree & Dowie Doole with either 6 reds or 5 whites and the sparkling red.  You also get tasting notes of the wines and a run down of information from the cellar door staff.

For those visiting during winter there is an open fireplace for that wonderful warmth you get from smoldering wood.

Gemtree is getting a name for promoting organic and in particular biodynamic wines and it will be interesting seeing their development in the coming years.

2010 Moonshine Savagnin ($A16)

A biodynamic vineyard producing a wine variety that I have hardly tried before – well this was an interesting start.  The interest continued as I thoroughly enjoyed this wine.  There was lots of stone fruits here (peaches and nectarines) that makes way for a lingering acid finish.  My understanding is that this variety is of interest in Australia as the grapes produce a good flavor / acid balance in hotter climates.  I must say this wine makes me want to know more about the variety.  The great acid balance in the wine makes me think it would go well with tomato based sauces and pasta.

2009 Citrine Chardonnay ($A16)

Who said Chardy is dead?  Another reasonably priced Chardonnay that has good oak integration (from 100 days in oak) – all the melons, cedar and acid one expects from this variety.  Again the McLaren Vale region and chardonnay makes a good mix – I still wonder why McLaren Vale tries to make white wines of inferior quality.

2009 Luna Raja Tempranillo ($A25)

Bring on the biodynamic vineyards – this wine exhibits some of what is good about Tempranillo – earthy, spices and a lovely tannin structure.

2009 Bloodstone Shiraz ($A16)

Straight away the aromas showed over ripe and even stewed fruit.  This theme continued onto the flavors sweet plums, black cherries with a tannic finish.  Keep your money – there are better wines for this price.

2008 Uncut Shiraz ($A19)

Ripe fruits shown by the licorice, anise and plum aromas followed by ripe plums and black fruits with a distinct licorice finish.  Another 2008 red wine that shows how difficult this vintage was.

2009 The Red Phantom Red Blend 1 ($A25)

When they say a red blend they mean it – Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot & Petit Verdot.  I get aromas of Floral (mainly violets) – quite probably from the Petit Verdot.  Then the aroma profile of herbecous with with real green capsicums – all from the Cabernet.  The cabernet dominates in the flavor spectrum – blackcurrents, little mint and some greenness.  The finish is so dry it leaves you teeth feeling like they are fir coated.

2007 White Lees Shiraz ($A45)

Now here was a surprise – the aromas are dominated by violets.  Not what I expected from Shiraz – particularly from McLaren Vale Shiraz.  There is just lots and lots of complexity here – layers of fruit, tannin structure and French oak characters.  Leave this alone for a few years and try it with seared Kangaroo.

2008 Petit Verdot ($A25)

The floral notes I quite often find in this variety are here again.  I also get plums, pepper and just a little blackberry.  For those Petit Verdot fans out there this is one to try.

Not Tasted

2007 Obsidian Shiraz

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McLaren Vale Wines – Dowie Doole

Posted on October 3, 2010 by Lonely Grape

Dowie Doole & Gemtree Cellar Door

Dowie Doole has their cellar door combined with Gemtree Wines in one of McLaren Vale‘s historic landmarks – the Salopian Inn.  The Salopian Inn has been famous for it’s high quality food using regional Fleurieu produce.  Under new management this historical McLaren Vale landmark now is not only the home to a quality regional produce dining experience, there is a wine list sourced by a Master of Wine, the home for Vale Ale (a new beer branded around McLaren Vale) plus the combined cellar door.

Salopian Inn

Check out the Lonely Grape cellar door map for the location of this cellar door.

2009 Second Nature Sauvingnon Blanc ($A18)

This wine was unusual for it’s restrained aromas unlike the norm for this variety.  When you drink it there is the usual cut grass and the ripe passionfruit that is typical for the riper fruit sourced from McLaren Vale.  It is not for me but I can see the wine being a big seller so why not!

2008 Tintookie Chenin Blanc ($A30)

Dowie Doole is known for this variety and is up there with Coriole as McLaren Vale’s quality producer of wine from this often frowned upon variety.  The aromas were restrained – almost like the wine is moving from a fruit based phase to a more mature style.  Thus I was looking forward to drinking this wine.  The flavors were like drinking essence of Nashi pear with a lingering acid length.  There is plenty and body here to still have a long life.  The wine did not disappoint – it does show what Chenin Blanc can do.

2009 Merlot ($A22)

Here is the typical Merlot mulberries here in abundance with some mild influences of cedary oak.  There is 10% Cabernet Sauvignon here that gives the wine some extra backbone that I suspect the wine would not have had without it.  The softness here will appeal to many people, but me ……..

2009 Garnacha & Tempranillo ($A25)

I was looking forward to this wine as the boys from Qwoff spoke of it so highly – by the way Garnacha is Grenache and a very different G & T indeed.

The red fruits of the 65% Grenache really shows through on the nose and the 35% Tempranillo’s earthyness is the dominant flavors.  As should be the case with Grenache based wines the tannins are soft but still structured.  I have not had this blend before and I hope this is not the last time.  Roll out a wood fired oven backed pizza.

2008 Second Nature Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz & Merlot ($A18)

Sweet black fruits here in both aromas and flavors with just a little oak.  Maybe the product of a very difficult vintage but the sweet fruit character was not in line with what I would look for in a red wine, so this one is not for me.

2007 Cabernet Sauvignon ($A22)

Minimal aromas were followed by an interesting black cherry flavor that I was not expecting from a Cabernet Sauvignon.  The rest of the flavors were typical of Cabernet – blackcurrent and dusty oak integration with a nice length.  This is a nice Cabernet at the price point and would go well with a Rogan Josh.

2008 Shiraz ($A25)

All the elements of a McLaren Vale Shiraz are here – plums plus the spices of pepper, cardamon.  There is a slightly bitter finish – maybe indicating high alcohol.  Again something did not seem right with the overall potential enjoyment of this wine – the elements are there but the whole does not do justice to what the variety can do in McLaren Vale.

2008 California Road Shiraz ($A35)

Hold the fort – this single vineyard wine is such a large jump in quality and after the previous wine, my faith is restored!  The aromas were plums, plums and more plums with that hint of dusty oak.  Flavors were just like “essence of McLaren Vale Shiraz in a glass”.  Plums again with vanilla characters that move apart for the dusty tannins to make their entrance.  There is length here and not just the tannins – the fruit just seems to go on and on for miles.  This was definately the best wine I tried from this stable and it is worth every cent.  A high quality steak with a porchini mushroom sauce would be a spectacular combination.

Not tasted

2006 Reserve Shiraz

N/V Moxie Sparkling Red

2006 Sticky Bits Botytris Semillon

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Lonely Grape TV Episode # 52 – Two Fortified Wines

Posted on October 1, 2010 by Lonely Grape

I just had to share with you 2 very interesting fortified wines – Dyson Wines Liqueur Chardonnay made from 1990 Vintage Chardonnay from Alan’s block in Maslin’s Beach and the second a Liqueur Mead from Maxwell Wines.  Maxwell’s are the largest producer of Mead (fermented honey) in the Southern Hemisphere.  I hope you enjoy watching them as I did bringing this to you.

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McLaren Vale Wines – Maxwell Wines Part 2 Red Wines

Posted on September 25, 2010 by Lonely Grape

Maxwell Wines Road Sign

Check out Part 1 of this review which talks about the white wines, mead (honey wine) and the fortified.

The Maxwell Cellar door facility is also available for functions (including weddings) and from 1st October they will be offering the Quartet, which is 4 courses of food matched with Maxwell wines.  This will be offered on Friday to Sundays.

The menu is:-

Lobster Bisque with prawn & coriander mousseline (Adelaide Hills Chardonnay)

Smoked salmon Roulade with fresh seasonal greens, olive tapernade & caper berry dressing (Little Deamon Verdelho)

Confit of duck breast with blood orange with wild rocket, devilled almonds & Cointreau nectar (Where’s Molly Rose)

BBQ pork belly with a piquante chilli pineapple crush (Four Roads SGV)

Maxwell Wines Cellar Door

2010 Where’s Molly Rose ($A15)

The aromas and first flavors are your classic strawberries and cream.  Then things go backwards.  This is a sweet style with almost no flavor past the mid palate and the wine has almost no finish.  What is there has some bitterness.  A big pass for me.

2008 Little Demon Cabernet Merlot ($A15)

Here was some vegetative and blackcurrent characters that is so typical for Cabernet Sauvignon that also has the Merlot softness.  The thing that was a little different was the soft tannin structure that seemed like black tea.  This 75%/25% blend is a good easy drinking Cafe style drinking – share and enjoy.

2008 Four Roads GSV ($A18)

How interesting a Shiraz (82%), Grenache (13%) and Viognier (5%) blend.  From my tastings around McLaren Vale so far I can only remember 1 other GSV blend.  I also noted that the Shiraz & Viognier was co-fermented.  On this basis alone I was looking forward to this.

The aromas were some what closed (a new bottle was opened for me) but it did start to open up, showing some red fruits, with a few minutes letting it breath so I suspect one should decant the wine before drinking.  The flavors were interesting – red fruits, blueberry, cardamon all with a touch of oak.  I suspect there was maturation in large oak barrels.  Bring on a nice gourmet pizza and pass this wine – thanks.

2008 Silver Hammer Shiraz ($A18)

If I had to describe this wine in one word it would be “juicy”.  If I could use 2 words it would be “Juicy Plums”.  If you like an up frount fruit driven wine then this would be one to try in the “good value” category.  Full aromas and flavors of plum, blackberry, chocolate, mocha and earthy.  I expect this wine to be a big “hit”.  The juicy flavors would match well with a bowl of Spaghetti Bolognese toped with that wonderful Parmesan cheese.

2007 Ellen Street Shiraz ($A32)

Maxwell wines is known for this wine so again I was looking forward to a wine made from the vines in front of the winery, that were planted in 1953 and the wine spent 24 months in oak.

I call this typically McLaren Vale Shiraz – good plum fruit that links so well into the McLaren Vale mid palate with white pepper spice and vanilla from the American Oak.  The overall effect provides a viscous and lengthy experience.

This wine is well priced for the quality when I compare it to others around McLaren Vale.  I would like to see it a few more years in the bottle to show it’s best and then a big thick T Bone steak (vegies optional).

2007 Lime Cave Cabernet Sauvignon ($A32)

The vines for this wine are behind the winery and were planted in 1972.  The Lime Cave shows some special features of this site with a limestone cave being available for functions.

Aromas of the Cabernet blackcurrent and smokey from the oak.  The flavors are based around sweet blackcurrent fruit integrated with dried thyme that just creates a lengthy experience.  This is an impressive Cabernet and would work well with Beef Wellington.

2008 Minotaur Reserve Shiraz ($A75)

This wine will be released on 1st November and I just happened to see an opened bottle sitting to one side of the cellar door tasting bench – and I talked my way into getting a taste.

Here was strength – strength of plum fruit, of violets, vanilla and coffee.  This is essence of McLaren Vale Shiraz and I felt all the better for trying it!  Wonderful drinking now but I believe it will get better over quite a few years.  Needs very strong foods like venison pie to work with the flavors of the wine.

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