1996 Cape Clairault Cabernet Sauvignon, South West Australia

Violets and a slightly gamey mustiness, as well as the brick-red color, show a wine that aged gracefully. There is still black fruit but it does not overwhelm the more delicate floral flavors. This is a nice example of Margaret River wine, an Australian Cabernet more like Bordeaux than Napa.

2001 Penfolds RWT Shiraz, Barossa Valley

Dark and inky. A concentrated nose with a bit of leather and plum. Smooth, but with a nice tannic structure lending a pleasant “abrasive” mouthfeel. Dark fruits, anise, minerals. An umami note on the end that leads to a very long, satisfying finish.

2005 Penfolds St. Henri Shiraz, South Australia

Remarkably light-colored for an Australian Shiraz, ruby and opaque rather than deep and dark. The nose is incredibly floral and aromatic. Completely smooth, like drinking silk. Blackberry, chocolate, and baking spices. Substantial, but with understated tannins. Absolutely easy to drink and very refined—almost Burgundian.

A Little Bit of Class in Australian Shiraz

This tasting showed me that Australia does indeed make great wines, and that more people should seek out good bottles from the land down under.

Wining and Dining Through Western Australia

When it comes to Australian wines most people think of densely fruity, spicy Shiraz, or robust, oaky Chardonnay from the country’s well-known wine regions like Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale. At the southwest tip of the continent, however, lies the Margaret River region of Western Australia

Wine For Haiti – A Global Effort

Wine for Haiti has become an international relief effor to support earthquake relief for Haiti.

Cupcakes for a Cause in Oz

Adelaide’s Cupcake Camp, held in November at The Box Factory Community Centre and organised (almost singlehandedly) by Monnie Klein, directed proceeds to Camp Quality. It was a particularly apt choice: Camp Quality is an Australian charity which is dedicated to “bringing optimism and happiness to the lives of children and families affected by cancer through fun therapy.” And what is more fun than an afternoon of cakes?

2006 Yangarra Shiraz McLaren Vale Single Vineyard

Right off the bat it was like I dove head first into a rosemary bush and got a few sprigs shoved up my schnoz. I love rosemary and it’s a very distinctive aroma of the Syrah grape. Add that with some black olives and this was getting very interesting, indeed. The taste was also herbaceous with black fruit, slight minerality and medium spice on the finish.

R Is For Riesling

Parsnips are the work of the devil as are mushy peas. I really don’t care if I never hear a Beatles tune ever again. Prog Rock is pretentious rubbish and I can’t abide reality television and bananas. I also don’t like Riesling.

2005 Yangarra Estate Grenache Old Vine

The wine opens with huge jammy dark elderberry and black pepper. It has earth and brambles, giving it underlying depth and keeping it from qualifying as a “fruit bomb,” but just barely.  Licorice is more pronounced on the palate than the nose. A bit of dried orange peel appears on the mid-palate. The finish is [...]

Next Page »