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Cooks Lot Orange Trio Review

Posted in Wine Reviews, tagged , , , , , , , , , on October 1, 2012 | Leave a Comment »

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2012 Orange Sauvignon Blanc, Lot 689 – 12.9% al/vol

First cab off the rank is invitingly true to its varietal characters, with intense passion fruit and citrus qualities. Zest of orange, pineapple and green mango climb out of the glass. The colour is clean, pale and has high clarity.

Appearances can be deceiving? Oh what fun! Is this a hint of oak I sense when mid-palate stirs soft, toasty and mellowy? Excellent length of palate is supported by ripe citrus right to the tip of the tongue. It is well balanced by fruitful acidity and lee-sy roundness.

There is nothing more I want to do on this Monday of the long weekend than sit in the sun with a glass of this, slightly fuller than it should be by etiquette standards! I would love to serve as an accompaniment to a chicken, Thai basil and mango salad.

2012 Orange Semillon Sauvignon Blanc, Lot 589- 12.0% al/vol

Startlingly bright, this wine’s bouquet proves it is spring and sugar snap peas are in season, and mingling with freshly shucked sweet baby broad beans. Honeydew melon shows more fiercely when allowed to gather more air in the glass. This aromatic beauty also shows kiwi and lime. Delightful!

Sauvignon Blanc qualities shine through with herbal undertones. Passion fruits drive youthful citrusy acidity, clean swept off the palate by elegant minerality.
Semillon is the dominant varietal and this is evident in the steely, citrus backbone of the wine.

2012 Orange Pinot Gris, Lot 666 – 12.9% al/vol

The growing conditions must be devishly good in Lot 666! Not dark, but taking a more golden tone than the previous pair, this wine has a tremendous bouquet of ripe pink lady apples, with fresh cut juicy Nashi pears. But there’s more depth than this, hints of allspice and cinnamon waft from an apple crumble cooling on some faraway windowsill.

The roundness of palate is lent by another sneaky introduction of delicate oak, which accentuates the high notes of the wine. This could linger on the palate for days, the length is incredible, with slight sweet nutty characters as reminders.

I’m really craving to match this wine with roasted chicken Maryland with a creamy mustard and brandy sauce.

Thanks again to Duncan for ushering me samples to review. Cooks Lot wines are consistently high quality, individually defined and yet indicative of the passion of which they are made. Cool climate wines are already fashionable, so follow the trend and seek out these examples. You won’t be disappointed as they are well made, affordable and accessible. It is an absolute credit to this family.

Each wine RRP’s at $19.99  http://www.cookslot.com.au/

If you would like to have your wines reviewed, or have any requests, please email me at Rhiannon.Stevens86@gmail.com.

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Too many Cooks spoil the broth? Not at Cooks Lot

Posted in Wine Reviews, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on September 26, 2011 | Leave a Comment »

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Cooks Lot is one of those under-rated classic labels, unique to country New South Wales. A smaller scaled family operation, Cooks Lot wines are indicative of their origins whilst showing unique character and flair that only comes from small production and passionate wine making.

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If you haven’t yet visited Mudgee you’re overdue and I do not tolerate tardiness! Mudgee is one of the best kept secrets of the West, to which we owe Australia’s first Chardonnay plantings (hail Mary!) and some of the best robust reds on this side of the border! Neighbouring Orange produces some of Australia’s finest Cool Climate, delicate styled and fashionable wines.

Cooks Lot capitalises on the best of both of these worlds and produces some stealthy, straight forward and first class Australian wines. Each wine I’ve poured under the Cooks Lot label has been individually expressive and full of personality. It is often with the smaller wineries that you find the bigger rewards and the friendlier faces. Time to make the pilgrimage to Mudgee….


2009 Orange Sauvignon Blanc – 13.5% al/vol RRP $19.99
With Australian wines like this, why do we bother with New Zealand? A bright straw colour, this Sauvignon Blanc has a delicate finesse. It’s gentle, restrained and refined; yet fresh, ripe and youthful. Lively tropical notes such as Kiwi and Pineapple start at the front of the palate and mellow into clean, crisp, zesty citrus. This ripe lemony acidity is a lovely way to balance the palate, with the nice surprise of a gentle tartaric buzz. With more aeration, the typical grassy undertones peep through.

A perfect wine for a hot afternoon, some fresh prawns and close friends on the verandah. Alternatively I think this Sauvignon Blanc is just yearning for Asian flavours, could definitely handle the heat and would be ideal paired with Thai. Yum!

2010 Orange Sauvignon Blanc – 11.5% al/vol RRP $19.99
Quite a lifted bouquet, fresh fruit fills the air as I fill my glass. Pineapple on the nose- as if i was chopping it fresh- skin and all. The palate is lean with acidity, and crispness develops into fresh squeezed, pink lemonade. As per varietal definition, an underlying green character lingers with slight herbaceousness, reminding me of tomato leaf.

2011 Orange Sauvignon Blanc – 12.1% al/vol RRP $19.99
A lighter colour than previous vintages, this Sauvignon Blanc has the pleasant juicy aroma of peeling an orange, down to the pith. The greenness reminds me of morning dew on fresh cut grass, but this develops into green bananas. From here, kiwi fruit envelopes the palate, leaving a tropical mouth feel.

2008 Mudgee Riesling – 11.3% al/vol RRP $19.99
Straw coloured with lime hues, this is a Riesling showing good depth. It starts off friendly and mellow, good varietal character, soft steely tones and just when you think you can trust it- a fresh, zesty acidity sweeps the palate. It is this fine acidity which makes it a clean and interesting wine. Kiwi fruit and fresh passionfruit develop into limes, and tart citrus – like tangerines. The bouquet is delicate with blossoms. A wine to cellar for a few more years to continue the mystery of mellow tones and surprising high notes.

2010 Mudgee Riesling – 12% al/vol RRP $19.99
A lovely surprise as this is different from it’s 2008 cousin. A more aromatic wine with greater fruit intensity, is wine shows intense passionfruit characters and green pear on the palate, with a zesty citrus finish. The aroma is playful with spectacular purple passionfruit flowers and a candied toffee apple. Having tasted this wine I’m craving a salad of figs, walnuts and blue cheese. The fullness of the palate and clean fruit could take this just nicely!

2011 Orange Pinot Gris – 11.8% al/vol RRP $19.99
This wine is arrogant – and rightly so. A fragrant style wine, a nose of nashi pears, lifted kiwi notes and a floral yet green aroma reminiscent of delicate geranium petals. A clean palate with fresh acidity that leaves the palate refreshed, but if you pay attention, gentle minerally characters sneak through. There is more to this wine than meets first appearances. A sweet nutty character (almonds or cashews) is a pleasant backdrop to the palate and bouquet. A lovely wine with interesting flavours that I would serve with breaded chicken and creamy mustard sauce. Yummy!

2007 Mudgee Chardonnay – 14.6% al/vol RRP $19.99
As you can see, I take my Chardonnay VERY seriously!
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I’m liking what I see – the time this wine has been cellared has afforded this Chardonnay a slight golden colour. And to me – gold never goes out of fashion! The palate is well rounded but still lean with good acidity. The fruit – rock melons, honeydew melon, a little citrus (mandarin), and a firm peach sliced cleanly. The finish is where the oak shows through without dominating the palate. This Chardonnay is not aggressive and would work quite cooperatively with most foods. I’m having it with a chicken caesar salad. What will you enjoy this with? Oh and I think it can be cellared a few more years, go for gold!

2008 Mudgee Rose – 13.5% al/vol RRP $19.99
Pretty in pink? Rose coloured glasses? This Rose reminds me of strawberry coulis and Granny Smith apples. It’s very ripe berry fruit flavours are followed by clean acidity and a fun little spritz. Nothing too complicated here, so perfect for when you’ve had a complicated day. Best served super-chilled, it’s lovely and refreshing and doesn’t even need food – only friends.

2009 Mudgee & Orange Pinot Noir – 14% al/vol RRP $19.99
Bright and darker than I expected (probably that Mudgee proportion!), excellent varietal definition, strawberries and cherries stretch to the imagination with savoury notes. The nose reminds me of a barnyard, slightly dusty, straw lain, but then the fruit dominates. A medium bodied red with firm tannin and a splash of white pepper, a good length of palate is supported by oak. To serve with this Pinot Noir, I have been eyeing off that free-range duck in the supermarket, but otherwise you could try pork. The tannin will cut through the fat, and the fruit will come to the absolute fore of the palate.

2008 Mudgee Merlot – 13.5% al/vol RRP $19.99
Every woman is waiting for something dark, rich and handsome to come into their lives. And here it is ladies. Wait no longer!
Blackberries, and stewed fruits of the forest, the nose is dominated by the charred spiciness of American oak. I first thought dairy milk chocolate, but it developed into espresso – so why not have both? A dark brick red colour, this Merlot has a well rounded, but mellow palate. This has obviously Mudgee origins – having that lovely Mudgee “mud” depth, without being overbearing. A good match for that joint of lamb I intend to roast later.

2008 Mudgee Shiraz – 14% al/vol RRP $19.99
This Shiraz is a cowboy of our Wild West – Mudgee. Straight away it lasso’s you in with American oak vigour, and locks you in a dual with the fastest guns of the west (impressive tannin structure and good fruit balance). Packed with aroma and flavour of Cinnamon, and Christmas meat pies, this wine deserves to be in the lock-up (cellared) for a few years before you grace it with good quality rare-medium beef.

2010 Orange Botrytis Chardonnay- 8.5% al/vol RRP $25.00
Not surprisingly very low yielding, this nectar of the gods has dried apricot, dried pears and honey characters. The colour is no less than 22 carats! A fresh acidity finishes the palate with glace pineapple, and the crunch of a toffee apple. It would be unforgiving to try to compete with this wine with a dessert, so let’s pull out the Roquefort (if you’re paying!) otherwise good blue cheese or hard bitey cheddar and pate, and a selection of fresh, dried fruits, yum yum yum.

Thank you to Cooks Lot for letting me have a closer look at their range. It has been an absolute pleasure to browse their range. I will definitely not hesitate to stop in and visit next time I’m in town. I hope you do the same.
Cooks Lot wines are exclusive – but only a delivery away. For ordering information, please visit www.cookslot.com.au.
Cooks Lot produce good quality wines that are excellent value for money.

They can all be purchased on their website (www.cookslot.com.au) or at any decent independent bottleshop.

Cheers

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Two loves

Posted in Half Full or Half Empty?, Wine Reviews, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on July 25, 2011 | Leave a Comment »

Waikerie. 177km north east of Adelaide. A small country town nestled along the Murray River. Quintessentially agricultural, with extensive citrus groves and vineyards. Approximately 5000 people.

Right now there are two things in my life that come from Waikerie. Both are beautiful, close to my heart, good value and fun to have around.

The first: my mum

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Kathryn, my mum was born in Waikerie, and is absolutely priceless.

The second: 2010 Oxford Landing Estate Chardonnay

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The OLE Chardy (we’re on a first name basis) is $8.99 a bottle direct from estate, $8.99 select bottle shops and $45 for six at my local IGA bottleshop (with a free apron).

Now, to be honest this is not to say my mum is cheap. In no way is she cheap. Economical, thrifty, even trashy – but not at all cheap (love you mum!)

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Nor are we cheap drinkers. We are wine industry raised. This generally means you acquire a cellar palate, and become adverse to crap wine. I was 23 before I ever tried Mateus, and I only did so I could say I’ve tried it! I’ve never participated in a game known as Goon of Fortune. I once pretended I was a non drinker to get out of drinking fruity lexia. Both sacrilege.

However, since leaving the wine industry as an occupation, I occasionally like to sample some of the offerings at the local bottle shop. I like to see how the Real people live. I avoid the boxed wine, and the dreaded Sauvignon Blanc aisle and look for Australian producers and different offerings. I take my mixed selections home and have a look, some are not great. Some are not even good. Most customers wouldn’t know or care.

For example, cleanskin, to me – can be a dirty word. Cleanskins are a favourite amongst the Real world. However I know It can mean wine fault, instability, variance, premature aging, haze, maderisation (heat stroke for wine). However, with most cleanskins it is simply because labels are expensive, bin end, ran out of labels, not up to scratch to normal brand, or went broke.

One day, whilst at the bottleshop – I found, if only by accident, the Oxford Landing Estate Chardonnay.
This was fate. At $8.99 a bottle I was a little scared I had become one of the Real people. I was enjoying this wine. I was enjoying this wine a little too much and a little too often. But not over indulging – more like it had become my new favourite. At convenience and price, was I taking advantage? And I was a little embarrassed. I had racked up 3 free aprons, and I thought I had lost my wine knack. Had my flair gone? I was liking this cheap, readily accessible wine.

Then one day, a tweet revealed the truth to me.

@winsordobbin OLE Chardonnay is sensational value

Hurrah! I wasn’t going crazy. My palate remained in tact. Another wine writer (this one paid) openly shared my love for this drop.

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I had in fact found a bargain wine, of which I had no reason to be ashamed to say I liked. With reassurance, It is time to share Oxford Landings Estate Chardonnay with the world. Grab a bargain, for $8.99 it is in fact excellent value. Compared to wines of this price range and even above this price range, I am happy to say it is a safe bet: easy drinking, highly palatable and I can even say it is lovely, sound wine.

A little fruit driven, and a little oak, rounded palate and good mouth feel.
I mean it’s not an 80′s Tina Turner (big hair big shoulder pads) chardonnay. It’s not even a Jane Turner “Kath Day-Knight”: tizzy, small shoulder pads, tropical parrot earrings- styled “Cardonnay”.

This wine is contemporary, balanced, and easy drinking. It’s food friendly, gentle on the palate and is the type of Australian wine that will turn-around Chardonnay sales. The mouth feel is clean, a soft texture with subtle oak, good fruit and pleasant finish. Fresh acidity, and simple Chardonnay character – stone fruit, melon. This Chardonnay is not shy, but it’s still not going to pressure you ABC’s (Anything But Chardonnay) into anything you aren’t ready for.

So next time you want to try something different, something at a great price-point and don’t want to be disappointed – consider my cheap and not-nasty recommendation. (And I’m not talking about my mother!)

Cheers!

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Tulloch Hunter Valley 2010 Verdelho

Posted in Wine Reviews, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on January 6, 2011 | 4 Comments »

Dear Blog,

I regret not writing sooner. The longer I left it… the more embarrassed about not writing I became. But the truth is, I did miss you and my attentions, although redirected – were good. I have started to pursue post-graduate study and have simply concentrated all into that over the past few months. And ashamedly, I have still been drinking – just without you…

But over new years, my resolution is to share more wines, laughs and interesting … even boring tales – whining or wining with you.

So tonight, I throught I’d have another crack -

                                                                 –at a stelvin seal that is.

So feeling a bit fruity, I went for a Verdelho. Not a traditional favourite of the real wineo, yet - in my eyes far superior to the herds of crappy Sauvignon Blanc that still saturate the market en-masse. [Seriously? A whole aisle for Sauvignon Blanc? Don't get me wrong, I don't hate the grape. Its not Sauvignon Blanc's fault. In fact I blame the "fad" of Sauvignon Blanc because just like Chardonnay in the 80's there is soooooooooooooooooooooooo (soooooooooooooooooo) many bad ones. A great "Sauvvy B" can be wonderful. But I have never found one in a bottle shop. ]

Back to Verdelho. I think one of Hunter Valley’s regional hero’s is Verdelho. It just works for our climate.

Now the variation for Verdelho can be its let down. They can be anywhere on a scale from dry to fruity, but they are always going to be all about the fruit. This one,  pale straw in colour. Citrus on the nose, reminding me of freshly grated zest. I get a hint of freshly cut pineapple and the last aroma is slightly green like bruised lemon tree leaves. The best part, is with more air and active swilling – the fresh pineapple turns candied – embarrassingly taking me back to pineapple lollies at school (without smelling sweet).

Righteo, the palate. It does have residual sugar, and is fruitier than other traditional varieties, but I don’t mind my Verdelho carrying fresh fruit flavour. And on the scale of fruity its not obscene. Anyway, fruity is why it matches so well with spicy foods like Thai. It can just handle the heat, when a Chardonnay or a Semillon would just go crying home to mummy.

The fruitiness of the palate is tarty, yet fleshy citrus – lemons, mandarins and oranges which have to share the glass with pineapple. The whole palate is backed up by excellent acidity. Just the way I like it. Acidity can save the day in a fruitier style of wine by cutting the palate off short, midway. Its a bit like hemming your palate.

The mouth feel is fun, its smooth…. smooth… zingy (without an annoying spritz) and then clean. The palate is left with a pleasant lingering sensation, and its overall a good example of Hunter Verdelho, and an even better example of why Hunter Valley wine should be the top of the bottle shop purchasing books.

This wine is people-friendly. The Spicy food activist would enjoy this, as well as the naive drinker. Its not a think and drink wine, its really just a pour and adore.

13% al/vol, screw cap, available in bottleshops

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Petaluma Clare Valley Hanlin Hill 2008 Riesling

Posted in Wine Knowledge, Wine Reviews, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on August 13, 2010 | 1 Comment »

I saw this in a bottle shop, and honestly I’ve been a bit fed up with Riesling lately. As you know, last month I went to the Good Food and Wine Show I tried a few Rieslings here and there. Overall, too young to be consumed without food. I found nothing where I thought, “wow thats interesting” or “the depth in that wine is stunning”. All citrusy and dull.

Statement: Petaluma Chardy is the bomb. Instantly a reliable wine.

I saw this, a Petaluma Riesling $33 in a bottle shop. I figured I would give Riesling one last try. Afterall  every palate changes, as do styles over the years.  After all – you wouldn’t be seen dead with your mothers 80′s perm today would you? But maybe our kids will “die for it”.

Maybe my relationship with Riesling is just over. Its not you its me. MY palate has changed and there is no longer room in my cellar for you. Sure, we’ll meet again from time to time – with mutal friends and at work events and functions and we’ll be polite to each other.  But it just won’t be the same. You’re back on the market, and I’ll put you back on the shelf.

But I decided that Riesling can still be a romantic at times. Not just monosyllabic like my partner can be. Just like Dave has shown me over the years, Riesling can be dual toned, deep, personal and long lasting. Hell, there are times when we can disagree but maybe its just a phase. Riesling surely couldnt be a phase?

So I grabbed it, lovingly Dave paid for it (love you), and I cracked it. Literally of course this time, because its a stelvin seal.

Lovely Golden colour. I know I’m flirting with danger here, I don’t like to cheat on Chardonnay with another intense wine unless I will be truely satisfied. And looks do matter.

The nose is subtle, yet delicate and flawless. Its a rounded bouquet with pear, slight citrus texture and lemon blossoms. Hint of spiciness follows through reminding me of cinnamon toast in the morning.

Cumquats on the palate – and not just because of the euphemism! Mixed Citrus including lemons dance all over the front of the palate. This is broadened by the breadth of acidity on offer – which I am already noticing is discipating with bottle age- but well balanced by generous fruit. There is a minerally/flinty/chalky character – but I don’t think most would notice.

This wine needs to continue to be cellared by those who could tame it!! Lie it down, and awake it when you’re ready for a full styled, generous Riesling that can steal your heart all over again.

And before the complaints set in I haven’t even said how it felt on my tongue! LOL

This wine has rejuvinated my love of Riesling. Its a pity that there are too many flowery models out there only interested in your money.

12.5% al/vol, screw cap, available in bottleshops

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Sick to Cheap: Stonegate 2008 Chardonnay

Posted in Half Full or Half Empty?, Wine Reviews, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on July 28, 2010 | 1 Comment »

So I went to Sydney Good Food and Wine Show – tasted many wines (yet to come on here) and came home with a shopping spree of goodies from Paddies Markets, some food showbags and the worst flu virus of all time. Seriously, “I don’t get sick” and I was Fully Sick. Down with the Sickness. So Sick. SICK SICK SICK. (In the styles of Disturbed, NE-YO and Queens of the Stone Age – with better hair).

I couldn’t taste, smell, talk, see, function. I had to go to the doctors. I don’t GO to the doctors. What is the doctors? In summary, it was the flu that felt like death. And thus, my blog had to be temporary abandoned. For this, I apologise.

Currently, I still wheeze and kind of head into losing my voice. But my nose is currently unblocked and I can TASTE. I’ll be absolutely honest and say after 7 days of being sick, I was missing my frequent intake of wine and tried to substitute this with Cointreau. Devastating.

Okay, my point… tonight my very sick mother surprised me. She bought me a present. A $2.99 bottle of Chardonnay. No Thats not a Typo. $2.99 – On Fridays apparently. Saturdays -Thursdays its still only $5.99.

I’m no wine snob. But I do have bottles in my measly collection that retail over $120 per bottle. I have purchased wines that are more expensive than most of my shoes. And OH do I LIKE Shoes. But hey – I will try anything. Some things are palateable. Mostly the barely “palatable” wines leave you with a not so palatable hangover. (Yes I am saying the quality of wine will affect your hangover.)

$2.99 is within my price range. I’m a risk taker. I’ve felt sick all week, and my palate is not yet ready to graduate so what better to right about first off the cusp?

So… Stonegate 2008 *Limited Edition* Chardonnay. South Australian. Renmark – sort of where my family come from.

I hate to be cynical…. No I lie. I love to be cynical. How limited edition can a $2.99 bottle of wine be?

Hey – its not terrible. I am so judgemental to expect it to be terrible. But in my favour it is more expensive to have a glass of Chardonnay filled to the brim at my local bowling club than to have a bottle of this in my jim jams and uggs in the privacy of my own home.

Ok… this wine actually tastes like a chardonnay. I mean, it has varietal character – stone fruits, melon and good balance. The finish is that of a $2.99 wine – fine with cleaner acidity. I believe it is slightly oaked but more likely oak chipped. But who am I to judge? Its pleasant. The fruits are all in the front and discipate quickly. But with food, most people wouldn’t even take notice.

A mild and lean wine, surpassing all expectations and very affordable (on a Friday). Would I buy it again? Hell yes. Would I cook with it? Probably. Would I drink it again? Very likely. Would I share with friends? To be honest, yes. Its perfectly acceptable and really great value.

I am now a loud and proud $2.99 bottle drinker. [Yeah I went there.]

Oh and, hopefully this week I will go through all my illegible notes and try and ‘interpretive dance’ my way through the Good Food and Wine Show experience that was 2 weeks ago.

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Facebook and De Bortoli 2009 Chardonnay

Posted in Wine Knowledge, Wine Reviews, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on July 15, 2010 | Leave a Comment »

I was so excited this week. I’ll get to this in a second.

I am a huge supporter of Facebook for Business marketing. I started Petersons Wines off when I worked there and it now is in the thousands in both friends and fans. Its been brilliant with lots of rewards for wine drinkers including notification of events, novelty of applications, new releases and general interaction with your favourite winery INSTANTLY.

When I started the use of Facebook I was hit with criticism. From other colleagues ( to whom I am blowing a big fat raspberry of phooey); other wineries (who ironically now also “have” to use it to remain competitive which I lOVE), from marketers and from others. But overall the response what beyond expectations, so much so other wineries and businesses followed suit. I even did some consultancy work to establish the same for other wineries. FIGJAM.

But enough on this. I WAS SO EXCITED THIS WEEK… because last week I was able to offer a winery advice on how they could increase hits to their Facebook page. They posted asking for advice from consumers and I thought… I can do this…

So I rattled off some quick (but extensive) list of what I know all about social networking marketing.

And this week I got a message from that winery saying I’d won a twin pack of wine for offering advice. I would have done it for free! So in return I’ve decided to give them a plug on my blog. (I hope they don’t mind)

I received in the post today, a bottle of Deen De Bortoli Vat 7 Chardonnay (and a Durif TBA). I believe “South Eastern Australia” is a euphemism for Griffith (Australia’s largest chunk of wine growing).  This is also obvious because De Bortoli are also known for their Noble One (very very good) and Griffith is perfect locale for growing Botrytised fruit. But could indicate anywhere else within the vicinity of South Eastern Australia.

I was provided with tasting notes but chucked these out. Wine is subjective and this is what I thought of it:

A bright, yet pale lemony straw colour without that heavy oaky colour.  An oaked Chardonnay with a nice leaness about it. Its there but if you weren’t totally looking for it you might forget you don’t drink oaked chardonnay. Its definately NOT new oak. But its got a nice rounded palate with full display of peach, and mandarin and a hint of rock melon. True varietal characters. A nice level of residual sugar remains on the palate – something sure to please the masses, and works really quite well  for this wine as its backed up by pleasant acidity.

I enjoy the complexity of the bouquet here – again Yellow Peach, almonds/nuttiness, and really reminicent of… Chardonnay. Its suffice, exactly what I would expect. Very pleasant. Enjoyable.

I ideally, would match with spicy seafood including Thai Chilli Prawns, or something with an Asian  spicy slant. Anything kind of fruity goes great with spice – and as a solid wineo, this is why I don’t totally reject fruity wines. Don’t get me wrong – its not fruity for a supermarket wine, its fruity for a cellar door wine. I also LOVE spicy foods. BUT… for me Anything Goes with Chardonnay. If I had a movie about my life, that would be the title.

13% al/vol, screw cap. http://www.debortoli.com.au/our-wines/our-brands/deen-vat-series/listing/view/deen-vat-7-chardonnay-2009.html 

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Petersons Wines 2005 Mudgee Region Durif

Posted in Wine Knowledge, Wine Reviews, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on July 5, 2010 | Leave a Comment »

Durif… A hybridised variety, named after the gentleman who founded this cross pollination of Syrah (Shiraz) and Peloursin. I know about Shiraz so Peloursin must be some damned dark black grape with a super thick skin and it’s own theme song. Also known by the pseudonym of Petite Sirah. If you want to know more about hybrids, see my previous article “What’s in a Name? Mules of the Wine World.“

Most Durif’s are  intense to say the least. Most widespreadly planted in Victoria and most revered from Rutherglen, Durif is one of the few varietals that absolutely benefits from 10 Years  + cellaring in Australia. Say what you like about Australian red wine, but Australia is hot. (Duh.) Heat ripens fruit, ripe fruit is full of sugar. Sugar converts to alcohol when a yeast gets involved. And in Australia we have no problem ripening unless we have a freak hail storm and leaves get damaged. So – quite often, because of the riper fruit and in-turn softer tannins/ less acidity, our red wines are generally more approachable at a younger age – with Durif being an exception.

Petersons Wines have been producing a Mudgee grown Durif since the early 2000′s. Don’t think Rutherglen – Glass of Cherries here. Whilst these characters are underlying, the “Mudgee Mud” seeps through nicely – often lending to an earthier and interestingly intense style. I love Mudgee for reds and for many years, Mudgee has been underrated.

Looking at the colour, its dark and brooding. The wine sticks to the glass with these sexy long legs that look like they go on forever. Even though it is 2005 Vintage the colour still displays a hint of youth with this purple tint amongst the black. In the light, it shines luminous ruby. Gary Reed’s reds are always dark,  full fruit flavoured, lovely textured and carry a signature of cedary oak. This is no exception.

On first approach, the palate is rich and grippy. I am loving the saturated berry/ plummy fruits that coat the palate. There is a spiciness seeping through on the palate, and black pepper on the nose. The texture is of chalky tannins dancing with American Oak. The bouquet is vibrant with Black Cherries (fresh and tinned!) and Black Forest crumble. The biscuity feel is definately there -  and the whole wine is reminicient of Cherry Ripe: cherries, dark chocolate and sweet coconut.

What to eat it with? Well the peppery value means any kind of beef would definately work, but there is enough tannin alongside intense flavoured fruit that it could cut through the fattiness of lamb. Durif also works tremendously with Vintage Cheddar or strong flavoured cheeses.

This is the kind of big red that rules out brushing the teeth, I can feel the red wine tattoo coming on! Let it set for 2 hours before brushing! But even my hubby thinks that this Durif is worth fuzzy teeth for one night!!

14.5% al/vol, Cork seal. Cellar door and online sales. $26 per bottle.

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Stormy Ridge 2004 Hunter Valley Sparkling Shiraz

Posted in Wine Reviews, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on June 20, 2010 | Leave a Comment »

Lighter in colour and style than I expected. A refined wine with a modest structure, but good varietal character. Energetic and lively when first poured, the colour is brick red with a chestnut hue. The label mentions “time spent on yeast lees” – but the size of the bubbles tells me they are not likely talking about bottle fermentation. All the same it is a gracious example of a Sparkling Red, and I have no qualms about Charmat sparkling wines. 

Rich in flavour, leather, smokiness and blackberries with a sweet oven roasted  red capsicum and cinnamon spice. Sweeter breadth of fruits add a real plumminess sweep over the palate, enhanced by the tantalising bubbles. The firmness of the slight tannins compose the mouth feel and it finishes balanced and dry. A good structured wine but not overly intense, and a nice wine to compliment poultry such as turkey or duck. I served it with Roast portuguese styled chicken and baked winter veg, and this highlighted the intense fruit in the wine.

A good light hearted take on a Sparkling Red and a great example of why we should all break the old world wine rules.

13% al/vol, Cork seal, Ashamedly, I have no idea how this came to be in my collection. On http://www.oliomio.com.au/Stormy_Ridge_Wine.html it is listed as $29 per bottle.

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Allandale 2004 McLaren Vale Shiraz

Posted in Wine Reviews, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on June 18, 2010 | Leave a Comment »

A darker maroon coloured wine, which is showing some maturation with rosewood reflections. Rich and almost jammy, the palate displays stewed fruits including plums and rhubarb. Blackcurrants mingle with spice and its all a bit like Christmas mince pies. Tannins have lightly settled with bottle maturation and even for me – careful cellaring.  Although I daresay it should go down longer. But what can I say? I like the kick in the teeth of a younger wine.

On the nose – layers of oak reminiscent of pencil shavings and sawdust. These mingle with spicy savoury herbaceous expressions a bit like green capsicum. The last whiff comes across with more oxygenation and this time its sweet. I want to say plums, but really it reminds me of poached pears, kind of aromatic.

Developing into a lovely, approachable wine – attenuated yet agreeable in structure. The finish is long, fleshy yet mellowed. Cellar for a further 3+ years if you can wait that long.

14% al/vol, screw seal, I acquired this after a Christmas time wine swap a few years back. 2008 McLaren Vale Shiraz is currently listed as $25 per bottle.

I really appreciate vineyards that source from out of region. Some people are quite offended by breaking the old fashioned laws of appelation but I think its sensible – especially for the Hunter Valley where every second red crop is blatantly ruined by being too close to the coast. More than half of the wine produced in the Hunter Valley is grown out of region and most people wouldn’t know. Some find it hard to accept this.  EMBRACE REGIONALITY but dont be a regional snob!

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Blossomed

Posted in Half Full or Half Empty?, Wine Reviews, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on June 14, 2010 | 2 Comments »

So I’ve started a new job in a totally different industry to my previous endeavours in wine. It’s been great, wine is now not my job, its my hobby. Although some could argue they could overlap somewhat. And even more disappointingly, gastronomy is no longer tax deductable!

In my past life, I was a jack of all trades, working for a small winery in marketing, wine clubs and wore many hats. One of these hats included tasting notes, writing about wines and assessing them against benchmarks. This is something I wish to continue via the blog. I also was an educator of sorts behind the bar. How can such a young person know so much? What course did you do? Well simply I listen, I learn, I observe and half of what I know comes naturally. Of course I went to school at 6 and was realised with the stark reality that noone else lived on a vineyard.

An honour I achieved in this position was a special credence of tradition:


Certain members of staff had been lucky enough to be labeled. I was fortunate enough to have my own Methode Champenoise. You could say I am bubbly, not cheap and showing some aged characters but then we’d have to get serious. It is a 1999 Pinot Noir Chardonnay Viognier and was absolutely divine for all its worth – fine delicate and intricate. Stone fruits from the Chardonnay and hints of Viognier enveloped by honey, nuttiness and toast.

After visiting my previous workplace today and having a great time catching up with friends (staff and customers), I was feeling a little nostalgic over my heavy glass of Viognier. Thus, this blog, an idea that I have had to make wine more approachable and help people see it the way I do has come to fruition. This little seed has “blossomed” and the blog is born.

Kathryn and Rhiannon

The double entendre here is that apparently since I have left the wine industry that I have also “blossomed”. Perhaps something  routine and everyday appears shiny and new when you make it fun again. I’m glad Wine can be this to me. And I hope that someone out there will share this with me.

Cheers!

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