June 28, 2006
I bought this bottle on a whim having heard nothing about the wine previously, a rarity for me. The Rosemount Orange Vinyard Shiraz unsurprisingly originates from the cool climate, high altitude wine region of Orange in central NSW.
Intoxicating aromas of cherry, red berries and a hint of something floral are present. The wine tastes nothing like it smells however, with a little red fruit up-front, followed by spices, pepper and some earthyness. The tannins are very soft and overall this Shiraz has a round and soft texture. Rosemount have further tasting notes on their website.
This is definitely a good quality wine, I just wish the intoxicating fruit aromas carried through onto the palate. Perhaps I would have enjoyed it more a couple of years ago.
Score: 7/10
Price: $18
Closure: Cork
Would I buy this wine again?
Not this particular vintage, if I read a tasting note suggesting stronger fruit flavours in another year, I may well be tempted.
June 20, 2006
I was given this bottle of Wolf Blass Yellow Label Shiraz 2003 as a gift from a well meaning, beer drinking friend.
Initially after opening the wine exhibited aromas of oak and flavours of oak supported by varnish or paint thinner. I felt the wine could strip the enamel from my teeth. The following day the oak had died down somewhat and a fairly generic but drinkable red wine remained. It lacked any distinct Shiraz character and was saved from a ride down the sink by the fact I was out of drink-now wine. Wolf Blass do not have current vintage tasting notes available on their website, thus are missing the opportunity to retort.
I really wonder who actually buys this stuff on a regular basis in order to justify its existance. Im sorry Mr Blass, but all wood is no good.
Score: 3/10
Closure: Cork
Would I buy this wine again?
No
June 17, 2006
Cabernet Merlot blends were the first red wines I enjoyed, simply because the entry level ones are generally quite approachable and easy drinking. I quicky moved away from the simple style, embracing the wonders of Shiraz, however the Seppelt Moyston Cabernet Merlot 2004 is a complex, well structured wine worth trying.
Inky red in colour, aromas of dark chocolate, cherry and some mint are present. The wine has complex flavours of fleshy plums & berries which lead into a choc mint finish with powdery tannins and a hint of spices. As always Seppelt have great tasting notes and further information on their website.
Other commentators beleive that this wine has a rather long aging potential ahead. Best of all, the 2004 Moyston is sensibly sealed under screwcap.
Score: 8/10
Price: $21
Closure: Screwcap
Would I buy this wine again?
Yes, as soon as I see it on special I will grab a few bottles for the cellar.
June 16, 2006
I was originally alerted to the Taylor’s Clare Valley Shiraz 2004 when it was reviewed by Gary from Winorama. Last week I finally got around to trying a bottle.
Garnet red in colour, the wine emits fruity aromas of plum and blackberry. Spices dominate the palate, supported by ripe dark fruits and a decent lashing of oak. The finish is medium in length, with obvious drying tannins. Taylors have plenty more details and opinions on their website.
Overall this is a quality robust Shiraz at an excellent price. I found a little too much oak in the glass for my personal tastes.
Score: 7/10
Price: $13
Closure: Scewcap
Would I buy this wine again?
No, but only because I prefer the style of the Hardy’s Oomoo Shiraz 2004 at the same price point.
June 14, 2006
Moscato is a sweet white wine style which falls somewhere between spritzy and sparkling. Castello del Poggio Moscato is an Italian import made in the traditional style by stopping fermentation once the wine reaches around the 5% alcohol mark, retaining the natural fruit sweetness.
Golden straw in colour with a fine fizz, the wine has floral and fruity aromas with a hint of musk. Flavours of grapes, lychee and turkish delight are kept in balance by fruit acidity with some honey on the lingering finish. A lightweight easy drinking style.
I feel this is a great lunchtime wine, perfect with sandwitches (or focaccia if you want to sound fancy). It would also go great with dessert, think fruit salad or apple crumble with ice cream.
Score: 7/10
Price: $14
Closure: Cork
Would I buy this wine again?
Yes, it is a step above the Australian Moscato style wines I have tried
June 8, 2006
June 5, 2006
Two wine events are running at the same time next month in Sydney:
Boutique Wine Festival at the Museum of Contemporary Art, Sydney from July 14-16. Tickets are $25 online or $30 at the door.
Wine Australia 2006 is the largest wine event in the country and will be held at the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre from July 14-17. There are a load of seminars and tutorials during the event as well as the opportunity to taste more wines than you could possibly manage in a day. Tickets are $27.50.
June 2, 2006
Dan Murphy’s Specials, Single Bottle / Mixed or Straight Dozen prices:
Saltram Mamre Brook Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 - $17.90 / $16.90
Leo Buring Clare Valley Riesling 2005 - $12.40 / $11.90
Carpineto Dogajolo Toscano 2004 - $13.90 / $13.20
Dan Murphy’s NSW/QLD Only:
Annie’s Lane Riesling 2005 - $10.90 / $10.30
Australia wide they also have the Rosemount Show Reserve Cabernet 2003 - $16.90 / $15.90, have not tried this vintage, the 2001 was fantastic and the 2002 poor. The fact that TORB mentions the 2003 release on his “best buys” this week fills me with confidence.
June 1, 2006
Another day another good value for money Riesling. The variety continues to impress with the high quality available at sub $15 prices, this week with the Annie’s Lane Clare Valley Riesling 2005.
I found it hard to describe the aromas of this wine, other than it smells distinctly like Riesling, one might say “a varietal nose” of citrus and grapes. Pale lemon in colour, the wine is relatively soft with restrained acidity, and lime fruit flavours. The finish is quite long and dry. There are further details on the Annie’s Lane website.
It is hard to argue with the price of only $11 per bottle at various retailers. Overall this is an easy drinking Riesling which would pair nicely with spicy asian or creamy chicken dishes. However if you’re after a well priced Riesling with a bit more backbone, look toward the Leo Buring Eden Valley Riesling 2005.
Score: 6/10
Price: $11
Closure: Screwcap
Would I buy this wine again?
Yes, very good value for money, drinking well now when paired with food
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