Winetastic

I initially became aware of Lazy Ballerina a couple of years ago with the release of the 2005 vintage, the current 2007 release has received high praise from many critics - enough to convince me to buy a six pack without first trying the wine.

Big and black McLaren Vale Shiraz with loads of dark fruits on the front palate, a creamy texture, some warmth, spice and a bucket load of fine tannin on the finish. I found the alcoholic heat stuck out a little, however this is likely tied to the warmer weather. Any more than a single glass right now calls for a brontosaurus steak.

I feel the bottle tasted was not as good as that seen by Campbell Mattison, and Ric from Torbwine noted some bottle variation. Like Ric I am not convinced by the Procork seal, to my eyes the plastic ends would not stop the wine coming in contact with the cork, it also looks and feels cheap.

Score: 89/100
Price: $22
Closure: Procork
Alcohol: 15.5%
Other Opinions: Lazy Ballerina, Torbwine
Would I buy this wine again?
Yes, even this bottle that appears to be a bit off was still good value for money

Following swiftly on the heels of the very good 2006 vintage is the Meerea Park Shiraz 2007, a blend of 60% Hilltops and 40% Hunter Valley Shiraz.

Showing vibrant ripe berry and plum aromas, this medium bodied red has soft tannins, cherry and plum flavours supported by spices and a little leather or earth on the finish. Very easy drinking, finishes a touch short but what do you expect for $12?

I am probably being a points miser this time around, it really is a great BBQ wine and punches well above its weight. For what its worth, Gemma liked this wine even more than I did. You can buy some at Dan Murphy’s.

Score: 88/100
Price: $12
Closure: Screwcap
Alcohol: 14%
Other Opinions: Meerea Park
Would I buy this wine again?
Yes, its a great value every day drinking wine

Please enjoy this somewhat wine related comic: http://www.explosm.net/comics/1467/

The Mountain X Hunter Shiraz 2006 is the inaugural release and the brain child of Gary Walsh and Campbell Mattison of The Wine Front. It is a blend of 95% Hunter Shiraz (good start) and 5% Yarra Pinot - a throwback to a traditional hunter blend of yesteryear. The winemakers are Rhys Eather (Meerea Park) and Franco d’Anna (Hoddles Creek) respectively.

Stylistically modern Hunter Valley - showing fruity aromas of cherry, blackcurrant and some licorice. The palate is initially juicy and intense with tangy dark fruits and berries, a dash of spice and a dollop of vanilla oak. There are just enough super fine and approachable tannins to pull the finish into the savoury realm.

If you plan to drink up now, I suggest 2+ hours in a decanter, otherwise it should improve in the cellar over the medium term. A successful first release, there is something here for hunterists and non-hunterists alike. Since I don’t mind giving this lot a plug, you can buy the wine from the Boutique Wine Center, Boccaccio or North Sydney Cellars.

Score: 91/100
Price: $30
Closure: Diam
Alcohol: 13.5%
Would I buy this wine again?
Yes I will, $30 is a reasonable price for a low production, hand picked and unique wine.