Hello, Feastlings,
While it’s easy for us all to make generalizations- California wines taste like this, Bordeaux taste like that- there are those wine regions who have a style all their own, and whose style we think we recognize immediately. Southern Australia is one such place, home to clean, bright fruity whites and huge fat juicy reds. That said, we’ve put together a handful of anomalous wines from the region whose density and upfront juiciness belie the grace and leanness that sneak into the glass behind them. Yes, these wines are unabashedly Aussie, but they’re also sophisticated bottles that are a significant step up from the barbecue wines you’ve come to expect from the region. The tasting is this Sunday at 3:30 pm; the cost is $35 and includes our customary food pairings; and the reservations can be made only by phone or in person. We hope you can join us. Call us at 326-9363 and we’ll hold a place for you.
Down Under: South Australian Wines
2011 Mitolo “The Jester” Vermentino, McLaren Vale $17.00
A pale color with lime green hues. Bright and zingy, with notes of fresh cut lemon and hints of melon on the nose. On the palate it is crisp, refreshing and balanced with the natural acid providing freshness.
2012 Pewsey Vale Riesling, Eden Valley $18.00
The 2012 Pewsey Vale Vineyard Riesling is a classic example of dry Eden Valley Riesling. A pale straw with green hues, the wine shows intense fruit aromas of talcum, crushed stone and lemon lime fruit, with a hint of overlaying dried herb. The palate shows great length and depth with lime, a hint of white flowers and fresh rosemary. The wine finishes with a fresh natural acidity that balances the flavor intensity and a minerality that will reward medium to long-term cellaring.
2010 Yalumba “The Scribbler” Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz, Barossa $21.00
Yalumba The Scribbler 2010 opens with a lift of raspberries, sweet spices and licorice followed by the fresh aromatics of herbs and crushed plums. This is a beautifully polished wine of medium to full body. The Cabernet Sauvignon structure defines the palate with the Shiraz cascading generously through the middle.
2010 Jim Barry “The Lodge Hill” Shiraz, Clare Valley $21.00
The 2010 vintage has a deep black red color and excellent clarity. It displays lifted notes of pepper spice, nutmeg and caraway seed with lashings of boysenberry mixed with spearmint. The palate is medium bodied and seamless with an abundance of choc-mint, raspberries and black cherries, all wrapped up in integrated, well-seasoned oak.
2010 Henschke “Henry’s Seven” red blend, Barossa/Eden Valley $46.00
Vibrant red with violet hues. Intense aromas of blackberry, plum and anise are lifted by floral notes, stone-fruits, pepper and crushed spices. The palate is juicy and rich of ripe plum flavors, with savory notes and a hint of licorice; fine-grained tannins provide texture and length for a beautifully svelte finish.
2009 Henschke “Keyneton Euphonium” red blend, Barossa/Eden Valley $66.00
Dark garnet red with violet hues. Intense aromas of blackberry, ripe mulberry and spiced satsuma plum with a hint of cassis. The palate is rich and complex with juicy ripe plum and red currant fruits while the savory, fine, layered tannins provide a long and velvety finish.