A: vibrant ruby N: medium intensity of red cherry, tar, wet earth floor aromatics with some herbal notes with sage and elements of cola P: medium intensity with high acid, medium tannins with a bitter back end of scorched pork skin, sour red cherry, tangy acidity, pencil shavings and cola notes. Spicy but short finish. …
Not too long ago I got the chance to attend the Malbec tasting of mostly Argentina versus a lonely Australian example. The variety of styles of one grape is incredible. This is also a great reinforcement of how well Malbec does at higher altitudes, and with more sunlight than native France allows. Malbec is very …
This one is from the archives during my diploma days. We had an absolute ball tasting through a selection of wines. The idea was to cement the DNA of a grape variety on to your taste buds and memory. We would dissect each wine in detail and argue over the minutia like alcohol levels; typicity; …
Continue reading from the archives: Group Tasting 2015 – Cabernets
A: beautiful deep and bright ruby N: medium + intensity nose offering depth of flavours, dark forest fruits, cherry, sarsaparilla, earthy, blue flowers, blueberries and warm raspberry top notes with just a hint of meatiness. P: medium+ intensity with spicy savoury tartness from high acid and dusty tannin mouthfeel. Bright blue spectrum fruits with dried …
This was gifted to me by a colleague, as he doesn't drink pinot and I'm more than happy to not only try something new but... well... drink pinot noir. It's one of my favorite grapes when done right. Styles vary, with some preferring a more savoury and others a more vibrant fruity style. I am …
2003 St Andrews Cabernet Sauvignon A: Tending to tawny on the rim, yet still deep ruby. There's still life here. N: Memories of blackcurrant, cassis, roast tomatoes, savoury herbs and a hint of decay. Like an old growths forest, in September before the frost arrives. P: There's that Cabernet richness held together with (still) …
In southern hemisphere, summer is fast approaching. In Sydney, it's peeking it's head every few days before winter claims it's rightful place yet again. While today might be a tad chilly, all of 11 degrees, next week is looking sunny and positively pink drinking weather! Recently, I've had the pleasure to try some rose and …
Continue reading Just in time for summer, the pink and the light red…
Who doesn't love a beautiful and absolutely delicious red on a cold winter's day? Or for that matter, a good looking Italian? Sublime example from Valpolicella, Italy. A: A deep garnet in the glass N: Pronounced and overt, leaps at you from the glass wanting to envelop with aromas of coconut and cinnamon spice, stewed …
A: Vibrant ruby in the glass. N: Earthy and raspberry notes, and very youthful. P: Tight tannins and tart acidity with plenty of juicy and delicious fruit, think raspberries and blackberries. There's an earthy note and some brambly heather. A beguiling little number out of Canberra that should evolve nicely over the next 5 to …
What is it you find yourself asking? French native crossing of Petit Syrah and Peloursin, propagated by Dr Durif (I would also name a vine after myself!). In it's native land of France, it was not considered to be a grape of high quality and you'll be hard pressed to find it these days. It …
Life in a glass 