Rose & I whipped through the tasting room this time round – there were many wines on offer that don’t meet the Vintages Value criteria - wine under $25. Our trip to the tasting room wasn’t a total bust. We learned some interesting wine trivia: Did you know that Richard Nixon drank Chateau Margaux (~ $1000/bottle) at White House functions, while his guests drank Californian plonk? The waiter would cover the bottles with linen to hide the label of wine poured for Dick – just verifies our previous inklings – “You just can’t trust politicians!” Nixon would have liked this release – no Margaux – but plenty of premium wines on offer. We managed to find a couple of gems that won’t hurt the pocketbook too much:
White Wine
52068 Pala Crabilis Vermentino Di Sardegna 2006 (Italy) $14.95 A great dry, yeasty nose and a crisp, dry citrus palate. The terroir features limestone and sand – ergo the dry, crisp acidity. A good match for seafood dishes.
678003 W. Gisselbrecht Gewurtztraminer Reserve Speciale 2005 (Alsace) $15.95 This wine is SO Alsace at an excellent price. Sure the $50+ versions offer a bit more length and character – but a true value from a respected Alsatian producer. Lychees on the nose and the classic Alsace gewurtz bitterness on the finish.
656710 D’Arenberg The Money Spider Rousanne 2006 (S. Australia) $19.95 Rousanne is a particularly difficult grape to cultivate. It originates in the N. Rhone valley and has made its way to Australia. Chester Osburn has done an outstanding job – the fruit is fresh and vibrant with predominant white peach flavours. It is round, medium bodied with some length. If you have never tried this varietal – give it a whirl!
721985 Freiherr Heyl Zu Herrnsheim Riesling Spatlese 2004 (Germany) $23.95 A vivid petrol nose up front and long lychee finish make this off-dry wine interesting and delicious. German sweets are 10.5% alcohol - the buzz won’t creep up as fast as other wine selections. Perhaps this is a good pick for any BYOB work functions?!?
Red Wine
54239 Rolf Binder Hales Shiraz 2005 (Barossa Valley, Aus) $19.95 What can we say other than, “YUM!” Big on the fruit side, but enough toasty wood to balance it out. It is a really well-made dense little number. Parker rated it 91 – act fast!
52993 Step Rd Shiraz 2005 (S. Australia) $19.95 This Shiraz was surprisingly Old World in style. It is austere, yet fairly full-bodied. A great nose of berries, cedar and smoke segues to dark fruit flavours. Parker gave this one a score of 92 – act faster!
430876 Domaine de Champ de Cour Moulin-A-Vent 2005 (Beaujolais) $19.95 If anyone bought and tasted a bottle of Beaujolais Nouveau – I urge you to buy and taste this wine. It is what a Beaujolais can taste like – not the lightweight plonk that comes to town once a year. This is still light-bodied, but it exhibits distinct cherry notes with a light wood finish. A very agreeable, light-weight wine – have it with salmon.
ALP
Karen & Rose
Don't forget - the Vintages Value List can always be found at www.CEOTblog.com
Recent Comments