Friday, February 24, 2012

Ninth Island 2011 Sauvignon Blanc

Here’s a Tasmanian wine for those who like their sauvignon blanc fresh, flinty and minerally with heaps of crunchy acid. This is as sharp as a politician’s tongue and a reflection of the cool-climate terroir. The nose is appealingly floral and grassy and there are no signs of tropical fruit - the palate is driven by herbaceousness, asparagus and that searing acid with gooseberry and greengage notes to the fore. This would be a stunning partner to local seafood – and could also pair well with spicy Asian cuisine.

Monday, February 13, 2012

Wine by Brad 2009 Cabernet Merlot

You've got to love the value for money that this label offers. A blend of the two classic Margaret River red wine grapes, this wine is a terrific choice for everyday drinking. It's flavoursome, rich, soft and very easy to drink. It's not a wine for quietly contemplating, or discussing in hushed tones. Instead, it's a wine that is a darn good drink, with a fun and funky retro label, nicely balanced and an ideal choice for a barbecue, or taking along to your local pizza or pasta joint. If you really want to know more, the label has a QR code you can scan. $18.  www.winebybrad.com.au.

Sunday, February 5, 2012

Rusden 2009 Full Circle Mataro

From one of the unsung heroes of the Barossa Valley comes this single-vineyard mataro that is seductively savoury and beautifully balanced. A million miles away from some of the Barossa blockbusters in style, this is a wine that can confidently be savoured over several days (it was just as fresh on day three as when it was opened). It's a fruit-driven wine with 14% alcohol with a decidedly perky, spicy nose and plenty of length on the palate. Impressive, $45.  www.rusdenwines.com.au.