by Ray Johnson | Nov 16, 2007 | Australia, Pyrenees, Syrah, Yarra Valley
De Bortoli Yarra Valley Estate Grown Shiraz Viognier 2005 Smells of sweet cherry pie, oak and a hint of eucalyptus. This dense Shiraz shows how good it can be when there’s a good heft of acidity to balance the taste profile. Grown at the winery’s Dixons...
by Ray Johnson | Nov 16, 2007 | Australia, Chardonnay, Hawke's Bay, McLaren Vale, New Zealand, South Australia, Victoria
In this latest taste-off, we look at a Kiwi Chardonnay alongside the Giaconda. Babich Hawke’s Bay Unoaked Chardonnay 2006 This wine is all stainless steel. P&B in Henderson 13.5% $10.99 at K&L Babich Two delicious wines, two very different...
by Ray Johnson | Nov 9, 2007 | Australia, Barossa Valley, Muscadelle, Muscat, Rutherglen, South Australia, Victoria
Two Hands Barossa Valley Brilliant Disguise Moscato 2006 This wine shows like Moscato d’Asti, not to the same level of fresh orange blossom as the best from Piedmont, but still in a similar vein. Made from White Frontignac or Muscat Frontignan by Two Hands in...
by Ray Johnson | Nov 9, 2007 | Australia, Barossa, McLaren Vale, South Australia, Syrah
Both wines in this flight display deep concentration and a tannic backbone. The difference in style comes in the use of oak and the display of acidity. The Thorn-Clarke exudes oak while the d’Arenberg Magpie is enhanced by acidity to make it a gem with food....
by Ray Johnson | Nov 9, 2007 | Australia, Barossa, Ribera del Duero, South Australia, Spain, Tempranillo
This flight illustrates the divide between European and New World approaches. The Pesquera has complementary brett that works but offends some. The Yalumba is ripe and supple. Pesquera Ribera del Duero DO Reserva 2001 100% Tempranillo. P&B by Alejandro Fernandez...
by Ray Johnson | Nov 9, 2007 | Australia, Marlborough, New Zealand, Sauvignon Blanc, South Australia, Verdelho
Their is ample acidity in both wines in this flight. The WW adds a slight richness whereas the Sauvignon Republic pulls no punches with its intense honoring of Sauvignon’s grassy side. Woop Woop South Australia Verdelho 2006 Winemaker Ben Riggs. Produced in...
