Category Archives: McLaren Vale

GSMPS

Posted on December 3, 2007 by RJ

Spinifex Barossa Valley Esprit 2004 There is sweet black fruit and tar in the nose. The mouth shows a soft structure that is lush. The in-mouth flavors are very fruity in a candied way. This GSM blend is 36% Grenache, … Continue reading →

Posted in Australia, Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Petite Sirah, Rhone Blend, South Australia | Leave a comment

Serious Syrah

Posted on November 30, 2007 by RJ

d’Arenberg McLaren Vale The Dead Arm Shiraz 2005 In the nose there is vibrant fruit enhanced by earth and complementary oak. There’s a mouthful of dense fruit as well to keep up with a big structure in this youthful Shiraz … Continue reading →

Posted in Australia, Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, South Australia, Syrah | Leave a comment

Animals on the Rhone

Posted on November 30, 2007 by RJ

Clarendon Hills Clarendon Kangarilla Grenache 2004 Vibrant black fruit, actually liquer-like in the nose. The palate is spiritous, ripe, framed with acidity around a vast expanse of fruitiness. Sourced from old Grenache vines in the Kangarilla Vineyard. P&B in Blewitt … Continue reading →

Posted in Australia, Barossa Valley, Grenache, McLaren Vale, Rhone Blend, South Australia | Leave a comment

The Refreshing Side of the McLaren Vale

Posted on November 30, 2007 by RJ

Yangarra McLaren Vale Single Vineyard Roussanne 2007 Pretty floral notes with bits of herbs. The mouth is full of citrus with a light body and some refreshing acidity. V&B in McLaren Vale 13% import sample Yangarra McLaren Vale Single Vineyard … Continue reading →

Posted in Australia, Grenache, Marsanne, McLaren Vale, Rhone Blend, Rosé, Roussanne, Syrah, Viognier | Leave a comment

Australian Chardonnay is Not Cut of One Cloth

Posted on November 16, 2007 by RJ

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 interpretations … Continue reading →

Posted in Australia, Chardonnay, Hawke's Bay, McLaren Vale, New Zealand, South Australia, Victoria | Leave a comment

Que Shiraz

Posted on November 9, 2007 by RJ

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 … Continue reading →

Posted in Australia, Barossa, McLaren Vale, South Australia, Syrah | Leave a comment

New World Rhone

Posted on October 19, 2007 by RJ

Pirramimma McLaren Vale Old Bush Vine Grenache 2003 The last two tastings of this wine earlier in 2007 showed the fruit of Grenache with ever-integrating oak. Again tonight it is supple and the raisiny fruit is surounded by acidity and … Continue reading →

Posted in Alexander Valley, Australia, California, Grenache, McLaren Vale, Rhone Blend | Leave a comment