Category Archives: South Australia

This isn’t Madeira

Posted on November 17, 2007 by RJ

Though we often associate Verdelho with the volcanic island of Madeira, there is also a following for this grape in Australia. It makes up less than 5% of the total white grape harvest but still out paces ever fashionable Viognier. … Continue reading →

Posted in Australia, Langhorne Creek, South Australia, Verdelho | Leave a comment

Australian Port

Posted on November 16, 2007 by RJ

Penfolds South Australia Club Tawny (no longer called Port) nv The last bottle tasted was maple syrup personified with completely integrated alcohol. Made from Shiraz, Grenache and Mourvedre and matured in small oak in Kalimna. The wine was subsequently bottled … Continue reading →

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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

Contrasting Sweets

Posted on November 9, 2007 by RJ

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 … Continue reading →

Posted in Australia, Barossa Valley, Muscadelle, Muscat, Rutherglen, 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

Tempted by Tempranillo

Posted on November 9, 2007 by RJ

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 … Continue reading →

Posted in Australia, Barossa, Ribera del Duero, South Australia, Spain, Tempranillo | Leave a comment

Wooping it up in the Republic

Posted on November 9, 2007 by RJ

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. … Continue reading →

Posted in Australia, Marlborough, New Zealand, Sauvignon Blanc, South Australia, Verdelho | Leave a comment