by Ray Johnson | Nov 17, 2007 | Australia, Langhorne Creek, South Australia, Verdelho
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. Mollydooker South Australia Verdelho...
by Ray Johnson | Nov 16, 2007 | Australia, Port, South Australia
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 at...
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...
