wines worth trying

It has been a few months, but this selection for January is a good summer taster!

Four Sisters Wines - Grapes blended from multiple areas.
2006 - Pinot Noir-Chardonnay NV

This is a crisp, refreshing sparkling white. It has a tasty balance of sweet and sour fruit which makes it oh so easy to drink. Enjoy!

Wines worth trying

For September's tasting:

Nepenthe Wines, Adelaide Hills, South Australia.
2006 - Pinot Gris.


Pinot Gris as an unblended varietal is coming into vogue, especially coming out of regions known for great white wines - Adelaide Hills, Margaret River, Clare Valley. I was fortunate enough to visit Nepenthe on a recent trip to SA. They are best known for their Sauvignon Blanc, but I prefer this. Almost translucent, peach in colour, and very light in texture. It is herbaceous and sharp with a hint of orange zest.
We had it with a baby spinach, chorizo, roasted tomato and brie salad. Beautiful!

wines worth trying

For August I have chosen a wine that was a bargain find for a friend of mine.

Jim Barry Wines, Clare Valley, South Australia.
2003 - Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon.


Bold and full from the Shiraz and with Cabernet tartness. This is Aussie Red, made for barbecued meat. What else can say!

wines worth trying

For July I have chosen:

Elliot Rocke Estate, Mudgee, NSW.
2005 - Premium Unwooded Chardonnay.

From a great little boutique winery in Mudgee, this fresh, vibrant, sharp unwooded chardonnay is a lovely wine. Unwooded chardonnays, unlike their bigger oaked brothers (which I like, though many avoid), are accessible, and complement a wide variety of foods. I'd try this one with a non-cream based indian curry like Balti.

Wines worth trying

For June's tasting I have chosen:

McWilliams 'Mount Pleasant', Hunter Valley, NSW.
2003 - 'Philip' Shiraz.

It's not just the name that inspires this choice. Hunter valley shiraz is a unique varietal. Almost opaque to the eye with rich, earthy, oakfilled flavours. It is made for winter comfort food. I suggest a hearty beaf stew (2 nights ago we cooked osso bucco in a tomato, carrot and pumpkin sauce...).

Wines worth trying

For May I have chosen:

Tulloch, Hunter Valley, NSW.
2006 - Verdelho.

The weather is cooling so warm, hearty food makes the mouth water all the more. I think this well balanced, fruit filled wine would be excellent with pork chops and apple sauce.

Wines worth trying

It occurred to me that people might be reluctant to go seeking these wines if the cost is not specified. I am endeavouring not to recommend any wine that has cost me more than AU$15.

For this months tasting, I recommend:
Taylors, Clare Valley, South Australia.
2004 - Estate Merlot.

Though Clare is not necessarily well known for Merlot, this drop is a lovely wine. Full bodied and fruity, but with that merlot-esque soft texture.
Great with Moroccan meatballs, or a nice home-cooked pizza.

wines worth trying

the fruits of the vine are one of the great pleasures of life (at least my life, that is...)
I hope to recommend, on a monthly basis, one particular wine you might like to partake of.

For this months tasting, I have selected:
Riverby Estate, Marlborough, NZ.
2006 - Sauvignon Blanc.

As you may well know New Zealand is famous for sauv. blanc, and this wine is a great example. Passionfruit and melon flavours with just the right acidity to give this drop that freshness required.
Great with asian foods, fresh seafood or salads with a vinaigrette dressing.

Enjoy!