Wine Reviews – January 2010

By Franz Scheurer

Woodstock McLaren Vale Cabernet Sauvignon 2007

Scott Collett and Ben Glaetzer founded Woodstock, the brainchild and result of their combined hard work, in 1999. Their combined talents and knowledge manifests itself in the quality of their wines. 2007 was a dry year for the McLaren Vale and the Cabernet Sauvignon reflects that with aromas of blackberries, black cumin with hints of coffee. On the palate it is savoury, almost meaty with strong green capsicum influences. This is a true Cabernet Sauvignon varietal and its flavours cannot be mistaken for anything else. It’s a big, bold wine, bottled at 14.5%a/v but its fine tannins make it possible to pair bold food flavours with it. I suggest a hearty oxtail stew or a braise of lamb shanks with mash.

RRP: $ 22 and at that it’s a bargain!

For more information go to: http://www.woodstockwine.com.au

Red Claw Mornington Peninsula Pinot Gris 2008

Established by the Kirby Family in 1992 this vineyard’s aim is to produce world-class wines and with this Pinot Gris they have succeeded. Alsatian in style with a fair amount of residual fruit this wine is a joy to drink and a perfect match for chilli-hot food. It will not be daunted by bold flavours and establishes itself happily where other wines meekly slink away. Enjoy it young!

RRP: $ 23 and well worth it!

For more information go to: http://www.yabbylake.com

Picardy Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2009

Sauvignon Blanc Semillon, one of the classic blends of Western Australia has suffered a little of late due to the import of cheap, bad wines from overseas and winemakers making wine down to price instead of up to a quality. Picardy’s Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2009 shines like a beacon in a sea of mediocrity! This is a seriously good wine! Hailing from Pemberton, WA, the wine is bottled at 12.5% a/v, made by the Pannell brothers, and despite it’s full spectrum of flavours, makes a terrific aperitif wine, served cool, but not ice cold. I love it!

For more information go to: http://www.picardy.com.au

La Petrognola – Birra Artigianale di Farro

This is simply a superb beer. It’s dark amber colour looks enticing and the full-on taste of farro (an ancient type of wheat) is captivating. This beer is from Petrognola, Tuscany, it is organic, unpasteurized, unfiltered and a secondary fermentation takes place in the bottle, once it is bottled. It is blessed with a myriad of tiny bubbles and the perfect beer on a hot day… or a mild day… or a cold day..really: anytime. Imported and distributed by Enoteca Sileno in Melbourne you might find it in your Italian restaurant.

For more information go to: http://www.enoteca.com.au