Wine Reviews - April 2011 

By Franz Scheurer

On a recent trip to France I had the good fortune to be in an old farm in Provence for a week, within easy driving distance to Mas de la dame, my favourite vineyard in the area. They're everyday drinking wines, a Cuvée Gourmande red and rose are complex yet easy drinking wines that really work with the local cuisine. Mas de la dame is situated near Les Baux de Provence and for more information go to their Web Site

Caol Ila Distiller's Edition 1993

Caol Ila's limited edition C-si; 2-466, Distiller's Edition was distilled in 1993 and bottled in 2006 at 43% a/v. Imported into Australia by Reserve* (a division of Diageo) it is one of the best whiskies on the market. The master distiller selected a few bourbon-cask matured whisky and finished it (double-matured) in dark Moscatel casks. It is not clear how long the distillate spent in the second wood but the dark, woody intensity marries well with the sweet smokiness of the original Caol Ila. On the nose you perceive heather, lily of the valley, Demerara sugar, smoke and peat. On the palate the floral notes are confirmed with a cigar box and sandalwood undertone asserting itself. The smoke and the peat are obvious but surprisingly clean and sweet. Get your hands on a bottle, now!

Château de Montfaucon Côtes du Rhône 2008

The Montaucon castle is just across the river from Châteauneuf du Pape and they only make wine from their own fruit. This particular one is a blend of 50% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 15% Cinsault and 15% Carignan and it's an elegant, rich and satisfying wine. Make no mistake, this is a food wine and it shows off it's lovely forward fruit and rich, spicy undertones once you pair it with some fat and salt. Selected by David Ridge and available in bottle shops around the country, this is a very worth wine at RRP $27 - next time you see a bottle, grab it.

Primo Estate Primo Secco NV

This is the first white sparkling I've seen from Primo Estate and it's a winner. It has all the hallmarks for quality you've come to expect from Joseph and Dina Grilli. It's made in a Prosecco style but it is considerably drier than any Prosecco I've tried. It has a lovely fruit-forward bouquet and the aromas (later confirmed on the palate) remind me of the floral, perfumed richness of a Trebbiano grape. It's only RRP $20 and at that it's a steal

For more information go to their Web Site

BEYOND 100% Pure Coconut Water

Coconut water is delicious and I did not know that it was possible to produce this on a commercial basis. Apparently coconut water rehydrates better than water but it can't be sold as a 'sports drink' in Australia as it does not contain enough sugar (crazy!). Basically drinking BEYOND is like sucking the water out of a young coconut. It's delicious, refreshing and has not 'gritty bits' in it.

For more information go to their Web Site