liquor barons premium wine buying guide summer 2015 · 2017-04-28 · deep straw with a green...

On the Vine Summer 2015 1

LIQUOR BARONS PREMIUM WINE BUYING GUIDE summer 2015

2 On the Vine Summer 2015

We cannot believe it is summer again, where did spring go? As the days are getting longer and the thermometer is gradually climbing, it’s time to chill down a few whites and a rosé or two, enjoy lighter meals and dine alfresco. Make sure you have a couple of reds handy however, for more substantial fare. Although your panel found it tough putting this selection of wines together (there were so many to choose from), I’m sure you won’t find it tough to drink them. And don’t forget our annual recommendation of bubbles included, there are some crackers here. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you, family and friends.Cheers! Rod Properjohn

Snippets& Cuttings


The

Pan

el

The Panel has been meeting every fortnight for the last 15 years. Delivery of a vast selection of new hopefuls are unpacked and secured in blind tasting bags at a secret location known only to the selected few. Over the years literally thousands of wines have pass the lips of our veteran experts. As it is with the creation of all good wines, the On The Vine selection takes time. This time and experience is the Panel’s dedication to bring you only the best wines from across Australia and the World. We encourage you to venture outside your palate’s comfort zone, try the new and foreign varieties from far off places. There is a world of wine out there and it’s waiting for you to take the first step, let the Panel make that introduction!


Our Pick of the Bunch

Harewood Estate 2015Riesling Denmark (AU)

From the southern coast of WA and this small winery which makes some delightful wines. The riesling from the home property is a doozey, it has buckets of citrus and talcum powder perfume and the palate explodes with a burst of lime and passionfruit which lingers to a refreshing finish. Try with tiger prawns and an Asian citrus dressing.

$1699 each in any six

$18.99 single bottle

Stefano Lubiana 2014Sauvignon Blanc Tasmania (AU)

We should be seeing more sav blanc from the Apple Isle, because the climate is obviously suited to the variety. We love the freshness in this wine, it’s lively, has grassy and citrus fruit and a mouth-filling tropical allure. Drink now in its youth for best results. Flash-fried scallops with this.



Chard Farm 2013 River RunCentral Otago Pinot Noir (NZ)

Not the opulent style of pinot noir that you are probably used to from Central Otago, but by golly it’s a beaut drink. Garnet or a mid-red in colour, it has a silken robe of flavour, bright fresh cherry, garden herbs, a savoury edge and mineral texture along with some sweaty funky flavours. Magnificent with char-grilled quail.




Our Pick of the Bunch

S.C.Pannell 2012 The ValeShiraz Grenache McLaren Vale (AU)From McLaren Vale and the region’s workhorses, old vine shiraz and grenache. Deep black/red in colour, the nose offers ripe blackberries, spice and Jaffa orange and the palate is balanced and fruit-driven to a nicety. It‘s judiciously oaked and is a lovely drink right now. Marvellous vintage, marvellous wine.



H. Lanvin & Fils NV BrutCuvee Selection Champagne (Fr)

Here’s a relatively new Champagne to Australia with all the classical sought-after ingredients of a pinot-dominant style – highly active effervescence, red fruits, mushroom complexity, lees influence, power, balance and acidity. You can’t ask for more and the price is not daunting.



Laurent-Perrier 2006Millesime Champagne (Fr)

Deep straw with a green tinge, this is a rich style with toastiness, nuttiness and a full creamy palate along with a depth of spice, smoke, stone fruit and plenty of acid to tidy up on the finish. A food wine more than a starter, try with the freshest of sashimi or sushi.




Juniper 2015 Crossing Chardonnay Margaret River (AU)This is one of the bargain wines of Margaret River. It’s a chardonnay that’s had the usual work - fermentation in oak, time on lees and oak maturation. The citrus/stone fruit is the leading act however, the rest plays a bit part and the result is an early drinking modern style.

$18.99 single bottle $1699 each in any six

Kentia 2013 Albariño D.O. Rías Baixas (Esp)Deep straw in appearance this has a citrus and honeydew melon nose and a sweet and sour palate of pineapple, lime juice and apple and a crunching acid finish. Its dry, medium weighted and not short on flavour. Different and thoroughly recommended, especially when quaffed with the classical Spanish dishes of garlic prawns or seafood paella. Screwcap.


El Desperado 2015 Tempranillo Sangiovese Rose (AU)We’re always looking out for light, dryish and savoury pink wines and we’ve found a ripper in this Adelaide Hills rosé from the Pawn Wine Company. It has rose petal aromatics and Turkish delight on the palate and will be great luncheon drinking over summer. Check out the scull in the middle of the label, it disappears when chilled and appears as a red rose at the right drinking temperature.


Starborough 2015 Family EstateSauvignon Blanc Marlborough (NZ)

This wine has gathered more stars and decorations than you’ll have on your Christmas tree this year, it’s loved in NZ. A bright and pale straw colour, it has bountiful tropical fruit, gooseberry and herbal characters, a textural mineral edge and lingers to a cleansing acid finish. Will not disappoint, serve with crisp summer salads.


Now is the time to chill down a few whites and a rosé or two!

White Wine


La Prova 2015 Pinot Grigio Adelaide Hills (AU)Minimalist packaging here and we don’t mind that at all. The wine scrubs up beautifully as well, with a bright green/straw colour, apple, citrus and pear fruit characters, a full flavour, freshness and a youthful tart acidity. Try with flaky flathead fillets.


Chateau La Gordonne 2014 Rosé (Fr)From Côtes de Provence, the spiritual home of light savoury pink wines which are ridiculously popular in the warmer months throughout France. A brilliant copper colour, this wine is as fresh as a summer breeze, is savoury and long, dry, clean and crisp. Pop a beret on your head, open a bottle and see what this style is all about. Screwcap.


Pewsey Vale 2015 Riesling Eden Valley (AU)A label that has been around for nearly as long as some of your tasting panel, although the wine is a little more reliable. There are floral citrus-blossom aromatics and a lemon and lime depth in the mouth with dried herbs and dry pebble minerality that stretch to a rapier-like acid finish. Absolutely magic with pan-fried whiting fillets.


Evoi 2014 Sauvignon Blanc Semillon Margaret River (AU)There’s a little smoky funk here from oak fermentation and then the herbal sauvignon blanc fruit takes over with a lemony semillon character to balance. This is medium bodied and has a little grape sugar to fill the palate and it finishes soft and gentle.


Sittella 2015 The Wild One Sauvignon Blanc (AU)Grapes from Pemberton and Margaret River are used here to make this racy young savvy. There’s a grassy varietal lift with a dash of passionfruit and a persistency of flavour to a fine razor-like acidity. It’s dry and cleansing and brilliant with freshly-picked local asparagus. Another exciting wine from this popular Swan Valley winery.


Amelia Park 2013 Chardonnay Margaret River (AU)There is a symphony orchestra going on here, the full performance. Nectarine, melon and grapefruit, nuttiness from quality oak, some mealy lees characters, steely minerality and firm acidity. The ingredients are playing from the same music sheet and although harmonious now, will be even better with another year of rehearsal.



Rockcliffe 2013 Quarram Rocks Shiraz Cabernet (AU)Dark ruby mauve colour with a sweet toasty nutty nose along with ripe red berries. The medium-weighted palate is awash with fleshy red plum and mulberry fruits and the oak component provides drying wood tannins to the finish. The wine is balanced and drinks superbly, especially at the price. Great with spicy meat balls, pasta and a tomato-based sauce.


Mount Trio Vineyard 2013 Porongurup Shiraz (AU)Decidedly chilly, the Porongurup Range is high, both in elevation and geographical position, in the Great Southern region of WA. This wine has cool area characteristics, savoury peppery and spicy notes, a medium body, is light in the mouth and lengthy with closing acidity. Look at the price, it is wonderful value and ideal with plump pork sausages.


Teusner 2014 Bilmore Shiraz Barossa (AU)You won’t get much more Barossa than this shiraz and the value is outstanding. Light the fuse and indulge, it’s a black/red colour, has a ripe plum pudding and licorice nose and a fruit-driven voluptuous chocolatey palate that quaffs so well right now. This is a must-have for those who love big soft juicy red wines.


Hither & Yon 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon McLaren Vale (AU)A McLaren Vale wine that offers bundles of regional and varietal character. There are sandy tannins up front, ripe blackcurrant fruit, earthiness, a solid middle palate, spicy oak and a good finish. Serve with char-grilled lamb chops and a crunchy salad.


Make sure you have a couple of reds handy, for the more substantial fare.

Red Wine


The Musician 2013 Cabernet Shiraz Coonawarra (AU)This middleweight blend by Majella of Coonawarra, is made from the two classical Australian red varieties and represents tremendous value. It’s youthful with attractive fresh mulberry and blackcurrant fruit and sweet vanilla oak which enhances its drinkability. Fine tannins and acidity give the wine structure and strength. Short term cellaring only and enjoy with lamb kebabs.


Cape Banks 2012 Pinot Noir Mt Gambier (AU)Mt Gambier is south of Coonawarra on the south-eastern coast of South Australia and this pinot is marketed under a colourful bright blue, white and orange label. The wine is more a soft quaffable red than classical pinot and is generous with perfumed fruit, has soft tannins, a viscous squishy texture and pleasing finish. A terrific red for summer, served slightly chilled.


Castelli 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Frankland River (AU)An attractive young red from this cool area with dark olive and blackcurrant fruit backed up by excellent oak. The wine lasts long in the mouth with supporting tannins, middleweight flavour, chocolate complexity and fine finish. This winery is enjoying meritorious success lately.


Bleasdale 2012 Generations Shiraz Langhorne Creek (AU)Langhorne Creek, 80km south-east of Adelaide, often flies under the wine radar, but it is one of Australia’s great red wine regions. Bleasdale, happily ensconced in the region, makes this wine from its very best shiraz fruit and the result is a big plummy red with chocolate, licorice, lifted pepper and spice, complementary oak and soft tannins. Ridiculous price for the quality. Reserve for a fat juicy beef steak.


Te.Aro Estate 2014 Jokers GrinShiraz Cabernet Merlot Barossa (AU)

A blended red from Australia’s three popular red varieties grown in the Barossa Valley. The small family winery Te.Aro is pulling the crowds and this wine drinks beautifully now in a spicy savoury manner with soft tannins. Competitively priced and ideal when served with a quickly-sealed kangaroo fillet.


Singlefile 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Frankland River (AU)Varietal characteristics such as blackcurrant, mintiness, chalky tannins, good length and acidity are married here to the judicious use of spicy French oak and the wine offers both great quality and value Will mature for a few years if you have room in your cellar. Absolutely magical when served with a herb-crusted rack of pink lamb.



Divici Prosecco DOC (It)The presentation of this organic sparkler, both bottle and label, is simple yet ravishingly stunning and the wine itself is pretty smart as well. There’s the light straw green colour of the wine, a lively effervescence which erupts on the tongue, stone fruit and apple flavours and a dryish cleansing finish.


Brown Bros NV Pinot Noir-Chardonnay Pinot Meunier (AU)A sparkling wine label that just keeps on giving us quality wine and has been our favourite non- vintage Oz bubbly for over a decade. There’s a bundle of effervescence here, complex toasty brioche characters on the nose and a long and dry palate that sings. The balance is outstanding and so is the price.


Chandon NV Brut Yarra Valley (AU)This Yarra Valley NV sparkling wine is attractively light and cleansing. Across its length, you’ll see gentle citrus and stone fruit, some complexity of lees, freshness and clean crisp acidity. It’s dry and therefore ideal as a cleanser or served with canapés.


Seppelt Fleur de Lys NV (AU)A blast from the past for some! Baby-boomers would be well aware of this label as it was probably near the top of their shopping list a couple of decades ago. Seppelt is still making quality sparkling wine and this has the slightest of pink hues and is fresh, lively and long on the palate and is dryish and zesty.


Sparkling

It’s time to get festive and to share bubbles with family and friends.


Borgo Molino Prosecco DOC Treviso (It)Bright mid straw in appearance, this is a bottle of Italian fizz with a bucketful of flavour, yet has the built-in delicacy and refreshing quality of a tidy pre-dinner wine. Just perfect with antipasti - olives, Ortiz anchovies and lightly-smoked meats or as a drink-anytime beverage.


Veuve Ambol Crémant De Bourgogne Brut Rosé (Fr)You don’t have to pay Champagne prices to drink Champagne quality. This is the best bottle of pink bubbles we’ve seen from the region of Burgundy. Salmon colour with delightful aromatics of strawberry and spice, this has a great depth of flavour, a creamy texture and a smidge of sweetness to help with the balance.


Jansz NV Premium Cuvée Tasmania (AU)The best under this Tasmanian label we’ve seen for a while. It’s a deep straw colour and has a punchy nose of yeast and apple tart, it’s lively, has tremendous palate length and the balance is a treat. High scorer by the panel and brilliant with fresh oysters and a squeeze of just-picked lime.


Nautilus NV Brut Cuvée Marlborough (NZ)Lovely light presentable sparkler from its attractive label through to its crisp cleansing palate finish. It has a freshly-baked brioche character from three years on lees, energetic fizz and seductive mouthfeel overall. It’s dry and refreshingly drinkable. Drink soon.


Heidsieck & Co 2007 Monopole Gold Top (Fr)A deep intense style of Champagne with a golden appearance, a full nose of singed toast and honeyed ripe fruit and a rounded palate of roasted nuts, wild fruits and balancing acid. Forward traditional style that drinks well now and is an exceptional price for a vintage Champagne.


Ruinart NV Blanc de Blancs (Fr)As the label implies, this is made from chardonnay only and this means a leaner wine of elegance as it does not have the intensity or strength of pinot wines. Mid-straw in colour, the nose has a glorious whiff of an early-morning bakery and the palate is long, creamy and refreshing with a slight nuttiness for complexity.



Specials end 29/2/16. While stocks last. Pics for illustration purposes only.OTV Magazine published by Liquor Barons Co-Op Ltd. - Suite 4/40 Churchill Ave, Subiaco, WA, 6008. Tel 08 9380 9077

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liquor barons premium wine buying guide summer 2015 · 2017-04-28 · deep straw with a green...

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