Wow how time flies! Its been almost 3 months since my last post and as a result here we are, smack bang in the middle of winter.
In the wake of the unprecedented Masterchef-inspired mania that has enveloped the country, I'm sure that many hearty winter dishes are currently being served up in kitchens across Sydney.
A perfect time then to introduce my latest discovery: a lovely wee cabernet from WA's Margaret River region - just the ticket to wash down those inventive 'gourmet' meals, palatable or otherwise. This little baby will warm the cockles of your heart and bring a rosy glow to your cheeks (all of 'em).
Without further adieu, let me introduce you to the star in question: the Ringbolt Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon 2007.
In winemaker, Peter Gambetta's words:
'The nose is typical of cool climate Cabernet Sauvignon showing attractive complex aromas of dark chocolate, briar and dry forest leaf litter. The palate opens with an attack of bright berry fruit and mocha yielding to fuller satsuma and creamy oak flavours; grainy tannin balances the fruit and supports the medium bodied structure. The finish is lingering with both tannin and fruit making an equal contribution.'
And in my words:
"Intoxicating cow-shed aromas abound, followed by lip-smackingly-delicious earthy and savoury mouth-filling flavours, which leave a tantalising presence on the palate - and your mouth involuntarily verbalising: 'more, more, more!'"
Ok, I know it all sounds like bollocks, but seriously, give it a go and hopefully you'll be a convert too - and at only $20 a bottle (RRP $25), its worth a punt, even in these harsh economic times.
Here's a bit more from the experts:
"At the Macquarie Royal Sydney Wine Show 2009, the Trophy for Best Cabernet Sauvignon went to Ringbolt Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon 2007.
As impressive as a $25 wine picking up a major gong is, it is the wines it beat home, which illustrate the value here. Penfolds Bin 407, Houghton Wisdom, Hardys HRB, Wolf Blass Grey, Coldstream Reserve Cabernet, Wynns John Riddoch and the list goes on and on. Most of these wines retail for twice the price as Ringbolt but some are 3 and 4 times the price."
I picked up the Ringbolt Cabernet 2007 for a little under $20 at my local bottle-o recently and very quickly realised I had scored a bargain. I also managed to procure my longstanding fave, Wynns Coonwarra Black Label Cab Sav 2006 for around the same amount.
This is outstanding value-for-money on both accounts, and I would strongly recommend you pick up a bottle of each and conduct a 'Coonawarra v Margaret River Cabernet Battle' in the safety of your own home. (Well, as a State v State competition, it hands-down beats watching State of Origin, dontcha think?!)
Go forth and procure. Happy drinking
Yours in plonk
The Plonker x
