Howdy all
If you have a healthy interest in wine - you buy a few bottles here and there, visit cellar doors, wine expos etc - then along the way you've probably made it onto numerous wine-related email lists.
Or perhaps you have been talked into one of those 'wine club' deals (possibly when under the influence of what seemed like a particularly good drop at a quaint cellar door), and get sent a mixed case of wine 2-3 times a year, only to find that there's only a couple of bottles that really tickle your tastebuds, while the remainder really aren't much chop.
The majority lure you in with the promise that you 'can send anything back you don't like, and we will replace it free of charge.' Yep, sure, but what's the chance the replacement is going to be any good either? And who is really going to be arsed packaging up a half-consumed bottle of paint stripper, schlepping to the Post Office with it, to no doubt face a mini-interrogation as to the contents, before parting with some hard-earned cashola to send it on its merry way. (And all this effort for a bottle that has done nowt to get you in a merry way!)
In the electronic age, it doesn't take long for an Inbox to get overwhelmed by an avalanche of wine-related emails spruiking "Great Offers!," "Cancelled Exports!" and "Halliday 5 star Rated Winery Half Price Cleanskins!" It's very easy to get confused by all of this information and downright tempting to delete the lot. However, the trick is to pick the wheat from the chaff, as there are some great websites and offers out there.
The problem I have found with a lot of the so-called Wine Clubs (apart from getting locked into a seemingly life-long contract, which is harder to escape from than Alcatraz), is that the wines overall can be so damn bland and uninteresting. I have often wondered if these are just bin ends or zhuzhed-up cleanskins (that they've slapped a benign-looking label on as an afterthought). There never seems to be any 'wow factor' to any of them, and if there has been one that I've been vaguely impressed by, I have a near impossible time finding it anywhere other than through the wine club - which seems a bit suss to me... but anyways I digress...
However, in recent times I have had the pleasure of discovering a fabulous website called Secret Vines (www.secretvines.com.au). Secret Vines is a boutique wine business based in South Australia's McLaren Vale, run by Tim Althaus (who just happens to be Marion from Masterchef's other half!).
Tim puts together some seriously drinkable six-packs, comprising top-notch hard-to-find local drops, and also little beauties from further afield. To date I've purchased three different cases from Tim, and have been absolutely stoked with the contents of every one. He's even managed to make me reconsider my thoughts on riesling with a lovely example from Western Australia!
The beauty of these packs is that you have choices: 'straight white,' 'straight red' or a mix of both, and usually in two different price points. Also, you are not locked into any contracts so can just buy whenever your personal stocks are depleted, or you're in the mood for a bit of wine discovery session.
It's a great way to explore new varieties and regions in the comfort of your own home and Tim is always more than happy to discuss drops that you particularly liked (or alternatively, didn't) and suggest others that may seduce your senses and put a smile on your dial. He's also very flexible and will customise the six-pack to your liking - i.e. if you dead-set HATED chardonnay (although I can't imagine anyone would) you could replace that with a variety that didn't induce dry-retching :/
So, I sincerely recommend checking out this website and sampling some of the more-ish vinous treasures contained therein! And tell Tim I sent you!
Yours in Plonk
The Plonker x
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Forget Bieber Fever...
...because this Sunday, at a big green bottle store near you, when the clock strikes 1:00pm, Grange Rage is going to descend!
This may well resemble an adult version of the recently-witnessed, and completely baffling, frenzy induced by a baby-faced, asexual, strangely-tressed, singing Canadian tweenager, on his recent visit to our shores. Oh to be a hysterical, hyperventilating, completely obsessed 13-year-old again. Or not.
However, come Sunday May 2nd, it's going to be Survival of the Fittest at Dan Murphy's Alexandria. Expect to encounter hordes of wine-savvy individuals lining up from the wee hours for a taste of Penfold's latest vintage of Australia's most famous wine, the Grange. (Cue appropriately-intense organ music here.)
The first 100 punters in the queue will be lucky enough to taste Penfold's 2005 super premium shiraz (probably worth around $20/taste, even in a teeny, tiny measure!). Definitely worth camping out for!
However, if you happen to have a life, or just play baseball on a Sunday, then do not despair.. all is not lost.
Between 1pm-5pm this Sunday, a veritable Shiraz orgy will be taking place in the hangar-like room adjacent to Dan's retail space. Over 70 different shirazes (is that the correct plural form, hmmm...) will be available for tasting from all over Australia, including super premium labels, and all this for NIX!
From previous experience, this Shiraz Expo will be well worth checking out, as you can literally take a vinous trip around the country, without racking up any air miles. It's also a fantastic chance to compare shiraz from different regions, and also suss out whether the really exxy bottlles - that you may not normally take a punt on - are worth shelling out your hard-earned pennies for. What's not to like?
One word of advice though - and unfortunately this also comes from experience - please, PLEASE, try to avoid rocking up with a hangover. I know this will be difficult, given that it is a Sunday, and you'll want to celebrate the Swannies latest victory the night before.
But trust me, there is nothing - I repeat, NOTHING - worse than gazing glassy-eyed at $150 bottles of red wine that you have coveted from afar for eternity, hoping and praying for the day you may get the chance to taste the goods inside, then that day actually arrives and BANG! - with it comes a foggy head, dry mouth, and involuntary gagging at the smell of even a wine gum.
I implore you. Avoid the Sunday hangover at all costs. The eternal regret is just not worth it.
So, there you have it. I'll hopefully be down at the big green barn from 2:30pm come Sunday. Hope to see y'all there for a spot of shiraz sampling - save some for me!
Yours in Plonk
The Plonker x
This may well resemble an adult version of the recently-witnessed, and completely baffling, frenzy induced by a baby-faced, asexual, strangely-tressed, singing Canadian tweenager, on his recent visit to our shores. Oh to be a hysterical, hyperventilating, completely obsessed 13-year-old again. Or not.
However, come Sunday May 2nd, it's going to be Survival of the Fittest at Dan Murphy's Alexandria. Expect to encounter hordes of wine-savvy individuals lining up from the wee hours for a taste of Penfold's latest vintage of Australia's most famous wine, the Grange. (Cue appropriately-intense organ music here.)
The first 100 punters in the queue will be lucky enough to taste Penfold's 2005 super premium shiraz (probably worth around $20/taste, even in a teeny, tiny measure!). Definitely worth camping out for!
However, if you happen to have a life, or just play baseball on a Sunday, then do not despair.. all is not lost.
Between 1pm-5pm this Sunday, a veritable Shiraz orgy will be taking place in the hangar-like room adjacent to Dan's retail space. Over 70 different shirazes (is that the correct plural form, hmmm...) will be available for tasting from all over Australia, including super premium labels, and all this for NIX!
From previous experience, this Shiraz Expo will be well worth checking out, as you can literally take a vinous trip around the country, without racking up any air miles. It's also a fantastic chance to compare shiraz from different regions, and also suss out whether the really exxy bottlles - that you may not normally take a punt on - are worth shelling out your hard-earned pennies for. What's not to like?
One word of advice though - and unfortunately this also comes from experience - please, PLEASE, try to avoid rocking up with a hangover. I know this will be difficult, given that it is a Sunday, and you'll want to celebrate the Swannies latest victory the night before.
But trust me, there is nothing - I repeat, NOTHING - worse than gazing glassy-eyed at $150 bottles of red wine that you have coveted from afar for eternity, hoping and praying for the day you may get the chance to taste the goods inside, then that day actually arrives and BANG! - with it comes a foggy head, dry mouth, and involuntary gagging at the smell of even a wine gum.
I implore you. Avoid the Sunday hangover at all costs. The eternal regret is just not worth it.
So, there you have it. I'll hopefully be down at the big green barn from 2:30pm come Sunday. Hope to see y'all there for a spot of shiraz sampling - save some for me!
Yours in Plonk
The Plonker x
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Hunter Gatherer
Well, it has been a long time between blogs for this Plonker, and, coincidentally, a bloody lifetime between trips to the Hunter Valley for myself and the lovely Mrs Plonker!
However, with the recent four-day holiday in celebration of all things egg and rabbit, the opportunity had arrived for a mosey up the freeway to check out NSW's most famous wine region.
No matter how many times I make the journey north from Sydney, I never fail to be amazed at how close the Hunter actually is. In just over two hours you've left behind the city's manic drivers, grid-locked traffic, and smelly city fumes for meandering country roads, lush fields of grapevines and a seemingly endless array of cellar doors.
Goodbye stress, pollution and frustration, and HELLO tasting glass(es)!
One of the great things about the Hunter Valley wine region is the array of varieties it produces. There is no disputing the fact that the Hunter is synonymous with Semillon (try saying that after a few!) and considered Australia's best producer of this variety. However, Hunter shiraz is also highly prized, with distinct regional characteristics.
With the Hunter classified as a hot climate region, the shiraz originating from here is in stark contrast to those from cool climates such as the Yarra Valley and Canberra.
Hunter examples can be complex and opulent with earthy, leathery aromas and concentrated savoury flavours, i.e. a lot of these guys are BIG and in-your-face; certainly not your shy and retiring types! Some wine wags have even gone so far as to describe the taste of Hunter shiraz as similar to licking an old boot. But frankly, if the boot fits...
Of course, it's personal preference as to which style pumps your nads - however, 9 times out of 10 I'd opt for a big, bold, gutsy, leathery, essence-of-cow-shed drop of Hunter shiraz as opposed to a more restrained and elegant cool-climate example. Maybe that's a reflection of my personality, but hey, let's not psycho-analyse it, right?
There is an almost overwhelming number of cellar doors in the Hunter Valley and you won't manage to visit them all, even setting aside a week. If time is of the essence, I would suggest your first port of call be the Boutique Wine Centre on Broke Road, Pokolbin. www.boutiquewinecentre.com.au
These guys sell wine for a range of Hunter wineries not big enough to have their own cellar door, including Meerea Park, Chateau Pato and Glenguin. There are generally 2-3 reds and whites available to taste from each producer - the beauty of this being that you can compare one variety (eg semillon) from different regions within the Hunter.
The range of wines you can sample at the Boutique Wine Centre is extensive both in variety and price point, and in my 10 year experience of going there, I have always found exceptional value for money.
Their 'big guns' are the Meerea Park 'Hell Hole' Shiraz and the Meerea Park 'Terracotta' Shiraz (both $55). The 2007 release of Hell Hole was rated 95/100 by Gary Walsh, and the Terracotta 94/100 from no other than the great James Halliday!
However, if its Semillon you're into, there are 3 options available (rated between 93 and 94 from James) priced between $20 and $25/bottle.
If you have the good fortune to encounter Brett at cellar door, you will be in for a treat. This man really knows his stuff, and is uber enthusiatic about what he's pouring. I defy you to be out of the place within an hour and/or taste less than half a dozen different drops! If you do meet Brett, let him know I sent you there, bat your lashes a lot and you may even get a nice discount on any purchases.
Once you have finished up here, and still have any room in your boot (and money in your bank account!), I would recommend checking out De Iuliis Wines further up Broke Road for some moreish chardonnays and also some kick-arse shiraz. The cellar door is picturesque, the welcome warm and the selection of drops of very high quality.
Tintilla Estate on Hermitage Road was the last place we visited (www.tintilla.com.au). Their cellar door is absolutely gorgeous, situated in a old barn in the middle of beautifully landscaped grounds and grapevines. The wine range was extensive - with some interesting varities on tasting including three different red blends where the Italian grape sangiovese was the star. It would be worth making the trip for the tasting glasses alone - huge Riedel goblets, which, for a stemware-obessive like me, took this particular tasting experience to a whole other level. Swoon.
OK, so that's a very quick trip of the Hunter Valley through my eyes. However, there are many many many more places to explore and discover, and in fact, I've made a new rule to go to at least two new cellar doors each time I visit. Although at this rate, that's really only 10 a decade. (Just a wee dig there to Mrs Plonker that we should get up there more!)
So, for those of you inspired to make a trip north soon - go forth and procure!
Yours in Plonk
The Plonker
x
However, with the recent four-day holiday in celebration of all things egg and rabbit, the opportunity had arrived for a mosey up the freeway to check out NSW's most famous wine region.
No matter how many times I make the journey north from Sydney, I never fail to be amazed at how close the Hunter actually is. In just over two hours you've left behind the city's manic drivers, grid-locked traffic, and smelly city fumes for meandering country roads, lush fields of grapevines and a seemingly endless array of cellar doors.
Goodbye stress, pollution and frustration, and HELLO tasting glass(es)!
One of the great things about the Hunter Valley wine region is the array of varieties it produces. There is no disputing the fact that the Hunter is synonymous with Semillon (try saying that after a few!) and considered Australia's best producer of this variety. However, Hunter shiraz is also highly prized, with distinct regional characteristics.
With the Hunter classified as a hot climate region, the shiraz originating from here is in stark contrast to those from cool climates such as the Yarra Valley and Canberra.
Hunter examples can be complex and opulent with earthy, leathery aromas and concentrated savoury flavours, i.e. a lot of these guys are BIG and in-your-face; certainly not your shy and retiring types! Some wine wags have even gone so far as to describe the taste of Hunter shiraz as similar to licking an old boot. But frankly, if the boot fits...
Of course, it's personal preference as to which style pumps your nads - however, 9 times out of 10 I'd opt for a big, bold, gutsy, leathery, essence-of-cow-shed drop of Hunter shiraz as opposed to a more restrained and elegant cool-climate example. Maybe that's a reflection of my personality, but hey, let's not psycho-analyse it, right?
There is an almost overwhelming number of cellar doors in the Hunter Valley and you won't manage to visit them all, even setting aside a week. If time is of the essence, I would suggest your first port of call be the Boutique Wine Centre on Broke Road, Pokolbin. www.boutiquewinecentre.com.au
These guys sell wine for a range of Hunter wineries not big enough to have their own cellar door, including Meerea Park, Chateau Pato and Glenguin. There are generally 2-3 reds and whites available to taste from each producer - the beauty of this being that you can compare one variety (eg semillon) from different regions within the Hunter.
The range of wines you can sample at the Boutique Wine Centre is extensive both in variety and price point, and in my 10 year experience of going there, I have always found exceptional value for money.
Their 'big guns' are the Meerea Park 'Hell Hole' Shiraz and the Meerea Park 'Terracotta' Shiraz (both $55). The 2007 release of Hell Hole was rated 95/100 by Gary Walsh, and the Terracotta 94/100 from no other than the great James Halliday!
However, if its Semillon you're into, there are 3 options available (rated between 93 and 94 from James) priced between $20 and $25/bottle.
If you have the good fortune to encounter Brett at cellar door, you will be in for a treat. This man really knows his stuff, and is uber enthusiatic about what he's pouring. I defy you to be out of the place within an hour and/or taste less than half a dozen different drops! If you do meet Brett, let him know I sent you there, bat your lashes a lot and you may even get a nice discount on any purchases.
Once you have finished up here, and still have any room in your boot (and money in your bank account!), I would recommend checking out De Iuliis Wines further up Broke Road for some moreish chardonnays and also some kick-arse shiraz. The cellar door is picturesque, the welcome warm and the selection of drops of very high quality.
Tintilla Estate on Hermitage Road was the last place we visited (www.tintilla.com.au). Their cellar door is absolutely gorgeous, situated in a old barn in the middle of beautifully landscaped grounds and grapevines. The wine range was extensive - with some interesting varities on tasting including three different red blends where the Italian grape sangiovese was the star. It would be worth making the trip for the tasting glasses alone - huge Riedel goblets, which, for a stemware-obessive like me, took this particular tasting experience to a whole other level. Swoon.
OK, so that's a very quick trip of the Hunter Valley through my eyes. However, there are many many many more places to explore and discover, and in fact, I've made a new rule to go to at least two new cellar doors each time I visit. Although at this rate, that's really only 10 a decade. (Just a wee dig there to Mrs Plonker that we should get up there more!)
So, for those of you inspired to make a trip north soon - go forth and procure!
Yours in Plonk
The Plonker
x
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Breeze in and pick up a top drop from Langhorne Creek
If you’re looking for a vinous treat this long weekend, you should Breeze into your nearest liquor superstore (of a forest-green hue) and stock up your cellar, and yourself, with a bottle – or 12 - of the following superlative drop.
But first, a bit of background bollocks…
Langhorne Creek is situated one hour’s drive south-east of Adelaide. A smallish wine region, it is often overlooked by wine plonkers who invariably travel north to the Barossa Valley or south to McLaren Vale. However, with over 10 cellar doors on offer, it is well worth making the detour to Langhorne Creek.
Lake Breeze have been making wines for over 20 years. They are one of Langhorne Creek’s top producers and, with a number of multi-award-winning wines, impossible to go past. At their quaint cellar door, you’ll be guaranteed a warm welcome and encouragement to try many of their fine wares. Special mention goes to their ‘Winemaker’s Selection’ shiraz and also their ‘Arthur’s Reserve’ – a blend of predominantly cabernet sauvignon with a splash of Petit Verdot.
However, today I am going to point you in the direction of their brilliant shiraz/cabernet blend, the ‘Bernoota.’ Bernoota’ was the original name given to the homestead on the Lake Breeze property and is Aboriginal for ‘camp among the gum trees.’
The ‘Bernoota’ is an Olympic-sized over-achiever in the value-for money-stakes. In fact, if it were a swimmer, given its collection of awards (the past 15 vintages of ‘Bernoota’ have been awarded 9 trophies and 30 Gold medals), it could reasonably be renamed ‘the Michael Phelps’ Cab Shiraz.
And here’s a bit about what your senses will encounter when you crack the bottle:
Dark fruit characters of blackberry and plums, with a hint of spice and smoky oak aromas. The palate encompasses lovely complex overtones of chocolate, pepper and vanilla with trademark Langhorne Creek fruit sweetness and soft tannins.
Ooooh, yummy!
And here’s the best bit: although a steal at its usual RRP of $22, our friendly bottle-o currently has this baby retailing for the absolutely criminal price of $17.80 (or $16.90 in any six)! Need I say more…
Get out there and get amongst it peoples!
Yours in plonk
The Plonker
x
But first, a bit of background bollocks…
Langhorne Creek is situated one hour’s drive south-east of Adelaide. A smallish wine region, it is often overlooked by wine plonkers who invariably travel north to the Barossa Valley or south to McLaren Vale. However, with over 10 cellar doors on offer, it is well worth making the detour to Langhorne Creek.
Lake Breeze have been making wines for over 20 years. They are one of Langhorne Creek’s top producers and, with a number of multi-award-winning wines, impossible to go past. At their quaint cellar door, you’ll be guaranteed a warm welcome and encouragement to try many of their fine wares. Special mention goes to their ‘Winemaker’s Selection’ shiraz and also their ‘Arthur’s Reserve’ – a blend of predominantly cabernet sauvignon with a splash of Petit Verdot.
However, today I am going to point you in the direction of their brilliant shiraz/cabernet blend, the ‘Bernoota.’ Bernoota’ was the original name given to the homestead on the Lake Breeze property and is Aboriginal for ‘camp among the gum trees.’
The ‘Bernoota’ is an Olympic-sized over-achiever in the value-for money-stakes. In fact, if it were a swimmer, given its collection of awards (the past 15 vintages of ‘Bernoota’ have been awarded 9 trophies and 30 Gold medals), it could reasonably be renamed ‘the Michael Phelps’ Cab Shiraz.
And here’s a bit about what your senses will encounter when you crack the bottle:
Dark fruit characters of blackberry and plums, with a hint of spice and smoky oak aromas. The palate encompasses lovely complex overtones of chocolate, pepper and vanilla with trademark Langhorne Creek fruit sweetness and soft tannins.
Ooooh, yummy!
And here’s the best bit: although a steal at its usual RRP of $22, our friendly bottle-o currently has this baby retailing for the absolutely criminal price of $17.80 (or $16.90 in any six)! Need I say more…
Get out there and get amongst it peoples!
Yours in plonk
The Plonker
x
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Red, red wine...
... goes to my heaaaaaad... makes me forget that I.................ummm, '
(Clearly it makes me forget - amongst other things - the lyrics to this classic Neil Diamond track... )
However, I think you'll all agree with me that a good bottle of red (or 3) is definitely worth losing a few brain cells over.
And this week I am going to share with you some amazing deals I have discovered on cult Aussie reds, from three of Australia's most renowned producers.
Firstly we head over to Margaret River in Western Australia. Cape Mentelle is the winery in question and their cabernet-merlot blend, the 'Trinders' 2007 is an absolute cracker of a wine.
Deep, dark plum in appearance, with a fragrance of blackcurrant, lavender and tobacco, you'll be dying to jump into this baby the moment you take your first sniff. And the first sip will not disappoint: a palate of juicy ripe plums, blueberries and currants, with fine tannins leaving a long, lingering finish. It won't be long before you are faced with an empty bottle and confusion as to where it all went. It's that good. A suggested food match is pasta with wild mushrooms, or seared lamb.
At its RRP of around $30, its pretty good value. However, at this week's price (at you-know-where) of $18.90 in any six, its a no-brainer. Stock up now, or you'll kick yourself down the track. Don't say I didn't warn you!
The next cab (sauv) off the rank is Jacob's Creek St Hugo Cab Sauvignon 2005. This wine is made entirely from grapes grown in Coonawarra's famous terra rossa soil. Here's the lowdown: Classic regional mint and blackcurrant on the nose. The richness and intensity of fruit flavour is perfectly balanced with fresh acidity. A full bodied wine displaying a satisfyingly rich, textured palate of concentrated cassis and berry fruit flavours with well integrated tannins.
The St Hugo is in the top 25 of Australia's most collected wines, and usually retails for around $35. This week you can pick up a bottle for $26.90, so why not grab a few and start your own collection. Although, good luck with keeping them for longer than a few weeks!
We finish off with a wine from Wolf Blass - their The Grey Label Shiraz 2007. Wolf Blass have been making wines for over 30 years and have such an extensive range, the non-wine-nerd can easily get confused as to what's what. However, with the introduction of the coloured label system, this problem is made a lot easier. Their Platinum Label and Black Label are No 1 and 2 respectively; and these super-premium wines retail at over $130/bottle.
Their Grey Label is next in line, and the wines produced under this label are consistently brilliant and great value for money, especially in the case of the shiraz mentioned above. Usually retailing for around $35/bottle, this week stock up your cellar for $24.90/bottle in any six.
The grapes used in this drop are sourced wholly from the McLaren Vale region. Tasting notes as follows: aromas of rich, ripe berries with hints of pepper, spice and dark chocolate with a rich, soft, fruit palate with well-integrated oak, soft tannins and a long seamless finish.
There's no better time for a red wine tour of Australia, and with a six-pack consisting of the above wines, you can cover a good deal of this vast country, without even leaving your armchair.
However, you may need a long lie-down afterwards.
Get amongst it peoples!
Yours in Plonk
The Plonker
Monday, July 20, 2009
A Lovely Little Winter Warmer
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
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
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Margaret River Delivers!
Having only recently extolled the virtues of Voyager Estate's SBS (sauvignon blanc/semillon) - a ripper blend from the Margaret River region - here's a heads-up on another little beauty from the same area.
Cape Mentelle, like Voyager, is a James Halliday-rated 5 star winery and one of WA's best. It produces highly-awarded wines year after year, with its recent-release chardonnay and shiraz both receiving 94+ points in James' latest bible ('James Halliday's Wine Companion 2009).
Their SBS is also not to be sniffed at (or rather: should be sniffed at, sipped at, and consumed in its entirety in one sitting - in fact, I dare you to leave any in the bottle!). As with any quality Margaret River SBS, the regional flavours are present and correct in Cape Mentelle's version. On the palate you'll find lemon and lime zest, with crunchy sugar snap pea and wheatgrass. Very crisp and very moreish!
SBS's are best consumed young and well-chilled - and after consuming a bottle of this baby, I dare say you will feel the same!
Usually retailing for around $28 a bottle, get thee to Vintage Cellars and snap up their 2 for $40 offer (ends 3 May). Barganza!!
Get amongst it peoples!
Yours in plonk,
The Plonker
Cape Mentelle, like Voyager, is a James Halliday-rated 5 star winery and one of WA's best. It produces highly-awarded wines year after year, with its recent-release chardonnay and shiraz both receiving 94+ points in James' latest bible ('James Halliday's Wine Companion 2009).
Their SBS is also not to be sniffed at (or rather: should be sniffed at, sipped at, and consumed in its entirety in one sitting - in fact, I dare you to leave any in the bottle!). As with any quality Margaret River SBS, the regional flavours are present and correct in Cape Mentelle's version. On the palate you'll find lemon and lime zest, with crunchy sugar snap pea and wheatgrass. Very crisp and very moreish!
SBS's are best consumed young and well-chilled - and after consuming a bottle of this baby, I dare say you will feel the same!
Usually retailing for around $28 a bottle, get thee to Vintage Cellars and snap up their 2 for $40 offer (ends 3 May). Barganza!!
Get amongst it peoples!
Yours in plonk,
The Plonker
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
The Long and Wining Road Part 2
Right, back again (albeit a long time between drinks) to continue the story of our South Australian adventures back in February. Where was I? Oh that's right - only my favourite vinous destination on earth - right in the thick of the hallowed Coonawarra terra rossa (try saying that real fast after a few too many cellar doors in one afternoon!).
OK, so... after blitzing Wynns and Zema Estate's cellar doors within an hour of our arrival, we relaxed into a blissful evening at Punter's Retreat. The balmy evening was just the ticket for a gourmet bbq and sampling our recent purchases in the vine-covered courtyard.
DAY 5
After lining our collective stomachs with a hearty brekky, we were off to have a sticky beak at the neighbours' gaff. Majella wines was in my Top 3 'must-visit' cellar doors of the whole trip, so to discover our accommodation was located right next door to their vineyard was pleasing, to say the least. Their wines have been a longstanding fave of mine; they produce consistently excellent drops and are true Coonawarra icons. On arrival we duly tasted the straight 'Majella Shiraz' and 'Majella Cabernet Sauvignon,' and also were lucky enough to sample the super-premium 'The Mallea' (Aboriginal for 'green field'), a blend of Cabernet and Shiraz.
The two former wines retail for around $30, while The Mallea is just over double that. Do yourself a favour and, at some stage in your life, treat yourself to one of these babies - you will not regret it! Appearance across the board is very dark, almost inky, and flavours include chocolate, earth, spice and cedar. And if the budget is tight, Majella's Shiraz Cabernet Blend, 'The Musician' is an absolute steal at around $18 RRP.
So, with Majella ticked off the list, we eagerly headed off to further explore the cigar-shaped strip of dirt known as 'Australia's Other Red Centre.'
Notable mention must go to Penley Estate, with a lovely old rustic barn of a cellar door, an extensive and high-quality range of wines with eye-catching labels. Iconic predatory birds and fantasy creatures adorn each bottle including the 'Condor,' 'Phoenix,' 'Hyland' and 'Gryphon.' The standout wine was the Penley Estate Reserve Cab Sauv 2004 - about $50 a bottle and one to put away for a special occasion. Here's the blurb: Intense rich ripe berries, velvety tannins and characters of smoky oak and chocolate, The wine is elegant but extremely complex and can be cellared for 10 years. In a plonker word: Yum.
Over the remainder of the day, we somehow also managed to fit in the following wineries: Leconfield, Bowen Estate, Hollick, Balnaves and Punter's Corner (owned by the same crew as the retreat we were staying at). My God, that's a lot of cellar doors! No wonder we were a bit worse for wear come 5pm!
The Coonawarra doesn't have too many dining options, however, I would consider 'Upstairs at Hollick' as one of best vineyard restaurants I've come across. The restaurant is (unsurprisingly) upstairs, above Hollick's cellar door, with floor to ceiling windows that ensure uninterrupted views over the vineyard and beyond to the broader Coonawarra region. You can also see into the barrel store and may even catch a glimpse of the winemaker plying his craft.
We stopped here for lunch and were not disappointed! This was Modern Australian cuisine at is best - and we sampled several dishes showcasing some of the region's finest seasonal produce. Mmmm.
We savoured our last night in the Coonawarra, enjoying another barbie at Punter's, in the warm evening air accompanied, yet again, by more local tipples. Speaking of which, it would be remiss of me not to mention the 'oh my God' moment I experienced in the small township of Penola (the Coonawarra's main village). Whilst trawling through the local bottle-o, I stumbled across a dusty bottle of Wynns 'Michael' Shiraz (the super-premium, well-flash shiraz from Wynn's stable) from the renowned 1998 vintage. And the bottle price was an absolute steal! After eliciting a not particularly discreet moan, I grabbed it and scooted to the counter. Happy days indeed.
To be continued...
The Plonker
OK, so... after blitzing Wynns and Zema Estate's cellar doors within an hour of our arrival, we relaxed into a blissful evening at Punter's Retreat. The balmy evening was just the ticket for a gourmet bbq and sampling our recent purchases in the vine-covered courtyard.
DAY 5
After lining our collective stomachs with a hearty brekky, we were off to have a sticky beak at the neighbours' gaff. Majella wines was in my Top 3 'must-visit' cellar doors of the whole trip, so to discover our accommodation was located right next door to their vineyard was pleasing, to say the least. Their wines have been a longstanding fave of mine; they produce consistently excellent drops and are true Coonawarra icons. On arrival we duly tasted the straight 'Majella Shiraz' and 'Majella Cabernet Sauvignon,' and also were lucky enough to sample the super-premium 'The Mallea' (Aboriginal for 'green field'), a blend of Cabernet and Shiraz.
The two former wines retail for around $30, while The Mallea is just over double that. Do yourself a favour and, at some stage in your life, treat yourself to one of these babies - you will not regret it! Appearance across the board is very dark, almost inky, and flavours include chocolate, earth, spice and cedar. And if the budget is tight, Majella's Shiraz Cabernet Blend, 'The Musician' is an absolute steal at around $18 RRP.
So, with Majella ticked off the list, we eagerly headed off to further explore the cigar-shaped strip of dirt known as 'Australia's Other Red Centre.'
Notable mention must go to Penley Estate, with a lovely old rustic barn of a cellar door, an extensive and high-quality range of wines with eye-catching labels. Iconic predatory birds and fantasy creatures adorn each bottle including the 'Condor,' 'Phoenix,' 'Hyland' and 'Gryphon.' The standout wine was the Penley Estate Reserve Cab Sauv 2004 - about $50 a bottle and one to put away for a special occasion. Here's the blurb: Intense rich ripe berries, velvety tannins and characters of smoky oak and chocolate, The wine is elegant but extremely complex and can be cellared for 10 years. In a plonker word: Yum.
Over the remainder of the day, we somehow also managed to fit in the following wineries: Leconfield, Bowen Estate, Hollick, Balnaves and Punter's Corner (owned by the same crew as the retreat we were staying at). My God, that's a lot of cellar doors! No wonder we were a bit worse for wear come 5pm!
The Coonawarra doesn't have too many dining options, however, I would consider 'Upstairs at Hollick' as one of best vineyard restaurants I've come across. The restaurant is (unsurprisingly) upstairs, above Hollick's cellar door, with floor to ceiling windows that ensure uninterrupted views over the vineyard and beyond to the broader Coonawarra region. You can also see into the barrel store and may even catch a glimpse of the winemaker plying his craft.
We stopped here for lunch and were not disappointed! This was Modern Australian cuisine at is best - and we sampled several dishes showcasing some of the region's finest seasonal produce. Mmmm.
We savoured our last night in the Coonawarra, enjoying another barbie at Punter's, in the warm evening air accompanied, yet again, by more local tipples. Speaking of which, it would be remiss of me not to mention the 'oh my God' moment I experienced in the small township of Penola (the Coonawarra's main village). Whilst trawling through the local bottle-o, I stumbled across a dusty bottle of Wynns 'Michael' Shiraz (the super-premium, well-flash shiraz from Wynn's stable) from the renowned 1998 vintage. And the bottle price was an absolute steal! After eliciting a not particularly discreet moan, I grabbed it and scooted to the counter. Happy days indeed.
To be continued...
The Plonker
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Something for the Weekend
I recently stepped out of my white wine safety zone: ie 'only chardonnay or sauvignon blanc for me, and no variations on that, thankyouverymuch' and was delighted to be rewarded by this daring move.
When it comes to white blends, the closest I have previously come is pairing myself with a glass of chardonnay.
However, let me introduce you to my New Best Friend:
The Voyager Estate Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2008
My God this is a good wine! A perfect wine for summer.
For me, it has now overtaken the ubiquitous Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc (the good producers, people - not the 'Land of the Long White Cloud' varieties) as my summer tipple of choice.
Hallelujah it is GOOD!
The Margaret River is one of Australia’s largest producers of this blend. Here you will find expressive Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon where the marriage of the two varieties results in a union greater than the individual parts (sounds like bollocks, but its actually true!).
Here's the Tasting Notes for the Voyager SBS:
Colour: Pale straw with vibrant green tinges.
Nose: Tight lemon blossom, honeydew, guava, gooseberry and white nectarine
Palate: Displays fruit flavours of gooseberry & citrus
And, that ain't the best part... here it comes...
It should retail for around $24 a bottle, but this week is on sale at you-know-where for $16.80 (or $15.50 by six).
Its criminal, really it is.
Don't take my word for it - get out there and see for yourself!
And, get amongst it peoples!!!
Till next time,
Yours in Plonk
The Plonker
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
A Long and Wining Road (Trip) Part 1
Q: Is there anything better than a long, luxurious road trip based around wine-tasting?
A: I think not.
Exception: you are the driver.
However, with four ladies sharing the experience, this problem is swept aside, with daily rotations of DDs (that's Designated Driver, not passengers of the female persuasion who are well-endowed upstairs. Although, theoretically, it could be one and the same. However, I digress...)
I recently had the pleasure of a totally indulgent week-long holiday in South Australia with my partner and two of our good friends. In a great big beast of a four-wheel-drive (almost requiring a ladder to gain access into, and a serious hazard to get out of, at times) and in 40+ degree days, we covered more than 1000km, visited more than 25 cellar doors in five wine regions, and tasted in excess of 100 wines (erring on the conservative side with that figure!)
By Day 6, I was almost ready for admission to Australia's version of the Betty Ford Clinic, however managed a second wind with a icy cold schooner (or 'pint' as they call em down there) of refreshing Coopers Ale... ooh yeah! And ready to go again...
Our trip began in late January in Adelaide, which was in the throes of one hell of a heatwave. Daytime temperatures were routinely in the mid-40s, with overnight lows of around 30°! Thank God for air conditioning!
DAY 1 & 2
Belinda and I had no firm plans for our first two days in Adelaide; happy enough to explore the city for the first time. However, on the second day, it occurred to me that it would be unforgiveable for us NOT to check out the Barossa Valley, given its close proximity.
By midday we were firmly ensconced in the tasting room at Grant Burge Wines, courtesy of our hastily-arranged rental car. A standout wine from this cellar door was the Grant Burge Sparkling Shiraz Cabernet - a deep ruby coloured sparkling wine with aromas of smoky bacon, rich red fruit flavours and very fine bubbles. RRP should be around $20.
Over the remainder of the day we visited six more cellar doors, including Chateau Tanunda, Charles Melton, Elderton and Penfolds.
It would have been rude to go to the Barossa and not have lunch at Maggie Beer's Farm. We re-fuelled with some of Maggie's pates, cheeses and relishes in a shady spot by a pond filled with baby turtles and various feathered animals incluiding peacocks - an absolute delight and highly recommended.
A highlight of the day included the tasting of Torbreck's 'The Runrig' 2005 (a shiraz-viognier blend) - which retails at over $200 a bottle! It was certainly a lovely drop, but unfortunately, not in the trip budget.
At the other end of the cost spectrum was Two Hands 'Brilliant Disguise' moscato at only $17 for a 500ml bottle. With just 7% alcohol, consume it either as an aperitif, or at the end of a meal, in place of a dessert wine.
Moscato has recently experienced a popularity explosion in Australia, with a wide range now available in this variety. However, I find a lot of moscatos to be sickly-sweet, almost resembling the dreaded 'alcopop.' This is not the case with the 'Brilliant Disguise.' Lightly carbonated with a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity, it is long and lean, leaving the palate clean and ready for the next mouthful. Once opened, I guarantee a bottle will not last long!
DAY 3
Today Pip arrived from Sydney, and by late morning the three of us had set off to explore the Adelaide Hills wine region, a mere 20-minute drive from Adelaide city. Due to its cool climate, Adelaide Hills is one of Australia's largest producers of sauvignon blanc. As a proud Kiwi, I was on a mission to see if anything came close to Marlborough's outstanding examples.
We commenced tasting at Petaluma, a producer of highly-awarded wines, including Petaluma Chardonnay and the top-rated sparkling: 'The Croser.' The current vintage is 2006, but we were lucky enough to be able to try the 1998 Croser which was a creamy mouth-filling, biscuity taste sensation. Yum!
Then it was onwards to Hahdorf Hill and Nepenthe cellar doors, stopping for a well-needed lunch at The Lane Vineyard, a fantastically elevated spot looking over the vines. Highlight of the day for me was Nepenthe's wines, including their 2008 sauvignon blanc. Pick this baby up for under $18 and you'll be laughing: 'A core of tropical fruit balanced by lively, varietal, herbaceous characters. The palate is supported by crisp, citrus acidity and a long, refreshing finish.' Not quite a Marlborough savvy, but not far off!
DAY 4
After collecting our final passenger, Ms N, we headed south towards the famed terra rossa of the Coonawarra (aka 'Australia's Other Red Centre'), almost 400km away. After a four-hour drive and with only one hour of tasting time remaining, we still managed to fit in two of the biggies: Wynns Coonawarra Estate and Zema Estate.
Wynns was everything I had dreamed of, and more! Upon arrival, I was so overcome to be there, I fell to the ground and kissed it, giving thanks to this rich, red soil for so many nights of pleasure. (NB: we're still at a vineyard at this point peoples, not a red light district.. believe it or not!)
Inside the building there were riches galore - it was like being in Aladdin's (wine) cave... I didn't know where to begin. There was merchandise, there was stemware, and most importantly, there was Wynn's wine, including back vintages of their big hitters ... bliss!
We lined up the tasting glasses and a cheese platter, and off we went... chardonnay, shiraz, cab/shiraz/merlot, an exclusive cellar-door-only shiraz/cabernet, then onto the highly-collected black label Cabernet Sauvignon, followed by the most divine John Riddoch Cab Sauv, and finishing with an aged riesling (another cellar door exclusive). We left there a few dollars lighter, a few kilos heavier (in the boot of our 4WD) and a whole lot less sober! Woo hoo!
With 15 mins remaining, we entered Zema Estate, and 40 mins later emerged as per Wynns (see above). Zema is a small vineyard, owned and operated by the Zema family, who originate from Italy. Their wines are outstanding, with the Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon being excellent value-for-money (around $20 or so), while the premium versions of these varieties (which come under the 'Family Selection' label) are sublime and retail for around $40 each.
It was now time to take ourselves, and our new purchases, to our Coonawarra accommodation, Punters Retreat. And what accommodation! I think all of us had a serious 'wow' moment on arrival. We could not quite believe that we had scored this amazing place all to ourselves. A thoroughly luxurious and modern, architectural masterpiece of a place, Punters Retreat was just the place to rest wine-weary bodies for two nites. Everything you could ever wish for, they had thought of, including a seemingly endless array of stemware in which to consume those tasty cellar door purchases.
After a few discussions with locals in the following days, it became apparent that we had been very lucky to score this place, as it is apparently booked out almost all year round. And with the Coonawarra being situated over 400km from both Adelaide and Melbourne, its not the sort of place you can just take a day trip to. Accommodation is a must. For those of you thinking of heading to the Red Centre in the next 12 months - I strongly recommend this place: http://www.punterscorner.com.au/retreat.html Check it out!
To be continued....
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
'Tis the Season to Drink Bolly! (Global Financial Crisis notwithstanding)
Ho ho bloody ho and Merry Xmas everyone!
This will be my final blog for 2008, and being the festive season, the following are some handy tips for the xmas, new year, summer and general holiday drinking periods...
Bubbles will be everywhere in the next couple of weeks and my clear fave this year has been the Bollinger Special Cuvee. Yes, that's right, the real deal: French champagne.
James (Wine God) Halliday has this to say about it: A complex spicy, bready, toasty, baked apple bouquet, the palate complete and round, with an unexpected touch of delicacy, and a pleasing, dry finish. 94/100.
Although a non-vintage, it ain't super-cheap - RRP is around $80. However, at this time of year competition between the big wine merchants is super-fierce, and you may just be able to pick up a bottle for around $60 as I recently did - this represents fantastic value for money. And if you can't splash out on some premium bubbles at this time of year, when can you?!
Even if you have been an unfortunate victim of the recent credit crunch, you don't to miss out on the fizzy stuff: look no further than the Montana Lindauer Special Reserve from NZ's Marlborough region. This is the next step up from the Montana Lindauer Brut, but for only $5 more a bottle, its definitely a giant step!
Since leaving the Land of the Long White Cloud over a decade ago, I have had major trouble tracking down the Lindauer Special Reserve and had to get my fill on infrequent trips back home. However, my local Sydney bottle shop recently started selling it, and for only $15 a bottle, I am in heaven!
Here's some tasting notes: Bright gold with signature coppery tones. The yeasty and toasty bouquet show excellent maturity from prolonged bottle maturation and the wine is full on the palate with a pleasant, steady mousse and elegant aroma. Lindauer Special Reserve can be served as an aperitif or with any style of food. Whilst best enjoyed young and fresh, it will increase in toasty flavours if left to mature for 1-2 years.
YUM!
If the squeeze is really, really on , you could do worse than picking up the basic Lindauer Brut for around $10 a bottle.
OK, now onto some other current bargains:
Both Wither Hills Sauvignon Blanc and 'The Ned' Sauvignon Blanc are currently selling at the ridiculous price of around $15 a bottle - crazy prices for top-rating Marlborough 'savage john.' Brent Marris is the winemaker behind The Ned, having moved on from Wither Hills. As such, the quality of The Ned now almost surpasses the Wither Hills, but hey, at this price, why not grab a bottle of each, conduct a taste-test and decide for yourself?
My award for savvy for the year would have to be that liquid slice of heaven: Nautilus Sauvignon Blanc. Again, from the Marlborough region, it is the most more-ish savvy I have ever tasted. Look for the green bottle with the distinctive sea shell just above the label. Expect to pay around $22/bottle.
Here's some tasting notes to get you salivating in ancipation: Nautilus Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2008 is pale straw in colour with an aroma of passionfruit skin, gooseberry and boxwood with a hint of basil. The palate has flavours of melon and red capsicum with good texture and length and a typical zingy finish. Delicious now, this wine will continue to develop over the next six to eighteen months.
Definitely the summer tipple of choice.
My tip for best non-NZ savvy this year would have to go to the Logan Sauvignon Blanc from Orange in NSW. Orange's cool climate is perfect for this variety and it could almost turn me from the NZ-based drops. Steady on, I said 'almost.' This is a lovely crisp wine, perfect for hot summer days, lunches, afternoons, early evenings, hell, anytime! Its mouth-wateringly good. Around $19 a bottle.
Notes: The Logan 2008 Sauvignon Blanc is pale gold in colour.It has a pungent aroma of passionfruit, guava and nettle.The palate zings with crunchy fresh flavours of pinkgrapefruit, green papaya and lime. The finish is longand crisp.
And finally, in reds: McLaren Vale's Wirra Wirra vineyard produces the always-reliable 'The Church Block,' typically a blend of around 50 per cent Cabernet Sauvignon, 30 per cent Shiraz and 20 per cent Merlot. This is an absolute steal currently at $16 a bottle.
My last recommendation for the year in reds is the Voyager Estate Cabernet Merlot 2004. This is a mouth-wateringly good drop from WA's Margaret River. It has picked up numerous awards this year, including Winestar's 'Wine of the Year' and features in James Halliday's Top 100 of the year. It's RRP is $60, but it was recently advertised you-kn0w-where for just over $45 a bottle. Word on the street is that future vintages will be more realistically priced (given the quality of the wine) at closer to $100 a bottle, so grab yourself a bottle of this vintage while you can.
Here's just one of many glowing reviews: So utterly beguiling and downright delicious that I can’t stop drinking it – this is Margaret River cabernet at her best. Wound around the core of blueberry, mulberry and black fruits are layers of savoury and spice notes such as liquorice, bay leaf, tobacco and a hint of mint sitting alongside fine soft tannins and cedary yet well-integrated oak. Very plush, succulent and superbly balanced but with all great reds, this needs time. And in a word, outstanding." Jane Faulkner, The Age 48 Hours Drink Now to 2025
That's all from me for now. I hope at least some of you have enjoyed my ramblings. Have a great Xmas and New Year and see y'all in 09.
Yours in Plonk,
The Plonker
x
This will be my final blog for 2008, and being the festive season, the following are some handy tips for the xmas, new year, summer and general holiday drinking periods...
Bubbles will be everywhere in the next couple of weeks and my clear fave this year has been the Bollinger Special Cuvee. Yes, that's right, the real deal: French champagne.
James (Wine God) Halliday has this to say about it: A complex spicy, bready, toasty, baked apple bouquet, the palate complete and round, with an unexpected touch of delicacy, and a pleasing, dry finish. 94/100.
Although a non-vintage, it ain't super-cheap - RRP is around $80. However, at this time of year competition between the big wine merchants is super-fierce, and you may just be able to pick up a bottle for around $60 as I recently did - this represents fantastic value for money. And if you can't splash out on some premium bubbles at this time of year, when can you?!
Even if you have been an unfortunate victim of the recent credit crunch, you don't to miss out on the fizzy stuff: look no further than the Montana Lindauer Special Reserve from NZ's Marlborough region. This is the next step up from the Montana Lindauer Brut, but for only $5 more a bottle, its definitely a giant step!
Since leaving the Land of the Long White Cloud over a decade ago, I have had major trouble tracking down the Lindauer Special Reserve and had to get my fill on infrequent trips back home. However, my local Sydney bottle shop recently started selling it, and for only $15 a bottle, I am in heaven!
Here's some tasting notes: Bright gold with signature coppery tones. The yeasty and toasty bouquet show excellent maturity from prolonged bottle maturation and the wine is full on the palate with a pleasant, steady mousse and elegant aroma. Lindauer Special Reserve can be served as an aperitif or with any style of food. Whilst best enjoyed young and fresh, it will increase in toasty flavours if left to mature for 1-2 years.
YUM!
If the squeeze is really, really on , you could do worse than picking up the basic Lindauer Brut for around $10 a bottle.
OK, now onto some other current bargains:
Both Wither Hills Sauvignon Blanc and 'The Ned' Sauvignon Blanc are currently selling at the ridiculous price of around $15 a bottle - crazy prices for top-rating Marlborough 'savage john.' Brent Marris is the winemaker behind The Ned, having moved on from Wither Hills. As such, the quality of The Ned now almost surpasses the Wither Hills, but hey, at this price, why not grab a bottle of each, conduct a taste-test and decide for yourself?
My award for savvy for the year would have to be that liquid slice of heaven: Nautilus Sauvignon Blanc. Again, from the Marlborough region, it is the most more-ish savvy I have ever tasted. Look for the green bottle with the distinctive sea shell just above the label. Expect to pay around $22/bottle.
Here's some tasting notes to get you salivating in ancipation: Nautilus Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2008 is pale straw in colour with an aroma of passionfruit skin, gooseberry and boxwood with a hint of basil. The palate has flavours of melon and red capsicum with good texture and length and a typical zingy finish. Delicious now, this wine will continue to develop over the next six to eighteen months.
Definitely the summer tipple of choice.
My tip for best non-NZ savvy this year would have to go to the Logan Sauvignon Blanc from Orange in NSW. Orange's cool climate is perfect for this variety and it could almost turn me from the NZ-based drops. Steady on, I said 'almost.' This is a lovely crisp wine, perfect for hot summer days, lunches, afternoons, early evenings, hell, anytime! Its mouth-wateringly good. Around $19 a bottle.
Notes: The Logan 2008 Sauvignon Blanc is pale gold in colour.It has a pungent aroma of passionfruit, guava and nettle.The palate zings with crunchy fresh flavours of pinkgrapefruit, green papaya and lime. The finish is longand crisp.
And finally, in reds: McLaren Vale's Wirra Wirra vineyard produces the always-reliable 'The Church Block,' typically a blend of around 50 per cent Cabernet Sauvignon, 30 per cent Shiraz and 20 per cent Merlot. This is an absolute steal currently at $16 a bottle.
My last recommendation for the year in reds is the Voyager Estate Cabernet Merlot 2004. This is a mouth-wateringly good drop from WA's Margaret River. It has picked up numerous awards this year, including Winestar's 'Wine of the Year' and features in James Halliday's Top 100 of the year. It's RRP is $60, but it was recently advertised you-kn0w-where for just over $45 a bottle. Word on the street is that future vintages will be more realistically priced (given the quality of the wine) at closer to $100 a bottle, so grab yourself a bottle of this vintage while you can.
Here's just one of many glowing reviews: So utterly beguiling and downright delicious that I can’t stop drinking it – this is Margaret River cabernet at her best. Wound around the core of blueberry, mulberry and black fruits are layers of savoury and spice notes such as liquorice, bay leaf, tobacco and a hint of mint sitting alongside fine soft tannins and cedary yet well-integrated oak. Very plush, succulent and superbly balanced but with all great reds, this needs time. And in a word, outstanding." Jane Faulkner, The Age 48 Hours Drink Now to 2025
That's all from me for now. I hope at least some of you have enjoyed my ramblings. Have a great Xmas and New Year and see y'all in 09.
Yours in Plonk,
The Plonker
x
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Celebrate good times, Come On!
Oh Lordy! There are some sensational bubbly bargains to be had this week, my fizz-loving friends!
Whether you currently:
(a) HAVE something to celebrate,
(b) HAD something to celebrate, or
(c) Just WISH you had something to celebrate, now is the time to max out the credit card on some fine French bubbly. And yes, I really do mean 'Champagne' (i.e. the real thing)!
And with the Melbourne Cup and the US Elections almost upon us, there's no better time to toast a victory (or commiserate a loss).
So, sod the credit crunch... we all know that everything can be (temporarily) fixed with a flute of this effervescent French elixir.
So, until Weds 5 November you can procure the following:
Moet Brut Imperial NV (non-vintage) $49.90 (Yes, less than 50 big ones!!)
(Note for beginners: you do actually pronounce the 'T' - so its 'Mo-ett' as opposed to 'Mo-way' - however I still think you sound like a wanker going with this option)
Piper Heidsieck NV $39.90
This is a personal fave of mine - goes down nice and smooth - and you can' t miss the bright red and gold label - tidy.
Pol Gessner NV $34.60
It's real champagne, its under $35, what's to lose?
And in reds, I would snap up some of the following (going from 'BBQ' to 'flash dinner'):
Annie's Lane (Shiraz and Cab Merlot) $9.80
Jim Barry 'The Cover Drive' (Cab Sauv) $17.80
(Look out for the groovy, lemon-coloured label on the front depicting an early era cricketer, playing the aforementioned cover drive - a perfect drop for cracking open and slurping while watching the Aussies go down to India)
And finally, to wow that special someone (even if that 'someone' happens to be a nice juicy eye fillet)... you cannot go past:
Orlando St Hugo Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 $39.90
(You'll find this in the 'Cellar Release' section - i.e. its been soundly sleeping somewhere dark and cool for the past few years, and has only recently been woken.. so open slowly and quietly - then prepared to be seduced!)
That's all for this week kids - happy plonking!
Yours in Plonk
The Plonker
Whether you currently:
(a) HAVE something to celebrate,
(b) HAD something to celebrate, or
(c) Just WISH you had something to celebrate, now is the time to max out the credit card on some fine French bubbly. And yes, I really do mean 'Champagne' (i.e. the real thing)!
And with the Melbourne Cup and the US Elections almost upon us, there's no better time to toast a victory (or commiserate a loss).
So, sod the credit crunch... we all know that everything can be (temporarily) fixed with a flute of this effervescent French elixir.
So, until Weds 5 November you can procure the following:
Moet Brut Imperial NV (non-vintage) $49.90 (Yes, less than 50 big ones!!)
(Note for beginners: you do actually pronounce the 'T' - so its 'Mo-ett' as opposed to 'Mo-way' - however I still think you sound like a wanker going with this option)
Piper Heidsieck NV $39.90
This is a personal fave of mine - goes down nice and smooth - and you can' t miss the bright red and gold label - tidy.
Pol Gessner NV $34.60
It's real champagne, its under $35, what's to lose?
And in reds, I would snap up some of the following (going from 'BBQ' to 'flash dinner'):
Annie's Lane (Shiraz and Cab Merlot) $9.80
Jim Barry 'The Cover Drive' (Cab Sauv) $17.80
(Look out for the groovy, lemon-coloured label on the front depicting an early era cricketer, playing the aforementioned cover drive - a perfect drop for cracking open and slurping while watching the Aussies go down to India)
And finally, to wow that special someone (even if that 'someone' happens to be a nice juicy eye fillet)... you cannot go past:
Orlando St Hugo Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 $39.90
(You'll find this in the 'Cellar Release' section - i.e. its been soundly sleeping somewhere dark and cool for the past few years, and has only recently been woken.. so open slowly and quietly - then prepared to be seduced!)
That's all for this week kids - happy plonking!
Yours in Plonk
The Plonker
Thursday, October 9, 2008
I see red, I see red, I see red!
This week's reommendations for some bargain red, red wine is as follows: (drum roll purlease)....
For BBQ-ing/weeknight drinking:
Hardys Oomoo Cab Sauv 2006 - $12.50 (or $11.90 x 6)
(This one has a fantastically weird name, and a really purty label!)
For a nice dinner in, or out, with a friend:
Penley Estate Phoenix Cab Sauv - $16.70 (or $15.90)
For a romantic dinner in, or out, with a really, really special friend:
Zema Estate Coonawarra Cab Sauv 2005 - $20.90 (or $19.90)
Get busy peoples
Yours in Plonk
The Plonker
For BBQ-ing/weeknight drinking:
Hardys Oomoo Cab Sauv 2006 - $12.50 (or $11.90 x 6)
(This one has a fantastically weird name, and a really purty label!)
For a nice dinner in, or out, with a friend:
Penley Estate Phoenix Cab Sauv - $16.70 (or $15.90)
For a romantic dinner in, or out, with a really, really special friend:
Zema Estate Coonawarra Cab Sauv 2005 - $20.90 (or $19.90)
Get busy peoples
Yours in Plonk
The Plonker
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Bubbles from the land of the long white cloud(y) bay..
OK, so.... I have previously blogged about champagne - that decadent European tipple... today I am going to point you in the direction of my favourite non-French bubble...
The fact that this wee beauty happens to be conceived and delivered in the same country as me, is, of course, merely a coincidence.
The bubbles in question come from the Cloudy Bay vineyard in New Zealand's Marlborough region (that's in the South Island for you non-sheep-botherers). Cloudy Bay wines are rightly famous for their still wines, including sensational pinot noirs and divine chardonnays. However, they also make an exquisite sparkling wine, which they have named 'Pelorus.'
'Pelorus Jack' was a famous dolphin who, for more than 20 years around the turn of last century, met the steamers crossing between the two main islands of New Zealand and escorted them through the Marlborough Sounds. His descendants abound in the waters of Cloudy Bay and their image has become the symbol of Pelorus.
Pelorus is available in both vintage and non-vintage (with the NV being cheaper, by about five bucks)... Both are delicious, but below are the tasting notes for both, to help you make an informed decision ...
Pelorus NV (RRP $33AUD): a fresh, aperitif-style sparkling wine with apple-crisp flavours, underpinned by nutty yeast complexity derived from two years bottle maturation on lees.
Pelorus Vintage 2004 (RRP $40AUD): Like memories of a late summer picnic, Pelorus Vintage 2004 has enticing aromas of ripe red apples, quince jam and rosehips. The wine has a fine, elegant structure that bursts with flavour ... freshly baked lemon biscotti with a nougat nuttiness and creamy minerality ... leading seamlessly into a long, crisp finish.
The NV is currently available for $24.90 from my local, and at this price, you'd be mad to not grab a couple of bottles. I believe it is by far the best bubble in its price range (outside of the Champagne region.) And, trust me, I am not biased. Baa!
Grab some, get it chilled, and get amongst it peoples!
Yours in Plonk,
The Plonker
The fact that this wee beauty happens to be conceived and delivered in the same country as me, is, of course, merely a coincidence.
The bubbles in question come from the Cloudy Bay vineyard in New Zealand's Marlborough region (that's in the South Island for you non-sheep-botherers). Cloudy Bay wines are rightly famous for their still wines, including sensational pinot noirs and divine chardonnays. However, they also make an exquisite sparkling wine, which they have named 'Pelorus.'
'Pelorus Jack' was a famous dolphin who, for more than 20 years around the turn of last century, met the steamers crossing between the two main islands of New Zealand and escorted them through the Marlborough Sounds. His descendants abound in the waters of Cloudy Bay and their image has become the symbol of Pelorus.
Pelorus is available in both vintage and non-vintage (with the NV being cheaper, by about five bucks)... Both are delicious, but below are the tasting notes for both, to help you make an informed decision ...
Pelorus NV (RRP $33AUD): a fresh, aperitif-style sparkling wine with apple-crisp flavours, underpinned by nutty yeast complexity derived from two years bottle maturation on lees.
Pelorus Vintage 2004 (RRP $40AUD): Like memories of a late summer picnic, Pelorus Vintage 2004 has enticing aromas of ripe red apples, quince jam and rosehips. The wine has a fine, elegant structure that bursts with flavour ... freshly baked lemon biscotti with a nougat nuttiness and creamy minerality ... leading seamlessly into a long, crisp finish.
The NV is currently available for $24.90 from my local, and at this price, you'd be mad to not grab a couple of bottles. I believe it is by far the best bubble in its price range (outside of the Champagne region.) And, trust me, I am not biased. Baa!
Grab some, get it chilled, and get amongst it peoples!
Yours in Plonk,
The Plonker
Thursday, September 18, 2008
The Sound of Music (and the taste of cowshed)
Yo winos!
Today I'm just going to talk about one wine, but Oh! what a wine!
Just to really mix things up, its a Coonawarra red.. I know, I know, but at least I'm consistent in my favourite drops (though I suspect some would substitute the word 'blinkered')...
Majella Wines is owned by the Lynn family; the vineyard is situated in Coonawarra's famed ‘Red Strip’ which is renowned for its rich terra rossa soil and porous limestone.
Majella produce some outstanding wines: the shiraz and cabernet sauvignon are faultless and retail for around $30 per bottle.
However, for almost half this price, grab yourself a bottle of their Cabernet/Shiraz blend, nicknamed 'The Musician.' This drop comprises 70% cab sauv and 30% shiraz and is an absolute stunner, and a complete steal at $16.70 (from you-know-where).
This wine is a tribute to Matthew Lynn (son of the owners) killed early in 2005 in a hit and run accident. A 20-year-old who wanted to make music his life, hence the name, and it is a fitting tribute.
Here's the winemaker's description of this drop: vibrant, unmistakably Coonawarra to smell and taste, bursting with flavours of blackcurrant, mulberry and herbs, and fine, elegant and juicy in the mouth.
My own idiosyncractic interpretation of the nose and palate of this wine is to describe it as 'cowshed.'
This is the (admittedly quite strange) term I use for jammy, mouth-filling, kick-arse, earthy, down 'n' dirty, gamey, full-bodied, muscled-up reds that you can enjoy almost as much by just inhaling (kids, don't try this at home). And this Musician is definitely cowshed born-and-bred!
I absolutely Luuurve this wine, and in terms of value-for-money, it gets 10/10.
So, in summary, I highly recommend you gather up a few Musicians and start making some sweeet music with someone very special.
Yours in Plonk
The Plonker
Today I'm just going to talk about one wine, but Oh! what a wine!
Just to really mix things up, its a Coonawarra red.. I know, I know, but at least I'm consistent in my favourite drops (though I suspect some would substitute the word 'blinkered')...
Majella Wines is owned by the Lynn family; the vineyard is situated in Coonawarra's famed ‘Red Strip’ which is renowned for its rich terra rossa soil and porous limestone.
Majella produce some outstanding wines: the shiraz and cabernet sauvignon are faultless and retail for around $30 per bottle.
However, for almost half this price, grab yourself a bottle of their Cabernet/Shiraz blend, nicknamed 'The Musician.' This drop comprises 70% cab sauv and 30% shiraz and is an absolute stunner, and a complete steal at $16.70 (from you-know-where).
This wine is a tribute to Matthew Lynn (son of the owners) killed early in 2005 in a hit and run accident. A 20-year-old who wanted to make music his life, hence the name, and it is a fitting tribute.
Here's the winemaker's description of this drop: vibrant, unmistakably Coonawarra to smell and taste, bursting with flavours of blackcurrant, mulberry and herbs, and fine, elegant and juicy in the mouth.
My own idiosyncractic interpretation of the nose and palate of this wine is to describe it as 'cowshed.'
This is the (admittedly quite strange) term I use for jammy, mouth-filling, kick-arse, earthy, down 'n' dirty, gamey, full-bodied, muscled-up reds that you can enjoy almost as much by just inhaling (kids, don't try this at home). And this Musician is definitely cowshed born-and-bred!
I absolutely Luuurve this wine, and in terms of value-for-money, it gets 10/10.
So, in summary, I highly recommend you gather up a few Musicians and start making some sweeet music with someone very special.
Yours in Plonk
The Plonker
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
More bargains than you can poke a stick at - but hurry!
Howdy wine-lubbers. Today's blog will be short and sweet... to get straight to the point, there are some ripper drops going at ridiculous prices at my local bottle-o. Some of the wines I have talked up in previous blogs, some are new, but all are incredible value for money.
The prices are valid from 10th-17th September, but be warned, I have unfortunately learned from experience that they often sell out within the first few days.
I have separated these bargains out into varieties, giving you an everyday drinking option, and also a 'splashing-out' option.
So, whether you're after a bargain weeknight quaffer, a nice crisp savvy for sipping over lunch, or a kick-arse red to wash down that plump piece of wagyu, there should be a little something for everyone.... here we go:
'The Ned' Sauvignon Blanc 2007 (Marlborough, NZ) $14.60 per bottle ($13.90 in any 6)
Highfield Sauvignon Blanc 2006 (Marlborough, NZ) $26.90 per bottle ($25.60 in 6)
Wynns Coonawarra Chardonnay 2006 (Coonawarra) $10.90 ($10.40)
Devils Lair Chardonnay 2006 (Margaret River) $28.90 ($27.50)
Annies Lane Shiraz or Cabernet Merlot (Clare Valley) $9.90 ($9.40)
Penley Estate 'Phoenix' Cabernet Sauvignon (Coonawarra) $16.70 ($15.90)
Cape Mentelle 'Trinders' Cabernet Merlot 2005 (Margaret River) $20.90 ($19.90)
So get your skates on and get amongst it peoples!
Yours in plonk,
The Plonker
The prices are valid from 10th-17th September, but be warned, I have unfortunately learned from experience that they often sell out within the first few days.
I have separated these bargains out into varieties, giving you an everyday drinking option, and also a 'splashing-out' option.
So, whether you're after a bargain weeknight quaffer, a nice crisp savvy for sipping over lunch, or a kick-arse red to wash down that plump piece of wagyu, there should be a little something for everyone.... here we go:
'The Ned' Sauvignon Blanc 2007 (Marlborough, NZ) $14.60 per bottle ($13.90 in any 6)
Highfield Sauvignon Blanc 2006 (Marlborough, NZ) $26.90 per bottle ($25.60 in 6)
Wynns Coonawarra Chardonnay 2006 (Coonawarra) $10.90 ($10.40)
Devils Lair Chardonnay 2006 (Margaret River) $28.90 ($27.50)
Annies Lane Shiraz or Cabernet Merlot (Clare Valley) $9.90 ($9.40)
Penley Estate 'Phoenix' Cabernet Sauvignon (Coonawarra) $16.70 ($15.90)
Cape Mentelle 'Trinders' Cabernet Merlot 2005 (Margaret River) $20.90 ($19.90)
So get your skates on and get amongst it peoples!
Yours in plonk,
The Plonker
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Champagne - what's not to like?
Howdy all
Today we're going to talk about Champagne. Even the name sounds romantic! It conjurs up all sorts of images - of extravagance, of jubilant celebrations, of fine stemware, of smoked salmon and caviar canapes, of long walks on the beach... oops, getting a bit carried away there...
Let's regroup.
Only bottles that are produced in a designated area of the Champagne region in France can be labelled 'champagne.' All bubbles made elsewhere must go by the rather less-appealing moniker of 'sparkling white wine.' Although, there are of course variations on the theme. Some companies 'sex up' their labels by adding the words 'methode champenoise' or 'methode traditionelle' or, rather more bluntly: 'brut' (which, quite frankly, doesn't have quite the same ring to it as 'champagne.')
I long considered champagne a tipple reserved solely for the rich, the famous, gangsta rappers and movie moguls (and certainly out of the reach of a mere plonker like me!) However, in the last few years prices dropped significantly and you no longer have to take out a second mortgage to obtain a bottle (or three).
I have found the following drops regularly available for less than 50 big ones (not bad considering you can easily drop $40 for some of our better domestic bubbles). These are all non-vintage (NV) champagnes, which means a blend of grapes were used, from different years (or vintages). You will generally pay around $30 per bottle more for a 'vintage' champagne, in which 100% of the grapes used came from the same year, and that year will be shown on the bottle.
Yours in plonk,
The Plonker
Today we're going to talk about Champagne. Even the name sounds romantic! It conjurs up all sorts of images - of extravagance, of jubilant celebrations, of fine stemware, of smoked salmon and caviar canapes, of long walks on the beach... oops, getting a bit carried away there...
Let's regroup.
Only bottles that are produced in a designated area of the Champagne region in France can be labelled 'champagne.' All bubbles made elsewhere must go by the rather less-appealing moniker of 'sparkling white wine.' Although, there are of course variations on the theme. Some companies 'sex up' their labels by adding the words 'methode champenoise' or 'methode traditionelle' or, rather more bluntly: 'brut' (which, quite frankly, doesn't have quite the same ring to it as 'champagne.')
I long considered champagne a tipple reserved solely for the rich, the famous, gangsta rappers and movie moguls (and certainly out of the reach of a mere plonker like me!) However, in the last few years prices dropped significantly and you no longer have to take out a second mortgage to obtain a bottle (or three).
I have found the following drops regularly available for less than 50 big ones (not bad considering you can easily drop $40 for some of our better domestic bubbles). These are all non-vintage (NV) champagnes, which means a blend of grapes were used, from different years (or vintages). You will generally pay around $30 per bottle more for a 'vintage' champagne, in which 100% of the grapes used came from the same year, and that year will be shown on the bottle.
- Lanson Black Label NV
- Piper Heidsieck NV
- Charles Heidsick Mis en Cave Brut
- Moet et Chandon NV
Yours in plonk,
The Plonker
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
A Clare Winner!
Howdy all,
Today's blog is going to point you in the direction of one of my previously-mentioned everyday quaffers.
Annie's Lane winery in the Clare Valley has long been a more-than-safe bet for a reasonably-priced red - producing a very easy-drinking Cabernet Merlot and also a straight Shiraz.
The RRP on these guys is usually around the $20 mark, but, as we all know, you'd be downright stupid to ever pay the RRP!
The heads-up for this week is that the big, green, Irish-named bottle-o in my neighbourhood is selling the Annies Lane range for $9.90 per bottle (or $9.40 by the six-pack!) - I say Hallelujah to that!
Get in before Weds 3 September and snap yourselves up some of these babies, to use for those week-nights when dinner (preparation and consumption) requires just a little help from a crimson-coloured friend.
And on a final note, for those of you with a sweet tooth, I had the most more-ish dessert wine the other evening - a lovely little honey (and it did actually have some of this on the palate!) from a family-run vineyard in the Hunter Valley, the Margan Boytrytis Semillon. It retails for around $22 for a 375ml bottle. Chill well, and crack open for a post-prandial shared delight. And, if you are looking for a tool of seduction, and this don't do the trick, I suggest you check the other party for a pulse.
Get amongst it peoples!
Yours in Plonk,
The Plonker
Today's blog is going to point you in the direction of one of my previously-mentioned everyday quaffers.
Annie's Lane winery in the Clare Valley has long been a more-than-safe bet for a reasonably-priced red - producing a very easy-drinking Cabernet Merlot and also a straight Shiraz.
The RRP on these guys is usually around the $20 mark, but, as we all know, you'd be downright stupid to ever pay the RRP!
The heads-up for this week is that the big, green, Irish-named bottle-o in my neighbourhood is selling the Annies Lane range for $9.90 per bottle (or $9.40 by the six-pack!) - I say Hallelujah to that!
Get in before Weds 3 September and snap yourselves up some of these babies, to use for those week-nights when dinner (preparation and consumption) requires just a little help from a crimson-coloured friend.
And on a final note, for those of you with a sweet tooth, I had the most more-ish dessert wine the other evening - a lovely little honey (and it did actually have some of this on the palate!) from a family-run vineyard in the Hunter Valley, the Margan Boytrytis Semillon. It retails for around $22 for a 375ml bottle. Chill well, and crack open for a post-prandial shared delight. And, if you are looking for a tool of seduction, and this don't do the trick, I suggest you check the other party for a pulse.
Get amongst it peoples!
Yours in Plonk,
The Plonker
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Its a Wynns-win situation!!
Peoples, get your skates on!
Two of the wines I mentioned in my recent red wine blog - the Wynns Shiraz and the Wynns Cab Sauv Merlot - are on sale for the insane price of $8.90 per bottle ($8.50 in a six-bottle buy) at the big booze shop just up the road from me. Considering the usual RRP on these guys is around $18, this is a veritable bargain!
Get busy, get buying and get amongst it!
Yours in plonk,
The Plonker
Two of the wines I mentioned in my recent red wine blog - the Wynns Shiraz and the Wynns Cab Sauv Merlot - are on sale for the insane price of $8.90 per bottle ($8.50 in a six-bottle buy) at the big booze shop just up the road from me. Considering the usual RRP on these guys is around $18, this is a veritable bargain!
Get busy, get buying and get amongst it!
Yours in plonk,
The Plonker
Monday, August 11, 2008
Give us this day our daily red.
Since Sydney is currently experiencing The Big Chill, today’s blog is going to point you in the direction of a few cheeky little reds that will return a rosy glow to your cheeks, warm the cockles of your heart, but not burn a stonking great hole in your bank account in the process.
A glass or two of these drops will go just as well IN your winter comfort food (I’m thinking slow-cooked lamb shanks, lasagne, spag bol, osso bucco and the like) as they will in you.
However, when procuring vino to add into your evening meal, don’t make the mistake of just grabbing the cheapest bottle of red in the shop (something along the lines of 'Chateau De Blotto,' ‘Vin De Paint Stripper’ or similar).
As the great Aussie wine legend Len Evans said:
'There is an awful lot of wine in the world, but there is also a lot of awful wine in the world. One person can only drink a certain amount in a lifetime.'
So, without further adieu, here are a few drops that are more than quaffable (and your slow-cooked sheep, veal or cow will also reap the benefits of bathing in!). With a bit of hunting, you should be able to pick these up for around $12-$15 a bottle:
- Robertsons Well Cabernet Sauvignon (from the Coonawarra region)
- Wynns Shiraz (Coonawarra)
- Wynns CSM (a Coonawarra Cab Sauv/Merlot blend)
- Annie’s Lane Shiraz (Barossa Valley)
- Wirra Wirra Church Block (a Cab Sauv/Shiraz/Merlot blend from McLaren Vale)
If you’re willing to fork out a little bit extra, you can get something really special (but I wouldn’t be sharing these ones with the cooked beasties):
- Majella ‘The Musician’ (a Coonawarra Cabernet/Shiraz blend) c. $17
- Zema Estate Shiraz (Coonawarra) c. $22
- Zema Estate Cabernet Sauvignon (Coonawarra) c. $22
- Bowen Estate Shiraz (Coonawarra) c. $22
- Bowen Estate Cabernet Sauvignon (Coonawarra) c. $22
- Wynns Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon (Coonawarra) c. $22
The prices noted above are the lowest I have ever been able to pick up any of these drops. I consider each of these wines to be excellent value-for-money at these prices.
As you will note, the Coonawarra region features heavily in my recommendations. I find the red wines from this region to over-deliver in the flavour and value stakes, and would almost guarantee that any purchase from Wynns Coonawarra Estate will not be met with regret!
I will leave you with one last pearl of wisdom from the great Len Evans:
“People who say, “You can’t drink the good stuff all the time” are talking rubbish. You must drink good stuff all the time. Every time you drink a bottle of inferior wine it’s like smashing a superior bottle against the wall. The pleasure is lost forever. You can’t get that bottle back.’
I couldn't have said it better myself!
So, go grab yourselves a heart-warming red, grab a special someone, rug up together, pop the cork and get amongst it peoples!
Yours in plonk,
The Plonker.
A glass or two of these drops will go just as well IN your winter comfort food (I’m thinking slow-cooked lamb shanks, lasagne, spag bol, osso bucco and the like) as they will in you.
However, when procuring vino to add into your evening meal, don’t make the mistake of just grabbing the cheapest bottle of red in the shop (something along the lines of 'Chateau De Blotto,' ‘Vin De Paint Stripper’ or similar).
As the great Aussie wine legend Len Evans said:
'There is an awful lot of wine in the world, but there is also a lot of awful wine in the world. One person can only drink a certain amount in a lifetime.'
So, without further adieu, here are a few drops that are more than quaffable (and your slow-cooked sheep, veal or cow will also reap the benefits of bathing in!). With a bit of hunting, you should be able to pick these up for around $12-$15 a bottle:
- Robertsons Well Cabernet Sauvignon (from the Coonawarra region)
- Wynns Shiraz (Coonawarra)
- Wynns CSM (a Coonawarra Cab Sauv/Merlot blend)
- Annie’s Lane Shiraz (Barossa Valley)
- Wirra Wirra Church Block (a Cab Sauv/Shiraz/Merlot blend from McLaren Vale)
If you’re willing to fork out a little bit extra, you can get something really special (but I wouldn’t be sharing these ones with the cooked beasties):
- Majella ‘The Musician’ (a Coonawarra Cabernet/Shiraz blend) c. $17
- Zema Estate Shiraz (Coonawarra) c. $22
- Zema Estate Cabernet Sauvignon (Coonawarra) c. $22
- Bowen Estate Shiraz (Coonawarra) c. $22
- Bowen Estate Cabernet Sauvignon (Coonawarra) c. $22
- Wynns Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon (Coonawarra) c. $22
The prices noted above are the lowest I have ever been able to pick up any of these drops. I consider each of these wines to be excellent value-for-money at these prices.
As you will note, the Coonawarra region features heavily in my recommendations. I find the red wines from this region to over-deliver in the flavour and value stakes, and would almost guarantee that any purchase from Wynns Coonawarra Estate will not be met with regret!
I will leave you with one last pearl of wisdom from the great Len Evans:
“People who say, “You can’t drink the good stuff all the time” are talking rubbish. You must drink good stuff all the time. Every time you drink a bottle of inferior wine it’s like smashing a superior bottle against the wall. The pleasure is lost forever. You can’t get that bottle back.’
I couldn't have said it better myself!
So, go grab yourselves a heart-warming red, grab a special someone, rug up together, pop the cork and get amongst it peoples!
Yours in plonk,
The Plonker.
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