Henri Murger was a French author and poet around the early to mid-1800’s. I would expect his name is not necessarily ringing any bells for you right now but, if I mention that the opera La Bohème is based on his book, “Scenes of Bohemian Life” that may cause an “oh okay” or possibly an “of course” from you. Prior to when he was ‘famous’, he was a member of a group who called themselves “The Water Drinkers” simply because they couldn’t afford to buy wine. Ironically, that brings me to what I was drawn to mostly about him, which was his quote, “The first duty of wine is to be red. Don’t talk to me of your white wines.” When I lined these three red wines up to try, I thought of Mr. Murger and how he would probably be more than happy to drink all three of them.
Source: Samples thanks kindly to Clandestine Vineyards and Savvy Comms
2022 Pinot Noir
This is certainly going to get your red wine juices flowing. It is a little better than light weight providing excellent varietal flavours of red cherries and ripe strawberries. Add to that a slight herbal note, a bit of cherry spice and a pretty good, elegant finish and you have a very good wine at a damn good price! Good stuff this.
Region: Adelaide Hills, SA Price: $30
2021 Shiraz
Moving up a notch from the Pinot Noir, here we have a Shiraz that certainly walks the walk. Offering up generous flavours of black cherry, plums and some spiciness all coming together very nicely for such a young wine. It sits on the top-side of medium bodied but has a richness and a fruitful smoothness that gives the impression of being better than that. I liked this a lot!
Region: Mount Barker, WA Price: $35
2021 Malbec
This looked so strong and impressive in the glass thanks to the terrific colour. Great start! It has a blue fruit perfume to it that I couldn’t help but take in more than once. Great middle! Rich and bold on the palate, blackberries and plums come to the fore with a delightful savoury appeal too as it finishes elegant and long. Great ending! Makes you want to head back to the start, doesn’t it? I certainly did. Two thumbs up.
Region: Margaret River, WA Price: $35
