What a great name to put front and centre on a wine bottle!  Twisted Sticks.  I love it!  Seriously, the name got me in straight away and, when you think about it, that’s what a label and name are supposed to do to us punters.  Twisted Sticks.  There, I said it again!  The picture on the labels just add to the attraction too. This doesn’t take away from the fact both wines come from one of the largest organic producers in this great Southern Land of ours.  Now, I have heard people say, “Huh, organic just means they can add a few extra bucks to the price.”  Not with the Salena crew.  These two, for instance, come in at a measly $24 a bottle.  Yep, and for me, that represents incredible value.  I thoroughly enjoyed both of them and I have no doubt, when you try them, you will too.

2019 Twisted Sticks Cabernet Sauvignon

A lovely deep colour in the glass upon pouring it, then out came some pretty intense, youthful, fruity aromas of plums and blackberries.  Flavour aplenty on the palate.  Dark fruits make a big appearance with blackberries the main player along with dark and spicy cherries having a little say too.  Towards the finish there’s a sprinkle of herbs and the tannins chime in, albeit slightly drying, but I feel the rich fruit is well equipped to handle this.  A good indicator was on day 2 of tasting it.  The tannins had eased up nicely and formed part of a good, smooth, fruit forward finish. 

2019 Twisted Sticks Shiraz

This is also a lovely colour.  It has a youthful purple colour around the rim but it’s quite a deep colour at the centre of the glass.  It smells fresh and fruity on the nose (as expected for a young wine) where it’s like a cacophony of dark and red berries are fighting for attention, and it makes for a good introduction.  Generous flavours of black fruits and plums on the palate, a sprinkling of herbs and subtle spices complement the fruit perfectly as it finishes beautifully smooth if just a tad dry.  Yum factor is high!

Region: Riverland, SA     Price:  $24     Source:  Sample thanks kindly to https://www.salenaestate.com.au/ and https://savvycomms.ninja/