American novelist Cormac McCarthy is quoted as saying, “If there is an occupational hazard to writing, it’s drinking.” Had novelist Charles Dickens (1812-1870) been born after this quote, I wonder, would he have taken a different approach to his drinking? As much as he includes references to ‘the drink’ and drinking in his writing, what was lesser known was his passion for purchasing ‘casks’ of Italian wine and, according to some records, was spending the equivalent, by today’s standards, of $27,000 a year on wine! 

Speaking of casks, Winesmiths have joined forces with artist Billie Justice Thomson and released a range of casks depicting her illustrations of different types of natural flora, and the honey bee. What I now know is that bees contribute significantly to a vineyard’s biodiversity and, because of this, part of the proceeds from the sale of the Shiraz and Pinot Grigio will be donated to the Wheen Bee Foundation so they can continue their research projects and activities with the aim of keeping bees healthy.

There are 6 casks in the range and they all bring something to the table. Of the three whites, the Semillon/Sauvignon Blanc was the pick for me with good tropical fruit flavours and a nice crispness to it. The Sauvignon Blanc is certainly going to please the Savvy drinkers who like the convenience of cask of wine in the fridge, while the Pinot Grigio shows its varietal characters nicely.

Rosé is very popular these days and when there is one available in a two-litre cask that is so easy to drink like this one, you can’t go wrong. The Cabernet Sauvignon is a worthy addition to your cupboard or pantry if it’s just a glass of wine you’re after, rather than having to open a bottle. However, it was the Shiraz that captured my attention. It’s fruity, there’s a bit of body to it, a little spice and pretty smooth. Definitely the pick of all the casks for me.

I reckon if Charles Dickens was around today, he could spend a lot less on ‘casks’ of Australian wine like these Winesmiths ones and still be completely satisfied with the contents of each and every one of them.

Region: Various, Australia     Price: $16     Source: Samples thanks kindly to Yalumba and Winesmiths

Winesmiths Website