Words from a Wine Glass

Cabernet Franc is a grape variety that, sort of, gets treated like the poor cousin to Cabernet Sauvignon.  They are related but one is viewed as the King, the other…not so.

On this occasion, good ol’ Cab Franc has been treated very well, with respect and individualistically and boy does it shine in this role.

Straight up it’s as fresh as a spring morning after it’s rained on the raspberry canes while you’re still picking the fruit.  On the way back you stop off and pick some blackberries, add them to the mix and indulge in the aromas…because you can…and you take your time.

There’s no beg your pardons on the palate.  It’s up front about its fruit characters but it gives you some savouriness to support all that fruit.  Don’t go looking for any wood, timber or stack of kindling.  I doubt this was even walked past oak barrels or even the timber floor of a nearby homestead.

This has been put together oh so very well.

I checked the website but it’s not up there at the moment.  Do yourself a favour and give them a ring and get some of this…now!  It will, most certainly, sell out.

penley.com.au

Region: Coonawarra, South Australia     Price: $35     Source: Courtesy of Penley Estate

This was one of three I presented to a group of punters at a barbecue.  The reason was to get a objective view of the three wines where food was also a player in proceedings.

This one got a few “oooooooohs” and “aaaaaaaaahs” from the group as soon as I poured it.  A whoosh of  black fruit aromas came out of the glass immediately!  I can’t take the credit for ‘whoosh’ and I doubt you’ll see it in conventional wine reviews.

By this stage the group were really getting into it!  A couple actually commented how they never really thought about wine properly until now (I did suggest to them to not get to into it too much, to just enjoy it).

I felt it was quite fleshy and comfortably ripe, a bit earthy too.  The word ‘aniseed’ was popular.  Blackberries and cherries for me and then I was told to write down ‘blood plums’.  Yeah, I can see that too.  Good pick up by the punters.

This was a brilliant discovery I must say.  I’m not going to say when I poured it in relation to the three wines but I am happy to admit to underestimating it.  It’s richer, bolder and brassier than I expected.  A damn good wine.

hollick.com

Region: Coonawarra     Price: $29     Source: Swap

This was one of three I presented to a group of punters at a barbecue.  The reason was to get a objective view of the three wines where food was also a player in proceedings.

There was not much said about the colour.  “Is it a pinot?”, “It’s a pretty colour isn’t it?”  I thought bright, clean and clear.

The “smell” responses were interesting.  “Is that strawberries in there?”, “No, you’re wrong. Raspberries.  Fresh picked. Love that smell”.  This told me the Grenache was on point.  True to the variety.

The proof is always in the pudding and that is where taste comes into it of course.

“It’s a light wine I reckon”, “You know those raspberry lollies we used to buy, it’s like that but not as sweet”.  They were right to a certain extent.  It appears light weight but I actually thought it had a bit of weight on the palate.  Yes, it comes across like raspberry lollies but, with some dark cherry flavours and a slight spicy/peppery edge, you end up with the ideal balance to that sweetness.

“It such an easy wine to drink” was another comment.  It is a delicious, slurpable wine and the 15% alcohol is not grandstanding at all.  Very nice thank you.

1847wines.com

Region: Barossa Valley     Price: $27     Source: Sample

It’s no secret that rosé is on the comeback trail.  It’s been dubbed a “Rosé Revolution” if you like.

I can remember watching a documentary back before the Y2K panic when a group of winemakers, sommeliers and chefs got together and discussed this wine style.

One of the topics was, which variety is ideal for producing rosé?  Not that he was among the group, David Lowe realised more than one popular variety can contribute to a quality, delicious, dry, food friendly rosé.

The lightish salmon pink colour does not prepare you for what your smell and taste senses are in for.  Grenache is the undeniable star of the group.  Aromatic red fruits with a hint of savouriness on the nose and palate.  There’s a bit of body too which would have to be credited to the support roles of Zinfandel, Cab Franc, Merlot and Shiraz (apparently there is a white variety in the mix but I doubt that is the case).

Now, I don’t often find this in a rosé but it actually has a bit of length to it.  Seriously!

Definitely a leader in what I think is more of a rosé rampage.  There should be more of it.

lowewine.com.au

Region: Mudgee     Price: $28     Source: Sample (thanks to Define Wine )

A small family operation, alternate variety, amphora, 90 days skin contact, unfined, unfiltered.  There’s lots to love about this wine even before you undo the screwcap!

The inevitable happened next.  The screwcap became inexplicably loose.  Who would’ve thought?  I may have had something to do with it but um…let’s move on shall we.

Lookin’ smart, sharp, and bright, presentation is spot on.  Great start.  From there it just flows so easily into the aromas.  Attractive that they are.

It certainly makes its point at this stage of the game…tasting it that is. Fresh red berries, juicy dark cherries, not at all shy.  Very good palate weight and texture, brings everything into line nicely.  To finish it all off add smooth, svelte and satisfying.  A nice all round package.

mainandcherry.com.au

Region: Adelaide Hills     Price: $25     Source: Gift