Words from a Wine Glass

The Kennedys may have been farming for about 35 years but are relatively new to the wine scene having planted Shiraz in 2002 and releasing their first vintage in 2005.  Their range of five wines is predominately Shiraz with a Sangiovese thrown into the mix.

Many family wineries name wines after cherished members of the family or as a tribute to a grower or a long time employee.  This one is named after a valued member of the Kennedy family that has been a loyal and honest worker since 1981.  Their 1971 Leyland tray truck.  What a great tribute to something that would normally just get taken for granted!

The first thing I need to set straight is, don’t be fooled by its colour.  It has a lovely bright hue that, yes, shows it’s a young wine.  BUT!  Yep, there’s a but.  Taste it and your thoughts will change.

It’s richer than medium bodied and, I’d like to say black fruits are the main palate ‘pleaser’ but there is blueberry in there too that fills out the palate (for me anyway).  The other thing that may surprise is, and hats off to the winemaker, there is not the obvious white pepper character that can come through (sometimes dominate) in some cool climate wines.  Even the tannins are soft and bit players.  Here, the luscious fruit is the star.

I know I have written about great value Shiraz wines in the past and this one need to be added to that list.  It is indeed a bargain!!

Region: Heathcote, Victoria     Price: $20 (true)     Source: Winery Purchase

www.kennedyvintners.com.au

How many Tasmanians have become Prime Minister of Australia?  I’ve no doubt most of you would have no idea.  If I asked, how many times a Tasmanian Shiraz has won the Jimmy Watson Trophy, everyone would know.  The answer for both questions is exactly the same.  One.

Regardless of the award, I realise that Tasmania will never be as well known for it’s Shiraz as other regions of this great continent but, climate change and all that goes with it could well change the thinking of many.  Even with all these considerations, this Shiraz may change many a view on Tasmania as a Shiraz region.

The first thing that captures you about this wine is the beautiful deep colour.  Take a whiff, have a sip and indulge yourself in the juicy blue fruits, plums and black pepper flavours, all wrapped in a ball of youthful exuberance that just seems to glide into the lovely, smooth, elegant finish.  It paired perfectly with a piece of scotch fillet steak that did not need any sauce thanks to the peppery character of the wine.  How lucky am I?!

Region: Glengarry, Northern Tasmania     Price: $45     Source: Sample

www.greysands.com.au

Up until now, I did not know Tom Rogers…or his wines…if indeed there is a connection with a fellow by the name of Tom Rogers and this wine.

Nonetheless, if Tom Rogers does exist, I can just imagine him walking into a room and, with a good hand shake, introducing himself.  “Hi.  Tom Rogers.”

Everything with this wine seemed so natural and smooth.  The opening, the pouring, the drinking.  Somehow in the whole situation, by no fault of his own, Tom Rogers seemed to dominate the room.

His appearance is dapper yet understated.  His demeanour is suave yet modest.

A wine that has the hallmarks of a cool climate ‘Syrah’ with white pepper but red/blue fruits carrying it nicely.  Plummy mid palate showing the medium bodied weight that I’ve no doubt the winemaker was aiming for and hit the target.

I can understand Tom Rogers, whoever you are, putting his name to this wine.

http://tomrogerscellar.com.au/

Region: Yarra Valley, Victoria     Price: $25     Source: Gift

2015 Barossa Valley Shiraz. Sounds scary doesn’t it.  But, on this occasion it is a warm, friendly, pretty (my wife’s descriptor) and approachable wine.

There’s a lot to be said for wineries producing wine and putting them out there for the punters at such a young age.  Pretty bold really but on this occasion, Hentley Farm have hit the mark and are on a winner.

I have to admit there were certain expectations with this wine due to it’s youth.  Lots of red (but mainly) black fruits on the nose and palate, of course.  Fresh as the proverbial daisy, of course.  Plenty going on, of course. However, this gem has come together nicely already.

The smoothness of this wine is definitely it’s ‘WOW’ factor. The fruit is so ‘clean’ it carries the alcohol and tannins so (and I don’t use this word often) perfectly (for me anyway).

An absolute pleasure to taste, drink and share.

www.hentleyfarm.com.au

Region: Barossa Valley, South Australia     Price: $28.50     Source: Sample