Words from a Wine Glass

Everyone knows that the reference to a ‘Dark Horse’ means someone or something (for want of a better word) that succeeds unexpectedly usually because little is known of them or they don’t have the ‘ability’ of its peers to be better than them.

On this occasion, I have to say, the name is not apt for the wine.  This is no dark horse.  It would stand up to any of its peers easily and then some.

And, how ironic is it that 2014 is the Chinese Year of the Horse!

If we homo-sapiens were born in a year of the horse, we would be energetic and active and this certainly has both, along the lines of being both fresh and lively on the nose and palate.  Red fruits combine nicely with dark cherries but there is a subtle hint of eucalypt (is there some Padthaway fruit in there…maybe?).

I’m going to continue to steal characteristics of those born in the Year of the Horse and say this wine’s pleasant, easy going and amiable nature sums it up perfectly.  You really need to try this wine and you will (to use a gen y term), ‘so like’ get it.

I’m going to quote one more thing because I think it hits the nail on the head (and thank you chinahighlights.com).  “All these guarantee their popularity and a large following of friends”.  This wine’s popularity is guaranteed and it will gather a large following of punters.

Region: Coonawarra, South Australia     Price: $23     Source: Swap

http://www.rymill.com.au/

It’s a great story, the one about Serafino (Steve) Maglieri and how he came to Australia in 1964 with a suitcase, about $20 in his pocket and a dream to grow grapes and make wine.  Having tasted this wine, I’m so glad he followed through with his dream.

Most people would associate Cabernet Sauvignon with Coonawarra or Margaret River and McLaren Vale usually gets forgotten about when it comes to this variety.  Well, I can tell you, this may not be the first McLaren Vale Cabernet I’ve had and it definitely won’t be my last that’s for sure.

A group of mates and I found this (and two more bottles) on a wine list at a local restaurant and it was very reasonably priced.  A couple of the fellows thought it smelt ‘new’ like it had just been bottled while another thought it was ‘fresh’.  It certainly is exactly that and what got me was the obvious bold dark fruit aromas that burst from the glass and which were lapped up by my nose and palate.

When it comes to the flavours of this wine, it’s like watching the Umbilical Brothers. There is plenty going on, but what is going on is so well structured and presented.  Plus, at the end of it all, everyone is blown away by  what they have experienced and are pleased with the great return for their dollar.

I have to add, I had enough of my steak left to accompany the wine and it worked perfectly together!  A testament to it winning a couple of gold medals including a blue gold.

Region: McLaren Vale     Price: $28 (on line)     Source: Restaurant purchase

http://serafinowines.com.au/

It would be easy to mention that this wine is named after Sir Robert Menzies, the longest serving Prime Minister in Australia (18 years total).  I could also mention that such a wine is dedicated to the same man who founded the Liberal Party in 1945.  Sir Robert Menzies was also the recipient of numerous medals and honours during his time (just like this wine).  I suppose it’s worth mentioning he was a fan of red wine.

Not quite sure where to start with this wine.  When I opened it and poured myself a small taste before it went into the decanter, it was quite a harsh wine.  Lots going on, disjointed but with lots of black fruits.  Well, I’m pleased to say, the decanter and the wine combined beautifully to do the job they knew they had to do.

The presentation, if you like, spoke of full on, bold as brass, and rich.  But it wasn’t.  Yes, it showed it’s youthfulness but, for me, it was such that it has lots of flavour but seemed so slinky.  I’d say it sits between medium and full bodied.

This is typical Coonawarra, no doubt.  Blackberries, blackcurrants, plums with a touch of liquorice (maybe) and clearly the tannins are happy to meld into the hint of oak on the finish that seems to go on as long as an election campaign in the United States.

As strange as it sounds, this is a subtle ‘wow’ factor wine.  A contradiction in terms maybe but, that’s how I see it.

The good thing about this wine is, it is going to survive longer than Sir Robert Menzies was Prime Minister of Australia.

Region: Coonawarra, South Australia     Price: $55     Source: Wine Show leftover purchase

https://www.yalumba.com/