Words from a Wine Glass

You have to wonder what some people think when the decide to plant grape vines in particular locations.  There must be a certain level of confidence in the environment, soil, location and ability to make something from the resultant fruit.

Bob and Rita Richter are an amazing couple who invested so much time in finding the ideal location to grow alternative varieties, especially when it comes to doing so in Tasmania. Pat on the back, high fives and the clink of glasses.  They’ve certainly achieved it with this wine.

The Merlot stamps it’s 60% authority on the wine with juicy plums while the 30% Malbec and 10% Cab Franc give it the purple edge colour and seems to add to the aromatics.  I’ll even go out on a limb and wonder if there has been an ‘intersection’ with Gewürztraminer because it seems to have a slight pot pourri hint to it (just my opinion of course).

This is no shy 3 year old on the palate I must say.  The plums and red/black fruits are singing out above a chocolatey flavour (so says my wife) but it could well be a sweetish fruit character that I like in these varieties.  There’s that cool/cold climate peppery/savoury character chiming in oh so slightly but adding a nice dimension to the wine.

Not sure what the tannins were doing when the wine was being made but clearly they knew they were not required to add to the intrigue this wine already has.  I loved it!

http://greysands.com.au/

Region: Glengarry, Tasmania     Price: $35     Source: Sample

Never, ever judge a book by it’s cover. Never.  Now put that into a wine perspective.

This wine, at a ridiculous price, is an amazing story that sticks in your mind and has you doodling while you drink it.  It is thought provoking.

An affable, congenial, not so shy little number that keeps you coming back for more (well, it did me anyway).

Black and blue fruits aplenty with soft tannins that are oh so welcoming and (will) go on as long as the debate over the new tax plan the Liberals want to introduce.

The fruit, the winery, the winemaker and mother nature have collaborated to produce a story that you just want to start to read but makes you tempted to skip to the last page.  And you can with this wine because it has a ‘happy ever after’ ending.  Certainly for the consumer at the very least.

The notes on-line say, and I quote, “…it is an elegant, complex and bright wine that is designed to drink now but can also be cellared for medium term enjoyment.”  This is true but, and this is only my opinion of course, feel free to wait for a bit longer than “medium term”!

If you can still find it, buy as much as you can…please.  That’ll reduce the amount I’m going to buy.

Region: Barossa Valley     Price: $23 (RRP)     Source: On line purchase

https://www.yalumba.com/portfolio/wines/scribbler

Established in 1895, Wendouree is heralded in Australia, their wines avidly sought after and collected.  With very old vineyards comprising shiraz, cabernet sauvignon, malbec, mataro and muscat of alexandria, the wines have incredible age-ability.  Even the 100 year old stone winery remains the same since the day it was built.

I haven’t tried many young Wendourees.  Actually, I haven’t tried many old Wendourees either.

With that in mind, I have to admit to deliberating picking this 2011 vintage to open.  The decision was, quite honestly, because of the wines from this vintage (apparently) being a bit ‘sus’, not up to the normal standard.  This was a very pleasant surprise package.

It is a lightish colour, lighter than I expected, but this is not an indication of what is to follow.  Ripe raspberries and spicy cherries say hello immediately with youthful exuberance.

Tasting this wine, again I had certain expectations that were definitely met.  Add a touch of white pepper to the mix of fruit, with some plummy notes filling out the palate nicely, and you have a balanced, elegant wine that may not live as long as other Wendourees but is still an absolute pleasure to drink.

Region: Clare Valley     Price: $45     Source: Mail Order Purchase