Words from a Wine Glass

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

I decided to use the ‘tango’ when it came to describing these two wines because I felt the only way to get to know them was to ‘dance’ with them in a close and personal way.  It involved using both the Open Embrace and Close Embrace version of the dance.  Mind you, I have to admit straight up that I have no idea how to dance and I had no idea what to expect from these wines not having tasted many Hunter Valley reds.  So, I decided to learn about both (metaphorically speaking of course.  I have no plans to take up the Tango but I reckon I will be taking up drinking more Hunter Valley Shiraz).

The open embrace is the style of tango that is best suited  when tasting the 2014 DJV (short for Déjà Vu) Shiraz. It’s the ideal place to start when you’re unfamiliar with your partner. Keep a distance, get to know them better and eventually a mutual confidence in each other begins to build and you find yourselves gliding through the routine.

The close embrace tango is without doubt the dance for the 2014 Sweetwater Shiraz.  It would be a combination of the Argentinian version (chest to chest) and the American (hip to hip, thigh to thigh).  A whole body tango if you like!!  This one has concentration and intensity but with grace, poise and balance and could go the distance in a dance-a-thon.

I thoroughly enjoyed both of these wines and accepted them for what they represent. Different versions of the same variety, made using a different approach for each, but showcasing the region in a most profound way.

http://www.thomaswines.com.au/

Region: Hunter Valley    Price: $30 & $35     Source: Tasting

McLaren Vale Shiraz.  Okay, there is plenty of it about, no denying that.  Pretty much all of what I’ve had the pleasure of trying is very smart indeed.

What separates this one from the others? Well, to be honest, not a lot really.  I say that in a positive way.  This is also a very smart indeed, very smart.

The one thing I struggled with when it came to this wine is the price.  Yep, the price.  If this was on the stock market and you bought some of it, you would be more than happy with the return on your investment.  It pays some damn good dividends already.

The colour is quite dense looking but has a youthful purple rim (I have to mention my wife thought it was going to be a BIG wine) but on the palate is very smooth and elegant thanks to the black fruits and plums that are mouth-filling.  My wife picked up a very nice subtle licorice flavour too.  If you’re looking for oak and tannin in this wine, you may as well go looking for the share price of Wine Investment Services.  In other words don’t waste your time or money!  Use both to find this wine and buy this wine.

Region: McLaren Vale, South Australia     Price: $33     Source: On line purchase (sort of)

Rusty Mutt Wines

Now, the first thing that I wanted to know about this wine was why it was called “Wyebo”.  I did the website check and the google thing.  Nothing came up.  So, I decided to make up my own definition.

Wyebo: adjective Used to describe an O’Leary Walker Shiraz wine (noun).  Meaning: From a singular cool climate vineyard, packed with aromas, flavours melded together to attract attention, share amongst friends and be enjoyed with food.

It was about this point my wife alerted me to the back label on the bottle.  I read it. There was history stuff about the “Wyebo” property at Oakbank in the Adelaide Hill being in the O’Leary family since 1912 but I still think my definition best sums up this wine.

I must say though, it’s a lovely juicy wine that has a white/black pepper influence sharing space under the bottle’s screwcap with a tad dry-ish tannins (who must thank the fruit for its support).  I also know the last bottle I have of this wine is going to be in my cellar longer than Donald Trump will be in office.

Couldn’t find it on the O’Leary Walker website, so google it, find it and buy some.  It is damn good ‘n’ nice!

Also, and it has to be said, the cellar door in the Clare Valley is an amazing set up.  A great line-up of wines, great staff, terrific outlook and the platters?  Well, you’ll have to go there and find out for yourself.

Region: Adelaide Hills, S.A.     Price: $35     Source: Cellar Door purchase.

olearywalkerwines.com

It can be so easy to get excited about a wine you rarely get to taste let alone drink with dinner.  It can also be so easy to make reference to the name, in this case Octavius, to the Roman times and just how bold, adventurous and conquering they were.  Well, I’m going to do both.

I have to admit, I have had the luxury of tasting this wine but to be able to sit down, with a superbly cooked meal (which included O’Connor rib eye) I was more than excited.  And when you realise that Gaius Octavius, commonly known as Augustus (I’m guessing because Augustus is easier to say) was the founder of the Roman Empire and its first Emperor, and when you look at his relatives (thanks Wikipedia) you realise he started something that would go down in history.  This wine may well do the same.

Just like the Roman Empire during it’s time, this wine is powerful, dominating and full of confidence.  Nothing has been spared with giving as many resources to its building and subsequent reign as an influential ruler in it’s caucus.  Thanks to the (Yalumba) family pedigree, it deserves to be so too.

This is indeed an amazing wine.  Yes, it has incredible flavours, is rich and voluptuous but is extremely balanced, approachable and elegant.  It just reeks of grandeur.  No doubt like the first Emperor of the Roman Empire experienced.

Region: Barossa Valley, South Australia    Price: $90    Source: Wine Show purchase

https://www.yalumba.com/