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For Your Pleasure
"For your pleasure
In our present state
Part false part true
Like anything
We present ourselvesThe words we use tumble
All over your shoulder
Gravel hard and looseThere all night lying
With your dark horse hiding
Abhorring such extremes" - Bryan FerryCategories
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Category Archives: Shiraz et al
2011 Houghton Red Classic Cabernet Shiraz Merlot
The less illustrious sibling to the Houghton White Classic. Commercial quaffing wine, priced accordingly. Soft, clean, cordial-like palate of red fruits and plums, vanilla and a few olivey, leafy savoury elements. It’s actually not overly sweet. Oak influence is pretty … Continue reading
2010 Picante Espana Gran Meseta Tempranillo Shiraz
A terrific value medium bodied Spanish table red imported by Echelon Wine Partners. Worth having in your arsenal at the price. Cherries, dried herbs, Chinotto and salami. No oak influence that I can detect. Settled acidity, savoury charm and pleasantly … Continue reading
2011 Between Five Bells Red
Man, I’ve read and heard a lot of different opinions on this wine; from its label to its composition…not to mention its worth. It’s divisive wine – you’ll either like it or just find it confusing and/or misguided. I fall … Continue reading
2008 McWilliams 1877 Shiraz Cabernet
A multiregional blend of 53% Shiraz and 47% Cabernet Sauvignon made in an old-fashioned manner. Full-bodied, powerful and with lashings of oak. Needs a stint in the cellar. Toasty coffeed/clovey oak, blackcurrants, plums and some respite in the form of … Continue reading
Posted in Cabernet et al, Coonawarra, Hilltops, McLaren Vale, Shiraz et al
Tagged Wine Reviews
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2011 Mitchell Harris Mataro Grenache Shiraz
A tough vintage for Mitchell Harris to release its inaugural Mataro Grenache Shiraz blend. It hasn’t escaped unscathed. Plenty of mulchy, slightly green traits with red and purple fruit pushing its way through. Peppery and herbal without much depth. The finish … Continue reading
Posted in Grenache et al, Mourvèdre/Mataró et al, Pyrenees, Shiraz et al
Tagged Wine Reviews
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2010 Stonyfell The Cellars Shiraz Cabernet
A less expensive weekday wine from a good vintage in Langhorne Creek. Made by the team at Saltram I believe. It opens up meaty and minty with a little HP sauce. A clip of toasty oak accompanies mulberry, cherries and cassis with … Continue reading
2011 De Bortoli La Boheme Act Four Syrah Gamay
I’ve always liked the La Boheme labels but gosh this one looks smashing on a bottle of red. Of course, it’s what’s inside that counts. And it’s a winner there too. Sessionable wine, not quite as impressive as the 2011 De Bortoli Vinoque … Continue reading
2011 Wirra Wirra Scrubby Rise Shiraz Cabernet Petit Verdot
The last two vintages of this wine have really impressed. The 2011 is by no means a poor wine but it is a bit too vegetal and firm. Rough vintage. 50% Shiraz, 45% Cabernet and the rest Petit Verdot. Strong … Continue reading
Posted in Cabernet et al, Fleurieu Peninsula, McLaren Vale, Shiraz et al
Tagged Wine Reviews
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2011 Yalumba Y Series Shiraz Viognier
A better bet than the straight Shiraz from the same vintage. The tomato-accented acidity and mulchy character is still there but the Viognier covers for it, both texturally and aromatically. Smells of violets and lilacs, brambly purple fruits, pepper, cinnamon and … Continue reading