2009 Pewsey Vale Eden Valley Riesling

Specs:

2009 Pewsey Vale Riesling

Edna Valley

Australia (South)

12.5 % Alcohol

100% Riesling

$14.00

Notes:

Wines from the high altitude and cool climate of South Australia's Edna Valley have really been catching my attention in the past few months. Due to the conditions these grapes are grown in they tend to take on flavors and complexity you wouldn't find in your average white wines. Most people don't usually think Riesling when they think Australian wine, however Edna Valley is becoming quite well known for their age worthy Rieslings. Even this, 2009 Pewsey Vale Riesling with its great QPR can hold through 2019.

In the glass, the wine clean and clear with light straw gold hues and green undertones. On the nose aromatic scents of tropical fruits like mango and pineapple, peach, citrus, pear and hints of mineral and grass are present. There is also an underlying scent of petrol and white florals which is a tell tale sign of the grape. On the palate, the tropical fruits hold true with some spiciness and honey on the finish. The acid is crisp and high, and balances the ripeness of the fruit. The finish is nice and drawn out with flavors of citrus and mineral characteristics.

This is a perfect spring and summer wine and great for pairing with brunch favorites and spicy fare like Thai or Indian foods. Because of the amazing price I would definitely buy a few bottles and experiment with aging; the wines acidity gives it the ability to hold for medium cellaring; about 6-10 years.

NV Bleasdale "The Red Brute" Sparkling Shiraz

Specs:

NV Bleasdale "The Red Brute" Sparkling Shiraz

Fleurieu

Austarlia (South)

14% Alcohol

100% Syrah

http://www.bleasdale.com.au/

$18.00

Notes:

As far as Sparkling Shiraz goes this was definitely my first go at it. Sparkling Shiraz is a holiday treat in Australia; something to pair with a hearty Christmas meal or as an aperitif. There are many producers of this wine in Australia and they come in a variety of price ranges and qualities. The label alone was enough to catch my attention, but it was mainly the striking color of this wine in the glass. The color is a deep, dark, almost opaque crimson with minimal bubbles floating to the surface. Due to the high alcohol in Shiraz the usual fizz you would find in your average champagne doesn't form.

On the nose you get a generous helping of ripe red fruit; black cherry, currant, blackberries, and a hint of blueberry and spice are at the forefront of the wines aroma. On the palate the wine is smooth, silky and rich with a slight hint of bubble on the tongue. The flavors mirror the scent with luscious fruit, spice, and hints of smoke on the finish. This is definitely an approachable wine with the elegance of sparking wine or champagne and the everyday appeal I look for. This is an amazing value for the rich flavors it presents.

This sparking Shiraz would pair well with hearty meats, barbecue, duck; almost anything with big flavor that can stand up to the dark flavors of this wine.