Wine 1: Producer: Marquis/Phillips
Designation: Number 9
Variety: Shiraz
Vintage: 2006
Country: Australia
Region: McLaren Vale
Cost: $40 - $50 range:
Background:
This Shiraz is undoubtedly one of my all time favorites. So much so that I thought it quite apropos to kick off my blog with it. This vino is a product of the collaboration between Australian winemakers Sarah/Sparky Marquis of Mollydooker (whom I have had the privilege to meet and shake his LEFT HAND) and US importer Dan Phillips. A few blends were also created under this partnership which has since been dissolved. Get a hold of this soon because it is a honey.
Tasting Notes:
Initial Impressions:
Completely indicative of a jammy Shiraz but without the teeth-staining properties that we have come to love and respect for Aussie vinos :).
The nose displays very strong notes of cherry, blueberry, subtle smoke, and coffee bean with small hints of vanilla and chocolate.
The wine presence on the glass shows some really sexy legs, delicately revealing the 16% alcohol hiding beautifully inside, much like a tasty candy, concealing itself within a beautiful pinata. There is minor glass coating which is somewhat uncommon for an Aussie as strong as this.
Palette:
Redefining the term "silkiness", this strong blueberry/cherry/vanilla ass-slapper has luxurious texture throughout the entire transition from start to finish. Chocolate undertones predominate a beautiful experience while feeling a little heat from the 16%. The end of the bottle leaves you with a sense of accomplishment and pride that only a certain Sparky Marquis can offer. Within the $40-$50 price range, I rate this vino a 94. This is a long time favorite and after this being probably my 30th bottle or so, it still never fails to impress. Get this one as soon as possible folks.... it's leaving us forever soon.
Wine 2:
Producer: Domaine de la Charbonierre
Designation: Cuvée Vieilles Vignes
Variety: Red Rhone blend (see below)
Vintage: 2005
Country: France
Region: Rhone
Sub-Region: So. Rhone
Appellation: Chateauneuf du Pape
Cost: $30 - $40 range
Background: This cuvee is a blend of 80 to 100 years-old vines from Grenache and 45 years-old vines from Mourvedre. In 2005, 70% Grenache, 30% Mourvèdre were used. Aged in oak barrels 12-18 months (depending on vintage; personally unsure of 2005).
Tasting Notes:
Initial Impressions:
After opening the bottle and letting it breathe for at least 45 mins, the initial pour treats you to a clear, cherry-red juice with visible tannins rimming the glass as a slight tinge of honey color. As with all Rhones, the wine is light and non-viscous. Legs are long and thin with uniformity throughout the entire circumference of the glass.
The nose presents one very dominating feature that seems to be indicative with this sub-region and vintage.... strawberry preserves!! Even my 10 year old son easily determined this to be the case. Deeper into the nose you will find a wonderful floral undertone with a hint of cracked pepper, soil and even melted butter. The nose from this ChdP is a treat in itself.
Palette:
Wow (and I do not say this often). Medium-bodied with a lush yet elegant complexity that I had a feeling would be revealed in this wine. A certain softness assuages your palette as liquid silk or velvet. The strong presence of strawberry preserves dominates (note that I am not saying strawberries) with an aftertaste of blueberry, cherry and honey. The finish is very long and satisfying. This wine fit perfectly with a medium rare Rib-Eye steak. For this price range I give it a 92.
The wine would have received a 93 if I hadn't of had a Chateau du Trignon (06 - So.Rhone - $15-$20 range) the very night before and I couldn't help making comparisons. The loss of a point is not a testament to anything other than cost for me since I firmly believe that makers who are worth their salt in this region, are producing incredible wines for half the cost of this one. With that said, I honestly expected to pay more for this bottle. I was pleasantly surprised to come out under $40.
Now while this particular wine was far more complex than the Trignon (which I will be reviewing very soon), the similarities were still quite amazing.
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