A Wynns Mini Vertical Experience

I had one of the best wine experiences recently.  Picture this if you will.  12 wine enthusiasts, a big outdoor entertainment area, a great view and a line up of Wynns Coonawarra Shiraz from 2000 to 2008 (except 2007. Don't know why I didn't buy that vintage).  We started from the 2008 and worked backwards of course and finished with a 1986 of the same wine.  It was something I had never done before or experienced before and to taste this 'bulk' wine like this gave us all an idea of how a middle of the road wine can age very, very well.  Generally there were no duds whatsoever but, the favourite was the 2002 closely followed by the 2005 & 2006.  Unfortunately, the 2001 had to follow the 2002 and as such tasted a bit flat.  The 2000 displayed all the characteristics of an old shiraz but, the 1986 was the big surprise.  The cork came out easily and didn't crumble, the colour was a brick red with no browning, it still had some sweet fruit flavours, not heaps but enough to give it some flavour in the mouth.  The mistake I made was I probably should have decanted it about 20 minutes before hand just to see if it had something else to show us.  None-the-less it certainly capped off an excellent wine tasting experience for one and all.  Stand by for the next one, coming to a big outdoor entertainment area near you.  'Til next time and remember to live simply, laugh often, wine alot.

Wine Bargain Post Number 12 (I think)

Rex Watson.  A name not familiar to most avid wine consumers I am guessing.  Well, I'm not surprised.  He doesn't get out much these days and for somebody who looks around for a good buy, I haven't seen him around at all for some time.  I am happy to say, he has decided to pop his head up in a big but very cheap way.  Dan Murphy's currently have the Cabernet Sauvignon for $55 a dozen delivered.  The next best price I can find on the internet for the same wine is almost $152 a carton delivered.  Okay, so it ain't no premium Coonawarra red wine but I have had it in the past and it is really good value for money.  Here is what the Watson Wine Group have to say about it.
"This Cabernet Sauvignon in vibrant red in colour with attractive plum hues, this wine displays classic Coonawarra cabernet aromas of red berry fruit, leaf and lightly spiced oak. These flavours carry through to the front palate accompanied by an earthy nuance which complements the soft sweet tannin finish. 13.5% Alc."
This special is only on until the end of today so log onto the Dan Murphy's website and scoop up some of this bargain basement, quaffable red nectar.  'Til next time and remember to live simply, laugh often, wine alot.

Bargains & Great Value Reds for the Week

Every now and then I get an email from an internet wine retailer and I think to myself, that sounds too good to be true so, I do some investigating.  I received two such emails today with very, very good reds at very, very good prices; and, after much investigation, here they are.
2007 Taltarni Heathcote Shiraz.  RRP $40 a bottle.  This week it has been reduced to $30 a bottle and if you buy six you get six free.  This is a restrained, medium body shiraz which is not common for shiraz from the Heathcote area.  That makes it the ideal wine to introduce to the person who is not sure if they like shiraz.  You can find it at www.kemenys.com.au.  They charge $10 postage which is very reasonable indeed.
The next two come from www.winestar.com.au and include a shiraz and a straight cabernet.  They have free postage to certain areas including the Hobart metropolitan area.
2010 Teusner The Riebke Shiraz. RRP $20 a bottle, now $17.  This is not necessarily a bargain but great value for money when it comes to Barossa shiraz.  James Halliday gave it 96 points.  If you want to know more about how good this wine is, go to the winestar website and read the guff on it.  I warn you, it will take a few minutes that is why I am not saying too much here.  This is, seriously, a wine that is batting well above its average.
2009 Tyrrell’s Vat 70 Hilltops Cabernet.  RRP $30 a bottle, now $15.  Almost everybody knows how good Tyrrell’s are when it comes to making good wine.  Combine that with the superb 2009 vintage in the Hilltops of NSW and a $15 price tag and it all adds up to a bloody good red at a bloody good price.  This one is only available until Friday.
'Til next time and remember, live simply, laugh often, wine alot.