2012 Yarnbomb by Corrina Wright Shiraz

For those who don't know, and I have to admit I had no idea until I looked it up, Yarnbombing is a type of graffiti or street art that employs colourful displays of knitted or crocheted yarn or fibre rather than paint or chalk (thanks Wikipedia).
Corrina Wright is the winemaker at Olivers Taranga in McLaren Vale and is highly respected in the industry.
I read about this wine on Twitter and it was getting some good reviews so I decided to buy a bottle to check it out.
Initially it seemed a little bit reticent to show itself on the nose but, with a bit of a swirl and rest in the glass it really opened up.  Blue fruits, chocolate and a touch spicy on the nose leads to a similar palate.  Mouth-filling, medium to full bodied with the tannins obvious but the fruit carries them nicely.  This is the type of wine that, for me, is perfectly pitched as a quaffer or one to be enjoyed with food.  At the mid $20 a bottle it is also very well priced.  Available exclusively at Dan Murphys or BWS bottleshops.
Until next time but remember to live simply, laugh often, wine alot.

2012 Bowen Estate Coonawarra Shiraz

The Bowen family have been in the Coonawarra district for about 40 years and it continues to evolve.  Doug and Joy Bowen's daughter, Emma, is now involved in the winemaking.  They only produce a Chardonnay, Shiraz and, of course, Cabernet Sauvignon.  The vineyard is in the prime terra rossa soils of Coonawarra and perfectly display the terrior of the region.  The red wines are made so as to show true varietal characteristics with plenty of flavour but with a lovely elegance and approachability.  This wine fits this descriptor perfectly.
This colour of this wine is dense, deep and inky.  The nose has brilliant blue/black fruit and licorice aromas with a terrific violet lift (you could be mistaken for thinking there was a touch of viognier included).  The nose flows through to the palate being silky smooth with a subtle vanilla oak touch and that slight pepper characteristic you expect from cool climate shiraz.  An outstanding wine which I'm glad I bought 6 of.  It is around the $30-35 mark but is regularly found discounted to below $30.
www.bowenestate.com.au
Until next time but remember to live simply, laugh often, wine alot.