RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SATURDAY, JANUARY 13, 2007
AUSSIE BLENDS AND NEW ZEALAND WHITES:
This
week, I am happy to recommend a couple of excellent red blends and dry
whites from Oceania. For what you get from each bottle, the prices are
excellent, and the taste of each item is great. Enjoy!
RED WINES
(1) d'Arenberg ('THE STUMP JUMP')
-Grenache/Shiraz/Mourvèdre
-McLaren Vale, Australia
-Vintage 2005 (DRINK NOW)
-L.C.B.O. PRICE: $13.95
-8/10
COMMENT: Good value, admirable quality Aussie blend; though not as fantastic as past vintages, the '05 Stump Jump by d'Arenberg Estate is nicely-scented, with full of ripe fruit and dark berries; nice, medium-length finish. Give it a try, that's my advice.
PAIRING SUGGESTION: Pork tenderloin, covered with a sweet white wine and onions --- enjoy!
(2) Penny's Hill ('SPECIALIZED')
-Shiraz/Cabernet/Merlot
-McLaren Vale, Australia
-Vintage 2004 (DRINK NOW OR HOLD)
-L.C.B.O. PRICE: $24.95
-8.25/10
COMMENT: Not a simple wine; full, almost-spicy perfumes, with soft, deep flavours and a long aftertaste. The winemaker obviously worked hard to extract some delightful overall characteristics out of these grapes.
PAIRING SUGGESTION: Prime rib (covered with a little premium mustard), with asparagus and fried potatoes --- enjoy!
-Grenache/Shiraz/Mourvèdre
-McLaren Vale, Australia
-Vintage 2005 (DRINK NOW)
-L.C.B.O. PRICE: $13.95
-8/10
COMMENT: Good value, admirable quality Aussie blend; though not as fantastic as past vintages, the '05 Stump Jump by d'Arenberg Estate is nicely-scented, with full of ripe fruit and dark berries; nice, medium-length finish. Give it a try, that's my advice.
PAIRING SUGGESTION: Pork tenderloin, covered with a sweet white wine and onions --- enjoy!
(2) Penny's Hill ('SPECIALIZED')
-Shiraz/Cabernet/Merlot
-McLaren Vale, Australia
-Vintage 2004 (DRINK NOW OR HOLD)
-L.C.B.O. PRICE: $24.95
-8.25/10
COMMENT: Not a simple wine; full, almost-spicy perfumes, with soft, deep flavours and a long aftertaste. The winemaker obviously worked hard to extract some delightful overall characteristics out of these grapes.
PAIRING SUGGESTION: Prime rib (covered with a little premium mustard), with asparagus and fried potatoes --- enjoy!
WHITE WINES
(1) Coopers Creek (Sauvignon Blanc)
-Marlborough, New Zealand
-Vintage 2006 (DRINK NOW)
-L.C.B.O. PRICE: $16.95
-8/10
COMMENT: Straightforward, deliciously fresh white wine; grassy and zesty notes with good fruit. Sauvignon Blanc made by Coopers Creek never ceases to impress me.
PAIRING SUGGESTION: Pasta with pesto and sausage (unusual pairing, but excellent - trust me) --- enjoy!
(2) Stoneleigh (Sauvignon Blanc)
-Marlborough, New Zealand
-Vintage 2006 (DRINK NOW)
-L.C.B.O. PRICE: $15.05
-8.25/10
COMMENT: Superb-value NZ Sauvignon Blanc, with a very forward nose of grass, gooseberries, and light fruit. It is always a pleasure to drink this wine.
PAIRING SUGGESTION: Roast chicken with lemon, onions, and rosemary --- enjoy!
-Marlborough, New Zealand
-Vintage 2006 (DRINK NOW)
-L.C.B.O. PRICE: $16.95
-8/10
COMMENT: Straightforward, deliciously fresh white wine; grassy and zesty notes with good fruit. Sauvignon Blanc made by Coopers Creek never ceases to impress me.
PAIRING SUGGESTION: Pasta with pesto and sausage (unusual pairing, but excellent - trust me) --- enjoy!
(2) Stoneleigh (Sauvignon Blanc)
-Marlborough, New Zealand
-Vintage 2006 (DRINK NOW)
-L.C.B.O. PRICE: $15.05
-8.25/10
COMMENT: Superb-value NZ Sauvignon Blanc, with a very forward nose of grass, gooseberries, and light fruit. It is always a pleasure to drink this wine.
PAIRING SUGGESTION: Roast chicken with lemon, onions, and rosemary --- enjoy!
ANY QUESTIONS?
Email me at julianhitner@hitnerwine.com
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