2008 BOBBY DAZZLER SHIRAZ MCLAREN VALE SA

As its comic-like label suggests, this wine is dressed for the funky laneway small bar.

Having read all wine labels I come across, this label was not the most informative and I ended up researching its origin online.

While this wine did not start off well for an amateur-enthusiast like myself, the tasting was taletelling.

1. The nose was filled with ripe berries, liquorice and spice.  McLaren Valean.. TICK.

2. Energetic dark crimson hues was a promising look. TICK.

3. Flavours blended nicely with two layers, first with gentle blackberries entering the palate, followed with chewy confectionary.  This was achieved on a well balanced soft tannin structure and slightly above average alcohol content (14.5%).  TICK.

This wine fused the classic McLaren shiraz grape with modern textures and notes which would marry nicely with small bar foods.  Prove me wrong - but this wine is dressed for the occasion.

7/10 12-10-2012

2008 SEVEN HILL INIGO SHIRAZ CLARE VALLEY

 

Typical clare valley shiraz with deep red hues and a classic peppery shiraz fruit.  Hint of mint and dark chocolate.

Will reward the patient decanter.

6.5/10 9-10-2012

2003 PENFOLDS BIN 128 SHIRAZ COONAWARRA SA

My first ever BIN128 from Penfolds.

Soft floral nose, deep red hues.

After 30min decanting the wine only improved slightly, sharp dark fruits fill the palate over smooth tannins.  Fruit flavours overpowered by liquorice finish.  Not a candidate for the cellar.

4.5/10 6-10-2012

2008 WARRABILLA RESERVE DURIF RUTHERGLEN VIC

Warrabilla simply does not disappoint.  You may recall my earlier post on Parola's limited edition durif, and this reserve vintage is its younger cousin.

Dark plum red hues with about a quarter of the visible residue lining the glass, compared with the limited edition.  Appetising blackcurrant nose.  On the palate there is a shot of ribena sweetness that quickly gives way to refreshing mint tones cooling the mid palate, followed with a delicate liquorice finish that keeps you lingering the next sip.  

Juicy. Succulent. Complex.  Stock up to drink now AND cellar.

8.5/10 1-10-2012

2011 BOR FORRAS HAJOS-BAJA BLAUFRANKISCH

Opaque off-red, smells and tastes of sweet late harvest berries.  Texture is soft and mellow, with a hint of smokiness.  This is a light-bodied, lip-licking juicy red.  Brand new vintage, so there is a good few years at peak enjoyment.

7/10 1-10-2012

2010 ROCKBARE SHIRAZ MCLAREN VALE

Deep solid purple hues, sweet luscious blackcurrant nose.

Savoury berries leads the palate followed with concentrated liquorice battering.  Tannins are firm and bold but astringent.  Good length but dominated by liquorice mid to end palate.

5/10 1-10-2012