Well, once again, the leaves are turning color,
and I think of grapes ripening, ready to be made into wine. Here are some recent
arrivals that are well worth trying.
d'Arenburg The Dead Arm Shiraz - McLaren Vale, South Australia; 2002.
This wine is hand harvested from low-yielding vines, producing very concentrated
grapes. This superb Shiraz will benefit from cellaring, and will reward the
wait. Should be decanted. Available in 375 mL bottles. (Yes!!)
Morgan Chardonnay - Monterrey, California; 2001. Pear and apple flavors.
Ageing in French oak contributes the toasty oak flavor typical in California
chards. Rich texture and balanced acidity. Will accompany most seafood and light
meat dishes. The richness of texture works as an excellent match to spicy foods.
(Absolutely marvelous with Prawns al Fredo.) www.morganwinery.com
Shotfire Ridge Shiraz - Barossa Valley, South Australia; 2003. The
bouquet has lifted fruit flavors and a palate of typical Barossa Shiraz
characters of chocolate and plum with subtle vanillin flavors from the oak. An
outstanding Barossa Valley Shiraz. (Love it!) www.thornclarkewines.com
Hogue Johannisberg Riesling - Columbia Valley, Washington; 2003. Bright
peach and apricot flavors. Off-dry. beautiful, refreshing wine.
www.hoguecellars.com
Graham Beck Pinotage - South Africa, 2003. Ripe cherry and tropical fruit
on the nose with spicy flavors on the palate. Balanced and elegant mouthfeel
that finishes well. Aged 13 months in oak. www.grahambeckwines.co.za
Mission Hill Family Estate Five Vineyards Chardonnay VQA - Okanagan Valley,
BC; 2003. Fruit forward characteristics and refreshing acidity. Aromas of
Granny Smith apple and lemon peel, with savory oak and light spicy notes. Crisp
undernotes of citrus fruit and silky butter and spice. Enjoy with seafood, roast
chicken or fresh cheeses.
d'Arenburg The Stump Jump Grenache, Shiraz & Mourvedre - South Australia,
2004. An excellent lighter-bodied wine that is made from predominantly very
old vines (read concentrated flavors). An excellent sipping wine.
Casillero del Diablo Carmenere - Chile; 2004. Dark and deep red with
aromas of dark plums, black currant and chocolate with hints of coffee and
toasted American oak. Soft and well-structured. Ideal with fresh and light
dishes based on meat, vegetables, fresh herbs and ripe cheese. Serve from 15 -
18C. This is a sleeper, and may just become your house wine, especially at just
over $11!
Black Box Cabernet Sauvignon - Paso Robles, California; 2003. This is the
first red wine in a 3 litre cask that is worth talking about, as far as I know.
You won't believe that this is a cask wine. Dark fruit, deep lush body, soft,
long finish with lingering notes of berries. Price works out to under $10 a
bottle for one of the few really good value wines out of the US. Perfect for
those who like a glass only now and then. The wine will keep for a month!
S'truth!
Kloovenburg Shiraz - South Africa; 2002. Received a 5-star Decanter wine
magazine award. Meaty/bacon, earthy, robust, rich and concentrated. Lush. Big,
soft, squishy fruit, but firm tannins. Lush ripeness, good vanilla, oak with
excellent oak and balance. Drink to 2010.
Pirramimma Shiraz - Mclaren Vale, South Australia; 2001. Brick-red in
color with a lifted berry and spice bouquet. The palate shows an intense depth
of integrated full-bodied fruit, and has a clean yet lingering tannin finish.
Matured for two years in new oak. Will improve with cellaring over the next 5-10
years. Already have several clients with smiles! www.pirramimma.com.au
Kloovenburg Chardonnay - South Africa. 2003. An appealing fruit-driven
style with fresh ripe pear, nectarine, apple and spice, turning complex and
lively on the finish. A touch of oak. Look for this one at restaurants with good
wine lists.
Found a wine that you want me to bring in? Let me know!
New vintages just arrived, or arriving shortly:
St. Hallets Blackwell Shiraz 2002
Seghesio Old Vines Zinfandel
Saxenburg Shiraz, Pinotage, and Cabernet Sauvignon
Al Lakusta
Beer Box/York Hotel
Grande Prairie, AB
532 1511
Fax 532 0617
Al from the Beer Box
York Hotel
101 St. & 101 Ave.
Grande Prairie 532 5945, or 532 1511 ext. 305. Fax 532 0617
Remember, life is too short to drink poor but not necessarily cheap wine!
Cheers,
Al (from The Beer Box)
