Yellow Tail - Shiraz

Vintage: 2008
Type: Shiraz
Country: Australia



Oh dear. As a big fan of Australian shiraz wines, I really wanted to like this one (especially because Yellow Tail has consistently produced fantastic merlots). Unfortunately, I find this Shiraz too grainy on the tongue, which is perhaps what happens when the boss' nose wants to be generous with its earthiness and full-bodiness. Its redeeming features are its intense purple-like colour, spicy aroma and formation of long legs on the glass.

Pink Elephant Rose

Vintage: 2008
Type: Blend of 4 grape varieties
Country: Portugal



I discovered this brand at the Tesco Wine Fair 2008 and tried this modern blush for the first time. I decided to re-visit it today at the Fair, just because I have fond memories of Portugal.

This is one of the few wines that tickled my palate so much that my mouth watered immediately. Although attempting to be a feminine wine that should accompany heavy Indian curries, I really believe that this blush could be enjoyed on its own, with maybe a small dish of rice crackers or wasabi peas to balance out the wine's tangy notes.

The four grape varieties that are used to make this easy-to-drink wine are Alfrocheiro, Castalao, Touriga Nacional, and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Because cases are so cheap at the moment, I imagine this will be the first rose wine that will grace our ever-growing rack.

More info here.

Casillero del Diablo - Malbec

Vintage: 2008
Type: Malbec
Country: Chile



Malbec is a grape that I only approach when I'm feeling particularly gutsy or confident, so maybe the timing was just a bit off today. This Malbec offers up an amazing bouquet after swirling it around just a tiny touch. It tastes of various berries, is strongly oaked and offers up a vanilla-like finish. This wine should always be paired with food, as it would be too bold on its own. I wondered why this wine is so bold - it is probably because of the lack of rain and low altitude at which the grapes are grown in Chile. I reckon this will pair well with a rare and lightly seasoned steak.

Two Oceans - Dagger Point

Vintage: 2008
Type: Shiraz
Country: South Africa



I tried this wine at a pub with some Thai food. Overall it was nice and drinkable, though it lacked the punch that I would expect from a Shiraz. Not a wine to enjoy on it's own, but perfectly acceptable with food.

Casillero del Diablo - Pinot Grigio

Vintage: 2008
Type: Pinot Grigio
Country: Chile - Casablanca Valley



DESCRIPTION

This is an easy-to-drink white that is perfect on hot, dry evenings, with or without a meal. We bought a case of this at Majestic (Callais) and have enjoyed a few bottles this summer already. It is refreshing and citrusy. Good lasting finish on the palate too!