Penfolds Bin 28 Kalimna Shiraz

Vintage: 2005
Type: Shiraz
Country: South Australia, Australia



To me, this was an Australian red wine that stood out from the other Austrlian exports showcased at the wine fair.

In a glass, it looks like your typical older shiraz: deep reddish-purple colour, long legs, slight fading at the edges. What sets this wine apart is that it has a slight mossy or earthy character on its finish, which is reminiscent of the Bordeaux from Chateau Rouselle 2004. Could this be an Aussie wine that is channelling a French spirit?

Well done to Wolf Blass for choosing a great company to take to the next level.

Yellow Tail - Bubbles

Vintage: Non-Vintage
Type: Sparkling Wine
Country: Australia



Here is a wine maker who has taken a luxury product and has made it accessible to folks who like to celebrate and enjoy bubbles on an everyday basis. The bubbles are sharper than what you would find in bottles of sparkling wine produced in North America, which is closer to what my palate prefers. This is quite a sweet sparkler (actually, very sweet) and I am still not sure which exotic fruits' aromas lift out of the glass. This is perfect for those summer evenings when both partners had a good day at work or when you have some out-of-towners visiting you for brunch!

More info here.

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.

Warburn Estate Premium Reserve

Vintage: 2007
Type: Cabernet Sauvignon
Country: Australia



This bottle was very good. Great aroma and complexity with a fresh and bold taste. Recommended.

Rosemount - Show Reserve Shiraz

Vintage: 2003
Type: Shiraz
Country: Australia - Mclaren Vale



I had a bottle of this included in a mixed case and I was unsure what to make of it. I had had Rosemount's excellent GSM, so I was expecting something special. Boy was I not let down! An excellent wine, that is great now and should last for quite a few more years. I loved the oak flavours and bouquet and the wine had a deep rich crimson colour.

I need to go fine a case of this stuff...

More info here & here.

Kell's Edge

Vintage: Non-vintage
Type: Cabernet Grenache
Country: Australia




I'm not sure how I came across this wine, but I'm sure it was at an event. Nothing special, but it won't give you a headache -- something to say when talking about cheap non-vintage wine.

Laithwaite Shiraz

Vintage: 2005
Type: Oak Aged Shiraz
Country: Australia - McLaren Vale




This is another wine that I thought would be amazing that turned out to be rather mediocre. This is a "select" range from Laithwaite, but to be honest for the price you are better to go with something else. Perhaps with some more age it will mature into something special, but for now it is way to expensive for what you get.

More info here

Rosemount GSM

Vintage: 2003
Type: Grenache Syrah Mourvedre
Country: McLaren Vale - Australia



Another amazing wine. Full Bodied and Oaky, with great flavours. Highly recommended.

More details here

Yellow Tail

Vintage: 2007
Type: Merlot
Country: Australia



This is a very good drinking wine. Great flavours and quite resonably priced. Those Aussies have done it again!

More details here.

Lyrup Crossing

Vintage: 2005
Type: Cabernet Sauvignon
Country: Australia



This wine was quite good. A light flavour and very fruity. Good wine to have with a meal

Yarrunga Field

Vintage: 2006
Type: Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz
Country: Australia - New South Wales



Wow, this wine is great! I loved the oakey taste and smell. The colour was quite nice and refined. A lovely wine all around. Highly Recommended.

More info here.

Wolf Blass - Red Label

Vintage: 2006
Type: Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon
Country: Australia



So it's a Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon. That's a mouthful. I enjoyed this wine, as I do with most Wolf Blass. Recomended

Willy Willy

Vintage: 2007
Type: Shiraz
Country: Australia - New South Wales



An OK wine, that I expected more from it, but perhaps the 2006 vintage was better. Good Shiraz, not great. You can find more about it here

Wolf Blass - Yellow Label

Vintage: 2001
Type: Cabernet Sauvignon
Country: South Australia



An excellent Cab Sav with a full robust flavour. One of my value-for-money favourites.

Hardys Crest

Vintage: 2002
Type: Cabernet Sauvignon
Country: South Eastern Australia



A very good wine, with an excellent flavour and zest. One of the better Cabernet Sauvignons.

Crocodile Rock

Vintage: 2002
Type: Cabernet Merlot
Country: Murray Valley - Australia



Not a bad wine. Not as strong as a Cabernet, but it is easy and enjoyable to dirnk.

Barramundi

Vintage: ?
Type: Cabernet Merlot
Country: South Eastern Australia



I was a little worried when I couldn’t find a vintage year, but the wine was pretty good. The initial taste is wild and hits your palette fairly hard, but it finishes off well.