Elderton Ode To Lorraine 2015, Barossa Valley, Australia 🇦🇺

🍇 Cabernet Sauvignon 58%

🍇 Shiraz 37%

🍇 Merlot 5%

🧐 Alcohol 14.5%

🍁 My Score 92 Points 

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Beautiful, inviting ripe nose with aromas of black cherries, blackberries, plums, cassis, violets, tobacco, vanilla, cedar and savoury spices. On the mouthfeel, full bodied, luscious mid palate, smooth texture and fresh acidity. The finish is long, very flavourful with plenty of black fruit and blueberries covered with chocolate.

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In these difficult times, this is the kind of comforting wine I need. A delicious big juicy red blend, very aromatic, full of flavours, intense and a finish that begs for another sip. A gorgeous and delicious wine 💕. Need I say,  strongly recommended. Cheers my wine friends 🍷 

Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet/Shiraz 2015, South Australia, Australia 🇦🇺

🍇 Cabernet Sauvignon 53%

🍇 Shiraz 47%

🧐 Alcohol 14.5%

🍁 My Score 91 Points 

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Rich and intense nose with aromas of black fruit, burnt brown sugar, wood smoke, leather and cedar notes. On the mouthfeel, full bodied, generous and broad textured, firm tannins and balanced acidity. The finish is long, intense with black cherries and blackberry fruit, bitter chocolate and vanilla notes. 

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I was cleaning up my cork collection recently and I couldn’t believe how many Penfold corks I have. I realize that many of their wines don’t come with cork closure any more, but the wines I have purchased from them were mostly from the Bin Series; Bin 28, 128, on many occasions 389 and on one occasion 407. I have a previous  blog post that shows me spending $79 for a 2008 Magnum of Bin 389. Now, this regular size bottle was purchased for $100. Wines purchased at this price are rare for me and are definitely a treat. The reason I haven’t purchased these Penfolds wines lately is that the quality hasn’t kept up with the outrageous pace of their price increases. This is a nice wine which should keep improving over the next decade, but next time I want to splurge, I will look somewhere else. Cheers my wine friends 🍷

Rockford Basket Press Shiraz 2012, Barossa Valley, Australia 🇦🇺

🍇 Shiraz/Syrah 100%

🧐 Alcohol 14.4%

🍁 My Score 93 Points

🧩 Aged in French and American oak for two years

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Vibrant and sensuous nose with aromas of sweet berry fruit, dark black currants, violets, peppery and light cedar notes. On the mouthfeel medium-full bodied, soft flavourful and seductive fruit, smooth tannins and refreshing acidity. The wine finish is long tasty and savoury.

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I finally got to enjoy a wine which has been on my wine bucket list for quite some time now. The star of this wine is definitely the classic aromatics of premium Australian Shiraz, Christmas fruit cake. The nose didn’t quite translate on the mouthfeel, replaced instead with an elegant and complex texture. So much going on here and absolutely brilliant wine. Looking forward to my next experience with Rockford Basket Press Shiraz. Cheers my wine friends 🍷

Kay Brothers Hiilside Shiraz 2015, McLaren Vale, Australia 🇦🇺

🍇 Shiraz 100%

🧐 Alcohol 14.5%

🍁 My Score 91 Points

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Very expressive nose with aromas of blackberries, black currants, stewed fruits, leather, raisins, cinnamon and toasty vanilla notes. On the mouthfeel, full bodied, rich texture, generous flavours, grainy tannins and fresh acidity. The finish is long, powerful with excellent depth of flavours.

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Once in a while you need to revisit an old favourite, like this delicious and flavourful wine. This is a classic Aussie Shiraz, a big wine for sure, with generous fruit, oak flavours still balanced and made without excess or jammyness. Unfortunately I have not been able to find this wine here in Victoria. This Shiraz was last purchased in March, during a visit to Calgary and former great place of work for me Kensington Wine Market.  Needless to say that I should have purchased more than this one bottle. Cheers my wine friends 🍷🙂

Paxton MV Shiraz 2011, McLaren Vale, South Australia, Australia

This organic and biodynamic product is made with 100% Shiraz from four different vineyards, aging took place in a combination of new and old French and American oak, alcohol comes in at 14%.

This wine opened up with aromas of black cherry/plum fruit, bittersweet chocolate, cedar, black currants and peppery notes. On the mouthfeel, full bodied with a rich and creamy texture, ripe fruit concentration, low acidity and grainy tannins. This finish is long with flavors of black fruit, exotic spices and espresso notes lingering. At this stage, this Shiraz needs grilled steak on the barbie to really shine but there is enough 'stuffing" here (fruit concentration, structure and tannins) that it should acquire some elegance over the next 3-4 years. Very good value, score 89 points.

Purchased August 17, 2013 LCBO Vintages New Release (327403) at $17.95  

Henry’s Drive Dead Leather Office Shiraz 2008, South Australia, Australia

A blend of fruit from Padthaway (62%) & McLaren Vale (38%). This Shiraz is purple-black in color and opened up with aromas of red and black fruit, vanilla, spices, chocolate mint and smoky notes. On the mouthfeel, full bodied with alcohol coming in at 15.1%, rich, creamy and slightly jammy texture but silky smooth with balance acidity and fine grained tannins. A very good length and depth of flavours on the finish. This wine should appeals to fans of rich and concentrated Aussie Shiraz. Score 90 points.

Purchased April 13, 2013 LCBO Vintages New Release (243659) at $23.95

Fraser Gallop Cabernet/Merlot 2010, Margaret River, Western Australia, Australia

 

 

This wine is a blend of all five Bordeaux grapes; 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot and in a supporting role Malbec 2%, Cabernet Franc 2% and Petit Verdot 1%, with maturation taking place in French oak for 10 months. This wine is unfined, but filtered, listed as dry, and alcohol comes in at 13%.

 

This wine is a textbook Aussie Cabernet Sauvignon with aromas of black currants, blackberry, damp earth, mint, savoury spices, black pepper, espresso and toasty notes. On the mouthfeel, medium-full bodied, robust, firm textured but not overbearing, low acidity and fine drying tannins. Very good length on the finish, very masculine with layered dark fruit, savoury and earthy notes with a fine tannic grip lingering. Definitely more Bordeaux than Australia in style with a lot of life left here, best enjoyed in 2-3 years. Well made, enjoyable, score 89 points. 

     

Purchased October October 13, 2012 LCBO Vintages New Release (283077) at $29.95

Domaine Tournon Shay’s Flat Vineyard Shiraz 2010, Pyrenees, Victoria, Australia

Deep opaque purple in color, the majority of these Shiraz grapes was aged in French oak for 12 months with a small portion of the remaining wine aged in tanks; alcohol comes in at 14%.

This wine opened up with aromas of blackberry, exotic spices, forest floor, saddle leather and gamey notes. On the mouthfeel, medium-full bodied with layered dark fruit and peppery flavours, rich almost creamy texture, fresh acidity and light tannins. Excellent depth of flavours on the finish with loads of dark fruit with leathery, earthy and peppery notes lingering. This is a flavourful and complex cool climate Aussie Shiraz, closer in style to a northern Rhône Syrah. Quite compelling, love the texture of this Shiraz, score 91 points.

Purchased January 19, 2013 LCBO Vintages New Release (311480) at $29.95

Taltarni Pyrenees Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Pyrenees, Victoria, Australia

This wine is crafted with 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, with Merlot in a supporting grape at 6%, with maturation in a mix of new to 4 years old French and American oak. Alcohol comes in at 14.5%.

This wine opened with an exotic maturing bouquet of blackberry, plum, blackcurrant, Moroccan spices, smoke, and cedar notes. On the mouthfeel, medium-full bodied, tasty, structure is entirely elegant and very smooth with soft seductive fruit and gentle wood spices, fresh acidity and silky tannins. Very good length on the finish, not very complex but the flavours are very nice and the texture is pure velvet. This Cabernet Sauvignon has a lot of charm and although it is ready to enjoy, I wouldn’t suggest you wait more then 2-3 years of additional cellar time. There are endless pairing possibilities, including sipping on its own. Well made and very enjoyable. Score 90 points.

Purchased November 24, 2012 LCBO Vintages New Release (940692) at $24.95
 

Pirramimma Shiraz 2009, McLaren Vale, South Australia, Australia

This wine is 100% Shiraz grapes from 30 years old vines with alcohol coming in at 15.5%. (No other info from the winery website)

Deep opaque violet in color, this Shiraz opened up with aromas of black fruit, chocolate, freshly roasted coffee beans, toasty, vanilla and peppery notes. On the mouthfeel, full bodied, robust, well structured by rich and concentrated flavours, low acidity and grainy tannins. Generous and intense flavour concentration on the finish. This is a big Shiraz in every way, big alcohol with equally big fruit concentration and oak treatment with still makes this wine balance. If opening this wine today, pair it with BBQ beef or lamb, but it certainly would improve with a further 4-5 years in your cellar. Score 88 points.

Purchased February 18, 2012 LCBO Vintages New Release (987784) at $26.95

Wynns Coonawarra Estate Shiraz 2010, Coonawarra, South Australia, Australia

This wine is 100% Shiraz grapes with maturation in a mixture of French and American oak for 10 months and alcohol coming in at 14%.

Opaque ruby in color, this Shiraz was a bit shy on the nose with aromas of red and black fruit, damp earth, smoke, spices and subtle eucalyptus. On the mouthfeel, medium-bodied, concentrated and robust but not overdone with mild acidity and silky tannins. This finish is pleasant, medium length and very smooth. This is an elegant, cool climate Shiraz and another excellent value red wine from Wynns Coonawarra Estate. Very enjoyable, score 89 points.

Purchased October 27, 2012 LCBO Vintages New Release (433060) at $22.95

Domaine Terlato & Chapoutier Lieu Dit Malakoff Shiraz 2010, Pyrenees, Victoria, Australia

Made by the famous Rhône Valley winemaker Michel Chapoutier, this cool climate shiraz made with low yielding vines and opened up with aromas of black fruit, tar, saddle leather, black pepper, dried herb de Provence and black pepper notes. On the mouthfeel, full bodied (alcohol comes in at 14%), dry, layered dark fruit and smoky flavours, balance acidity and fine structured tannins. A great length on the finish, with concentrated and robust flavours. This Shiraz is built for the long haul, I would say 4-5 years for the texture to soften up and all elements of this Shiraz to fully integrate. Excellent addition to any cellar, great potential, scores 92 points.

Purchased November 10, 2012 LCBO Vintages New Release (290874) at $51.95

Jabob's Creek St-Hugo Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Coonawarra, South Australia, Australia

 

These Cabernet grapes were grown in the famed terra rosa soil of Coonawarra in South Australia with maturation taking place in a combination of French oak and American oak hogshead for 23 months and alcohol coming in at 14.5%.

This Cabernet opened up with aromas of blackberry, cassis, chocolate, rosemary, spicy and minty. On the mouthfeel, full bodied, powerful, tasty with toasty oak and savoury flavours, balanced acidity and fine structured tannins. Wonderful robust flavours and texture on the finish with fined grained tannins lingering. Because of this Cabernet’s savoury and minty personality, I paired this wine with BBQ lamb chops and it work beautifully. Very enjoyable, score 92 points.

Purchased March 1, 2013 at the Vancouver International Wine Festival for $24.99

Mitolo Savitar Shiraz 2008, McLaren Vale, South Australia, Australia

 

This wine is 100% Shiraz, aged in 100% new medium to light toasted 80% French oak and 20% French coopered American oak for 17 months and alcohol is listed as 14.5% on the label but is advertised at 15% on the winery website.

Pouring a deep purple, this wines aromatics opened up with a bouquet of wild berries, blackcurrants, stewed plums, raisins, eucalyptus, incense, toasty and vanilla notes. On the mouthfeel, full bodied with a rich texture of layered dark fruit and spices, low acidity and velvet tannins. This Shiraz finish is robust with chocolate covered blueberries and vanilla spices flavours with slightly burning alcohol that leaves a lasting impression. I love both the superb aromatics and the rich mouthfeel but I would have to think that the alcohol is indeed at 15%, leaving you with a hot finish. This is a big imposing Shiraz, tailor made for steaks on the barbie. I would have enjoyed a little more elegance at this price, but still very enjoyable, scored 90 points.

Purchased June 9, 2012 LCBO Vintages New Release (659581) at $54.95



Tar & Roses Trempranillo 2011, Heathcote/Alpine Valleys, Victoria, Australia

 

 

Here is an anomaly, a Tempranillo from Australia, which definitely smells like a Tempranillo, with aromas of raspberry, black cherry, dusty, cedar, black licorice, black pepper and Moroccan spices. On the mouthfeel, medium bodied (with alcohol at 13%), dark fruit and savoury flavours with fresh acidity and firm tannins. Great length on the finish, with robust flavours and texture with those same dusty tannins lingering till the end. A very enjoyable and interesting young wine, best to cellar an additional 2-3 years and best paired with a lamb dish. Tar & Roses Tempranillo 2011 would make a great phantom wine in any Spanish blind tasting, see who can pick out the intruder. Strongly recommended, score 90 points.

Purchased July 21, 2012 LCBO Vintages New Release (280198) at $24.95

Mount Langi Ghiran Kneebones Shiraz 2007, Grampian, Victoria, Australia

This cool climate Shiraz opened up with blackberry-blueberry fruit, cassis, spice cake, dried fruit subtle, mint and savoury notes. On the mouthfeel, medium-full bodied with alcohol coming in at 14.5%, harmonious well balanced texture, spicy crushed wild berries flavours, lively acidity and fine grained tannins. The finish is long, juicy, very smooth and delicious. This is a very enjoyable, mature wine with a great savoury personality. Strongly recommended, score 90 points.

Purchased January 19, 2013 LCBO Vintages New Release (295527) at $21.95

Penfold Bin 389 Cabernet/Shiraz 2008, South Australia, Australia

 

What am I to pair with a BBQ steak while having friends over and watching the big game (Super Bowl)? An equally big wine, a magnum of Penfold Bin 389, of course.

This wine is a blend of 52% Cabernet Sauvignon and 48% Shiraz from various regions of South Australia (Barossa Valley, Coonawarra, Langhorne Creek and McLaren Vale), maturation taking place in 34% new American oak hogsheads with the remaining in seasoned American oak for 13 months and alcohol comes in at 14.5%.

Dark purple in color, this blend opened up with aromas of black cherry, blackberry, black currants, tar, dark chocolate, wood smoke, minty, clove and peppery notes. On the mouthfeel, full bodied, robust with concentrated and rich flavours, balanced acidity and grainy tannins. Very good length and power on the finish with layers of dark fruit, spices, cedar notes and fine grained tannins lingering. A big wine in every sense of the word, robust yet approachable, even in its youth and should keep improving over the next decade or more. Enjoyed by all, score 93 points. Okay score was Baltimore 34, SF 31.

Purchased at the SAQ October 10, 2011 at $79.00 for a 1.5 litre

Tim Adams Cabernet/Malbec 2006, Clare Valley, South Australia, Australia

This wine is a blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Malbec with maturation taking place in new and second use French oak for 24 months with alcohol coming in at 14.5%. 

This wine pours a deep purple in color with aromas of blackcurrant, black plum, fresh sage, eucalyptus, burnt sugar, smoky and peppery notes. On the mouthfeel, full bodied, thick, rich creamy flavours of black fruit and wood spices, dusty tannins and mild acidity. Very good weight and flavours on the finish with layers of creamy richness and persistent tannins lingering. Enjoy now but should keep improving over the next 3-5 years. Much enjoyed by all three of us who had the chance to share this bottle. Yummy, score 89 points.

  

Purchased December 8, 2012 LCBO New Release (295535) at $26.95

Two Hands Sophie’s Garden Shiraz 2008, Padthaway, South Australia, Australia

This wine is 100% Shiraz grape with maturation taking place in 45% new French oak hogsheads, the remainder in 2 to 4 year old French oak for a period of 16 months with alcohol coming in at 15.8%.

At four years old this attractive Shiraz is already showing intriguing maturing nose with aromas of blackberry, plum, currants, white pepper, mint, violet and sandalwood. On the mouthfeel, flavours of blackberry preserve and savoury spices, balanced acidity and fine grained tannins. This wines finish is very smooth with soft seductive fruit flavours and exotic spices lingering. Even with the considerable alcohol, Sophie’s Garden 2008 still managed to be well balanced, thanks to the massive amounts of ripe fruit. An interesting Shiraz that was very enjoyable, scored 91 points.

Purchased October 15, 2011 LCBO New Release (62380) at $46.00

Wynns Coonawarra Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, 53rd Vintage, Coonawarra, South Australia, Australia

This wine is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, with maturation for 17 months in a combination of French oak barrels (31% new and 53% seasoned) and American barrels oak (2% new and 14% seasoned) with alcohol coming in at 14%.

This is another full bodied, robust wine from Wynns, with aromas of black cherry, black currant, toasty, minty, earthy, espresso roast with strong tobacco notes. On the mouthfeel, full bodied, dry, layered by dark fruit, mint and wood spices, balanced acidity and firm tannins. Good weight and length on the finish with concentrated flavours and mild tannins lingering. I opened a bottle of this wine about a year ago and found the tannins to be very aggressive, but a year later, I found this Cabernet Sauvignon drinking very well. For fans of a robust and masculine style of Cabernet Sauvignon, you will not be disappointed. This wine is a great value that is drinking like a much more expensive wine, strongly recommended, score 92 points.

Purchased September 17, 2011 LCBO New Release (84996) at $24.95

P.S. This wine is about to be re-released on December 8, 2012, under the same number and price.