Liquorland: Raparura springs Pinot noir

$25 Liquorland - nope!

It's ok, but there is better in LL.  Will update when I find it.  Otherwise, it's just meh nothing awful about it, but nothing makes me want to buy it again.  Definitely not worth $25 rrp.

3/10

https://www.liquorland.com.au/Red%20Wine/rapaura-springs-pinot-noir-750ml_1028231?q=Rapaura%20Springs%20Pinot%20Noir%20750mL&redir=true

Jen Pfeiffer The Rebel Bubbles NV (naked wines)

Naked wines:  If you are looking for bubbles to go into a punchbowl, buy some of this.  Otherwise, give it a miss.  If you *have* to buy something because you are getting a bunch via naked wines, try the engine room Blanc de Blanc.  

Scarborough 2009 yellow label Chardonnay (magnum)

That's a BIG bottle! No,  I didn't drink it all... 

Well, sadly,  I'm just not sold on this one. Which is a pity because Scarborough do some outstanding bottles of Chardonnay. 

It's overly rich,  it is frighteningly heavy, yellow, and leaves a slimey bitter taste at the end. 

Saying that,  I reckon this is a great bottle for  a party.  It is a good quoff if you like a typical Ozzie Chardonnay, and just because it isn't too my palate doesn't mean it is a bad bottle.  

Liqourland: McGuigan Black label 2014 (red)

RRP:  $8.00

Lets start by stating the bloody obvious.  This wine was $8.  Yup, 8 dollars. Furthermore, a quick search on good old google brings up the 2013 for a mere $5 on Dan Murphy's.  

I'll be blunt; I tend to not buy wines that don't list the the grape varieties used on its label, and i'll be honest in saying that I didn't buy this bottle.  The bloke needed a cooking wine and bought it without supervision. I'm so glad he did as what a lovely surprise!!  It is drinkable, it is fruity, it is medium bodied with a nice finish and it has no real harsh chemical toilet taste either. Win win so far... I could happily have a glass or two of this by itself, and I reckon it would go lovely with pasta.

  

Having a guess at the grapes used, I'd say that there is a decent dollop of merlot and cab sav.  Possibly some grenache or colder climate shiraz as it does have some length.  This wine is definitely NOT a harsh, young, full of tannin hunter shiraz that scrapes down the back of your throat. Give it a shot, its enjoyable and versatile enough for drinking AND cooking!  That's a first for me :)

Warning: it is def not a dry red, and some might say it is sweet.  I don't think so, it is just a lot more flavoursome that some might expect.

I reckon it will give you a stonking headache though... hopefully there will be some left after cooking for the test!

42 degrees south pinot noir 2014

What to buy at the bottlo? 

You can pick this bottle up for $23 at Dan Murphy's or $18.99 at wineonline.com.  It's a pretty good pinot.  Nothing too fruity or chemically.  It's average in alcohol at 13.5% vol and you don't taste even a hint of it.   

I had this with a fig pizza,  and it was light enough to be complimentary to the gentle boccinci cheese.  

Get this to take to a party if you don't want a hangover the following day,  but want a nice wine.  This comes into its own when sharing with friends.  It's non offensive in every way and it is a nice glass to share! .  

   

In the future...

Here is a list of my up coming reviews for bottles suggested by friends, other wine lovers and because I like the label! 

Grant Burge:  Bussell JG 2011 Cabernet Merlot from Margaret River

Meerea Park Black Shiraz 2011

"There is nothing but goodness in this glass..."

RRP: $190

 

GOOSEBUMPS!  Its quite simple.  You should just go and buy it.  

Nothing I can say can really do this wine justice.  It is creamy, rich and fruity.  The overwhelming pepper that ruins most hunter Shiraz's can be found only as a slight background acid; there to compliment the lingering blackberry flavour that develops and goes on and on and on.  Nothing beats a beautiful full bodied wine like this.

You can drink now and be blown away with it, or cellar it nicely for at least 10 years.  To me this means buy a case and try one every two years :)

Food: I had this with one of my awful (I'm no cook) spag bolls and left the food to just drink the wine.  It would obviously be a perfect accompaniment to most meats, but next time I'm going to have it with the tempura veggies & soy sauce from Mongers fish shop.  

It is quite expensive so for me it is a wine for special occasions, and not drinking every day.  If you buy for investment or this is your normal wine price range, I can't recommend it highly enough.  Much nicer than a grange in my humble opinion.

"For a young bottle of wine, it shows a maturity beyond its years!"