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! .