Clonakilla Hilltops Shiraz 2007

Grape                              : Shiraz
Country of Origin : Australia
Region                           : Canberra (Australian Capital Territory)
Vintage                          : 2007
Alcoholic Content : 14.5%

Damage to my purse : Bought from a wine distributor at S$44.

Characteristic :
Intense dark ruby in appearance.  A full bodied wine, and was tinkering sharp on the nose with high intensity of dark fruits and spices.  Some decanting (like 30 minutes) is needed.  When paired with red meats or cold cuts (recommended with food), this wine transformed itself into a savoury shiraz providing layers of juicy plums and dark cherries, with some notes of licorice and dark chocolate and very smooth finishing.

MY TAKE : This wine has to go with food.  It actually tasted woody and slightly ‘sappy’ on its own.  But once I worked the wine with some cold cuts (like the iberico sausage), it transformed itself into an acceptable bottle of shiraz.  Dramatically different!

Domaine Gille Cote De Nuits Villages 2008

Grape                              : Pinot Noir
Country of Origin : France
Region                            : Burgundy, Cote de Nuits
Vintage                          : 2008
Alcoholic Content : 13%
Producer                      : Domaine Gille

Damage to my purse : Bought it from a wine retailer at S$45.

Characteristic :
The appearance was translucent pale ruby and a light bodied wine.  On the nose, it has gentle bouquet and medium notes of dark berries and currents.  Slightly sharp forward taste, with consistent light flavours of dark cherries and tannins.  It also has quite a high sugar content.

MY TAKE : This is a simple to appreciate and easy to drink wine.  This has the characteristics of a mid-range New Zealander Pinot Noir but easier on the pocket.

Olive Hill 2003 (Burge Family Winemakers)

Grape                             : Shiraz (50%), also with Grenache and Mourverde
Country of Origin : (South) Australia
Region                           : Barossa Valley
Vintage                         : 2003
Producer                     : Burge Family
Alcoholic Content : 15%

Damage to my purse : About S$45 each for a case of 6.

Characteristic :
The colour is deep plum red and is medium to full bodied.  It was mildly sharp and oaky on the nose with appealing fragrance of ripen plums.
The fine flavour of dark cherry got stronger toward the mid-palate, along with rich and creamy feel of some dark chocolate and vanilla and always with a great balance of sharpness and very smooth finishing.

MY TAKE : So far the reds from the Burge Family have not disappointed.  I like the smooth and rich mouth feel.  It’s a pleasant evening wine and so enjoyable that I cannot tell it has a 15% alcohol content.

Las Lamas 2008

Grape                              : Mencía
Country of Origin : Spain
Region                           : Castilla y León, Bierzo
Vintage                          : 2008
Alcoholic Content : 15.0%
Producer                      : Descendientes de Jose Palacios

Damage to my purse : Bought this wine from a local wine dealer at S$195.

Characteristic :
Lively purple (in colour).  This was a dense and full bodied wine.  It has strong yet elegant aromas of plums, dark cherries, and lavender.  Nice complexity on the palate; of dark fruits, vanilla, refined tannins and minerals.  An extremely smooth and good balanced wine.

MY TAKE : Although a little costly, this wine has got depth and sure to satisfy most red wine lovers.

Fairview Pinotage 2010

Grape                              : Pinotage
Country of Origin : South Africa
Region                           : Paarl
Vintage                          : 2010
Alcoholic Content : 14.5%
Producer                      : Fairview (since 1693)

Damage to my purse : Drank this at The Woods (a causal wine bar) at S$50+.

Characteristic :
This was dark purple and medium bodied.
It was slightly sharp and smoky on the nose with good aromas of dark fruits.
On the palate, it was full of zesty dark berries and very good balance of spices, tannins, and acidity.

MY TAKE : South Africa is famous for its Pinotage.  I have not drank many bottles of good Pinotage since most Pinotage were way too pungent on the nose and very earthy and spicy on the palate.  And to be fair, I also seldom lay my hands on the South African wines.  Surprisingly, the Fairview Pinotage 2010 is not too spicy and gentle on the nose.  I like the good balance of tannins, acidity and spiciness.

Rolf Binder Hales Shiraz 2009

Grape                              : Shiraz (mainly) with a small percentage of Grenache and Mataro
Country of Origin : (South) Australia
Region                           : Barossa Valley
Vintage                          : 2009
Alcoholic Content : 14%

Damage to my purse : Bought a case from a wine distributor at S$36 each.

Characteristic :
The colour is deep purplish-red.  It’s a medium to full bodied wine with piercing sharp nose and requires a little breathing.  After some breathing, it has light scents of leather and cassis/ raisins.  The forward taste was jammy black-current, with some flavours of cherry and consistent tannins and acidity throughout.

MY TAKE : Due the the sharp piercing nose, it was not so promising when it was just opened.  But this wine gets better as it drags through the night.  It’s good to have it on a lazy laid-back night with some greasy burgers or pizzas.