Wine for the Weekend

  

This week we explore two philosophies: the modern, fruit forward appeal versus a touch of old world tradition.  One example is white while the other is red, but I don’t think that really matters; the difference should be fairly obvious.  I’m curious which style you prefer?    

Australian winemakers made themselves famous well over a decade ago by producing big powerhouse reds, and this week’s first selection fits that bill nicely.  Conversely, the steely unoaked taste of Chablis has existed for centuries, mimicked everywhere, but never duplicated with the same degree of finesse. And despite international pressure to change, Chardonnay in Chablis is for the most part still a product of tradition.  I think you will also enjoy the clean, mineral-driven style of this weekend's second selection.    

Cheers,

Tyler

Red

2008 Plunkett Fowles, Stone Dwellers Shiraz – Victoria, Australia

In one whiff and a quick sip, and this wine sums up a multitude of adjectives used to describe Aussie Shiraz:  full, jammy, extracted, generous, concentrated… With aromas of stewed black fruit and smoked meat right off the bat, I expected something rather overblown and excessive, but in all respects, this is really quite pleasant.  The palate starts off rather full but then relaxes slightly to show a good balance of the whopping 15% alcohol and acidity before the characteristic Shiraz pepper spice kicks in.  Some juicy blackberry and dried cranberry flavours complete the package nicely.  Sip this one solo or pair with ribs on the barbi… as they say ‘down under’. 

$19.95 (265967) Vintages (dry)

White

2009 Domaine du Chardonnay – Chablis, France

Chablis is a key component of the Burgundy region.  It sits slightly higher in terms of latitude than the Côte de Beaune where Chardonnay is traditionally oak influenced. Chablis however is primarily unoaked and this example clearly demonstrates the region’s clean lines and mineral driven finesse. Lemon-lime freshness combines with green-apple and a good amount of minerality through to the finish.  Quite nice. 

$16.95 (183574) Vintages (very dry)