Wednesday, November 21, 2012

SXS Shiraz-Grenache 2008 S. Australia (Step-Four)


Step X Step Shiraz Grenache image
So, I got a chance to check out the SXS Shiraz(Syrah) and Grenache blend, and for the record, I'm not a big fan of Australia, at least in the past few years, I've not found too many that have tickled my taste-buds, but there wines are finally starting to open me up a bit. This wine is one that has started the change of my opinion. So let's get into my tasting notes.

Nose :It has a medium plus intensity, ripe strawberry, white pepper. Notes of sour rasberries, pencil eraser rubber, some vanilla and bright rose petals.

Palate: This is a dry wine that starts fruity and finishes with slightly bitter tannins. Ripe strawberry, mixed in sour rasberry rounded off with white pepper, medium plus body, medium plus finish. Good acid, good mid palate, medium plus alcohol but the wine maker hides it well.

Verdict: For the record, in the past, I have not been a Australia wine fan, but as of late I've had a few bottles that are making me reconsider my opinion. This bottle is one of them, It has great pure fruit, long finish and has a spice factor that I like. Pick it up, really, I mean it, pick it up. Peace.

Friday, November 16, 2012

Casabella HJ 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon

Casabella House Jam Smooth Red, Emilia Romagna, Italy label
So yes, I'm back, back to write colorful and sometimes lazy, colorless reviews on my favorite topic, Wine. To start off this revival of my wine wit let's go with an Italian Cabernet Sauvignon 2009. Here are my notes from when I tasted it.

Nose:On the nose, this wine had medium-plus intensity. Youthful fruit, cedar-box, sour-cherry, hints of candied strawberry, vanilla  and anise.

Palate: Dry, medium body, sour sherry, strawberry, vanilla, cedar-box, medium-plus finish. Not overly complex but definitely good for the price. Great sour cherry and ripe plum on mid-palate. Medium plus tannins and medium alcohol.

Verdict: For the price this wine is very good. It's not an overly complex wine but it is consistent in its approach to your senses. If you get a chance try a bottle and please leave a comment with your own tasting notes, till then, see you next time.