This week the rule of three applies. I'm featuring three wines that have several things in common. All three wines have labels that are a little zany and eye catching. Each of them is a blend containing some Shiraz or Syrah in the mix. And the third thing they have in common with each other is that I really like all three of them. I hope your experience will be equally good.
One Chain Vineyards
The Wrong'Un Shiraz Cabernet 2013 (762559)
Australia
$14.99
This wine is produced in Australia by new wine company called Alliance Wine. In a short span of time, Alliance owners, Christian Bouteiller and Jonathan Kennett, have created a business that now makes and distributes wine all around the world.
This wine's name -- One Chain -- made me recall a technique I recall being used to inventory the trees in a forest. I didn't do much of this type of work but this wine brought back the memory. In this case, One Chain refers to the length of a cricket pitch -- 22 yards. A wrong'un also refers to the game of cricket. For those unfamiliar with the game of cricket, like me, I encourage you to refer to Wikipedia. There you will learn all about something called a googly, a Bosie and wrong'uns.
This wine is a blend of fifty per cent Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. Both grape varietals deliver to create a seemingly perfect blend. South East Australia is a good choice to source both of these varieties. Being a young 2013 this wine's colour is still purple, but has good depth and density. Both grape varietals are present in the aromas. The Shiraz gives the pepper, ripe plum and cherry notes and the Cabernet brings black berry fruits like black currant and blackberry to the glass. These wines along with a touch of oak have melded together creating a wine that might more appropriately be called a good'un. Certainly good enough to pair with any red meat main course dish.
Stellenzicht
RED ESCape 2011
South Africa (412569)
$13.99
Stellenzicht has produced a funky red blend, this time it is made from Shiraz and Pinotage grapes. I don't recall ever having a blend like this one before. Not only is this blend interesting, the label is too. It urges us to reboot our systems by hitting Ctrl, Alt, Del and escape by trying this unique blend
Produced in South Africa's Stellenbosch wine region on ground that has been growing grapes since 1692, ESCape is the newest label from Stellenzicht.
I really like this wine. The blend of Shiraz and Pinotage seems like a perfect fit. This wine has deep purple tone with some garnet highlights. On the nose, my mind was taken outdoors reminding me of the smell of boiled coffee. Some people call it cowboy coffee. That and a hint of dark cacao give this wine a wholesome earthiness. Further enhancing my first impressions was the aroma of lush, ripe fruit. Ripe blackberries, dark cherry and plum are aromas that dominate along with some suggestion of dried fruit. These ripe fruits give this wine a hint of sweetness. In the mouth, it is lush and deliciously well balanced with some fine tannin to create a lingering finish. This wine would go well with some country foods like dry salami, strong hard cheese or a slow roasted pork roast with root vegetables.
La Tarasque
2011 Old Vine Grenache
Ctes Du Rhne, France (826586)
$17.99
Last by not by any means least, this third wine carries the theme of eye-catching labels forward. Legend has it the dragon on the label terrorized the hillsides of the Ctes Du Rhne until Saint Martha quieted the beast and restored peace. The label pays homage to this legend.
La Tarasque winemaker Aaron Pott has degrees in winemaking from both American and French universities. In 2012, Food & Wine magazine declared him "Winemaker of the Year." I'm not sure how many vintages he has made of this wine but it sure tastes like one made by someone with some expertise.
I always enjoy wines produced from old vine grapes. They seem to have a richness that younger grape vines can provide. At 35-years-old, these Grenache vines may not be ancient they are old enough. I think this wine may contain some Syrah because the first thing I noticed on the nose was pepper. This is usually a sure sign that Syrah is present.
Beyond pepper, I found red berry fruits like red currants, cherries and raspberries. There is a lot going on in the aromas and I couldn't identify them all. On the palate, this wine is full and rich with those ripe red fruits giving a slightly sweet impression. The finish is decently long with a touch of acidity and tannin. This is a very versatile wine that will pair well with anything you might serve with red wine. I had it on its own and enjoyed it very much.
Al Spoklie is a product consultant at the BC Signature Liquor Store at Pine Centre Mall
