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Wine Wizard |
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2008 Yellowtail Riesling. No appellation, just “Australia” (NAJA) $6. This wine does not resemble real Riesling at all except for some floral sweetness in the nose and also on the palate. But if you just give up and pretend it is a Viognier, it is actually not that bad. The nose is floral with stone fruit (peach/apricot) typical of Viognier, not Riesling. So too the palate – it is clean and viscous, with apricot, peach, a hint of pear, and citrus. The palate has clear residual sugar, but not too much. The acidity is a bit weak given the sweetness, but it is not too dull. Overall, if you want a cheap Viognier and don’t care that it is labeled Riesling, you could really like this. 2008 Yellowtail Pinot Grigio. NAJA $6. This wine has green apple and pear aromas, and the palate follows in kind. The acidity is quite good, and the wine is clean. I have yet to become infatuated with this grape (Pinot Gris in France), and most samples I have come across seem to taste like generic, lemony-tart dry white wine. So too this one, with apple, pear and citrus. But while it comes across as pretty simple, it is actually an OK party-food wine. Reds now follow in descending order of appeal: 2008 Yellowtail Shiraz/Cabernet. NAJA $6. This is the best of the five reds. Deep color, quite rich and deep with ripe, dark berry fruit flavors, medium tannin, good acid and a little structure. A touch leafy/herbaceous and light oak treatment. Good enough for a dinner with friends, but no more. 2008 Yellowtail Shiraz/Grenache. NAJA $6. Stemmy, plummy nose and palate, a bit simple; lighter style than the above, fairly good length, light tannin, OK acid. Second best of the reds. Also good enough for a dinner with friends. 2008 Yellowtail Shiraz. NAJA $6. Stemmy, with dark cherry and slight black pepper. Pleasant palate of cherry/plums, slight black pepper, vanilla but quite simple, light. A good value party wine, not good enough for dinner, even with enemies. 2008 Yellowtail Cabernet. NAJA $6. Very generic berryish nose and flavors – meaning you can’t tell what it tastes like. Sweet ripe fruit, not typical cabernet at all. OK as a party wine. 2008 Yellowtail Merlot. NAJA $6. Another berryish wine, but tastes like cheap jug plonk to me. Other wines of interest that have recently been released: 2006 RH Philips “Toasted Head” Viognier, California, $10. This is a nice, middle of the road, typical Viognier. It has the stereotypical nose and palate of stone fruit (apricot and peach) with a clean, soft but not sweet palate and finish. It is a medium bodied wine, and quite easy to drink. 2007 Qupe Syrah, California Central Coast $13. This wine has a floral, herbal nose with plums and a clear aroma of dill (aka American Oak) and some stemminess. The palate is medium bodied – this is no Mae West in a bottle, unlike many Australian versions. It is not big or complex, tannins are soft, and the stemmy herbal elements are obvious along with plummy fruit. Overall a pleasant wine, but not one to rave over. Especially if you, like me, are a fan of big Australian Shiraz (aka Syrah). For this price I can get several yummy Oz Shiraz’s. 2006 Hearthstone Grenache, Paso Robles CA, $18. Grenache is not yet common in the USA as a stand alone grape for wine, but good Grenache is delightful. It is a Rhone varietal just like Syrah/Shiraz, with which it is often blended. This pure Grenache is a bad boy at 15.7% alcohol. Yet it is light in body, very flavorful with red raspberry fruit everywhere. There is spice, slight black pepper, and the tannins are medium and well in check. The ripeness of the fruit and alcohol give a seductive sense of sweetness, but the dry finish and high alcohol tells me there is little if any residual sugar. This one is a bit more than I would pay for an everyday wine, but it is really quite appealing. 2006 Stonehouse Zinfandel, California “North Coast” $9. This appealing and well-priced wine has a forward blueberry and lavender nose and sweet ripe red and black cherry fruit on the palate. It is not too tannic nor too tart – quite well balanced. Is it a great wine? No. Is it better than most $9 wines? Yes. And with “only” 14.5% alcohol, that aspect is under control. This wine would make a great backyard party wine. 2004 Wattle Creek Shiraz, Alexander Valley, $20. This is one very, very, good wine. And not outrageously priced. It will be hard to find, but keep your eye on future releases through your wine store/internet. Deep purple, with blackberry, vanilla and dill (American oak). Slight anise too. Medium soft tannins, forward, lush, silky, with good acidity. Rich, extracted, complex with good length. Very good mouthfeel (viscous, smooth, rich) and balance. |
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