2013 Wirra Wirra Wines Church Block

Wine: 2013 Wirra Wirra Wines Church Block
Estate: Wirra Wirra Wines
Sub-Regions: Whites Valley, McLaren Flat, Blewitt Springs and Seaview
Region: McLaren Vale, Fleurieu, South Australia, Australia

Location: At home on 3/3/2016

Tasting Note:

We have been on an Australian wine binge of late and are continually looking for QPR/Value Aussie wines. Wine was dark crimson red. Slightly savory on the nose to start with some grilled herbs and lots of red cherries. Definitely needs a year or two to fully integrate but great potential. Moderate tannins (6/10) and rustic on the palate. Slight heat. Slightly dry finish and moderate plus in length and with a moderate body. Will not touch the next bottle till 2017 for another touch point. Very excited to see how this wine develops! Great value australian wine!
Rating: 89+

Price: $ - Purchased at Costco in Pentagon City for $15.81.

2009 Vasse Felix Cabernet Sauvignon

Wine: 2009 Vasse Felix Cabernet Sauvignon
Estate: Vasse Felix Wines
Region: Wilyabrup, Margaret River, South West Australia

Location: Drank at Eno Wine Bar on 2/19/2016

Tasting Note:
This wine was a deep garnet red. Loved the nose from the start. As some of you might know, we love a slightly stinky nose. It is not off putting to us at all. Nose started off dirty with a slight barnyard nose and moldy/smoked cheese. It developed into charred wood, smoke and a few vegetal notes such as green bell peppers. Heavy tannins (7/10), such a beautiful bite to it that we were not expecting. Solid acidity complemented the tannins and moderate plus body. Slightly savory on the palate with some light vegetal notes. Long and lingering dry finish. Would love to find some of this to buy. If this retailed for the price at Eno Wine Bar, it is still worth that, great QPR! Drink till 2027.

Rating: 93

Price: $$ - Purchases at Eno's Wine Bar for $67.00 but you can find the 2012 at Pearson's Wines for $39.99

2006 Tait Wines Basket Pressed Shiraz

Wine: 2006 Tait Wines Basket Pressed Shiraz

Estate: Tait Wines

Region: Barossa Valley, South Australia

Winemaker: Bruno Tait

Elevage: 15 months in 20% new French oak and 80% 1-2 year old toasted American oak.

Varietals: 100% Shiraz

Decant: 45 minutes.

Location: At home on 1/17/2016

Tasting Note:

Absolutely delicious, we need to start finding some more boutique Aussie wines, especially some basket pressed ones. Basket pressing is a more traditional way of extracting juice from crushed grapes, pressure must be controlled in order to not release unwanted tannins.
Ruby red with garnet edges. Nose was very intense, you could smell the vanilla and coconut three inches away from the glass. Some slight caramel and some slightly savory undertones with a little smokiness. Low tannins (4.5/10) with a thick, rich and silky body. Classis Aussie Shiraz on the palate. Thick and filled with caramel throughout. Heavily extracted with a long plush finish. Low tannins makes be not so sure about longevity but the body and the finish are stunning. Lots of dark fruits and solid acidity. Very well balanced. The acidity might help this hold out over the low tannins. Excellent wine and will head out to grab a bottle of the Ball Buster this year! 800 cases produced.

Dates: Drink till 2022.
Rating: 93
Price: $$ - Purchased for $35.69 but goes for $50.00 from the estate if you live in Australia. One wine of their's is available in the area. Ball Buster for $19.99 at Total Wine.