Saturday Tasting at The Gourmet Shop Columbia, SC 10/4/2014

Kelli from Southern Wines was our hostess on a beautiful Fall Saturday with temperatures below the sweat level on an away game day for the South Carolina Gamecocks. The crowd was surprisingly thick and steady for the whole afternoon. The lineup was somewhat unusual with 2 from France, and 2 from Australia. It was nice to compare side by side a pure big fruit McLaren Vale Shiraz, with a Cote Rotie style Shiraz co-fermented with 5% Viognier.

• 2012 Domaine Sangouard-Guyot Pouilly-Fuissé Authentique 88 Points

  France, Burgundy, Mâconnais, Pouilly-Fuissé

  This Chardonnay from Pouilly-Fuisse seems so natural and non manipulated. Nice combination of fresh, but not overly intense apple and citrus fruit with steely, mineral enhancing flavors and aromas. Non oaked. Rich mouth feel, but still maintains an elegance. Superb balance. Complete. Lingering mineral finish.

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• 2013 Château de Campuget Costières-de-Nîmes Rosé Tradition de Campuget 87 Points

  France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Costières-de-Nîmes

  An old standby, we drink several of these each vintage. This one is maybe not as fruity as some earlier vintages. It does have a little more wet earth minerality that really contributes to a very balanced and enjoyable tasting experience. Refreshing and mouth cleansing without being overly acidic. The expected backbone of cherry and strawberry fruit does not disappoint.

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• 2013 Spring Seed Wine Company Shiraz Scarlet Runner 87 Points

  Australia, South Australia, Fleurieu, McLaren Vale

  In addition to being Aussie Shiraz, as we expect it, this one is also organic. Deep purple color. Some complexity on the nose with plenty of grapey, blueberry and cherry fruit, but also some wet leather and minerals. Very pure expression of blackberry and blueberry fruit that coats the roof of the mouth and sticks there for a while. Has 14.5% alcohol but handles the heat pretty well. Does not have that brash expression of acid. Only moderately oaked. Some chocolate with the fruit on the finish.

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• 2012 The Chook Shiraz Viognier 89 Points

  Australia, South Australia, Fleurieu, McLaren Vale

  It is not just the co-fermentation of 5% Viognier that makes this wine so approachable and interesting, there is some pretty inspired effort with the grape growing and wine making of the Shiraz as well. Designed to be palate friendly, the 14.5% alcohol somehow seamlessly intermingles with the other flavor and aroma characteristics. Deep ruby color. The nose is fruity and spicy, with a hint of violets. Both red and black fruits like cherry and blackberry. Very ripe and full bodied, but capably balanced with acid and tannin.

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