World Cup Drinks: Germany vs Aregentina

Last of three wine sessions on the day - this time we adjourned to District 10 to catch the quarter-finals. We could not find a German Riesling on the menu, so we settled for an Aussie one instead, along side an Argentine Malbec. Like the game, he German varietal was far superior to the Argentine one.

• 2008 Leo Buring Riesling Clare Valley 87 Points

  Australia, South Australia, Mount Lofty Ranges, Clare Valley

  Decent, but nothing to shout about. Nose had typical Clare characteristics of petrol, lemons, pomelo and a slightly more unusual flowery lift. Palate was nice and clean, with lots of mineral, a little chalky at points, and pleasant grapefruit and lemon flavours all laced with drops of petroleum. I thought it was just a touch watery towards the back-palate, where some alcohol showed amongst the fruit. Otherwise, a nice wine. Finish ended with decent length, showing a dry minerally aspect.

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

• 2008 Alamos Malbec 86 Points

  Argentina, Mendoza

  Fun, drinkable stuff at its price-range. Certainly not one for people looking for fine wine though. The wine's target audience was quite apparent from fisrst sniff, with the nose showing sweet, candied, almost syrupy cherry scents, along with a touch of meat and herbs. The sweet cherry syrup tones were taken up on the palate, where they mixed with some spice notes and, moving into the finish, bittersweet black tea and bramble couched in smoky cigarette tones. Fresh acidity kept the wine on an even-keel. Argentina's answer to Yellowtail Shiraz maybe?

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No