Rhone Versus Australia

My first tasting event 8 months ago was all whites, Sauvignon Blancs from around the world. This time, it will be all reds, highlighting the difference in Terroir and style between Rhone and Australia.

To start, a Brut Comte, from just NW of the Rhone valley.

• NV Hubert Clavelin Crémant du Jura Brut - Comté 87 Points

  France, Jura, Crémant du Jura

  An excellent value at $9/bottle, discounted off of the shelf price of $18/bottle. This wine carries more depth than a typical similarly-valued prosecco or cava, and carries a nice acidity without being overly tangy (as some cavas I've had) or sweet (as some proseccos I've had). This would hold up to most Champagnes at $10-15 above this price point, and was a nice sipper to open up another great tasting.

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

Four wines that highlight, between them, the Syrah grape on its own and blended with other similarly inclined grapes.

• 2006 Yann Chave Crozes-Hermitage Le Rouvre 92 Points

  France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Crozes-Hermitage

  This wine is phenomenal for the price. The nose carries rich black pepper, kitchen spice, plum, a notable violet aroma, hints of cocoa and some soft leather that is just waiting to come out in full force in the coming years. The palate has a full but not plump surface girdered by a surprising but very appropriate and pleasant minerality; the midpalate is balanced, with plum and dark fruit flavors along with spice, some earth undertones, and fine tannins that tell me this wine will be going stronger over the next 3-6 years. The finish is 20-30+ seconds, and very pleasing. This would go well with ribeye or lamb with cracked black pepper.

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

• 2007 Two Hands Shiraz Angels Share 90 Points

  Australia, South Australia, Fleurieu, McLaren Vale

  One of the best single-varietal Shirazes I've ever had. While still a tinge hot for my French tastes, this wine carries its bold package with some grace, with black cherry, raspberry and (less so) plum dominating the nose and palate, with light and airy spices floating about on the midpalate and nose alike. The finish, while a tad hot, quickly smooths out and becomes rich, leaving one wanting for another sip. Not as overdone as most Aussie Shirazes, and held up fairly well to a like-minded Crozes-Hermitage.

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

• 2005 Famille Perrin / Perrin & Fils Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Sinards Flawed

  France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape

  This was the most unfortunate turn of events for tonight's tasting. Upon peeling the capsule from not one but both of these bottles, it was clear that these wines were corked, as red wine stained the tops of each cork and ran the length of the edges of both. It appeared that the corks were protruding from the tops of the bottles slightly, indicating that the wine might have been cooked as well. On pouring, some wet newspaper was present among muddled flavors that were still undoubtedly Rhone. Surprisingly, the wine was drinkable, but I admit it was not very good. Too bad.

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

• 2006 John Duval Wines Plexus 89 Points

  Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Barossa Valley

  While more complex, not as inviting or interesting as the Two Hands Angel's Share Shiraz also had at this tasting. This GSM blend does, however, showcase characteristic Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvedre tastes alike, with nice dark flower, silky plum and raspberry, and exotic international spice aromas carrying through to a heavy palate and finish. The oak is a bit strong, but otherwise, this is a very nice wine which, with time, is likely to integrate and unfold into something even better. 89 points now, but may hit 91-92 at its peak in a few years' time.

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

Despite two flawed bottles of the wine I was most looking forward to, this tasting appealed heavily to everyone who was there. While most of the others contended that the Angel's Share Shiraz was the best wine of the night, my pick was the Crozes-Hermitage. Old World or New, however, I enjoyed every sip tonight.