Mitolo Jester Shiraz 2004

15.5 / 20

Producer: Mitolo Wines

Region: McLaren Valley

Country: Australia

Deeply intense in color, the first aromas are of toast and coffee. Afterwards, some jam and mint. And finally, after opening up, sweet ripe plums and blueberries appear in an intense, front forward way.

Very fruit forward in the palate, with lots of dark plums, it also shows some sweeter, rasin-like notes that hint at some evolution. Nice structure, tamed tannins and a balanced acidity make up a decent, honest taste. Persistence is average length, again showing lots of sweet dark fruit and maybe revealing a touch of too much alcohol.

According to the producer, this wine is supposed to age gracefully for 5 to 7 years and, from this bottle, I would agree. Although enjoyable right now, it is starting to show some sweet, dried fruits notes that hint that it has peaked.

Tasted on 2011-10-07

The Holy Trinity 2005

16.5 / 20

Producer: Grant Burge

Region: Barossa Valley

Country: Australia

This australian wine uses a traditional Côtes du Rhône blend of Shiraz, Mourvedre and Grenache, which was, apparently, widely used in Australia before the 1980s.

Garnet with a very soft brownish tinge in the border, the aromas hint of ripe red berries and cherries, spices - pepper and nutmeg for sure - and some leather, tobacco, dried flowers, maybe. All very inviting and fragrant without being overwhelming.

In the mouth, slightly more acid wild red fruits combine with velvet tannins to provide a well structured wine. Although showing some weight and texture, it also shows a bright acidity that keeps the taste very interesting and lively. Finish is long leaving a spiced aftertaste.

Went really well with a very rare bull steak. Definitely one to pair with red meat dishes.

Tasted on 2011-03-31

Magnus Riesling 2009

16.0 / 20

Producer: Leasingham wines

Region: Clare Valley

Country: Australia

This australian Riesling shows citrus and flowery notes in the aroma, being light yellow in color. The mouth is filled with citrus notes as well, combined with some mineral notes. It's a really dry wine with a nice acidity and an average finish. Might be interesting to see where some more years might take it.

I paired it with an indian dish, chana masala. Being a dry and acid wine, it makes a good contrast to the spices used in indian food.