Hey Sam, Let’s drink “Down Under”!
Michel Longuet Wine Editor
For the past 170 years, Wyndham Estate has been a benchmark in the wine industry in Australia as the industry pioneer responsible for launching Australian wines onto the world stage, as the one of the oldest wineries in Australia even before Penfolds and Lindeman and as the nation's oldest continually operating winery. It is the only winery in the Hunter Valley that is located on the Hunter River, which makes it a “must see” when visiting the region. The winery is not only worth the detour but it is also an award-winning restaurant that features a new culinary re-birth every season. Every October there is an “Opera in the Vineyard” series, which showcases national and international classical artists, and in February, there are major concerts that have featured great performers such as Ray Charles, Shirley Bassey, Michael Crawford, Cliff Richard, Anthony Warlow and many more.
Who’s more passionate about wine than a winemaker? I had the pleasure to meet Sam Kurtz at the panorama Lounge in Toronto this spring during his “Wine World Tour.” Sam is no stranger to travel; every year during the months preceding and throughout the harvest, Sam and his winemaking team travel hundreds of kilometers to keep a close eye on their selected vineyards throughout south eastern . He inspects these vineyards and tastes the grapes at different stages of ripeness to ensure that they are harvested when the optimum flavor and acid balance is reached and to make sure that their art is at the forefront of the wine industry in vintage after vintage.
Sam was able to bring to Canada some of his best “protégés” such as his “Show Reserve” Shiraz 2003, “Black Cluster” Shiraz 2003 – soon to be available to Vintages – as well his award-wining Bin 222 Chardonnay LCBO 93401 | 750 mL $12.85 and Bin 555 Shiraz LCBO 566133 | 1500 mL $ 28.75. It was nice to rediscover those two popular wines. The Chardonnay carries the true varietal fruit flavors that you can expect from Down Under, such as freshly cut melon, ripe peaches, and pineapple with a subtle hint of vanilla due to the partial oak maturation. Excellent structure and length with a soft creamy palate make an instant pleaser for an impromptu friend’s visit, bridal shower or wedding.
Shiraz has run in the blood at Wyndham since 1830 and they know how to make them! This Bin 555 is definitely one of the best-value Shiraz wines on the market in Ontario. It has everything to please: a dark ink-like color, generous plum, overripe red berries with chocolate, and cedar notes with a soft smoked licorice touch. It is a medium-to-full-body red wine that is a perfect match for Steak aux Poivres, lamb, marinated game or your favorite barbequed red meats. Do not forget to include those two wines at your next celebration; they will be ideal accompaniments to your meal and beverage selections.
Our tasting included two great Shiraz varieties: the “Show Reserve” Shiraz 2003 and the “Black Cluster” Shiraz 2003. Both wines are extraordinary accomplishments, in their own styles, due to the mastering of the Shiraz grape, climate control and winemaking techniques. Make sure you keep an eye on their upcoming release! The final note was a sweet one: Bin 555 Sparkling Shiraz NV (not available in ). It is like sipping a good sparkling without the usual crisp, green and creamy yeast but instead a red sparkling packed with berry fruits, a hint of spices with soft to medium tannin, which disappear behind the subtle, light vanillin oak. To be enjoyed as an aperitif or with a bowl of fresh fruits and vanilla ice cream!
Thank you Sam!
For more information visit www.wyndhamestate.com.
www.WeddingsHoneymoons.com | July 14, 2006
