Cheers, Mate!

I've spent the week drinking as much local Australian wine as my head I could handle. We live in a country with strict alcohol import laws, so we're unfortunately restricted on how much we can bring home [1 liter per person, which means I now have a mile long list for each time J returns!].

Should you be on the market for a new bottle or five, here are my recent favorites and their vineyard's tasting notes. Ranging from $12 - $30 a bottle, there's something for everyone.


Elderton Barossa Shiraz, 2004
A nose of chocolate, vanilla and cedar and with amazing purity of fruit and showing a generosity of plum, chocolate and blackberry flavors.

Alkoomi Shiraz Viognier, 2007
Attractive aromas of violets and anise overlay toasty almond French oak. The palate is full and finely structured with ripe cherry and raspberry fruit flavors. Fine, chalky tannins and seamlessly integrated French oak lead to a full and long finish.

Dalrymple Vineyards Pinot Noir, 2007
The nose displays lifted cool climate freshness, varietal cherry and raspberry fruits, aniseed and spiced delicate oak. The wine presents a bright, varietal palate with all the hallmarks of cool climate Pinot Noir. Cherry and raspberry fruits are demonstrated, which is balanced with fine grain tannins, classic pinot noir savouriness and cream. The wine finishes with lingering spice and cherry stone flavors.

Paringa Estate 'Peninsula' Pinot Noir, 2007
A fruit driven style that has genuine ripe pinot characteristics with considerable depth. The bouquet and palate has dark cherry fruit flavors and aromas, some spice and subtle oak characters.

Babich Sauvignon Blanc, 2007 [not Australian, but tasty enough to be included]
A pungent nose of ripe tropical fruits overlaying zesty lemon and lime greet the taster. The nicely weighted and textured palate explodes with fruit and leads into a lengthy finish of nettles and lime. This is a powerful yet balanced and refreshing wine.