Grape Expectations

Illawarra Mercury

Wednesday October 8, 2008

with KERRY SKINNER

3 Tales 2008 Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc $22.99

This is a new venture brokered by mates Darren de Bortoli and Brent Marris who studied winemaking together. The two winemaking families shared their skills to produce this sparkling Kiwi savvy with upfront tropical and passionfruit flavours, grassy characters, lively acidity and a crisp finish. Drink with fresh seafood.

Kirrihill Companions 2008 Semillon Sauvignon Blanc $14.95

A blend of Clare Valley semillon and Adelaide Hills sauvignon blanc. The result is a refreshing, aromatic warm-weather white with passionfruit and tropical flavours on the nose and palate, herbaceous characters, zesty acidity and a clean finish. Drink it with grilled fish.

Mitchelton 2006 Shiraz $21

The Central Victorian-based Mitchelton has a well-earned reputation for making high-quality shiraz, just like this beauty which is now in its 35th vintage. It's a wine of finesse, superbly made with lashings of berry and cherry fruit, prominent spice, lovely oak and fine, silky tannins. Drink it with lamb cutlets.

Mount Majura 2007 Graciano $20

Graciano, like tempranillo, has a liking for the cool-climate Canberra region. This is winemaker Frank van der Loo's second vintage of the Spanish variety with its intense berry and cherry fruit flavours, upfront pepper and herbal characters, balanced oak and full tannins. Drink it with tapas but it needs more time in the bottle.

© 2008 Illawarra Mercury

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