Tasting Note: Gemtree Bloodstone Shiraz 2009

Gemtree Vineyards is a family owned enterprise in McLaren Vale.  The Buttery family owns 330 acres of vineyards and they embrace organic production methods.  They are currently trialling biodynamic management of their vineyards.

I have tasted the past few vintages of this wine and I would say that the newly available 2009 vintage is probably the most refined one so far, so watch for it.

"Deep garnet color.  Nose presents ripe plum, with herbs and floral notes.  Plum flavors continue onto the medium-bodied palate, with blueberry and semi-sweet chocolate complimenting.  Moderate acidity has a balancing effect on the slightly dusty tannins - everything works well together.  Refreshing and very tasty, with good purity and length.  14%, Stelvin closure."

The Bloodstone Shiraz 2009 is 100% Shiraz.  It spent 14 months in French oak and offers a super value at $19; available at BC Liquor Stores and some private outlets.

-Randy Saunders

Tasting Note: Yalumba "The Cigar" 2009

Recently, the BCLDB had a special release of over 20 wines from Australia's First Families of Wine, a group of iconic family-owned wineries from all over Australia.  This is a very exciting release, with a number of the wines never before offered in Canada.

The release was supported by visits by winery Principals to selected LDB Signature stores.  All in all, a very exciting release, and if you haven't yet seen the wines offered, there was a wonderful booklet that may still be available in some stores showing the listings and the history behind them.  I encourage you to pick up a copy.

One of the wines offered brings back great memories of our Yalumba dinner with Jane Ferrari in September 2009 at The Teahouse in Stanley Park.  This wine is Yalumba "The Cigar" Cabernet Sauvignon Coonawarra 2009.  We had the great pleasure of enjoying the 2006 vintage at this dinner (was brought specifically for us by Jane - we at AWAS get special stuff!).  The wine has haunted my memory since then; regrettably it was never offered for sale in BC until now.

However, I am pleased to say that it was well worth the wait.  Here is a wine that offers tremendous value and while it can be enjoyed now, it will cellar and provide even more enjoyment in the future.

"Ruby red color.  Lovely nose shows mint, blackberry, blackcurrant - pure and clean.  Fine grained tannins meld with the medium-bodied palate of cassis.  Really great.  This wine is refreshing and delicious, shows elegance and refinement but no shortage of fruit, and finishes long.  Has balanced acidity.  Great job.  Very Coonawarra and Very Cabernet.  14.5%, Cork closure."

$25, available for a limited time at BC Liquor Stores in selected Signature Store locations.

- Randy Saunders

Tasting Note: Majella "The Musician" 2009

We recently had this wine as a participant in our "Spring Walkabout", and I just picked up another bottle to be sure it was good as I remembered it to be.

In actual fact, it seems to be better!

"Deep ruby color. Nose shows plum, pepper, blackberry, and spice. The plum and blackberry follows to the palate. This medium bodied wine is very nice to drink, having a delicious profile and a lengthy finish with fine tannins. Gaining harmony now and will be even better in the future. Excellent."

This wine provides amazing value at $20 and is widely available at the LDB so enjoy!

-Randy Saunders

Welcome to the AWAS blog!

Welcome to the Australian Wine Appreciation Society's Blog!  We are moving the sharing of AWAS news, event overviews, and more into the 21st century!  It will be easy to follow this blog since you can access it anywhere you can access the internet, as well as being able to subscribe to it either by feed or by email.

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We welcome your comments.  Please feel free to do so.

Regards,

Randy Saunders

Vineyards at Dalwhinnie, in the Pyrenees region of Western Victoria