Around the World

Four wines from around the world, who's the winner? Oz takes the cake here. The Gemtree, Uncut Shiraz, McLaren Vale, 2004 is oddly named but a gem of wine. Wine Spectator agrees, giving it 93 points. This is screwcap heaven - one of those bottles that as soon as you open you know it's gonna be good. Gorgeous oaky black fruit nose. Full bodied and balanced with all components firing on all cylinders. Lush tannins, blackberries, vanilla, caramel with a touch of chocolate. Long finish. Wow. Absolute bargain at $28.
A good friend recommended the La Massa, Toscana, 2006. This was also highly regarded by the WS, garnering 92 points. Black as a moonless night, inviting berry nose. Dense and concentrated but not thick or chewy at all. Uncompromising tannins. Graphite, chalk, with bright cassis shining through. Impressive but not as enjoyable as a good neighbouring robust chianti (not as good as the Antinori CC 2001 for example). Good wine, worth the $28 if you like this style.
The local lackey at the wine shop down the street recommended the The Wolftrap, Shiraz, Mourvedre, Viognier 2007 from South Africa. I've had this before, not bad I thought, so give it a whirl. Initially this was a very average, non descript wine, but with a little time and a nice fat salmon steak it perked up a little. Subtle blueberry nose, medium bodied, supple fleshy palate with more blueberry fruit. Surprisingly long finish finish in the end. Good wine for $18 but not good enough for me to buy this vintage again.
Old vine zin. Yea! The Van Ruiten, Old Vine Zinfandel, Lodi, 2006 is raspberry jam on the nose. Sweet, thick, almost port-like texture but without the tannic backbone. Mixed field berry fruit. Hot finish. A pleasant sipper. Good wine, price is about right at $18.
Cheers!!