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Tag Archives: Australia

Meeting the Challenge

Posted on February 11, 2023 by Roger Harmston Posted in Terroir Leave a comment

2020 was a challenging vintage on many fronts. Frosts were followed by windy conditions during flowering and then a hailstorm that ripped through the region causing significant damage in early November just as the vines were hitting their prime ripening period. Thankfully, the Angove Organic Vineyard was spared much of the destruction that occurred elsewhere but yields were still significantly down. Stable, dry conditions occurred from December onwards keeping disease pressure under control and with good canopy management the vines were able to ripen their precious cargo to perfection with harvest beginning in late February and continuing to early March. Whilst yields were significantly down, 2020 will be remembered as a vintage of extremely good quality.

This is a straightforward but well made Aussie Chardonnay. Appealing aromas. Peachy, citrusy and very pleasing on the palate.  Clean finish with balanced acidity.

I almost wished I’d baked some fresh bread to go with it.  

A lovely gift, that will be well remembered.

Angove Organic Chardonnay

Australia Chardonnay mystery case

Surprising Value particularly when on sale

Posted on December 21, 2022 by Roger Harmston Posted in Terroir Leave a comment

But to get full flavour, let it breath … for at least a couple of hours.

Lovely purple hues to the red.  Dark fruit on the nose, soft and more dark fruits on the palate and lovely tannins to finish.Consider it a medium bodied, slightly juicy Cab Sauv.  Good acidity and enough tannin to balance.

It certainly went well with baked yam, peas and pea pods and lamb kefta.

CABERNET SAUVIGNON – SALTRAM S1 SOUTH AUSTRALIA 2019

$12.99 regularly $19.99

14% Alcohol

UPC: 00098137000949

Australia Cabernet Sauvignon mystery

Got it Right

Posted on December 25, 2021 by Roger Harmston Posted in Terroir Leave a comment

Decidedly worth of the 93 point rating

AB would approve of his homeland’s efforts.  Dark Berry flavours leading to a slightly chocolaty finish.
18 months in French Oak barrels.

First night was with Treehouse Pizza and second night was with grilled Pork Tenderloin. Definitely Happy with both.

CABERNET SAUVIGNON – SIDEWOOD ESTATE STABLEMATE

$19.99 regularly $22.99

14% alcohol

UPC: 09342333002339

Australia Cabernet Savignon mystery case

Everything needs reworking

Posted on May 15, 2021 by Roger Harmston Posted in Terroir Leave a comment

Everything needs reworking .. from my eyesight to the salad.

Reach and Grab –  How did we get to $72 for three bottles of wine?


Unfamiliar Store. Unfamiliar labeling. Reached for a white. Grabbed a Red.  What I was thinking about was their Sauvignon Blanc (at a price $10 less)?

Once over my shock.


The Marlborough vintners have produced a wine that is smooth, with dark fruit flavours, juicy acidity, and fine tannins.  There is a nice long finish to it..


This is definitely a food friendly wine. Try pairing it with slow-roasted lamb shanks , or just serve it with roasted winter vegetables.


We had lamb chops and tried a freeka/pomegranate salad. The salada kinda worked. The potential is there. The freeka should have been soaked and pre cooked to enhance the flavours.


Mud House Pinot Noir

$27.99

13.5% Alcohol

Australia Central Otago Marlborough Mud House mystery case pinot noir

Pairings

Posted on March 27, 2021 by Roger Harmston Posted in Terroir Leave a comment

This chardonnay from the Margaret River of Western Australia is right up our alley.  

It paired wonderfully with a lightly garlic’d chicken stir fry with German egg noodles (instead of traditional Italian spaghetti), because no particular flavour dominated either the wine or the dinner.


The wine has a lovely balance to it. A pale gold colour introduces you to a natural acidity and then depth right through to the finish.


Giorgio Moroder and Donna Summer kept us entertained.


I’m beginning to think that the Goddess of Wine is setting us up for a Chardonnay Taste Test.  This is the 5th in the last two mystery cases.

CHARDONNAY – DEVILS LAIR HONEYBOMB MARGARET RIVER 2018

$21.99 regularly $24.99

13% Alcohol

UPC: 09310194002461

Australia Chardonnay Margaret River mystery case

Mashed Spuds next time

Posted on July 22, 2020 by Roger Harmston Posted in Terroir Leave a comment

I’d like to introduce guest Taster, Andy Brown.

Di and I first found this wine in Edmonton when we lived in Athabasca – so some 20 years ago.  We were attracted to it as it’s a McLaren Vale wine and those wineries produce good reds.  

It’s a medium red, bit like a Merlot.  It’s a nice change from Shiraz and Cab Sav, but not quite right for red meat like beef or lamb.  Was okay with the sausages.  

But that’s based on my South Australian taste buds, which as you know can vary from others, even Hunter Valley.   

This one I bought at Cascadia here in Courtenay for $31.49.   A bit rich actually and not quite worth that money.  Likely at that price since it’s a 2016 vintage.  

Ed: It’s also available at the BC Liquor Stores

Combined this with a couple of Hertel’s British Bangers, some artichokes and peas and carrots.  Pretty good, but would have been better with mashed spuds.  

Australia guest taster mystery case Pirramimma Petit Verdot

Finally, he says

Posted on June 24, 2020 by Roger Harmston Posted in Terroir Leave a comment

Andy get represented with a wine from the Hunter Valley.


It could have gone either way – a red or a white. 
Mount Pleasant Semillon

Code: 664862

$25.99

Award Winning vineyard. (One of the top 3 Wineries in Australia).
It has lots of fruit forward and wakes up the taste buds on the way by with a great finish. Second sip is even better, and that continues with each sip. Stonefruit flavours.

Apple Cranberry Turkey Sausages, Fruit and Cheese Orzo and honey glazed Carrots. Turned out to be a great combo with the wine.

She (who shall remain nameless) forgot to put the Lindt bar (Sea Salt) in the crisper, so we had to have our square at room temp.  It IS better chilled – believe me!  You do chill your chocolate don’t you?

Australia Hunter Valley mystery case White Wine

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