Whistler Wines, Shiraz '05 $52

Barossa Valley, Australia

While staying at Whistler Bed & Breakfast, I was told to enjoy a bottle from the owner's cellar for dinner that night. After earlier tastings at nearby wineries, along with a sample of the '09 Whistler Shiraz, I came to feeling this winery had something special to offer. As I perused through the racks filled with many Whistler wines and vintages, it became slightly overwhelming..." what should I pick?" Tasting notes on everything were close at hand to help in my confusion however I finally convinced myself to stop analyzing and just pick one. After process of elimination and the fact that a beautifully made cheese platter tray along with dinner were moments away, the '05 Shiraz was the one! Now keeping in mind, reserve vintages of Shiraz and other varietals were available yet something led me to that wonderful year for wines worldwide, 2005.

Tasting the '09 Shiraz earlier in the day, I was ready to throw down an amazing write up on its flavors, but the '05 was as good and better probably from a little TLC in Chris' cellar, one of the owners who along with his brother and family run this lovely winery.

Being kept on French Oak for 2 years gave me the impression this winery wants to take their time and deliver a great wine and that was clearly evident. Aromas of warm cherry pie, ripe blackberries and subtle toasted oak setup for what was to be a delicious, well balanced wine.

The flavors overall were so smooth with soft tannins and great fruit flavors of jammy blackberries, cocoa and hints of vanilla. A medium spice characteristic in Shiraz was present however not an overpowering peppery flavor as I've tasted in other Shiraz wines. Having this with mild cheeses and salami made for a great start to the evening. I brought the bottle to dinner where we had a grilled calamari with chorizo appetizer then a main course of duck confit.

Simply a perfect wine and knowing that the '09 is just as amazing would have me coming back for more. Unfortunately there isn't distribution in the USA as of now. You may be able to write the winery, Whistlerwines.com (ask for Jayne) and see if they can ship. In the end, if you ever have a chance to stay in The Barossa Valley, their B&B offers pleasant accommodations accompanied by wonderful wines and some of the nicest people. Don't forget to visit with their family of orphan kangaroos on the property.

Altovinum Evodia, Garnacha $10

Calatayud region, Spain

This wine was brought to my attention during a recent wine tasting at a new neighborhood wine store. As wine reps were pouring their wines, this somewhat lonely bottle was set by the register, where guests were making purchases. Without knowing its price, I proceeded to try it and I was immediately intrigued. I therefore bought 2 bottles for home and this tasting is from home vs. the wine store, where my palate became worthless yet pleasantly happy.

With a warm leather aroma followed by bright berries and hints of slate, the wine gave off true characteristics of a Garnacha from Spain. I've been told, although Garnacha from Spain and Granache from France are the same varietal, each country's region where these grow are distinctly different from the varied growing conditions. I guess you could say they've each established their own personalities.

The flavor profile brought out fruit forward, dark cherries with subtle hints of cocoa. Blackberries and dark ripe stone fruits fulfilled the predominate flavors as well. I'd say this is a medium body wine with smooth tannins. Very easy to drink yet not lacking character.

As a side note if you're into these French wines; Chateauneuf du Pape and Cotes du Rhône, Grenache is the primary varietal in theses. Of course that can adjust from year to year.

So for $9.99, I think this is a great find. If you're in Orlando,FL where I bought this, check out Czerwinski's Wine & Cheese shop in the Delagio shopping center. Very nice people!

Buzzard Tree, Barbera '05 $11

Paso Robles, CA

To find a 2005 vintage today, for under $30 is a bit difficult and to be honest, I was surprised finding this wine. I was even more surprised how amazing it was for this price point! It drank so smooth with subtle tannins, fragrant aromas and yummy flavors as well.

On the nose it first seemed peppery yet that diminished after 10 minutes in the glass. Dark cherries with hints of dried herbs and subtle floral blended perfectly. With a medium body the flavors of warm dark berries and toast balanced nicely. It almost gave me a subtle flavor of baked bread but I guess that's not so appropriate in the wine tasting dictionary...or is it?

The wine has 5% Cab. Sauv. and is aged in French oak for 24 months. The finish was silky smooth showing soft tannins and overall a very pleasing tone on the tongue. This paired excellent with a homemade pasta and smoked Roma tomato marinara I made. Drink now as I'm guessing it's at it's peak. Thanks again to my friends at the Wine Barn for the recommendation.

Stratton Lummis "The Riddler" Non-Vintage $15

Napa, CA

Given the label of "Lot Two" this inevitably is the 2nd release of this wine. It's a non-vintage with no indication of the varietals in the blend, which for some might bother them. I say play along with this fun spirited, easy drinking wine...hence it's name "The Riddler."

All the winery will say is it has "all the varietals you'd expect in a Napa Red." I'm going out on a limb here and say it definitely has Cabernet Sauvignon and some Merlot. After that, a slight hint of Syrah maybe Zinfandel?

Full of blackberry, plums and in general, dark ripe fruits can be found on the nose. With a deep purple color, tastes of smooth, subtle dark fruits were found to mirror the aromas.  A jammy, dark cherry flavor and hints of cocoa swirled on the mid-palette.  This was an incredibly easy drinking wine with gentle tannins on the finish.   It's a perfect balance of dark fruits, cocoa and subtle oak. I'm guessing French oak.

What's it a blend of?  Does it matter?  Probably not...it tastes great and satisfies for an everyday red with good character.

You can find it at the Wine Barn.  They like to compare this to a much higher priced and fairly well know wine called "The Prisoner."  Website says "Lot One" but they're actually selling "Lot Two."  Tell them Rob and Simple Wine Talk sent you!

National Drink Wine Day - February 18, 2012

I guess I haven’t been keeping up with the Jones’ but I was just told February 18, 2012 is National Drink Wine Day.  What a great excuse to enjoy some vino.  Open a bottle of your standard stuff or even a new find.

The list of benefits for drinking wine is growing. A glass of wine a day has been shown to improve heart health, reduce forgetfulness, help you lose weight, boost your immunity, and help prevent bone loss.  Yikes, it almost sounds like a magical cure for all things bad.

Wine has been made for thousands of years and the making of it has been refined over the years.  European wine making dates back more than 6,000 years.  There are over 20 million acres in the world dedicated to growing grapes for the sole purpose of making wine.

To celebrate National Drink Wine Day, visit your local wineries, bars, restaurants and liquor stores.  Why not create an excuse to host a wine tasting party?  Either way, go enjoy some wine in whatever way you like.  

As my Italian mother would say, Cin-Cin!