PENFOLDS KOONUNGA HILL SHIRAZ CABERNET 2006

It has been a long while since I last posted a review. Not that I haven't drank any, it's just been in situations when I didn't have the time and/or patients to take any notes. Recently I was at a local steakhouse for my birthday and happened to order a bottle of Penfolds Koonunga Hill Shiraz Cabernet. I liked it so much I decided to buy a bottle from the liquor store and perform a proper tasting. As an aside, I really wish restaurants in Canada would not charge so much for wine. I recall paying about $35 at the steakhouse versus about $17 in the liquor store. Obscene!

I really liked the balance of this wine - the spiciness of the Shiraz against the warmth of the Cabernet. The oak was detectable yet subtle, so as not to overpower the wine. As with many Aussie reds this one had big, bold fruit, with hints of raspberry on the nose. The high alcohol level (13.5%) was also quite detectable even after breathing for several minutes. It pairs really well with beef - no wonder it's available at the steakhouse.

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CABERNET SAUVIGNON - SANTA RITA RESERVA 2005

This cabernet from Chile's Maipo Valley is representative of how great Chilean wines are. It is as good a red as you will find for a decent price. If you regularly read this blog you already know that I am particular to Santa Rita wines, and this one simply reinforces my fondness for them.

On the nose, blueberries and vanilla. The color is a deep crimson that barely lets the light through. The taste is timid at first, but then really opens up with nice tannins and a hint of oak. A hint of sweet chillies.




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HESS SELECT CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2003

I bought a bottle of Hess Select Cabernet Sauvignon last summer after trying it at a local restaurant. I enjoyed the smooth complexity and wanted it again.

This cabernet gives blackberry pie on the nose. It has great legs and a nice ruby, tawny color. Flavours include prunes and allspice. Well balanced tannins, and a long lingering finish. Excellent.



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SHIRAZ CABERNET SAUVIGNON - WOLF BLASS RED LABEL

A very festive open house at my parents house Sunday with plenty of wine. My Dad loaded up with plenty of nice selections, including a few bottles of Wolf Blass Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon 2006. Every time I drink a Wolf Blass I understand why it is so popular. This blend was deep and rich, well balanced with just enough tannins. I accompanied it with Camembert and Blue cheeses, giving a great contrast in flavours. Luckily there were a few bottles of other labels left over, so Christmas should be fantastic!

Score: 87
SKU #311795 / UPC #00023859000229

GATO NEGRO CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2006

The inaugural red of this blog is Gato Negro. I was served this wine at a Greek restaurant, and they must have kept the bottle near the kitchen because the wine was warm! I think this was a blessing in disguise because it forced me to wait and let the wine breath. Right out of the bottle it tasted watery and acidic, but after ten minutes it mellowed out.

The Gato Negro Cab Sav has a nice spicinesses with cherry and plum flavours. The tannins are still quite prominent so I expect that aging it a couple of years would be beneficial. I liked this wine, but didn't love it.

Score: 84
BCL SKU #188193 / UPC #07804300010638