Deep and dark. Black and red berries, purple plums, lavender. Lots of Syrah qualities. A plush, fruit-filled wine with some weight and complexity on the mid-palate. A good match for the iconic Grillade and Grits dish that is always on the Roadhouse Sunday menu.
Medium garnet with the orangish tints characteristic of Nebbiolo. The characteristic smells and flavors of Nebbiolo are also present. Flowers and tea on the nose Dark cherries, tobacco and black licorice on the palate. Full bodied (although only 13.5% alcohol) with asssertive tannins that fill the mouth and coat the tongue. Dry and savory. Delicious berry fruit on the finish. Suggestions of Barolo at a fraction of the price.
The cork crumbles even though it is completely dry and there is no sign of past leakage. Just a cheap cork, I decide, and this wine deserves better. Very deep and dark. Lush and luxurious. Black berries, very ripe plums and fig. A touch of tobacco on the finish. 15.5% alcohol, but the wine carries it well, perhaps because of higher than expected acidity. Old soil or not, Heathcote is capable of producing top quality Shiraz, and this is a delicious example.
Medium light color. From the first sniff, I start thinking "Viognier," and it is indeed 60% Viognier. Lovely aromatics, pink and white flowers, honey. Apricot flavors on the palate and medium body echoing well constructed blend of Roussanne, Marsanne, Clairette, Bourboulanc and Grenache Blanc. Elegance, freshness, strength and purity.
Medium ruby, very similar to the Vinsobres. Probably stainless steel and concrete. Classic Southern Rhone: fresh strawberries and red raspberries with peppery spice. More red fruit than the Vinsobres, more acidity, less alcohol (14.5% vs 15%) and more intense smells and flavors. Also has been in the bottle for an additional year. This is my kind of wine. Excellent value at $9.99.
Medium ruby, bright and clear. No sign of new oak aging. 52% Grenache, 48% Syrah, but has the upfront friendliness of wines with higher Grenache content. Fresh berries along with black pepper and licorice. Fruit flavors seem somewhat dilute compared to some of my Southern Rhone favorites, perhaps because of the relatively high alcohol (15%). . But the wine is drinking well right now, and I will buy more if I see it again on the shelves.
Bright and dark, some browning at the edges. Cabernet smells of bright cherry and currants. Savory salinity that brings out subtle nuances. Tobacco and minerals. Has been aged in French oak, but I don't detect any oak influence at this stage. Blends beautifully with the flavors of red wine braised beef.
The label states that acidity is 6.15 g/L with a pH of 3.60 and 12.5% ABV. That's much more acidic than most wines today. And that may well be the reason it tastes so delicious after 39 years in the bottle.
Deep ruby with bricking near the rim. Cherries, roses, violets, black tea, vanilla and coffee. Full bodied. Good tension between acid, tannin and ripe fruit. Expresses the powerful rather than the elegant side of Nebbiolo. More like Barolo than Barbaresco. Multi-dimensional finish.
Medium ruby, lightening at the rim. Bright and clear. Enticing Barbera bouquet of fresh cherries and a touch of mint. Red and black currants, tobacco and pepper on the palate. Tannins are grippy but ripe and lovely. Characteristic Barbera acidity keeps it lively and in perfect balance.
Deep gold color, substantially darker than the last bottle I had two years ago. Otherwise it has many of the same qualities but probably should be drunk soon. Pears, white flowers, toasted almonds and blood orange zest. Medium light body, light oak. Much better as it nears room temperature--a good sign for any white wine. Savory, saline notes on deep fruited finish.
