Tesh B

Hardys Hrb Heritage Reserve Bin Shiraz 2007, Mclaren Vale & Clare Valley, South Australia

Deep garnet and violet, full-bodied.

Fresh fruit and tar on the nose. It smells so fresh and airy and lingers as you take your first mouthful.

The tongue shouts cherries, black pepper and cassis. Tannins work excellently as you transition from the fruity fresh mouth to a silky tanninic end. The finish is lingering and complex, but wild blueberries are a prominent voice. Excellent valued wine. Does not need decanting since the tannins were already excellently incorporated, but does help enhance sweetness imparted by the array of fruit. Drink now!

Polkura Syrah 2009, Marchigue, Colchagua Valley

Syrahs tend to be full-bodied, full of ripe peppery berry flavour and this powerful Syrah is no exception, while still being exceptional.

From pour to finish this wine speaks volumes and value at under $20 a bottle. The color is deep burgundy that is essentially opaque.

The nose sensually promises blackberry after later summer's rain. The essence of vanilla and oakwood on the tongue shines through the layers of silky tannins and floral influences. The finish leaves you wanting another taste but keeps you appreciating the ride.

E. Guigal Cotes Du Rhone 2006

Beringer Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Knights Valley, Sonoma County

A big red from California. Love the region and its big flavours.

Nose is full of ripe fruit and even hints of jam. The slight spice tickles the nose as you get ready for tasting.

It is full-bodied on the tongue and emparts strong flavours of ripe fruit, vanilla, and moderate tannins. The tannins become quite silky and developed once decanted for about a half hour.

The finish lingers and refills the nose with smoke, tobacco, and more fresh dark, fruit.

Expensive, but nonetheless a great drink

K W V Cathedral Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Western Cape

Cuvée Du Vatican Châteauneuf Du Pape 2007, Ac

Apparently, rated as on of the more modest chateauneuf du pape, this wine still spoke volumes at the dinner table, accompanying steak and salad.

The nose was full of ripe berries and cherries. The dark colour and lingering legs make it a wine you can play with and enjoy.

Decanting did enhance the flavour by softening the rigid tannins that were previously present

The tongue was reminiscent of concentrated ripe fruit, laced with cassis and oak.

The finish was not anything to write home about, but was pleasant nonetheless.

A bit expensive for what you get, but that aside, a nice wine

Cicchitti Gran Reserva Malbec 2004, Mendoza

Ridge Geyserville 2008, Sonoma County

Clos Du Bois Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, North Coast

Enjoyed christmas eve paired with cornish hen and Spanish style Chorizo stuffing.

Excellent bottle that was thoroughly enjoyed by all. Deep colour and inviting nose. Smooth and silky with balanced tannins. The acidity is not overpowering and does not detract from the satisfying finish. The only downside was when it was finished. Cellared for almost three years and pleased with result.

J. Lohr Seven Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Paso Robles, California

A somewhat full-bodied red.

The nose is of fresh fruit and berries. Nice legs. Decanting does not really mature the tannins a whole lot.

The tongue is of jam, ripe blackberries, cherries, and vanilla. There is moderate sweetness; however, the tannins nicely balance and complement red meats.

The finish is not all that long or complex, but does impart a nice end to a decent cabernet sauvignon.