I hosted this tasting, so I got to choose the wines and the region. I am on a mission to broaden people beyond Old World wines and Yellow Tail, so I took advantage of a sale of Aussie wines and went with the below wines. Although Australia is known for Shiraz, and their climate problems have limited production aside that varietal, we found a variety of wines to try. One woman said these wines restored her faith in Australian wines, which felt good. A key to finding tasty wines is keeping an open mind to wines of all regions!
Gemtree Vineyards "Monnstone", McLaren Vale 2010 - Made from the Savagnin grape, this is a light white that is not citrus-heavy. Melon and green apple mix with citrus to offer a nice balanced flavor. It was a group favorite!
Cape Mentelle Semillon-Sauvignon Blanc 2011- this wine was a combination of limey acid and a bit of honey. It would go well with anything you'd eat with lime, but was not a favorite. There was too much lime and not enough honey for most drinkers.
Yalumba Y Series Riesling 2009 - this was a drier-style Riesling, that had a slightly smoky smell and tart finish. It was not sweet, but was not a favorite.
The Chook Sparkling Shiraz NV - A surprise for the group, this wine had a chocolate-berry smell but had a tannic fruit flavor. The wine makers combined different vintages for the best flavor. For those who have never had red sparkling before, it was a good introduction. The group finished the whole bottle!
Tatty Road Cabernet Blend 2008 - this wine was predominantly a Cabernet Sauvignon but was blended with other red wines. It had a great smell, and great velvety feel with balanced flavors. It had a very strong flavor, so it would probably go well with strongly flavored meat, such as a stew.
Paxton AAA Shiraz Grenache 2010 - 75% Shiraz and 25% Grenache and biodynamically grown, this wine had a fruity smell and nice, spicey flavor without being overpowering. One woman thought it would taste good with pork chops! It was a very good appetizing red wine, another group favorite.
Grant Burge Benchmark Shiraz 2010 - a wine with a chocolatey tannin fruit smell, the wine was smooth with a strong tinge of tannin. It would go well with lamb dishes that have Greek flavoring.
Yalumba Bushvine Grenache 2007 - another group favorite, this wine had a strong fruit jam bouquet and a tannin, vanilla, and fruit taste.
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