Had some of the serving girls over from the Grill for a nice BBQ..they had to bring the wines! They did a pretty good job, knowing that I am a Malbec and Tempranillo fan.
The `06 NZ SB from Staedt Landt has always been a fave with me. Aggressive, gooseberry, spicy nose. Long finish with citrus, peach, pear, spice and great acidity. Think this has seen some malo.
After a non-descript Valckenberg Riesling Kab from the Rheingau, we were onto the reds. The `01 Aribau Cuvee Reserva, Rioja, had an aroma of red berries, cocoa and acetone (yikes).Soft tannins, chocolate, black fruits. Lot `01/12 I noted. Goodness me, a poor value of $30. Not too great I am afraid to say.
Then onto the `06 Escorihuela Gascon Dom Miquel Malbec, Arg. You need an intro to Malbec? Try this one for $16 Cdn.....blackberry jam, spice, licorice. Earthy nose with some blueberry, it`s all quite elegant which is a surprise eh. Sweetish finish and went well with some grilled quail.
Finally a bottle of Shiraz from Nic Bourke and the Steel Mule Wine Company.. The Black Tractor is very much entry-level Shiraz, has not seen a load of oak. Very berryish on the palate and juicy. Only around $16 and a nice effort.
To finish off, I pulled out 2 halves of the Cave Springs late-harvest Riesling from Ontario and a `97 LBV from Noval. Perfect way to finish off the evening!