WINNING SHIRAZ FROM OUTSIDE THE SQUARE

Wc31May10

david ellis

MANY of us tend to categorise Australia’s regions and wine varieties without too much thought to the possibilities of those regions throwing up a few surprises with varietals out of the norm.

And a surprise out of the norm is exactly what Evans & Tate have achieved with their Redbrook Shiraz 2007: this one’s from Western Australia’s Margaret River – a region  long renowned for Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay – and when their winemaker, Matthew Byrne decided to look outside the square, he came up with a winner with this Shiraz.

First made in 2004, this label took just a year to stamp its mark on our wine scene, with the 2005 taking out no fewer than six trophies at the 2008 Sydney Royal Wine Show.

And the just-released 2007 has already garnered four Gold Medals, which is little wonder: this is a wine of wonderfully-balanced  Shiraz fruit intensity with aromas of mulberry, plum fruits and black pepper that surge out of the glass, and follow through beautifully on the palate.

At $39.95 this is one to offer guests with a juicy sirloin steak and oven-baked smashed garlic potatoes.

ONE FOR LUNCH: Cumulus Estate’s Rolling label is making an enviable name for itself with wines from NSW’s Central Ranges, and created by a team led by Senior Winemaker, Debbie Lauritz.

Their 2009 Rolling Sauvignon Blanc Semillon is one such drop for those who like this popular blending: the two varietals were picked and cool-temperature fermented separately, and after fermentation blended 70-30 to get the best of fruit flavour, freshness and mouth feel. Pay $17.95 and enjoy with pan-fried crumbed whiting fillets, chunky wedges and salad.

(NEED A FOOD/DRINK IDEA? Check out  http://www.vintnews.com )

PHOTO CAPTIONS 

[] OUT of the norm: a winning Shiraz from the Margaret River.

[] ON a roll: tempting Sauvignon Blanc Semillon to enjoy with pan-fried crumbed whiting fillets.