Quirky red
d’Arenberg 2013 The Custodian Grenache
There are some impressive red wines in the sub-$20 line-up from d’Arenberg in McLaren Vale, including the 2013 The Footbolt Shiraz and the 2013 High Trellis Cabernet Sauvignon.
This bright, juicy and easy-to-drink grenache stole the show for me, however.
Made from venerable old bush vines, this is a very Australian red; powerful with plenty of fruit intensity.
Ideal for pairing with rich red meat dishes. $18.
Brilliant value
Angove 2015 Long Row Chardonnay
There are days when you don’t want to splash out on a bottle of wine; days when you are satisfied with a chardonnay that is clean, well made and refreshing.
This is a wine for those days; tropical fruit salad flavours dominate with the merest hint of oak in the background.
However it is well balanced and ideal for serving chilled, maybe paired with fried seafood dishes, or some spicy Portuguese chicken.
Terrific midweek drinking. $10.
Spicy Shiraz
Blass 2014 Black Spice Shiraz
This is one of a very smart new range of wines from the Wolf Blass label, made exclusively for Dan Murphy’s and BWS stores.
It is a big and generous young wine with plush dark berry fruit flavours to the fore; medium-bodied with well-integrated cherry oak and spice notes.
Earthy and rich, this has plenty of soft mouthfeel and tastes more expensive than it is. It would be an excellent companion for a gourmet burger or fillet steak with mushroom sauce. $22.
Reviews by Winsor Dobbin, www.gourmetontheroad.blogspot.com
