Tannic Teeth

In a momentary flux of caffeinated inspiration [from the previous coffee posting] I thought I should get another wine review out of the way, albeit a small dent in the backlog of those pending. Upon tasting this wine back in early 2007 it has changed a fair bit from first mental impression; having tasted it again it has softened, but those who enjoy the pungency of youthful Langhorne Creek Shiraz move on to 2006. Still a great wine and will drink well into early 2010’s.

Bremerton ‘Selkirk’ Shiraz 2005 [Langhorne Creek] South Australia 14.5%

Bearing the hallmarks of proudly made by women, ‘Selkirk’ delivers well above value for money in the ‘dollar for drop’ ratio. Whilst loosing it’s young purpley vividness of what I remembered, it’s still got a few good whacks of fruit splattering amongst the predominantly leather-earthiness grain. Restrained dark berries falling in the blackberry spectrum, interplay with the textural mouth-feel – delivering fruit derived richness all the way to the end of the squeaky clean palate. Oak stands out shoulder height (compared to berry richness) with a smokey hint and timberyness starting to shift ground to the back- to be expected as it ages. All in all this wine is balanced, slightly jammy slightly earthy with good texture and length. Value for money wise it’s a winner.

d’Arenberg ‘The Sticks and Stones’ 2005 [McLaren Vale] 14.5% (Screwcap)

‘Some what of a hotch-potch of Southern European grape varieties, d’Arenberg’s ‘The Sticks and Stones’ gives much in the way of textural wine with a twist. Comprising of more or less half Tempranillo (48%), Grenache (42%) and Shiraz (10%), it’s a wine that sits comfortably in the gamy earthy spectrum initially, with distinct leather strap and damp earth. It may not sound attractive however there are underlying layers of sweet fruit, strawberry and currant. Definitely not rich cassis or reduced plums in this batch. Tactially it feels larger; spreading deep diving tannins pucker, adhere and rasp your tongue and lips. Though not enduring, the sensation is somewhat transient, only to be replenished with another sip. Finishes in decent time and length. Would compliment game or other strongly flavoured meats.’