Two wines..tasted on consecutive days...but a completely different outcome.
Glaetzer Bishop Shiraz 2005Barossa Valley, Australia
Deep, black-purple..shiny glossy colour.... I was afraid of an 'overdose' on the nose...but it is quite elegant and reserved...not a 'head-banger'..cassis..soft leather...plums....This reminded me of a Northern Rhône...grainy tannins...soft, velvety mouthful..peppery and spicy.....all this noted after the first glass.
Now..here is where I have problems...it is a crowd-pleaser..trying not to overdo it...but the bright lights go to it's head....and as I took a second glass..something is missing...it's not the 14.5%...many Rhônes have this..it is just that the interest wanes...to keep me wanting more at one sitting. This will impress at a tasting....and maybe the Barossa Valley is 'dammed' to make only this style..you can't change your spots if you are a leopard....but hey...drink it with a few friends..a single glass will give it a point more than I did at the finish.
Points 16.5 € 24.50
I have no doubt that there are wonderful Australian Shiraz...check out Edward's blog..he hogs them all!
We can't buy them in Europe.
But there again...my beloved Spätburgunder is rarely sent across the waters...so he may be envious of my luck.
The 'bottle-cleaner' tree in all it's glory.
Offered as an absolute bargain..and a third in price of the above wine.
Borgoforte Villa Pillo 2006
Tuscany, Italy
Dark colour..ruby-red rim...blackberry smells...some liquorice...thick fruit...full-bodied..firm, but silky style tannins..the Merlot popped it's head up after a while..only 10% in there..rest is 55% Sangiovese and 35% Cabernet Sauvignon. A chewy, typical Tuscan....which opened up after 2 hours..and got better..quite the reverse to the Australian Shiraz.
Points 16.5 € 7.50.......lay it down a year or two.... may be worth more.
As I said..two sides to the coin...
3 comments:
If only some cooler climate Aussie shiraz could make it to your corner of the world. There's some interesting things happening, outside of the Barossa - which seems to produce many stylistically similar wines - hedonistic, full and raisin flavoured.
Hi Barry - you could pretty much pull any IGT and Barrrosa Shiraz and get the same result. Not a disappointment per se, just need to know what you are getting in to...
Joe...I guessed what it would be like...but I have these voices..telling me to try Aussie Syrah...I guess I need leading by the hand...is there a kind Doctor in the house?
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