Anzac Day Long Weekend

Being a long weekend, and the Anzac Day long weekend at that, the booze seemed never ending – Everywhere you go someone is keen to thrust a beer/glass into your hand. I naturally obliged.

Numerous James Squire Amber Ales My favourite beer. I just wish it was on tap at more places. Will hang around in the bottle too. (I’ve had up to two yr old examples that still drink well).

Fermoy Estate Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2007

I always enjoy the overt grassiness & pristine freshness of the Fermoy white wines, but it is a take it or leave it style and the reds aren’t nearly as successful. This was suitably fresh, herbaceous & snappy, though I think it could have done with a little more length and it lacked a little of the definition of the cooler vintages. Enjoyable with tempura veges though. 17/20

Kalleske Clarry’s Grenache Shiraz 2007

A truly lovely red. It’s unashamedly about lovely bright fruit, but the balance is spot on. Light tannins, lovely colour, lots of purpley fruit flavour, no young wine heat. I could drink it by the truckload. 17.5/20 though for drinkability it’s off the charts.

Hardys Tintara Shiraz 1998

Only a very small hurried taste, but it was good. Typical richness, with some age apparent on the finish. Drinking at or near its peak (though I don’t think the storage was all that good with this one).

Tatachilla Mclaren Vale Shiraz 2004

I am a big fan of the 2004 vintage in much of South Australia: A vintage of good balance
and flavour. This suitable tows the line, with all the attributes that make Mclaren Vale Shiraz so attractive: Generous, ripe mid palate fruit, well integrated tannin, plenty of potential for the future and just so drinkable with home made Lasagne. 18/20+

Kemeny’s Hidden Label Cowra Cordon Cut Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2005

Made by Brokenwood, this was a nice surprise packet. Typically of the Cordon Cut style, it didn’t seem to jammy/marmaladey which really helped the drinkability. The acid was a little disjointed and their was a very small mid palate hole, but otherwise an enjoyable quaffing sticky.