Capital Wines ‘Black Rod’ Sparkling Red 2009 (Canberra District)
14.4%, Crown Seal, $36
Source: Sample
www.capitalwines.com.au

Amongst wine writers it is seriously uncool to admit you like sparkling red. I’ve always thought it akin to owning up to enjoying Hanson backed in the 90s (although apparently they’re all grown up and fashionable again too), with a similar expectation of uncoolness

Whilst I’m no Hanson fan, sparkling reds like this I rather enjoy drinking. My family loves ’em too, making good sparkling Shiraz an essential part of the Graham Christmas lunch. A word of warning though – sparkling red not only gets you very drunk, very quickly, but the hangovers are ridiculously cruel ( I still remember vomiting frothy red stuff up at a party a few years ago. Ugh).

Anyways, back to this red – It’s a blend of Shiraz from Capital’s own Kyeema vineyard with a dash of Merlot and a little Cabernet (or at least that’s what my notes say).

A rich, ripe, generously proportioned sparkling red, this looks rather decadent and chocolatey, marrying up full bodied, choc-berry-licorice fruit with the softness of a decent dosage. The palate looks lighter than the nose would suggest but it’s well enough to carry things off, the solid mid palate driving everything and the wine finishing sweet and softly grainy.

I can see a place for this. It’s a well-made, well-judged sparkling red for drinking now, preferably whilst wearing silly hats and telling bad jokes  (Christmas in July anyone)?

Drink: 2013-2016
Score: 17/20 90/100
Would I buy it? The fam would love it. Just a glass would do me though.