Craiglee 2007 Shiraz, Victoria

Posted by Keith Wallace on May 7, 2013 in Wine Reviews | 0 comments

Australian wine review

The cooler climate of Victoria often delivers Shiraz with more complexity and a lighter framework than other South Australian regions.  This bottle is a wonderful example of that style.

Its dark violet stains the glass purple,  and it’s aromas offer up charcoal smoke and white pepper along with dark blueberry and cherry. On the palate, the attack is fatty and fruity, with a hint of anise. On the midpalate, the wine lightens turning fresh and light with fresh strawberry and cinnamon dominating. On the finish, the richness re-asserts itself with great tannic strength and a splash of cherry.

 This wine is a Chairman’s Special in the PLCB (Pennsylvania) at the time of this review. 

Craiglee 2007 Shiraz, Victoria

Posted by Keith Wallace on Jan 28, 2013 in Wine Reviews | 0 comments

Cooler climate Shiraz are often the greatest and finest of all Australian wines. This bottle sports of aromas of beef jerky, wood smoke, and white pepper arrive first. A touch of reductive fruit comes forward along with a dash of freshly grated nutmeg. Similar to a Cote Rotie in structure, this baby sports a fresh zing of black cherries with aggressive tannins. The finish of mocha and silk completes the package.

Dead Letter Office 2008 Shiraz, South Australia

Posted by Keith Wallace on Jun 5, 2012 in Wine Reviews | 0 comments

A vinous cocktail of Chambord, Creme Yvette, and Morello cherries. A viscous wine with a glass-and-teeth staining hue of carmine. Sweet cherry and mocha notes rise over the huge weight of this wine, to finish with decently delineated tannin and a splash of cranberry and sage. Very nicely done.

Falesco 2009 Tellus, Lazio

Posted by Keith Wallace on Mar 21, 2012 in Wine Reviews | 5 comments

Luxurious, like a velvet cushion of dark sweet fruit. The only fault is its perfection –round, sexy, slick perfection– which takes away some of the pleasure of drinking a wine from Lazio.

Pillar Box 2007 Red, Australia

Posted by Keith Wallace on Dec 30, 2011 in Wine Reviews | 0 comments

Compared to Yellow Tail, this is the height of sophistication. Of course, that’s like saying Jessica Simpson is classier than Pam Anderson. This wine is pure silly fun, but its the best of it’s ilk by a mile. The Paris Hilton of cheapo shiraz?