Stop on Red

This month we look at reds worth stopping for.
So, pour yourself a glass, put your feet up
and read on ...

Good news spreads quickly. When the time came to put together a tasting panel for the reds a great number of would-be tasters had put their hands up. Come one, come all was our motto and so we put them together in teams, handed out the clipboards, pointed out the spit buckets and away they went.
Once again the venue was the Civic Hall courtesy of the Town Council, though if our tastings continue to grow at this rate we'll soon be looking for larger premises.
As with the whites there was plenty of lively debate on style and substance but at the end of the day some clear favourites emerged.
The tasters were: Jay Madsen, Farah Bokhari and Lauren Sharples; Laurie Colgrave, Julie Wickham and Nicole Inglis; Tony Pederson and Karlie McKenna; Barb Shaw and Adam Randall; Roberto Tropeano and Teresa Assenbrück; flying solo was Wayne Bevan.
Now read on ...

Quelltaler Estate Annie's Lane Shiraz 1996
from Clare Valley S.A. - $16.00
Jay, Farah and Lauren:
"This wine is delicious and is very easy to drink. It goes down very smoothly, is a rich looking wine and has very little bouquet. The palate is light but still full, with no tangy aftertaste".
Laurie, Julie and Nicole:
"The appearance is dark, with a balanced nose and a firm finish. It is the best wine of the night with a spicy, lingering palate".
Tony and Karlie:
"No thanks, we'd prefer this wine in maybe 12 months. The finish is watery and immature with a smooth but bland palate. The nose is soft and it is dark in appearance".
Barb and Adam:
"With a heavy, full bodied palate, the appearance of this wine is a very deep plum with a throw of a deep winter sunset streak. It has a finish with a tannin touch and has a fruity aroma with a spicy bouquet. It's quite an ordinary wine, something you wouldn't consider for a romantic evening. It is more of a wine you would open at a dinner party with acquaintances, people you wouldn't want to impress, like IN-LAWS!"
Roberto and Teresa:
"This wine simply just appears red with a light smell and an overall pleasant, sharp aftertaste. It has a very fruity, light palate, low tannin and not too overwhelming. It is a very drinkable wine".
Wayne:
"This wine appears full-bodied with a strong aroma and is soft on the palate. It left a long lasting aftertaste".
David and Tracey:
"This wine is a beautiful purplish and dark crimson colour. It has a blackberry smell and tastes slightly acidic. On the first mouthful, it's dry. Tracey likes this wine, I think it will be a better wine to drink in the next few years. Still, it's eminently drinkable now.

Montara Winery Grampians Cabernet
Sauvignon 1995
from Ararat VIC - $19.80
Jay, Farah and Lauren:
"This wine has a dark, off colour, has quite a strong scent and has an overpowering fruity flavour. This wine has a bad, tangy aftertaste so, no way!"
Laurie, Julie and Nicole:
"The palate is smooth, appears clear and leaves a clean, crisp finish. The nose of this wine is dry and clean".
Tony and Karlie:
"This wine appears a light red in colour. The nose is nil and the palate is tasteless. It is lacking a finish and is bland and immature".
Barb and Adam:
"The vampire favourite, this wine has a deep blood red appearance. The oak can be detected in the nose and has a black current bouquet. The palate has an absolute emphasis with oak and cinnamon. A good clean, smooth finish, a must - will impress the hardened of wine drinkers".
Roberto and Teresa:
"Quite OK, could have a bottle, or two, or three! It has a pleasant aftertaste and is not too heavy. The palate is neither bitter or sweet with a light tannin and not overwhelming in flavour. A fruity nose".
Wayne:
"I wouldn't buy this wine, it has a sharp palate and a tangy, slightly bitter finish. The nose is soft and subtle and is light in appearance".
David and Tracey:
"This wine is a deep red colour with a slight brownish tinge. It smells slightly like cherry and the palate is slightly bitter. It's not as good as the Annie's Lane shiraz."

Dromana Estates Schinus Cabernet 1995
from King Valley/Mornington Peninsula
VIC - $18.00
Jay, Farah and Lauren:
"This isn't a very likable wine, it tastes and smells cheap. With an orangey, red colour, it has a sour berry aroma. The palate is overpowering, with a sour fruity taste. It leaves a bad aftertaste".
Laurie, Julie and Nicole:
"Surprisingly, the smell was terrible but was sweet to taste. The nose is sour and sulphric. There is no finish and the appearance is strong and murky".
Tony and Karlie:
"This appears to be almost brown. The nose is pungent and has a light palate. It doesn't leave an aftertaste, perhaps it's too young. Must be an S.A. wine!"
Barb and Adam:
"It's looks like ribena, give it to the kids! The palate is quite raw and bitter, a rough young red that's not quite matured yet. The nose is quite pungent, like unripened fruit, could make your nose wrinkle or bleed! As for the finish, how can there be a finish when there isn't a beginning? This is wine that you hope your teenage kids pinch and take to a party and one that a burglar would leave behind. It holds a message - BEWARE!"
Roberto and Teresa:
"A wine which is thick on the glass, quite fragrant, almost woody. It has a dry aftertaste and we would only drink it if it was given to us".
David and Tracey:
"This wine appears a deep vibrant red with purple undertones. It has a blackcurrent/berry smell, unusual. The palate is full bodied and the finish is dry".

Saltram Mamre Brook
Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon 1995
from Barossa Valley S.A. - $19.00
Jay, Farah and Lauren:
"This is a very tasty wine and it leaves a very nice aftertaste. It has a very strong fruity scent and is dark and rich in appearance".
Laurie, Julie and Nicole:
"A yummy, full-bodied true red wine. With a clean finish, the nose is soft and mature and it has a strong, dark appearance".
Tony and Karlie:
"This wine has a fruity nose and a small bite, we think it would be nice with hamburgers!".
Barb and Adam:
"This wine is highly recommended. It has a good lingering fruit finish and the palate is smooth, soft and silky. The nose is light and spicy and has a deep red, classy appearance".
Roberto and Teresa:
"A 'light in the mouth and throat' wine. It warms the stomach nicely and is cleansing on the lungs. It's got a very nice aroma and has a slight bite to it. It's has a high tannin palate but is fruity and has a pleasant aftertaste, not too heavy".
Wayne:
"The appearance is full-bodied and has a light, aromatic nose. With a strong, rich palate, the finish is subtle and long lasting".
David and Tracey:
"The appearance of this wine is a deep, vibrant red with purplish tinges. The nose suggests oak and peppers and it has a full-bodied taste. This is an ideal wine for those cool evenings to warm up the blood. Very drinkable, especially with a good steak".

McLaren Vale & Langhorne Creek
Shiraz 1995
from Blewitt Springs - $16.50
Jay, Farah and Lauren:
"Mmmmmm! A well cultured fruity scent and a very pleasant aftertaste. With a light fruity look to it, the palate is a well balanced fruit/oak taste, with neither of these tastes being overpowering. You could keep drinking this one".
Laurie, Julie and Nicole:
"An easy drinking wine with a warm finish and a sweet, fruity palate. The nose is very subtle and it is light in appearance".
Tony and Karlie:
"A good looking wine with a small bite and a fruity aftertaste. The palate is smooth and subtle, but there is no nose. This wine appears light, but needs to be given more time".
Barb and Adam:
"Careful - this wine will sneak up on you! It has a sulphur-like aroma and a ruby port appearance. The palate is light with low acidity, you can taste the oak in the background. It's easy to drink and has a neutral finish, there is no heavy lingering".
Roberto and Teresa:
"The nose on this wine is slight, with no aroma. It's very fruity tasting with a light tannin. The finish is pleasant and not too heavy".
David and Tracey:
"Quite a pleasant finish, Tracey thought it started out better than it finishes. It appears to be dark red, with a pepper nose. This wine does not do anything for Tracey but I thought it was much better than some of the others".

McLaren Vale Merlot 1996
from Shottesbrooke SA - $16.50
Jay, Farah and Lauren:
"The appearance is dark but at the same time transparent. It's a tasty wine, is nicely rounded. The palate is very, very smooth and has a subtle fruity flavour. The nose is spicy berry".
Laurie, Julie and Nicole:
"An average wine with a thin appearance. The palate lacks body and is light and tangy. It smells subtle and young, with a clean finish".
Tony and Karlie:
"A deep, well balanced red. It has a nice bite, with little tang. The palate is smooth, with a fruity, sweet nose".
Barb and Adam:
"This wine is extremely attractive with a deep purple tinge. It has a bloody nice palate, very pleasing! The nose is light, a spicy black current bouquet. The finish is light with a hit of oak at the end. Could easily drink it straight out of the bottle - highly recommended!"
Roberto and Teresa:
"The nose on this wine is light and nutty. A sweet wine with a smooth and pleasant finish. Red/brown in appearance".
David and Tracey:
"This wine is deep, vibrant red with slight purplish tinges. It has a berry fragrance, a lovely smell. The palate is a medium body taste with a surprising dry and bitter finish. A second taste is worse than the first. The nose is beautiful, but the finish is disappointing. The best part of this wine is the bouquet".

Azure Bay Cabernet Sauvignon 1996
from Montana Wines N.Z. - $13.00
Jay, Farah and Lauren:
"This is a delicious wine, it has a slight bite and isn't too fruity. It's very dark in appearance and is non-scented, with just a hint of berry. The finish is very smooth and clean".
Laurie, Julie and Nicole:
"The appearance of this wine is good. It has an oaky nose, fruity palate and a clean finish. A pleasant wine".
Tony and Karlie:
"A good wine with a tangy palate and a bite at the end. It has a fruity nose and appears smooth and - possibly well aged".
Barb and Adam:
"The appearance of this wine is not worth commenting on, may have come out of a 'beware bottle' in a paper bag! It's like smelling muddy water. The palate is boring and bland with no excitement whatsoever, it has quite a watery taste. This is surprising though - a fruity taste as it disappears. It's surprising what you find in a bus shelter".
Roberto and Teresa:
"This is quite dry in the mouth and throat, with a light tannin taste. It's very mild, very drinkable, with a dry finish".
Wayne:
"The appearance doesn't have much body, it's quite light. There's not much nose on it at all. The palate is woody and has a slight, not very long lasting finish. It's easy to drink."
David and Tracey:
"The appearance of this wine is a deep red. It is lighter bodied than some of the others. Tracey didn't dislike it, but I thought it was disappointing after tasting No 8.".

Angoves Sarnia Farm Cabernet
Sauvignon 1996
from Padthaway S.A. - $17.00
Jay, Farah and Lauren:
"This wine goes great with the cheese, it has a great aftertaste, leaving you waiting for the next drop. The appearance is very dark, it has a subtle scent and tastes very smooth and full-bodied. This is a good wine - very drinkable".
Laurie, Julie and Nicole:
"A fair wine, a tannin palate and a dry finish. The nose is subtle and soft and the appearance is good".
Tony and Karlie:
"This is not a bad wine, the palate is smooth and hangs around, lingering nicely. It has a very fruity nose".
Barb and Adam:
"A wonderful red that one would choose for a bridesmaid frock for a wedding. The nose is good, rich, bold and fruity. Words cannot describe what this wonderful drop offers, it has a Norfolk pine finish. Sophistication plus, plus! One to age, obey your thirst and enjoy!
Roberto and Teresa:
"It's very thick on the glass. A woody nose with lots of aroma. It tastes woody, nice in the mouth although it has high tannin. The aftertaste is dry. A pleasant wine, would be good with steak".
David and Tracey:
"Again, a wine which is deep red with purplish tinges. It is a blended wine with a pepper/berry nose. The palate is full-bodied with a subtle, slightly dry but smooth finish. It definitely improves as you drink it. More please!

Hickinbotham Cabernet Merlot 1995
from Mornington Peninsula VIC - $16.50
Jay, Farah and Lauren:
"This wine tastes like it's corked. It has a light colour and an extreme berry scent. It's very smooth tasting with a spicy berry flavour, but leaves a very bitter taste as it goes down".
Laurie, Julie and Nicole:
"The light looking wine has a nose which is rancid and corked. The palate is awfully sour, unpalatable".
Tony and Karlie:
"AAHH!, don't finish, put it on toast it smells like old jam!".
Barb and Adam:
"Rose hip tea in appearance, has a very cheap nose. The palate is foul, foul! If you want camel p@#s, this is it !!
Vomit! Danger - 'Will Robinson danger'. Forget it if you want to live a life! If you are going to serve this one, tell everyone what it is, so they can tell the doctor when they get their stomach pumped".
Roberto and Teresa:
"It tastes fruity and has a sickly sweet finish, cheap!".
Wayne:
"This wine appears light with no body. It has a sour nose and tastes very tangy. The finish is UGH! Take it off the market!".
David and Tracey:
"A pale red, rose coloured wine that smells like raspberries and sugar. It has a fruity taste and a surprisingly dry finish. It would be best served cold with a midday bar BQ, hoping it would be a warm day".

McLaren Vale Shiraz Cabernet 1994
from Hugh Hamilton Wines S.A - $17.50
Jay, Farah and Lauren:
"This wine is dark in colour, suggesting it is a very fruity wine. It has a fruity bouquet and a spicy flavour, but at the same time not smooth, it's slightly oaky also. The aftertaste is strong, leaving quite a fruity flavour.
It's not a bad wine, the scent seems to deceive the strong taste".
Laurie, Julie and Nicole:
"A very dark looking wine, it smells young, tastes crisp and has a clean finish".
Tony and Karlie:
"A nice wine, a nutty/fruity nose with a tangy palate that slides over. It's dark in appearance and the finish bites nicely".
Barb and Adam:
"We drank it too fast to notice the appearance! A fresh yeast bouquet, like when baking bread. It has a rich, fruity tannin taste and is wonderful to feel on the tongue - watch out lover!
A relaxing finish - blow out the candle. A definite one to have around, buy a case today".
Roberto and Teresa:
"This wine is dry but not too bad. The palate is woody, dry and with high tannin. The aftertaste is sour, it has no aroma and is purple/red in appearance".
Wayne:
"This wine looks gutsy, it's full bodied. The nose is light and tastes soft and fruity. The finish is lasting".
David and Tracey:
"Again, another wine which is very deep red with purplish tinges. The finish is slightly acidic but will develop well with more bottle time. Buy and put it away for a couple of years and you will be pleasantly surprised!"