Out Of The Bottle
With David Ellis 2005 The McRae Wood Shiraz & Lindauer Brut Cuvée NV
The
late Jim Barry often delighted in telling of his “scientific approach”
to creating his first Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon blends in the 1970s –
he’d make up a few with varying proportions of each wine, leave them
open on the kitchen sink, and then watch and taste their development
over the coming few days.
He’d then declare which blend he
considered the best, always adding: “First call, best call...” But
initially popular as they were at the time, consumer interest faded
away in the early ‘80s as buyers swung back to single varietal wines.
Ten
year’s ago Jim’s son, Peter went somewhat back to the future, creating
a Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon from the great 2002 vintage in the Clare
Valley, a drop he intended purely for personal enjoyment with family
and friends. Their enthusiasm encouraged him to make
another in 2005, a crackajack wine that’s collected some prestigious
medals and awards both here and internationally.
Peter’s blend
is 70% of his 2005 The McRae Wood Shiraz and 30% of the 2005 The
Benbournie Cabernet Sauvignon, both very impressive wines in their own
right. The blend’s nose explodes with blackcurrant, blackberry, Satsuma
plums and Morello cherries, with these following through on the
concentrated palate.
The Jim Barry Pb (Personal Bottling) Shiraz
Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 will be released in February at $49.99; you’ll
find it a great partner with a good rib-eye. One For Lunch
New
Zealand's Lindauer has been making a quite stand-out sparkling for some
30 years now, using fruit from its cool maritime climate Gisborne
vineyards that’s ideal for making premium bubblies.
A 60%
Chardonnay and 40% Pinot Noir blend, the Lindauer Brut Cuvée NV is just
$14.95, a good price for this delightful drop next time there’s a party
on the horizon.
Need a drink?
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