The Owl & The Pussycat Sauvignon Blanc 2011 & Climbing Merlot 2010
Climbing Merlot
2010
Liquor store group, Local Liquor have done themselves proud with a 2011 New
Zealand Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc they've had made exclusively for their own
stores and bottled under their own whimsical The Owl & The Pussycat label.
The group asked contract winemakers Cheviot Bridge to create a couple of wines
that would be outstanding both in flavour and value for their first-ever house
label, Cheviot's Adelaide Hills-based winemaker Shane Virgo over-seeing the
making of this New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, while at the same time making an Owl
and The Pussycat Barossa Valley 2011 Shiraz.
The Sauvignon Blanc is wonderfully food-friendly, crisp and with subtle tropical
fruit flavours, varietal passionfruit notes and nice lemon-lime touches. And
interestingly its success can be attributed to the poor limestone soil and
glacial wash on which its grown - not much use for agriculture, but perfect for
viticulture.
Match this one with Italian creamy garlic or tomato-based pasta sauce dishes at
a great-value $13.99; the Canberra-based Local Liquor group has around 250
stores in the ACT, Sydney, NSW, Victoria and Queensland selling their Owl & The
Pussycat wines. Find your nearest on www.localliquor.com.au
One For Lunch
When you've a self-confessed Merlot Tragic at the helm, you can be assured the
wine they'll be producing will be top-notch - and such is the case with the 2010
Climbing Merlot from Orange in the NSW Central West.
Maker Debbie Lauritz says that cool-climate Orange is perfect for producing
top-quality Merlot, although 2010 was slightly more challenging than usual with
the end of the drought wreaking somewhat of havoc. But her resultant Merlot has
loads of rewards from the ripe berry fruit and plum aromas to the supple
tannins, the dark toasted oak flavours and natural acidity that gives it
brightness and lift; pay $23.95 and enjoy with a traditional Sunday roast - or
be patient and put aside 'til around 2016 for even more rewarding enjoyment.
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