Out Of The Bottle

With David Ellis

Redbrook Shiraz 2007 & 2009 Rolling Sauvignon Blanc Semillon

Many of us tend to categorise Australia’s regions and wine varieties without too much thought to the possibilities of those regions throwing up a few surprises with varietals out of the norm.

And a surprise out of the norm is exactly what Evans & Tate have achieved with their Redbrook Shiraz 2007: this one’s from Western Australia’s Margaret River – a region  long renowned for Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay – and when their winemaker, Matthew Byrne decided to look outside the square, he came up with a winner with this Shiraz.

First made in 2004, this label took just a year to stamp its mark on our wine scene, with the 2005 taking out no fewer than six trophies at the 2008 Sydney Royal Wine Show.

And the just-released 2007 has already garnered four Gold Medals, which is little wonder: this is a wine of wonderfully-balanced  Shiraz fruit intensity with aromas of mulberry, plum fruits and black pepper that surge out of the glass, and follow through beautifully on the palate.

At $39.95 this is one to offer guests with a juicy sirloin steak and oven-baked smashed garlic potatoes.

One For Lunch

Cumulus Estate’s Rolling label is making an enviable name for itself with wines from NSW’s Central Ranges, and created by a team led by Senior Winemaker, Debbie Lauritz.

Their 2009 Rolling Sauvignon Blanc Semillon is one such drop for those who like this popular blending: the two varietals were picked and cool-temperature fermented separately, and after fermentation blended 70-30 to get the best of fruit flavour, freshness and mouth feel. Pay $17.95 and enjoy with pan-fried crumbed whiting fillets, chunky wedges and salad.

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