Wines Of The Week
BlackJack Vineyards Chortles Edge Shiraz 2010 & Fifth Leg's Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2012
BlackJack Vineyards
Chortles Edge
Shiraz 2010
Not long after prospectors from around the world were drawn to the Bendigo goldfields in Central Victoria during the gold rush of the 1850's were others drawn by the reports of lush agricultural lands ripe for cultivation. This was soon followed in around 1885 by the first plantings of vines to satisfy the growing tastes of the nouveau riche successful miners.
Now the gently undulating hills around Bendigo is the home of exceptional quality wine production and vineyards. BlackJack Vineyards with its Chortles Edge label is one of those of outstanding quality at it's price point.
They have just released their Chortles Edge Shiraz 2010 which is a fantastic drop considering it was produced from grapes grown during the bleak drought years of 2008 & 2009 and the contrasting period of torrential downpours of 2008 & 2009. Ian Mckenzie, who is part owner and shares wine making responsibilities at BlackJack with Ken Pollock said, "You could almost say 2010 was an idyllic vintage squeezed-in between those other years."
He further said, "The rain we got in 2010 came just at the right time, falling mostly at night to refresh the vines and slow ripening a bit, giving us perfectly-conditioned fruit." The wine produced shows nice tannin to finish and has lots of distinct fruit flavours resulting in a lovely drink for immediate consumption or to allow it a further three to four years to develop.
At $18 it's excellent value and is one to enjoy with that juicy steak at your next barbecue.
A Glass For Lunch:
The 2012 Semillon Sauvignon Blanc produced by Fifth Leg was made from grapes harvested from various Western Australian growing regions and is a zesty variety with spirited fruit flavours and particularly evident are the tropical notes of passionfruit and lychee.
Fifth Leg was named following the discovery of the fossilised remains of the extinct Tasmanian Tiger with, what was identified as, amazingly a fifth leg. The fossil was found near Margaret River's Devil’s Lair Winery, Fifth Leg's parent company.
The vintage is value for money at $17.99 and is fresh and easy to drink. A wine to drink while enjoying seafood, a chicken salad.
BlackJack Vineyards Chortles Edge Shiraz 2010 & Fifth Leg's Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2012
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