Wines of the Week
Tim Adams Cabernet Malbec 2008 & Lillypilly Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2012
What do you do when you have a wine that restaurateurs and liquor retailers have declared as a potential Australian classic but because of labelling laws and logistics they won't add it to their stock and put on their shelves or add it to their wine lists. Well, Tim Adams of the Clare Valley has this dilemma.
Tim Adams
Cabernet Malbec
2008
In 2008 Adams increased the malbec in his Caberbet blend from 15% to 20% and found he had a flavour that complimented the leaner cabernet with the beautifully delicate mulberry of the malbec and his buyers loved it. Since that time however, and because the law required that by increasing the component of the malbec to 20% it had to be included on the labelling, he labelled the vintage as Cabernet Malbec.
Labelling the vintage as such though introduced a distribution problem, in the main restaurants and bottle shops don't have listings or shelf space for cabernet malbec so they are hesitant about this great new blend, even though, the sales of which are taking off in the UK. Adams says, "It may be an uncommon blend, but once people try it they quickly become fans, really it's just a matter of getting them to taste it."
This reviewer, having sampled this marvellous blend, agrees with Adams that, once tasted the decision to buy will be one you won't regret. Enjoy it with a traditional steak and kidney pie. it is priced at $29 a bottle.
A Glass For Lunch
Following from the 2011 release of its Sauvignon Blanc with its 10% alcohol content, Lillypilly Estate from the NSW Riverina a 2012 vintage with a similar alcohol content. Vintages of earlier years had a 11.5 to 12% alcohol content.
Lillypilly winemaker, Robert Fiumara declared, “It’s a response to talking with our cellar-door visitors and those we meet at wine fairs and other events,” and further, “They tell us about wanting lots of flavour, but at the same time slightly lower levels of alcohol, from both a health perspective and to better suit modern cuisine.”
Fiumara has developed a wonderful drop with ample tropical-fruit and herb flavours and a crisp palate. It's good value at $15.50 to enjoy with Asian dishes, seafoods and salads.
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