Australia Day Wine Tasting

On 28th January, Wine Australia organised a trade wine tasting at Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh. Unlike in previous years, this time no public tasting followed in the evening. Altogether 53 wine importers displayed over 400 wines ranging from under £4.50 to £45.00 per bottle. The wines came from all the wine producing regions of Australia.

Australian wine makers demonstrated once again that they are able to produce wine with personality and character, so distinctive that every palate is cared for.

To my mind, this trade fair has demonstrated the breadth and depth of the Australian wine making industry. Their creative and imaginative approach to wine making, and the presentation and marketing of the wine itself has captured the UK customer both off trade and on trade.

The following are a selection of the wines that caught my attention:

Paulett Polish Hill River Riesling, 2006
A delightful crispy clean Riesling, full of citrus and grapefruit flavours with some underlying tropical notes.
Region: Clare Valley Price: £9.99

Paulet Polish Hill River Unoaked Chardonnay, 2006
The wine displays aromatic fresh and delicate fruit character with some hints of lime and apple.
Region: Clare Valley Price: £9.99

Yering Station Pinot Noir Rose Extra Dry, 2006
This rosé is made from 100% Pinot Noir grapes. It has a light ruby colour with intense raspberry and cherry aromas and fine tannins.
Region: Yarra Valley Price: £9.99

Step Road Sangiovese, 2006
The wine has a good depth of black fruit flavour; it is smooth and silky. Its nose opens up to a savoury characteristic.
Region: Langhorne Creek Price: £9.99

Step Road Black Wing Chardonnay Pinot Noir NV
This salmon pink fizz is made from 60% chardonnay and 40% Pinot Noir. It is creamy, delicate and full of life. Delightful and good value sparkling wine.
Region: Langhorne Creek Price: £9.99

Jim Barry The McRae Wood Shiraz, 2005
A medium to full bodied red wine, a classic shiraz from Clare valley, rich and spicy with lively peppery finish.
Region: Clare Valley Price: £19.99

The star of the show was for me was undoubtedly Parker Estate, First Growth Cabernet Sauvignon, 2004. This wine is made with love and passion. It is full-bodied, deep red, well balanced, rich and generous, with intense black fruit aromas, smooth texture and with very good length.
Region: Coonawara Price: £45.00