Hewitson - "Ned and Henry" - Barossa Valley - Australia - 2006

Shiraz / Mourvedre
Barossa / $22 - $30

Although Australian wines are often labeled by the critical press as "Over the Top", they are still some of the finest values to be found for frugal wine lovers. Consistently delivering a lot of wine for the money, there are some gems to be found that should be on the top of every wine lovers list.

Hewitson is one of my favorite producers in the Barossa Valley. With 8-10 different wines released each year, they are consistently good year to year. Hewitson is one of my "Go-To" producers when I am looking for a wine to impress.

Ned and Henry is a lovely shiraz with a touch of mourvedre blended in for balance. Named after the estates two sons, this wine is big, rich and fruit forward. Those that like Aussie reds will love the balance and richness of this red.

It pours purple and the color is saturated. The nose is gobs of black fruit, red fruit some vanilla and licorice. The wine tastes of black fruit, plum, cola and finished with a hint of nut and earth. This is a medium bodied wine with a decadent feel.

How much can you expect to pay for this decadence? I found this wine on-line for $21.00. If you buy it retail, you can expect to pay up to $30. Even at $30, this is a lot of wine for the money. Most importantly, it is a bottle of wine that will not disappoint. I could easily see folks that taste this wine blind assume it is a $50 bottle of wine.

This wine is imported by John Larchet who owns "The Australian Premium Wine Collection". Any time you see this neck label, I can promise you it is attached to a wonderful wine. I had the chance to taste the entire collection last year with Josh Raynolds of IWC. There was not a bad wine in the bunch.

Maybe the best part of this review today is not specifically this review, but the recommendation to look out for this neck label when searching store shelves for a wine. It may be cheating, but I promise you that you won't go wrong.

Has anyone tasted any other wines in this collection? Do you agree with my analysis? Report back. You can comment following this post.

Pierre Boniface Apremont "Vin de Savoie"

Jacquère Grape / 2007
Savoy, France / $14 "Great Value"


It is difficult to believe that Summer is over. My kids started school again last week and it is impossible to believe how quickly time flies. I am going to miss the warm summer nights when the cool autumn nights take their place. There is nothing better then sitting on the back porch with Diana Krall on the stereo and a chilled bottle of white at the ready.

Usually my favorite wine to sip on these nights is a lighter white wine. Typically I will lean towards a Vinho Verde from Portugal. I was asked to taste this wine for review and was really impressed. So much so, I went out an bought a case for what is left of my annual porch time.

This wine is from Savoie (Pronounced Savoy) which is in the eastern part of France. It is made by Pierre Boniface using the Jacquere grape which is common in the Savoie region. This region is at higher elevation and the wines have an interesting Alpine character. This wine also has an effervescent quality, similar to a vinho verde.

The wine is light in color with a nose of flowers, mineral, melon and bit of spice. The wine has wonderful body. It is smooth and denser then you may expect for a white. There are clean flavors of melon and pear and at the end a tidbit of grapefruit peel on the long finish. .

This wine is a terrific value. It is easy drinking and surprisingly inexpensive for what the wine delivers. It has a different profile then your everyday Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay, and is worth your time to taste. Since I tasted this wine I have introduced it to many of my wine geek friends with great results. Be the first in your group to introduce this delicious and inexpensive varietal.

This wine is widely available. Check with your local wine shop to see if they can get it. There is also a premium version of this wine which has a metallic gold label. The premium bottle is called "Prestige". This wine has a bit more depth, and is certainly worthwhile. Try them both and let me know what you think!

"EOS" Reserve 2004

Petite Syrah / $17.99
California 2004

Once a month I get together with a bunch of neighborhood wine cronies to play poker. We really do play poker, but the enjoyment comes from the camaraderie of neighborhood friends and a mutual love of wine. Each of us brings a bottle we want to share, or brag about. It is a great way to expose oneself to others tastes, and every once in a while, find a gem.

I'll give credit for this weeks find to Scott Greenberg, aka: THE VINE GUY. He is the weekly wine writer for the D.C. Examiner. You don't read the Examiner? Shame on you! Some great information is published each week by Scott and his wife Cindy (The Vine GAL). I liked this recommendation from Scott because he truly loves the wine. Sometimes that may not be the case!

This wine is concentrated, filled with red and black fruit and has the complexity that many wines in this price range do not. It also offers immediate gratification. The 2004 was deep purple and viscous. Black fruit, smoke and very tame tannins make this easy to quaff. The finish reveals a few layers. Black current, Boysenberry and other black fruits give this wine a long, silky finish.

Buy this by the case for immediate consumption. Back up the truck....it is worth it! You should E-mail Scott@VINEGUY.com and ask to be placed on his weekly e-mail list. He will send you a PDF copy of the Examiner's weekly article and keep you abreast of the Washington DC wine scene.

website: http://www.vineguy.com/
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