Monday, March 28, 2005

3 Reds: Australia, France

CAPE MENTELLE TRINDERS CABERNET/MERLOT 2000, Margaret River, Australia, 14.5%, #452508 $17.80*

LCBO says: "Eighteen batches of wine from nine different vineyards were used in the final blend here. Depending on vintage, the wine is usually made with equal parts of Cabernet Sauvignon (55%) and Merlot(36%) plus a small amount of Cabernet Franc(8%) and Petit Verdot(1%). " My notes: Cellared October 2002, the label says cellaring can be up to ten years. Must decant to remove sediment. Opaque ruby colour with soft plum/blackcurrant/mint aromas. A blend of blackberry, black cherry with light acid with a long cherry finish. OK as a sipper if you like very dry. Better with red meats, grilled or roasted. Last Vintages release August 21, 2004 the 2002 vintage was priced at $21.95.

CHATEAU GLAUDET BORDEAUX 2000, Entre Deux Mers, France, 12.0%, Opimian $12.92
Opimian says: "....by Australian winemaker Mandy Jones (of Chateau Carsin) ... is rich, full-bodied, deep in flavour ... firm structure and black currant fruit for which she is famous. Cellar for two to three years." My notes: Cellared November, 2003 now has a rich opaque ruby colour with clean black currant and cedar nose. Medium- to full-bodied, smooth acid refreshes while the currant fruit glides through to a long warm light tannic finish. A sipper if you like dryyy. Great with a ham steak, rib-eye steak or prime rib.

WOLF BLASS CABERNET MERLOT 1999, South Australia, 13.0% SC1, #611483 $16.95

LCBO says: "Deep ruby; mint, cassis and chocolate aromas; big toasty fruit flavours, well balanced. Roast prime rib of beef. Cellar three to six years." My notes: Cellared from July 2002 now a see-through cherry red with a soft cherry nose. A medium-bodied wine with a tart intro and lively berry flavours. Decanting lessened the tartness and is recommended. Toasty, chocolate, and well balanced I didnt get. A tannic and sharp dry finish with a short warm feel. Did not cellar well from 2002 and was originally, but not now, a sipper. OK with strong cheeses, grilled red meats or spicy pasta - I think it's a twelve month wine. This is a General listing. Current vintage on the shelf, 2002, is $15.95.

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