My Top Five

Well...here it is... the first official post. Natasha is checking up on me every five minutes to see what I’m writing; I think I’ve inspired her to get back into her blog

I was asked a while ago what my ‘top five’ wines would be, and I’ve been trying to work it out ever since. I suppose it depends on how ‘top five’ is defined, as it could depend on a range of factors – what the weather is like, what food I’m eating, and of course, how much money I have to spend. If I had a money tree in my backyard, I’d probably include Penfolds Grange and a range of other wines that cost hundreds of dollars. Alas, despite the endless watering, the money tree just isn’t growing. That said, I do have two bottles of Grange owing to me by work colleagues, which I will be collecting some time in 2008. Stay tuned!

Before I start, I should also clarify that I know almost nothing about wines from countries other than Australia and New Zealand. After a stint in the US last year, I developed a newfound respect for Californian wine, which I previously perceived as overpriced for the quality. Other than one bottle of Vine Cliff Cabernet Sauvignon that I brought back with me, my cellar and my fortnightly purchases are unashamedly Australian. Based on all the reading I’ve done, I know the main French, Italian, Spanish, South African and American regions, which grapes grow best in which regions and the basics, but I couldn’t tell you anything about individual wineries/vineyards other than the world famous ones that will never be in my price range unless the money tree starts to grow.

So...my ‘top five’ Australian wines that I have tasted would look something like this (in no particular order):

• Rockford Basket Press Shiraz – I have had this a few times, one aged (’96 I think) and two recent vintages. It’s been a while since I had one but I do remember I loved them, particularly the aged one. They are, however, very hard to find, and even harder to find at a reasonable price. They are released at the cellar door and to the ‘Stonewallers’ at about $55/bottle, and I don’t believe it is released to national retailers, although many get their hands on it through various contacts and specialist stores. Bottom line, you’d be hard pressed (pardon the pun) to find it for under $100 retail. If you see it for under $100 in a restaurant (unlikely, but i did once...), jump on it. It’s brilliant!
• Clonakilla Shiraz-Viognier – I have also had this a few times, and have a few in my cellar that I purchased cellar door for about $65/bottle. The experts say it is the best Shiraz-Viognier in Australia. I’m not inclined to disagree as the ones I’ve had (all from recent vintages) have been excellent. At least some good things come from Canberra. I don’t believe that it was produced in 2007 as much of the vintage was lost to frost.
• Lake’s Folly Cabernets – Broken record I know, but I have also had this a few times, and have a few in my cellar. I am also a member at the winery, so am looking forward to the next allocation (8 bottles). Unusual variety for the Hunter Valley, but it works. Only two wines are produced by Lake’s Folly (Foss Creek as Natasha I like to joke...long story) and the chardonnay is excellent as well. Cellar door price is about $50/bottle, a little bit more retail.
• Torbreck Run Rig Shiraz – The infamous Run Rig...I have only actually tried this once, at an Australian Wine Show. I remember it as amazing, but was probably swayed by knowing what the price was, which is over $200/bottle. I’d like to try it properly, but unlikely I’ll get the chance to anytime soon.
• Grosset ‘Polish Hill’ Riesling – The experts also refer to this as one of, if not the, best Riesling in Australia. I have had it twice, but only recent vintages, so have a few in my cellar to age. I was initially turned off Riesling once I started to actually understand wine, because I think of German Riesling, which (at least when I had it) was too sweet for my liking. Australian Riesling, however, is very different...fresh, crisp and vibrant. It is by far our white wine of choice. Also, because it’s not oaked and doesn’t require the winemaking attention that other grapes require, you can get world class Riesling at good prices. This one goes for about $40/bottle.

Clearly, there is a ‘trend’ here; nothing here is less than $40/bottle. Of course there are plenty of good wines to be had for under that price, and Australia pioneered the easy drinking, reasonable quality wine at dirt cheap prices concept.

We have adopted a policy in our household that wines in the price range above are only allowed once a month or on special occasions. I find myself trying to create ‘special occasions’ but have to resist the urge until my money tree sprouts. Next post I will come up with my top five wines that we can all actually afford to drink at least on a weekly basis. Until next time...