by Bernard Stramwasser for Le Sommelier, a ‘Certified Good Food Fighter’
Last Saturday, we brought in two wines to the LCBO’s Vintages program from the Barossa Valley in South Australia, a region that boasts some of the oldest Shiraz and Grenache vines in the world. We hope you get a chance to try them while supplies last (click on the inventory numbers to find stores with each wine in stock). Here are our tasting notes:
2006 Loan Vineyards Semillon Barossa Valley Australia (LCBO Vintages #108092) $15.95
Tasting Note: A fine, traditional, somewhat fuller-flavoured style of Semillon that Australia does quite well. Features aromas of peach, lanolin and binned apple. Dry, with very good aroma replays on the palate. Medium bodied wine with a solid finish. A good match for a variety of fish dishes, or salads topped with grilled chicken. (VINTAGES panel, Sept. 2009)
Score – 88. (Jay Miller, erobertparker.com, “White values $20 and under.” Feb. 2009)
2008 Boxhead Shiraz Barossa Valley Australia (LCBO Vintages #166967) $16.95
Tasting Note: Boxhead’s label is guaranteed to catch your eye. Fortunately, the wine inside is as compelling as the packaging. This is a solid, lush, ripe and full-bodied Shiraz with aromas of ripe raspberry, blackberry, plum and peppery spice for balance. This playful wine is the perfect choice for a backyard barbecue featuring plenty of meat.
Both these vineyards are commited to sustainable practices. Find out more about them at www.hentleyfarm.com.au, for the Boxhead, and www.loanwines.com.au, for Loan Wines.
The Loan Semillon could use a couple of years in the cellar. If you are patient, you’ll be rewarded. Just enjoyed the 2002 Loan Semillon over the weekend. Full bodied and dense. Seriously, if you can, give the 2006 a couple of years.