Recommendation: OUTSTANDING “New World” blend of Tempranillo, Grenache and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Winery/Producer: Swinney Vineyards; Frankland River, Australia.
Grape Variety: Blend: Tempranillo, Grenache and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Geographic Region, Appellation: Frankland River, Western Australia.
Vintage: 2012
Price: $39.99 (AUS$) about $30.35 (US$) plus a $20 corking fee.
Purchased From: Vintage Cellars; 891 Hay Street; Perth, Australia.
Paired With: Caesar salad with garlic and parmesan cheese. Roast prime rib of beef with broccoli, roasted root vegetables, baked potato and sour cream and natural gravy
Tasting:
He said: Clear very dark garnet color with a light garnet rim. Dark fruit aroma with hints of mushroom (but not the slightest whiff of alcohol). Smooth, dry Tempranillo and Grenache to mid palate than a Cabernet finish. Triple WOW for this one. Lots of jammy fruit flavor, ample body, harmonious balance and a terrific lingering dry tasty finish. Very delicious sipping alone before dinner and a perfect pairing with the roast beef. In a word OUTSTANDING. It was a surprise for us to find an Australian red blend this good and so easy drinking…it’s like a European wine and a real treat for us. Two thumbs up from me on this one.
She said: Very dark, almost opaque with lots of closely spaced speedy legs. Beautiful! That’s the best way to describe this wine from start to finish. The aroma was luscious dark fruit, the body medium, the finish long, smooth, dry and with soft tannins. The beef was not very flavorful and the wine out shone it. The horseradish sauce helped the beef but not the wine. The garlic in the salad was not a good pairing but the mixed veggies were fine with it. An absolutely yummy wine and great alone or paired with the beef. My personal preference is for a wine with more body, but I loved this one!
Comments: Purchased from a Perth, Australia wine shop and consumed in the Britannia Restaurant on board the Cunard Queen Mary 2.
Alcohol: 14.3%
Bar code: NA
Imported by: NA