The first take on the bouquet is one of funk and green herbs, but then it turns to black pepper and candle wax, which may be unconventional but is still attractive. The palate, meanwhile, delivers typical raspberry and cherry flavors, while both the finish and mouthfeel are simple but positive. —M.S.
— M.S.
(3/1/2003)
Juicy, ripe and fun, with plenty of upfront raspberry, strawberry, cherry, toast and vanilla notes. Soft tannins and moderate acidity make it easy to drink. Clean and fresh at the end.
— J.M.
(4/3/2004)
Apricot and citrus fruit is couched in oak on the nose. In the mouth, it’s balanced, and shows mild yellow fruit, plus a malty note that continues through to the finish. This is not a Technicolor, loud wine, but that’s why it may work with dinner.
— D.T.
(10/1/2003)
Tart cherry-blackberry fruit and loads of licorice-vanillin oak show immediately and play all the way through in this Western Australian example. Balanced, tart-sweet and earthy, with good acidity, it could almost be mistaken for a modern-style Dolcetto from Italy’s Piedmont.
— W.E.
(10/1/2001)
This 80-20 Sem-Sauv isn’t all that exciting on the nose at first, but reveals hints of vanilla and anise with time. On the palate, it’s an approachable, slightly tropical wine, soft around the edges but with decent intensity. One of the better Kosher Aussies I’ve had lately. Imported by Abarbanel Wine Company.
— D.T.
(4/1/2006)
A wine with moderate body that serves up a blend of briary black cherry, herb, raspberry, smoke and spice, all couched in moderate tannins. Kosher
— J.M.
(4/3/2004)
Though the wine has the strawberry cheesecake flavors and aromas that this reviewer typically finds sweet and simple, they are countered here by some fresh berry fruit and a minerally feel. Good wine; kosher. Imported by Abarbanel Wine Company.
— D.T.
(4/1/2006)
This 60-40 blend features bold scents of passion fruit and a hint of red berries on the nose, then tropical fruit and citrus flavors on the palate. It’s a bit plump and soft, but attractive nonetheless.
— J.C.
(4/1/2007)