inside: Autumn’s Pick Riesling Food Matching All panel selected
On theVine Autumn 2013
Premium W ine Buying Guide
Ends 2nd June 2013
On The Vine Autumn 2013
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We lco me With the weather taking a turn to crisp cooler nights and more comfortable days, our thoughts are moving away from light refreshing wines to those of fuller flavour. The new season is also about oven-cooked meals and that means roasts, slow-cooked braises and stews, that have been missing from our table for the last few months. We have ideal wines for these dishes in our latest selection and have included some lighter wines for those who prefer to linger with summer foods. As you’ll see in our reviews, we love cooking with wine and we sometimes even add it to the food (apologies to W.C. Fields). There’s something for everyone in this, our latest newsletter, from refreshing crisp Marlborough sauvignon blanc to whopping big Oz shiraz and shiraz blends. Cheers! Rod Properjohn
The Panel Rod Properjohn
Steve Perry
Rod began in the wine industry 35 years ago as a Wine Advisory Officer for the Wine Industry Association of WA and gravitated from there into lecturing at the Association’s Wine Education Centre, in which he is still involved. He also ran wine classes for Technical and Further Education. He was a wine columnist for the Western Mail and Daily News papers and later on with the magazines West Coast, Scoop, WineState, Spice, Menu and Cravings. He is also a Regional Wine Show judge and the writer of our newsletter.
Steve has been expertly advising and educating Perth’s western suburbs in wine since 1985. He was a director of legendary Cottesloe Wine Store - John Coppins until 1997 and now leads the team at fine wine storeSwanbourne Liquor Barons. He has travelled extensively around the wine-growing regions of Australia and NZ and has been the Chairman of the Panel for over 10 Years.
Peter Bradbeer
Michael Dickson
Paul (Ed) Edwards
For Michael wine started as an interest, then became a vocation and after 20 years in the wine industry as both a retailer and wholesaler, remains a passion. What keeps that passion alive is the increasing range of new and interesting wines from grape varieties and regions around the world that are becoming available to us.
Ed has managed fine wine stores in London, Sydney and Perth. He led Hyde Park Cellars to win the NSW Liquor Store of the year award in 2001 before studying and passing the WSET (Wine and Spirits Education Trust) Diploma in 2005. He now operates his own business teaching WSET qualifications in Perth. In 2008 he was the WA representative in the national final of the prestigious , Negociants ‘Working with Wine’ fellowship. He regular sits in Peter Forrestal’s Wine Panel and is committee member of the Wine Communicators of Australia WA Chapter.
Peter has been in the wine industry for over 30 years, always tasting and assessing wines for sale and for his own drinking. He has been Wine Show judging and consulting to a major Australian wine company. Being on other professional wine panels gives him a broad view of what is out there, but it is always changing. Peter’s view is you never stop learning.
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Kristy Schmidt
Anthony Reynolds
Kristy is an impassioned wine lover who has spent many years employed in the Australian wine industry and has undertaken a Bachelor of Wine Marketing through the University of Adelaide. Apart from spending time writing content for her blog, the aussie oenophile, Kristy also writes for several wine publications in a freelance capacity.
Anthony is a qualified Winemaker that brings much technical winemaking knowledge to the panel. He has worked both as a viticulturist and Winemaker for over 10 years, predominantly in the Margaret River Wine Region. Anthony has also worked and/ or travelled through many of the Worlds leading winemaking areas including France, Germany, Italy and South Africa. A recent city change has seen Anthony move back to Perth as the new owner and manager of Liquor Barons Dalkeith.
On The Vine Autumn 2013
Stef Biagi Since joining the wine trade 12 years ago Stef has been a part of the management team for 6 fine wine stores in WA (including 2 Liquor Barons stores), and has a loyal customer base who track him down for recommendations. He has completed all of the wine courses at the Wine Education Centre and furthered his education by regularly exploring Australia’s wine regions. He most enjoys finding gems from boutique vineyards and is responsible for sourcing, cataloguing and preparing all wine for the Panel tastings.
Riesling vines were first planted in Australia by the esteemed botanist William Macarthur, near Penrith NSW in 1838. Up until the 1990’s it was the most planted grape variety in Australia. The 70’s saw many of the vines cleared to make way for the new kid on the block, Chardonnay. However the Clair Valley in South Australia retained many of it’s vines and is now regarded as the home of Australian riesling.
1999
$
each by the mixed 6pk
$21.99 single From the cool Adelaide Hills region, this has a decent dollop of citrus fruit and a waft of wildflower perfume. The palate sings of lime juice and apples and comes together in a medium-weight package with a river-stone drying finish. For drinking now or aging, try with Australian king prawns and an Asianinspired lime juice dressing.
Wirra Wirra 2012 The Lost Watch Riesling
1999
$
each by the mixed 6pk
$22.99 single This Loosen Bros wine is an entry level to the great German Mosel region and you’ll see a peach of a wine in more ways than one. It has a slight mealy doughy character with stone fruit (peach), citrus and good palate length. The balance is impressive and this points to it being a drink-soon wine. Do just that with a couple of crab cakes and a dollop of sweet and spicy sauce.
Dr Loosen 2011 Riesling (GDR)
2199
$
each by the mixed 6pk
$23.99 single Pikes 2012 Traditionale Riesling There’s been no messing around with this Clare Valley riesling, the style hasn’t changed in nearly three decades and we’re pleased about that. You’ll see lime, lemon and apple, spun around a core of distinctive mineral acidity and these wonderful light fresh varietal characters stretch to a long finish. The Pike family says you won’t find a better wine to serve with oysters - can’t argue with that.
On The Vine Autumn 2013
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white wi 1499
$
each by the mixed 6pk
$16.99 single
Starborough 2012 Family Estate Sauvignon Blanc (NZ) From Marlborough where the 2012 seasonal weather started poorly but finished very well. The savvys have a distinctive pea-pod/gooseberry stamp to them, even more than usual. Along with this character, you’ll see some citrus in this wine along with freshly-mown grass, guava and distinctive acidity which pulls it all together. Serve as an aperitif with canapés, a great evening starter.
1599
$ Marq 2012 Wild and Worked Sauvignon Blanc Semillon
each by the mixed 6pk
A Margaret River blend, wholly fermented using indigenous yeasts (wild) and then allowed time, post fermentation, to sit on lees to soak up the creamy solids character (worked). The wine is an attractive mid-straw green colour and has lemony grassy fruit and subtle mealy characters with a balanced silky mouthfeel and sustained finish to a dry cleansing acidity. Stunning with a seafood risotto.
19
$
99
each by the mixed 6pk
$23.99 single
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On The Vine Autumn 2013
$16.99 single
Swings and Roundabouts 2012 Sauvignon Blanc Semillon Light green straw colour with a bundle of fresh lemony grassy fruit both on nose and palate and with a refreshing crunch of mineral acidity at the finish. It’s a Margaret River wine and a blend that the region does best. Drink anytime or as a partner to simply-grilled locally-caught fish fillets. Knock the top off right now, it’s a corker!
1799
$
each by the mixed 6pk
$19.99 single
Wildrock 2012 The Infamous Goose Sauvignon Blanc (NZ)
Almost colourless in the glass, this Marlborough wine has a pungency of citrus pith and herbaceous snow pea characters and a harmonious palate fresh with lemon and a lift of tropical fruit. A smidge of sugar helps in balancing out the high acidity. An ideal palate cleanser or enjoy with a goats cheese salad.
ines 1899
$
each by the mixed 6pk
$19.99 single
Chapman Grove 2010 Reserve Chardonnay Estate-grown Margaret River fruit is the soul of this very good young chardonnay and nuttiness, smokiness and firmness add to the mediumweighted body. Floral aromatics unravel from the glass while drinking. It’s a beautifully balanced, well-constructed wine and one that would drink well with a hearty seafood soup. Have you attempted making a bouillabaisse lately?
1999
2299
$
$
each by the mixed 6pk
Wairau River 2012 Sauvignon Blanc (NZ)
$22.99 single
Named after the river which flows through the heart of Marlborough wine country, this is from one of the original wine estates in the region. The nose offers a little more than the normal gooseberry, tropical fruit and grass, as it has a subtle funky lift, a little leesy cheesy character. The palate is of medium weight with stone-fruit flavours and has a light citrus lift. Try with some fresh asparagus and a creamy hollandaise sauce.
each by the mixed 6pk
Castelli 2012 Chardonnay
Typical cool area Great Southern chardonnay, a tight lean style with pithy citrus, white nectarine fruit and a background of spicy French oak and tart acidity. Has a few years ahead of it, if you wish to plant a couple of bottles in the cellar. Marvellous with chicken braised in chardonnay wine, Castelli of course, fresh herbs and served with crusty bread.
2499
1999
$
$
each by the mixed 6pk
each by the mixed 6pk
Cape Mentelle 2012 Sauvignon Blanc Semillon
$22.99 single
A label that has been with us for years and it never wavers in quality. Look for a perfumed flowery lift, a squirt of lemon juice and a slice of honeydew melon with an added subtle smoky intrigue from partial oak fermentation. A benchmark for this style in the West and superb with barbecued octopus and braised leeks.
$24.99 single
Xanadu 2010 Margaret River Chardonnay
$26.99 single
A quality product with a bright deep straw colour, lively stone fruit and subtle spicy oak showing on the nose. The palate is medium weighted with a good depth of fruit flavour and considerable length with an inbuilt nutty complexity. Terrific value in this wine. Enjoy it alfresco, with juicy barbecued chicken pieces, while the weather is still compatible. On The Vine Autumn 2013
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red win 1899
$
each by the mixed 6pk
$21.99 single
Wallace 2010 Shiraz Grenache As dark as a coal mine and just as rich, this a classic blend of these two varieties from a brilliant vintage in the Barossa and made by Ben Glaetzer. There’s the plummy spicy flavour and firm robust character of shiraz mixed with the fruit jube and toffee of grenache with subtle oak providing the foundation. It’s a velvety round juicy package and a cracker with a thick char-grilled T-bone steak and some gutsy mustard.
1599
1899
$
$
each by the mixed 6pk
each by the mixed 6pk
$16.99 single
$21.99 single
West Cape Howe 2011 Hannah’s Hill Cabernet Merlot
Teusner 2011 The Independent Shiraz Mataro
A new blend of these varieties, 85% cabernet sauvignon and remainder merlot from WCH and the Frankland sub-region of the Great Southern. It’s a bright red mauve colour and has a leathery berry-fruited nose and a palate of dusty tannins, black olive and mocha extending to a cleansing acid finish. Ideal with barbecue sausages and caramelised fried onion rings.
Mouvedre is sometimes called mataro in Australia and here we have a 50/50 blend of the variety with shiraz. Deep red/black colour with a waft of menthol, vanilla bean and licorice on the nose with a firm tannic palate, good fruit and spice persistence through to the finish. A savoury wine that suits a gutsy tomato-sauce pasta dish with a liberal shaking of Parmesan.
1699
1999
$
$
each by the mixed 6pk
each by the mixed 6pk
$18.99 single
6
$22.99 single
False Bay 2011 Shiraz (RSA)
Gemtree Vineyards 2010 Uncut Shiraz
Nothing like Aussie shiraz, this South African Western Cape wine is more a full pinot noir with a savoury heart, as it has a medium-weight body of brambly red berry and cherry, soft tannins and has an earthy, mushroom character that lingers to a pleasant acidity. Nice drink nonetheless and excellent value. Try with the regional beef jerky which you’ll find around town in specialist shops.
From McLaren Vale and a cracker of a vintage, this is called ‘Uncut’ as it has had minimal intervention from the vineyard all the way to the winery. It is a solid wine with drying furry tannins, a richness of plum and black fruit, spicy oak and good length. Rest this in your cellar for a few years without a worry and then serve with a beef shin stew. Multi-gold medal winner.
On The Vine Autumn 2013
nes
3299
$
each by the mixed 6pk
Louis 2011 Freycinet Pinot Noir
$34.99 single
From the 16 yr old Louis vineyard on the east coast of Tasmania, this pinot is very good and about half the price of the renowned Freycinet Pinot Noir from the original vineyard. It has buckets of red berry (strawberry, raspberry) and a savoury touch of sour cherry with oak hiding in the background. Fine tannins and a silky balance embellish the wine’s drinking quality and we suggest serving it with a loin of milk-fed veal.
1999
3299
$
$
each by the mixed 6pk
each by the mixed 6pk
$22.99 single
$34.99 single
Yering Station 2010 Village Pinot Noir
Majella 2010 Shiraz
Sweet red berry fruits are obvious here with rose petal, a subtle touch of oak, a shaking of spice and long acid finish. The tannins are low tempo and the Yarra Valley wine comes together well on the palate. Partner with Bouef Bourguignon, a slow-cooked dish of cubed beef, onion, bacon and mushroom cooked in red wine, preferably pinot noir. Scrummy!
Coonawarra dialled up a marvellous vintage in 2010 and this shiraz from a switched-on winery shows the quality. It is dark and dense in colour with a nose of plum, spice and sweet oak and a palate of chewy tannins, vanilla essence and ripe black fruit that extends to a cleansing acidity. Side with barbecued beef rissoles with a tangy sauce.
3299
$
22
$
99
each by the mixed 6pk
each by the mixed 6pk
Te Mata 2011 Woodthorpe Vineyard Syrah (NZ)
$24.99 single
The Kiwis call their shiraz - syrah, the French synonym, because the wines are French in style. Take a look at this Hawkes Bay syrah, it has a truckload of white pepper, a Rhone Valley characteristic and is medium bodied at best, long in the mouth and has a high acid finish. Sensational both in and with Coq au Vin, a chicken, onion and mushroom braise cooked in red wine and chicken stock.
$34.99 single
Hardys 2009 HRB/D649 Shiraz Blending from different regions adds another dimension to a wine and Hardys are firm believers, hence this HRB (Hardys Rich Blending) label. We say it also provides balance and that’s what you get in this wine, in spades. Deep red with a mauve rim, this has plum, chocolate and spice and a well-muscled tannic structure all working together in perfect harmony. Clare and McLaren Vale provide the fruit. Perfect with an aged rump beef steak.
4699
2699
$
$
each by the mixed 6pk
each by the mixed 6pk
Gibson 2009 Isabelle Cabernet Merlot
$28.99 single
Ruby red in colour and has an aroma of ripe black fruit with some sweet nutty oak kicking in. The palate has a bucket load of flavour, with ripe plum, dark chocolate, fruit cake and earthy leathery complexity backed by sandy tannins. Made in small amounts, this SA wine is worthy of your attention. A slowcooked shoulder of lamb would work well with this.
Deep Woods 2010 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
$49.99 single
From 25 year-old vines grown in the north of Margaret River and from a very smart vintage. This shows a ripeness and fullness not often seen in cabernets from this region. There’s a bundle of plummy flavours here, some blackcurrant and chalky tannins parcelled up in a solid structure that will allow it to age well over the next six years. Already a dual trophy winner, open a bottle when next carving a roasted leg of lamb. On The Vine Autumn 2013
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“Here’s to good drinks, good food and good company.”
Enjoyed in moderation, drinks matched with great food are one of life’s simpler and more attainable pleasures. Which makes Don Hancey the perfect choice for Liquor Barons. Born and bred in WA, his philosophy of sourcing fresh local produce makes him a champion for Western Australian food and wine. “The marriage of food and wine is all about enjoying alcohol responsibly. We all love getting together with family and friends to share good times”.
Yo u r O n T h e V i n e S t o r e s Liquor Barons Swanbourne
Liquor Barons Claremont
Liquor Barons Rossmoyne
Liquor Barons Busselton
Liquor Barons Dalkeith
Liquor Barons Herdsman
103 Claremont Crescent P: 9384 2111
Cnr Duchess & Queen Street P: 9754 8606
Liquor Barons Carlisle
88 Bishopgate Street P: 9361 1335
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12 Ashton Avenue P: 9384 6458
133 Waratah Ave P: 9386 8749
5 Third Avenue P: 9457 6439
Shop 5 - 1 Flynn Street P: 9387 4222
Liquor Barons Wembley Downs
Shop 1 -11 Bournemouth Cres P: 9245 2484
Specials end 2/6/13. While stocks last. Pics for illustration purposes only. Prices inclusive of GST. OTV Magazine published by Liquor Barons Co-Op Ltd. Suite 16 350 Cambridge St Wembley WA 6014 . Tel 08 9287 2222 On The Vine Autumn 2013