Golden Grove Shiraz 2013

There are plenty of alternate varieties coming from Golden Grove and smashing it at the moment. So to see a traditional variety doing well says a lot about what is happening at the winemaker's hands.

Savoury and dark fruit aromas engaged me more than I predicted. Some fruit sweetness on the palate is apparent but there's a terrific depth to the wine. A granite minerality evident, but those dark fruits really kick in on the palate. Depth a plenty with blackberry and a spice ripple. A deliciously long finish hangs large. That give me more sensation if you know what I mean. Chalky tannins to finish. Well priced too.

Medium term cellaring.

Very good.

Region: Granite Belt
RRP: $24
Source: Sample

www.goldengroveestate.com.au

Follow me @Qwine

#QldWineWeek on Radio ABC Brisbane

Taken from 612 ABC Brisbane's blog:

31 March, 2014.

When was the last time you drank a Queensland wine?

It's #QldWineWeek, and time to find out about the great grapes being grown and cultivated Queensland to produce some excellent wines.

How can you help this burgeoning industry...? Rebecca spoke with wine blogger Steve about the events happening around town to celebrate the industry and Leeanne Puglisi-Gangemi, from Ballandean Wines.

If you would like to learn more or participate in some of the events head to the website by clicking here

Listen to the interview here

Friday Drinks on Radio 4BC 28 March - #QldWineWeek

Queensland Wine Week is about supporting the Queensland Wine industry and getting some of the best Queensland wines into people's mouths. Get involved in the numerous events or use #QldWineWeek when chatting on social media.

Check here for a list of retailers and events including supporting restaurants and bars

My bargains this week:

Clovely Estate Verdelho $15: Fresh with tropical fruit highlights. A wine which suits our climate. Have with seafood or Asian foods. Readily available. 

Mason Shiraz 2012:  This just won Champion Mainstream Wine at the 2013 Qld Wine awards. It tastes like a $30 bottle and it’s a bargain for around $20. Available from Bulimba Cellars or Wine Experience Rosalie.

Click here to listen to the chat 

Ballandean Estate Fiano 2013

This is Ballandean Estate's second vintage of Fiano. The 2012 was impressive and this is better again.

The Messing About range is the label reserved for alternate varieties.

A touch of apricot nectar, pear and textured tropical fruits. An unmistakable honey character adds to the delicious fruit on offer finishing with a generous length. And that's the difference between this 2013 and the 2012. The fruit here delivers more aromatically and on the palate.

Perfect for chicken dishes.

Don't wait, drink now!

Who: Ballandean Estate
What: Fiano (13.2% alc)
Where: Granite Belt, Queensland
When: 2013
How much: $26

www.ballandeanestate.com

Follow me @Qwine

Friday Drinks 21 February on 4BC Radio - Riesling

Today I spoke about #QldWineWeek and Riesling.

Jump on the Qld Wine Week webpage to see how you can get involved in the numerous events on offer including tastings, dinners and even a bus trip to the Granite Belt!
Check out and Like the Facebook page here too.

The weather has been pretty hot in Brisbane lately so it's perfect Riesling weather.
My recommendations this week include:
Ridgemill Estate Riesling 2013 - $18 at the Craft Wine Store
O'Leary Walker Polish Hill 2013 - $20 and readily available
Stargazer Riesling 2013 - $30 at Cru Wine Store and Craft Wine Store

Click here to listen in on Brisbane's 4BC (only on PCs not mobile devices)