Australian Adventure
BY W. PETER HOYNE
Australia is known for kangaroos, koala bears, eucalyptus trees and people who have a passion for a fun-loving lifestyle. An integral part of this lifestyle is the richly crafted wines from South Australia, where nearly 50 percent of the economy is supported by wine production. Today Australia includes six major wine growing regions: South Australia, Western Australia, Queensland, New South Wales, Tasmania and Victoria. Australia boasts of more than 2,300 wineries, ranking fourth in wine exports. Although many grape varietals can thrive in these arid conditions, it is Shiraz from the Barossa Valley, also known as the Syrah grape in other continents, that has achieved an intensity unmatched by any other country.
1. 2007 Marquis Philips Shiraz | South Eastern Australia
Dan Philips is the founder and momentum behind the wines of the Grateful Palate. In 1997 he invested his life savings in a partial container of Australian Shiraz, at a time when few Americans were familiar with this grape. He describes his wines as "distinctive wines of pleasure" and has made history in offering wines that go beyond immediate gratification, packing excessive extracts of black orchard fruit into each bottle. Although this is an entry-level Shiraz within Philips's portfolio, it won't shortchange your taste buds. There is a generous offering of black raspberry jam, dark plums and melted licorice that are nicely packaged into a wine with a supple finish. | About $15
2. 2007 Trevor Jones Virgin Chardonnay | Barossa Valley, South Australia
Trevor Jones has become a household name in the Australian community by producing a full spectrum of affordable "boots" (wines) as well as Old Vine Barossa Shiraz. The Wine Advocate has awarded him two 100-point scores for his sweet-style Tokay and Tawny wines. While these sweet "sticky" wines have always appealed to Australians, Jones's clean, un-oaked virgin Chardonnay has drawn the attention of the American consumer. Entering its 18th year of production, this balanced and purely defined white is sourced from several parcels of Chardonnay in South Australia. Flavors of white currants, tropical fruits, pineapple and crisp apple play off each other in a medium-bodied Chardonnay that lacks the weightiness of oak aging. | About $15
3. 2007 Pike's Riesling | Clare Valley, Australia
This 100 percent Riesling is sourced from higher altitudes in the cool wine-growing region of the Clare Valley. Australian Rieslings are atypical of most sweet domestic Rieslings and usually more similar to those produced in Alsace, France. The floral nose is enticing with notes of lemongrass and orange citrus that lead to a delicate minerality and a dry refreshing finish. The dry character of this wine is best appreciated when it is highlighted by food. | About $20
4. 2005 Kaesler Stonehorse Shiraz | Barossa Valley, Australia
Passed down through many generations until it was purchased by a group of international wine lovers in 1999, Kaesler Vineyards was established in 1893 by Daniel Kaesler. The Stonehorse Shiraz comes from estate fruit that is from 15 to 45 years old and is super-concentrated in its expression. There is plenty of mocha and chocolate fruit to chew on in this Shiraz, which is intertwined with truffles, earth and subtle white pepper. | About $30