Not a huge amount of wine action recently as Corks has been having a few beers instead. I’ve recently discovered a new offering from Harcourt Valley Winery: Harcourt Valley American Pale Ale. A great beer brewed offsite but according to a recipe developed by HVW. It’s about 4.5% alcohol and is crisp and clean in flavour. Comes in 330ml bottles, smartly packaged in dark glass with HVW’s distinctive grey/black labels.
Have had another bottle of the Tar & Roses Pinot Grigio and was delighted to see that it delivered again. I’ve written about this wine before with lots of good things to say, but often a second try of a wine can result in disappointment. I’m glad to say the pears and apples and aniceed were back, refreshing acidity with a hint of sweetness. At under $17 per bottle from Dan Murphy’s, this is one of the best value for money wines I’ve written about on this blog.
The highlight of recent wine drinking has been the Medhurst Cabernet Sauvignon 2005. I received half a dozen from Mrs Corks a few years ago and given it is a special occasion wine, I haven’t opened on since March 2011 (refer to previous post 28/3/11).
A recent weekend with brother Corks and his family at our country place in central Victoria was as special occasion as necessary to crack it open. Rich, deep plum in colour; dark berry fruit and spice, leather and mocha on the nose, the mouthfeel was silky smooth, the fruit still with plenty of life, and restrained tannin. There’s easily another 5 years in the Medhurst. A five star wine if you can get it.
