The Gourmez

Red Diamond Shiraz 2009 Washington State This Shiraz has the most interesting nose I’ve smelled in a while. It’s full of leather and juicy blackberry. The wine itself is much thinner than expected for a Shiraz, but it’s nicely matured. Blackberry swoops up then is replaced with whipped cream and spices. Pink peppercorn, a hint [...]

McWilliams Hanwood Estates Shiraz 2008 Southeastern Australia Curry leaves and pepper come forward in the nose. The taste is interesting: cherry, not fully ripe, is foremost on the palate, but with a spicy tone that actually reminds me a lot of Trader Joe’s Cherry Cider. I can down a jug of that beverage in no [...]

Mattie’s Perch Shiraz Other words on the label: Southeastern Australian “Ripper” The nose is very fruity—tart, unripened blackberries with a hint of creme anglaise on top. This wine has a lot of bite. Basil and blackberries are the flavors that rise to the top and combined, they make me think of a stir-fry. It’s an [...]