Attributes:

Jim Barry Wines

Clare, Australia/New Zealand

Syrah / Shiraz

750 ML

2005: WineSpectator Rating: 90

blackberry, caramel, eucalyptus, tar

ripe

2004: WineSpectator Rating: 88

floral

blackberry, cassis, cedar, herbs, oak, pepper, smoke, tar

2004: WineEnthusiast Rating: 88

bright

blackberry, eucalyptus, vanilla

juicy

2004: WineAndSpirits Rating: 88

complex

bitter, chocolate, dark fruit, eucalyptus, orange peel

smooth

2003: Tanzer Rating: 88

tangy

deep, rich

berry, bitter, boysenberry, chocolate, espresso, mocha, tar

sweet

2003: WineAdvocate Rating: 87

*-scented

thick, velvety

2003: WineSpectator Rating: 88

rich

blackberry, earth, leather, licorice, peppery, roasted meat

2003: WineEnthusiast Rating: 85

tart

black pepper, blackberry, smoky

Food Matches:

This climatically diverse region of South Australia makes the country’s best Rieslings in a dry, crisp style with hints of lime. It is also known for its Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz.

Originally grown in France’s Northern Rhône Valley (where it is a noble variety) this grape has spread to Australia, California, Washington, Italy and Spain. In the Rhone region this grape produces deeply colored wines with full body and firm tannin, however in Australia, where it is known as Shiraz, the wines are lighter and fruitier. Aromas and flavors for these wines vary as much as their geographical breadth suggests: berries, smoked meat, bell peppers, even tar.

Australian name for the grape known as Syrah in France.

Attributes:

Olivier Leflaive Freres

Burgundy, France

Pinot Noir

750 ML

Food Matches:

or Bourgogne (bor guh nyeh)-this region in eastern France, known equally for the excellence of its red and white wines, consists mostly of small estates, or domaines. Although its climate and soil are particularly suited to the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes, with Gamay dominant in the southern district of Beaujolais, Burgundy’s terroir is so varied that each vineyard creates distinctive wines. This wide variety accounts for not only the plethora of sublime wines coming from this region, but also for the relatively small production levels. There are five main districts in Burgundy: The Côte d’Or, The Côte Chalonnaise, Chablis, The Mâconnais, and Beaujolais. Red Burgundy is paler than Bordeaux, ranging in color from garnet to cherry or ruby, because the Pinot Noir grape has less color than the Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot grapes. It tends to be full in body and low in tannin. The characteristic aroma is cherries and berries, with woodsy, or mushroomy accents. When a red burgundy ages, it often develops a silky texture, richness, and natural sweetness of fruit flavors. Red Burgundies are great to drink young because of their softness and fruitiness, and they are incredibly versatile companions to food.

(pee noh nwahr)—A tricky grape to grow, Pinot Noir makes some of the best wines in the world. The prototype wine is red Burgundy from France but Oregon, California, New Zealand, and parts of Australia also produce good Pinot Noir. The wine is lighter in color than Cabernet or Merlot with relatively high alcohol, medium-to-high acidity, and medium-to-low tannin. Its flavors and aromas can be very fruity or earthy and woodsy, depending on how it is grown. It is rarely blended with other grapes.

Attributes:

Boss Cat

New Zealand, Australia/New Zealand

Chardonnay

750 ML

Food Matches:

(shar dohn nay)—This noble grape’s reputation was established in France, particularly in the Burgundy region, and the highly prized Chardonnay wines from Chablis, Mâcon, Mersault, and Pouilly-Fuissé are imitated by winemakers around the world. Generally an oaked wine (whether from expensive oak barrels or a quick soak in oak chips), its fruity aromas and flavors range from apple in the cooler regions to tropical fruits such a pineapple in the warmer regions. It can also display subtle earthy aromas, such as mushroom or minerals. It has a medium to high acidity and is generally full-bodied. Classical Chardonnay wines are dry. Chardonnay is also an important grape in the Champagne district where it's picked before fully ripe and while it still has high acid and understated fruit flavors—the perfect combination for champagne. California has adopted this grape with a fervor and there are some 200 wineries producing Chardonnay wines in other parts of the United States. Chardonnay has also seen a tremendous planting surge in Australia, and new vineyards are being planted in Italy, Lebanon, New Zealand, Spain, and South Africa.

Although it makes just one-tenth the wine of neighboring Australia, this country’s production is increasing every year. Its white wines are generally unoaked with pronounced flavor, rich texture, and high acidity. The South Island’s renowned Sauvignon Blanc is so distinctive that it can be compared to asparagus, limes, grass, or passion fruit. This region also excels in intense Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs. Cabernet Sauvignon grows well on the North Island, yielding an intense, berry fruit. There the Pinot Noirs are rich and the Chardonnays are soft and ripe but well balanced.