Archive for Australian Wine

When you think of Australia you think of a fun-filled country full of spirit and jovial people. And the burgeoning wine business in Australia is very similar. Most of the reds are light and flavorful, but lack the depth of European or California reds. My wife and I are not big white wine drinkers, but on a recent celebratory trip to Emeril’s Restaurant in New Orleans, I decided on a bubbly white wine from Australia, a 2006 Wolf Blass Brut.

We were both pleasantly surprised and happy with the selection. The white was light and not too dry or sweet. The slightly fruity flavor and effervescent bubbles were a perfect accompaniment to our happy evening and wonderful meal.

The $36 restaurant bottle price was a good value.

Australia has grown into a force in the international wine community. And one of the more recent Australian imports comes from the Razor’s Edge Winery. In 2004, they came on the scene with a Shiraz that received much critical acclaim.

Last night, we had the chance to try the 2006 Razor’s Edge McLaren Vale, Cabarnet Sauvignon. It was like many Australian Cabs in that it was smooth, but did not overwhelm you. Like most great bottlings of Cabernet, it had notes of a mild herbal aroma, which were followed by big fruit flavors.

My wife-to-be and I enjoyed the bottle along with a late evening snack of cheeses, humus, and grilled flatbread.

It was well worth the ~$12 bottle price.