Two Outstanding Bargains from Zilzie

These two are currently on offer from Liquorland at a mere $8. And since I reckon anything under $12 for these is good value, $8 must be a bargain worth having a look at.

Both are medium weight reds in perfect balance. The shiraz shows a little more charry oak than I'd prefer but that hasn't stopped it from picking up a gold and silver medal. The cabernet shows plenty of cassis fruit and will probably find more admirers. 

ZILZIE ESTATE 2017 SHIRAZ
REGION: Karadoc, NW Victoria
A/V: 13.5%
PRICE: $8
FROM: Liquorland
RATING: 4.5/5 from me


ZILZIE ESTATE 2018 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
REGION: Karadoc, NW Victoria
A/V: 14%
PRICE: $8
FROM: Liquorland
RATING: 5/5 from me

Another Outstanding Winner from Taylors

TAYLORS 2017 CABERNET SAUVIGNON

Like the others in this range this wine suffers from huge price fluctuations. It's also a strong buy recommendation at this price and below.
And like the Shiraz it's a beautifully balanced mid weight red but featuring French oak instead of American.

REGION: Clare Valley, South Australia
A/V: 14%
PRICE: $15
FROM: Liquorland
RATING: 5/5 from me at this price

AT THIS PRICE IT GETS TOP MARKS

TAYLORS 2017 SHIRAZ
The severe market price variations of this wine distract from how good it really is. The cellar door price is $20 and I've seen it as low as $11 in the last year. Dan Woolworths have it at $16 at the moment while Liquorland pip them by a dollar.
At $15 this is a very worthy red to either drink now or cellar. There's lashings of flavour on a rich mid weight palate. The slightly overt American oak can be forgiven at this price plus it will settle down with time. Well worth a try.

GRAPE VARIETIES: Shiraz
REGION: Clare Valley, South Australia
A/V: 14%
PRICE: $15
FROM: Liquorland
RATING: 5/5 from me

TAYLORS WINES, CLARE VALLEY SOUTH AUSTRALIA

If you're planning a visit to a wine area make sure you visit one of the big producers. They set a benchmark against which the smaller winemakers can be evaluated. Sometimes the big guys surprise you and often they disappoint. Which is why we had to visit Taylors and we are so glad we did. This family owned winery has achieved so much in 50 years and with what we tasted the future looks outstanding. 

Most wine drinkers would be familiar with their Estate Label featuring the sea horse logo. Sadly it's become a  label at the mercy of the volume retailers who manipulate the market with huge variations in price. Their Jaraman range is far more obscure but even that is currently on some retail shelves for 60% of their cellar door price. The vintages we tasted were outstanding.

Our Cellar Door visit highlight was tasting their two ranges that aren't on retail shelves: the TWP and Taylor Made Range. Contact the winery for these on 08 8849 1118 or email cdsales@taylorswines.com.au.

We tasted a lot of wines. Here are the ones that scored the 5/5 rating from us. It's a long list  with their cellar door prices. Be careful of the vintages, the ones listed are what we tasted. Insist on those.

ESTATE RANGE [$20]  lowest I've seen in the last 12 months is $11

2018 Sauvignon Blanc [Adelaide Hills] 

2018 Tempranillo

JARAMAN RANGE [$25 for chardonnay, $32 for reds] Currently $20 to $23 at Dan Murphy, but check the vintages.

2017 Chardonnay

2017 Pinot Noir [Yarra Valley]

2017 Shiraz 

2016 Cabernet Sauvignon [Coonawarra/Clare Valley]

TAYLORS WINEMAKER'S PROJECT

2017 Riesling $25

2015 Tasmania Pinot Noir $40

2017 Shiraz $25

2017 Cabernet Sauvignon $25

TAYLOR MADE [$25]

2016 Pinot Noir [Adelaide Hills]

2017 Malbec

2017 Shiraz

2017 BDX [Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot/Malbec/Cabernet Franc blend]

BROUGHT TO YOU BY MARKETING

19 CRIMES 2017 RED BLEND

I first saw this label in the UK, earlier this year, dismissing it as a standard stereotype that was only missing a kangaroo. It was considerably more expensive than the $10 I've just paid, which was a low enough cost to tempt me. 
It was a pleasant surprise with a jammy mid weight palate in perfect balance. The wine is so much better than the silly nonsense on the label.
GRAPE VARIETIES: Not specified
REGION: Not specified but probably some Barossa
A/V: 13.5% 
PRICE: $9.90
FROM: Dan Murphy
RATING: 4.5/5 from me at this price

IT'S JUST A BIT TIRED

YALLINGUP  2017 SEMILLON SAUVIGNON BLANC
The problem with so many wines like this is that they need to be drunk in their year of vintage. It's perfectly drinkable, dry and austere and really starting to show it's age. It may morph into something complex but that's the risk you take.

GRAPE VARIETIES: Blend of semillon and sauvignon blanc
REGION: Clare Valley, South Australia
A/V: 12.5% 
PRICE: $8.90
FROM: Dan Murphy
RATING: 3/5 from me

DAN MURPHY'S "SECRET SELECTION" NUMBER ONE

CLAYMORE "GOD IS A DJ" 2017 RIESLING 

I recently placed my first on line order with Dan Murphy. It was an interesting experience. The 4 dozen order was split over two deliveries which partly explains the 18 emails I received advising the evolving status of my request.
I ordered a number of their "Secret Selection" wines available on line. They tell you the vintage, the area and the grape varieties as well as a vastly inflated original price. That's unfortunate because overall the wines have been quality drinking at a very reasonable price. They're just not the huge bargains that Woolworths would like you to believe.
This is a very drinkable riesling. Crisp and dry with a little bit of age creeping into the palate. Enjoy at this price.
GRAPE VARIETIES: Riesling
REGION: Clare Valley, South Australia
A/V: 12% 
PRICE: $8.90
FROM: Dan Murphy
RATING: 4/5 from me

I'M STRUGGLING WITH THIS WINE

ANNIE'S LANE 2017 SHIRAZ
When this first came onto the market back in the mid 1990s it was positioned as a premium label. This isn't. It gives the distinct impression of being made to a price point. So while I can understand the excitement of seeing it at this price, it's hardly a bargain if it's not worth its perceived value.
The problem with this wine is it's so one dimensional. It opens hot and charry and stays that way. We've had two bottles open over 4 and 2 days. There's been no bottle variation and sadly no evolution of the wine. There's nothing subtle, no nuances and certainly no charm. I'm sure this style must appeal otherwise it wouldn't sell in such volume. My rating is based on the current price. Much more and it would slip down to a 2.

GRAPE VARIETIES: Shiraz
REGION: Clare Valley, South Australia
A/V: 14.5% 
PRICE: $9.40
FROM: Dan Murphy
RATING: 3/5

A TRIFECTA OF SAUVIGNON BLANCS

TANGAROA $8.55  RATING: 4/5 from me

AMIRI $6.90   RATING: 4.5/5 from me

SILVER MOKI $6.65   RATING: 4/5 from me


They are all from Marlborough's 2017  vintage, they are all sauvignon blancs weighing in around the 12% a/v mark and they are all to be found on Dan Murphy's shelves. I suspect they've all come from the same marketing thinktank - ''Let's do a label design based on a Maori word and then explain it all on the back label". Read them and you'll see what I mean
Thankfully they are all very drinkable and exactly what you're hoping for from a budget priced NZ savvy. Don't laugh but the most important thing to remember is to drink them quickly. We tend to road test wines over at least two days, often more, and these all fell apart on day two. The Tangeroa and Amiri opened brilliantly but were really flat the next day. The Tangeroa had the most palate weight but the Amiri starred with it's zing. The Silver Moki won't disappoint but the others are better.

WOOLLIES SHOULD BE ABLE TO DO BETTER THAN THIS

PAUL MAS 2017 SAUVIGNON BLANC
This is one of their controlled import labels found on the Dan Murphy shelves. That it's not the noted region for SB in France should be no excuse as this just doesn't measure up. Once again it's drinkable but if you didn't know better this would put you off ever trying French savvies again. 


GRAPE VARIETIES: Sauvignon Blanc.
REGION: Languedoc, France
A/V: 12% 
PRICE: $7.60
FROM: Dan Murphy
RATING: 2/5

THERE ARE SO MANY, SO MUCH BETTER AT THE PRICE

LOXWOOD LANE 2017 SAUVIGNON BLANC

The back label promises "fresh and vibrant" along with "citrus, honey and passionfruit". Sadly it delivers none. It's drinkable but why bother?

GRAPE VARIETIES: Sauvignon Blanc
REGION: Adelaide Hills, South Australia
A/V: 11% 
PRICE: $6.65
FROM: Dan Murphy
RATING: 2/5 from me 

JUST BUY IT

Aldi have been getting a few huge media wraps recently for their red wines. Unless I've missed it, everyone seems to have missed this one. And I reckon it's the best. This is a seamless red with plenty of berry fruit on a mid weight palate. Acid, tannin and fruit in perfect balance. Impossible to recommend highly enough


ONE ROAD 2017 CABERNET MERLOT
GRAPE VARIETIES: Blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot
REGION: Blend of South Australian and Victorian fruit from the King Valley
A/V: 14% 
PRICE: $6.99
FROM: Aldi, Australia
RATING: 5/5 from me 

PURE CLASS AT A BARGAIN PRICE

The Loire Valley is responsible for some of the finest sauvignon blancs in the world. From the steely, austere, aristocratic Sancerre to the more populist Touraines. This is a stunner that has a flavour profile that fits nicely between the two. Please give it a try if you want a change from the sometimes overwhelming similarity of New Zeakand offerings.

RESERVE DE LA FAMILLE DROUETT LOIRE VALLEY 2017 SAUVIGNON BLANC
GRAPE VARIETIES: Sauvignon Blanc
REGION: Loire Valley, France


A/V: 12% 
PRICE: $7.99
FROM: Aldi, Australia
RATING: 5/5 from me 

STAY CALM AND ENJOY A FIVE DOLLAR RED FOR WHAT IT IS

CORAGGIOSO 2017 NERO D'AVOLA

A recent newspaper article about this wine caused a huge social media furore. There was outrage over Aldi's perceived evil unsustainable manipulation of the market. And all of it based on the reviewer's claim that this was so much better than so many wines twice the price. Oh really? 

I made a career out of finding wines that outperformed others that were twice the price. It's hardly surprising that Aldi, with their resources and expertise, can do even better. The reality is that this, at its best, completely  over delivers at $5. It offers a rich berry intensity that has you reaching for the glass and savouring every sip. Unfortunately it's ridiculously variable and we've opened bottles purchased from a number of stores that were well short of the quality of Aldi's $7 offerings. So be warned. 

GRAPE VARIETIES: Nero d'Avola - it's Sicily's most important red variety and it's starting to find a growing home in Australia.
REGION: Sicily, Italy
A/V: 13% 
PRICE: $4.99
FROM: Aldi, Australia
RATING: 4/5 from me although 5/5 with a star at its best

$7 REDS SHOULD NOT BE THIS GOOD

This is an absolute ripper which I can't recommend highly enough. Funnily enough it's not quite the best in Aldi's ONE ROAD range. That's coming up soon.

ONE ROAD 2017 South Australia & Heathcote Shiraz 
GRAPE VARIETIES: Shiraz
REGION: South Australian/Victorian Blend
A/V: 14.5% 
PRICE: $6.99
FROM: Aldi, Australia
RATING: 5/5 from me 

AN ALDI CROWD PLEASER

This is an ephemeral little beauty presented under one of Aldi's many labels. It's delicate. with crisp acidity and fruit flavours to appeal to all. For a function you couldn't go wrong.














AC BYRNE & CO 2017 MR Sauvignon Blanc Semillon
GRAPE VARIETIES: Blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon
REGION: Margaret River, Western Australia
A/V: 12% 
PRICE: $7.99
FROM: Aldi, Australia
RATING: 5/5 from me 

HALF PRICE SPECIALS INVITE SCEPTICISM

Dan Woolworths are at it again with a "buy one get one free" offer.
Is this worth $17? Definitely not although the packaging might suggest otherwise. Which for my money makes a half price special something to be wary about.
Is it worth $8.50? Definitely providing you ignore the meaningless back label. This is a thowback to the old herbaceous Marlborough style. With the added factor of a palate weight which suggests some yeast lees lurking about. If you like that style you'll rate this far higher than I have. 



TE RUA BAY 2017 SAUVIGNON BLANC





GRAPE VARIETY: Sauvignon Blanc
REGION: Marlborough, New Zealand
A/V: 12.5% 
PRICE: $8.50 [based on a regular price of $16.99 and "buy one get one free"]
FROM: Dan Murphy, Australia
RATING: 4/5 from me 

THIS IS WHEN IT'S WORTH PAYING MORE

This is a delicious quality riesling in the dry style. It has appealing floral fruit balanced by crisp minerality. On Lidl shelves this is quite expensive. For what's in the bottle it's very cheap.

WACHAU RESERVE RIESLING
GRAPE VARIETY: Riesling
REGION: Austria
A/V: 13% 
PRICE: 6.99 euro 
FROM: Lidl, Austria
RATING: 5/5 from me 

CHILE TRIUMPHS IN AUSTRIA : sounds like a football game

Here's another example of a budget red being brought into a country that struggles to produce them. Terrific little wine that over delivers at this price and certainly won't offend anyone. Once again, it's way too young and with a screw cap could safely be stored for a few years.
If I lived in Austria or Germany I'd be buying at least 10 dozen of these each year. Storing for at least three years and enjoying them over the next five.

VIAJERO 2017 CHILE CABERNET SAUVIGNON
GRAPE VARIETY: Cabernet Sauvignon


REGION: Central Valley, Chile
A/V: 13% 
PRICE: 2.49 euro 
FROM: Lidl, Austria
RATING: 5/5 from me 

JUNGE WINZER 2017 WEISSER BURGUNDER

Their Pinot Blanc is exciting but for us, their Pinot Gris just isn't. 

GRAPE VARIETY: Pinot Gris
REGION: Baden, Germany
A/V: 12.5% 
PRICE: 5.99 euro 
FROM: Lidl, Germany
RATING: 3/5 from me