Chris Sherman
2008 Jacob’s Creek Reserve Riesling (Australia)
Jacob's Creek Riesling Reserve ($9.99)
Cool, cool, cool Riesling so bracing you’d think it was from the Mosel not the Barossa. Jacob’s Creek, the giant of Oz, handled these South Australian grapes with great care, night-harvests and cold fermentation so the wine bursts with juice, the tang of a lemon-lime gelato with a sprinkle of almonds. The structure and acidity is as refreshing, like a shower in a mountain waterfall. Critics who overlook mass market wineries couldn’t ignore this limey blast. It’s 73 on the WS Top 100 list, one of the best bargains – and all the harder to find. We’ve got plenty for every pad Thai, oyster fry and shrimp salad you can eat this year. Get a case for the boat or beach – and set a bottle aside one for 3-4 years to watch it mellow and sweeten up.
91 Points, Chris Sherman
Staff Selection, March 2010
2006 Kaesler Stonehorse GSM (Barossa, Australia)
“The label’s new to some U.S. drinkers, but Kaesler is old Barossa, old barrels, fairly old vines and an old Rhone blend. Not another Shiraz blend, but an elegant package, a lovely to drink early on. Grenache leads the flavor, with lots of flowers and jammy plums, while the Shiraz and Mourvedre provide structure, body and polish. It’s broad, sturdy but soft and thick. Don’t expect the pepper and spice of simple Rhones; you’ll get more licorice, coffee and chocolate. Not a wine for rustic lamb and game, this Stonehorse rides with good beef where Pomerol might go.”
2006 Kaesler Stonehorse GSM (Barossa, Australia) – 14.99
92 Points, Chris Sherman
Ferbuary 2010
2008 Stump Jump Shiraz (Australia)
2008 Stump Jump Shiraz ($8.99)
This is the juice to last you all winter, a $10 bottle with a bushel of flavor. This Aussie Shiraz has more plums than most fruit pies, jammy from the nose all the way through the palate to the end, as if they’d come off the trees and berry bushes at the last minute. Ripe with hints of cinnamon, pepper and licorice, the favorite candy of Oz, and surprisingly soft. Maybe D’Arry and Chester Osborne got your attention with a Top 100 nod from Wine Spectator (No. 82), Winery of the Year honors from Wine & Spirits or just the great names; it’s a teddy bear in a red ribbon, and a great value.
92 Points, Chris Sherman
January 2010
2007 Tablas Creek Cotes de Tablas Rouge (Paso Robles, California)
Rein in the Rhone Rangers to let the elegant grand marshal parade by. This is thoroughbred Rhone, bright with cherries berries and peppers yet with smooth, silky texture Burgundians would envy. No thorns or brambles, but the grapes could not be more French, brought direct from Chateau de Beaucastel and carefully raised on Paso dirt and sun. Heavy Grenache,with Syrah, Mourvedre and a rare touch of peppery Counoise. It has a modest body, shiny color like a rare steak just off the grill – and flavor to fit that steak and stouter fare. Robert Haas and the Beaucastel Perrins have bottled exceptional polish at this price and give you a whiff of Esprit, their masterful California Chateauneuf in the USA.
2007 Tablas Creek Cotes de Tablas Rouge (Paso Robles, California) ($19.99)
- 91 Points, Chris Sherman, Email: Chris@b-21.com