87 Points – $30
Named after the Yarra Valley diva Dame Nellie Melba, whose performances in the opera Lucia Di Lammermoor made her famous in the 1860’s when cuttings for these wines were first planted. Oak and caramel fill the nose and a full palate of fruit, molasses and caramel. Medium bodied with a disappointing finish for the age of the vines it comes from. Must try other years.
Red Wine
Name: Melba Lucia Yarra Valley
Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon 91%, Sangiovese 9%
Region: Yarra Valley, Australia
Maker: De Bortoli Wines
Price: $12
Alcohol: 13%
88 Points – $29
The smell and mouth of blackberry, spice and pepper with a dry finish of cocoa.
Red Wine
Year: 2007
Name: Terra D’Oro Zinfandel Amador County
Grape: Zinfandel
Region: California, U.S.A.
Maker: Terra D’Oro Winery
Price: $29
Alcohol: 14.5%
92 Points – $37
A fine nose of oak, tobacco and mocha greet you and lead to a mouthful of plum, dark fruit and cocoa flavours. A long dry finish. Very good. A tribute to Luis Felipe Edwards’ wife from handpicked grapes blended from the outstanding grapes of each vintage then aged 18 months in French oak.
Red Wine
Year: 2007
Name: Dona Bernarda
Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Colchagua Valley, Chile.
Maker: Luis Felipe Edwards
Price: $36
Alcohol: 14%
89 Points – $22
Medium red in color with the aroma of plums and mushrooms on the nose. Full plush mouth of plum, sour cherries and licorice notes. Dry finish. A good Chianti.
Red Wine
Year: 2002
Name: Riserva Ducale Chianti Classico
Grape: Sangiovese
Region: Italy
Maker: Ruffino
Price: $22
Alcohol: 13.5%
86 Points – $20-$25
Ruby red in color with cherry fruit and berry nose. Flavors of tobacco, nut berry and fruit. Balanced, dry medium finish.
Red Wine
Year: 2007
Name: Grand Reserva Blend
Grape: Red Blend Cabernet Sauvignon 31%, Carmenere 27%, Syrah 18%, Malbec 12%, Cabernet Franc 9%, Petit Verdot 3%
Region: Chile
Maker: Vina Chocalain
Price: $20-$25
Alcohol: 14%
Enjoy Writing simple Reviews on Wine, drinking it too, along with Scotch, and having an occasional Cigar.
