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%
90 Points – $39
This Bordeaux styled wine is a blend of wines that have been aged 16 months in French and American oak. Complex in smell this dark red wine exudes the aromas of blackberries, plums and spice. A full mouthful of dark spices, pepper, plum and oak finish in a long smooth fashion. An ageable wine from the small lots program. Very good stuff here.
Red Wine
Name: Sandhill 2005 Two
Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon 53%, Merlot 33%, Cabernet Franc 14%
Region: Okanagan, Canada
Maker: Sandhill
Price: $39
Alcohol: 14%
87 Points – $12
Transparent yellow color with good citrus notes on the nose. A semi-sweet wine with grapefruit and lemon tart taste with a tart finish. Best chilled.
White Wine
Name: V
Grape: Gewurtztraminer
Region: Germany
Maker: P.J. Vakkenberg G.M.B.H.
Price: $12
Alcohol: 10.5%
88 Points – $22
Velvety dark stewed fruit with earth and leather notes. Good spice on the finish. A good wine for cheese especially cheddars.
Red Wine
Year: 2008
Name: Reserva Especial Syrah
Grape: Syrah
Region: Limari Valley, Chile
Maker: Tabali
Price: $22
Alcohol: 14.5%
Enjoy Writing simple Reviews on Wine, drinking it too, along with Scotch, and having an occasional Cigar.
