DCFW Masthead

Wine Corner

The purpose of the wine corner is to provide an everyday, good recommendation that all neighbors can purchase locally for less than $12. In this way everyone can enjoy a good wine, but they won't bust a budget.

Please submit your recommendations to the webmaster via email. Include the year, grape type, name of the wine, name of the producer, geographic region, local retailer for purchase, cost, and your quick thoughts about why you like it.

Wine Tasting, 2010: South Africa ... Australia ... What's the Difference?

Whites

  • 2009 Spier Chenin Blanc from South Africa - clear favorite of the group; honey dew and tropical fruit flavors
  • 2008 Elderton Unoaked Chardonnay from Australia - mineral, flint, with a little bite
  • 2008 HANDS Chardonnay from Australia - Excelsior bottled; buttery overtones
  • 2008 Robertson Winery Chardonnay from South Africa - some folks enjoyed this taste, but not all
  • Silly Goose Chardonnay from South Eastern Australia - some fruit and spice
  • 2008 Gumdale Reserve Chardonnay from South Eastern Australia - Second favorite of the group; one neighbor mentioned that the regular chardonnay is just as good and $5 less; soft oak, peach, cantaloupe flavors

Reds

  • 2005 Spier Vintage Selection Shiraz from South Africa - Tobacco, spice, pepper
  • 2008 Robertson Winery Shiraz from South Africa - Second favorite red of the group; black pepper, vanilla, dark fruit
  • 2006 Black Wing Shiraz from South Australia - Favorite red of the group; smooth, dark cherry, white pepper, blackberry
  • 2005 Penfold's Thomas Hyland Adelaide Shiraz from Australia; Smoothest of all red, dry, cherry
  • 2007 Roodeberg Western Cape Blend from South Africa (60% Cabernet/40% Shiraz) - Needed aeration to bring the cab characteristics to the forefront; no tannins, very light, dried cherries, slight currant flavor

July 2008 Recommendation

Label:  Santi Sortesele Pinot Grigio
Vintage:  2004
Producer:  Santi
Region:  Venezie, Italy
Retailer: Costco
Cost:  $8.99

Notes: Easy drinking white, better than lemonade. Pair this up with some veggies and dipping sauce and you can't go wrong.