What a week for wine it’s been. I was lucky enough to receive a bottle of this wine from a friend.
It’s a 2011 Torbreck Old Vines Grenache Syrah & Mourvedre. You may know the blend as GSM. It’s from the Barossa Valley, one of Australia’s most famous wine regions, and also home to some of Australia’s oldest vines. These old vines contribute to the pure and intense flavors of the red wines that make the Barossa Valley legendary. This blend wine is as beautiful on the palate as it is in the glass. Juicy flavors of cherry, nutmeg spice, cedar and aged oak combine to make a spectacular wine. A treat with steak or any grilled meat, or all by itself.
And while we are on the subject of old vines, let’s re-visit one of my old favorites.
Pepperwood Grove Old Vine Zinfandel is a steal of a deal. At only $16.99 a bottle I always keep a couple in my wine rack. I told one of my colleagues at work and now it’s his go-to wine. Big juicy flavors burst in your mouth with every sip. You know how with some wines, that first taste is amazing and then the more you have that feeling fades. This wine is not like that. Right to the very end your mouth comes alive with all these great flavors. It’s a mouth filling blend of blackberry, clove spice and a peppery oak flavor.
This is the same people who bring you the spectacular Smoking Loon Pinot Noir. Another steal of a deal. A fantastic Pinot Noir for under $16, and you don’t hear me say that too often. Light garnet in color with mouth-watering tastes of raspberries and strawberries. This California Pinot delivers a great wine for the money.
And last but not least…. Ja Mocha.
I enjoyed this wine again this past week. And every time I open a bottle and enjoy a glass, a I remember why I like it so much. Many of the South African Pinotages that I have tried, have been a little over-powering. The flavors of Mocha and coffee over-power the wine. It’s not the case with the Ja Mocha. Although you can tell by its name, it does have a flavor of Mocha, it also tastes of chocolate (never a bad thing) and oak in a very subtle way. Soft tannins and very well-balanced, this is another wine I have a hard time keeping in my wine rack.
Thank you so much for reading. I love all the comments and feedback.
Till next week, Cheers.
Darlene
Wine-It’s Just My Opinion 