Wine of the Week

 

Aussie Threesome

Here's one of the best deals I've encountered lately: three wines from South Australia (that at regular price are already more than reasonable) are now carried by Costco at discounts exceeding 20%! Check to see if they stock these in your region before making the trek -- at the Los Feliz branch they were fairly picked through and my guess is they'll go fast. All are imported by The Grateful Palate, which is owned by Dan Philips (of Marquis Philips).

Hare's Chase Red Blend, Barossa Valley 2004

Robert Parker says: Located in the Marananga sector of Barossa, Hare’s Chase is a reliable producer of Australian reds. Their value-priced 2004 Red Blend (70% Shiraz, 16% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, and tiny amounts of Tempranillo and Cabernet Sauvignon) offers a dark ruby/purple color as well as aromas of cherries, black currants, and flowers, a graceful entry on the palate, no hard edges, lush fruit, surprising elegance (a characteristic of the finest 2004s), admirable freshness and purity, a layered mouthfeel, and medium-bodied flavors. Drink it over the next 2-4 years. 89 points. Estimated cost $15 (Costco price: $11.49)

3 Rings Shiraz, Barossa Valley 2004

Robert Parker says: The aim of this project, a partnership between importer Dan Philips, renowned winemaker Chris Ringland, and famed grape grower David Hickinbotham, is to offer good value Shiraz from relatively old vine Barossa fruit from vineyards in the Kalimna, Gomersol, and Vinevale sectors. There are 9,000 cases of this voluptuous, supple-textured 2004. Its dense purple color is accompanied by a flamboyant, extroverted bouquet of blackberries, white flowers, earth, and background oak. The wine offers pure, supple, blackberry and cassis fruit intermixed with hints of graphite and camphor. Consume this excellent value over the next 3-4 years.9 1 points. Estimated cost $20 (Costco price: $14.99)


Marquis Philips Shiraz, South Eastern Australia 2004

Robert Parker says: The 2004 Shiraz reveals blackberry, tar, pepper, and toasty oak characteristics in its spicy, rich, deep, voluptuous personality. It will drink well for 1-3 years.

This partnership between Dan Philips and winemakers Sarah and Sparky Marquis (who will no longer be making these wines starting with the 2005 vintage) has been a blockbuster success in the American market. And why not? They are delicious efforts possessing varietal character in addition to being loaded with fruit. In short, they are hedonistic, fun wines to drink ... just what wines should be. And, when you consider their prices, they represent exceptional values. The 2002s were knock-outs, the 2003s, while good, were less successful, and the 2004s hit the bull’s eye once again. 90 points. Estimated cost, $15 (Costco price: $11.49)