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2008 Isabel Sauvignon Blanc - New Zealand, South Island, Marlborough (6/21/2009)
On sale for $10 and if more kiwi sav blancs were in this price range, I’d drink them more often. I was just bashing NZ sav blanc to my dad the other day, complaining about the all too often obnoxiousness of the acidity, and a rather homogenized overall experience form one bottle to the next. I’m happy to say no such pitfalls here, as one immediately tasted a fairly complex medley of tropical fruits, especially star fruit, that really provided had an uplifting and happy feeling once this was in your mouth. Yes, of course a decent amount of acidity, but that hand is proportionate and well played. Lingering notes of grassy minerals on the finish. A great pairing with the appetizer of bruschetta with fava beans, greens and blood oranges. (90 pts.)
Posted from CellarTracker
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2005 Heartland Shiraz Director’s Cut - Australia, South Australia, Limestone Coast (6/21/2009)
As my CT stats will attest, my Australian Shiraz stash has been dwindling over the last couple of years, with one small exception, a Ben Glaetzer wine. He really has an uncanny knack for getting these ‘take no prisoner’ styled Shiraz’s and orchestrating them in such a way that hits all the hedonistic buttons, all the while having his wines exhibit a natural, common sense delivery. I had this a year and a half ago, and did found it a bit much really, but this has settled down nicely, allowing its boysenberry layered charms to do their thing without overstaying the welcome. A nice snappy edge of acidity keeps things fresh and on time, and well gauged use of new oak. Complex and satisfying, it just needed a little time. (91 pts.)
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