McGuigan Signature 2006 - Shiraz

Well here I am again, blog number two, later than planned but these days time seems to not be my best friend.

In fact, since my first blog I have been recruiting trusty helpers to aid me in my writing (and of course drinking) of wine. Where better to start than with my Dad. A person known by all to enjoy a good glass of wine with a meal and to have a good knowledge of grape types and flavours. It is from him that my appreciation of wine came about, and I know that he wants to be involved in The Average Plonker. What you will note is that he tends to buy a slightly higher quality of wine than me, mainly due to what I can justify spending!

For this first blog, I have only let him write his review of a bottle (in fact he has already reviewed a whole varied case for me, but they will be posted gradually), but in time I might just let him introduce himself properly and waffle on a bit as I like to do.

So to the wine:

McGuigan Signature 2006 - Shiraz, McClaren Vale, Australia 16%

What it says on the bottle:

Smooth full bodied red wine with smoky blackberry flavours and a hint of spice given by time in American and French oak.

What Dad says:

A stunning smooth tasting deep red wine with a heavy fruit bouquet and flavours of blackberry and blackcurrant which leave a wonderful aftertaste. At 16% alcohol by volume this is a very strong wine with an alcohol content approaching that of a fortified wine such as Port and should therefore be drunk with caution.

Where to buy it:

The other problem I have with the wine that Dad drinks, is that it is much harder to locate. If anyone can find where to buy this stunning wine then please let me know. Personally I tend to drink the McGuigan Grey Label (which I will be reviewing at some point). This is a much more common wine that is also very enjoyable. It like the last wine can be found in most supermerkets such as Tesco, and wine merchants.


So for now I will sign off, and hope that I might start to get the odd bit of feedback. I will also do my best to post a couple more 'buyable' bottles over the weekend.


Bottoms Up


The Average Plonker
 

Tasman Bay - Chardonnay, Colombard, Sauvignon Blanc Blend

So this is the first blog, and I questioned whether to start with a bottle that was something a little bit special, but that just defeats the point of what I am trying to do. Perhaps at some sort of milestone, if there is any, I will treat myself to a nice French red, but for now, and with no shame I want to introduce:

Tasman Bay - Chardonnay, Colombard, Sauvignon Blanc Blend. An Australian white wine from their Reserve Collection.

What it says on the bottle:

Region: South Eastern Australia
Character: Our fresh and fruity Winemaker's Reserve Selection from South Eastern Australia shows crisp lime and fresh peach notes on the nose, opening up into delicious melon flavours on the palate. A perfect party wine, as well as a great accompaniment to pork, chicken and meaty fish dishes.
Cellaring: Best enjoyed within 12 months.

What I think:

A very crisp white with enjoyable flavours. I am not going to claim to be an expert and describe every element, but there clearly are peach and melon notes to this bottle. This is one which will go well with lighter meals, or simply as a wind down glass after a long or tough day.

Hopefully as I drink more wine and publish more blogs, my thoughts should become longer and my palate better.

I would also hope to start some sort of rating system, but it is almost impossible to rate the first few.

Where you can buy it:

Well I have managed to get the first link up. Sainsburys, is where I bought a case as it was on special. I'm sure it is also available in Tesco, ASDA and wine merchants.

Regular price seems to be around £8.99, but I managed to pick it up on a half price offer.