Offcuts

A few wines consumed in between notes.

The 2008 Hoddles Creek Pinot Noir, like its sister Chardonnay, needs some time to settle, but this seems to affect immediate drinking pleasure more in the case of the red. Currently, it's almost a caricature of itself, flagrantly aromatic and with piericing intensity of fruit, but without the depth and structural poise to round out what will undoubtedly become a delicious expression of Yarra Valley Pinot. I'll retaste in a year or so, at the earliest.

A 2007 Water Wheel Memsie Red, however, is drinking at its peak now; I just wish its peak were a little higher. A nice enough, fruit-sweet flavour profile (it's an interesting blend of Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Petit Verdot) with the mouthfeel (and alcohol) of a bigger wine, but lacking the intensity to match its other dimensions. Not a bad quaffer, and extremely well priced (I'm sure I paid well under $A15). Just not my thing, I guess.

A better bet for quaffing is the 2008 Second Nature Cabernet Shiraz Merlot from the McLaren Vale. No great complexity, just full of easy flavour. This wine is a sure bet; the one you know you're going to go home with. Dark berries, chocolate, a few tannins here and there; what's not to like? I'll take two.