Australian beauties prove exception and Rule

I was delighted to discover Plunkett Fowles Stone Dwellers 2008 Shiraz among the100 or so wines in the latest Vintages release. It rates a 92, (see review above) as high a score as the Stone Dwellers 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon released last summer, my highest rated general list wine of the year. Both are $19.95, but the 2008 Cabernet is long sold out.

Like many world-class wineries, Plunkett Fowles has even better reds in its home stable in Oz, that have not yet made it to shelves in Ontario.

I recently tasted its flagship shiraz, The Rule, made by Sam Plunkett from exceptional lots and parcels. This silky monster merited a solid 95 score, and runs $50 in Australia. And even higher is The Exception Reserve Shiraz, extremely limited at $125 Australian.

Yet another biggie for Oz fans is Chapel Hill Winery 2009 Mclaren Vale Cabernet Sauvignon (#965830, $24.95, 91) with mace, smoked bacon, mocha and black cherry richness. It can cellar easily for five or more years.

California is a big feature in this current Vintages release as well.

The Macmurray Ranch Chardonnay (see review above) is made on the old Fred MacMurray ranch nestled in a lovely bowl of mountains in Sonoma, Calif. The actor ( My Three Sons and many movies) bought the cattle ranch in1941and made it his home until his death in 1991. On a visit, I met his daughter Kate, a vivacious wine enthusiast who continues to represent the brand after giant Gallo took over the ranch and winery operations. For connoisseurs, this release offers monster Lotusland cabernet sauvignons, some with prices that make me cringe. Included in the gems are three icons, ideal for enthusiasts with large cellars for optimum aging of wines. Leader of the California dreamers is Robert Mondavi 2007 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (#670463, $139.95, 93/94) with brooding mocha, violets and graphite prowess. Runner-up is Beaulieu Vineyard Georges de Latour Private Reserve 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon (#80218, $89.95, 92/3) brimming with monster cassis and pencil shavings complexity. And Dunn Vineyards 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon (#193854, $87.95, 91) shows lavish blackberry, mocha and black raspberry finesse.

Some of the remaining Cali Cabs in the Vintages feature are way overpriced, so buyer-beware, no matter what the winery’s reputation has been in the past.

Happy wine hunting! stimmell@sympatico.ca