Taste Test - November 2011
Shanghai’s most committed dipsomaniacs get together to share and compare some of the wines around town. It’s a no-nonsense guide to the good, the great and the bloody ordinary of wine. Which wine will win the day this month?
Attendees:
Mat Ryan – The Shed
Alan Duffy – The Shed
Luke Haggett – Purveyor and connoisseur of beer
Steve Couch – DeVerre Partners
7 Heavenly Chardonnay. California
I was expecting a heavily oaked Chardonnay, and that’s not too far off what we got. Personally, I’m not a fan of the heavy oak Chardonnays, although this one was not bad. Luke reckoned it “looked pretty in the glass”, whatever that means. Alan said it had a lot of acid, but not so much of the butter you would also expect with the style. “Vanilla slice without the coconut,” said Luke, which had us all thinking about where we could get some homemade vanilla slice or even chocolate fudge. I actually went back to the wine after a bit and have bumped it up a point or two. Although it would still probably be a bit too overpowering for most food, it’s a great glass to have while you are preparing the food (possibly on the BBQ) instead of a wine to drink with it.
Price: RMB 318
6th Sense Syrah, California
“I don’t mind it at all” was Alan’s first comment. I thought it needed to open up just a little. I suggested everyone return to their pre-tasting beer and allow it a bit of time, to which everyone happily complied. When I went back to it, I actually liked it. Dark fruit flavours, with massive ‘legs’ down the glass, which is usually an indication of high alcohol content. Steve put it to his mouth and then declared it had “a bucket load of blackcurrant”. Food? Luke said hot, like a Thai beef salad. Steve said the spice would probably kill the wine so put it with pepperoni pizza. I agree – it’s a sit at home, drink a bottle, have a pizza and watch some TV sort of wine. The team is split down the middle on this. A couple of the team expected more, myself and Alan liked it.
Price: RMB 318
7 Deadly Zins Zinfandel, California
Normally a Zinfandel would be a bit heavier, but this one was quite light and not in a bad way. To bring out the best in it, if I was doing the tasting again, we’d have this as number two. The consensus was that this is pretty bloody good. Luke said, “It’s like an iPad. I want one.” The aged Gouda (direct from Amsterdam) we were having with this was doing it absolute justice. Luke was a massive fan – it’s his new favourite style, having not tried or even heard of Zinfandel before. I’m putting it with a very well done (read: charcoal) BBQ steak with lots of fat. It’s not going to overpower the food. Steve said lamb, whilst Luke is putting it with venison. “Definitely road kill,” said Alan. “Maybe kangaroo if you happen to hit it without damaging the hind quarters. It has to be marinated though.”
Price: RMB 318
Summary
Massive arguments, a few punches and then some mediation. Alan and myself preferred the Syrah, while the others declared the Zin. Alan and myself democratically called the Syrah the winner, but it did need time in the glass, and the Zinfandel was not far off.
All wines are available from Alexander Wine Company. Tel: 6136 4280. Email: [email protected]. Mention this article and receive 10 per cent off your purchase!
Sherpa’s Wine of the Month
The 2009 Cupid’s Arrow Central Otago Pinot Noir comes from the heart of New Zealand’s wine-producing region. The most southerly wine producing region in the world, the Central Otago is famous for producing fine Pinot Noirs, and this bottle is no disappointment. The award-winning drop sings with cherry and raspberry notes, plus a hint of gun smoke that lingers for a smoky finish. It tops out as Sherpa’s most expensive wine, but try it with duck or lamb to see why.
Price: RMB 188. Web: www.sherpa.com.cn
