Category: Wine

I am always a sucker for new things and wine is no exceptions. If I see an unusual bottle, grape variety, or blend then I am more likely than not to take the risk and buy it. I noticed the La Boheme Act Four Syrah Gamay 2014 on one of the bottom shelves at Dan Murphys and I thought to myself that I had never seen such a blend before (Gamay is the grape variety used in Beaujolais). I stopped to think what this would actually taste like and wondered if it was going to be some sort of strange lolly water. Since the bottle was only around $15 I thought I would take the chance and see what it was like and I am glad I did. It is a rather good blend that brings out the best of both grapes with the strengths of each variety complement the weaknesses of the other. The end result is certainly unusual, but it fills the role of a good food pinot at a price point much lower. I would say it was worth the try.

Price. $15
Value. $25

Edit. I see the price has gone up quite a lot (must be getting some attention) and is now selling for $22 a bottle at Dan Murphys.

I have been rather busy (slack) and have not been posting about the good value wines I have been drinking in 2015. One I should mention is the Metala White Label Shiraz Cabernet 2012. This wine is always good value, but in a great vintage like 2012 it is outstanding value. The South Australian Shiraz Cabernet is an old fashion typical Australian blend. The 2012 Metala is a great example of this blend and at less than $15 a bottle it is a steal.

The other great thing about Metala is it matures really well under less than ideal conditions (i.e. the back of my cupboard). If you have the patience then you will get a totally amazing wine in 2020 for almost nothing (the 2004 and 2006 I finished off last year were fantastic). Buy, buy, and then buy some more of this wine ’till you can’t store anymore.

Price $14
Value $25

Wow what a wine. 2010 was a great year in the Victorian Pyrenees wine region and Taltarni have made an absolutely fabulous shiraz. I loved the 2009, but the 2010 is even better. The only downsides is it costs $30 a bottle and Taltarni are still using corks which means I have to waste 15 seconds rummaging around my kitchen for my corkscrew to open it. Buy as much as you can when you see it.

Cost: $30
Value: $60+

Over in Western Australia 2007 was the “vintage of the century” – I can’t say the same for Eastern Australia where 2007 was probably one of worst for at least 20 years. I managed to get (and drink) a couple of bottles of the 2007 Voyager Estate Shiraz and they were fantastic. I hadn’t had a chance to try the Cab Sav from the same year, but I noticed a few bottles of the 2007 Voyager Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot for sale at my local Dan Murphys so I thought I would take a chance. At $50 a bottle this is a little above my normal limit, but given the year and maker I thought they might be worth the risk so I bought a couple of bottles. A good great decision as the wine is really outstanding. If you like WA cab savs then I think that you will not find better for the price right now. This wine is definitely worth the cost.

Price $50
Value $90+

Update Nov 2013. I saw this for sale a week ago out of cellar release and they wanted $115 for it!

Another great pyrenees shiraz that only cost me $22 a bottle. My only complaint is Taltarni is still using corks with this wine! Come on Taltarni it is 2012 – a cork these days is about as desirable as a hypercolour t-shirt.

Price $22.00
Value +$35.00

Update Nov 2013. I saw some of this for sale a couple of weeks ago at my local DM – the only downside is it is now $30 a bottle.