On October 3, the wine tasting group met at Jennifer Robert’s apartment to enjoy some highly rated wines, tasty Hors D’oeuvers at break time. and some good company. The initial tasting of white wines involved 11 people, while the tasting of red wines involved 13 people.
South Africa, Tall Horse, Chenin Blanc, 2024
This chenin blanc comes from South Africa. It is a light bodied wine good for drinking on a hot summer day. Comments from the group was that it was slighly sweet, with a hint of minerality, and well balanced. The label states that it is a safari of ripe fruit flavours and tantalizing aromas, crisp and zesty on the palate. The LCBO describes it as “A fresh and vibrant Chenin Blanc with generous tropical fruit aromas, expect notes of mango, pineapple, passion fruit, honey melon and a light hint of spice. Ripe and zesty fruit on the palate finishes crisp and refreshing with plenty of flavour. Enjoy this light-bodied white on its own, or pair it with fish tacos.” Other suggestions include shell fish, spicy foods, lean fish, or mild and soft cheeses.
Tall Horse was very well received with 10 out of 11 tasters saying they would buy it. Decanter magazine rated it 95 out of a 100. This wine has an alcohol content of 12.5%. Best of all is the price of $9.60.
South Australia, Escapade Vineyards, Shiraz, 2021
This vegan Shiraz was produced by Escapade Vineyards, founded by the Shanahan family, n South Australia. Our wine tasted stated that it was smooth, didn’t have too many tannis, with plum notes. The LCBO states that “Beloved Australian producer Shanahan’s offers this varietally expressive Shiraz that’s full of fruit without being weighed down by too much oak. A spicy, juicy wine, with notes of plum, black olive, freshly cracked peppercorn, and licorice root.”
It is also described as Deep dark red and purple in colour. The nose in intoxicating with raspberry, liquorice along with some subtle pepper, oak, and dried herbs. It is full bodied on the palate, being highly concentrated with Raspberry, black olive, plum and liquorice, with some dark chocolate providing the core flavours. It has wonderfully integrated tannins that give the texture and balance to the wine.
This wine is crafted to be enjoyed now, but will also benefit from up to 3 years of bottle aging. This wine would go well with beef or lamb.
This Shiraz was also well received with 10 people saying they would buy it, 2 who might buy it, and 1 who would not.. It received a score of 95 fom the Wine Showcase Magazine, Sept./Oct. 2023. The alcohol content is 14%. The price is $17.95.
Probus Club of Kingsway-Islington 