First Blind Tasting

The frog sympathiser bought over to the bogan's place a couple of wines for a blind tasting, his intent of course was to trip me up. Big Darren from the Purple Palate at Maroochydore ponied up some free grog for us to smash (oops sorry, critique). Smash (sorry critique) it, we did. The grog in question was a Barossa GSM v an interesting blend of Heathcote Shiraz and Eden Valley grenache (who would have thought!). My palate had been lubricating over a premium quality 2006 Barossa Shiraz (OK, a Jacobs Creek) so i was well primed for the task ahead.

The two were served side by side and blind. I got as far as saying a recent vintage warm climate versus a cooler climate and slightly older wine. Not very clever at all, but at least on the money.

The undisputed winner was the 2007 Jack Raj Heathcote/Eden Valley Shiraz Grenache. This was difficult for us because the winemaker is know to said bloggers and is generally disliked. Don't you hate that! The very long second was a hot off the press, world exclusive, never been blogged before and very ordinary 2010 Yalumba The Strapper GSM.

Jack Raj has quite a unique nose, I thought it might have been a frog. It is quite complex and a little bit funky, but very nice. The palate is medium-bodied and balanced. A well made wine. The Yalumba on the other hand is young, meaty, harsh and overripe nonesense. Nothing to challenge the palate at all.

This brings me back to the Jacobs Creek. The bogan has a soft spot for them for what they have done for Australian wine in overseas markets. You and I might laugh, but the Poms loved it and as a result, a lot of Australians were employed. As for this wine, who'd have thought? Not big or complex by any measure but perfectly acceptable drinking. Secondary chocolate showing on both nose and palate. Still a little tannin, the finish is well balanced. Surprised on the upside.

Now for numbers. The Jack Raj,88, buy again, first thing tomorrow morning. The Strapper, < 80, offensive for the money. Jacoabs Creek, 85, would buy again if I could.