What's Your Favourite Red Grape?

Maximus · Post by **Maximus** » Sat Oct 01, 2005 8:08 pm

Hi everyone,

I thought it was time I entered into the polling stakes, raising what at first might appear to be a pretty unoriginal question. But by favourite grape variety I don't necessarily want to hear which grape is resonsible for your highest numbers in the cellar, although this will inevitably reflect people's preferences over time.

Instead, I'd love to hear people's stories about their changing trends over time, a particular region that was responsible for the love affair with their favourite grape, or the qualities of the grape in question that make it so special and enjoyable.

Personally, the wine that 'changed me' (which I'm sure everyone goes through) was a 13yo shiraz, so this grape in particular has reverence for me. Early on I was terrified of pinot noir but several holidays to NZ and my short term residence in the country forced me into the deep end, for which I am very thankful. I'm really enjoying Malbec of late (perhaps due to its inherent similarities to some shiraz) - both as a varietal and in blending - and I've always been a fan of Cab Franc blended in small amounts to wines.

Of course mood has an impact on the wine you choose to drink, as does time of day, company, and a multitude of other factors. I love a pinot noir with friends over lunch on a Sunday, sitting outside and nibbling on a fruit and cheese platter. A rich and brawny cab is always welcome when sitting down to a nice rump steak for dinner. But if I had to pick one grape that's doing it for me right now, it'd probably be grenache. The principle wine responsible for this was the 2002 Penfolds Cellar Reserve Grenache, followed by the Solaire and Eclipse from Drew Noon. When Grenache is done correctly (and there are lots that are done poorly), it's pretty special stuff.

Cheers,

Red Bigot · Post by **Red Bigot** » Sat Oct 01, 2005 8:23 pm

Maximus wrote:But if I had to pick one grape that's doing it for me right now, it'd probably be grenache. The principle wine responsible for this was the 2002 Penfolds Cellar Reserve Grenache, followed by the Solaire and Eclipse from Drew Noon. When done correctly (and there are lots that are done poorly), it's pretty special stuff.

Cheers,

Max, don't worry, you'll get over it. ;-)

I have to admit that Aus winemakers are starting to produce more good genache-based wines. The Pennies Cellar Reserve 2002 is probably the best Oz Grenache wine I tasted last year and Noons Eclipse can be very special, but there is a long way to go before the local Grenache reach the consistency and heights of Shiraz or Cabernet in Australia or the heights of good French grenache (based on limited experince though).

I voted Shiraz, because it forms the most significant proportion of my cellar and there is enough variety, quality and value to keep it that way for the forseeable future.

If the question was about the the grape variety of the best wines I've tasted but can't afford, then Cabernet (or blends) would probably be the result, I've been privileged to try a few Bordeaux 1st and 2nd growths that are probably the pinnacle in terms of complexity and complete palate satisfaction of all the wines I've ever tried.

Davo · Post by **Davo** » Sat Oct 01, 2005 8:46 pm

Like RB I find it hard to go past Shiraz.

It makes good to excellent wine in all climates found in Oz, which strangely enough is where most of the wine I have has been grown.

Even in the extremes where Cab is struggling, shiraz seems to turn out OK.

Lincoln · Post by **Lincoln** » Sat Oct 01, 2005 8:48 pm

Pinot is the God of grapes: though a great Cabernet or Shiraz is truly a special occasion, when the Pinot is perfect, it is like a voice from the other world....

Daryl Douglas · Post by **Daryl Douglas** » Sat Oct 01, 2005 10:08 pm

Yep, like most others here most of the wines I've kept are shiraz. Haven't yet found a pinot that I can appreciate but would love to find a 100%t cab franc that can kick *r** out of all of 'em. Have enjoyed Tahbilk cab franc in the past.

Over the last few of years I've developed a greater appreciation of cab sauv when it's done well, displays it's intense blackberry characters without being subsumed by too much oak and green, stalky characters that have spoiled some I've tried. Maybe the ones that I found this in were whole bunch pressed. Still need to be convinced that Coonawarra is THE cab region though there are many wines from there I've yet to try. Have consumed almost two cases of Wynns cab 01 in the last 4-6 months though. Maybe my sole bottle of JR 98 bought before the price reduction is near to entering it's drinking window. No more Plantagenet Mt Barker cab left - jeez that's a good+ wine - but have kept a shiraz 01. One of the couple of bottles of Dorrien 96 I have is in peril!

I love good shiraz but it pales a bit in the company of a comparable cab sauv.

Grenache is good, not many better than Norman's unfiltered version at the price but I've not tried D'Arenberg's examples. There was a Turkey Flat I enjoyed though, 01? I think.

I refer to varietals including those 85%+ that are't labelled as blends and shiraz that has any viognier added though I'd probably find it hard to identify in less than 5% blends.

daz

Davo · Post by **Davo** » Sat Oct 01, 2005 10:09 pm

Lincoln wrote:Pinot is the God of grapes: though a great Cabernet or Shiraz is truly a special occasion, when the Pinot is perfect, it is like a voice from the other world....

I absolutely agree. The problems is finding the goodies which are also sensibly priced. Which is why I have 22 bottles of PN in my cellar, with 10 from the same maker in the same vintage. About 1.4666666666etc% of the total.

Big Dave · Post by **Big Dave** » Sat Oct 01, 2005 10:30 pm

Daz,

Try Plantagenet Cab Franc 2001 or Di Fabio 2000. Both kick good butt in my book!

Cheers

Dave

Milwaukee Twin · Post by **Milwaukee Twin** » Sat Oct 01, 2005 11:28 pm

Big fan of Grenache esp. those Grenache dominant CdP such as Barbe Rac, Pegau and Mon Aiuel. Brought up on a Coke culture,I guess........

Raymond W · Post by **Raymond W** » Sat Oct 01, 2005 11:34 pm

Pinot at this stage of my wine journey because I've had a couple of nice Pinot Noirs such as Geantet Pansiot Gevrey Chambertin 2002, some 2002 Dujac village level Pinots, and Stonier Reserve Pinot 2003 which have impressed with their lovely cherry and mushroom / forest floor aromas and sometimes sweet cherries on the palate. I am still exploring the taste of Pinots in France, Aust and NZ.

Recently, I have started trying out wines made from Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese, but it will take some time before I have figured out exactly what wines I really like and with what food. I do know that a good Pinot goes well with grilled salmon...at least for my taste buds.':D'

manning · Post by **manning** » Sat Oct 01, 2005 11:46 pm

I couldn't cast a vote. I tend to go through mini-phases when I'll have a strong preference for a few weeks, until I taste a great example of a different variety, at which point that becomes the new temporary obsession.

Don't know if this will change or not. Have had obsessions for Shiraz, CS and PN so far. Have never really found a Merlot that grabbed me, and am fairly ignorant with regard to Grenache C Franc and Malbec, so need to broaden my horizons.

I seem to have a real issue with blends, for no good reason. Maybe my palate is not sufficiently sophisticated.

Steve · Post by **Steve** » Sun Oct 02, 2005 1:17 am

Voted cabernet franc because it was lacking, but I'm undecided between franc and sauvignon.

Ian S · Post by **Ian S** » Sun Oct 02, 2005 3:46 am

I got Nebbiolo off to it's customary slow start

.

For me when Nebbiolo is done right it provides real layers of enjoyment. However even good producers can make very ordinary wines that cost a fortune. Aging it can also be a bit of a lottery. Are love & hate really that far apart...?

p.s. You missed out the option for Smithy "Ripe"

Ian

cuttlefish · Post by **cuttlefish** » Sun Oct 02, 2005 4:14 am

.......Bests cleanskins......but fresh chilled out of a summer day esky thay were pearlers !
Then ...

cuttlefish · Post by **cuttlefish** » Sun Oct 02, 2005 4:15 am

.......Bests cleanskins......but fresh chilled out of a summer day esky they were pearlers !
Then ... 2001 Seppelt Shiraz ! Poolside ! That's what wines' about

cuttlefish · Post by **cuttlefish** » Sun Oct 02, 2005 4:36 am

Bests Pinot....

Craig(NZ) · Post by **Craig(NZ)** » Sun Oct 02, 2005 8:38 am

Max dear max

I think the results of this poll would be pretty obvious if you knew the type that makes up the forum. I could go further for you:

1998 Blockbuster Shiraz from South Australia if you want to get even more detailed ;-)

hehe

C.

Best wine ive had this year is a 1996 Martinborough V Reserve Pinot Noir

Red Bigot · Post by **Red Bigot** » Sun Oct 02, 2005 9:30 am

Craig(NZ) wrote:
I think the results of this poll would be pretty obvious if you knew the type that makes up the forum. I could go further for you:

1998 Blockbuster Shiraz from South Australia if you want to get even more detailed hehe

Craig, you are behind the times again, we've moved on to 2002 , some of us even to the 2004's ;-)

Andrew Jordan · Post by **Andrew Jordan** » Sun Oct 02, 2005 12:48 pm

Max,

Although I have to admit I have been purchasing a lot of shiraz lately, Cabernet is still the king for me and will be for a very loooooong time.

Tezuker · Post by **Tezuker** » Mon Oct 03, 2005 10:21 am

Well, recently I'd have to say Shiraz. I used to only drink Pinot Noir, but latley I guess my palet has evolved (or devolved) or something!?! Shiraz has that friendly middle ground between Merlot and Pinot...well to me it does, and thats what I like about it. Dj

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Oct 03, 2005 11:12 am

I voted Cabernet but, NOTHING beats the Cabernet/Shiraz blend when its done correctly. If it were done more often we would have more wines like Kaesler WOMS,Bin 90A,and 86,90 Granges...Well almost.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Oct 03, 2005 8:21 pm

Craig, you are behind the times again, we've moved on to 2002 , some of us even to the 2004's

Yip you may be right mate. I aint tried many 04s at all!! In fact I dont even know wht the trophy winning sauvignon blancs are!! What hope is there for a kiwi!!

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