Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/628173
january-february 2016 / the tasting panel / 107 but has promise of ageablity and balance in its big fruit and brooding tannins, with nuances of menthol and toast. 92 —K. M. CONTACT: James Gosper, james- gosper@gossieco.com Quarisa Wines 2012 "Johnny Q" Shiraz, Coonawarra & Padthaway A bit of burnt rubber to start things off but then smooths out with blackberry, clove and dill. Ooh, a maple finish and upon second sip Christmas cake, big time. This is an easy-peasy Christmas cake of a wine with a licorice finish. "You just can't take life too seriously" is distinguished winemaker John Quarisa's motto. 92 —J. B. CONTACT: Johnny Quarisa, johnquarisa@quarisa.com.au Brown Brothers 2014 "The Devil's Corner" Pinot Noir, Tasmania Bright red cherry, just barely medium body with an appearance that's darker in character in this Pinot by one of Australia's leading family-owned wine companies, Brown Brothers. Sandalwood and a great earthy finish on this wine from the Tamar Valley on the East Coast of the island. Not as heavy as you'd think judging by the color. The red fruits here are of the dried sort; a bit of cinnamon too. 92 —J. B. CONTACT: Matt Turner, mjturner@brownbrothers.com.au Route du Van 2014 Shiraz, Heathcote Fresh and plush blueberry on the nose; cassis here too, but the secondaries reign supreme: cardamom and pencil lead point to the cooler climate of Victoria. This Aussie Shiraz is the result of a collaboration between three families with a long history in Australian wine. It finishes by teetering over the edge onto the savory side with a dried thyme and sage finish. 91 —J. B. CONTACT: Ian Bird, ian.maxwell.bird@gmail.com Atze's Corner 2012 "Zen Master" Shiraz, Centurion Vineyard, Barossa Valley Growing up on his family's estate, winemaker Andy Kalleske cut his teeth on the full-bodied style of old-vine Barossa Valley Shiraz. Years later, he is sticking to his roots with the Atze's Corner "Zen Master" Shiraz. Preserved fruit and comfiture on the nose, with notes of fresh cut cedar. Super juicy and dense, yet lively. Not a ton of acid (think raspberry jam on brioche), but round and generous with good length. 91 —K. M. CONTACT: Andy Kalleske, andrew@ atzescornerwines.com.au Trifon Estate Wines 2013 Humble Vine Shiraz, Central Victoria Award- winning Trifon Estates (116 medals and honors in the past 30 months) is a family-owned wine company with its own vineyard based in Wahring, in central Victoria. This single-vineyard Shiraz offers up soft, rich flavors of plum, blueberry and raspberry—bal- anced with sunshine-bright acidity. It's a ripe and spicy red. 91 – B. B. CONTACT: Barbara Gallo, barbara.commoditytraders@bigpond.com Castelli Estate 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, Frankland River Peppadew sweet piquante pepper and spicy fruit energizes this lean palate with its silky tannins, from one of Australia's top-rated wineries. Currant and bright red fruit jump forward. This Cab, from the great southern region of Western Australia, is light in style but super precise with high drinkability. Reminds me of a classic Claret. 91 – Nathaniel Muñoz, Wine Director, The Rose, Venice, CA Hither & Yon 2013 Grenache Mataro, McLaren Vale The Leask family has been growing grapes in the region since 1978 and launched this artisan brand in 2013. Red fruited with primary notes of red plum and cassis, hints of rhubarb, rooty earth and baking spices fill the mouth. The palate is structured and dry: this is a big wine with its bitter choco- late and cinnamon stick finish. 90 – N.M CONTACT: Malcolm Leask, malcolm@ hitherandyon.com.au Hollick Wines 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, Coonawarra Ian and Wendy Hollick established the "Neilson's Block" vineyard in 1974 in the southern end of the Coonawarra district. They also grow grapes on two other recognized vineyards and all the fruit is estate-grown. Cassis and currant are evident along with hints of savory baking spices that marry well with the rich blueberry fruit. Finely grained tannins are a fulfilling textural sensation. 90 —B. B. CONTACT: Rebecca Paynter, rebecca@hollick.com The Tasting Panel's Anthony Dias Blue outside The Rose with Wine Director Nathaniel Muñoz. Castelli Estate 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, Frankland River, Western Australia is a good partner with The Rose's Cubano sandwich of pork belly, ham, mustard, Swiss cheese and sweet pickles. Savor these new wines coming from Australia at the Wine Australia Trade Show in San Francisco, February 10 2016. RSVP today at wineaustralia.com/usa.