Turnabout's Fair Play

2003 d'Arenberg "Laughing Magpie"
25.00
Jen's Notes

I chose this Aussie blend of Shiraz (94%) and Viognier (6%) for Shane's blind tasting. This presented two other opportunities: (1) the first Australian wine of our blog, and (2) checking out the newish wine shop/bar in Embarcadero Center. It is called, appropriately enough, WINE and is auspiciously located between L'Occitane and Peet's Coffee.

The shop has a smallish, but well-chosen selection of wines from all over the globe, and most of them are mid-priced. The bar area boasts a relaxed elegance that I am sure people will find welcoming after work.

On to the wine.

Shane's Notes: Inky color, with sweet, jammy aromas. Palate: no tannin management here! It is dry and has nice mid-palate juiciness, but the finish is clipped and too short - as if the flavors are snatched off your palate. Perhaps it needs to age? Not complex. Well made, though I don't really like it.

Guesses: French Rhone blend, $20-25.

Jen's Notes: Deep purple-red in color, aromas of ripe raspberries, pepper, cedar/tobacco. After aerating, the aromas soften to flower and herb scents. Palate is quite peppery, especially on entry. Pronounced tannin. Very dry. Flavors include tangy berry/plum fruit, spiked with tobacco. Focused, chewy, mouthfilling. Short finish is disappointing, but otherwise, I quite liked it.

I was very impressed with Shane's guesses. He got the money, and was on the track, suggesting that the wine was a Rhone-style blend. The sticking point, of course, was the region, which I think most people would have a tough time pinning down.

This is fun!