foodwineclick

Try Something New!
#NWTW will definitely force you out of your rut, whatever it might be.  I had pretty much given up on Australian wines, feeling they were all too ripe and too oaky.  Just not my style.  Wrong!

This week’s assignment was to find a Cabernet Sauvignon from Coonawarra (Australia).  Wine from Coonawarra seems to be widely available in grocery stores in London (home of our #NWTW two hosts), but not so easy to find in Minneapolis.  I did track one down and brought it home.  As it was already Saturday, I opened mine with leftovers at Saturday lunch.

I matched this cab with leftover tri-tip steak, risotto fritto and asparagus.

Penley Estate Cabernet Sauvignon “Phoenix” 2011 ($22 locally)
What a pleasant surprise!
Eye: Dark red, opaque center.  Cool color cast at the edge
Nose: Green pepper, thyme, bay leaf & fresh red fruit.  The green pepper is definitely there but I like it. It has a bit of oak on it, showing just a bit of vanilla.
Mouth: Very lively mouthfeel, red fruit forward.  Not overly lush, great acidity.  Tannins are there if you look for them but not strident.  Seems like they left it with just a touch of sweetness.

Surprise! I need to learn more about Coonawarra.

Feel like trying something new?  Join us!  Check in on Monday for the #NewWineThisWeek .