Tasting Notes: Aussie Wines, JavaMonkey Thursday Wine Series, 6/29/08

Pre-tasting notes: I would like to remind everyone of the fund raiser for the JavaMonkey Barista who was in a scooter accident earlier this month. It's this coming Thursday, July 3, and there will be $3 beer, $5 wine, and a silent auction with donations from several Decatur businesses and local artists. So come on out! It's something to do on a non-wine tasting Thursday, and you get to drink for a good cause!

Would someone comment and please let me know if JavaMonkey is supposed to be one word or two? Jess confused me with her announcement. It seems like an adjective/noun combo, which would require a space, but it's hard to tell when dealing with caffeinated primates, who may designate themselves so quickly that a space isn't necessary.

Obviously I didn't let this confusion stop me on Thursday night. We get Hubby's ratings as well as mine on this tasting (his are the smileys).

Thorn Clarke Brut Sparkling Wine NV, Barossa: 40% Chardonnay and 60% Pinot Noir, this wine is a pretty peach color and even has a fruity nose. It's nicely balanced, and as the Brut designation indicates, is neither too sweet nor too dry.
Rating: Very Good / :)

Heartland "Stickleback" White 2006, South: In case you're wondering, this is a Stickleback. The blend is 50% Chardonnay, 30% Verdelho, and 20% Semillon. A lovely citrus and vanilla nose ends up being a tease because the middle is so smooth as to be wimpy, although it has a nice finish.
Rating: Good / :|

Woop Woop Chardonnay 2007, Southeast: I should probably not make notes like "partial MF" on a wine with a name like Woop Woop (the MF stands for malolactic fermentation - get your minds out of the gutter!). It has a lovely citrus nose, and the partial MF does give it a bit of creaminess. It finishes floral and vanilla on the back of the palate.
Rating: Good / :|

Heartland "Stickleback" Red 2005, South: The fishies make red wine, too! It's 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Shiraz, and 10% Grenache. It smells like a Cab with black cherry and plum accents, is oaky and leathery, but then finishes with currant and chocolate. Hubby described it as "chewy." I found that it smoothed out as it opened.
Rating: Very Good / :(

Slipstream Grenache-Shiraz 2006, McLaren Vale: As the name says, it's a blend of 75% Shiraz and 25% Grenache. The nose is of spicy berries, and I found the wine itself to be nicely balanced between fruit and acidity. It has a chocolate creme brulee finish.
Rating: Excellent / :D

Thorn Clarke Terra Barossa Shiraz 2006, Barossa: This one comes out of the bottle an inky dark magenta. It has a spicy nose, balanced acidity, and dark fruit.
Rating: Very Good / :)

One of the reasons I love these tastings is because we get to hang with interesting people. The quote of the night:

"One of my favorite toys as a kid was a slide rule." - Ed(itor) Geeks unite!

Finally, I would like to commend JavaMonkey barista Daphne for doing such a good job filling in for Jess, who was out of town. Great job, Daphne!