Before Christmas last year I was perusing the aisles at the afore-mentioned independent wine purveyor, looking for a gift of Cru Beaujolais for a friend (this reference may generate another post soon too[!]) and having selected said Gamay filled bottle from the Burgundy out-skirts I noticed some wooden boxes at the registers with very nicely designed 'Europa Cellars' clean-skin labels on them. Now, I'm no fan of the cleanskin, I agree there are some gems out there and sometimes we can save money on something that was originally destined for a hifalutin label but I like to get a sense of narrative with my wine, a sense of place, a sense that somebody made it and is proud of it and will make it again. Clean-skins are home brand wines.
This aside my host assured me of its quality and bargain status so, at $12 a pop I scooped one up and days later was on a plane to the south coast of New South Wales, destined for sand, revelry and relaxation at Mum and Dad's.
On boxing day we had some friends over for lunch, visiting with their new born and, while the wives cooed and oozed baby noises on the carpet, we men pulled the cork out of this clean-skin, proclaiming 'We'll be the judges of this!'Well, our first hint at this wines provenance (although more a conclusion than a hint) was when the cork revealed, emerging gradually from it's glass sheath, the letters
P
A C
S L
S O
I U
N D
G S
A C
S L
S O
I U
N D
G S
Now I happen to know that Passing Clouds, an eminent producer from Victoria's Macedon region make a very good and highly regarded Pinot for which the cheapest price I've seen is $27.99.
This excited us.
The Colour was as vibrant as one might expect given that this was a 2006 vintage Pinot, some dulling but certainly no brickiness or tawny hues.
But as soon as we smelt it we knew we had a bargain. Lifted cherry aromas enveloped in earthy notes and a hint of cedary oak.
All this promise was fulfilled in the mouth, a lovely juicy feel, meduim bodied and elegant with a delightful bit of texture on the finish, a carpet of loose-knit tannins just strong enough to ensure the next sip wasn't too far away.
This excited us.
The Colour was as vibrant as one might expect given that this was a 2006 vintage Pinot, some dulling but certainly no brickiness or tawny hues.
But as soon as we smelt it we knew we had a bargain. Lifted cherry aromas enveloped in earthy notes and a hint of cedary oak.
All this promise was fulfilled in the mouth, a lovely juicy feel, meduim bodied and elegant with a delightful bit of texture on the finish, a carpet of loose-knit tannins just strong enough to ensure the next sip wasn't too far away.
Needless to say I bought more and last time I checked (last week) there was still some available, but don't buy it all before I get the chance at another bottle or two, K?
DB.
