Ass Kisser - Shiraz - 2009

Date 24/02/2012
Time 17:30 -
Food None
Brand Ass Kisser - Rocland Estate
Grape Shiraz
Year 2009
Price NZ$17.99

From the people who make Duck Duck Goose, we are today trying Ass Kisser - Shiraz 2009.

BRB.

Um, yeah.

Apologies for the break there, don't know what happened...

Pretty good red for the dollars... infact, minions... two bottles was mean as.

Really? Yes, it was.

Do it, get some.

Lafite Barons de Rothschild Reserve Speciale - Bordeaux Rouge - 2008

Date 18/02/2012 (Updates in red)
Time 15:30 -
Food Undecided
Brand Lafite Barons de Rothschild Reserve Speciale
Grape Bordeaux Rouge
Year 2008
Price NZ$27.90

So, one woke up, got dressed and missioned down to Newmarket.

A fine day to go for a stroll and see the mostly pleasant sights adorning themselves with their surroundings. I'd decided to do an annual gathering of Japanese food, and ingredients, then realising there was a Japanese liquor store close by, I went and bought some Sake and Shochu.

Then I remembered there was a fine wine merchant nearby, so off I trotted to buy some Bordeaux rouge.

FAIL.

Not open.

It's Saturday damn it.

It's Newmarket damn it.

I want to try a Bordeaux rouge damn it.

I waded my way back in to the Newmarket elite and walked toward chez-moi.

Thought I'd grab some steak and cook it to have with me Sake, oh look, a bottle store, oh look, I'm going inside, oh look, a Bordeaux area, oh look, I'm going to buy a bottle, oh look, I'm at the counter... oh look, they have gift pack boxes for Wolf Blass 'Platinum'... hang on - What the fuck?

"Excuse me, I notice you have gift boxes for the Wolf Blass 'Platinum', do you have any?"

"It (the POS system) says we do, it is over here"

(Fuck I was just there)

"That's an OK drop I had a bottle this week" (Employee is unimpressed)

(There is a bottle of the Penfolds RWT next to it - FUCK!!!!!)

SUDDENLY.

Like an Angel calling my name, like a line of little duckies crossing the road, or Moses parting that damn sea, I spot a bottle of Wolf Blass 'Black' label - The lady still talks about the 'Platinum' - I'm gone, straight to the 'Black' shelf.

Fuck me, it's only $74.00.

MINE!

I'm told it is on special, and usually $130.00 per bottle. They have five bottles left in stock. Four now. And, it is the 33rd vintage so different to the amazing one I'd tried.

I know I'm going to go and buy the rest, it's just a matter of time. Fuck you Wolf Blass 'Black' - I love you.

Anyways...

Barons de Lafite Rothschild Reserve Speciale Bordeaux Rouge 2008. I know! how illuminated. Build a berg and get over it right! Can't New world order this stuff but found some on the fly.

It smells great.

It is corked.

It is decanting now.

It is like liquid ruby in colour.

Want to know what I was rambling on about before? check the "." after the fly.

Be back later.

Glass number one, Well it is different to what I am used to, I don't know if I am actually drinking anything at all, and given the cheap price (these bottles go up in to the thousands) this is a fantastic red. Paired with Goldfrapp's aptly named "Time out from the world", this is the bomb-diggity.

[time for a music change]

brb...

Wonderful red. Probably need two bottles depending on your red-resistance and definitely enjoy food with it.

AvinitRED.

Wolf Blass 'Platinum label' - Shiraz - 2006

Date 16/02/2012(updates in RED)
Time 14:30 -
Food None / Undecided / Not walnuts
Brand Wolf Blass - 'Platinum Label'
Grape Shiraz
Year 2006
Price NZ$99.90

It's that day again.

I've discussed this with many people, and I'm going to do it. All over again.

I feel like a naughty adult going to do something bad and sexy.

The bottle looks fantastic, the label outstanding.

I'm offered a chance to cellar for ten years to enjoy the soft fruit characters.

Don't be silly.

It's going down today. Not tonight. Today.

Down to business...


Aerated and decanting.

Be back later.

Well, what can I say, this is truly a beautiful bottle of Shiraz. No doubt about it.

The first taste lets you know that you are passing some class down your gob. Very smooth.

I wasn't sure what to expect after the "Black" label, and I have to admit, that this isn't the root I was gunning for... It's like slaying the dragon only to find out that the dragon became a starfish.

It's fantastic, but I think the varieties in the "Black" smashed me enough to want to try premium blends, or look in to a sexy Malbec.

I almost feel horrible saying that. Almost.

If you get the chance, try the platinum, it wont do you wrong in anyway at all. Except maybe your pocket. LOL.

I may have to give it another chance... but probably not until I've had some Bordeaux reds.

AvinitRED.

Date 14/02/2012
Time 19:30 -
Food None
Brand Wolf Blass - Red Label
Grape Shiraz
Year 2010
Price NZ$9.99 - $12.99

Goosian in style.

I've guzzled cases of this, so good, fine for after work, week days, weekends, and @wk.

I've never @wk this.

It's an all rounder people.

The true foundation stone of red drinking IMHO.

Do it, have courage.

AvinitRED.

Brand Maker's Table (Saltram)
Grape Shiraz
Year 2010
Price NZ$8.99

Yep, hands down, this is by far the meanest sub-ten-bucky I tried last week.

Do yourself favour and go get some.

Aerate, Decant, or just pour it and unwind and enjoy.

That's it really, might grab a case of it and leave it in my room next to my scalpel picture.

Be cool.

Next week, I'm going for gold with the Wolf Blass - Platinum label.


= cannot wait.

AvinitRED.

Wolf Blass - Shiraz Cabernet 2011

Date 10/02/2012
Time 16:30 -
Food Lunch - Salad and Tuna
Brand Wolf Blass - Red Label
Grape Shiraz Cabernet
Year 2011
Price NZ$6.99

The tasting notes on the bottle are as follows:

Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon combine to create a wine with a bouquet of fresh red fruits, spice, mint and balanced oak. Soft, fruity and full of flavour this wine is best enjoyed young and fresh with rich, hearty dishes.

Nice.

But I think it needs a small rethink, perhaps to the following:

Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon, generally, grapes with reputable status, should have combined to create a wine with a bouquet of fresh red fruits, spice, mint and balanced oak. Instead, we have carefully replicated a moldy sock smell, not at all Soft, fruity and full of flavour, unless you dip a week old sock in a cup of water and drink it first, this wine should be best enjoyed young and fresh with rich, hearty dishes. The heartier the better, so as to get the taste out of your mouth.

But am I still drinking it?

Nah.

Try another year.

Obikwa - Shiraz 2010

Date 09/02/2012
Time 20:45 -
Food None
Brand Obikwa (Auto word correction = Obidiah)
Grape Shiraz
Year 2010
Price NZ$8.99

Carefully selected from the bottom shelf at Countdown, people looked at me and I could tell what they were thinking. They were thinking, he usually buys good shit and now he is scraping the bottom shelf sub-ten-bucky wines. If only they knew, it's just business.

So, a long day, fell asleep on the bus, got home, it is starting to get humid and hot, getting off the air con bus was like walking in to a hot wet pistachio nut curry, unpleasant. Got home, opened that bad boy up and straight in to my cup.

First taste was suspiciously like the Eaglehawk and Makers Table. And it didn't stop there.

This red is good too. Really good. I'd like to call it a "red while your on Skype red."

At the pricing, it is once again, hard to beat.

Go get one.

AvinitRED.

Whale Point - Shiraz 2011

Date 08/02/2012
Time 20:00 -
Food None
Brand Whale Point
Grape Shiraz
Year 2011
Price NZ$8.99

I couldn't even find a decent image of this.

It is a South African red.

It's awesome for the price, but really falls back in to the "a red before you go out red."

Still, nice. And I shared this with a friend whilst we smoked cigarettes and unfortunately discussed the Friedmans STARS coaching programme.

Would make nice Sangria. Yummmmmmmmy.

AvinitRED.

Wolf Blass - Eaglehawk - Shiraz 2010

Date 07/02/2012
Time 19:49 -
Food None
Brand Wolf Blass - Eaglehawk
Grape Shiraz
Year 2010
Price NZ$6.99

Did you see that?

$6.99.

The bottle looks cheap I must stay. Don't know what's up with that purple bit...?

Aerated it in to my decanter, but I'm not letting it sit, It's going to be consumed... from a tea cup. It is similar in shape to a stemless glass that has been designed for the variety of grape to breathe and gather as you consume.

But, it's a tea cup.

Smells like it's been sitting on the bottom shelf of a rack. And it has been. At Countdown.

First taste is...OK. Doesn't taste like it's about to turn and rot in the bottle. It's OK.

Bro.

Mean.

Probably be good with a cigarette too, I'll try it and let you know... Yep, sweet.

Good drop and can't be beaten on price.

AvinitRED.

Maker's Table - Shiraz 2010

Date 06/02/2012 (updates in red)
Time 15:30 -
Food None
Brand Maker's Table (Saltram)
Grape Shiraz
Year 2010
Price NZ$8.99 (BARGAIN...maybe)

A picture of five men stomping grapes adorns this well priced red. "Rich" is a word used to describe the characteristics of the wine, as well as "Velvety".

I'm going to decanter. Back later.

Let it sit for an hour and gave it a go.

First taste sucked.

Actually, the first sip did... maybe my glass wasn't clean.

The rest of it though. Magic. I'm surprised. I drank this whilst cooking dinner. Watched some TED videos and that's it.

Not sure how else to describe it, but at $8.99. Fucking sweet.

Maybe a "bottle before going out" red, or something to have in the background, either those or don't expect anything and just chill, do what you do and drink it.

Nice.

AvinitRED.

Date 04/02/2012
Time 18:00 -
Food None
Brand Johnny Q
Grape Shiraz
Year 2008
Price NZ$15.99

This red was OK.

Nothing amazing IMHO.

Decantered it, and downed it.

Didn't stand out.

Av as.

Date 05/02/2012
Time 17:00 -
Food None
Brand 30 Mile
Grape Shiraz
Year 2008
Price NZ$15.99

This bottle looks amazing.

It comes with one of those sticker rolls that looks like it has five medals on it but it is one long sticker instead. Mistake #1.

Aerated, and left to sit for a bit. I also paired this with food, odd, I know. Roast vegetables.

Despite this, 30 Mile was $15.99 I should have put towards something else...

Pulling your own teeth out during a snow storm chucking 'em away then going looking for them with a metal detector would have been more fruitful.

Drink something amazing. Not something that makes you cringe when you drink it.

AvinitRED.

Brand Wolf Blass
Grape Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz Malbec
Year 2006
Price NZ$89.95

I think this is a no-brainer really.

It has to be the Wolf Blass - Black label.

The anticipation built it up similarly like going for a root.

Great great bottle, best not shared with anyone, be greedy and devour it, pair it with something yummy to eat, not walnuts. I might go pork cutlets with some kind of tempura batter, some light greens and baby tomatoes next time I have this, or the older brother, Wolf Blass - Platinum. [Stay posted]

Hmmm.

Is it too early to start AvinitRED?

RED Porn

[DO YOU OWN THIS PHOTO? - LET ME KNOW AND I'LL GOOGLE ANOTHER ONE INSTEAD]
[MEAN.]


[DO YOU OWN THIS PHOTO? - LET ME KNOW AND I'LL GOOGLE ANOTHER ONE INSTEAD]
[SALIVATE.]


[DO YOU OWN THIS PHOTO? - LET ME KNOW AND I'LL GOOGLE ANOTHER ONE INSTEAD]
[MINT!]


[DO YOU OWN THIS PHOTO? - LET ME KNOW AND I'LL GOOGLE ANOTHER ONE INSTEAD]
[ALL I'D NEED IS A SEAT ON WHEELS.]

PENFOLDS - BIN 128 COONAWARRA SHIRAZ - 2009

Date 03/02/2012
Time 19:30 -
Food None
Brand Penfolds - Bin 128
Grape Shiraz
Year 2009
Price NZ$32.95 (I think...)

Another favourite, and right up there with the Kalimna.

Goes down a treat whether Decantered, Aerated or straight from the bottle.

(In to a glass I mean)

No food, but watched a documentary on Florida Ganja Smugglers. Was good.

That's pretty much it.

Next week is sub $10.00 week... should be either surprising or fucking horrible.

Also, wine of the week tomorrow.

RED Porn

[DO YOU OWN THIS PHOTO? - LET ME KNOW AND I'LL GOOGLE ANOTHER ONE INSTEAD]
[OMG!]

[DO YOU OWN THIS PHOTO? - LET ME KNOW AND I'LL GOOGLE ANOTHER ONE INSTEAD]
[I WANT TO LIVE HERE]

[DO YOU OWN THIS PHOTO? - LET ME KNOW AND I'LL GOOGLE ANOTHER ONE INSTEAD]

[ONE YEAR.]

[DO YOU OWN THIS PHOTO? - LET ME KNOW AND I'LL GOOGLE ANOTHER ONE INSTEAD]
[BETTER THAN A VATICAN LIBRARY]

WOLF BLASS - 'Black Label' 34th Vintage 2006

That day has come.

(Updates in RED)
Date 02/02/2012
Time n/a yet18:52 -
Food undecided at the mo'A handful of Californian walnuts
Brand Wolf Blass
Grape Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz Malbec
Year 2006
Price NZ$89.95 (up to A$110.00 makes no sense really... AUS wine in NZ being cheaper)

Thoughts:

I almost feel guilty thinking about drinking it. But I'm going to. Oh fuck yes, I'm going to. The label looks like it is made of black duct tape, the printing is gold. The text is justified.

My online grocery order arrived this morning so maybe I could whip something up, Fish fingers' on a bed of well soaked golden brown onions, seasoned with Cerebos table salt and lavished with squeezy bottle tomato sauce.

Heretic!

The first thing to do though, is to open the top (not cork) and pour the contents through me Vinturi Aerator that fits neatly in to my big "air-to-wine-surface-ratio" decanter. Let it sit for, I don't know... a couple of hours, then imbibe.

[Wine@decanter.]

This bad boy has been decanting since about 14:30. I'm even going to drink it out of a stemmed vessel.

The colour is like blood, or some type of coloured filter that stops 90% of visible light passing through... smells good (How professional! unlike the bottle of red I left on my desk in the sun when I went to Christchurch last week - smelled like vinegar when I opened it.)

Tastes pretty refined I must admit. With hindsight, probably better paired with something other than a handful of fucking walnuts.

It's good.

Damn, it's really good.

I want to share it with someone. (No, I don't)

It would make the experience better I think. (Arse it would)

Altruistic imbibing. (Fuck Dolphins)

Get yourself a bottle. Enjoy it.

AvinitRED.

RED Porn

[DO YOU OWN THIS PHOTO? - LET ME KNOW AND I'LL GOOGLE ANOTHER ONE INSTEAD]

[DO YOU OWN THIS CELLAR? - HOLY SHIT! THAT'S MEAN AS!]

[DO YOU OWN THIS PHOTO? - LET ME KNOW AND I'LL GOOGLE ANOTHER ONE INSTEAD]
[DO YOU OWN THIS CELLAR? - MAKES THE ONE ABOVE LOOK LIKE A TOILET!]

[DO YOU OWN THIS PHOTO? - LET ME KNOW AND I'LL GOOGLE ANOTHER ONE INSTEAD]
[DO YOU OWN THIS CELLAR? - A BED AND A WIFI CONNECTION AND THAT'S GOLD!]

Conjectures amongst friends

Just doing some digging around in to this bottle... the website states over 230 awards have been... awarded. Sweet. Of which, 15 are notable awards. I'm no wine master here, so will have to take the fact that all of these awards that have been... awarded, Must be good.

I better look in to these things, in case some womble tries to 'wine-award' joust with me.

That way I can get a couple of proverbial lance jabs in before taking a beating.

Moving on.

So, food. Should I gorge upon this bottle whilst listening to Balearic chill out tunes? or pair it with a little "je ne sais quoi?"

A quick inter-webs search found the following meal/snack/hint of food/food art prepared and paired with a 2003 bottle of the Wolfblass BLACK Shiraz Malbec.




Doesn't that look wonderful. Where does one start?

The dish is roasted wagyu beef, yellow corn polenta cake, mascarpone with mushroom strudel and truffle jus.

I don't think I've eaten any of that ever... infact, I know I haven't.

Deconstructed, it looks like this...kind of.

Roasted Wagyu Beef
[DO YOU OWN THIS PHOTO? - LET ME KNOW AND I'LL GOOGLE ANOTHER ONE INSTEAD]

Yellow Corn Polenta Cakes
[DO YOU OWN THIS PHOTO? - LET ME KNOW AND I'LL GOOGLE ANOTHER ONE INSTEAD]

Mascarpone (A type of cheese) with Mushroom Strudel
[DO YOU OWN THIS PHOTO? - LET ME KNOW AND I'LL GOOGLE ANOTHER ONE INSTEAD]

Dried European Wild Bore testicles a.k.a. 'Truffle Jus'
[DO YOU OWN THIS PHOTO? - LET ME KNOW AND I'LL GOOGLE ANOTHER ONE INSTEAD]

I'm still at a loss as to what to eat with me new red. I could fry a bit of beef up and have it on a corn cake I guess with some mushrooms wrapped in pastry or a bit of pita bread stuffed with some cheese.

My god.

Steak and Mushroom pie with double cheese. Perfect.
[DO YOU OWN THIS PHOTO? - LET ME KNOW AND I'LL GOOGLE ANOTHER ONE INSTEAD]

AvinitRED.

RED FREE DAY

That's right, what a shock to me too.

I am however, looking forward to the Wolfblass - BLACK label tomorrow.

Might do an 'arvo-jobbie' on this one, and even pair it with food.






Or just drink it.

Excited!