“A thing of beauty is a joy forever”, John Keats, 1795-1821, Endymion, book I, l. 1.
I recently ran across a gorgeous assemblage of wines from the Henry’s Drive group in Australia. All, I feel, represent very good value and surprisingly nice quality that merit a second glance from you.
Henry’s Drive was named after the proprieter of the 19th century mail service that ran through the aforementioned winery’s property. Established by Kim Longbottom (no relation to the famed Portland, Ore. gourmet coffee roasting company) and her late husband, Mark, Henry’s Drive Vignerons has flourished while its broad range of labels respectfully nod to the Longbottom family’s names like the Scarlet Letter, Morse Code and Pillar Box. I was impressed to note that the Pillar Box Red gleaned 22 medals, and the Morse Code Shiraz snagged a silver medal at the 2011 Australian Wine Competition.
Pillar Box and Morse Code are familiar Down under in the Padthaway region, one of Australia’s great wine growing areas.
I recently tasted through the Henry’s Drive portfolio and am happy to pass along my observations to you. Most of these wines are available at Woodman’s, Piggly Wiggly in Cedarburg, Sendik’s and at some Otto’s:
1. Pillar Box White Wine (67% Sauvignon Blanc, 28% Verdelho, 5% Chardonnay), $9.99-$10.99. Pure white with light body. The nose teased with notes of melon, lychee nuts and beguiling fruit. On the palate, this wine lightly danced with a touch of sweetness, then eased into a light finish with a whisp of flowers. B+
2. 2010 Morse Code Padthaway Chardonnay, $8.99-$9.99. Barely off-white with medium body and a nose of medium depth layered with lightly buttery notes. Smooth and mellow in the mouth with a lightly lingering and mellow, acidic finish. Undemanding and pleasant picnic fare. B
3. 2009 Morse Code Padthaway Shiraz, $8.99-$9.99. Deep ruby hue with heavy body. Deep nose with playfully intense hints of currants, chocolate and coffee. In the mouth, cherry gleefully joins the above party. Long finish with a kiss of clove. A-
4. 2008 Pillar Box Red (66% Shiraz, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot), $9.99-$10.99. Inky, dark purple color. Heavy body accompanied by a deeply rich nose – a veritable symphony of vibrant pepper notes on top of chocolate with a subtle background of black cherry and blueberry. Dancingly fruity depth eased into a long, elegant and smooth finish. A
Today’s winner was the Pillar Box Red.
After a day of deliberation, I’d have to award the Price/Value nod to either the Pillar Box Red (all things considered) or to the Morse Code Padthaway Shiraz (Gee, I love the way that Shiraz rolls off the tongue when uttered!).
Great job, Mates! You deserve ongoing success!
