Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Heartland Wines 2007 Stickleback (Australia)

When I was in Italy, back in the fall of 2008, I learned quite a few things, one of which was that I did not like most of the wines made from the Dolcetto grape. So here I am with an Australian blend that features Dolcetto as one of its components ... the others are Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Grenache - all grapes I like. So can one grape ruin a blend? In this case, no. First off there is only about 10% Dolcetto in here, not enough to really make or break the wine, but enough to add structure, some flavours and aromas to the whole. Once in the glass you'll find the wine offers good flavours, good smells and good value (by Ontario standards anyway - $15). The nose is slighlty perfume along with pepper, red berries and some cinnamon-cocoa - very inviting. The palate is spiced up along with pepper, black fruit and chocolate. The finish is spicy and quite intense. The 14.5% alcohol isn't noticeable on the nose or the palate, but you'll feel wobbly after a few glasses, if you're not careful (and depending on the size of your glass).

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