The Gatekeeper Shiraz

The "I am the GateKeeper" Shiraz

So I am a HUGE fan of Ghostbusters.  I can quote almost every single line from both movies, but really, what self respecting person can't?  With that being said I fell for it, hook line and sinker, the Gatekeeper Shiraz, how could I say no?  The 2010 Gatekeeper Shiraz is produced in McLaren Vale, South Australia by wine maker Simon Hackett.  This wine was sealed with a natural cork.

The Gatekeeper Shiraz is an opaque garnet color.  On the nose are aromas of black licorice, chocolate, stewed raspberry, fresh cut oak, dark plum, violets, cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, and cherry.  On the palate are hints of rose petal, charred wood, smoke, black pepper, spice, ripe blackberry, rich plum, dark cherry, lavender, cocoa, and vanilla.  This wine finished smooth with ample tanins and rich oak.  Overall, a bold full bodied red wine and even though The Gatekeeper Shiraz wasn't Ghostbusters related it was still delicious!

Sound like an amazing wine then try with:

• thick, slow braises and stews
• grilled foods such as peppercorn crusted tuna, eggplant, zucchini, tomatoes, and steak
• wild game such as squab, wild boar, venison, and elk
• barbecue
• green herb crusted cheese with earthy flavors   

Next of Kin Blend

Next of Kin

The 2009 Next of Kin Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon is produced in Margaret River, Western Australia by Xanadu.  The estate consists of 210 acres of vines that flourish in the rich, free draining gravel soils of the Margaret River region. This white wine is a blend of Sauvignon Blanc (50%) and Semillon (50%) grapes.  Next of Kin is sealed with a screw top and has an alcohol level of 12.5%.

This wine is a pale yellow color with green hues.  On the nose are aromas of apricot blossoms, peach flowers, nectrine, ruby red grapefruit, navel orange, lemongrass, and wet stone minerality.  On the palate are hints of thyme, lemon zest, lime, unripe peach, apricot, herbs, mango, and slight perfume.  Overall, an easy drinking wine that has crisp acidity and a clean refreshing finish.

Yalumba Viognier "The Y Series"

To be perfectly honest, my absolute favorite grape to drink is Viognier. I love the unique style of wines Viognier can produce that are always a surprise! The 2009 Yalumba Viognier Y Series is made in South Australia on "Australia's oldest family owned winery." The Yalumba Viognier has a 13.5% alcohol level and is sealed with a screwtop.

The Yalumba Viognier was light yellow with a green hue appearance. The nose had notes of mild lemon and lime fruit with strong earth elements such as smoke, charred wood, hazelnut, tree bark, above ground dirt, chalk, and flint. The palate was similar to the nose with hints of smoke, chalk, flint, stone, granite, lemon, lime, and ginger. This Viognier had a mild nose with a long finish and medium acidity. Overall, an unique must try Viognier.