Houghton - Late Picked Verdelho 2006

Wooa... It's been yonks since last I posted a wine review! It has really been a busy year for me and I haven't really had the time to sit down and enjoy a glass. However, nothing should come in the way of a good hearted drink... So I merrily went off to the local bottle searching for something unique to start off the first wine review of the year.

As I trailed my fingers across the rows of wine bottles, this little green beauty caught my attention. Glistening in the middle of the rack, this bottle was begging me to take her home. And so I did. ^_^

Houghton's Verdelho has managed to combine the sweet lingering aroma of pineapple, with the luscious bang of citrus fruits, in one convenient bottle. Not to be confused with the other sweet whites like the Muscats or Lexias, Verdelho has managed to establish itself as a unique variety.

Rather than just giving us a sugar fix, Verdelho invigorates the taste buds to keep us wanting more.

There's only one question left... Does this come in a larger bottle? ^_^

Just under $12 at a bottle shop near you...

Rosemount Estate Diamond Label - Merlot 2004

I've always tried Merlot as a blend, but never by itself before. As it was selling for a ridiculously low price - $6.97 to be exact - I thought to myself, "Why not now?"

Merlot has always been seen as the little brother to the more popular Cabernet Sauvignon; when it's blended (you'll never find it as Merlot Sauvignon), or at the shop shelves where Merlot are always placed at the back, near the fire escape.

However Merlot is starting to gain some recognition as a wine to be enjoyed on its own, thanks to the endless promotions and huge discounts on it. Yours truly was about to be sucked into the brilliant marketing ploy to encourage wine drinkers to pick up a bottle of Merlot again.

The verdict? Even though the winemakers put it a lot of effort into making this wine, it just doesn't have the "kick" and the body to make this a wine to enjoy. Sure it's smooth and plummy, but it can only be plummy for so long until it starts to taste like cough syrup.

Maybe it needs a couple more years to mature. But I'm the kind of person that lives only for today.

And today I'm going to get myself a nice bottle of Shiraz... ^_^

Sandalford Margaret River - Cabernet Sauvignon 2004

There is wine that's good; and then there is wine that's just great. Squashed, macerated and fermented right here in Western Australia, Sandalford has produced one of the finest quality Cabernet Sauvignon I've ever tried. It doesn't even cost you an arm and a leg to get your hands on this. Ok maybe just the leg... Why? Because it's SOLD OUT everywhere!

Sandalford has managed to combine the dark berry flavours of Cabernet Sauvignon with the smooth cedary essences of French oak, to produce a wine that just sits so elegantly on the palate.

Winning top drop at the Royal Hobart wine shows, including triple gold medals at the Brisbane, Adelaide and WA Wine Shows, this proves that Western Australia does have what it takes to produce fine wine.

Price? Doesn't matter how much it costs... If you can find it, get it! ^_^

Brown Brothers - Spatlese Lexia 2004

Mention the word "Lexia" at any wine shop and you'll surely be directed to one of 2 places. One is the rack at the back which houses all the cheap cask wines. The other, contains this beautiful bottle from Brown Brothers.

This Muscat variety has been proven so popular that every cheap sweet wine wants to be labelled as such. Fortunately for us, Brown Brothers has produced the real deal with its late harvest Spatlese Lexia.

While Lexia does not come close to satisfying the tastebuds as much as Orange Muscat & Flora can, it compensates by allowing its fragrance to linger a tad bit longer. For what it lacks in terms of complexity, it makes up for it by allowing the wine to be enjoyed without over-saturating the palate.

With its bright yellow hue capturing the essence of the summer rays, this wine is sure to entice all your senses. From the lush fruity flavours to its smooth musky aroma, these characteristics combine to make this wine an excellent companion to any meal.

Remind yourself of how enjoyable wine can be for just $14 at any wine store near you ^_^

Brown Brothers - Orange Muscat & Flora 2005

Orange Muscat & Flora is an absolutely beautiful wine. Like a freshly opened jar of marmalade, its distinct aroma of sun-ripened grapes and orange blossom just overwhelms the senses.

After the first invigorating sip, just as you thought it was all over; flavours of apricot and citrus unfolds from deep within the palate to give this wine an unforgettable smooth finish.

You'll want this to be served chilled. Very chilled. Trust me, it's worth the wait... ^_^

It's so good, I have to mention its name again.

Orange Muscat & Flora. $18. Go buy.

Peter Lehmann Clancy's - Cabernet Shiraz Merlot 2003

This is an interesting blend from Peter Lehmann, combining the best of Cabernet Sauvignon, with the spiciness of Shiraz, and the lushness of Merlot.

Clancy is a medium-bodied wine, strongly infused with the aromas of French and American oak. The strong American oaky aroma really dominates this wine, with the delicate French oak characteristic lagging behind at the end of the palate.

I don't know whether it was done on purpose, but Clancy has particularly strong smoky finish which unfortunately doesn't ready combine well with a heavy meal.

Recommended to have it just by itself or with light crackers... Or if you are really drunk and can't tell the difference ^_^

Going for just under $19 at any store near you...

Brown Brothers - Crouchen Riesling 2005

Everything about Brown Brothers exuberates quality, and this is no exception. The sweet and fruity nature of this Crouchen Riesling makes it an excellent appetizer to any great meal.

My first whiff of this wonderful wine reminded me of tropical fruits like passionfruit and honey dew, with a slight hint of pineapple and pear on the side. The fragrant aroma of Riesling grapes abounds with every drop and is truly an enjoyable wine to drink.

Strongly recommended...

Get it for $14 at your closest wine store ^_^

Evans & Tate - Classic Dry White 2005

If you have a nose for fruity aromas of passionfruit and citrus, then this is the wine for you. It's a simple white wine which is just nice by itself.

However if you're one of those like myself, who can't stand the dreaded feeling of your mouth turning to sawdust, then stay away from this wine. I really should have read the label first before drinking it... ^_^

Classic Dry. Every drop reflects it...


Coming with a convenient screw cap, you can get it for around $18.

Wynns Coonawarra Estate - Cabernet Shiraz Merlot 2004

A wonderful blend of Cabernet, Shiraz and Merlot makes this an excellent companion to any night out with friends and family. With each variety contributing its own fair share of aromas and flavours, you can't go wrong with choosing this when nothing else comes to mind.

Take note, if you're one of them old school cork lovers... This comes with a screw cap, so even any inexperienced wine drinker can have a go at it ^_^

Selling for just under $23 everywhere...

Penfolds Koonunga Hill - Cabernet Merlot 2004

This is one of the first medium-bodied wine I've tried that has a sweet after-taste. It has a nice rich plummy flavour with the Merlot really giving most of the characteristics of this great wine.

The sharpness of the Cabernet adds a nice balance to the otherwise softer flavours of the Merlot. It really makes for easy drinking and compliments a nice roast or by itself with a nice sunset to enjoy.

Going for around $15 at any wine store near you...

What started as an assignment during my university days, has blossomed into this... A website over 8000 years in the making. A consequence of many years of debate on the benefits of wine.

Wine... The Good, Bad & the Bubbly was founded in May 2006 when a university undergraduate was forced to put together a web site based on a controversial science topic.

They expected only the best and finest from him. Days passed without any progress and in that time he resorted to drinking leftover wines for any form of inspiration.

Then it dawned upon him that wines do go bad after being opened for a couple of weeks.

Rejected and alone, with an impending deadline just round the corner; out of the ashes of desperation and hopelessness, came forth what you are reading today.

I hope you'll have as much fun exploring this intriguing topic of wine as much as I have enjoyed drinking making it.


Cheers!