For a number of years now, I have been a fan of the wines of DogRidge. For one, they are approachable in price, offer great soft fruit characterisitics and have always shown a nice balance between fruit and acids. Clearly I am on a bit of an Australian kick right now, but only for these styles of wines. I am done with the jammy, in your face style, over chaptelized, stick a fork in the glass and watch it stand up. I want to drink wines from Australia that are made the way they are supposed to be made, using what Mother Nature gives you, and the skills of a great winemaker/Vineyard Manager.
DogRidge winery over looks the McLaren Vale wine region. McLaren Vale has become known for producing quality wines vintage after vintage, for a number of years now. At DogRidge, they are practicing what we have now dubbed “sustainable farming techniques” . In the vineyards, they pay close attention to canopy management, by doing so, they ensure the grapes get maximum sunlight, resulting in ripe, juicy berries, which eventulally lead to opulent, well balanced and aromatic wines.
The three red varietals that make up the backbone of their production are Grenache, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. Grenach and Shiraz is no surprise coming from McLaren Vale, but I was a little surprised to see a Cabernet of such quality coming from the region. In some cases they have plantings of vines well over 50 years old, which again adds to the wonderful flavour profile of the wine.
I have tasted on many occassions the DogRidge DV7 Shiraz, which consistently blows me away, and shocks me that we do not see more of it in our restaurants, (excellent value as well). I have had less exposure to The Pup series in the red wine portfolio, and recently purchased a case of the 2007 Cabernet Merlot.
The wine did not dissappoint! Beautiful rich and dark colour, violet like, with a hints of cloves and eucalyptis. Very approachable on the palate without overpowering as we tend to see in some other wines with this blend. It has been oak aged, however the oak adds lovely floral notes, and richness to the palate, it does not mask the fruit or take away from the delicateness of the wine. Extremely food friendly with the likes of a braised lamb or beef, wild game stroganoff. This has certainly been my Wine of the Week!!! if I were to score it, it would certainly warrant a 91 or 92 points based on its style, elegance and value. ($20.00 roughly)
Definitely worth picking up a case for the cottage or the fall winter season!!! Let me know and I would be happy to have it brought to you!!!
