Quarisa (Johnny Q) Shiraz Viognier 2006

Another Great Australian Red Wine

Quarisa (Johnny Q) Shiraz Viognier 2006:

Year: 2006
Varietal: Shiraz (95%), Viognier (5%)
Country: Australia
Region: South Eastern Australia
Alcohol: 14.5%
Price: $15 USD; £ 10 GBP

Rating: 90 points
Bombastic!!

This trendy, award winning blend comes from one of Australia's premier winemakers, John Quarisa. Responsible for some of Australia's most popular exports (think Yellow Tail, McWilliams), the new "Johnny Q" line lives up to his dedication to accessible wine at a reasonable price point.

We first tried this beauty on a cycling picnic, the screw cap being the perfect feature for a blanket lunch. The colour is impenetrable, deep crimson with a purple hue. Berries and cocoa climb out of the glass to meet you on the nose. On the palate, flavours of pomegranate, black fruit, and espresso keep pace with sizeable oak and tannin while a gentle undercurrent of lighter fruit and vanilla softens the experience. On the finish, there's a sudden twist of tannin that delivers a delightful pucker.

A second tasting with notebook in hand confirmed that this is one of my new favorite reds under $20. You just can't beat Australian Shiraz and the addition of Viognier brings just the right touch of softness. Sip it, pour it with dinner or drag it along on a roaming adventure!


Read more of Angela's writings at her blog, W is for Wine

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