Monday, January 12, 2009

Tyrrell's Brokenback Shiraz 2005 (Syncro Tasting)

Amongst wine bloggers Ed is probably the closest to my views and ideas about wine. Perhaps as science guys we both take an objective, calculating approach to our passions, but it is our quest to just plain taste more and challenge our palates that makes us of similar minds. Ed would be a perfect tasting buddy but for the 18,000 kilometres separating us...

With parallel minds we decided once again to taste the same wine and share notes. But despite sharing with Ed the sacred spreadsheet that details my cellar contents, we were unable to locate an identical wine in both of our caves, so we had to go shopping for tonight's "synchronized tasting":

The 2005 Tyrrell's Brokenback Shiraz hails from Australia's Hunter Valley. Meaty cherries, damp moss, leather and violets - and some late appearing spearmint, hay and truffles on the nose - missing those big peppery notes of a Barossa Shiraz. Crisp, fresh and noticeably lighter-bodied than a Barossa shiraz, some roughness around the edges disappearing over the evening. A nice, minerally texture but a modest finish, this food-friendly Shiraz is ready now. If this wine is representative of the region I will have to drink more Hunter Valley Shiraz.
Screwcap. 13.5% alcohol
Score: 17/20
Price: $24.20 (SAQ)

Ed's Notes Here, note the very different labels

PS - (1) I would never, ever, spit a wine (ok, almost never). (2) I shook it all right, to the rhythmic sounds of the Soul Cellar...

5 comments:

Edward said...

Joe,

I think it might be too dangerous if we lived in the same city!

At Barry's urging, I've been trying to develop a new swirling technique, which involves trying to keep the glass still while wiggling my hips and body, I think I need more practice. . .

Barry said...

After careful consideration..I pronounce the contest a draw. Yes.. I know the Aussie contestant had half a point more..but we English know what methods they use to win..Rugby & Cricket come to mind.
Therefore..as there is no-one to take the prize...as match referee I kindly accept...I just hope it ain't white and from Burgundy.
The choice of song for this bottle of butt-swinging wine..straight from the Soul Cellar...and as Shiraz can be funky...is Rufus Thomas - Do The Funky Chicken

Joe said...

Ed - Dangerous? I'd put in the "bad idea" category, but not dangerous :) Barry has inspired me to work on my Barry White voice...

Barry - yes, the hometown judge did award an extra half point, highly suspicious. Your prize - an all expenses paid trip to your cellar - just don't trip on the way down or it will really cost me.

Edward said...

Barry, I had a listen to the "Do the Funky Chicken" and I'm not so sure. . .

Joe, It's a very different looking bottle, I wonder why?

Joe said...

Ed - I thought you locals might now. Trying to pull the wool over us snow-bound Canucks with a little plonk and a fancy label?