Passing Clouds

2005
Reserve Shiraz
Bendigo


Hope everyone had a Merry Christmas. I hate it when it's over. I luckily still have some celebrations to go so its not quite over yet. But all that anticipation and watching the wonder of my children and that "magic" in the air has faded. :(

My brother has been here since the 24th and he brought a case of wine which we have continued to enjoy daily. Yesterday was a great wine day. We tried (3) and enjoyed them all. Passing Clouds was definitely my favorite of the day. The finish on this was long and deliciously flavored. Black cherry mixed with ever so slight smoke and vanilla and oak, this wine went down very smoothly. Although awesome on its own, Passing Clouds went very well with aged cheddar cheese.





8.5 out of 10
15.2% alc. by vol.
$24 / 750 ml. bottle

FAVORITE WINES OF 2008

Frederick Cooper's "A Glass of Wine Waiting"

A few days turn into a few weeks, but here, finally, is my list of top wines The Guy and I enjoyed throughout 2008. I must say, the majority are not budget material so I do apologize. But at least, if you find you've got some extra to spend, you know you're not wasting it (although I do realize your opinion may not be the same as mine).

I couldn't limit my top choices to only (5). A few more deserved mention for really grabbing my interest. No surprise that Australia kept me coming back.

PINOT GRIGIO
Terre di Tufi, San Gimignano, Italy, 2003
Thank You to The Bro for yet another wonderful wine experience and visit.
(you can find this review in my September 2008 post)

CHARDONNAY
Kistler, Dutton Ranch, Russian River Valley, CA #18222, 2005 (Exp. over $50)
Yet another Thank You to Uncle Bob for making it possible for us to experience the finer side of wine.
(you can find this review in my February 2008 post)

Clos du Bois, Sonoma County, CA 2006
(I couldn't find where I'd reviewed the 2006, but I think it may have actually been back in my 2007 posts. This is a wine that I go back to year to year {especially in summer, or with creamy, garlic pasta dishes and shrimp or lemon sole or creamy chicken dishes}. The 2006 is not so readily available now and I find I have to ask for it if I really want it. It's funny how I am always told proudly by the wine merchant that they do have the 2007. HUGE difference, to me, in taste and quality - what a difference a year can make in a vineyard. I don't bother with the 2007 - cherished mineral notes found in the 2006 are missing in the 2007)

CABERNET
Justin Vineyards, Paso Robles, CA 2006
(you can find this in my November 2008 post)
This was especially good at Christmas with prosciutto and fontina cheese phyllo appetizers.

SHIRAZ
Two Hands Bella's Garden, Barossa Valley, Australia 2005 (Exp. over $40)
(you can find this review in my February 2008 post)

Angel's Share, McLaren Vale, Australia 2004
(you can find this review in my October 2008 post)

A Thank You to Pasa Robles for providing the opportunity for us to experience the above two wines.

MOST PROMISING FOR FUTURE ENJOYMENT (2010 - 2012) - Buy Now
Passing Clouds, Reserve Shiraz, Bendigo, Australia 2004
(you can find this review in my December 2008 post)

Passing Clouds

2004
Reserve Shiraz
Bendigo
Australia

This is just a real quick recommendation based on this wine I brought home tonight. It was really, really good. But I think it will be awesome with some brief cellar time. It is recommended to drink now through 2010-2012, with it most likely being magnificent in the latter range.

I was very excited to taste my first mint experience in a red. Passing Clouds has a wonderful smoky scent. It is a full-bodied multi-berry, woodsy-oak, with hints of vanilla and mint. It's a bit tart on the finish, which is where I think the most improvement will be with a couple more years. I think its potential finish will be velvet.

Although it is not a budget wine, the flavor is there and I truly believe if you purchase it now and save it a bit, it will be a great buy in the short-term long run (when the price goes up and you've already got it unopened and only improving with age).

Very good on its own, it is recommended as an accompaniment to red meat.

Robert Parker gave this a 91 rating.

I end with a favorite song excerpt from one of my very favorite adult alternative voices, Joshua Radin.

. . . But I look at you, warm in your dream
While your mobile dances above
And I think to myself
It's a beautiful night
And I know everything
Is gonna be alright
Yes now I know
It'll be alright

Joshua Radin
Everything'll Be Alright (Will's Lullaby)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0cSev4R5rs&feature=related

8.5 out of 10
15% alc. by vol.
$24 / 750 ml bottle