Mathew Kagis wrote:

> Wirra Wirra 'Scrubby Rise' Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot '01
>
> Opened & decanted for the length of the Canadian national anthem.
> Clear, cherry red rim darkening to a deep purple core (much like the
> bruises experienced when being cross checked)... Clean nose, intense black
> cherry, hint of sweaty goalie glove leather, bit of bubblegum (partial
> carbonic maceration?) Youthfull development, remenicent of the Sedin twins
> in their second season. Palate is dry (Like Mark Crawford's throat after
> screaming at the ref) moderate acidity, deceptively strong tannins (like
> Mark Bertuzzi's sucker punch) cherry & blackberry fruit character with a
> strangely tangy finish (like most Canucks games)... must have been a bad
> year for the Verdot. loong finish (like the playoffs) and very warm,
> suggesting a high alcohol content (like most hockey fans). Conclusion: The
> Perfect Playoff Wine!

ROFL!! Great description, Mathew. I've had (and liked) other Wirra
Wirra wines before. The bubblegum description certainly does sound like
carbonic maceration, but I can't say that I'm aware of an Aussie
Shirazes (or blends) that use that technique. Perhaps it's just the
strain of yeast used? FWIW, I'd have thought that an icewine would have
been more the perfect wine for Lord Stanley's late Spring antics.

Mark Lipton