L and I took the family on a short campervan holiday to Far North Queensland. We flew into Cairns and headed up to Cape Tribulation for a rainforest stay, then drove around the Atherton Tablelands before spending a couple of night on the coast at Ellis Beach. One of our memorable activities was swimming at Josephine Falls pictured above. Just lovely…
There wasn’t time or $$ to traverse the whole of the Australian wine styles on offer, but I thought to try a number of examples that I wouldn’t get to taste at home from the local Bottle-O.
Evans & Tate Metricup Road Chardonnay Margaret River 2016 – $$
We have liked their Big&Buttery Chardonnay in the past. This is pale brilliantine straw colour. 13% alc. Lovely acidity and oiliness. Light and lean fruit. Crisp. Apples and melons on nose.
Langmeil Blockbuster Shiraz Barossa 2015 – $$
I really enjoyed wines from this producer from a showcase tasting a few years back. This is meaty and rich. Cacao. Cardboard box. Fine tannins. Expansive. Licorice and spice. Delicious.
Mount Pleasant Singing in the Rain Rose Hunter Valley 2016 – $$
Bitter mandarine nose. Phenols. Sweet entry. Thin. Grassy note.
Devil’s Corner Pinot Noir Tasmania 2016 – $$
Lightly scented herby and savoury notes. Good fruit weight. Fine tannins. Drying. Simple and straightforward. Not a patch on a NZ Pinot, alas.
Leeuvin Estate Art Series Riesling Margaret River 2016 – $$$
Fresh crisp and clean aromas of citrus and apples. Dry and lean and flinty. Flavours of citrus and grapes. Elegant. Short. Mouthwatering acid finish. A great wine to end our holiday
We could’t escape a good clean Kiwi Sauvignon Blanc. This was enjoyed with fresh prawns and Moreton Bay bugs on the Antonia, moored wharfside as the Prawn Star Cafe in the Cairns Marina. A magic meal!