FINE WINE from ALDI-“Blackstone Paddock Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon” wins Red Wine of the Show at Riverina Wine Show 2021
STOP PRESS!
This was originally our Wine of the Week,..for Father’s Day earlier in 2021 ,… and now our judgement has been vindicated by the Tasting Jury at the Riverina Wine Show.
Here are our Tasting Notes for the 2021Gold Medal Winner (and the Show’s Red Wine Award of the Show!
Blackstone Paddock Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 750ml $17.99
A complex and satisfying Cabernet with an intriguing mix of cassis, (blackcurrant) anise and perhaps even lifted violet aromas (think of Margaux in Bordeaux) that definitely has flavour and complexity reminiscent of a fine Bordeaux red wine,with a complexity of flavour(hints of graphite and pencil shavings) and persistence on the palate that one would normally associate with a $40 red!!!.. and I wouldn’t be the first wine critic or wine aficionado to make these observations!
And here is a “crackerjack phrase” that I found on the VIVINO wine app site which deserves our attention!
“These flavours are underpinned by velvet smooth tannins and a long, succulent finish exhibiting trademark Margaret River persistence.”
This wine is well known amongst insiders in the trade as a wine that “punches above its weight”i.e. way outperforms its modest price point.Our comparison with the style of the archetypal wines of Bordeaux is not far fetched,. considering the similarities between the Margaret River maritime climate and Bordeaux,…nothing surprising!
Don’t expect a massive big wine structure though,..but rather this wine is more about refined elegance and balance which one doesn’t normally encounter in a 17 dollar wine.
This wine will give you an inkling of what the Bordeaux style really is and this wine is reputedly produced by Deep Woods which is a highly rated Margaret River Winery ,…and I must acknowledge that some other prominent wine critics,including Huon Hooke,..have “beaten me to the draw” in writing this wine up,..
In the event that this wine gets bought out ,…(by informed people in the trade) I am going to give you a Tip about another Great Red from ALDI!
So,.. if You want to find a worthwhile AussieRed to go with the Christmas Poultry & Pork,..and the Cheeseboard afterwards,..either of these will do ,..because they are not old style massive brooding giant structured wines that you just cant’t countenance on a hoe christmas day!
So if you only have $18.00 dollars left in your pocket…(who doesn’t know that feeling),…and your spending power is a little limited or diminshed as result of the Pandsemic,….or you lost your money on SPORTSBET,..then think about providing Dad with a vinous experience of the first order by gifting these ALDI wines!
I must confess,..I first discovered these wines some time ago,.. and have always been convinced,..(as a former retailer who scans the wine shelves every week),.. that if they were being sold in any other Liquor store,.. or Dan Murphy for that matter,.. they would be twice the price!
The “insiders whisper ” is that this wine is reputedly produced by Deep Woods which is a highly rated Margaret River Winery ,…and I must acknowledge that some other prominent wine critics, including Huon Hooke,..have “beaten me to the draw” in writing this wine up,..(probably because I am overloaded with work running the Sydney Times),.. But,.. that won’t stop me getting into the act now,.. and giving this wine the recognition it deserve,. and sharing it with Sydney Times readers!
Don’t expect a massive big wine structure though,..but rather this wine is more about refined elegance and balance which one doesn’t normally encounter in a 17 dollar wine.
This wine will give you an inkling of what the Bordeaux wine style is about and what can be expected,..except the Bordeaux might be a little drier and more tannic,..however I reckon this wine may be as close as you will get to a stylish Bordeaux Red in Oz.
Wine and Food Matching: Rack of Lamb or Lamb Roast or a Christmas Lunch with Duck ,Goose or Poultry!
Treat this wine like a Bordeaux Red from the Medoc (the Left bank,.where Cabernet dominates and gives a leafy Blackcurrant flavour with hints of Mint)
Region: Margaret River, WA
In the event that this wine gets bought out ,…(by informed people in the trade) I am going to give you a Tip about another Great Red from ALDI!
Blackstone Paddock Barossa Valley Shiraz 2019 $17.99
Made from most popular Shiraz/Syrah grape varietal, Shiraz wines are generally full-bodied with high alcohol, and vibrant berry and plum on both the nose and palate often with spicy notes.
Shiraz is described as robust and spicy/peppery with a slightly sweet fruit finish. You will also enjoy a velvety and slightly viscose mouthfeel when enjoying this varietal.
The Blacksone is a very drinkable,. smooth full bodied number with rich berries, and hints of cacao and tobacco. On the palate the wine is pure Barossa boasting flavours of dark berry, toffee and plum characteristics. This is a great drop at a brilliant price! The black fruit and the oak tannins are well integrated and there is a perceptible hint of Asian spice,and cherry flavours.. In short this is a full flavoured and balanced wine that could even be cellared for several years!
Here is a very glowing “cracker” review,.. very well considered and written,.. that I came across,.. on the wine site VIVINO,.. which we reproduce in full and it is consistent with my own impressions,…
“Impenetrable black ruby. Thick tears. Rich red plum, black cherry and cassis on the nose. Luscious, juicy palate enveloping with forest berries, prunes, dark chocolate notes. Very smooth, a bit creamy structure. Full- body, 14.5% ABV, medium length finish. Best served at room temperature.”
Medals and Awards:
2020 Melbourne International Wine Competition – Bronze – 2018 Vintage
2020 Perth Royal Wine Awards – Bronze Medal – 2018 Vintage
2020 Riverina Wine Show – Bronze Medal – 2018 Vintage
So in conclusion ,..if You want to score a couple of Top reds for a moderate price ,…get in the queue at ALDI ,.. so that you can share a vinous experience and celebrate Christmas with Family!
