Archive for June, 2010

TN: 06 Tim Adams Botrytis Affected Riesling, Clare Valley, SA


2010
06.22

Screw closure.  375mL. 12.0% ABV.  85 g/L residual sugar.

This wine has a fairly deep golden hue to its body and rim, is rather viscous but very clear and bright.

The nose deeply resembles the characteristics of young Riesling grapes, particularly the alluding to delicate lime and mineral aromas.  It’s clear that the botrytis has added another layer of aromatics, particularly those of orange blossom, orange oil and jasmine.  A slight hint of rancio character, which is strange but interesting (in a good way).  Deep of nose aromas are backed by slight vanillin scents.

The palate immediately states the sweetness (from the high residual sugar levels left after fermentation).  With adequate, but slightly lower than expected acidity, there seems to be a mild mandarin flavour and a creaminess I usually associate with MLF.  Good balance along the palate, there is a small and delicious amount of delicate white grape tannin here, binding itself to the orange blossom flavours of the botrytis effect.  Some tartness to the wine, but the sweetness really overides this to a great extent.  Very gentle flavours on the finish of white chocolate, stewed citrus fruits, burnt toffee and hazelnuts.  Interesting palate – but don’t serve it too cold or you’ll miss out on the smaller flavours.

89 points.

(mini) Review – Salt Restaurant, Rosalie, QLD


2010
06.17

So I have had breakfast at Salt twice now in the space of a month and a few times prior to 2010.  The food has been exceptional on all visits and the coffee is of a very high standard.  My partner loves the fact that their lattes are made in a ‘bowl’ – very Euro-cliche, but adorned by many I’m told.

The service staff are efficient but, like too many restaurants in this city, they were lacking in the personality department.  A nice ‘Hello, how are you?’ on arrival would be a good start.

Overall, the food is prepared quickly, tastes good and the coffee has been brilliant every time we’ve visited.  Those are pretty good odds.  Definitely worth a try – and the experience comes at a reasonable price too.

7/10 points.

TN: 06 Shot Bull Shiraz, McLaren Vale SA


2010
06.11

Rather overt French oak influence on this shiraz, particularly well rounded and evidently will age well until 2020+.  Firm, dry tanins and a pleasant bitter back palate.  The final notes to leave are those of chocolate, clove and nutmeg.  Hints of white pepper spice, red currants and raspberries.  Excellent length, moderate acidity and a warming alcohol makes this a perfect Shiraz complement to slow food like lamb

The Wine... nice eyes!

tagine.

I’m hypersensitive to sulphites in a wine – this may have a relatively high concentration.  Tread with caution if you suffer from suphite allergies.

89 pts.

Sirocco Noosa, Queensland riverfront dining


2010
06.04

Sirocco is an absolute culinary gem in the centre of Noosaville.  Despite having uninterrupted views over the ever-relaxing Noosa River, I found it hard to keep my eyes off the plate.  With African and Mediterranean inspired food and decor, it’s a real pleasure to taste food so richly flavoursome, yet so elegantly presented.

You all know I’m a big fan of decent food, it’s really no secret.  But this place kind of is a secret.  At least to tourists it is.  It does get very busy at times, but the service, food and views are all pristinely co-ordinated and over a number of visits I’ve never been let down.  You’d be silly not to follow the locals and eat at Sirocco.

Be careful – it’s hard not to get hooked.  I recommend you try the tagine of Dakota Vale organic duck maryland with broccolini, medjool dates, fresh orange and cinnamon quill – served with saffron, orange and toasted almond cous cous.

Absolutely outstanding.  I’ll be there in two week’s time for breakky!

www.sirocconoosa.com.au

ph 07 54 556 688