Tim Adams Shiraz Clare Valley 2009 (Tesco, €16.95 )
There is a lot to like about Tim Adams and his range of great wines. Sourced from Australia’s Clare Valley, this particular one has lots of blackberry fruit on the nose with slighter aromas of violet in the background. On the palate, the fruit is generous with a little spice yet very smooth. A medium-bodied wine, the tannins, while evident are harmonious. With a likeable finish, this is very easy to drink and a great accompaniment to go with a warm winter lamb casserole.
Yalumba Viognier Eden Valley 2009 (Independents, €16.99 )
From Australia’s Eden Valley, this 100 per cent Viognier is a rich aromatic enticing nose of apricot and white peach with additional aromas of honeysuckle and sugarcoated oranges that jump out of the glass. On the palate the fruit is again very evident with the apricot and peach leading the charge in what is an intensely concentrated wine. With a long satisfying finish, this is the type of wine you would like to have for comfort if Hurricane Sandy ever visited these shores. As one of the best viogniers on the market, this is perfect with anything spicy.
