The Aussie triumvirate for big ripe reds under $20
My goto wine when I want something I know I and my wife will like is a big Shiraz or Cabernet from Australia. And in the last 2 years, I've realized there are three consistent selections. They are all similar in being big, rich, ripe fruit bombs. But there a nice complexity and sometimes a nice acidity to go along. I now call them the triumvirate of Australia. Additionally they are all under $20; with a lean retailer, some can be had for under $14.
In no particular order, they are:
- Marquis Phillips - the 2003 Cab was so consistently delicious over 6 bottles, I wish I had more. The Sarah's blend in 2004 was nice. More recent bottles of all types have that consistent rich lush texture. And at under $15, how can I go wrong?
- Tait Ballbuster - the 2004 was a revelation (though many other wines tasted superb that night, too). I've snapped up the 2005 Ballbuster and the two bottles were quite nice. Quite yummy with classic Barossa taste in a rich caramelly body.
- Thorn-Clarke Shotfire Ridge - being a score whore (2003 got WS 93), I got 3 + 3 bottles at under $15, even though the first bottle wasn't that good - lean and acidic which is diametric to the reviews. I still bought the 2004 and the 2005, too, since they were 90+ WS. And I've come around. The 2005 was delicious, a big juicy Barossa. And a recent 2003 was very nice, not as big as I expected but very flavorful. I suspect these wines will age nicely for upto 4 years. I less optimistic the fat Tait and Marquis Philips will age well, though.
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