Red Heads Studio “Yard Dog” 2004 (South Eastern Australia)
A blend of 60% Petit Verdot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Malbec.
Dark velvety purple, nearly opaque, with a watery violet rim. Dark plum, India ink, cigar ash, and red meat on the nose. Medium- to full-bodied, with mixed ripe red and black fruits and distinct spicy and gamy accents. Juicy acidity and grippy tea tannins. Nice and fresh on the finish, with dark plum and black pepper grace notes. Pretty much the same after three days in the fridge. Interesting, enjoyable wine, and good value at $13. 14.5% alcohol. (Probably more Petit Verdot in a single bottle than I’d had previously in my entire life.)
Mont Tauch Fitou 1998
Carignan and Grenache in unspecified proportion.
Opaque, inky purple, almost black in the center, with amber then water at the rim. On first pour, a gorgeous aroma of blackberry jam, joined soon after by forest decay, poop, fig, pleather, and red licorise. After all that nose, it’s pretty simple on the palate—medium-bodied, with juicy red fruits and tar in nice balance with light acidity and resolved tannins. Slight burnt rubber note on the finish. Day two seems to emphasize the wine’s less attractive qualities—is it oxidation, poor storage, or just the Carignan taking over? $5 on closeout. 12.5% alcohol.