| California’s Robert Mondavi and Australia’s Rosemount
have crafted an impressive joint venture, with Australian-born
Ian Shepherd as winemaker for this trans-Pacific portfolio
of wines. Formerly winemaker at Seven Peaks, a California winery
owned by Rosemount's parent company, Shepherd makes two vintages
a year, one in California (Talomas) and one in Australia (Kirralaa).
Kirralaa (pronounced KEER-a-LA) is from the Aboriginal language,
referring to the “flying fish” constellation, only
visible from south of the equator. Talomas (ta-LO-mas) is derived
from a regional Native-American word for wildcat. Websites
are anticipated at www.kirralaa.com and www.talomas.com.
Other important Mondavi wine joint ventures are Opus One in
partnership with the Baroness Philippine de Rothschild of Chateau
Mouton Rothschild (France), Caliterra in partnership with the
Eduardo Chadwick family of Viña Errazuriz (Chile) and
Luce in partnership with the Frescobaldi family of Marchesi de'
Frescobaldi (Italy). This latest joint venture is, again, one
to watch for impressive wines. The Kirralaa/Talomas wines are
being introduced at prices well below their quality level and
will likely rise in price in the next two or three years.
Kirralaa Chardonnay, Hunter Valley, Adelaide Hills 2002
Price $13.99
Rating 90
Clean, crisp flavors of white fruit, with hazelnut, apricot and marmalade hints,
this white could easily compete with wines priced above $20. It is complex
and lingering on the palate.
Kirralaa Merlot, Clare Valley, Adelaide Hills 2002
Price $14.99
Rating 90
There are rich aromas of plum, and dare say some red dust a la Coonawarra,
followed by flavors of chewy red fruit, mineral, cocoa powder and briar-like
dried fruit notes during the long minty finish. This a noteworthy red.
Kirralaa Bushvine Shiraz, Coonawarra, McLaren Vale, Margaret
River 2001 Price $14.99 Rating 91 There are impressive aromas
of deep blackberry with nuances of Asian spice and black pepper,
accented by high notes of red cherry. Then follows flavors of
complex briar fruit and earthy tar, with a touch of black pepper
in the long, seemingly melodic finish.
Kirralaa Cabernet Sauvignon, McLaren Vale 2001
Price $14.99
Rating 93
A sniff reveals a powerful nose of rich cassis and a dose of dust, not unlike
a Napa/Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon, but this is pure Aussie. There are flavors
of chewy red fruit, raisin, liquorice, dried cherry and blackberry in the long,
complex length.
Talomas Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot, Santa Barbara, Mendocino,
Paso Robles 2000 Price $14.99 Rating 91 Imagine aromas of vibrant
red fruit, anise and dust, then there are flavors of raspberry
and chocolate, laced with a grip of mineral and velvety tannin.
This wine is very impressive for the price.
Talomas Cabernet Sauvignon/Syrah, California2000
Price $14.99
Rating 92
First there are aromas of vibrant red cherry, sassafras, big and expansive,
then flavors of earthy tar and earth, black fruit, with hints of tobacco and
black pepper. This is an important red wine, priced very affordably. This wine
will improve with age. The blend hails from Santa Barbara, Mendocino, Paso
Robles, Rutherford and Monterey.
|