Many people associate Australian wine with a little yellow kangaroo. While this little yellow kangaroo has done wonders for wine promulgation, it has also caused some negative backlash into the wine world. Australian wine has garnered a reputation for being big, fruity, and cheap, affordable, inexpensive. The price point has been fantastic for introducing people to the world of wine but it has also set the expectation that wine pricing should be under $10 and red wine = massive fruit bomb! The low price point (and the current economic time) has shook the California wine business like a 7.2 earthquake. Wine is way more than the little yellow kangaroo. Australia produces quality wine in many price points.

Today’s review is from Australia’s #1 export…no not Paul Hogan…a bolder, more alcoholic import…no, not Mel Gibson either! Today we review Australia’s #1 wine export, Jacob’s Creek. If you’re familiar with wine, no doubt you’ve seen and tried Jacob’s Creek. With a history dating to the 1850’s Jacob’s Creek produces over 1.1 million cases of wine per year. The vineyards in Southern Australia are some of the oldest and highest quality on the continent.

Jacob’s Creek offers four labels in a variety of price points and focus:

• Jacob’s Creek (main label): A variety of two grape blends and single varietal offerings ranging from $5-$10
• Jacob’s Creek Reserve: A mid price label with a range of white (Pinot Grigio, Riesling, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Rose) and red (Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir) $10-$15
• Jacob’s Creek Heritage: Moderate price label with a range including Shiraz, Shiraz-Cab, Cabernet Sauvignon, Riesling, and Chardonnay $20-$30
• Jacob’s Creek Three Vines: Contemporary label exploring non-traditional blends $8-$15

Reviewed in the video: 2007 Chardonnay, 2006 Shiraz, 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon from the Reserve label

The NectarView;

2007 Reserve Chardonnay

• The Stuff: 100% reserve block Chardonnay; 60% barrel fermentation; partial malolactic fermentation; 13.5% ABV
• The Swirl: Yellow gold tone with hints of green apple. Beer-like color.
• The Sniff: Bright acidity and lemon qualities with moderate hints of green grape and oak
• The Sip: Two dimensional wine with mellow front end consisting of meaty vanilla and pear and a bright acidic lemon peel back end. The flavor drops off quickly and leaves a moderate bitterness in the mouth.
• The Score: At $12ish I score this wine a 2+ (out of 5), for my tastes there are more complex and robust Chardonnays available for the money

Other researched scores: Cellar Tracker (3 scores at 80 points); Cork’d (1 score at 89)

2006 Reserve Shiraz

• The Stuff: 100% reserve block Shiraz; 18 months in oak; 14.3% ABV 
• The Swirl: Dark plum inkiness with mild jewel tones toward the edges
• The Sniff: Underwhelming nose with hints of blackberry and/or plum, moderate sprigs of clove and spice
• The Sip: Grape candy licorice on the front end with green twig component on the back end. The wine still feels young and could/should be cellared for a few more years.
• The Score: At $12 this is a pleasant Shiraz offering that scores a low 3.

Other researched scores: Cellar Tracker (2 scores avg 86.5); Cork’d (2 scores avg 87)

2005 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

• The Stuff: 100% reserve block Cab; 18 months in new and old French oak; 14.2% ABV
• The Swirl: Dark plum with  hints of aged rusty brown toward the edges
• The Sniff: Mellow aromas of sweet blackberry and a whiff of vanilla and cocoa
• The Sip: Mild front end with a wash of chocolate and berry; back end of bitter cassis and pepper spice. Slightly off balanced in flavor
• The Score: At $12ish can score this a solid 3 and makes the re-buy list. Paired well with our hearty beef stew.

Other researched scores: Cellar Tracker (1 score at 78); Cork’d (2 scores avg 85)

Have you had Jacob’s Creek? What is your experience with some of their other labels?

In the video I mentioned the Washington Redskins and my annual disappointment. What team do you cheer for? How do you cope with the let down?

DRINK.HAPPY!

*This wine was provided as an industry sample with the intent to review