Winescopes courtesy of
www.jackiepope.com
and the ultimate wine website
www.winemarket.com.au
ARIES – 21 March – 20 April
Penfolds Grange 2002; A rich mix of dark chocolate infused with coffee bean and black liquorice, then scents of tar, aniseed, raw (pure) soy and black olive. Is it oak, or a hybrid, barrel ferment character that can be captured as it oscillates in and out of this beguiling aromatic offering? Whatever your answer this is the perfect Aries wine for a month of indulgence, sensuality and winter romance.
TAURUS – 21 April – 21 May
Command Shiraz 2004;The 2004 Shiraz “Command” comes from a single block of 104-year-old vines. It was aged in 100% new oak puncheons. Opaque purple-colored, this Shiraz has fabulous aromatics of smoke, melted tar, licorice, espresso, game, and blueberry compote. Layered but tight, this full-bodied wine is thick, rich, and totally hedonistic. The finish lasts for 60 seconds. However, be warned. This monumental Shiraz needs 10-15 years to fully unfold. It will provide pleasure through 2008. And as you are making long term plans this month, what better wine to ‘put down’ for future celebrations.
GEMINI – 22 May – 21 June
Lindemans Bin 95 Sauvignon Blanc 2006;Citrus blossom aromas combine with gooseberry, kiwi fruit and freshly cut grass notes. Elegant and refreshing, this medium bodied wine is packed with layers of fruit flavour, reflecting the varied regional base. Gooseberry and kiwi fruit flavours are at the fore, leading to a grassy, smooth finish. Mouthwatering natural acidity adds great complexity. This is a month where you have fresh ideas, and looking to new ways of dealing with things. New career/home.
CANCER – 22 June – 23 July
2007 Forest Hill Unwooded Chardonnay;Brilliant light straw. Intense, clearly defined and vibrant aromas of stone fruit and citrus develop towards fresh fig and orange blossom. Delicate aromas of cumquat and cinnamon underline this nose to make it rich, yet lifted and fresh. Generous flavours of fresh, crisp nectarine, orange and lemon zest. The mouth feel is large and soft with refreshingly refined acidity. Medium weight with a fleshy back palate and persistent orange zest finish. Some delicate negotiations this month, trying to get what you want without seeming too demanding. Just remember – you deserve it, so perhaps it is time to demand rather than request.
LEO – 24 July – 23 August
Penfolds Bin 389 Cab Shiraz;The 2005 bin 389 is complete, full and multidimensional from start to finish, its weight coupled with understated power, depth and length. Ripe fig, blueberry and dark plum fruit flavours synergise to create an ink/dense palate no rough edges. The Oak and plush tannins are at one with the wine, eliciting no one dominant feature and a seamless palate. And Leo are unusually understated this month; you say little but mean a great deal. A few words will have a major impact on those around you. You finally realize they are listening! So make it matter.
VIRGO – 24 August – 23 September
Yellowtail Bubbles;This fresh and fragrant sparkling wine leaps from the glass to tickle and tantalize the senses. Lifted flavours of tropical fruits combine perfectly with medium sweetness and a delightfully crisp finish. This luscious and lively wine will complement all occasions. Enjoy [yellow tail] BUBBLES now as an aperitif, or in a social atmosphere with family and friends. Your sign is going through an unusually light and ‘fluffy’ month. You will not be bothered with the deep and meaningful; concentrating on fun and frivolous.
LIBRA – 24 September – 23 October
Grant Burge Filsell Shiraz 2005;This exceptional Barossa Shiraz is rich ruby in colour with complex aromas of dark chocolate, rich spices and ripe raspberries plus vanilla bean and a touch of mint. The palate exhibits flavours of raspberry, black plum and kirsch combined with toasted oak. The wine is dense and complex; has long chewy tannins and a velvety intensity of flavours that show excellent persistence and length. You need some balance as a typical Libra, too much work - so a little more relaxation and rest. This wine is food for the soul, which is exactly what you need.
SCORPIO – 24 October – 22 November
First Sighting Sauvignon Blanc 2007;A crisp, fresh mineral nose. Asparagus and wild gooseberry flavours with a touch of wet gravel on the palate. The home of Strandveld and First Sighting Wines is a quaint and windswept winery located 9km from the Atlantic Ocean. Situated between Elim and Cape Agulhas, with the nearest town being Elim; it is the most southerly winery in Africa. This wine evokes thoughts of travel to far places, adventures, and places dreamy. Travel and adventure is exactly what you get.
SAGITTARIUS – 23 November – 22 December
Chateau Lavergne-Dulong AOC Bordeaux Supérieur Rouge 2005;Deep red garnet robe, very steady and brilliant, with fuchsia hues. Fine and powerful bouquet, complex and persistent with blackberry and caramel aromas. A feeling of empowerment and achievement this month. Solidarity and knowing your place in the world. Getting things right!
CAPRICORN 23 December – 20 January
Quacks Corner Sauvignon Blanc;A rich and multi layered wine with a persistent finish. Very pale straw with green hues. Characteristics of Gooseberry, passionfruit and a touch of African sweetgrass. Unfolds with good texture, a crisp acidity and great length. Capricorn is multi layered this month, dealing with many different things from personal financial decisions through to life changing personal decisions such as marriage, children etc.
AQUARIUS – 21 January – 19 February
Veuve Clicquot Rose NV;The nose is elegant and generous, with initial aromas of fresh red fruit (raspberry, wild strawberry, cherry and blackberry) leading to dried fruits and biscuit notes (almonds, apricots and brioche). On the palate, the fresh first impression is followed by a fruity harmonious sensation. In line with the style of the Veuve Clicquot House, the wine is perfectly balanced and combines elegance and personality. The wine works its magic - this delectable champagne. Aquarians are in a totally romantic, nostalgic frame of mind and nothing will change that.
PISCES – 20 February – 20 March
Twin Islands Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2007;Fragrant aroma of gooseberry and capsicum with hints of grapefruit and melon. A generous mid palate with tropical fruit and gooseberry flavours leads to a fresh zingy finish. Distinctive, lively and zingy characters of gooseberry, grapefruit and citrus. An excellent wine from the Marlborough region in New Zealand. Life is a little zany and off the wall, expect the unexpected, and its all good.
