Winery	Casella Wine
Region	NSW, Australia
Vintage	2006
Type	Red
Grape Varietals	Shiraz
Retail Price	$18.90
Rating	7/10

There is generally a mistaken notion concocted by many wine drinkers and some wine merchants who advocates that the quality of wine commensurate with the price you pay for.

Certainly, great wine (from great estates or vintage growth) comes with a premium. However, a wine that is priced at a premium does not necessary equates to being a great wine. Sounds like an oxymoron? Actually it’s not.

Most of us struggle decide whether that $16 wine deserve a second look, not to mention a try. Unless we have psyche power, I’m sure spending half the day staring at the wine would not bring us to any absolute conclusion. Rather, a decisive action to bring the wine home and try it would most likely make you much wiser. If you are still not convinced, read on…

…Enter Yellow Tail Shiraz 2006. At $19, this bottle of Shiraz does not hail from the most acclaim estate in France nor does it cost you a premium to own it. Yet this wine deceptively hides a lot characters than you would expect anything out from $19.

Freshly opened from the cap, this opaque and dark purple Shiraz smells of fresh oak, vanilla and caramel on the nose. Initially, this medium to full-bodied wine tasted rather one dimensional of sweet concentrated vanilla straws and some plumy fruits. The tannin and acidity embraced each other harmoniously; totally supple and delicious yet not overwhelmed by any grip of spices. Definitely easy for any novice or enthusiast drinkers.

After going through about 3-4 hours of decanting, layers of nuances exudes as if the character was totally transformed. Vanilla and caramel noses remains albeit lighter. However, intense plum fruits, toasted coffee and toffee flavours dominated the entire palate, though the finishing was rather short to my disappointment.

At first try, this wine would appeal to the less discerning wine drinkers. But with a twist of ‘fate’ this wine bounces back like a true Australian Shiraz! I think they should replace the kangaroo logo with a Chameleon instead. Whatever it is, kudos to cheap good wine!  

Tasting Notes:

• This opaque and dark purple Shiraz smells of fresh oak, vanilla and caramel on the nose. Initially, this medium to full-bodied wine tasted rather one dimensional of sweet concentrated vanilla straws and some plumy fruits. The tannin and acidity embraced each other harmoniously; totally supple and delicious yet not overwhelmed by any grip of spices. After going through about 3-4 hours of decanting, layers of nuances exudes as if the character was totally transformed. Vanilla and caramel noses remains albeit lighter. However, intense plum fruits, toasted coffee and toffee flavours dominated the entire palate, though the finishing was rather short.
   

Food Pairing:

• Chocolate fondue, red meat, Chinese sit down dinner with spread of chicken, abalone, prawn and fried noodles.
  

Drinkability:

• Ready to drink. Decant for 3-4 hours if you prefer fully and more spicy flavour
  

Available At:

• Bottles & Bottles