Now everyone loves a treat. In Melbourne, there’s real choice. A big match between two football heavyweights battling it out at the ’G’ would be a great place to start. (Funny how we like to truncate words. It used to be called the MCG). There’s the Melbourne Cup of course where everyone throws money at horses they just like the name of. Forget about whether the horse has run last in its last ten outings.
You could treat yourself to a fine dining establishment, but then be thoroughly let down by the whole experience. Like a table next to the kitchen. The main course takes an hour to get to you. By that time, you’ve lost your appetite. And when it does arrive, the portion is miniscule. There’s the whopping bill. You then go home starving and raid the fridge for sustenance.
So wouldn’t it be good to indulge in a Melbourne treat that you will later recall with fondness. Well, we think we’ve found it. The Alpha Crucis Shiraz Winemaker Series 2012 from The Complete Basketcase. Three men, three women and six unique blends of shiraz from the same vineyard.
First up is Rebbeca Willson. Her shiraz is deep, black purple in colour, has loads of ripe berry flavours, a firm level of ripe rounded tannins and a finish with very good length. Mike Brown has made a shiraz that shows a palate led by firm and chewy tannins and crisp acidity, before it finishes long with lingering earthy and anise notes.
Corinna Wright’s shiraz has lovely fresh vivacity, and is structured by a firm level of fine grained, nicely ripe tannins. Steve Grimmley brings to the table a shiraz with a great concentration of blue fruit and berry, supported by medium to firm velvety tannins.
Emmanuelle Bekkers has made a full bodied shiraz that has a nose of blackcurrant cordial, blackberry pie and mocha with touches of cedar, cloves charcoal and smoked bacon. You won’t find that on any restaurant menu. And Peter Schell’s shiraz shows medium to firm levels of finely grained tannins, has refreshing acidity and a long layered finish.
The Alpha Crucis Shiraz Winemakers Series 2012 is presented in a beautiful wooden gift box adorned with wonderful bronze clasps. It is wrapped with a ribbon and gift card from the team at The Complete Basketcase. But remember, it’s only for Melbournians, but it’s a real treat that will be long remembered.
