“My funny valentine, sweet comic valentine you make me smile with my heart” …and so the song goes. Apt words to describe Levantine Hill wine. Nothing pompous about them. Haven’t been plastered with trophies from obscure contests in Geelong or Gerringong. Nor has the tasting notes declared them as being “voluptuous, plum in the mouth, wildly amusing, provocative, recalls strains of a distant autumn, bold, jammy, tempestuous or steely.”
The notes that describe a Levantine Hill Estate wine in a wine hamper from The Complete Basketcase are definitely worth noting. Because they’re sensible, understandable, and very down to earth. And more importantly one of Australia’s great wine writers, James Halliday has given them an amazing review. Of the Levantine Hill Estate 2012 Syrah Gift Box, he describes as being “bright, clear crimson purple…the wine is juicy and silky with as much red fruit as black”. So here the picture painted of a delicious wine is perfectly clear. No waffle. Just a simple description.
With the Levantine Hill Estate Pinot Noir 2013 Gift Box, he describes the flavour and gives us some advice. “A fresh and lively pinot with red and black cherry on the bouquet…the long linear palate needs time to develop…it will be long lived, so be patient”. White lovers, don’t despair. You’re not left out. The Levantine Hill Sauvignon Blanc Semillon Gift Box is a real winner. According to James, “ it’s elegant and perfectly balanced, the guava, nectarine and citrus flavours, and light barrel ferment flavours, are seamlessly woven together…it doesn’t need to be cellared, but has the structure to gain from two years in the bottle.”
Simple, elegant advice. Similar to the pearls of wisdom from the wonderful girls at The Complete Basketcase. Because, like James Halliday, they know their wines. That’s why these delicious Levantine Hill varieties were chosen to make special gift boxes. So let’s raise a glass to simplicity on what wine is all about. God knows our taste buds deserve it.
