After a long vacation, I dipped back into my cellar this evening. I wanted to pick a bottle to pair with a very strong flavored meal. I had veal and shrimp, normally bland, but mine was prepared with a heavy garlic and scallion sauce. Fantastic! Since it is five degrees Fahrenheit I needed something big and warm, like a fleece blanket on a comfy couch. Not looking for a cab to overpower the meal, I selected a 2002 Trumps Grenache Shiraz blend, by Charles Cimicky. Several hours later I'm still trying to figure it out. I'll start by noting that it is more pleasant than an $18 bottle is expected to be. Hit by spice immediately, it quickly tapers off to a smooth dark chocolate and light tannins, with luscious dark fruit. I'd call it plum before blackberry, but this may be from the nose. Then, by surprise, strawberry appears and hangs around for nearly ever. My wife mentioned the oak, which is there, but only as an enhancement. The last time I had a bottle, it was after a few cabs, and the consensus was negative. However, standing on its own, this wine is quite exquisite. The 14.5% alcohol is evident only with the spice, and the 65% grenache vs. 35% shiraz is an enjoyable mix. The bottle opened up nicely after one hour, was perfect at nearly two, then lost a bit of nose at three hours (or possibly my nose lost something). In any case, cozy, warm, and not overpowering, with gentle complexities. Mission accomplished.
Charles Cimicky winery is located in the Barossa valley, or Neu-Schlesien for the transplanted Germans. The bottles have a story about pioneers escaping the hot sun for a game of cards (Euchre) in the cellar of a vineyard cottage, but it appears contrived. However, as an avid Euchre player myself (yes, I'm from Michigan) Trumps with cards and friends will continue to be a winning trick.
Follow the title link. My fav is 283.
