Oh where are you McWilliam's Cab

    I have always enjoyed trying new wine.  Over the years both Peter (my husband) and I have expanded our taste.  When I first started working in a store wine I was on the look out for wine that Peter would really like.  He enjoyed the very strong Cabernet Sauvignon that has little fruit.  After a few months of working in the store  I found a wine that I thought he would love, it was described as peppery and smoky.  It sounded perfect for Peter.

       The wine was a Cabernet Sauvignon from Australia.  The winery was McWilliam’s Hanwood Estate.  This was a great Cabernet Sauvignon.  Peter loved it.  I was so happy that I could make him happy.  All this being said, after the store changed owners, I could not find this wine.  I have found McWilliams Sharz, but I can't find their Cabernet Sauvignon.  If you ever see their  Cabernet I highly recommend trying it.  You will get a very full flavored Cabernet.  It is different from California Cab.  I find California Cabs are fruit forward with strong tannin.  If you like the old earthy, woody, with a strong peppery flavor you will like it.
 

      All of their wine is good.  It is relatively easy to find their Shiraz.   If you try any of there other wine let us all know what you think.  If you see the cab anywhere in CA let me know.

photo from http://www.yachtsupplycroatia.com/en/yacht-supply-shop/beverages-wine-australia-red-wines-435/mcwilliams-hanwood-cabernet-sauvignon-0-75l-1726

Jim Jim

        Jim Jim is a winery in McLaren Vale, Australia.  This winery makes a great Shiraz.  It is wonderfully juicy.  But what I love most about this winery is Jim Jim, the winery dog.  In lieu of Jim Jim's recent passing I want to dedicated this blog to him.
     I have never meet Jim Jim, as I have never been to Australia, but as soon as I heard about this dog I fell in love with him.  Around harvesting time Jim Jim starts nibbling the grapes.  When the grapes are ready to harvest he lets his owners knows.  Jim Jim was able to not only figure out when the grapes were ripe but he was able to tell when the brix (a sweetness indicator) was just right.  Most humans can not tell simply by tasting the grape when the brix level is just right.  Below is a photo of Jim Jim and a photo of what appears on the wine bottles. 

You can also go to their website to learn more about Jim Jim, Australia and their wines.  There are more photos of Jim Jim and an obituary for him.  I would highly recommend checking them out.

The photos and information are from:  http://www.jimjim.com.au/index.htm 

In honor of Jim Jim have a Jim Jim Shiraz!!

You will be missed. 

Locations Jim Jim is sold can be found at: 
http://www.jimjim.com.au/usa.htm