When only a red will do

The Whale Caller – Shiraz Cabernet 2009

I cursed my tastebud’s last weekend but I blammed the suspiciously warming sunshine for luring them into the false hope that spring was finally on its way. Having had more than enough of the cold weather (very much including the snow), I basked in a little bit of above freezing temperatures long enough to begin the yernings for something white and zesty.

No, said the Met Office. Think again. And back we were at the begining of the week with yet more cold. So I quietly gave in and knew only the warmth of a red would do after yet another 45minute wait on a sleety platform.

The recommendations you can get from some people at supermarkets are the types of recommendations I tend to ignore. A good friend worked at a place which for his sake, will go unnmaed. He openly admitted to commiting a major crime by suggesting the wine that was clogging up his stock cupboard, regardless of its suitability. He declined to tell me if anyone had come back in to comment of his food matching skills.

Other than the wise words of resident wine expert who goes by the name of Georgio are some that I will gladly accept. He resides at this post in Waitrose Food Hall, nestled in the basement of John Lewis at Bluewater. And without fault, this man always manages to point me in the right direction.

I have to start with its price. £3.89 which is a price I am normally dubious about. Is that judging a bottle by its label? Surely not, I have learnt my lesson certainly not to have this type of attitude.

However its not me with the attitude, its this wine. Just opening the bottle releases the heat of spice from the shiraz mixed with jammy deep fruit. I love it when you get a nose of a wine like this, it really shouts at you to get involved and that was the sort of encouragement I needed.

The balance of grape mixed with the heat from its South Africa upbringing gives this wine a real punch, matching it brilliantly with meaty and spice filled dishes. I on the other hand, managed to enjoy it pretty well with cheese and crackers. Sometimes a girl really has no time to cook.

The palete is a pretty punchy mix of the deep fruits all balanced with that lingering spice and slight slice of pepper. I imagine The Whale Caller to puff up its chest amongst the other players on the shelf and offer itself up as a busty challenge.

This isn’t a casual drinking wine mind, it deserves a little extra attention if not that meaty meal as already suggested. I like a red to chew on every now and again but unsuspecting guests might not always be up for its raw measures.

This wine gets a sure fire recommend. I know I will be back off to buy a few more bottles. 3/5

Advertisement