there are some new reviews oozing though here, but we're not deckin em up all pretty til we work out an otherwise unborn style for this sleazy rube we call drankster


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that's a George Grainger Aldridge cartoon ... obviously a pre-screwcap man



21 January 2012

SPARKLING RED


ONE OF THE NEWEST AND TRUEST FIRST FAMILIES OF AUSTRALIAN WINE, AS IN FRONTRUNNERS, AND PERHAPS THE MOST INNOVATIVE IN MANY DECADES ... CAROLANN, ALEXI, ADAM AND JULIAN CASTAGNA ON THEIR VERANDA AT BEECHWORTH photo PHILIP WHITE

NEW!
Castagna Sparkling Genesis Beechworth Syrah 2008
$75; 13.5% alcohol; Diam cork; 95+++ points
The tiny bubbles and absolutely minimal liqueuring have softened some of the 08’s angular bits, but put a little more sharp into others.  The aniseed, blueberry and juniper are all here chugging, the jujubes have taken on a St Elmo’s Fire halo, and the nightshade and tea leaves seem to have been replaced by a thin layer of coal dust, but overall, the similarity with the wine with 100% fewer cavities is reassuring.  This is very dry for red fizz.  It works that same old teetering see-saw of soothing and excitement, and keeps the sensories alert and entertained.  As the thunderstorm breeze whizzed across the table, each sniff or sip drew out another contrast or complement, just as the vineyard changes aroma constantly with wind direction and airborne water.  Blueberries at the bottom. Tasted November 2011

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