Old Caves 2008 Cabernet Merlot

Review of Wine:

I have to say I haven't had a lot of experience with the Pinot Noir variety of wines as one of my first experiences with this grape type didn't encourage me to order another bottle if you get my drift. Quite some time has since past so I thought I would give the variety another try and I'm glad I did. The wine is a nice change from your typical CabSav's and Shiraz's as seems all most lighter in texture but doesn't seem to disappoint in taste. I have read that you can't seem to find a nice Pinot Noir for under $40 a bottle but I think I have as a look forward to drinking the other bottle or so I have left.

Wine Region: Granite Belt, Queensland Australia

Drink Until: N/A

Varieties: Pinot Noir

Food: Veal cutlets with roasted potatoes and vegetables.

Colour: Medium crimson in colour.

Nose: This wine shows vibrant cherry and plum fruits with a hint of spice.

Palate:

This 2008 Cabernet Merlot displays lovely Rich, soft berry flavours with hints of cinnamon, subtle oak and soft, Fine tannins.

Background:

Nova Vita Wines is a small family business, run by Mark and Joanne Kozned. The name Nova Vita was chosen for as it reflected the beginning of their new life in the production of premium wines from their small family-owned vineyard.The 2009 Mad Russian Pinot Noir is a testimony to George Kozned, Mark's father. The winemaking is a collaborative effort between winemaker Peter Leske and Mark Kozned, with Peter's two decades of experience with one of the Adelaide Hills most renowned wineries providing the platform for the production of premium cool climate wines.

Alcohol: 14.5%

Where to Purchase:

This was purchased directly from Cellermasters online in a 6 pack of different Pinot Noir bottles for around $90 or so. Also have seen on there website that it is available as a dozen as well for about $180.

OLD CAVES ARMCHAIR PORT

Review of Wine:

Quite a pleasant port to drink. Isn't the best port or worst we have ever tried but would purchase again specially at the price we paid. Can't remember but not a bad deal at all or at least drinking it had us convinced. We tried this port on a weekend away and it was second out of the three we tried in terms of smoothness. Without the discount I would suggest maybe the Robert Channon Port we tasted the same weekend as think it is a little better value then the Old Caves Port. We have enjoyed this port even before or during dinner when you feel like trying something different so is great for any occasion.

Wine Region: Granite Belt, Queensland Australia

Drink Until: N/A

Varieties: N/A

Food: Serve this port with your favourite desserts and coffee.

Colour: N/A

Nose: N/A

Palate:

This is our most famous port. It is a five to six year old Tawny Port style. The Armchair Port has a slight chocolate overtone, soft, smooth and silky. Serve this port with your favourite desserts and coffee.

Background:

Situated on the New England Highway, just north of Stanthorpe, Old Caves specialises in producing “everyday” wines, non-vintage styles that are inexpensive enough for people to enjoy on a regular basis. A range of vintage wines are also produced at the winery. We are one of the smaller, commercial wineries in the Granite Belt area. Old Caves has grape planting covering 12 acres, including varieties such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, White Muscat, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Shiraz. We also have contract growers to fulfil all our grape variety needs.

Alcohol: 16.5 %

Where to Purchase:

This was purchased directly from Old Caves Winery on a weekend away. Can't remember exactly what we paid but we purchased a range of wines and the guy gave us a nice discount. Can be purchased from the cellar door directly or online at $22.50 a bottle. Have done a quick search online and can't seem to find any discount wine stores selling it.