Wild Duck Sparkling Shiraz

My partner has become very keen on Burgundy (as have I) and we find ourselves sharing more and more bottles of White Burgundy (Chardonnay) and Red Burgundy (Pinot Noir). We even are drinking more "Burgundian-styled wines" from the New World in an attempt to replicate our drinking experience at a better exchange and tax rate but it is always a challenge. It is an intriguing exercise.

I looked at the sample list (which could -"flood the Simpson Desert") of wines submitted to us as the "better-half" was doing a curry, I thought Pinot, but noticed a Sparkling Shiraz/Pinot from Metcalfe Valley up for appraisal. I thought this would be a better gastronomic experience with the mild-warm curry although I sensed my partner may not have liked my choice (Sparkling Reds can be a bit like Collingwood Football Club; you either love them or hate them.). I evaluated the bottle and a definite undergrowth, moss-and-damp earth character and although this wine hailed from the 04 vintage and would display some tertiary, bottled-aged character, it started the 'firehouse-alarm-bells " ringing. Yes sadly, within a few swirls the wine was consumed with a TCA lift of damp hessian-bags, wet cardboard and a bad attic staleness. Oh well, a good reason to open a Wild Duck Sparkling Shiraz "3" from Heathcote and no sample assessment tonight !