Domaine Terlato & Chapoutier Shiraz-Viognier, Victoria, Australia, 2008:

You might blink twice when you see the name Chapoutier and Victoria, Australia.  Working in tandem with Napa Valley vintner Anthony Terlato, the two have teamed up to produce this wonderful Shiraz-Viognier blend.  In the classic northern Rhone style, with 95% Shiraz and 5% Viognier, this wine catapults its aromatic profile out of the glass with a wave of dark berry and spice leading you to think that it’s going to be a “blow your socks off” alcoholic and tannic wine.  But with 14.5% alcohol, the blast of fruit suddenly subsides and softens with nuances of coffee and wet earth seeping into the profile.  With tannins that are present yet restrained, everything is in balance here and should allow the wine to age for a good 5-7 years.  But wait……there’s more (sorry, I couldn’t resist being trite).   The wine is outrageously affordable at ~$20.  Pair this as you would any Shiraz/Syrah, with beefy  and grilled meat dishes, game, poultry, mushrooms and aged cheeses.  Really, this wine is a steal for the quality and age worthiness.

Domaine Zind-Humbrecht Gewurztraminer Alsace, 2007: