Review: 2008 Pillar Rox Red. Australia. $6
Ah yes, another Australian wine favorite- Pillar box red is a great example of Australia producing high yield good quality red wines. Pillar Box must be a close rival to Yellow Tail in Australian wine popularity in the US because I see it everywhere- this time at Costco- and for around $6. Where Pillar box is different than a Yellow Tail is that Pillar Box Red takes a far more refined approach to their wine - this isn't a fruit bomb formulated for wine tasting newcomers.
Hailing from the Padthaway wine region of Australia Pillar Box Red is produced by Henry's Drive Wines makers of brands such as Parson’s Flat, The Trial of John Montford, Dead Letter Office, The Postmistress, The Scarlet Letter, Pillar Box, Morse Code and upscale Henry’s Drive.
Most of Australia's best wines never make it to the US in any large qty- which is a shame because in my opinion Australian wines rival the best wines from Napa and Sonoma. Quite a bold claim on my part, but one thing you can't argue is that the country produces some of the best values for the money- including Pillar Box Red.
Winemakers Tasting Notes:
The 2008 Pillar Box Red has a dark colour and a vibrant purple hue, with aromas of fresh blueberry fruit, liquorice, dried mint and cinnamon oak undertones. The palate is dense and juicy, with flavours of fresh blackcurrant and cherry combined with aniseed, dried thyme and mocha oak characters. The wine is rich and full bodied, well balanced and seamless with soft, persistent tannins.
My Notes:
Color of dark ruby red/garnet. Nose of smoked duck, metallic copper, and strawberries. Tastes include jammy blackberry with a hint of clay dirt and liquorish. Fruit forward but very well rounded with a long finish. Be careful and use a strainer for the final glass as it will likely be full of sediment. A great value for casual drinking any time.
Bayareawinelover rating: 89
