💎 The Hunt Continues 💎
We picked this week’s bottle the old-fashioned way - aimless wandering, a squiz at the labels, and the hope we’d find something that looks like it costs way more than it does. Today's Cab Sauv caught our eye immediately, but did it live up to the suit-and-tie exterior?
Know someone who judges wine by the label? Forward this on and let them see how that theory worked out for us this time around.
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All Dressed Up, But Falls Flat 🎩
🍷 Krondorf Winemakers Cabernet Sauvignon (2023)
We were walking the aisles looking for a bottle that could pass as a $50 drop in disguise, and this one strutted right up to us. White label, gold accents, rich red capsule - it looked like it should have its own valet. And at $13 (down from $16.99) at Dan's, it was right in our price bracket.
The backstory gave us high hopes. Krondorf’s been part of Barossa’s winemaking roots since the 1840s, and the current crew are talking a big game - dark fruits, mocha, spice, choc mint, the whole shebang. We were ready for a flavour bomb.
And hey, we love a Barossa wine. It’s one of our go-to regions - bold, reliable, never shy. But this one? Look, we wanted to love it. But after the first sip, it was a bit like finding out that the band you booked for the wedding only knows two songs - and one of them’s “Wonderwall.” The flavour was there, just not in the quantity or swagger we expected. It did loosen up slightly after giving it a bit of breathing room, but still felt a bit thin for a Cab Sauv.
It’s not awful - just underwhelming. And with Cab Sauv being one of our favourites, we hold it to a pretty high standard. If we’re being honest, there are better ways to spend your cash. For the same coin as this, you could grab two bottles of the Grant Burge Classic Collection Cab Sauv, which is also from the Barossa and absolutely holds its ground in the flavour department. (You can read our review for that one here when it came runner up in a "Cab Sauv off")
So where does that leave us? With a very pretty bottle and a glass of red that didn’t quite walk the walk. We’re giving it a polite golf clap, but we won’t be going back for seconds.
VITR Official Score: 6 / 10
👍 Reality vs Perception: Like a bloke in a three-piece suit who forgets your name mid-handshake. Reality wasn't able to meet the expectation.
👩🎨 Label Aesthetics: Gold trim, red top, classy as heck. It’ll impress your in-laws, at least until the first sip.
👴 Comparison to Nonno’s Home Brew: Nonno would take one whiff, tut loudly, and march back to the shed for something with “real flavour.”
🪩 Fit for an Engagement Party: If it’s dark, loud, and no one’s paying attention, maybe. But even then, we think there's better options at half the price.
🤑 Keep the Change: Enough for some Nongshim Gourmet Noodle Soup, but that's about it.
Real Talk
📖 Fake It 'Til You Make It
Barossa Intensity: Drop this one in while swirling the glass like you’re auditioning for a wine documentary: “You can really taste the Barossa intensity.” It sounds fancy and no one will challenge you.
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💡 Sip Tip
Wine Hates Wobble: Keep your bottles away from things that vibrate (like washing machines, speakers or that dodgy shelf near the back door) if you want them to age gracefully.
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🍿 Sip & Snack
Cab Sauv & Roast Lamb Rolls: Think crusty roll, melt-in-your-mouth lamb, and a cheeky drizzle of red. Perfection on a cold winter's day.
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Until Next Issue, Cheers 🍷
This one had the looks, the heritage, and a Barossa postcode - but in the end, it didn’t bring the goods. Like buying front-row footy seats only to realise your team forgot how to kick.
Onward to the next bottle - and hopefully, the next hidden gem. 🍷
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