Do you need a break from the recent spat of crazy weather? Having to choose between your umbrella and your parka is not a decision you should have to make in January! How does some liquid Australian sunshine sound? Warm, red and friendly would best describe this charming Shiraz from Australia's sunny south. It gets better: this sumptuous red wine is only $9.95, making it one of the best value red wines available at the LCBO. Now, that's a break we can all use.

Tasting Note: Rich, juicy, dark berries and plums teem on the nose and palate in this medium-bodied, generous red wine. Smooth ripe fruit flavours are perfectly balanced with cranberry-like acidity, spicy oak and silky tannins, finishing with good intensity and length.

Enjoy With: This delicious red would work superbly with tomato-based dishes, grilled red meat, poultry or pork. It's playful enough to have with hamburgers or bbq ribs yet serious enough to match with a well-seasoned rack of lamb.

Style: Rich, warm, medium-bodied, dry red wine.

Terroir / Region: The Mildura region of northern Victoria lies within the vast inland valley of the Murray River. This once arid no-man's land was transformed in the 1880's with the use of irrigation and has become one of Australia's most productive sources of fruit, olives, nuts and grapes. Perfect growing conditions, combined with high tech water management tools, allow Deakin Estate to consistently produce some of Australia's best quality grapes for winemaking.

Producer: Most of Deakin Estate was planted with vines in the mid-1970's. Deakin Estate wines were launched in 1994 to international success and recognition. Today, Deakin Estate strives to be the industry leader in winegrape production and works tirelessly towards maintaining sustainable water and land management practices. Their Lean+Green wine bottles are lighter and require fewer resources to manufacture than conventional bottles and save energy and space during shipping. Deakin Estate was awarded the prestigious Save Water Award in 2002 and they continue to share their knowledge with other fruit growers and wine makers along The Murray.

Availability: Deakin Estate Shiraz is available from your local LCBO store in the Australian section.

Other Wine Offer: Château de Gourgazaud Minervois AC (France), LCBO# 22384, $12.75. Click here for more information.

Remember your reusable shopping bag & please enjoy responsibly.

Posted on January 27, 2012