July 20, 2007
Chortle’s Edge Bendigo Shiraz 2005 ($18)
While it’d be appropriate to hold off another 50 minutes and post this review on the Saturday (Chortle’s Edge is the second label of Bendigo winery Blacjack and of course, 21 is the magic number in Blackjack), I’m going to post it today for two reasons: First, I want to be able to notch up an uninterrupted five-day run of reviews, and secondly, it’s been a hectic week and I want to be able to end it with a minimum of fuss and write up something that I’ve already snapped a picture of.
Lifted ripe plum and floral aromas continue on to the soft, juicy and persistent palate. Good balance between the forward fruit characters and vanilla oak makes for an easy-to-enjoy quaffer. Described by Blackjack as its “Monday to Thursday” wine, I whole-heartedly agree and imagine a glass of this at the end of every week night would help in the evening transition from work to play.
Upon reflection I’ve found a third reason why today is an appropriate date to post this review: 20 isn’t quite Blackjack but in most cases, it’s more than good enough to get the job done. Unless of course the dealer has an ace showing, and then despite the best intentions of the anchorman, will proceed to make a natural to trump everyone’s miracle four and five card 21s: in that case, a drop like this will help take some of the sting off good ol’ Murphy’s Law. www.blackjackwines.com.au