Yellow Tail 2007 Reserve Shiraz - 86pts

Yellow Tail 2007 "The Reserve" Shiraz - Australia

Decanted: 1/2 hr

Cost: $17.99 (BC Liquor Stores)

Date: August 19, 2009

Tasting Notes: This was the second wine poured at the Cookworks' Chef's Table event held at their flagship store in Vancouver (Granville & Broadway). Shiraz is a varietal that Yellow Tail do very well and the Reserve offering is no exception. However, at roughly $5 more than its standard-level cousin I would expect a bit more complexity in the glass.

Nevertheless, this easy-drinking and approachable Shiraz offers cracked black pepper and spices on the nose. A deep purple-ruby colour, this dry red is a full-bodied Shiraz with berries and more spice on the palate. Well structured tannins finish the experience that leaves you wanting more but does not offer any intrigue.

This wine paired very well with the lone meat course at the Chef's Table event; Beef Tenderloin Rolls with Enoki Mushrooms and Laughing Cow Cheese. - LC

Yellow Tail 2007 The Reserve Chardonnay - 85pts

Yellow Tail 2007 "The Reserve" Chardonnay - Australia

Decanted: 0 hr

Cost: $17.99 (BC Liquor Stores)

Date: August 19, 2009

Tasting Notes: I tasted this wine at Cookworks' kick-off Chef's Table event that was co-promoted by Yellow Tail, who supplied the wine. Vancouver icon Chef Karen Barnaby supplied the food and instruction throughout the 6 course meal. More on the event on our blog site: http://www.iconwinesbc.blogspot.com/.

This is a decent Chardonnay for those who love fully French-oaked, smoky, butter-bomb Chards. This wine has an eye-catching, melted-butter colour that complements the butter and creamy palate. Some melon and tropical fruits flavours help make this an easy-drinking, slightly off-dry wine that paired very nicely with two of the courses served at the event: Garlic & Chilies Edamame and Rare Tuna with Pear, Pine Nuts and Chili Oil.

I found the wine a little too balanced, even a bit bland. I think this Chardonnay could use a bit more acidity to help cut the buttery palate, but overall a good effort by Yellow Tail and a noticeably more complex Chard than their standard level offering. - LC