Lucky Penny 2009 Red - 84pts

Lucky Penny 2009 Red (South Eastern Australia) - Australia

Availability: Widely available at BCLDB stores

Cost: $17.99

Alcohol: 13.5%

Date Tasted: April 25th, 2011

Tasting Notes: The Lucky Penny 2009 Red, as part of a newly released duo from prominent Australian mega-brand Yellow Tail, acts as an uneasy older brother out to chaperon his affable younger sister, the 2010 White. She's charming and fun. He's superfluous and uncomfortable in his own skin.

A blend of 50% Shiraz, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Merlot you would expect, even for a mass-produced "South Eastern" Australia wine, to have a meaty backbone with big tannins and spicy black pepper characters. But the Lucky Penny Red has neither. Rather, the character of the wine is super-ripe and juicy with a sharp nose of prune, maraschino cherry, molasses and oak aromas. The palate starts with an unwanted level of sweetness and then settles to showcase substantial concentration of cherry, dark berry, licorice, spice and chocolate flavours.

"Unpretentious and bursting with flavour..." the marketing material suggests, and it's hard to disagree, but I think they left out "confused". Drink 2011-2012.

 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Lucky Penny 2010 White - 87pts

Lucky Penny 2010 White (South Eastern Australia) - Australia

Availability: Widely available at BCLDB stores
Cost: $17.99
Alcohol: 11.5%
Date Tasted: April 25th, 2011

Tasting Notes: Rather than from a sense of place, the character for this Yellow Tail produced wine comes from the successful blend of 65% Chardonnay, 20% Viognier and 15% Pinot Grigio which combines lush tropical flavours with a decent citrus kick to create an easy drinking and food friendly summer sipper.

The subtle nose blooms after some time in the glass to reveal happy floral notes with melon and green apple aromas also present. The off-dry palate is feminine in nature and fairly full-bodied despite the low alcohol. All-in-all, a pleasant surprise from a company who too often produces well-priced, but forgettable varietal wines, this blend works. Drink 2011-2013.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

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