Jacob’s Creek is one of those Australian brands that is widely available on US shelves; so it’s likely their packaging and logo have some familiarity to wine lovers. Vintage to vintage they tend to release wines that showcase individual personality and the genuine variation expected in vineyard driven releases. Today I’ll look at two of their current wines.
The Jacob’s Creek 2010 Reserve Chardonnay was produced from fruit sourced in the Adelaide Hills region ofAustralia. This widely available offering has a suggested retail price of $12.99 and often sells for closer to $10.
Green apple aromas are joined by emerging hints of spice and a splash of lemon zest on the nose of this Chardonnay. Granny Smith apple, Meyer lemon, stone fruits and bits of sage are all present throughout the palate which shows off a remarkably awesome purity of fruit for a Chardonnay under $20, let alone one that can often be had for around $10. The finish features continued apple characteristics and a blast of spices such as nutmeg and clove. This Chardonnay has excellent acidity and nice balance. It’s primed to enjoy with food.
The Jacob’s Creek 2008 Reserve Shiraz was produced using fruit from Barossa Valley. This nationally available wine has a suggested retail price of $12.99 and you can often find it for a couple of bucks less if you shop around.
Wild strawberry and Bing cherry aromas are prominent in this Shiraz from the first whiff. Hints of fennel slip in as well. The palate here, which is lush and layered, is studded with fruits such as red raspberry and cherry and dotted with blackberry, black plum, white pepper and cardamom. This Shiraz features an above average finish that shows off a continuing cacophony of red fruits as well as a significant mélange of spices. This is a very well balanced Shiraz that showcases rich fruit flavors as well as good balance and structure. It is a particularly nice value in its price category. While the Jacob’s Creek Barossa Shiraz is pretty tasty and engaging from the moment you pour it, 45 minutes or so of aeration really gives it a chance to open up and reveal all of its charms.
In addition to making food and budget friendly wines Jacob’s Creek has also launched a True Character program. It offers the possibility of winning $5,000 to put towards your passion or the charity of your choice. Please do head over to their Facebook page for all the pertinent details.