|  One of the primary reasons we recommend this spicy Shiraz from McLaren Vale, Australia is an extremely attractive price it is available at, in Samode Palace, Jaipur where I spent the last weekend. At Rs. 1050 inclusive of all taxes, it is absolutely a steal. More on wines at Samode Palace at a later date. But.
The full bodied, dry but fruity, dark plummy red colour wine has been named after the race horse owned by the South Australian founder Joseph Osborne, who sold the stables in 1912 to buy d'Arenberg property. The aromas of dark fruit and spices take you through the flavour of dark plums. The mid palate is where the flavour scores high. The after- taste is also spicy and long.
Tannins are very mild and rounded. Though it was perfect with the New Zealand rack of lamb, it handled the chicken dishes very well. The vegetarians and some other even preferred it to the pricier Montana Pinot Noir from Marlborough we had ordered earlier to go with the salads, salmon and other fish dishes.
Priced internationally at about US $16-18, it is a bargain if available at under Rs.1500 in any restaurant. There is no reason, it cannot be retailed in the Rs.1200-1400 range, the lower end being a good value for money Australian wine. If you read my comments somewhere in this column, it should be possible. Oberoi, Park and Taj stock it in Delhi and Mumbai at 2000+.
Also an excellent wine for seasoned cheeses. Mutton and chicken kabobs will be a very good match. I would be very happy with the aloo-gobhi, dal tadhka too. You will love it with pepperoni pizza, pasta with bolognaise sauce or game and lamb dishes. Obviously, not a fish wine.
Suggested serving temperature 18° C. (Of course, no change in the storage temperature of 13-15° C.)
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