Wine Series

This post marks the first in a series of exposes on Australian wines. As I've only had a job for a couple of months now I've only just started to explore Australia's world-renowned offering of wines. I've also made an effort to explore the different local beers, and I will be posting my thoughts on them in a separate series. Neither the wines nor the beers will appear in the order I have tried them. But once I have caught up and posted on all the wines and beers I've enjoyed, then they will begin to appear in sequence. The first wine exposed will be the Jacob’s Creek Shiraz Cabernet – Barossa Valley, South Australia. As I am not a wine connoisseur, I have supplemented my own experience of the wine with information found on the label and the producer's website in order to give a fuller description for those (like oncle Michel) who have a finer palette than mine and may be able to appreciate the subtle qualifications used in the wine lingo. Included with each wine, of course, is the recommended food to serve it with. Cheers!

Jacob's Creek Shiraz Cabernet - A medium-bodied wine that really carries the best of two worlds. The shiraz variety is the most popular red grape produced in Australia, and it epitomizes the scent and flavor of Australian wines. Its rich, warm texture with peppery overtones and fruity, plum characteristics is complemented by the cabernet sauvignon’s black currant flavor. Finishes smoothly with a fresh leafy aftertaste. Apparently goes well with red meat, chicken, pasta and older cheeses. I enjoyed this wine, like most wines of tried so far. Its not very dry, like a shiraz would tend to be. Not that I mind a dry wine though. It reminded me of the Lindeman’s Bin 45 Cab, which I will be showcasing later, but it was not as pungent. Although it is touted as a very versatile wine that goes with almost any food (except fish I suppose), I think this is the kind of red I would also enjoy on its own with a friend.

Taronga Zoo

One of the last things that we crossed off Andy's to-do list was a visit to Taronga Zoo. For me it was long overdue. The zoo is much larger than I thought and has everything from elephants, giraffs, and gorillas to komodo dragons, kangaroos and ostrichs on display. My favorite exhibit was the chimpanzee house. I could watch them for hours. They're absolutely fascinating because they're so human-like. I saw them communicate using hand gestures and facial expression, use sticks as tools for getting food and discipline a misbehaving youth. We share over 98% of our genetic material with these creatures, and I can definately see the family resemblance! It's actually quite uncanny how much we get the impression that they're just like us, only small, black and hairy.
All the other animals were interesting in their own way too. The Western lowland gorilla is absolutely massive and very impressive. The silverback definitely commands respect just from looking at him. The saltwater crocodile was also very large, but quite lazy as crocs generally are. It barely moved while we were checking it out, but it was right close to the glass and we got a great look at the sheer size of this monstrous reptile. I remember thinking "Steve Irwin handled these beasts and a sting ray got him?"
The indigenous Australian wildlife was also fascinating. We got some great shots of kangaroos and even walked among them in an open exhibit. In the same exhibit was an emu that Andrea mistook for a rock until we were 6 feet away and I pointed it out to her. I'll never forget her face as she gasped and realised she was staring at a giant bird! Immediately after it decided to let out a low grunt, stand up and show us how large it was. I don't think Andy liked the emu...

Parrot

Komodo Dragon

Fresh Water Crocodile

Giraffes

Zebras

Grey Kangaroo sleeping

SKIPPY!

Skippy's sizable nuts

Echidnas

Wombat

Koala

Black Swan

Red Kangaroo

Emu

Asian Elephant

Meerkat

Kodiak Bear

Lion

Chimp

Chimp

Western Lowland Gorilla