Nugan Estate is a third generation, family owned winery located in the Riverina section of southeastern Australia. Alfredo Nugan came to Australia from Spain in 1940 to start a vegetable growing operation that eventually morphed into one of the most successful of its type in the country. Moving forward three generations, Alfredo’s great-grandchildren ventured into the world of fine wine in the early 90’s and they haven’t looked back since. These days, they produce a range of wines, from great everyday values to dramatic, highly rated showstoppers. This Saturday, we’ll run you through their affordable range of wines, and we think you’ll be quite impressed. Stop by anytime between 2 and 5 p.m. this Saturday and we’ll tell you all about the wines while we let you taste them. All of the tasting wines are 10% off by the bottle, 15% off when you buy six and 20% off when you buy 12 or more.
1. 2011 Chardonnay “Third Generation”
The family’s Chardonnay is all about balance! The warm, sunny weather of Australia allows for a nicely ripe style of Chardonnay, but there is still plenty of acidity to keep things fresh. Ripe peach, spiced apple, nectarine and melon notes………mild oak and vanilla flavors. This is a great go-to Chardonnay for everyday drinking!
2. 2011 Shiraz “Third Generation”
It’s hard to believe that Nugan’s vineyards are in the same region as those that Yellow Tail uses to make their wines! Trust me, these are as far removed from Yellow Tail as a Big Mac is to filet mignon. The Shiraz is fresh and balanced, but still classic and true to form. A nice core of lush dark berry fruit, somewhat jammy, but fresh at the same time………..black pepper and spicy vanilla from the oak. This one makes me want a big, fat, greasy bacon cheeseburger.
3. 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon “Third Generation”
“You could easily spend $50 on a Napa cabernet that has less depth and energy than this wine, which makes it an absolute steal.” This is what wine critic phenom Steve Tanzer said about this wine. This is a nice, bright style of Cabernet Sauvignon……….in plain speak that means it’s not too heavy and not overloaded with dark fruit notes. Spicy cherry and currant fruit, fresh flowers, mocha and a bit of mint inform the nose and palate of this complex, restrained effort.