An Aussie and Yank Collaboration

I’d like to take the credit for all the wine “discoveries” I’ve made over the years — the affordable gems I’ve found from the world’s vast vineyard — but the credit must be given to all the clever wine importers and distributors with whom I’ve enjoyed a remarkable relationship. In some cases it spans the 30 years I’ve been involved in the wine world this side of the Atlantic. I’m in an enviable position, as I can swim in the river that begins the moment the grapes are picked and ends on our shelves where we find the product. Along the way I have access to the various people who sprinkle magic on the maturing elixir. Those folks are to thank for introducing me to this week's recommendation.

Marquis Philips is the result of collaboration between Australian winemakers Sarah and Sparky Marquis and U.S. importer Dan Philips. It’s the perfect marriage, given the American consumer’s passion for Australian wines and their comfort and recognition of grape varieties on the label.

As a reflection of the relationship between the U.S. and Australia, the label on the front of Marquis Philips Holly’s Blend (PLCB Code: 32001; Normally $11, now reduced to $5.99) is a “Roogle” — a mythological half eagle and half kangaroo beast.

So now you know how to identify the wine. 

The grape used for this wine is Verdelho, which began life as a Portuguese grape producing very heavy rich wines, but found its way to Australia and, on this occasion, into this particular splendid nectar. The grapes were harvested in McLaren Vale and Adelaide Hills, on 10- to 15-year-old vines.

There was a long ripening period of mild, dry days and cool nights producing ripe flavors balanced with good acidity. The wine was 30 percent barrel fermented in new French oak and the remainder stainless tank fermented. The “blend” results from the combination of various treatments of the grapes including fermentation and barrel aging techniques and some lees contact on a small portion. There is some Chardonnay, Riesling, and Sémillon also added to the blend.

The wine is full bodied with plenty of exotic fruit flavors and, typical of this grape, some lemon notes. The bottle has a screw cap to ensure the quality remains if you don’t manage to finish off the contents entirely at first quaffing. 

Long may the Aussies and the Yanks collaborate. Cheers!

Marquis Philips Holly’s Blend (PLCB Code: 32001) is currently being offered as a Chairman’s Selection by the PLCB and is reduced from $11 to $5.99.