Tonights Wine 2014 March Madness Australia/New Zealand Region #1) Penfolds Bin 707 This 2008 Cabernet

et Sauvignon heralds from the South Australian part of the region. This wine is full of spices and hints of oak with a big, bold style. This is a seriously good wine. This is the first of many Penfolds seeded in this region. The favorite to make at out of this region to the final four. #2) Penfolds Bin 389 This 2009 Cabernet Shiraz from the Adelaide Hills region of Australia is typical Aussie blend of spice, aniseed, black cherry and floral notes. This team is seamless, balanced and is up with the very best of this regions blends. #3) Penfolds Bin 407 This 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon gave the 707 a run for its money this season, coming up just short in a thrilling matchup earlier on. Its deep dark berry and cherry scents carried it to an early lead and it showed very good balance, with the pure dark fruit and oak flavors clinging tenaciously down to the finish. One to keep an eye on. #4) Peter Lehmann Eight Songs this Shiraz is densely colored blend with layers of dark chocolate and black forest fruits. This wine is famous for being opened but carefully decanted for about 3 hours before serving usually catching many by surprise with its strong late finish. Dont let its slow starts fool you. #5) Cloudy Bay Te Koko The first New Zealand wine to appear in this region, this Sauvignon Blanc goes splendidly with light fish and shellfish. This wine epitomizes the ability to carefully balance its electric energy with its deep complexity. Very hard to match up against for other wines in this region, this wine may surprise many with its outstanding line and length. #6) Penfolds Bin 128 This shiraz is the fourth from the Penfolds conference to appear in this region. Its sexy oak-spiced aromas of cherry-cola, boysenberry and pipe tobacco may make one want to just sit back and enjoy on its own, or with a nice steak. Many have called this bottle the baby of this region. I like this pick as a sleeper. #7) PepperJack The aromas are complex with blackcurrent, spice and a touch of mint in this Cabernet Sauvignon. Sourced from the premium vineyards of Barossa, this wine is full of flavors. A nice pick by the committee. #8) Loveblock This sauvignon blanc farm is certified organic in New Zealand, inoculated with organic yeast, no preservatives in the fermentation process and organic winemaking guidelines strictly adhered to some would say, just like our grandparents used to make. The result is a bold and big with aromas of peach, fig and a hint of tomato plant spices. Just a wonderful wine. #9) Brancott This sauvignon blanc from New Zealand has a sweet, ripe fruit character. Its well balanced and matches well with a variety of items ranging from grilled oysters, grilled prawns or salmon and poached white fish in a green salad with herbs, pepper or lemon. Mediterranean dishes with hummus, kalamata olives and feta cheese matches well also. Very difficult for another wine to match the diversity of this one. A nice sleeper for the price. #10) Rosemount Estate This Australian Shiraz has a delicious aroma of warm, spicy liquorice and brambly fruit is interwoven with savoury American oak. This wine has a long, rich finish. #11) Greg Norman Estates This cabernet merlot 80/20 blend is medium-bodied thats made for mass appeal. It has a creamy texture and chocolaty overtones and its almost guaranteed to perform well. #12) Matua - This New Zealand sauvignon blanc contains aromas of papaya and tropical fruits, interlaced with crisp citrus and mineral notes. If you like a good occasion to celebrate, look no further than this wine. #13) Angove Red Belly Black This shiraz has been considered MAGNIFICENT by some analysts, with a lovely color mixture of purple and garnet hues and aromas of rich plum red currant and liquorice together with spicy vanillin oak. This wine has great length and finish. Another sleeper in this region. #14) Penfolds Koonunga Hill The last of the Penfolds conference in this region, this shiraz-cabernet is very much a reflection of the Penfolds winemaking style and philosophy. Its full flavoured, with excellent shiraz and cabernet fruit, firm yet well rounded in structure. #15) 19 Crimes This Australian red wine comes in a vibrant red with maroon hues. It is polished, expressive and distinctive. A new participant to the tournament, this bottle is affordable and surprisingly appealing. #16) Little Penguin Like the charming bird on the label, this wine is appropriate for all occasions. It holds its own with hard cheeses and on the barbie, from red meats to blackened fish.