There is an expression that goes, "proof of the pudding is in the taste." The same can be said about wine. In the
'The Proposition' you'll find a sweeter style of sparkling wine with great structure and a pleasantly dry finish. Here is the end result of a difficult wine making process traditional and more economical methods cannot reproduce. It's one of those things that when done right you get a wine of elegance. When done cheaply the wine is great for maybe cooking.
'The Proposition' came to Chicago in late January in time for St. Valentine's Day. That's where I tasted it. It was cold, snowing and in time for the worst blizzards of the century. It was hardly what one would call "rose season", as if there really was such a thing. Yet the wine had more body than most roses and the warmth of the fermented beverage was pleasant. Still, next time, I think I'll try it chilled on a hot summer night. I love hot summer nights anyway. Hidden in the bright, lively pink rose color are scents of fresh strawberries with a hint of zesty lemon. The first speaks of fresh chilled sweetened strawberry sorbet flavors, with overtones of citrus notes. The firm tannins provide middle palate structure followed by a dry and slightly gripping finish reminiscent of strawberries fresh from the garden . All-in-all a marvelous.
The maker uses Chardonnay that has been matured for 12 months as the base wine is. A measured amount of oak handling provides the structure, flavor and color retention. Adelaide Hills Semillon gives the wine its sweetness and freshness. Then fermentation is halted very early by chilling and coarse filtration. The final component of "The Proposition" is a splash of full-bodied, barrel fermented Adelaide Hills Shiraz, which gives 'The Proposition' its color, complexity and palate structure. This is truly a wine for all seasons. For around $15 it's affordable too.
Kiss Kiss
Uncle Leo
