Laughing Jack
On the shelf…
Reading the label, you can’t help but smile.
Laughing Jack.
This one scores points before the lid is even cracked open. I love a label that oozes imagination. The name Laughing Jack scratches at the back of the mind with a quiet chuckle. It hints at storytelling – perhaps the winemakers history.
As a typographic nut, the calligraphy on the label also tickles my fancy. It’s a fabulous example of “clean + simple” at it’s best.
Enough said. Into the basket it goes, waiting now for the perfect meal and good company to spread itself around.
Skip to Dinner…
Organic roast vegetables, beetroot and orange. Roast tomatoes from the garden, baked with pancetta, caramelised balsamic and basil. Succulent Eye Fillet. A lovely green salad.
The lid comes off Laughing Jack.
Taking a cheeky sniff – a nose of berry & red-fruit flavours bubble out with excitement. I have a few of glasses – the first poured straight from the bottle, the others I aerate using the very handy Vinturi. (The same delightful contraption I wrote on a couple of months ago). The aeration opens up the flavour just a fraction more.
Colour is seductive; this shiraz is very dark – almost black with crimson peeping through.
Taste - the Greenock Shiraz does not disappoint.
4 years on the cellar shelf have probably enhanced Jack’s already delicious mix of flavour. It tastes like it smells – very rich, berry & plum-like, with a subtle hint of soft spice. (Cloves and liquorice according to the tasting notes) Soft tannins – this one is nice and smooth on the tongue.
Notes Over Dessert…
Grown in the Barossa Valley at the Laughing Jack Vineyard, this Shiraz was matured in American Oak (80%) and seasoned French Oak (20%). Retailing for about $20 a bottle, it’s worth every penny and more- this wine is excellent value for money.
Laughing Jack wines (the collection) are widely esteemed and have won many awards over the years. Take a look at their website for information about the vineyard, wines, awards, and to buy. The only thing that’s missing is information about the Laughing Jack Cellar Door, and whether it’s worth a visit.
