Weekly wine update: Southern Hemisphere (part I)

Today we covered wines of South Africa, New Zealand, and Australia. I am still dealing with a sinus infection, and I was pretty conjested today, so I had a tough time. Still we had a few interesting comparisons. We started by comparing a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc to a South African one. The New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc was extraordinarily crisp and refreshing, whereas the South African version was a little more subdued. Next, we compared Chardonnays, one from Australia, and the other from South Africa. Here, the Australian Chard was very oaky (it was hard to taste any fruit), and was well-made but simple. The South African wine had a nice balance between oak and fruit, and it actually had a butterscotch aftertaste! I still don't care for Chardonnay, but if I was going to start drinking it, I would definitely look to South Africa. We also tried a Pinot Noir from New Zealand, a Shiraz from Australia, and a Cabernet-Shiraz-Merlot blend from Australia. Overall, I was a little disappointed with today's selections, but I think that's because Jud and I have spent a lot of time exploring Australian red wines, and we have already found some really nice ones.

It is useful to know that all three of these Southern Hemisphere countries produce good wines at relatively low price points. Though the costs have been increasing lately, you can still find some great deals. Also, if you're looking for a white wine from the Southern Hemisphere, know that most don't age well and should be consumed within two years of the vintage date. Higher quality wines will last a little longer. Oh! And "Bin," which you often see on Australian wines, doesn't mean anything.

Here are the wines I tried today. If you want to do the taste comparison (which is a really neat way to find out that you can, in fact, distinguish among wines), just invite a few friends to try them along with you.

• Matua Valley Sauvignon Blanc, 2004, Marlborough, New Zealand ($12)
• Boschendal Sauvignon Blanc, Coastal Region, South Africa, 2004 ($14)
• Lindemans Bin 65 Chardonnay, South Eastern Australia, 2003 ($8)
• Glen Carlou Chardonnay, Paarl, South Africa, 2002 ($14-$15)
• Kim Crawford Pinot Noir, Marlborough, New Zealand, 2003 ($16)
• Greg Norman Estate Limestone Coast Shiraz, Limestone Coast, Australia, 2002 ($14)
• Wynn's Coonawarra Estate Cabernet-Shiraz-Merlot, Coonawarra, Australia, 2001 ($10)