In recent years, there appears to be a new trend taking root in the naming of wines. Having been enjoying the fruit of the grape for longer than most people would care to admit, I seem to recall that the usual custom in days gone by was to have a label which either gave the name of the proprietor or the geographic locale of the vineyard or both.
But, having been seduced into purchasing the likes of "Seven Deadly Zins," "Fat Bastard" and numerous others, I did not bat an eyelash when I spied what appeared to be a label reading "Gimicky." After all, that is the modern trend, isn't it?
The wine, a Barossa Valley Shiraz, was purchased and duly entered into my computer database. Last night, after a trying day of attempting to make French Baguettes, we opted for some simply broiled marinated flank steak, al dente Asparagus spears and cottage fried potatoes after a plate of excellent hothouse tomato slices vinagarette.
Browsing through the catacombs of my cellar, I pulled out the "Gimicky" Shiraz to accompany the entre. Only after I had drawn the cork did I discover that what I had interpreted as a leading "G" was actually a "C!" When one has been conditioned, the mind plays tricks with the eye.
The full corrected designation is "Cimicky 2004 Trumps Barossa Valley Shiraz."
After an hour and a half of breathing, the full fruity nose was pouring out of the neck of the bottle unabated. It had a heavy syrupy body, with pronounced chewy soft tannins, supported by lively acids. There were notes of earth, carbon, cardomon and violets present. With the very long finish, I would give it a 17 on the 20 point Davis scale.
Now, when I go to the wine merchant and ask for several bottles for a special dinner, should I expect recommendations for:
"Nannette's Nervous Navel"
"Armadillo Arteries"
and the piece de resistance "Galloping Gonads"
It is time to re-index my wine database. ;-)
Godzilla