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by Fred McMillin
for May 24, 2000

 

Victoria Euphoria...
Queen Victoria's Birthday, May 24, 1819


Prologue

Queen Victoria  
What has the Queen got to do with today's wine? Let's go back to 1837.

Alexandrina Victoria starts an era in England.

Johann Gramp leaves Bavaria for Australia where he will start the winery that made today's Best Buy.

Let's amplify.

Alexandrina became Queen Victoria in 1837. She would be the U.K.'s longest ruler... 63 years...known as the Victorian Era.

Johann Gramp would plant one of the early vineyards in Australia, on Jacob's Creek...which is the name on today's wine.


The Rest of the Story

Consequently, tonight's birthday toast to one of the great queens of history will be made with a Jacob's Creek wine, that's a huge bargain...

'98 Jacob's Creek Shiraz-Cabernet
Southeastern Australia
Price—EIGHT DOLLARS
Rating—HIGHLY RECOMMENDED in its price range.
My Panel's Comments: This unusual blend of Cab and Shiraz (Syrah) "really works." Subdued oak provides nice background.
Food Affinities—Pork, lamb, beef...I enjoyed it with well-seasoned veal.
Importer—Austin, Nichols
Contact—Vickie Bello or Marc Gerrone in New Jersey, phone (973) 233-0900, FAX (973) 233-0901.


Postscript

For much more about Jacob's Creek, see the September 3, 1999 WineDay, "A Chic Creek...Travels with Gramp." There was no welcoming committee for the courageous teenager when he first landed offshore on Kangaroo Island.

 
About the Writer

Fred McMillin, a veteran wine writer, has taught wine history for 30 years on three continents. He currently teaches wine courses at San Francisco State and San Francisco City College. In 1995, the Academy of Wine Communications honored Fred with one of only 22 Certificates of Commendation awarded to American wine writers.

 
 

This page created May 2000

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