Adelaide Hills, A Bird in Hand Winery

Resisting all the obvious potential puns that go with the name, a quick visit to the Bird in Hand Winery cellar door was in order whilst hooning around the beautiful Adelaide Hills last November. Having called ahead (on the way), I was to meet Demitri who would be pouring the wines that day. Just a little off the main road but very easy to find even if the entry is a bit underwhelming. Once on to the grounds the vista opens up and on that spring morning it was breathtaking how beautiful it was. The sun was shining and the temperature mild to warm and the grounds of Bird in Hand Winery looked fantastic. I can see why they have so many important (weddings and the like) events here.

Once inside the cool cellar door at the tasting bar, Demitri offered a starter of bubbles, the BIRD in HAND Sparkling Pinot Noir. While not a big bubbles drinker I was tempted to pass but Demitri assured me it was a great place to start particularly given the beautiful day, so start there I did (thankfully as this knowledge would come in handy). A lovely red fruit flavor (think strawberry and a hint of cherry) with some nice floral on the nose makes this a great afternoon sipper or pre-dinner drink. The Whites tasted were all very nice and depending on one's taste preferences there is probably a few you would like and a couple you will love. The white wine that caught me off guard was the 'NEST EGG ADELAIDE HILLS CHARDONNAY 2010'  This is not because I expected mediocre but I had not expected to be so wowed. A bloody good drop that hangs in there with you and demands you take another sip. Could give you tons of descriptions about fruit and the like but go and taste it for yourself. 

As we worked our way through to the reds Dimetri had to take off to take care of a special private group event (actually scheduled)  but left me in good hands. 

The reds are equally engaging and I think maybe even more so than the Whites. With offerings of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Shiraz, Tempranillo and even a not so common Nero d'Avola there was some hard yakka ahead. Of these offerings the one that was taken to be shared with friends (trying to impress) was the BIRD IN HAND SHIRAZ 2010.

The choice was hard but I was won over not just by a great drinking wine but one with a reasonable price point giving it that balance that we feel is important. 

Given that I gave them all of twenty minutes heads up on the show up they were very accommodating and gracious. Next time around a little planning will be put into play and perhaps a chat with the wine maker, a tour of the property and facilities to get a bigger picture of this place that makes many good wines.

Look, head on over and have a taste. Koala 'recommends' you do.

Cheers,

WineWalkabout

Kiwi & Koala

Koala Just ordered some Bird in Hand Sparkling Pinot Noir 2012 last week for his Dad's 90th Birthday extravaganza and the personal service was beyond expectations. Thanks Gabby! Brilliant!