Aussies still rule with Boutique Wines
... They are seeking out the growing fine wine market and leaving the bottom shelves to the newboys. Wayne Thomas, Shiraz 2004 (92), around €25, available from Karwig Wines, Carrigaline, Co Cork, or online at www.karwigwines.ie Karwig Wines owner Joe Karwig has been ploughing a furrow for boutique wines for over a decade. His fine palate and eye for the mood of the market makes a trip to Carragaline an essential part of any Cork visit. I reviewed two different versions of Wayne Thomas at Karwig's a couple of years back - one from US oak and one from French oak. It was a joyous craft experimentation from this boutique winery. This is a rich, almost purple wine with huge warm fruit and a lovely white pepper spice to the finish. Gorgeous.