Penfolds Koonunga Hills Shiraz-Cabernet 2006

Second Chances

Last Sunday night, too tuckered to prepare a family meal at home, I suggested we take the kids out for dinner. It was blustery, perfect cause to visit our favorite Irish pub with its dark wood paneling, dim lights, and steaming, savory meat pies.

Set to order my favorite Shepherd's Pie, covered with a crust of creamy mashed potatoes, I surveyed the wine list and settled on a Shiraz/Cabernet blend from Australia. The wine was served in a homey, stemless wine glass, a fitting touch for the cozy surroundings. But on first taste, I was disappointed. A slight bitterness worried me that I'd made a poor choice.

But that all changed—after my food arrived.

Red Wine Info Bottle    Penfolds Koonunga Hills Grape    78% Shiraz, 22% Cabernet Sauvignon Year       2006 Region  Australia Price     ~$10.00 Shop     Wine-Searcher Food Pairing  Shepard's Pie, rich food

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With each sip following a taste of the meaty pie, this wine grew on me. The earthiness of the wine with its deep blackberry notes held up the richness of my dish, and now my wine seemed to make perfect sense. Sometimes, all it takes is the right food pairing to bring out the best in a glass of wine.

Here's to second chances.

Diane Timba is a contributing writer at Thursday Happy Hour. Check out her lifestyle wine column here on Wednesdays. Ever changed your mind about a glass of wine? Let Diane know in the comments below. Or chat with her on Facebook.

Comments

[Wendy]

I really love Penfolds- I believe it's the name that turned me on to Australian wine.