When Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz don't mix- Mattie's Perch

Austrailia is known for its excellent Shiraz wines. It is not known for its Cabernet Sauvignon's. After trying Mattie's Perch, I understand why.

I opened this bottle of wine as I was getting dinner ready the other night. I wanted a glass of red to sip on while I prepped my meal. I took sip number 1. It was awful. It was sour. It was burnt (but not corked or turned). I wondered if my pallette just needed to adapt. So with that, I took sip number 2. No better, maybe even worse. Sufficed to say, I did not get through even 1 glass of Mattie's Perch.

For me, this wine has joined an elite group- those wines that I have opted to dump down the sink rather than push through and finish the bottle. This is not a group I ever wish a wine to join!

Recommendation: Don't buy it

Comments

[Pascal]

Funny I went shopping at Trader Joe's on Sunday and looked at this new collection of Australian wines...almost got caught by attractive label but decided not to buy them based on my previous experience with aussie wines and the basic rule according which the beauty of the label on the bottle has nothing to do with the quality of the liquid inside the bottle ;-)
I'm sorry that you had to dump it but again I appreciate you sharing your experience because I would probably end up trying it myself...well I won't! Following your advice I got a bottle of the Bordeaux you recommanded but didn't have a chance to enjoy it yet having some white wines tasting the last few days.

[Subzero]

If I might be so bold, I'd recommend giving Mattie's Perch one more chance. It sounds to me like you may have had a bad bottle. Given that they're corked, it's entirely possible. The one I had last night with some friends was fantastic. Everyone enjoyed it. It was neither sour nor burnt and I'm even seeking it out for its QPR. It's weak for a cab and reminds me more of a syrah or a merlot...I don't know. It's just weaker.

[P. Sojourner]

I purchased approximately 2 cases of the Cabernet Shiraz and LOVED it! My girlfriend and I drank it with dinner, and while just relaxing. We truly enjoyed this wine. I would love to purchase more however, I have found it very difficult too locate due to the horrible drought that Australia has been suffering. If someone has a case or so that they purchased and don't like, I'd be interested in taking it off your hands for you.