Wine Review: NV Yellow Tail Sweet Red Roo, Australia, Red

Unfortunately, I have to put a hold on reviewing Montreal dep wines until I’m back in the province, so I will be reviewing NSLC wines for the month of August. I have numerous blog drafts that I’ve been meaning to review and publish, but haven’t had the patience until this week.

This sweet, fruity, red demonstrates notes of cherries, red and black currants, lots of plum, raspberry and a little bit of blackberry. I’m still developing “a nose,” but even I could pick up on these dark-skinned fruit notes within the wine. It has “great legs” and is a lovely deep purple colour. The sweet red roo displays a mild-strong fruit aroma with a medium finish.

I always write my own comments on the notes and aromas of a wine before I read the bottle’s label so that my opinion is not influenced/limited/partial before I try the wine myself. The label suggests that the wine demonstrates notes of sweet red berries, vanilla, and chocolate. I picked up on the berries, but didn’t sense a strong note of vanilla. The label also suggests pairing the wine with a BBQ or a “girls night in” which, personally, I find a bit sexist (implying that only girls enjoy sweet wines), and I would be hesitant pairing this wine with something as hearty as a big, juicy, steak. I think the delicate balance of the wine would be compromised.

I would suggest consuming this wine with a warm plate of baked brie and toasted baguette. It’s not as sweet as a dessert wine, although it would be a good (and cheaper) substitute, and I’d gladly finish a good meal with a glass of this wine.

Ultimately, a great wine for a beginner. It’s very encouraging, simple, and easy-to-drink. Probably not a desirable wine for a dry-red drinker, or even for someone who prefers a layered, interesting wine. I still enjoyed it, and I drank it without food, but I would had enjoy it more at the appropriate temperature (approx. 18C), or with some sharp cheese and flavourful crackers!