David Gower encourages an open mind when it comes to wine. “Every year they seem to discover a new grape somewhere”, he says. With a little help from the Laithwaite’s experts, Gower has built a case of wine that encompasses this approach.
Progressions in winemaking in the New World, Gower observes, lead to new vineyards and wineries, and new tastes to be discovered. Blackberries with hints of cinnamon and plum in the little-known Indian Sula Nasika Zinfandel through to the mouth-filling black fruit and mocha oak notes of one of our Aussie bestsellers, Black Stump Reserve, the Cricket World Tour Collection combines exciting experiments with firm favourites.
In Gower’s case, there are wines from Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and India. The latter, Gower suggests, is the most interesting: “No one associates wine with India!” On his cricket tours around South Asia “all those years back”, Gower reflects upon the early days of the crisp Sula Sauvignon, with its tropical fruit and gooseberry flavours.
However, Gower thinks there are two main contenders for the top spot: Australia and South Africa. Watch the video above to discover which he is backing…
What’s in David Gower’s Cricket World Tour Case?
From Australia
Kilikanoon Baroota Shiraz 2013
Rich, full-bodied and powerful, this dark Shiraz owes its flavour to grapes from the Southern Flinders region of Oz; a brilliant accompaniment to rump steak.
This dry, fruit-rich white is from one of Australia’s last-remaining centuries-old family wineries, founded and still managed by the experimental Angove family. With stunning layered aromas, it’s elegant yet spicy.
The Black Stump Reserve Shiraz 2013
A Laithwaite’s bestseller, David is not alone in praising this liquorice and blackberry-scented Reserve from Down Under. The pure, rich red is given overtones of mocha and vanilla from an American oak maturation—a true fireside treat.
Margan Estate Semillon Hunter Valley 2010
This classic white from the renowned Andrew Margan pairs perfectly with rich chicken or fish dishes. Initially limey, it soon gives way to a complex honeyed, spicy richness.
From India
Another from wine pioneer Rajeev Samant 180 kilometres northeast of Mumbai, this ripe and juicy red is delicious both with and without food. Full bodied, with spicy plum and blackberry flavours.
Sula Nasika Sauvignon Blanc 2013
From grapes grown near the Hindu holy city of Nashik, this crisp and fruity white shows what can be achieved with a great climate and passion for wine. Until recently, Nashik’s grapes were used primarily for the table, before engineer Rajeev Samant arrived and launched the widely acclaimed Sula Vineyards.
From New Zealand
Zingy lime notes dominate in this exclusive Riesling, which best complements fish baked simply with lemon. From the award-winning John Forrest and his family, citrus overtones make it a great choice for spring.
Shingle Peak Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2014
Quality is paramount in this award-winning bottle from the pioneering Matua Valley. Intense and brimming with notes of lemon, green pepper and grass, with added character in its passion fruit and pineapple flavours.
Named after nearby landmark, Split Apple Rock in the Abel Tasman National Park, this elegant Pinot has a ripe berry, plum and chocolate character. The result of a long and slow ripening in cooling sea breezes, this is a wine to take your time over.
From South Africa
Newton Johnson Southend Chardonnay 2013
From a dynamic Cape estate, proximity to the Atlantic gifts this wine with crisp apple fruit flavours, mineral elegance, and essential richness. Its grapes were sourced from 800-metre high vineyards, and the idyllic climate has allowed a brilliant balance of flavour with subtle oak influence.
Bellemore Family Selection Pinotage 2011
With weight and warmth, this red is made from hand-harvested grapes and aged in American oak barrels, taking on spicy, vanilla aromas. With beautifully round tannins and rich, berry fruit.
Groote Kaap Cabernet Sauvignon 2014
Dense, dark and velvety, this flavour-packed red is an exclusive to Laithwaite’s customers. The brainchild of Spier Estate head winemaker Frans Smit, its grapes are all handpicked in the early morning from the Montagu region of Klein Karoo.
Win this case!
To be in with a chance of winning a David Gower Cricket World Tour case, all you have to do is like the competition post on Facebook, or retweet the competition tweet on Twitter. Both posts are pinned to the top of our profiles – it couldn’t be easier!
- You must be at least 18 years of age to enter
- The competition is open from 18:00 Thursday 19th February until 00:01 Tuesday 24th February 2015
- No purchase necessary
- Two winners will be randomly selected – one from Facebook and one from Twitter entries
- The prize is one case of David Gower’s Cricket World Tour Collection
- The two prize-winners will be announced on the Laithwaite’s Facebook and Twitter pages respectively, within 7 days of the competition close date
For full terms and conditions, please click here.
