I’ve explained the idea of virtual wine tastings in previous posts but for those who are new to the concept, here’s how they go:

• Get wine in the varietal or brand being sampled.
• Invite some friends to try the wine(s) and experience with you (or do as I typically do – put some yoga pants on and enjoy from the couch with iPad, iPhone and laptop handy).
• Drink and share your thoughts about the wine(s) with other wine fans from around the world using the established hashtag on Twitter and/or Facebook (in this case #TwoLands).

The wines I tasted last night were by Jacob’s Creek’s new range of wines, Two Lands, made as a collaboration between the Jacob’s Creek’s Chief Winemaker, Bernard Hickin, and Napa winemaker, Ehren Jordan. These new and affordable Australian wines are now available in retail outlets across the United States.

Here are my tasting notes for the four Jacob’s Creek wines featured – 2014 Two Lands Chardonnay, 2014 Two Lands Pinot Grigio, 2013 Two Lands Shiraz and 2013 Two Lands Cabernet Sauvignon.

2014 Two Lands Chardonnay

Bright yellow with a hint of green in the glass. This is a light-bodied Chardonnay with tropical fruit aromas. In the mouth, the flavors were of cantaloupe and peach, not over-the-top fragrant. What I loved most about this Australian Chardonnay was the bright citrusy acidity that gave the wine an almost tangy finish. As the wine warmed up a bit, it developed bigger tropical fruit flavors with a touch of oakiness.

Pairings: Seafood, chicken and pork, if prepared in a light manner

Grape Type(s): Chardonnay

Price: $14

2014 Two Lands Pinot Grigio

Very pale yellow in the glass. There are light lemony and aromas and Meyer lemon flavors that finish on a zesty citrus note. Nice summer sipper.

Pairings: Serve as an aperitif, with fish or with a light salad

Grape Type(s): Pinot Grigio

Price: $14

2013 Two Lands Cabernet Sauvignon

Bright red in the glass with an intense berry nose. This medium-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon offers stone fruit and ripe berry aromas with a little apple pie spice on the medium finish.

Pairings: Grilled meats, cheese course 

Grape Type(s): Cabernet Sauvignon

Price: $14

2013 Two Lands Shiraz

Deepest of purple in the glass with a smoky, dark fruit nose. Big ripe fruit and blackberry flavors with a crack of black pepper on the long finish. It’s a baby still and needs some cellaring. Softened up a bit with decanting.

Pairings: Grilled steak, simmered beef or lamb, barbeque ribs 

Grape Type(s): Shiraz

Price: $14

Besides the solid wine in the bottles, another thing I loved about the Two Lands is the artwork on the bottles. Here’s a short video showing the wine label illustration – very cool!

Very solid wines for that unbeatable price point – stock up for your summer parties!

These four wines were sent to me as samples and are being added to my repertoire. Cheers,

Veronique