12 Apostles is another label from Aussie Vineyards, the producers of AU, among other labels, producing wine for export since 2006. I've written about AU wines quite favorably, before, including AU Barossa Valley Shiraz 2004 and AU Granite Belt Shiraz, 2006, and AU Cabernet Sauvignon Coonawarra 2004. As with the AU wines, the 12 Apostles Cabernet Sauvignon and and 12 Apostles Shiraz were purchased at the Bargain Grocery Outlet, though I've also been seeing them for a slightly higher price at Trader Joe's.

12 Apostles wines are produced in South Eastern Australia, in Queensland. That's about all I can discover; these are essentially bulk wines for export.

12 Apostles Cabernet Sauvignon Eastern Australia 2009

This 12 Apostles Cabernet Sauvignon is a rich, robust, brash cab. The nose is ripe berries, and a hint of earth (or as some have it, "tobacco notes"). In the glass its a crimson, verging on deepest purple with ruby highlights. In tasting, the first thing I noticed was the fruit, followed by the hint of chocolate, and the silky finish more than I noticed the alcohol. This is possibly the perfect Cab for a grab-and-go cheeseburger, or a pizza or any rustic casual but hearty meal.

I was a little surprised when I noticed the ABV on the bottle; 13.8%. I would have guessed 12% or so.

12 Apostles Shiraz Australia, 2009

The 12 Apostles 2009 Shiraz is a deep raspberry red in the glass. The aroma is striking; this wine is vibrant, fruity and slightly earthy. This is one of those wines that really does benefit from exposure to air. The first glass, about fifteen minutes after opening was ok; the second glass about twenty minutes later was bursting with fruit in flavor, with a hint of a smoky, earthy final note. I think I actually like the 12 Apostles Shiraz 2009 better than the Cabernet Sauvignon. Also, I can attest to the fact that the 12 Apostles Shiraz 2009 is a fabulous pairing with pizza rolls.

I picked up both of these 12 Apostles wines at the Bargain Grocery Outlet for $2.99 a bottle; I'm seeing people go home with cases. I'm also seeing them for sale elsewhere, online and off, for $13.00 to $20.00 a bottle. Those customers who find the wine at Trader Joe's report the same phenomenon; people are buying both of these 12 Apostle wines by the case. Mind, they do that with Two Buck Chuck, too, but these are, I think, much better options.