Andy McKee and Torbreck Cuvee Juveniles Barossa Valley

Andy McKee is considered one of the world’s finest acoustic guitar soloists and, of course, one of my favorites. Originally from Topeka, Kansas, he is a self-taught guitar wizard and first came to the attention of guitar aficionados after he was a top finalist at the Winfield National Fingerstyle Guitar Championships. If you ever get to see one of his live shows, you’ll hear engaging repartee sprinkled between true guitar artistry. He manages to capture both the every day music fan and guitar aficionados with his expertise and down to earth wit and humor. McKee transforms the guitar from a simple stringed instrument to a dynamic calliope of sound. He brings his music to life through altered tunings, syncopated tapping, and his textural use of polyphonic tones and drones. If you’ve never heard him, you’re in for a treat. Enjoy!

Art of motion: http://www.youtube.com/user/andymckee?blend=6&ob=5#p/f/36/GRAiUzrmkMk

Tight trite night: http://www.youtube.com/user/andymckee?blend=6&ob=5#p/f/33/tn1d5DmdMqY

Africa: http://www.youtube.com/user/andymckee?blend=6&ob=5#p/f/21/KHFcg1Bg83w

Everybody wants to rule the world: http://www.youtube.com/user/andymckee?blend=6&ob=5

When she cries: http://www.youtube.com/user/andymckee?blend=6&ob=5#p/f/9/5zTNMkGij18

Keys to the hover car: http://www.youtube.com/user/andymckee?blend=6&ob=5#p/f/16/Go-DT4YBNQQ

Ebon Coast: http://www.youtube.com/user/andymckee?blend=6&ob=5#p/f/20/Mj457Z0dcVE

Flower: http://www.youtube.com/user/andymckee?blend=6&ob=5#p/f/19/cq7zLGyzVfE

Nakagawa san: http://www.youtube.com/user/andymckee?blend=6&ob=5#p/f/38/8mYm4FhGauA

Shanghai: http://www.youtube.com/user/andymckee?blend=6&ob=5#p/f/40/6lWwxi8VNLk

She: http://www.youtube.com/user/andymckee?blend=6&ob=5#p/f/41/go9c7SaxUH4

All laid back and stuff: http://www.youtube.com/user/andymckee?blend=6&ob=5#p/f/42/LYFYL5m3118

Common ground: http://www.youtube.com/user/andymckee?blend=6&ob=5#p/f/3/tfODdLZuvBI

The heat/humidity index has been over 110 for the past week here in Nebraska, so there’s no sitting on the deck tonight. Instead, I’m ensconced in a rocking chair under the airconditioning vent with a bottle of 2008 Torbreck Cuvee Juveniles Barossa Valley ($24.00). David Powell started this Barossa operation in 1994, and its star quickly ascended. Now, Torbreck is the source of some of Australia's most successful Shiraz-based bottlings in an opulent, full-bodied style.

Inky purple in color, it explodes with a perfumed nose, displaying scents of dark berry preserves, kirsch, and violets with undertones of vanilla. It’s bursting with juicy dark fruits, black raspberry, cherry, and cassis on entry with a touch of sweetness  that slides into a lingering finish of mocha and coffee. This wine really hangs onto the palate, leaving floral and spice notes behind. Stay cool, listen to a bit of Andy McKee’s spectacular guitar work, and enjoy a wine that has garnered high praise from both Stephen Tanzer and Robert Parker…and of course me ;o)

Cheers!