The Auswine Forum

First, I have no data to back up what I'm about to say, it is just evidence based on observing wine drinkers. In the U.S., Gallo has had a hard time selling in the high end of the wine market because of their reputation for value wines. Australian wine may suffer from a similar problem. Most U.S. co...

98 Yalumba Signature - a wonderful wine, and quite a bit better than one tried 3 years ago. Dark reddish purple in color, almost black. Wonderful scents of red berries, dark chocolate, licorice and blackberry with a hint of mint. Similar flavors in a very complex, full bodied style. Long, long fini...

2003 Tatiarra Shiraz Pressings-an absolutely superb showing. Dark black purple. Wonderful aromatics of plum pudding, blackberry, chocolate and vanilla. Similar flavors in a complex, mouthfilling style. The finish lasted at least a minute. Excellent.

I had a bottle earlier in the year and it was still very good. Not as much aged characteristics as I expected, but the primary fruit was still very good. The '97 is still going strong too. I don't agree the '98 has faded.

I haven't posted much lately, but this wine demands it. Tasted from Magnum. Dark purple color with a hint of reddening. Doesn't look as evolved as a previous bottle. Glorious nose of dark cherries, flowers, plums and melted chocolate. Flavors of dark cherries, plums, milk chocolate, vanilla, almonds...

Harvey Steinman, the Australian reviewer, is almost completely out of touch. I'm sure he's a nice guy and all, but he shouldn't be doing the tastings anymore. He's not up on newer boutique wineries and pretty much reprints the same synopsis each year. Also, for my tastes, he tends to score the bolde...

I'm used to disappointments in wine, but it's rare that a wine makes me angry. The first time I tried this wine, it smelled of aviation fuel and tasted like Everclear had been pumped into it. This time, to give it credit, the alcohol had disappated, but the result was still a mess. Gloppy, blueberry...

Ric, If you are referring to "Parkerized" meaning powerful, sweet, alcoholic wines then you have a point with your selections. However, Parker scored Turkey Flat, Winter Creek and Longwood all favorably of late. I think Turkey Flat got a 94 for the 02 Shiraz, and Winter Creek a 93 for their Shiraz. ...

2002 Maxwell Lime Cave Cabernet (McLaren Vale) This is a dependable wine, and a fair value as far as cabernet goes. Dark black purple still, this shows no sign of aging. Fairly aromatic, with cassis, blackberry, and licorice scents. Powerful flavors of cassis, almond wood, dark chocolate, earth and...

1996 0.05
1997 0.05
1998 0.22
1999 0.09
2000 0.06
2001 0.18
2002 0.15
2003 0.06

Remainder - Prior to 1996

Let's see, I had a few this week but have to dig through the recycling bin to refresh my memory: 2003 Thorpe Shiraz (McLaren Vle) Somewhat translucent reddish purple. Medium bodied, with mixed aromas of black raspberries, chocolate, earth, and a floral component. Disappointing concentration and the ...

Well, I don't agree that there isn't time wasted on that other stuff. But, speaking for myself, I like the big South Australian reds, particular Shiraz, better than just about any other wine in the world. The fuller, fruitier, darker fruit characteristics (blackberries, plums, licorice, dark chocola...

2002 Maxwell Lime Cave Cabernet (McLaren Vale) Well, I'm currently drinking the last glass of this red and thought I'd include it in last week's plonk report. I opened it last night and was wacked in the face with minty aromas. Not like the Allens Mintie lolly, more like mint leaf or menthol cigare...

Harvey Steinman does the Wine Spectator Australian wine ratings. He seems like an amiable guy, so I'll be nice I think his ratings are very hard to calibrate to personal tastes. Sometimes he likes a thick shiraz, other times he complains about it being too heavy. Sometimes a lighter style gets a hig...

1998 Oliver's Taranga Shiraz - This wine has been a chameleon over the years, alternating between a powerful blackberry laden wine at first, and an elegant, reserved wine of cassis, blueberries and earth with subtle aromatics and a smooth texture. Now, drinking this 1 1/2 years after the last bottl...

Seppelts are typically very different in style (cool climate, red fruits). To me, it's like comparing apples and oranges.

Ok, I should have waited for the weekly report, but I'm drinking this one right now and it is great. The 97 has always seemed to be holding "it" in reserve. It's always been very rich, but the other bottles I've had in the past had shy aromatics. Not this one: 1997 Fox Creek Reserve Shiraz - Youthfu...

It was a liquidation of stock. Usually it's more like $25-30 over hear, if you can even find it.

Brian

I've been poor about keeping and posting notes lately, which disappoints me. Here are some recent reds, all prices in U.S. $. '01 Oliver's Taranga Shiraz (McLaren Vale) - Dark black purple with a hint of reddening. Classic McLaren Vale Shiraz with licorice, blackberries, blueberries and in this wine...

Gavin,

I think you are being very gracious. Thanks again for running this board.

Brian Corcoran

I opened one last week and keep forgetting to post on it. Fantastic aromatics, flavors and finish. The whole package. I rated it as Outstanding.

Brian

Opened a few good ones this weekend. 98 E&E Black Pepper Shiraz - Last tasted 2 1/2 years ago, this has slightly better integration but otherwise is pretty unevolved. Dark, dense purple (still) with a beautiful nose of plums, blackberry, bread pudding and vanilla. Flavors of plums, dark chocolat...

I thought it was a great wine, and one of my favorites from that vintage. While I can't necessarily disagree with your notes, I thought the elements were well integrated and very rich.

I drank well over a case of this, and thought it was a great value. It seemed to be still improving last year. Unfortunately, it was so tasty that I don't have any left. But, your experience seems completely different than mine. I would try another bottle.

Brian

2001 Turkey Flat "The Turk" - a blend of cab, grenache and shiraz. Nice weight and dark color. Decent nose of dark chocolate and mixed black fruits. Tastes of cassis, dark chocolate and berries with a fairly short finish. Good value at $12 US. Rated as Recommended. 2002 Kangarilla Road Shiraz - nic...

A surprise on this one, at least to me. It was so smooth and soft on release I didn't know if it would develop, although it was a good drink out of the gate. Anyway: Dark red color with just a hint of purple now. Beautiful aromatics of plums, milk chocolate and mint. Flavors of boysenberries, plums,...

I think I've gone a few months without posting any notes. Here are a few from this year that have performed really well: '00 Kay Brothers Block 6 Shiraz (McLaren Vale) - dark, but not opaque, purple red color. The nose was at first reticent, but opened to wonderful aromas of marzipan, licorice, blac...

I tried one maybe six months ago, and it was so primary that I recommended waiting at least 2 years to try it. There was no way it was fading.

Brian

I posted a month or two ago with some notes and comments about the 98's. My assessment was that most haven't budged or are aging very well. There were a few letdowns, but in general I think the greatness of the vintage to this point is justified.

This is just a case of an outspoken person commenting as though their views were fact. I disagree with his views on finesse, terroir and style. I think he wants to produce wines that compete with the French both in quality and STYLE, and that's where I completely disagree. I prefer the fruitier, den...