Right, what are we/you drinking now .. tonight

[Brucer]

2012 Bellevue Estate shiraz
McV. $20. Worth the money, US oak, not huge length and depth, but good value at $20.

2014 Inkwell Perfect Day shiraz
McV. $35. Big step up, more length, depth and interest. 2014s are early drinkers, and this is a bloody good example.

[felixp21]

2010 Siro Pacenti Brunello di Montalcino
the standard offering here, nice bright red fruits and decent length. Not complex, but holds some interest. Reasonable quaffing wine.
drink: 2017-2023, 87pts

[Dang]

The kid comes home for a visit, time to share some good stuff.
First night: '05 Thomas Kiss Shiraz (left over from previous night) - just right
'08 Wynn BL Cab (decant 2h+, perfect plateau)
'12 Annie's lane Copper Trail Shiraz (decant 3h, lovely Clare Valley, just right)
Second night: Dinner for three,
'08 Tahbilk 1927 Marsanne for appetizer/red daikon kale heirloom tomatoes salad
Glorious lemon, lemon sherbet, lengthy finish, far too young
'98 Grange (the first Grange for the family!) double decant for 3h, all kinds of black and red fruit, spices, anise, dark chocolate with lovely fruity finish (wow). The astonishing thing is that the Grange matches so well with the main course which is quick fried smoked sable fish (dipped for a couple hour in milk) from the Pacific, coupled with smashed local yellow potato garnished with orange pepper with a touch of vinegar.
'09 Saltram No 1 Shiraz (decant 2h) between the main course and the dessert!
'00 Yarra Yering Potsorts accompanying the Tiramisu.
Really we do not need a restaurant for such a feast, all made as we drink and cook.

[Phil H]

2015 Seppelt Jaluka Chardonnay Mineral. austere, acidic - stripping away the enamel from my teeth (maybe exaggerating a bit). - not quiet the style I like. For those that like crisp dry Chardonnay - Granny Smith apples , however I prefer more fuller bodied worked Chardonnay, or maybe with a bit of spice with elegance. Would be interested to try in a year or two.

[Mahmoud Ali]

Phil, it sounds like the wine is made to age, and in that case it should fatten up and develop mature rounded notes.

Mahmoud.

[Mahmoud Ali]

Vickery Watervale Riesling 2017 ... I want to fill a rainwater tank with this and put it on tap.

I love it!

Mahmoud

[swirler]

2015 Seppelt Jaluka Chardonnay Mineral. austere, acidic - stripping away the enamel from my teeth (maybe exaggerating a bit). - not quiet the style I like. For those that like crisp dry Chardonnay - Granny Smith apples , however I prefer more fuller bodied worked Chardonnay, or maybe with a bit of spice with elegance. Would be interested to try in a year or two.

Phil, they stopped doing MLF in around 2010.it's a cool site, too. Result: Leaner style.

[Scotty vino]

2012 MM quintet . damn this is good stuff. was grumpy early on but 1-2 hrs in the conical and boom.
lotsa dark berry goodness, liquorice, dark cherry, black olive and on it goes. Had some hints of roadbase/asphalt/spice/tobacco.
Oak started to persist moderately midway but sat nicely in place for the journey.
Tannins firm but fine and the finish lingered on and on.
12.9% ALC. Harmonious balance here folks.

[Mahmoud Ali]

Dinner-10Nov2017a.jpg

Last Friday, among three people. No notes but from what I recall;
N/V No 1 Family Estate Cuvee No 1, Blanc de Blanc, Marlborough (12.5%), Methode Traditionelle,
- an aged bottle, fine mousse, lots of brioche, vintage Champage-like character, very good.
2016 Ottoventi Grillo, Terre Siciliane, IGT, Italy (12.5%),
- an elegant and aromatic wine, clean, linear, and elegant, impressive.
2016 Carmen "Wave Series" Pinot Noir, Leyda Valley, Chile (13.5%),\
- immediate pinot impressiom, strawberry and cola, light to medium-bodied, dry and satisfying but apparently not a patch on the '15.
1995 Cambria Syrah, Tepusquet Vineyards, Santa Maria Valley, California (13.5%)
- well aged, dark fruit, broad palate, and a long finish, surprisingly good.
2004 Fairview "Primo" Pinotage, Swartland, South Africa (14.5%)
- dark, young, and vigorous, plenty black fruit, minerality and a hint of tar, a very good pinotage, one that might convert the nay-sayers.
1985 Rozes Vintage Port, Portugal (20.5%)
- following a 3 hour decant, an elegant, dryish port with soft fruit and elegant tannins, has matured very well.

Mahmoud.

[Chuck]

First bottle from a case of Swings and Roundabouts 2016 Margaret River Chardonnay. A true modern aussie chardonnay with cashews, melon, citrus and a splash of oak. MR does this grape well. More than a quaffer than the price indicates.

Gemtree 2010 Uncut McLaren Vale Shiraz. Good fruit from a good vintage however it was a little flabby lacking acidity thus unbalanced. Could have been picked earlier. Still a nice wine but going nowhere. Drink up.

Carl

[Sean]

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[JamieBahrain]

I organized a Shiraz verus Syrah tasting for the Hong Kong Wine Society. It would be a good one to write up but I only have time for nebbilo these days.

Snippets-

A Bannockburn Shiraz 1993 I deemed too boring and past it for the line-up and left it as an aperitif for the tasters on their arrival. Old World palates thought it great ! High acidity and barely "fruited" though with attractive developed aromatics. The replacement, a 2000, was choc-funk.

Hermitage and Cote Rotie from Chapoutier shoed well. Winner was a Meffre 98 CR, not well known, but again, Old World palates preferred thinner and higher acidity wines.

Jim Barry Armagh 91 was classic Clare mint slice and supreme length. Old World drinkers bellowed timber.....

Jasper Hill 98 Georgia's is on the way down after a long plateau. The 2004 contrasted in style due the drought years in Vic.

Jaboulet showed sensational Crozes Hermitage over dinner- 1996 Thalabert. The style has changed recently toward a more modern expression I feel, losing a little of its origins. But a bargain of the wine world.

La Chapelle. Hmmm. 1996 bottles x 2 buggered. Something went terribly wrong with this vintage from memory. Massive variation. The wine was a shell, probably cork taint though VA seemed off the scales. I pronounced to the group that they worldn't tolerate this if Penfold's Grange, but hey, it's Old World and them's the brakes! The acceptance of taint, premox and other faults by Old World drinkers from their own backyard is bewildering !

Kiwi's represented by a fine a white pepper crafted 2005 Le Sol. Lovely wine though lost on the Old Wolrd crowd- perhaps they don't drink enough St Joseph etc.

[Mike Hawkins]

Once in a blue moon I love a mint slice wine. Always a good descriptor Jamie.

And a few of the Jaboulet vintages in the 1990s were sub par

[Phil H]

2015 Seppelt Jaluka Chardonnay Mineral. austere, acidic - stripping away the enamel from my teeth (maybe exaggerating a bit). - not quiet the style I like. For those that like crisp dry Chardonnay - Granny Smith apples , however I prefer more fuller bodied worked Chardonnay, or maybe with a bit of spice with elegance. Would be interested to try in a year or two.

Phil, they stopped doing MLF in around 2010.it's a cool site, too. Result: Leaner style.

Phil, it sounds like the wine is made to age, and in that case it should fatten up and develop mature rounded notes.

Mahmoud.

Mahmoud & Swirler you spot on - I was sceptical, thinking this wine was too austere, however I had about a large glass left in the bottle sitting in the fridge for the last 4 days - ((work commitments- away from home),however far more approachable and enjoyable - maybe coming back to it in 4 or 5 years could be interesting for a $20ish Chardonnay.

[michel]

2013 Sassicaia
perfumed long tight and wonderful
please leave for at least 5 years

2014 d'Yquem I could drink this by the bucket load, deft fruit and too easy to drink - I cant believe anyone wouldnt appreciate this wine

[tarija]

2014 d'Yquem I could drink this by the bucket load, deft fruit and too easy to drink - I cant believe anyone wouldnt appreciate this wine

That's like saying that you'd doubt anyone wouldn't appreciate flying first class!

[Rossco]

2016 Tapanappa 1.5m Tiers Chardonnay
From the outset this is clearly a top aussie chardonnay. Stunning & bright yellow gold,
Leaps out of the glass. The nose hits you with very high quality french oak and some citrus / grapefruit type notes.
On the palate, the absolute standout is the mouthwatering acidity. It helps control that oak and brings everything together. The fruit is beautifully handled white peaches, grapefruit and raw almonds and again.....but that oak is gorgeous. The wine is Not flabby or buttery (dont think it saw mlf / malo?) but doesnt matter as the acidity is the star here. Needs time to fill out (was still a bit thin) and the oak needs to settle down, but this is a superstar and will have to hunt out more.
Cant wait to crack their super premium 'tiers' chardonnay now.

[Chuck]

Last night at dinner with friends.

Vasse Felix 2010 Margaret River Chardonnay. A great example of what this region does so well. Still plenty of gas in the tank but oh so nice now.

Olssen 2005 The Olssen 6 (Clare Valley). A defunct winery that produced some special wines including this gem. A blend of 6 Bordeaux grapes and perfectly matched oak. Wifey muttered something about not sharing the last bottle with anyone.

Yalumba 2012 Hand Picked Shiraz Viognier. They do this so well.

De Bortoli 10 Year Aged Black Noble. A polarising fortified. Nice with dessert.

Aberlour 12 Year Old Single Malt Whisky. Always a good way to finish off a wine night.

Feeling a little shabby this morning.

Carl

[rooman]

I have had a hankering for mid body cabernets recently after not really drinking any wine for a month. Last nights effort was a charming 2009 Chateau Poujeaux from the Moulis-en-Medoc region in Bordeaux. In contrast to the 2010 vintage which is tightly wound and quite tannic at present, the 2009 vintage is flush and seductive. Ms Rooman was initially confused by the medium red berry weight of this Bordeaux. Unlike many of the Aus cab savs we drank over winter, this wine was far more rounded with softer tannins yet enough structure to thoroughly enjoyable with food.

[Sean]

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[conformistpete]

Jim Barry Watervale Riesling 2017
This is a purchase almost every year for summer due to its consistency and delicious nature.
Lemon, white flowers and freshly cut pear on the nose. Almost sweet Meyer lemon on the palate which feels fuller than the acidity belies. Yum.

[mjs]

2010 Rockburn Pinot
2006 Wynns BL
2002 Wirra Wirra Angelus
2000 Hollick Ravenswood
1976 Wynns BL

The 76 BL was in great nick and sublime. The Angelus was a big wine, the Ravenswood more elegant, both excellent. 06 BL good as well. I tolerated the Rockburn, no, seriously it was very good as well

[michel]

2016 Stoniers Mornington Pinot
3rd bottle over the last couple of weeks
This mid 20s pinot offers much early upon release
Earthy slightly silky fruit with judicious sappy acid finish
Great house wine

[felixp21]

two 100 pointers last night, both absolutely incredible

2009 Coche-Dury Mersault 1er Cru "Perrieres"
typical Coche gunpowder, with an incredible array of tropical fruits, river pebbles, white flowers, honey and even a touch of mint. Equal to the best white Burgundy I have ever seen, and clearly the best Coche wine I have experienced. Amazing. 100pts. If you have a bottle, drink it now, it is perfect and therefore won't get any better.

2010 Chateau Vieux Chateau Certan
the 63 Peppermint Pattie has a rival in my vinous heart. Incredible, amazing, inspiring, humbling wine. 100 points, the definition of perfection. Over the years, I have seen 2010 Bordeaux countless times, and this is the shining light of the best vintage of the most famous wine region in the World. A legend. 100pts. Drink it any time in the next 50 years. If any one spends $700 on a bottle of Grange and has not tasted this wine, Australia might do well to re-introduce capital punishment.

[timnit]

2003 D’Arenberg Coppermine Road Magnum

Boys night at Meat & Wine Co meant break out something special, in terms of wine and size!

Firstly, cork broke at half way point, but rest came out ok... slot of sediment but more my fault as I couldn’t stand properly... had to take it to kingpin first! Lol

The wine itself, very solid to dry good.. loads of tannin, full of fruit... red fruits, cherry cake to the fore.

A very nice accompaniment for our steak and ribs!

[michel]

two 100 pointers last night, both absolutely incredible

2009 Coche-Dury Mersault 1er Cru "Perrieres"
typical Coche gunpowder, with an incredible array of tropical fruits, river pebbles, white flowers, honey and even a touch of mint. Equal to the best white Burgundy I have ever seen, and clearly the best Coche wine I have experienced. Amazing. 100pts. If you have a bottle, drink it now, it is perfect and therefore won't get any better.

2010 Chateau Vieux Chateau Certan
the 63 Peppermint Pattie has a rival in my vinous heart. Incredible, amazing, inspiring, humbling wine. 100 points, the definition of perfection. Over the years, I have seen 2010 Bordeaux countless times, and this is the shining light of the best vintage of the most famous wine region in the World. A legend. 100pts. Drink it any time in the next 50 years. If any one spends $700 on a bottle of Grange and has not tasted this wine, Australia might do well to re-introduce capital punishment.

I love Perreries
I have had a range of 09,03 whites whites which have been crazy good including Coche
Double blind

[Phil H]

Hi Felix just by co-incidence 1997 Penfolds Grange Unfortunately no where near your 100 point experience. Slightly porty - perhaps from incorrect storage. I have had this wine stored in a wine fridge for the last 9 years, before that from a private collection. 2nd bottle from this vintage I have tried, and something not quite right. Still drinkable - as stated porty, med bodied. Bucket list now completed on Grange - money to be spent elsewhere.

2006 Mount Pleasant OP OH Fuller bodied, charry oak, dark fruits. Still youthful despite showing some age, however slightly unbalanced.

[dave vino]

Had a toast to the late Wayne Stehbens in a 2003 Katnook Prodigy. Lovely drop, lots of menthol, olives, blackberry, really nice place right now.

[img]http://www.grapemates.org/files/Misc/IMG_1921.JPG[/img]

[mjs]

Had a toast to the late Wayne Stehbens in a 2003 Katnook Prodigy. Lovely drop, lots of menthol, olives, blackberry, really nice place right now.

[img]http://www.grapemates.org/files/Misc/IMG_1921.JPG[/img]

Excellent Dave, have a ‘98 magnum of Odyssey myself which I will crack shortly for the same purpose (yours is Odyssey right, not Prodigy?)

[dave vino]

Right you are, what is funny, I Googled how to spell Odyssey to make sure it wasn't something different, got sidetracked and then for some reason typed Prodigy. Doh.