Wot? That bloody Sunday is back again....

[TORB]

.... so its time for your weekly drinkin' reports.

Lists
Tasting Notes
Vibes and
Impressions

are all velcom.

So please tell us what you have been consuming over the past week.

If you have been a lurker, 'ave a go mate. We don't bite hard.... often.... and are always easy on people who are having a shot at tasting notes. So you have nothing to loose and lots to gain.

[seddo]

had the dreaded Flu/chest infection for most of the week - but did manage to squeeze in one bottle at the end of thee week.

Olivers of Taranga Shiraz 04 - rich fruitcake characteristics with a heavy spirit like fininsh which was slightly off putting but never the less enjoyable be interested to see if it reaches the lofty height that J.O has predicted (96pts) in the future


cheers
Seddo

[dlo]

We had friends over for dinner last night ..... no notes .... too busy prepping and serving.

Fritz Haag Brauneberger Juffer-Sonnenuhr Riesling 1998 - very youthful and possibly excellent in all respects except for one minor problem - trichloranisol - only marginally but enough to give me a dose of the galloping gourmets - bloody corks!

Katnook Riesling 2005 - there was no way I was going for another cork-sealed wine from the fridge after the previous wine's problem. This looked very darn good for what it is and what I paid for it (about 10 bucks - Aussie Riesling is a nick). Will cellar well, too.

Cape Mentelle Cabernet Sauvignon 1983 - have started (re-)collecting these this year. Quite different from the last bottle, in that it didn't open with a whole lotta funk and feral, didn't quite hit the same high point after breathing out, but held incredibly well in the glass for a couple of hours, even improving by filling out the life saver syndrome - being its only noticeable fault at first. Still a terrific drop, thoroughly enjoyed by everyone at the table. 92/93 points from me if you want a guide.

Seppelt GR113 Rare Muscat - just sensational - you know the drill - lavishly rich and decadent - full of raisins, honey, coffee, caramel, plum pudding, rancio .... you could write a book about it ....

On Friday, I opened a bottle of Trimbach 1990 Cuvee Frederic Emile Riesling Vendanges Tardives - what an incredible wine!

Here is my note -

13% A/V. 21g/l Residual Sugar. High quality cork closure.

Exhibits a healthy, vibrant light yellow gold colour - exceedingly good clarity and brightness for its age. The haunting, integrated and seamless bouquet reveals an elegant wine resplendent in near-full maturity - a fascinating melange of grapefruit, citrus peel, quince marmalade with utterly enthralling soft undertones of baked yellow peaches and spicy apricots (from botrytis, no doubt), a hint of kaffir leaf, the merest suggestion of passionfruit and a trace of wood-smoke. And, as the piece de resistance, all this wrapped in a subtle, but quite remarkable, permeating minerality derived from the soils of Trimbach’s Geisberg and Osterberg vineyards.

If anything, the palate displays a more youthful, energetic persona, brimming with mouth-filling fully ripe fruit (aka the nose) that drives astonishingly well right through to the end. The superb structure, incredible balance and delineation underwritten with such brilliant finesse and focus realises a most special experience. And to end the almost perfect finale, this extraordinary Riesling finishes with indelible, rapier-like, minerally acidity and awesome length. Drinking brilliantly now but should last (if well-cellared) until 2020. 96 Points.

[PaulG]

Had a dinner party last night, and we opened possibly my favourite wine, 2002 JJ Hahn '1914' Shiraz. I last tasted this in late 2006, so I was very interested to see how it had progressed in the intervening 2 years. I had also convinced a friend to split a case of it with me on auction, so I was under a bit of pressure for it to be good!

The colour of the wine was deep ruby, a lovely shiraz hue. The aroma was spicy, a bit of oak with the smell of rich fruit. The wine starts with a full fruit taste, which carries over the mid palate to end on spice and black pepper. The tannins have softened slightly since 2006, but there's still a bit of an edge. That being said, even those at the table who were not normal shiraz drinkers greatly enjoyed it. I would say this has certainly improved with age!

[Wayno]

Orlando St Helga Riesling 2006
Crisp and fresh but with nice fruit notes. Good.

Kays Amery McLaren Vale Shiraz 2002
Very nice, generous palate, licorice, spice and attractive warmth.

[seddo]

I'm tempted to say something sarcastic about the multiple posts Wayne but I won't


cheers
Seddo

[Adair]

2006 Shaw Estate Cabernet Sauvignon: 93/100 - Bargain!
2006 Shaw Estate Cabernet Merlot: 89/100
2006 Shaw Estate Shiraz: 90/100
FWIW - I didn't but the 2006 Shiraz Cabernet at the cellar door as I though the blend clashed, but given the success of the 2004 and the fact that they had wraps on it, it might be worth trying.

2007 Phi Sauvignon - Not as powerful, focussed or as long as the wonderful previous releases. I will be looking to De Bortoli to see what Webber has done there for my New World Sauvignon Blanc purchases. 90/100 FWIW, noting this is my favourite New World SB.
2007 Phi Chardonnay - Awesome. Long, strong and fine. 94/100. Buy.
2006 Phi Chardonnay - a little flabby in context. 90/100
2007 Phi Pinot Noir - yes, a hint of smoke but still excellent. 93/100.

Numerous bottle of 2008 Clonakilla Riesling - So finely chalky and probably overly minerally for many, but I love it. Stuff it, 95/100! Note, this is more floral and mineral with a hint of lime, rather than New World lemon and lime as expected from most. Some would rather more flavour/ripeness, but they should buy the Petaluma stuff instead of this.

Adair

[Red Bigot]

I'm tempted to say something sarcastic about the multiple posts Wayne but I won't


cheers
Seddo

I thought I could delete those without getting abused, so I did.

[Wayno]

I'm tempted to say something sarcastic about the multiple posts Wayne but I won't


cheers
Seddo

I thought I could delete those without getting abused, so I did.

Thanks for that, wouldnt let me delete, for some reason. Happy to be deleted when appropriate!

[Adair]

Left out what I was drinking last night... 2007 Lark Hill Sangiovese - packed with raspberry and musk stick, deep, harmonious and long. One for the novice and expert alike. Would have never picked it as Sangiovese, although I could see it turning nicely savoury with age. More like a ridiculously floral Pinot Noir. I liked it... better than their Ponit Noir actually. 92/100.
Adair

[wolf]

2004 El Coto Rioja: Lighter style Tempranillo with good fruit, no obvious oak intruding. Nice long finish, slightly acidic. Great food wine, really enjoyed this with pizza.

[Roscoe]

De Bortoli Gulf Station Shiraz Viognier 2006
Very good wine. Will cellar a few, but not hard to drink now.
Arrogant Frog Ribet Red Shiraz Viognier 2006
Not a patch on the above wine. Pleasant enough on entry but finished with a hard, jarring metallic finish.
Leasingham Bin 61 Shiraz 2006
Excellent wine which deserves its accolades. Great fruit and persistence. I look forward to it in another few years.

[PaulV]

2006 Shaw Estate Cabernet Sauvignon: 93/100 - Bargain!
2006 Shaw Estate Cabernet Merlot: 89/100
2006 Shaw Estate Shiraz: 90/100
FWIW - I didn't but the 2006 Shiraz Cabernet at the cellar door as I though the blend clashed, but given the success of the 2004 and the fact that they had wraps on it, it might be worth trying.

Adair

Agree that Shaw estate out at Murrumbateman are doing good things with their reds and great value at around the $20 mark. Wasn't that impressed with their 2008 riesling. I like the 2006 Shiraz a bit more than you and conversely wasn't as taken with the cabernet though obviously well made.

Cheers

paul

[Adair]

Agree that Shaw estate out at Murrumbateman are doing good things... Wasn't that impressed with their 2008 riesling

I didn't mention their Riesling or their trophy-laden Semillon, for considered reason.
Adair

[ufo]

Orlando St Helga Riesling 2006
Crisp and fresh but with nice fruit notes. Good.

Kays Amery McLaren Vale Shiraz 2002
Very nice, generous palate, licorice, spice and attractive warmth.

Hey Wayne,

What do you think further cellaring potential of Kays 2002 Shiraz or when do you think it is going to peak?

[Brucer]

01 Fox Creek Reserve shiraz
Really nice. Balanced, rich.

01 Dead Arm
Opened with the Fox Creek. Seemed malty, but good. The Fox Creek was better, which surprised me.

02 Rockford Sparkling Black shiraz.
Very nice, and once got the taste, no stopping!

01 Rockford Sparkling Black shiraz
Might be just a bit better then the 02.

01 Rick Burge Draycott shiraz
It was ok. There was something there that distracted, but could not put my finger on it.

02 Wolf Blass Black Label Cab shiraz
This needed time, and was ok, but didnt think it was anything spectacular.

04 Grant Burge Shadrack Cab
Needs years. Was ok, but far too young and was not giving up much.

04 Standish Relic shiraz V
Ripe, and very rich. Really long finish. Classy stuff.

04 Coriole Lloyd Reserve shiraz
Top stuff.

04 Gramps shiraz.
Pulled this out when a few people visited. Bloody good stuff for $16.

04 Magpie Election shiraz
Rich, ripe and everything in balance.

[rednut]

Had a few over the last week.....

2003 Greenock Creek Cornerstone Grenache

The last bottle I had of this was corked and tasted terrible, but to their credit after an email to the winery a new 2007 arrived a week or so later.
This bottle was fantastic, full of flavour and colour. WOTN!

2002 Wolf Blass Grey Label Shiraz

Delicious, full of berry, plums flavours with a hint of spice.

2006 Hanhndorf Hill Shiraz

Never heard of this winery but really enjoyed this wine, not a bold Barossa red but fruity and flavoursome.

2006 Grant Burge "Ethel Nancy" Shiraz

This was really nice, full bodied, nice plum hints with vanilla thrown in for good luck. Lovely.


2006 Reillys Barking Mad Rose

Fruity and full of berry flavours. Chilled right down a lovely summer wine thats for sure.

[drunkenbum]

Had a very big week with tastings and dinners every night for the entire week, so notes were scarce! Just some fleeting memories and observations remain!
However Highlights included;
2006 Yves Cuilleron Condrieu La Petite Cote which destroyed the Opposition in a lineup of Four Viogniers from both Old and New world.
2005 Vieux Chateau Certan Pomerol which was the highlight of a Merlot bracket of Bordeaux and Coonawarra.
1977 Fonseca Vintage Port which was a perfect finish to one evening with cheese.
2005 Max Ferdinand Richter Sonnehur Kabinett Mosel A definitely amazing wine that highlights the near perfect lineality between acidity and fruit/sweetness attained by producers in that region.
2006 Donhoff Hermanshohle Riesling A close second to the previous wine, perhaps a touch tighter, but without the enlightenment.
2000 Pipers Brook Summit Chardonnay Nearing the end of its life, a touch flabby, maybe too many Malo characters present. Had a nasty Diacetyl taste present. I would drink up if you have any!
2005 Craggy Range Sofia This was infanticide! Save for many a year yet.
2005 Domaine de Villeneuve Chateau nuef du pape "Les Vielles Vignes" Lovely example of the region, with all the great characters you would expect. Delightful wine.
2000 Gaja Barbaresco nice, but not great.
1997 Chateau Pichon-Lalande Comptesse Beautifully made, finely structured wine, but needs a few more years.
1994 Chateau Bichon-Cassignoles Very bretty, but underlying this was a finely made wine from a lesser chateau.
1991 Wynns Centenary Shiraz Cabernet Great example of this quinissential Aussie blend, warm, generous, sweet fruit, and an elegant yet powerful structure. Slightly marred by a hint of oxidation.
1983 A. Clape Cornas A step above most from this area, still stinky as only Cornas can be, but well made, and enjoyable.
1982 Jaboulet Hermitage La Chapelle Brilliant example of an aged Hermitage, with all the power and finesse you would expect. Only disappointment was on the nose, a horribly raw green tomato plant aroma was present, but the palette underlying that was divine.
Also there were half a hundred Coonawarra Cabs from 96 Riddoch's through to current releases. Too many to mention!
Also as always a Lineup of various Lawson Shiraz which were exceptional as one would expect.
Was also a taste off of 2005 Bordeaux, including Mouton, Leoville-les-cases, Gruard-Larose, Pape-Clement and others.
Too much to write! Let me know if you want to hear more, and I will see if my wine addled brain can remember. I do have some notes somewhere.

[Von Ridler]

Found a leaking 1995 Lovedale in the cellar, put it in the fridge.
The next day the cork came out so easy I was expecting the worst.
Turned out to be the best white I have had this year.
A great semillon.

Regards,
Ron Vidler.

[Jay60A]

Also there were half a hundred Coonawarra Cabs from 96 Riddoch's through to current releases. Too many to mention!
... Too much to write! Let me know if you want to hear more, and I will see if my wine addled brain can remember. I do have some notes somewhere.

Drunkengent, I'd be interested in the 96 Coonawarra's ...

Cheers -- Jay

[Roscoe]

Arrogant Frog Ribet Red Shiraz Viognier 2006

This should read "Lily Pad Red" not "Ribet Red".

[kwattro]

2007 Tatiarra Shiraz Culled Barrel

Straight out of the bottle, apart from the colour, the wine was dull with slight fruity scent and bland, watery mouth feel - not even a hint of tanin(?). After 1 hr in the decanter changed all that - and it has grown even bigger after 2 days - the alchohol content made its present felt - it was quite overwhelming to my nostril - infact, alchohol was the only thing i can remember picking up - i don't know if the alchohol will be tamed with age - it has a warm and fruity taste with rich dark chocky/coffee finish. Not disappointed - 90pt.

2006 Tahbilk Marsanne

Very nice drop for the price - i wonder if the 07 is any better. I never had marsanne before - i tried it with one of my favourite - spicy singapore chilli crab and the wine stood up really really well with all that flavour. 88pt

tt.

[Sean]

deleted

[Wayno]

Orlando St Helga Riesling 2006
Crisp and fresh but with nice fruit notes. Good.

Kays Amery McLaren Vale Shiraz 2002
Very nice, generous palate, licorice, spice and attractive warmth.

Hey Wayne,

What do you think further cellaring potential of Kays 2002 Shiraz or when do you think it is going to peak?

Enough life and fruit in it to go a few more years yet, I'd suggest. It was quite youthful really.

[Adair]

Just while I get the chance...

2007 Mount Majura Merlot - opened horrible on first night with strong, focussed burnt, green capsicum and wheatgrass character. This settled into the purple fruit on the second night to provide some enjoyment if you like Cabernet Franc like weediness, which I do, and the structure is excellent with fine, defined, sandy tannins. 89/100, judging on the second night, but 81/100 on the first.

2007 Mount Majura Tempranillo - very silky and perfumed like the 2007 Lark Hill Sangiovese, but darker and more iodine like flavour that reminds me more of Nebbiollo. Very nice if you like this brand if savouriness, which unfortunately I don't, but its quality is obvious and I have marked it as such. 91/100

2000 Cruickshank Two Cabernets - Local bought cases of this recently from the winery and are selling them for around $13, and they are great examples of aged Cabernet in an older, elegant (and low alcohol ) style with prominent but not obtrusive herbs and textured, supple, structured finish. Full of interest. 92/100

2006 Domaine Lafond "Roc-Epine" Rose - Tavel (Fr) - Unfortunately bought at he same local, which has some great roses including Bass Philip and Plantagenat, but this was too alcoholic and with blocky acid. Gave it 3 days and threw out the last quarter. 82/100 and rubbish for $20+.

Also getting through my case of 2006 Williams Crossing (Curly Flat) Pinot Noir ridicuolusly fast, and needing to buy more 2008 Clonakilla Riesling.

Adair

[Mahmoud Ali]

Kwatro, there was a discussion on a recent post about "hot" and "warm" wines. As I see it, your notes on the '07 Tatiarra indicate that it is a hot wine with alcohol overpowering the wine: " the alchohol content made its present felt - it was quite overwhelming to my nostril - infact, alchohol was the only thing I can remember picking up". I don't see how you wern't disappointed with the wine.

I saw the '05 Tatiarra wine on sale recently but the 15.5% made me think twice. Based on your notes (though it is a different vintage) I'm glad I gave it a miss.

Adair, I visited Cruickshank many years ago and was impressed by their cabernet wines, even their cabernet rose. I found the wines very much as you described the 2000 Two Cabernets, elegant, textured and full of character or "interest". In marked contrast to the Tatiarra the Cruickshank wines are much lower in alcohol and I wouldn't hesitate to buy them, especially at their lower price.

Cheers.........Mahmoud.

[Mike Hawkins]

Drunken - keen to hear how the 05 LLC is tracking.

As for me, I'm in Paris and have had a ton of ordinary CNdPs and Bordeaux save for a 05 Leoville Barton that has promise but needs decades. Also had a less than stellar 99 Dom P. Alas .......

[kwattro]

Kwatro, there was a discussion on a recent post about "hot" and "warm" wines. As I see it, your notes on the '07 Tatiarra indicate that it is a hot wine with alcohol overpowering the wine: " the alchohol content made its present felt - it was quite overwhelming to my nostril - infact, alchohol was the only thing I can remember picking up". I don't see how you wern't disappointed with the wine.

Mahmoud
thanks for the comments, and yes i'm aware of the recent post on the subject - i'm learning wine appreciation, and apart from the taste, i would rate wines with characters very highly. Having said that, the wine only felt this way at the rim of the glass - The mouth feel wasn't at all "warm" nor "hot" if i understand the definition correctly.

[Adair]

It looks like I will continue here for this Sunday's tasting vibes...

Continuing my Canberra region re-acquaintance:

2007 Clonakilla O'Riada Shiraz (2% Viognier) – 14%: Quite masterful winemaking with this example of ripeness and lusciousness yet with line and control. Not as silky and perfumed as the big boy but even more Rhone-like in my opinion. Viognier shows on the nose and also with a floral and nutty lift on the palate, but it is the wine's medium-bodied, savoury, Clonakilla Shiraz goodness on the palate that many have come to love from Clonakilla that shines... at half the price! 93/100. Exceptional spice and pepper complexity on beautifully ripened red and black fruits with real texture and good depth, with a sense that at least 5 years is required to reach its peak drinking window.

2004 Jeir Creek Cabernet Merlot – 14.1%: Overshadowed by the above wine I also have open, but very enjoyable nonetheless. Some aged savoury characters developing on rich blackcurrant fruit and rhubarb with a prominent streak of sweet peppermint. Quite focussed too. Very fine structure conveys it is at its best now. 90/100.

Adair

[Adair]

Kwattro,

If you can still buy the 06 Marsanne, get a couple of btls and tuck them away for another 3 or 4 yrs. It will age very nicely in the btl and develop more of the honeysuckle, toasty characters it is best known for.

The 07 Marsanne is good drinking now, fresher, lighter, with more tropical fruits. A very tough vintage, and I might be alone in saying this, but not a keeper this time perhaps.

Hi Sean,

FWIW, this is from Halliday:

2006 Tahbilk Marsanne: Aromas of cake, honey, melon and spice, then a long, harmonious palate, with a gold-plated guarantee to develop honeysuckle and gentle toast as it ages over the next 10+ years. Screwcap. 13.5º alc. Rating 93 Drink 2016 Date Tasted Sep 06

2007 Tahbilk Marsanne: Clean and fragrant; more varietal fruit and flavour than most young marsannes from France or Australia; mineral, spice and honeysuckle cohabit on a long, crisp finish. A classic in the making. Screwcap. 12.5º alc. Rating 93 Drink 2017 $14.90 Date Tasted Sep 07

I have only quaffed one bottle of the 2007 so far, and I tend to think that the 2007 is more of a keeper, but the 2004 is still the king for me... not that Halliday agrees!

2004 Tahbilk Marsanne: Bright yellow-green; balanced honey/honeysuckle; needs a gram more acid. Rating 88 Drink 2009 Date Tasted Oct 04

Adair