Hay U! Its Sunday.....

The place on the web to chat about wine, Australian wines, or any other wines for that matter
TORB
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Hay U! Its Sunday.....

Post by TORB »

Hi Good Peoples,

That time of the week is upon us again. Please let us know what you have been drinking. Notes, vibes and lists all welcome.
Cheers
Ric
TORBWine

Loztralia
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Joined: Wed Oct 22, 2008 9:47 am
Location: Sydney

Post by Loztralia »

Last night's offering:


2000 Houghton Jack Mann
Quite a pleasant surprise given warnings of average vintage. Full of sweet fruit and with more length than expected. Took some time to open up. Not as memorable as the 2002.


2004 Cullen Mangan
The last Mangan I tried was an 06 and the contrast was striking - where the younger wine is ascetic in the extreme the 04 was much more obviously fruity. Tannins very subdued already. I still haven't quite "got" Cullens reds (my failing, I know) and while this was very pleasant it didn't immediately rectify that situation.
3, 65, 7, 50

rooman
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Location: Sydney

Post by rooman »

2006 Francois Villard ‘Le Grand Vallon’ Condrieu Northern Rhone, France
Lovely viognier, peaches and pear with wonderful multi layered complexity over a good line and length
1999 Domaine Du Caillou, Chateauneuf du Pape Southern Rhone, France
Sorry I don't get it. I know the wine was not off but the style is more oxidative than I can cope with. Taht said after being open for 3 hours or so, the petrol nose did start to blow away and some interesting things was starting to happen in the glasss< i just don't believe I would ever catch up with it.
1998 Tyrrell’s ‘Vat 47’ Chardonnay Hunter, NSW.
Also showing signs of old age but in this case, aging gracefully. developing amber hue and excellent purity of fruit, I really have to put some of these down. Will probably start with the 2007 vintage.

Dave Dewhurst
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Location: Perth, WA

Post by Dave Dewhurst »

Loztralia wrote:Last night's offering:

2004 Cullen Mangan
The last Mangan I tried was an 06 and the contrast was striking - where the younger wine is ascetic in the extreme the 04 was much more obviously fruity. Tannins very subdued already. I still haven't quite "got" Cullens reds (my failing, I know) and while this was very pleasant it didn't immediately rectify that situation.


The 06 vintage for reds in Margs was really poor, so it's probably not you not getting Cullen's but just the crappy vintage compared to a very good one in 2004.

Cheers

Dave

Dave Dewhurst
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Location: Perth, WA

Post by Dave Dewhurst »

Happs Cabernet Merlot, 2004, inky purply-black in colour and slightly minty nose. Powerful savoury blackcurrant and plum fruit with great depth with moderately firm dusty tannins and loads of chocolate. Almost mouth-coating with great length. Very primary still at this stage. This is a very impressive wine for its $20 price tag.

Cheers

Dave

Davo
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Post by Davo »

Loztralia wrote: I still haven't quite "got" Cullens reds (my failing, I know) and while this was very pleasant it didn't immediately rectify that situation.


No, not your failing at all. There are plenty of folk who "don't get" Cullen's wines, myself included. You are not an orphan. If a style is not to your liking while others rave about it it is just a difference, not a fault. Different strokes for different folks, eh.

rooman
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Post by rooman »

Just opened 1998 Bin 28 whilst I am cooking food for the midgets. Drinking very nicely.

Loztralia
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Joined: Wed Oct 22, 2008 9:47 am
Location: Sydney

Post by Loztralia »

Dave Dewhurst wrote:
Loztralia wrote:Last night's offering:

2004 Cullen Mangan
The last Mangan I tried was an 06 and the contrast was striking - where the younger wine is ascetic in the extreme the 04 was much more obviously fruity. Tannins very subdued already. I still haven't quite "got" Cullens reds (my failing, I know) and while this was very pleasant it didn't immediately rectify that situation.


The 06 vintage for reds in Margs was really poor, so it's probably not you not getting Cullen's but just the crappy vintage compared to a very good one in 2004.

Cheers

Dave


I know all about the 06 MR reds - I'm getting married at a winery that rhymes with "mass helix" in a couple of weeks time and getting the top table away from the 06s that are generally the newest releases is costing me a fortune...

The only time I've been to the Cullen cellar door I'm pretty certain they were tasting 05s and while I definitely liked them they didn't blow me away. I have the same problem with Voyager so I clearly have a weakness I'm going to have to work on. Lots.
3, 65, 7, 50

Julio G
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Location: London

Post by Julio G »

1997 Moss Wood Cabernet Sauvignon
Silk and power in a glass! Wonderful dark, brooding red. Dark fruits, eucalypt, cigar box and leather on the nose. More of the same for the taste buds with wonderfully balanced acidity and super fine tannins. Right in its window now but I'd suggest it will stay there for quite some time to come.

JamieH
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Location: Brisbane, Aus

Post by JamieH »

Hey all, just got a list this week, all recommended, with * if it crosses into outstanding.

Felton Rd Pinot 2007 *
laughing jack jacks shiraz 2006
Phillip shaw no 17 Merlot Cab franc blend 2006
Penfolds 138 2007
Fraser Gallop Chard 2007
Kay Brothers basket pressed shiraz 2006 *
kay brothers block 6 2006 *
kay brother hillside 2006
Phillip shaw Chardonnay 2007
Penfolds bin 311 2007
Wairau river pinot gris 2007 *
Carlei green vineyards 2005 chardonnay
carlei green vineyards 2007 pinot gris
Domaine de villaine la digoine Bourgongne cote chalonnaise 2006
sanchez romante cardinal Pedro Xinenex *
Hidalgo La Goya Manzanilla (bottled August 2008)

got a whole bunch from the NZ in a glass show, but i think i've taken enough space.
Lets just say I have never had a wine I've hated, but there are some I would rather not taste again....

pcjm
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Joined: Thu May 01, 2008 5:34 pm

Post by pcjm »

Printhie 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon - Dark fruit, slightly sweet and light oak, easy drinking

Charles Sturt Chardonnay 2007 - last one at the bottle shop, 2008 out now, anyone tried the 2008 yet and how does it compare.

monghead
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Location: Sydney

Post by monghead »

2008 Blind River Sauvignon Blanc- Refreshing enough, good.
1999 Mount Langhi Ghiran Langhi Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot- Good aged characters. A joy to drink, but drink up now.
1998 Brand's Stentiford Shiraz- Gone... Over the hill. Thin and sour on the palate.
2000 Evan's Family Howard Shiraz- Drinking well now, spicy aged characters, unlikely to improve.

Cheers,

Monghead.

Daryl Douglas
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Location: Nth Qld

Post by Daryl Douglas »

pcjm wrote:Printhie 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon - Dark fruit, slightly sweet and light oak, easy drinking

Charles Sturt Chardonnay 2007 - last one at the bottle shop, 2008 out now, anyone tried the 2008 yet and how does it compare.


I haven't tried the 08 because I still have some of the 07 left. Mattinson gave the former 88pts, thought it not quite up to the preceding couple of vintages.

Cheers

daz

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GRB
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Location: Sydney

Post by GRB »

2004 Laughing Jack Shiraz Rich chocolate with masses of fruit. Silky mouth feel that just glides across the palate, years of good drinking ahead on this one.
Winner of the inaugural RB cork-count competition
Runner up RB-NTDIR competition
Runner up TORB TN competition
Leave of absence second RB c-c competition

jeremy
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Joined: Fri Jan 23, 2009 10:39 am
Location: Brisbane

Post by jeremy »

2006 Domain Day Garganega- Loved it on release, loved it a year later, loved it this week. Definite development, almonds most noticeabley. Probably drink up time now...but not completely sure.

2008 Tahbilk Marsanne- for me, bigger, bolder flavour profile than the last two vintages. Peaches and spice followed by honey and lemon. Preferred 06,07 but enjoyed the the pineapple being absent this year.

2005 Ridge Geyersville Zinfandel et al - had a bottle just over half a year ago and really enjoyed it. This one, too much brett. Could be me, could be the bottle (age old problem)

cheers
jeremy
As always, IMVHO. And Cheers
jeremy- http://winewilleatitself.blogspot.com/

PaulG
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Post by PaulG »

Managed to pick up a case of JJ Hahn Reginald the other day for a very low price ($110 for a case!) - when first opened it had a savory smell of green olives, with an undertone of red fruit. After an hour, the savory had dissipated and the dark plum and cherry aromas were released. A beautiful drop, if somewhat less impressive than it's more expensive cousin, the 1914 Shiraz.

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Roscoe
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Location: Sydney

Post by Roscoe »

Braydun Hill Hand Picked Shiraz 2003
I think this may have been subtly corked. It kept on threatening to open up, but seemed held up and there was a faint mustiness. My wife is much more tolerant of tca so I didn't say anything. She thought it was very good but I thought it was merely good and not as good as I remember it on purchase (3-4yrs ago). I will open another one in a few months to reassess.
Taylors 80 acres Shiraz Viognier 2005
I thought this was excellent as did my br-in-law. Big, rich dark fuits in your face with some apricot thereabouts. The Viognier was not over the top for me. This will drink well any time over the next 3-4yrs.
"It is very hard to make predictions, especially about the future." Samuel Goldwyn

jeremy
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Location: Brisbane

Post by jeremy »

JamieH, do you remember what thoughts you had on the "carlei green vineyards 2007 pinot gris"?...I'm a big fan of Serge and almost ordered a bottle of this whilst dining just over a week ago.
As always, IMVHO. And Cheers
jeremy- http://winewilleatitself.blogspot.com/

pizzler
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Joined: Tue Jul 22, 2008 10:00 am

Weekend Wine at the River

Post by pizzler »

2002 Katnook Estate Shiraz This was a very rich and complex taste. As it opened up it had a distinctive vanilla taste that complimented the dark berry and cassis flavors we enjoyed early in the tasting. Excellent wine; excellent value.

2003 Schubert Estate Shiraz Goose-yard I bought a lot of this wine at auction and was disappointed with the first bottle as it was flawed and undrinkable. This bottle wasn't flawed. This was smooth tasting and not terribly complex. A pleasant wine to quaff. but I wouldn't buy more.

2001 Milz Laurentiushof Trittenheimer Apotheke Riesling Eiswein This was a good bargain, perhaps even a steal. It started out muted without clear flavor distinctions. After being open a couple of hours it began to strut its stuff. The sweetness began to emerge with an early peach taste and later a distinct green apple flavor. There was an underlying spiciness like you might find in a mull wine. For one moment I got a fleeting aroma of Mike & Ike Hot Tamales (serious sweetness and intense cinnamon). All in all, a fun wine at a really low price.

2005 Schloss Lieser Niederberg Helden Riesling Auslese Lang Goldkapsel This was an excellent wine from the first pour to the last drop. It started out with a distinct and yummy grapefruit flavor to it that gradually became a perfectly ripe peach taste. Flavors were distinctive, even laser-like, and the wine exhibited a wonderful balance. This is one of those wines that can last for decades and show new facets throughout. I look forward to exploring it more in the coming years. This was one of the best Auslese wines I've had in a couple of years.

orpheus
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Post by orpheus »

Penfolds Bin 389 1998

This was very disappointing. It was corked and oxidised. The cork did not seem particularly long, was slightly shrunken, and had mild seepage just a little way up the side of the cork.

Grosset Gaia Cabernet 1999

I have recently discovered the Gaia. The 2002 and 2005 were both fantastic, and gave the impression that they would last a long time.

The 1999 was good, but it was showing quite advanced aged characteristics, with not much primary fruit left, and alcohol showing quite prominently. In the mouth, its viscosity was thin (as opposed to the flavour) Still a good wine, with a perfumed, French oak nose, and nice, firm grip.

However, it made me wonder whether the wines had quite the cellaring potential I had thought.

Goodwood (?) Cellars (in Adelaide) cleanskin shiraz 2001

This is reputed to be the "la testa" shiraz. It may be the classic mclaren vale estate shiraz, ie, the label down.

Drinking very well, vanilla and violet nose, again with good, grippy tannins, and good, full mouth feel, lovely liquorice finish, and right in the middle of its drinking window.


By Farr shiraz 2001

Again, quite advanced, with lashings of French oak evident on the nose. Dark berry fruit, hot spices, and what I could best describe as powdery tannins (ie, fine but particulate), again with licqourice in the mid-palate and on the finish. A lovely wine, perhaps on the way down now.

Leconfield Cabernet Sauvignon 2006

I found this quite closed, with prominent bitter tannins obscuring the fruit which is undoubtedly there underneath. The nose slightly stalky, with vanilla and blackberry and brambles.

This is the same experience I have with the Wynns BL, which improves immensely with age.

So, three wines that were, in a way, quite similar (the three shiraz) with the Cabernet quite different.

I wondered whether anyone had any opinions about the 1999 Gaia and whether they thought that the 2002 and 2005 were likely to hold up better. I was very impressed with both of them.

tpang
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Post by tpang »

A very nice night in the Flaxsman are on Saturday night left little time to be wasted on taking decent notes.

Karra Yerta 2005 & 2008 Riesling. The 2005 is still retaining it's fresh lime mineral flavours. Rich and intense. The 2008 has the edge with the sweetness that I personally favour.

Karra Yerta 2005 & 2006 Shiraz. The 2005 despite being in a decanter still needed a touch more time to open up. Lots of fruit. The 2006 is more elegant.

Re 2001 from Pulgia, Italy

A Chris Ringland wine. Lovely cherry overlaid onto a dark fruit core. Grippy tannins, touch of sour cherry with black olive on the finish. So young right now.

Caro 2005 from Mendoza Argentina

One of those Mouton Rothschild projects. Pitch black purple, lovely expressive nose with plum, raspberry licorice and clove. A dense and focussed drink.

Rockford SVS Hoffmann Shiraz 2000

Black ruby colour, ripe raspberry, dark currants and heady aromas. Rich intense currant flavours, fruit is in the mid-palate, then fades off for the tannins to come through on the finish.

Standish 2006 Relic
Tar black purple, sweet lift from teh 2.5% viognier, touch of sweet white pepper, black olive and dark red currants. Sweet black currant fruit with almost purple lilac-ish flavours. Grippy tannins that are still coming together.

Standish 2005
Purple blossom, blackcurrant and a touch of black pepper. Rich intense plum flvours, blackcurrrant, dark berries. Youthful tannins that will resolve nicely over time.

Mahmoud Ali
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Post by Mahmoud Ali »

Sorry, no real notes but a lot of wine on Saturday night.

1997 Kalin Cellars Semillon, Napa (lovely wine, )
1983 Marques de Murrietta, Reserva, Rioja (beautiful colour, rich, complex nose, fine acidity and perfect w/Chinese BBQ Duck)
2004 A. Clape, Cornas, Rhone (an excellent if young wine, less tannic than expected)
1997 Jaboulet, Cote-Rotie, Rhone (nice wine but quite advanced)
1981 Jaboulet, Cornas, Rhone (mature, delicate, but good w/lamb)
2001 Kunde, Cabernet, California (lightish but good)
2006 Malbec Argentiina (ripe and fleshy, very nice)
1963 Graham's Vintage Port (exquisite, sweet, rich, mature and lingering)
N/V Segura Viudas Sparkling (good, dry sparkler, refreshing)
1994 Noval LBV Port (simple but nice)


Sunday was an evening of young wines:

N/V Soljans Sparkling Muscat, New Zealand (fruity and sweet, nose of tea and roses--fun)
2006 Mantra Zinfandel, California--15.7% (unusually light in colour, sweet, ripe and long)
2006 Earthquake Old Vine Zinfandel--15.9% (very sweet and fruity nose, a big ripe fruitcake of a wine but will it age?)
2004 Rocca della Macie, 'Roccato', Tuscany (slowly opening, fleshy attack but dry tannic finish--one to cellar)
2002 Villa Cerna, 'Vigne del Papa', Vin Santo, Tuscany (beautiful and elegant)
2004 Castano, 'Dulce', Yecla, Spain. (a sweet Monastrel/Mataro/Mouvedre--a first for me--tasty but simple--try aging
Quady Black Muscat (typical sweet muscat, tea leaf nose and very sweet)

A busy weekend it was,

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

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Bick
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Location: Auckland NZ

Post by Bick »

Villa Maria Cellar Selection Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 - Closed and tight, a bit too astringent at present. They certainly haven't made this one to pander to the masses - I think it should open up in time and may become very good. (Currently on special at a certain supermarket).
Cheers,
Mike

hmmm
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Joined: Sun Aug 24, 2008 11:41 pm

Post by hmmm »

Quite a good week this week,

2006 wolf blass grey label shiraz
this was quite a nice wine, i was planning to leave this for a while but umm'd and ahhh'd over it and eventually twisted the screw cap. eveything about this wine was big and bold, yet the elements seemed a little disjointed after tasting the next one.

2002 eileen hardy
This was very refreshing, it was more subtle than the grey label and had a softer palate, greater length yet still full bodied and delicious.

2006 wynns cabernet
ahh this was my first ever bottle of the vintage cab and having read a lot of hype about it i wasn't let down, a very drinkable bottle of wine, will definitely be repurchasing at the right price.

JamieH
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Location: Brisbane, Aus

Post by JamieH »

Jeremy wrote

JamieH, do you remember what thoughts you had on the "carlei green vineyards 2007 pinot gris"?...I'm a big fan of Serge and almost ordered a bottle of this whilst dining just over a week ago.


sorry Jeremy, i didn't take any notes but i do remember it had a slight tinge of pink colour (you know when theres been a little skin contact, i love that because i know theres going to be texture), very fragrant ripe pears, slight spice and hints of golden delicous apples. textured (yeah) full bodied palate, fruit intensity was spot on with good balancing acid and very good length. A gris that is a Gris, not sitting on the fence...

he's pretty damn good old Serge, this range, Turners Crossing!

cheers Jamie
Lets just say I have never had a wine I've hated, but there are some I would rather not taste again....

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ross67
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Location: Brisbane

Post by ross67 »

Dalwhinnie Moonambel Shiraz 2000

Typical cool climate shiraz ... slight bricking on edges.....light pepper and spice / only medium weight. Not a huge finish but adequate. This has a few more years left in it yet.

5th bottle of six

ross

ChrisV
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Post by ChrisV »

So I was picking up some Thai takeaway enroute to a friend's place and decided to check a little adjacent bottle shop for a white. Have a look at their fridge and the first thing that meets my eyes is Shaw and Smith 2007 M3 chardonnay for $25! For those not in the know this retails for like $37 at Dan Murphy. Someone had screwed up so I grabbed three bottles.

A very friendly wine. I can't imagine many chardonnay drinkers disliking it. The front palate is all nice pure fruit - could be a fruit-driven white Burgundy - and then on the end it says "By the way, I'm from Australia. Also I've seen some oak". But its an afterthought. Good wine.

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Michael McNally
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Post by Michael McNally »

ChrisV wrote:Shaw and Smith 2007 M3 chardonnay for $25! For those not in the know this retails for like $37 at Dan Murphy. Someone had screwed up so I grabbed three bottles.


I believe this is known coloquially as "Pulling a Mahmoud" :shock: :D

Nice score Chris! A little knowledge can be a valuable thing.
Bonum Vinum Laetificat Cor Hominis

jeremy
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Location: Brisbane

Post by jeremy »

Jamie says

he's pretty damn good old Serge, this range, Turners Crossing!


Yep, I only heard he made the wine for Turners recently but already enjoyed the wines :) Also have some of his Italian blends in the cellar, "Tre Rossi?"from memory, Nebbiolo based, should be fun.

Thanks for your thoughts on the Gris, fits comfortabley with what I enjoy bin the varietal so will check it out.

Cheers
jeremy
As always, IMVHO. And Cheers
jeremy- http://winewilleatitself.blogspot.com/

Mahmoud Ali
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Location: Edmonton, Canada

Post by Mahmoud Ali »

Michael,

About "Pulling a Mahmoud", that was very prescient. How did you know that I found a bottle of '05 Shaw and Smith M3 for C$25?

Amazing, how do you do it?

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

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