Mid-week drinkies 17/8/9

[griff]

Where are you Monghead? Hope the work isn't keeping you down.

Tonight it is

1997 Meerea Park Alexander Munro Shiraz
Still a middle-weight plummy red. Beautiful oak on the nose. Aromatic woods (sandalwood, cedar etc) mix nicely with leather and plums. I feel I should be drinking this in a Chesterfield with the feet up in front of the fire this is that fine. Perhaps some truffle cooked in the embers of the fire in that bouquet as well. From this I look at the palate. Unfortunately it is has a taste akin to umeboshi plums. While nice with rice I prefer my plums unpickled in wine. There is even a slight spritz! Possible secondary fermentation? Very frustrated and I hope this isn't typical. Still some fine tannins caressing the cheeks on the finish. Unrated and onto the beer.

Anyone else have experience with this one?

cheers

Carl

[Gavin Trott]

Mid Week

heck, its only Monday!!

[DaveB]

Tonight....it's a

2007 Domaine de Chassorney Bourgogne Chardonnay ‘Bigotes’

Winemaker Frédéric Cossard has set up his domaine just on the outskirts of Saint Romain and is recognised as one of the finest producers of natural wine in Burgundy. His vineyards are organically farmed and his winemaking approach is ‘hands-off’ to allow the fruit to speak of the land itself. Bugger all sulphur in this one with just a tiny dab at bottling.

Pale yellow gold in colour. Quite a generous nose of peach and melon fruit with a touch of honey and hints of soft spice, nougat, porridge and marzipan. It smells clean and vinous with a dab of white flower high tones for good measure.

A racy entry onto the palate with an initial burst of lemony citrus and white peach fruit. There is a hint of milky lees character and soft spice that flows into a bracing line of malic twang before settling down to a medium length finish with a waft of lemon curd and oatmeal. Quite lean and crystalline in structure with a steely, mineral texture. A wine that demands food and a delicious one at that.

Tomorrow night a Phillipe Pacelet Monthalie 1er Clos Gauthey

And Friday....which I am really looking forward too

2006 Pavillon Blanc du Chateau Margaux
2007 Ch Laville Haut Brion Blanc (magnum)
2002 Domaine de Chevalier Blanc (double magnum)
2007 Ch Smith Haut-Lafite Blanc
1996 Ch d'Yquem (Jeroboam)
1989 Ch Suduirat (magnum)
2004 Ch de Fargues (double magnum)
1998 Pavillon Rouge (double magnum)
1998 Ch Margaux (magnum)
1988 Ch Palmer (double magnum)
1996 Ch Palmer (double magnum)
2000 ch Pamer (double magnum)
1982 ch Branaire-ducru
1996 Ch Mouton Rothschild (double magnum)
1982 Ch Cos d'Estournel (magnum)
1996 Ch Cos d'Estournel (double magnum)
2004 Ch Cos d'Estournel (magnum)
1994 Ch Haut Brion (double magnum)
1995 Ch Haut Bailly
1990 Ch Petit Village (double magnum)
1994 Ch L'Evangile (magnum)
1995 Ch Trotanoy (magnum)
1996 Ch La Fleur Petrus (double magnum)
1996 Petrus
1994 Ch Angelus (double magnum)
1998 Ch canon La Gaffeliere
1990 Ch Figeac (magnum)
2000 Ch Figeac
1992 Ch Pavie (magnum)
1997 Domaine Leflaive Batard Montrachet
2000 Leroy Meursault
2002 Coche Meursault Les Perrieres
2005 Bouchard Montrachet (Methusalem)
2001 Bouchard Chevelier-Montrachet (Jeraboam)
2004 Faiveley Corton-Charlie
2005 drouhin clos de Mouches (Methusalem)
2000 Comte de Vogue Bonnes Mares
1999 Armand Rousseau Chambertin
2006 Domaine Gros Echzeaux
2006 Domaine Grois Richebourg
2006 Domaine Ligier-Belair echezeaux
1988 DRC La Tache (methusalem)
1992 Leroy Musigny
1967 Leroy Gevrey-Chambertin
1991 Chapoutier Barbe Rac
1993 Chapoutier barbe Rac (jeroboam)
1998 Chapoutier Barbe-Rac (jeroboam)
1994 Chapoutier La Pavillon (magnum)
2001 Chapoutier La Pavillon (jeroboam)
2004 Chapoutier La Pavillon (jeroboam)
2004 Guigal d'Ampuis
2005 Guigal d'Ampuis
1996 Guigal La Landonne
2005 Guigal La Landonne
1996 Guigal la Mouline
2005 Guigal La Mouline
2000 Guigal La Turque
2005 Guigal La Turque
1991 Jaboulet La chapelle (magnum)
1995 Jaboulet La chapelle (jeroboam)
2003 Jaboulet La Chapelle (jeroboam)
1990 Jaboulet Domaine de Thalabert (magnum)
1995 Jaboulet domaine de Thalabert (jeroboam)
1998 Domaine de Saint-Pierre

[griff]

Beer was a no go with the better half. And any day that isn't the weekend feels like mid week to me

Replacement is a 2003 Fromm La Strada Riesling
Preserved lemon on the nose with a musky undercurrent. Some oxidised brassy notes mixing with the musk all in a rich rolling sweet palate. Interesting that the lemony acidity is strongly present on the front palate only. Nicely balanced and the acidity washes the sugar clear on the finish. Good/Very Good and would be drinking this up.

cheers

Carl

[dazza1968]

2002 Wynns Shiraz ,

Thought since trying some 08 i would open one , Yes much better a bit older I think the 08 will travel very nicely ......................

Regards Dazza

[dlo]

And Friday....which I am really looking forward too

2006 Pavillon Blanc du Chateau Margaux
2007 Ch Laville Haut Brion Blanc (magnum)
2002 Domaine de Chevalier Blanc (double magnum)
2007 Ch Smith Haut-Lafite Blanc
1996 Ch d'Yquem (Jeroboam)
1989 Ch Suduirat (magnum)
2004 Ch de Fargues (double magnum)
1998 Pavillon Rouge (double magnum)
1998 Ch Margaux (magnum)
1988 Ch Palmer (double magnum)
1996 Ch Palmer (double magnum)
2000 ch Pamer (double magnum)
1982 ch Branaire-ducru
1996 Ch Mouton Rothschild (double magnum)
1982 Ch Cos d'Estournel (magnum)
1996 Ch Cos d'Estournel (double magnum)
2004 Ch Cos d'Estournel (magnum)
1994 Ch Haut Brion (double magnum)
1995 Ch Haut Bailly
1990 Ch Petit Village (double magnum)
1994 Ch L'Evangile (magnum)
1995 Ch Trotanoy (magnum)
1996 Ch La Fleur Petrus (double magnum)
1996 Petrus
1994 Ch Angelus (double magnum)
1998 Ch canon La Gaffeliere
1990 Ch Figeac (magnum)
2000 Ch Figeac
1992 Ch Pavie (magnum)
1997 Domaine Leflaive Batard Montrachet
2000 Leroy Meursault
2002 Coche Meursault Les Perrieres
2005 Bouchard Montrachet (Methusalem)
2001 Bouchard Chevelier-Montrachet (Jeraboam)
2004 Faiveley Corton-Charlie
2005 drouhin clos de Mouches (Methusalem)
2000 Comte de Vogue Bonnes Mares
1999 Armand Rousseau Chambertin
2006 Domaine Gros Echzeaux
2006 Domaine Grois Richebourg
2006 Domaine Ligier-Belair echezeaux
1988 DRC La Tache (methusalem)
1992 Leroy Musigny
1967 Leroy Gevrey-Chambertin
1991 Chapoutier Barbe Rac
1993 Chapoutier barbe Rac (jeroboam)
1998 Chapoutier Barbe-Rac (jeroboam)
1994 Chapoutier La Pavillon (magnum)
2001 Chapoutier La Pavillon (jeroboam)
2004 Chapoutier La Pavillon (jeroboam)
2004 Guigal d'Ampuis
2005 Guigal d'Ampuis
1996 Guigal La Landonne
2005 Guigal La Landonne
1996 Guigal la Mouline
2005 Guigal La Mouline
2000 Guigal La Turque
2005 Guigal La Turque
1991 Jaboulet La chapelle (magnum)
1995 Jaboulet La chapelle (jeroboam)
2003 Jaboulet La Chapelle (jeroboam)
1990 Jaboulet Domaine de Thalabert (magnum)
1995 Jaboulet domaine de Thalabert (jeroboam)
1998 Domaine de Saint-Pierre

What's the occasion, Dave? Pre-dinner drinks at Antonio's?

[DaveB]

No D'lo bro....the folks from Ficofi are in town

http://www.ficofi.com/

[dlo]

Can never compete with DaveB's awesome lists, so Janet and I are drinking a humble, but ohso lovely bottle of Fritz Haag Juffer-Sonnenuhr 1998 Spatlese Riesling. At 7% A/V this is one wine you don't mind having a second glass, especially when it's so bloody good. Very youthful little bugger full of crunchy crisp green apples, redcurrants, white peach, passion fruit, lime, minerals, slate and river pebbles. Possesses surprising sweetness for a spatlese and a wonderful creamy mid-palate, then the minerally acid melds into action with laser-like precision concluding with a steely but generously-fruited lengthy departure. 93 points on its ear as well as great cellaring potential.

[monghead]

Where are you Monghead? Hope the work isn't keeping you down.

Tonight it is

1997 Meerea Park Alexander Munro Shiraz
Still a middle-weight plummy red. Beautiful oak on the nose. Aromatic woods (sandalwood, cedar etc) mix nicely with leather and plums. I feel I should be drinking this in a Chesterfield with the feet up in front of the fire this is that fine. Perhaps some truffle cooked in the embers of the fire in that bouquet as well. From this I look at the palate. Unfortunately it is has a taste akin to umeboshi plums. While nice with rice I prefer my plums unpickled in wine. There is even a slight spritz! Possible secondary fermentation? Very frustrated and I hope this isn't typical. Still some fine tannins caressing the cheeks on the finish. Unrated and onto the beer.

Anyone else have experience with this one?

cheers

Carl

Ha!

Thanks for kicking things off Carl.
I just got back from work, had some dinner (sans vino ), and have just been called, likely to have to go back in.

Anyways, no rest for the wicked...

Cheers,

Monghead.

[monghead]

And Friday....which I am really looking forward too

2006 Pavillon Blanc du Chateau Margaux
2007 Ch Laville Haut Brion Blanc (magnum)
2002 Domaine de Chevalier Blanc (double magnum)
2007 Ch Smith Haut-Lafite Blanc
1996 Ch d'Yquem (Jeroboam)
1989 Ch Suduirat (magnum)
2004 Ch de Fargues (double magnum)
1998 Pavillon Rouge (double magnum)
1998 Ch Margaux (magnum)
1988 Ch Palmer (double magnum)
1996 Ch Palmer (double magnum)
2000 ch Pamer (double magnum)
1982 ch Branaire-ducru
1996 Ch Mouton Rothschild (double magnum)
1982 Ch Cos d'Estournel (magnum)
1996 Ch Cos d'Estournel (double magnum)
2004 Ch Cos d'Estournel (magnum)
1994 Ch Haut Brion (double magnum)
1995 Ch Haut Bailly
1990 Ch Petit Village (double magnum)
1994 Ch L'Evangile (magnum)
1995 Ch Trotanoy (magnum)
1996 Ch La Fleur Petrus (double magnum)
1996 Petrus
1994 Ch Angelus (double magnum)
1998 Ch canon La Gaffeliere
1990 Ch Figeac (magnum)
2000 Ch Figeac
1992 Ch Pavie (magnum)
1997 Domaine Leflaive Batard Montrachet
2000 Leroy Meursault
2002 Coche Meursault Les Perrieres
2005 Bouchard Montrachet (Methusalem)
2001 Bouchard Chevelier-Montrachet (Jeraboam)
2004 Faiveley Corton-Charlie
2005 drouhin clos de Mouches (Methusalem)
2000 Comte de Vogue Bonnes Mares
1999 Armand Rousseau Chambertin
2006 Domaine Gros Echzeaux
2006 Domaine Grois Richebourg
2006 Domaine Ligier-Belair echezeaux
1988 DRC La Tache (methusalem)
1992 Leroy Musigny
1967 Leroy Gevrey-Chambertin
1991 Chapoutier Barbe Rac
1993 Chapoutier barbe Rac (jeroboam)
1998 Chapoutier Barbe-Rac (jeroboam)
1994 Chapoutier La Pavillon (magnum)
2001 Chapoutier La Pavillon (jeroboam)
2004 Chapoutier La Pavillon (jeroboam)
2004 Guigal d'Ampuis
2005 Guigal d'Ampuis
1996 Guigal La Landonne
2005 Guigal La Landonne
1996 Guigal la Mouline
2005 Guigal La Mouline
2000 Guigal La Turque
2005 Guigal La Turque
1991 Jaboulet La chapelle (magnum)
1995 Jaboulet La chapelle (jeroboam)
2003 Jaboulet La Chapelle (jeroboam)
1990 Jaboulet Domaine de Thalabert (magnum)
1995 Jaboulet domaine de Thalabert (jeroboam)
1998 Domaine de Saint-Pierre

Holy mother of ...
I don't know to laugh or cry mate. Maybe both, but what order?
Don't hurt yourself...

[JF]

Tonight....it's a

2007 Domaine de Chassorney Bourgogne Chardonnay ‘Bigotes’

Winemaker Frédéric Cossard has set up his domaine just on the outskirts of Saint Romain and is recognised as one of the finest producers of natural wine in Burgundy. His vineyards are organically farmed and his winemaking approach is ‘hands-off’ to allow the fruit to speak of the land itself. Bugger all sulphur in this one with just a tiny dab at bottling.

Pale yellow gold in colour. Quite a generous nose of peach and melon fruit with a touch of honey and hints of soft spice, nougat, porridge and marzipan. It smells clean and vinous with a dab of white flower high tones for good measure.

A racy entry onto the palate with an initial burst of lemony citrus and white peach fruit. There is a hint of milky lees character and soft spice that flows into a bracing line of malic twang before settling down to a medium length finish with a waft of lemon curd and oatmeal. Quite lean and crystalline in structure with a steely, mineral texture. A wine that demands food and a delicious one at that.

Tomorrow night a Phillipe Pacelet Monthalie 1er Clos Gauthey

And Friday....which I am really looking forward too

2006 Pavillon Blanc du Chateau Margaux
2007 Ch Laville Haut Brion Blanc (magnum)
2002 Domaine de Chevalier Blanc (double magnum)
2007 Ch Smith Haut-Lafite Blanc
1996 Ch d'Yquem (Jeroboam)
1989 Ch Suduirat (magnum)
2004 Ch de Fargues (double magnum)
1998 Pavillon Rouge (double magnum)
1998 Ch Margaux (magnum)
1988 Ch Palmer (double magnum)
1996 Ch Palmer (double magnum)
2000 ch Pamer (double magnum)
1982 ch Branaire-ducru
1996 Ch Mouton Rothschild (double magnum)
1982 Ch Cos d'Estournel (magnum)
1996 Ch Cos d'Estournel (double magnum)
2004 Ch Cos d'Estournel (magnum)
1994 Ch Haut Brion (double magnum)
1995 Ch Haut Bailly
1990 Ch Petit Village (double magnum)
1994 Ch L'Evangile (magnum)
1995 Ch Trotanoy (magnum)
1996 Ch La Fleur Petrus (double magnum)
1996 Petrus
1994 Ch Angelus (double magnum)
1998 Ch canon La Gaffeliere
1990 Ch Figeac (magnum)
2000 Ch Figeac
1992 Ch Pavie (magnum)
1997 Domaine Leflaive Batard Montrachet
2000 Leroy Meursault
2002 Coche Meursault Les Perrieres
2005 Bouchard Montrachet (Methusalem)
2001 Bouchard Chevelier-Montrachet (Jeraboam)
2004 Faiveley Corton-Charlie
2005 drouhin clos de Mouches (Methusalem)
2000 Comte de Vogue Bonnes Mares
1999 Armand Rousseau Chambertin
2006 Domaine Gros Echzeaux
2006 Domaine Grois Richebourg
2006 Domaine Ligier-Belair echezeaux
1988 DRC La Tache (methusalem)
1992 Leroy Musigny
1967 Leroy Gevrey-Chambertin
1991 Chapoutier Barbe Rac
1993 Chapoutier barbe Rac (jeroboam)
1998 Chapoutier Barbe-Rac (jeroboam)
1994 Chapoutier La Pavillon (magnum)
2001 Chapoutier La Pavillon (jeroboam)
2004 Chapoutier La Pavillon (jeroboam)
2004 Guigal d'Ampuis
2005 Guigal d'Ampuis
1996 Guigal La Landonne
2005 Guigal La Landonne
1996 Guigal la Mouline
2005 Guigal La Mouline
2000 Guigal La Turque
2005 Guigal La Turque
1991 Jaboulet La chapelle (magnum)
1995 Jaboulet La chapelle (jeroboam)
2003 Jaboulet La Chapelle (jeroboam)
1990 Jaboulet Domaine de Thalabert (magnum)
1995 Jaboulet domaine de Thalabert (jeroboam)
1998 Domaine de Saint-Pierre

You might be looking forward to Friday but I bet you're not looking forward to Saturday morning.

[ross67]

Tonight it is

1997 Meerea Park Alexander Munro Shiraz
Still a middle-weight plummy red. Beautiful oak on the nose. Aromatic woods (sandalwood, cedar etc) mix nicely with leather and plums. I feel I should be drinking this in a Chesterfield with the feet up in front of the fire this is that fine. Perhaps some truffle cooked in the embers of the fire in that bouquet as well. From this I look at the palate. Unfortunately it is has a taste akin to umeboshi plums. While nice with rice I prefer my plums unpickled in wine. There is even a slight spritz! Possible secondary fermentation? Very frustrated and I hope this isn't typical. Still some fine tannins caressing the cheeks on the finish. Unrated and onto the beer.

Anyone else have experience with this one?

cheers

Carl

Yes Carl bought 3 btls of this and had the last one just over a yr ago.
This was for me a very disappointing wine as well.
Shallow hollow and insipid.

It was very uninspiring...thought that i may have bought some duds through auction but now with your experience it may well be a wine that was well and truly at its best many years ago

ross

[ross67]

Balgownie Estate Bendigo Shiraz 2003:

Very aromatic wine with thick luscious dark berries. Slightly sweet but leaning more to the peppery side.

This is a very good vintage and getting better


ross

[bacchaebabe]

This should probably go on the weekend thread but I'm here now so...

Got a great opportunity to taste the new 09 Lazy Ballerina Viognier through twitter. James Hook, who also posts here, sent a bottle which I took up to Nelson Bay with me this weekend. We helped my mum move up there so after unpacking all the boxes and putting everything back together we really needed a drink.

We drank it with a god-awful generic pizza but thankfully the wine saved the day. Certainly one of the better viogniers I've had although I haven't had all that many to be honest. Very pale in the glass. Lovely mouth-filling texture to this. Hints of apricots of course but so much more. A bit floral, a bit buttery, a bit nice. Would match up well with a roast chook and a very good alternate to chardy. I might get some more of this for summer. 91

We also threw down a Charles Heidsieck 1996 mis en cave. Probably should have been a lo better but I thnk my mother had had this stored in her kitchen for quite some time. Considering the storage it wasn't too bad but a bit yeasty and developed to really shine. 86

Tried the 08 Wynns Shiraz and 07 Wynns Cab sav but unfortunately just popped a mint in my mouth before realising they were available for tasting so I won't provide any notes other than to say they both appeared varietal and were of good weight.

[Mike Hawkins]

Joseph Sparkling Red (didn't note the disgorgement) - just what you'd expect. Super wine with complexity just starting to develop and good length.

2006 Mollydooker Goosebump - in your face sparkling red, but ok. Just he drink for these 'dog days of summer'.

[griff]

Tonight it is

1997 Meerea Park Alexander Munro Shiraz
Still a middle-weight plummy red. Beautiful oak on the nose. Aromatic woods (sandalwood, cedar etc) mix nicely with leather and plums. I feel I should be drinking this in a Chesterfield with the feet up in front of the fire this is that fine. Perhaps some truffle cooked in the embers of the fire in that bouquet as well. From this I look at the palate. Unfortunately it is has a taste akin to umeboshi plums. While nice with rice I prefer my plums unpickled in wine. There is even a slight spritz! Possible secondary fermentation? Very frustrated and I hope this isn't typical. Still some fine tannins caressing the cheeks on the finish. Unrated and onto the beer.

Anyone else have experience with this one?

cheers

Carl

Yes Carl bought 3 btls of this and had the last one just over a yr ago.
This was for me a very disappointing wine as well.
Shallow hollow and insipid.

It was very uninspiring...thought that i may have bought some duds through auction but now with your experience it may well be a wine that was well and truly at its best many years ago

ross

Thanks for the feedback Ross.

cheers

Carl

[monghead]

2006 Dutschke Willow Blend Shiraz Cabernet Merlot- Reasonable
2006 St Hallet Cabernet Sauvignon- Average

Monghead.

[Wayno]

Two Hands Gnarly Dudes Shiraz 2005
Decided to clean up an older one of these after semi-enjoying the 08 release. I liked this less - imbalanced, cloying and a little bitter on the finish. Could only finish a couple of small glasses before I'd had my fill.

[jeremy]

My take so far on 2009 Lazy Ballerina Viognier (via twitter, cool little experiment)- Racy, tangy summer fun, some creamy mid palate stuff and some texturally intriguing pithy notes as it warmed up. Apricot kernels is as far as the apricot action gets. This is a lively interpretation of the grape. Bit of orange and a little tart granny smith apple (of all things in a Viog) at the end. Viognier continues it's adaptable and interesting argument as a grape of worth.

2008 Atlas Shiraz- new producer from the Barossa, this shiraz shows a lot of promise (& tastes real good even now). 50 year old vines, basket pressed and matured in fine grained french oak. The fruit is excellent. Ebenezer plums and black fruit with brazil nuts and some lively like red stuff on top. Nothin stewed + some lovely spice and mocha. It's a baby, I'd like a bit more structure but it's dealin the goods on days one & two. Decant.

[Wayno]

Hoddles Creek Chardonnay 2008
Very well balanced and expressive. No holding back here just drinking really well with plenty of charm.

[monghead]

2007 St Hallet Faith Shiraz- Just below average

Hmmm, not having a good run with these guys.

[dazza1968]

[b]2000 Leasingham Bastion Shiraz/Cab[/b yes another 00 down the hatch and no notes at all Greta nose and loved it , Last One so bye bye and thanks for the memories !!!

Regards Dazza

[dlo]

Chateau Rayne Vigneau 1988 (Sauternes)

At 14% A/V this wine holds no prisoners but, for what it is, I cannot help but give it an outstanding rating. I've collected, stored and drank this wine for more than a decade and never found it short of a truly excellent standard. Classically proportioned, this golden coloured dessert wine reveals a lively, seamlessly woven honeyed bouquet of apricot, creme brulee, ripe yellow peaches, pineapple, nougat and brilliantly integrated new French oak that precedes an identically nuanced palate of similar proportions that delivers a similar quality and delineation. With an unctious, expansive mouthfeel, this superior wine finishes with a luscious array of nougat and peach flavours as well as subtle counterbalancing acidity that keeps the conclusion from cloying with adverse sweetness. 91 points. Drink now - 2018.

[oakboy]

Peter Lehmann Stonewell 2004
To be honest, this was not what i excepted, sure it had that great barossa malt choc berry nose, but the palate was weak, and a touch watery and even the last sip while it had gotten better, i'm not sure it has the structure to carry on?
Ivanhoe Shiraz pressings SGD 2007
Well on the palate this wine had what the stonewell lacked, a great tannic structure that i can see lasting and developing, and the nose was all blueberry, choc and some leather. what a great wine from the Hunter, beautiful balance, i'll try to leave some in the cellar!
Cheers all
Simmo

[monghead]

Chateau Rayne Vigneau 1988 (Sauternes)

At 14% A/V this wine holds no prisoners but, for what it is, I cannot help but give it an outstanding rating. I've collected, stored and drank this wine for more than a decade and never found it short of a truly excellent standard. Classically proportioned, this golden coloured dessert wine reveals a lively, seamlessly woven honeyed bouquet of apricot, creme brulee, ripe yellow peaches, pineapple, nougat and brilliantly integrated new French oak that precedes an identically nuanced palate of similar proportions that delivers a similar quality and delineation. With an unctious, expansive mouthfeel, this superior wine finishes with a luscious array of nougat and peach flavours as well as subtle counterbalancing acidity that keeps the conclusion from cloying with adverse sweetness. 91 points. Drink now - 2018.

I had one of these a few years ago, and was similarly impressed.

I was kicking myself as I got a bottle from a "bargain bin" for $30. There were 6-7 from memory. By the time I went back for the others, they were all gonsky...

Anyways,

Monghead.

[Alex F]

Ivanhoe Shiraz pressings SGD 2007
Well on the palate this wine had what the stonewell lacked, a great tannic structure that i can see lasting and developing, and the nose was all blueberry, choc and some leather. what a great wine from the Hunter, beautiful balance, i'll try to leave some in the cellar!

I had this as well. Very tannic, very nice wine

[bacchaebabe]

Three excellent wines last night with dinner with an ex colleague and her partner. No detailed notes as we just enjoyed the wines

96 Taylors St Andrews Riesling This was singing. Some lovely honey notes and great texture and complexity. 93

94 Parker Estate Terra Rossa First Growth Cab Sav This filled the room with blackcurrants. Gorgeous wine. Jeremy Oliver gave this quite a bad rating so I was worried it was going to be dire and over the hill but nothing could be further from the truth. Loved it and it was smashing with some lamb shanks. 94

02 De Bortoli Noble One Ever faithful sticky. Not a thing out of place. 93

[rooman]

I was in Queenstown for the weekend and had one of those wines that reminded me of the things I used to hate in really badly made cheap kiwi red wine. We were having dinner at The Cow, a Queenstown pizza establishment, when we decided to try the 2008 Sacred Hill Basket Press Merlot Cabernet. Lawdy this was bad, no actually horrible is a better word. Absolutely no structure or tannins, I suspect it was fermented in a plastic bucket. With sweet sickly plummy fruit, it was so bad, we tipped our glasses back into the bottle and suggested to the waitress she gave it to the kitchen as rat poison.

[jeremy]

Rooman wrote

Absolutely no structure or tannins, I suspect it was fermented in a plastic bucket

I tasted a 2004 merlot yesterday that had those same qualities. I won't name it as I spoke to the current winemaker (to ask WTF!) and she was generous in time and tone to the point where I do not wish to hurt the name of the winery.

Tannins in mine were like a small rash that broke out in a private area. And the plastic bucket notes lingered a second, which was way too long.

Seems, even in this day and age you can buy an Australian wine for $10+ and get undrinkable rubbish. Glad, in my experience, it's the exception that proves the rule though.

[bacchaebabe]

I had an 05 Noon Twelve Bells last night but a head cold descended yesterday so I've no idea what it tasted like. There was a whiff of raspberries before everything clouded over and blocked up completely. Strange experience.

Better stick to beer for the rest of the weekend.