Midweekers- Jan 18th to 22nd

[monghead]

Hi all, been a little quiet for me this week. Only one to report:

2009 O'leary Walker Polish Hill River Riesling- Great lime acidity with slatey minerality. Good Good.

What about you guys?

Cheers,

Monghead.

[John #11]

2009 Jim Barry Watervale Riesling
Like a lot of the 2009 Clare Valley Rieslings, it was bloody good.
2008 Hoddles Creek Chardonnay
Markedly improved since last tasted. A work of art (or very close IYKWIM)
2005 Wyndham Bin 555 sparkling shiraz
Just the thing for our warmish weather. Great with bbq meats.

Cheers
John

[via collins]

More love for the Hoddles Creek Chardonnay 2008 version. Took a bottle to Esposito here in Melbourne just prior to Christmas to match up with the superb seafood spread - and it was so damn good. I've been dipping into the Shaw & Smith M3, and the Yabby Lake chards of late, and hadn't cracked a Hoddles in a little while. I just can't believe how easily it matches up with the bigger boys.

[Michael R]

Another from the O’Leary (extended) clan
2008 Nick O’Leary Shiraz
Heard some hype about this last year, and it was good. Quite sweet, fruit forward & light, barely noticeable tannin, certainly a crowd pleaser. Particularly happy with 13.5% alc.

[Bick]

2005 Wirra Wirra Church Block
- Something not quite right here. Was not bad on release, as I recall, but now the fruit seems a touch over-ripe, lacking brighness, the oak too chunky and strident, and the overall impression is one of a wine that hasn't been introduced to word 'subtlety'. Based on this bottle, this was a drink-young crowd-pleaser. The 04 is better I think.

[via collins]

Ata Rangi Crimson 2008 pinot noir - deep red, verging on black colour. dark cherry, cedar, vanilla hints and a touch of forest floor early on. palate expands throughout, fruit presents more persuasively, and a rich, plush mouthfeel by the halfway mark. I reckon it's going to be even better tonight....oh boy.

[TiggerK]

Rippon Pinot Noir 2006 - Loved it, a touch muted without a decant, then started to unfold rich complex layers of spicy fruit. Very Good.
Vasse Felix Chardonnay 2008 - not as good as the last bottle for some reason. Bit sweet, but with a slightly bitter finish. OK value, but only Just Good.
Kooyong Clonale Chardonnay 2008 - I like this one, nicely balanced and rich while retaining a clean freshness. Rather Good.

Cheers
TiggerK

[Wayno]

Richmond Grove 2000 Riesling
An auction buy and a real surprise - fresh nose of slightly sulphury limes and lemon with a hint of honey and kero. Full bodied palate, quite viscous with rich mouthfeel and excellent length. Classic middle aged Riesling and far from being in a hole. A bargain for $12.

[Red]

More love for the Hoddles Creek Chardonnay 2008 version. Took a bottle to Esposito here in Melbourne just prior to Christmas to match up with the superb seafood spread - and it was so damn good. I've been dipping into the Shaw & Smith M3, and the Yabby Lake chards of late, and hadn't cracked a Hoddles in a little while. I just can't believe how easily it matches up with the bigger boys.

There probably isn't a better value for money chardonnay about at the moment . . . and I'd argue it's still too young and will be even better in a couple of years time!