Yarra Yering Dry Red #1 2003

[Rawshack]

Opened on Sat night to celebrate my sons first birthday

Purchased in the UK and bought over when I emigrated 3 years ago. Been sitting in my Vintec since

So, opened up and no obvious faults. The cork was intact and in pristine condition.Somehow how though the nose was unappealing and there was something NQR . It smelled primarily of cedary oak and pencil shavings. The blackcurrant fruit was there, but taking a back seat

On the palate it was lean. Acidity was bright and the tannins were firm but not overpowering. Again, the fruit was there, but not
shouting loudly

Overall, I was very disappointed. As previously mentioned there was no overt fault to the wine, but it certainly wasn't a pleasurable drinking experience. My only conclusion is that poor storage has somehow affected it. However, the smell that was there was reminiscent of other bottles that have come out of the cellar. For some time I've had a 'x files-eqsue' conspiracy theory that the bad gas smell in the Vintec is somehow affecting the bottles. Is this possible? Does anyone else have any thoughts/comments on the Vintec units or is it simply bad storage?

Any ideas? I know that this is a bit of an incoherent ramble, but I was p*ssed off to say the least that my Dry Red 1 was less than Jake.

[Gary W]

Sounds a lot like a wine that's been stripped by cork taint, but not a howler.
GW

[Luke W]

Rawshack

I've had a few of these over the years and I think it could be a number of different things including cork, heat, variation of temperature. I know that older wines without pristine cellaring history often have some problems including blandness. If you bought this in the UK, you are unaware of its provenance in travelling there. A couple of months in a hot container.......

The other thing is did you try any of it the next day? I opened a 1996 Penfolds 389 and forced my way through half of it convinced it had been oxidised or poorly kept only to find it stunning the next day....

If it was cork taint you often get that wet cardboard flavour? Don't be afraid to send it back - you often get a replacement from the winery. I'd even call them with your story and suggest that the problem had to have been caused by the transport to the UK.

I don't think its likely to be the Vintec unless you're experiencing temp variation. Brian (Redbigot) informed me a couple of years ago that he didn't think that smells could permeate corks.

cheers

Luke

[Rawshack]

Thanks folks - TCA does seem to be the obvious answer

Very disappointed as it's a wine I've been looking forward to sampling for sometime. The slings and arrows of being a wine drinker...

I think I'll need to find a cheaper hobby

[daz]

And all the more reason for especially, or in particular if you prefer, premium wine to be sealed under screwcap!!