Mid-weekers 6 Dec >>>>>>

[dlo]

Tried the following over the last few days -

2009 Lethbridge Dr. Nadeson Riesling (11.5%, s/c) Made in a deliberate and distinctively Germanic Spatlese/Trocken stlye, this impressive Portland (Victoria) white does reveal a healthy dose of sulphur on the nose that does eventually dissipate, but otherwise is as tight as a fish's backside with its impossibly light silver white colour, astute minerally acidity and bucketloads of steely lime and slate flavour. The finish is yet to resolve but given ten years in a dark cool place, should be stunning. 90 points now ... much higher rating anticipated. About 20 bucks if you're lucky.

Also put the 2004 E&E and Leasingham Classic Clare Sparkling Shiraz up against each each other. Both are terrific wines although a very good source told me today there is some disturbing bottle variation on the Leasingham. On my bottle drunk over two nights, the Leasingham is a buy for me at just over 40 bucks. The variation is of some concern as to whether I buy much before trying a few more.

[Shiraz_Freak]

1997 Tahbilk Old Block Cabernet, very good one of the best cabernets i have had, probably 2rd next to 1st Balnaves Tally, can't remeber the vintage..

Tannins fully intergrated lovely fruit. Tar, cedar, tobacco,, leather, red fruits, bargain at 26 bux.

[tpang]

Made the effort to log several whites in the warm weather.

Brian Barry Jud's Hill Riesling 2010, Clare Valley, SA
Clear, pale lemon colour. Clean, youthful nose of sweet lemon citrus sugar, lemon slate and a hint of curry leaf. Dry, medium-bodied wine with 12.5% alc and med+ acidity. A soothing, broad mouth feel, flavours of lemon, hints of orange citrus and honeydew. A nice finish but the fruit drops off a little too quick in the lower front palate. Only $11 from getwinesdirect, worth getting a 6-pack. Drink now - 2015.

The Colonial Estate Expatrie Reserve Semillon 2007, Barossa Valley, SA
$15 from getwinesdirect. Lovely pale lemon gold colour with a tinge of green. Ripe fruity aromas leap from the glass. Aromas of buttery white cream sauce with a generous splash of lemon juice, hint of white pepper and dried parsley. There is a touch of French oak too. Dry, full-bodied old vine Semillon with an incredible amount of ripe acidity. Intense lemon, green peel and crushed pith flavours contained in a waxy, expansive mouth-feel with steely grassy hints. The fresh finish lingers on the tip of your tongue for a long, long time. Brilliant paired with Mother Meg's almond butter balls, give it a go! Drink now - 2020.

The Colonial Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2010, Adelaide Hills, SA
$13 from getwinesdirect. Almost clear with a green-gold tinge. Youthful fussy talc-like perfume of passionfruit, dew-drenched old lychee flesh crushed with sapling grass. Dry, full-bodied white with high acidity. Grapefruit flavours dominate with grassy gravel minerality on the mid-palate. At 13% alc, this is a well-balanced wine with a rounded texture in the mouth and has a long fruity finish. A very smart wine at the discounted price. Drink now.

Tscharke Girl Talk Savagnin 2010, Barossa Valley, SA
$21 direct from Damien Tscharke. Pale yellow lemon colour. Coy youthful nose, diffuse aromas of pear lignin, a creamy sensation of soaking wolfsberry with Swedish alps river pebbles. Clean refreshing acidity on the palate, this is a dry, fuller bodied white wine with nectarine and apricot skin bitterness and a peachy finish. 12.5% alc. A steely tanginess on the finish makes this ideal with stewed chilli meat balls in tomato sauce. Drink now.

Tscharke 'Eva' Savagnin 2010, Barossa Valley, SA
$15 direct from Damien Tscharke. Pale grassy yellow in colour. A very coy, tissue-wrapped aroma profile of rose florals, white guava scents, drop of crushed cranberry and hint of dusty quartz. Sprightly flavours of baking spice, green pear flesh and guava with a touch of zip on the palate. Not overly sweet, only 8.5% alc and balanced out by an appropriate level of acidity. The label indicates 'Frizzante' but I would have enjoyed even more spritz in this. I'm really enjoying this while I await the next spell of December rain. Drink now.

[Luke W]

2006 Penfolds Tumbarumba Chardonnay Bin 311 - must admit didn't find it too exciting (then again don't find many chardys exciting anymore). It was clean, balanced, somewhat perfumed but still tasted like a chardy - bugger I used to like them!

[monghead]

1998 Penfolds Bin 407- Still dark purple, minimal bricking. Dark spicy fruits, sweet vanilla oak, a good amount of secondary characteristics like cigars and leather, but not immediately identifiable as a cabernet. Does fade a little at the end, but a very reasonable quaffer. Solid Good.

[cuttlefish]

A few this week:

Delatite Shiraz 2006 - Quite peppery. Not bad.

Pirramimma Shiraz 2004 - Rich with ripe dark fruits. Palate big but appears to have just about spent enough time in bottle to soften a little. No real secondary characters to speak of. Fruit Driven. 14% alc. Good but simple.

The Cups Estate Moscato 2009 - Rich and sweet with aromas of dried flowers/roses. 6.5% alc. Strangely moreish, and good in this humid weather