So Who is Coming to the Sydney Langton's Tasting...

[Hacker]

...besides me? And where is it again? Nothing about it on the Langtons website that I can see. At least I know it is this Thursday and I have a leave pass.

So who am I looking out for from this motley crew?

[dave vino]

I think there is around 8 of us going. Just tossing up where we are kicking on afterwards. So just keep an eye out for any of the crew, although we do tend to split up and then meet up again afterwards.

[burges]

...besides me? And where is it again? Nothing about it on the Langtons website that I can see. At least I know it is this Thursday and I have a leave pass.

So who am I looking out for from this motley crew?

It's at Australian Technology Park (Exhibition Hall), Locomotive St, Everleigh 2015. From 5:30 - 8:30pm.
See you there.

[Hacker]

...besides me? And where is it again? Nothing about it on the Langtons website that I can see. At least I know it is this Thursday and I have a leave pass.

So who am I looking out for from this motley crew?

It's at Australian Technology Park (Exhibition Hall), Locomotive St, Everleigh 2015. From 5:30 - 8:30pm.
See you there.

Have you been away? Haven't heard from you lately

[griff]

I'm going. Looking forward to it.

[burges]

...besides me? And where is it again? Nothing about it on the Langtons website that I can see. At least I know it is this Thursday and I have a leave pass.

So who am I looking out for from this motley crew?

It's at Australian Technology Park (Exhibition Hall), Locomotive St, Everleigh 2015. From 5:30 - 8:30pm.
See you there.

Have you been away? Haven't heard from you lately

Just been a bit busy with some non-vinous pursuits while watching the Sydney offliners’ pinot tasting from a safe distance.
Looking forward to meeting up at the next one.

[Polymer]

I'm going and bringing a friend.....Apparently a new keychain pic is being taken according to Michael.....although I haven't seen the current keychain, the story that goes with it is pretty hilarious...

[Michael R]

I can't wait to see Burges at the Chris Ringland stand!
Pours last time were minuscule, but its right in your wheelhouse buddy

[dave vino]

I'm going and bringing a friend.....Apparently a new keychain pic is being taken according to Michael.....although I haven't seen the current keychain, the story that goes with it is pretty hilarious...

Here you go Polymer, as the current owner I had security remove it from the safety deposit box and bring it to me so I could take a quick photo. Can't muck around as he is getting a bit edgy with it being out in the open for long and the neighbours are complaining about the police escort who have blocked off the street.

It comes out on alternate years to the Shroud of Turin.

Hope this helps

[Polymer]

LOL...oh man...LOL...

[TiggerK]

In no particular order.... tiggerk, odyssey +1, camw, red smurf, mick r, nineredpens and dave vino. Epic souvenir. Yes, it really is that blurry.

[Michael R]

Brilliant Dave!

I look forward to it one day being awarded in recognition of disgraceful GM behavior, hopefully it's not me that wins...although I'd be a shortish price at the tab.
Given its origins, I think a dishonorable winner would be most apt

[sjw_11]

I really have no idea what you are all talking about...

[burges]

I can't wait to see Burges at the Chris Ringland stand!
Pours last time were minuscule, but its right in your wheelhouse buddy

That’s right. Really looking forward to trying the Ringland, Kaesler, Greenock Creek et al.

Those small pours make it quite tedious – have to keep going back for more.
This time I might have my mate bring me the extra pours.

[odyssey]

Do not adjust your sets, this picture IS in focus.

[scribbler]

Notes from melbourne
Good Proper tasting glasses, chance to try a lot of unfamiliar wines, Plenty of cheeses, biscuits etc

Bad- Appallingly crowded; Very few and small spittoons

The wines
Couldn’t find Wendouree or Bass Phillip – they may have been there – but hard to tell
Didn’t try Bindi, Elderton. Kalleske, Greenock creek, henschke yarra yarra etc. Probably unable to get near them through the crush despite several attempts
Didn’t try Yeringberg familiar with these (but they had some back vintages on)
Didn’t try Mt Mary, or Wantirna, or Paringa – familiar with these

What I really liked- not in order!
2009 Tyrells v 47 Chardonnay
2010 Leeuwin AS Chardonnay. These have sometimes looked a bit oaky and ripe- this is spot on
2010 Pierro Chardonnay
2010 Wynns 2010 Michael Shiraz (this was a step up on JR, and the still classy 2010 Black Label
2012 Coldstream Hills reserve Pinot Noir. (an awesome year in the Yarra for all varieties)
2010 Main Ridge half-acre Pinot Noir. Serious wine!
2010 Seppelt st peters Shiraz (already approachable, ultrafine tannins, impeccable balance)
2010 Petaluma Coonawarra .
2010 Vasse Felix Heytesbury (lovely but tannic wine)
2010 Houghton Jack mann (very serious!)
2010 Moss Wood
2008 Peter Lehman Stonewell Shiraz (the 2009 was a lesser wine - sweet and soft)
2010 Penfold RWT
2010 Torbreck Run Rig (creamy)
2010 Noon Shiraz – approachable , balanced
2010 Katnook Odyssey
2010 Craiglee Shiraz
2005 Castagna Shiraz (better than 2009 and 2010, but good to see a mini-vertical)

Disappointments
2008 penfolds Grange (softer than I expected, its a good wine with potential but not VFM)
2009 De Bortoli Noble One (looked straightforward, and more acid would have helped
2013 Grosset Rieslings- very good, but not stellar- Polish tighter than Springvale
2007 hardys Eileen Shiraz
2005 Chris Ringland – enormous fruit power, but looked a bit old-fashioned
2010 Woodlands
2010 Cullen
2009 Penfold St henri
2011 lakes Folly- under cork, and not at all Bordeaux-ish (unlike a recent 2001)
2009 Torbreck descendent

[TiggerK]

Thanks for the notes scribbler, we heard it was crowded in Mel, now definitely braced for the worst tonight. As expected, they put the price way up, and sold heaps more tickets... Gouge away.

Would have been nice to cruise around and chat to the winemakers etc, but suspect more a case of thrust your glass in front of them, and get out of the way quickly. Sigh... Hope to be proven wrong though!

[Michael R]

Great effort Scribbler, many thanks for the notes, great that the glassware was good, although the crowd comments make me nervous for tonights bash. Am fearing a similarly packed event.

Did you see Giaconda there?

[scribbler]

yes - Giaconda was there- i didn't try them - didn't like the 2005 Chardonnay or Shiraz I tasted recently

[Krusty]

My only hope for tonight is that Sydney being Sydney it is chock full of corporates taking clients out and that they will mill around the Pennies and Wynns offerings and leave a few of the lesser known (in non wine circles anyway) tables empty.

Although reading Scribblers notes perhaps I am deluding myself.

[camw]

Do not adjust your sets, this picture IS in focus.

Closer! Closer!!

[camw]

The wines
Couldn’t find Wendouree or Bass Phillip – they may have been there – but hard to tell

Thanks for the notes! I did see someone mention that the Bass Phillip Premium was looking good, so I think they were there and Langton's specifically told me that Wendouree would be there. I was told that only Kilikanoon would be absent.

[simon1980]

Great notes from scribbler. To add a little:

Penfolds did the 2008 Grange at the start, then "migrated" onto the 2007 after the initial rush. Go here early.
Wendouree sent two bottles each of Sh/Mat and Cab/Mal (both '04's I think). Went in a flash. Go early...on the table with few "signs" behind.
If you don't know where Bass Phillip is, look for the largest concentration of people per sq m. Had the '10 and '08 Premium (but not reserve) on tasting.

Far too busy (previous venue much better) and not enough water to wash glasses. The poor team emptying the spittons did an amazing job, considering the conditions. But, hey, what a line up!

A few highlights for me were:

Mount Mary reds. Stunning.
Giaconda Chard and Warner.
Chris Ringland. Agree it was a bit old fashioned, but I really enjoyed it.
Langi Shiraz '10...but I always enjoy this.
The mini-vertical from Castagna. The guy pouring is a legend too.
Main Ridge (as always - but I did try early, which was for the best)
Dalwhinnie (both wines)
Waintirna...I liked the 2011, which surprised me a lot considering the vintage conditions.

Not so good

Bass Phillip. Maybe I don't get it. Maybe the hype is too high. Was placed next to Bindi, which knocked the socks off the Bass Phillip for my money...
Cullen DM. Lacking in power and structure, for me. I had just been knocked around by Lakes Folly and Cape Mentelle...so maybe not the best prep...
The Jasper Hills. Just too much for me.
Balnaves Tally. I got told off by my wife for making her taste it.

Good luck tonight. Apparently there are an average of 5 bottles per person at the event...

simon1980

[camw]

Apparently there are an average of 5 bottles per person at the event...

Challenge accepted.

Thanks for the notes too.

[Dexter]

Also went to the Melbourne tasting last night. Fantastic event but way too crowded. Things improve later in the night and it was good when the crowds cleared to talk to some of the winemakers.

Highlights for me were:

Hill of Grace (2005)
Grange (2007) - not a great Grange but still quite good (even if too young)
Giaconda Chardonnay
Vat 47 Chardonnay
Mt Mary Quintet
Castagna (2005) and Adam Castagna's enthusiam
Seppelt St Peters
Maurice O'Shea 2000
Lakes Folly (except a bit clumsy on the finish)


No real disappointments but I didn't really get the same impressions as scribbler with the Run Rig or Main Ridge. With tastings like this I think it depends on how long the bottle has been opened and what you drink either side. Some of the pinots don't stand up to the big shirazes and cabs around them. It may have been better to group some wines by varietal.

[simon1980]

Dexter, I could not agree more. I tried to taste the Pinots separately, but it was tough getting around with the 1000000 people in the room.

I forgot Graveyard 2011, which I really enjoyed (but can't afford).

Camw, sorry the notes aren't better, but it's a bit of a struggle at work today...

simon1980

[camw]

Camw, sorry the notes aren't better, but it's a bit of a struggle at work today...

No drama, still helpful.

[phillisc]

Scribbler, thanks for the vote of confidence for my palate...2010 Wynns Michael is a stunning wine...glad you enjoyed it.
Hard for the 2012 to top it, but won't mind if it does.

Thanks for the notes
Tin pot Adelaide where probably half of the wines come from, never gets a gig for these sorts of tastings

Craig.

[camw]

From seeing photos and reports of the Melbourne tasting, it seems like the Sydney one went much smoother. There was plenty of space and it was rare to have to wait too long to taste anything and there were a couple of spittoons per table and a few away from the tables. There was also quite a bit of water plus cheese and crackers available at two stations set aside from the main area which seemed to work really well.

[Krusty]

Ouch, my head hurts.

Seems my concerns were for nought. I thought it was a cracking event, not packed in the slightest, plenty of cheese and crackers, lots of water and spittoons aplenty (this morning I wish I made more use of them !).

Standouts for me:

Chris Ringland 05- hadn't had this before, expected a horrid overworked fruitbomb - stunned. Great wine, balanced, very big granted but lovely. Couldn't drink a lot of it though I don't think. Chris seemed a nice bloke too, had a good chat to him.WOTN for me. A big surprise.
Clonakilla Shiraz 12 - Very perfumed, tight acid, lots of white pepper and pepper berries, very moorish.
Bindi Pinot - Cracking wine. As someone mentioned earlier, blew the Bass Phillip out of the water. Best pinot of the night by a long shot.
Mount Langi Ghiran - More pepper, lively acid line, real depth though on the backend, will go for a longtime. Yum
Yarra Yering Dry Red No 1 - Cab of the night for me. An 08 vintage if my hazy memory serves me. Showed still very young and fresh, but a great mouthfeel and long finish. Not overt in anyway just all the bits in the right place. Something I needed toward the end of the night.
Coopers Pale Ale - A couple of schooners at the Erskineville Hotel on the walk home worked a treat. After all of those wines that first sip was perhaps the best beer moment of my life. Such refreshment after so much palate fatigue.

Meh moments:

Grange 08 - Look this is a good wine no doubting, but there is just something artificial about Grange that nags me, I dont know what it is, but it seems less like a wine and more something that has been built. Maybe just the red carpet and roped off walkway put me in a bad mood. Certainly not worth 700 sheets.
Turkey Flat - Showed poorly against such great company
Rockford Basket Press - Had a really good chat with Ben Radford but the glass I had was pretty lifeless, just opened bottle perhaps,needing some air ? disappointing
Bass Phillip - just meh. Not in the same class as others. Nice drop but not in this group.
Kay Brothers Amery 6 - Late in the night, more my problem than theirs I think but this didn't do it for me. The guy pouring was a rude bugger too.


Was a great night, had a couple of mates along as well who like wine but aren't "into" wine. Hopefully this will hook in a few more tragics for me to share my obsession with. Shame it only happens every 5 years.
Cheers,
Krusty