The Auswine Forum

Thanks to all who contributed last week!

So what's been happening in your world of wine lately? Been to any store tastings, offline's, parties or just opened a nice bottle at home? Why not take a few minutes and jot down something about what you've tried? All contributions welcomed.

Over the last few days we had a visitor for dinner which comprised horse's douvres of softened camembert and strawberry on a dry biscuit with a glass of Andrew Seppelt 2010 Private Cellar Riesling - a crisp and refreshing acid rich dry white with surprising low alcohol of 11.5%, bright pale straw green colour harbouring zesty florals of citrus blossoms, lime, lemon zest and a pronounced minerality. Clean, tight and linear in the mouth with followed a resounding finish of grapefruit and lime. Nice wine, indeed. About 90 on my scorecard. No mention of where it's from, but my guess, knowing Andrew's association with Murray Street Wines in the Barossa, would be Eden Valley. Drinking well now, I still think a few more years will produce more complexity and the wine should last until at least 2020.

With mains of bbq'd "Coles Finest" 100 Day Grain Fed Sirloin Beef (just wonderful marbling, incredibly tender and flavoursome, $34.99/kilo and worth every penny) served with sides of creamy baked potato (filled with sour cream, chives and grated tasty cheese), steamed sweet potato, caulifower and zucchini and a delightful dish of stir-fried green cabbage, sauteed brown onion, crispy bacon pieces cooked in light olive oil mixed with crushed garlic and freshly cracked black pepper, an outstanding bottle of St. Emilion Grand Cru, the 1990 Tertre Rôteboeuf. This bottle had lost some fill due to a fissure leak along one side of the cork and now stood at high shoulder. Luckily, the wine was still very much intact, but not quite at the lofty heights of my last bottle tried several years ago. Holding a healthy deep ruby hue with only minmal bricking in the edges, this opulent, low acid wine oozed an ethereal mix of dark berries with cassis to the fore with blackberries, black cherries and black plum mingling in the wings with a flick of telltale regional sweet earth and barnyard. The barest indication of high alcohol being the only downpoint. In the mouth this is svelte, rounded and mouthfilling with a silky texture, bucketloads of creamy chocolate/coffee-tinged black fruit, no detectable acidity and soft, furry tannins. Again the 14% alcohol is present towards the backend but not to a degree to spoil the wine. I'd rate this bottle at 91. Bottles from better cellars and/or with higher fill levels will no doubt have more fruit to mask this unnecessary level of alcohol. A wine for hedonists and to be drunk over the next several years. This was my last bottle.

At mum's wake yesterday in Sydney. Much better than a funeral. I think the Irish know how to celebrate a life in style

Hardy's Sir James 2008 Tumbarumba Sparkling. Nice bubbles that mum would have loved.

Geisen 2012 Sav Blanc. The girls just loved this particularly on a hot Sydney day.

A few cases of Cacade Light. Again good on a hot day. Goes down easy without knocking you over.

Ben's Run 2011 Hunter Valley Shiraz. Brought by the winery owners to help lubricate the masses. Seemed to do the trick.

Half bottle of Johny Walker Black Label. Not sure what happened to that. May have been shared neat from the bottle.

Johny Walker Red Label. Always good

Punter's Corner 2005 Coonwarra Cabernet. Right in it's window and very nice.

O'Leary Walker 2010 Clare Cabernet. A mate I shared a house with many moons ago and I poured ourselves into a few bottles of this after most had left. Really good fruit. That's all I can remember.

A great way to see the grand lady off in style. Thank everyone for your kind words last week. Really appreciated the thoughts. All's good now and my world is back in good order.

Carl

Best wishes to you, Carl, getting through this difficult time

Went to the tyrrells private bin tasting yesterday in melbourne.

The highlight was definitely the 2013 vat 1 semillion. It stood head and shoulders above the Belford and the Johnnos from the same vintage. Masses of rich fruit for such a young sem, one if the most approachable vat 1s in recent times. Soft acidity cuts through the fruit to draw out the pallet to an impressive length. Buy as much as you can!

The other wine that stood out for me was the vat 63 Chardonnay sem, 80% chard from the hvd vineyard and 20% sem from vat 1 I believe. Rich leesy complex fruit of the Chardonnay was balanced by the semillions fresh acidity. A bargain.

Only a couple of reds on tasting, the vat 94 dry red had greenish tannins running throughout and the Stevens which was ok.

I then made my way to taste some of the top pointed wines at the recent Halliday Chardonnay challenge. By this stage my tasting capabilities comprised either a yay, nay or ok

A couple of yays were the 2012 Rodda beechworth chard and the 2012 talisman Gabrielle chard .
A nay was the penfolds bin10a, laden with sulphur it needed much more airing time to see what fruit lay beneath.

Going with the unwelcome theme, father-in-law's wake featured Rockford Cabernet 1998 and Saltram Mamre Brook Shiraz 2002.

The former was right in the zone, dark and inky, good fruit to go with some resolving tannins and excellent mouthfeel. Still time with these.

The shiraz was a bit "donut-ey", with not much middle palate stuffing. Probably at its best a few years ago. Decent drop but drink up.

-- George Krashos

Big comedown after the 2010 389 last nite to a Cathcart Ridge Shiraz 2001- nice enough and full of black berries but miss that beautiful oak and seamlessness. Better than the 2000 Cathcart Ridge Cabernet which needs to be drunk in the next 12 months.

Interestingly the 389 2010 does not rate below 92 on cellartracker - must be a beauty!

It's pretty nice but needs time to develop some complexity

A couple this weekend with my Dad visiting from Queensland:

1999 Voyager Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot - This is in a very good place right now. Plenty of plummy notes on the nose but this did not follow through on the palate. Very savoury with a bit of spice at the end with a long finish of soft, fine tannins. Very old worldish and very good. Will hold for many years.

1982 Diebolt-Vallois Champagne Brut Blanc de Blancs "Mise en Cave en 1983" - Opened this with some trepidation as others I know who have had this have been less than impressed and have had many flawed bottles. Nose of brioche, citrus and bready notes and this follows through on the palate. Still very fresh and alive with an abundance of tiny bubbles. Based on this bottle this is drinking very well right now but will hold for a few more years to come. Beautiful example of an aged Chardonnay based Champagne from the Cramant region. Excellent value at 35 euros cellar door!

Apart from the Petaluma and Cullen in my smack down tasting note, D'arenberg Single Vineyard "The Fruit Bat" Shiraz 2009... This was better than the "8 Iron" Shiraz I was disappointed in the other week. Its still a powerhouse of a wine, but the palate feels fleshier, with better acidity and real vibrancy. There is a slight apricotyness to the wine (almost reminiscent of a Shiraz Viognier), though it is a straight varietal. The nose is a bit more expressive too, with ripe blackberry/plum characters and a floral element. Enjoyable wine, still not worth the $100 RRP, I think this will look better in 3-5 yrs when it fully settles down.

sjw_11 wrote:Apart from the Petaluma and Cullen in my smack down tasting note, D'arenberg Single Vineyard "The Fruit Bat" Shiraz 2009... This was better than the "8 Iron" Shiraz I was disappointed in the other week. Its still a powerhouse of a wine, but the palate feels fleshier, with better acidity and real vibrancy. There is a slight apricotyness to the wine (almost reminiscent of a Shiraz Viognier), though it is a straight varietal. The nose is a bit more expressive too, with ripe blackberry/plum characters and a floral element. Enjoyable wine, still not worth the $100 RRP, I think this will look better in 3-5 yrs when it fully settles down.

Sam i remember the 'Fruit Bat' at one i our groups tastings last year or the year before.
We all thought as you that it was good but not worth the $$'s. As are most of their Scarce Earth stuff too.

ross

1988 Dom Perignon - I think I prefer the 1982, 1985 and 1990 at this point in time. That said, very good, with lots of nutty and creamy notes, but didn't blow me away.

1990 Henschke Mt Edelstone - this is excellent drinking now. Medium to full body, with nicely integrated tannins. On the nose there is some cedar and coffee notes, with the palate dominated by choco-malt flavours. Good length and paired nicely with rack of lamb. Well cellared bottles will hold.

2010 Turkey Flat Cab Sav this is a cracking wine. Quite approachable now but will be even better in 5+ years. Had really good ink red colour. Green capsicum & earth. I get a slight eucalyptus nose as well. Really enticing stuff.
Tannins are dry but not harsh, elegant even.

My only complaint is it's a little thin and short at the moment (doesnt have the mouthfeel yet) but again give it some time and all that will be gone and it will fill out nicely.

2011 Turkey Flat shiraz I have still yet to find a 2011 barossa I am happy with. A lot like the st hallet Blackwell of the same year, this just leaves me shaking my head. It has this musty / mouldy smell that I can't get my head around. Some tar, white pepper and liquorice with surprisingly good balance. Could have used a bit more oak, but I guess the extra money spent on more/better quality oak still can't hide the fruit behind it. I actually question how long this wine will last.....3-5 years.....maybe.I hope I'm wrong as TF is one of ny favourite producers. it just doesn't have enough structure and Is a bit one dimensional.......but all the 06 or 08 you can get!

So slightly off topic, has anyone had a 2011 SA/barossa red worth drinking?

Rossco wrote:...has anyone had a 2011 SA/barossa red worth drinking?

Like most people, I have been avoiding 2011. However, I was very satisfied with the 2011 Charles Cimicky Trumps Shiraz. It was drinking very well just after opening, but on the second day it had started to fall over a bit. It probably won't be a life-changing experience or anything, but at that price point you can hardly go wrong. The 2011 Kalleske Eduard Shiraz was absolutely sensational. If you can make something that fantastic out of a 'difficult' vintage, I can't imagine what it must be like in a good year...

John Duval's Entity Shiraz was very good for 2011.

timmspe wrote:
Like most people, I have been avoiding 2011. However, I was very satisfied with the 2011 Charles Cimicky Trumps Shiraz. It was drinking very well just after opening, but on the second day it had started to fall over a bit. It probably won't be a life-changing experience or anything, but at that price point you can hardly go wrong. The 2011 Kalleske Eduard Shiraz was absolutely sensational. If you can make something that fantastic out of a 'difficult' vintage, I can't imagine what it must be like in a good year...

Cheers timmspe, will hunt out the trumps.

I have 3 x 2004 Johann Georg shiraz in the cellar. May have to
Crack one soon!

Rosscoe,

I'm hearing you on SA 2011's. The grenaches in particular were not my thing at all. Way too peppery for my palate. I do think that Shiraz fared a bit better, but only just. Torbrecks "The Struie" was about the best I've tasted. Having said that, they didn't make any of their premiums and all that fruit fell back to the Struie. Still, it isn't worth close to $50.

The fact that some winemakers are not releasing wine from 2011 speaks volumes. I bet Pennies release a Grange though. Wild Duck Creek's range of 2011's are about the best I've had from the vintage. Heathcote I know, but 2011 was no better for them.

I'd imagine that many winemakers are putting a bit of 2010 or 2012 into their 2011's to bulk them up a bit as well. They are allowed to put up to 15% before they need to put it on the label.

Drinking for me this week:

2010 Scharz The Dust Kicker Shiraz. Barossa Valley. lovely little quaffer that shows how good 2010 is. Loads of fruit and even a lick of oak. Easy drinking and worth a look as a mid weeker. 3/5

2011 Wild Duck Creek Yellow Hammer Hill. Shiraz Malbec. Heathcote. After a recent tasting with David "Duck" Anderson, I thought I would try one of the 2011's again to make sure of my first impressions. Well, I was right the first time. As I said above, WDC have done a fantastic job considering the conditions. The most impressive thing about this wine is the nose. Pretty florals and some lavender along with nice dark fruits. The palate isn't as good, but still delivers an enjoyable wine. The bottle didn't last long and that's always a good sign. 3.5/5

2005 Swingbridge Shag n Duck Shiraz. Eden Valley. Super wine that is starting to show anfew aged characteristics. Just how I like them. Still enough fruit to leave an impression and super fine tannins along with quality oak. 4/5

2007 Mountadam Estate Chardonnay. Eden Valley. we had this with a seafood stew and it actually worked really well. It's in a spot that I love a Chardonnay to be in. Nutty and creamy, this is magic for the vintage. 4/5

Cheers
Ian

I've probably forgotten more than I've drunk recently.

We went on a holiday so really got stuck into it, and had bubbly stuff each night as well

02 Dom Perignon Rose - very very nice, but ultimately I expected more out of it. I honestly preferred the Gosset Rose (at a fraction of the price) or the Veuve Rose. Don't get me wrong it was very good, but I love the normal Dom, so prob had my bar a bit high for this one.

02 Veuve vintage - spectacular, beautiful honey taste, long lasting. incredible.

01 House of Arras Blanc de Blanc - very nice, but wouldn't buy another. we preferred the normal 04 Arras stuff.

99 Taylors St Andrew Shiraz - absolutely amazing, if anyone wants a great red call the taylors cellar door they have a few left. 99/100. incredible. If I had the cash spare I'd buy every bottle they had.

2010 Penfolds RWT - very nice, but a bit of a letdown. Prob needs a few years. We still have 3 bottles left, I think we won't touch them for ages.

2008 Penfolds Grange - biggest shiraz I've ever had. Really incredible. Will be mind boggling good in the future.

2008 Hill of Grace - Just as good as grange but in a different way. A lot more delicate - hard to describe. Definitely a good one for the wine fridge.

2008 Hill of Roses - definitely one of the top few reds I've had. Like a slightly lighter version of hill of grace. Well worth it.

1913 Seppeltsfield port - just so good it defies belief. indescribable.

1998 Penfolds Bin 28 - very nice, but thought it'd be a bit stronger than it was. Still an excellent red that aged well.

Primo Estate Joseph Sparkling red - a beautiful easy drinking red summer drink. awesome.

Primo Estate Fronti fortified - this is a blend, and is outstanding. ridiculously smooth.

2010 Penfolds magill estate shiraz - surprisingly light & fruity. excellent. we bought a bottle.

2010 Kellermeister wild witch shiraz sparkling - the great reliable wild witch shiraz with bubbles. will be a great xmas drink.

We had a stack of whites as well but I'm struggling to remember the details. However the rieslings from Pikes were fantastic, and pretty much every white by Henschke as well was great.

The reds I didn't like I don't remember that well The above are the standouts. We did try the Pendolds bin 707 but were a bit underwhelmed by it, but it might have been palette exhaustion.

I feel like a alcoholic thinking of all the stuff we drank.

cheers

sejanus wrote:I've probably forgotten more than I've drunk recently.

We went on a holiday so really got stuck into it, and had bubbly stuff each night as well

02 Dom Perignon Rose - very very nice, but ultimately I expected more out of it. I honestly preferred the Gosset Rose (at a fraction of the price) or the Veuve Rose. Don't get me wrong it was very good, but I love the normal Dom, so prob had my bar a bit high for this one.

02 Veuve vintage - spectacular, beautiful honey taste, long lasting. incredible.

01 House of Arras Blanc de Blanc - very nice, but wouldn't buy another. we preferred the normal 04 Arras stuff.

99 Taylors St Andrew Shiraz - absolutely amazing, if anyone wants a great red call the taylors cellar door they have a few left. 99/100. incredible. If I had the cash spare I'd buy every bottle they had.

2010 Penfolds RWT - very nice, but a bit of a letdown. Prob needs a few years. We still have 3 bottles left, I think we won't touch them for ages.

2008 Penfolds Grange - biggest shiraz I've ever had. Really incredible. Will be mind boggling good in the future.

2008 Hill of Grace - Just as good as grange but in a different way. A lot more delicate - hard to describe. Definitely a good one for the wine fridge.

2008 Hill of Roses - definitely one of the top few reds I've had. Like a slightly lighter version of hill of grace. Well worth it.

1913 Seppeltsfield port - just so good it defies belief. indescribable.

1998 Penfolds Bin 28 - very nice, but thought it'd be a bit stronger than it was. Still an excellent red that aged well.

Primo Estate Joseph Sparkling red - a beautiful easy drinking red summer drink. awesome.

Primo Estate Fronti fortified - this is a blend, and is outstanding. ridiculously smooth.

2010 Penfolds magill estate shiraz - surprisingly light & fruity. excellent. we bought a bottle.

2010 Kellermeister wild witch shiraz sparkling - the great reliable wild witch shiraz with bubbles. will be a great xmas drink.

We had a stack of whites as well but I'm struggling to remember the details. However the rieslings from Pikes were fantastic, and pretty much every white by Henschke as well was great.

The reds I didn't like I don't remember that well The above are the standouts. We did try the Pendolds bin 707 but were a bit underwhelmed by it, but it might have been palette exhaustion.

I feel like a alcoholic thinking of all the stuff we drank.

cheers

Do you have room for an extra person next time you go on holiday?! I'd be happy to polish off the dregs!

.

Bit of a dinner with some great friends Saturday night.

Great food, some pretty good wine too I reckon!

Henri Chevaut Cuvee blanche 2008

Pierre Peters cuvee de reserve blanc de blancs

Claude Carre et fils 2002

Krug 1998

Bollinger brut

Pierro Chardonnay 2009

Leeuwin Estate Art Series Chardonnay 2009

Bannockburn S.R.H. 2001

Ashton Hills Reserve Pinot Noir 2002

Barrett The Reserve Pinot Noir2002

Ata Rangi Pinot Noir 2009

Domaine Claude Nouveau Santenay grand clos rousseau 2004

Cullen Diana Madeline Cabernet 2011

Cos d’Estournel St Estephe Bordeaux 2003

Best’s Thompson’s Family Reserve Shiraz 2004

Kay’s Block 6 SHiraz 2002

Penfolds Grange 1980

Henschke Mt Edelstone 1990

Greenock Creek Roenfeldt Road 2000 Shiraz

DeBortoli Noble 1 2009

Chateau Guiraud Sauterne 2009

Think that was all (mind you, my 'thinking apparatus' may have been a little limited late in the evening!
.

Gavin Trott wrote:.

Bit of a dinner with some great friends Saturday night.

Great food, some pretty good wine too I reckon!

Henri Chevaut Cuvee blanche 2008

Pierre Peters cuvee de reserve blanc de blancs

Claude Carre et fils 2002

Krug 1998

Bollinger brut

Pierro Chardonnay 2009

Leeuwin Estate Art Series Chardonnay 2009

Bannockburn S.R.H. 2001

Ashton Hills Reserve Pinot Noir 2002

Barrett The Reserve Pinot Noir2002

Ata Rangi Pinot Noir 2009

Domaine Claude Nouveau Santenay grand clos rousseau 2004

Cullen Diana Madeline Cabernet 2011

Cos d’Estournel St Estephe Bordeaux 2003

Best’s Thompson’s Family Reserve Shiraz 2004

Kay’s Block 6 SHiraz 2002

Penfolds Grange 1980

Henschke Mt Edelstone 1990

Greenock Creek Roenfeldt Road 2000 Shiraz

DeBortoli Noble 1 2009

Chateau Guiraud Sauterne 2009

Think that was all (mind you, my 'thinking apparatus' may have been a little limited late in the evening!
.

How was Kays 02 Old Block 6 Shiraz? I have a six pack sleeping in the cellar, do you think it still needs time? Colin Kay says not to touch it until 2020!

Some nice wines Gavin. I opened a 1990 Mt Ed on Sunday which was drinking really well. How was the 1980 Grange ? I'm taking a bottle to the Penfolds clinic next week and might drink it shortly thereafter if its ok. I went quite long on 2003 Cos and bought a 6 pack of 2009 Guiraud, so would be interested in your take on those 2 as well (please!).

Cheers

Mike

sejanus wrote:I've probably forgotten more than I've drunk recently.

We went on a holiday so really got stuck into it, and had bubbly stuff each night as well

02 Dom Perignon Rose - very very nice, but ultimately I expected more out of it. I honestly preferred the Gosset Rose (at a fraction of the price) or the Veuve Rose. Don't get me wrong it was very good, but I love the normal Dom, so prob had my bar a bit high for this one.

02 Veuve vintage - spectacular, beautiful honey taste, long lasting. incredible.

Wow, I would have these the other way around (assuming Veuve is of the Clicquot variety - there are many other Veuve's in Champagne). I thought the 02 Dom Rose was as good as the 1990 and superior to the 96 - and it will be absolutely spectacular down the track IMO. As for the 02 VC, I've probably had a case and a half (It was <AUD40 at one stage - almost the same price as the NV - so became a household quaffer) and found to be an average wine for the vintage - not good or bad, just averegae. This doesn't make either of us right or wrong, just that we have different preferences and tastes.

Thanks for your notes.

Mike

Mike Hawkins wrote:Some nice wines Gavin. I opened a 1990 Mt Ed on Sunday which was drinking really well. How was the 1980 Grange ? I'm taking a bottle to the Penfolds clinic next week and might drink it shortly thereafter if its ok. I went quite long on 2003 Cos and bought a 6 pack of 2009 Guiraud, so would be interested in your take on those 2 as well (please!).

Cheers

Mike

Well, on the night, as these things always are

1990 Mt Edelstone and 1980 Grange were both, well, underwhelming! Nothing wrong with either, but both were a bit, well mwah! (if that's a word.

The 2003 Cos was tannic, dry and even more tannic. Not the fruit behind it I would have liked, and not sure that time will do the job (although I do not have wide experience with Cos). Not great on the night.

2009 Guiraud was delicious, balanced sweetness, balanced intensity (meaning not OTT) and quite delicious, really enjoyed it!

Just one guy's opinion ... please feel free to chime in

Steve Norman, and or Mark Wickman, who were also both there that night!

.


.

Mike Hawkins wrote:

sejanus wrote:I've probably forgotten more than I've drunk recently.

We went on a holiday so really got stuck into it, and had bubbly stuff each night as well

02 Dom Perignon Rose - very very nice, but ultimately I expected more out of it. I honestly preferred the Gosset Rose (at a fraction of the price) or the Veuve Rose. Don't get me wrong it was very good, but I love the normal Dom, so prob had my bar a bit high for this one.

02 Veuve vintage - spectacular, beautiful honey taste, long lasting. incredible.

Wow, I would have these the other way around (assuming Veuve is of the Clicquot variety - there are many other Veuve's in Champagne). I thought the 02 Dom Rose was as good as the 1990 and superior to the 96 - and it will be absolutely spectacular down the track IMO. As for the 02 VC, I've probably had a case and a half (It was <AUD40 at one stage - almost the same price as the NV - so became a household quaffer) and found to be an average wine for the vintage - not good or bad, just averegae. This doesn't make either of us right or wrong, just that we have different preferences and tastes.

Thanks for your notes.

Mike

Yes it was the Clicquot - all lovely wines. Speaking of personal preference my wife who I shared the same bottle with was in heaven with it, and looked at me like I was crazy when I said I preferred other Rose's over it

2010 Mount Langi Ghiran Billi Billi Shiraz: Ridiculously good for $15. Smells better than it tastes; its got that classic peppery and floral Grampians smell. No problems though with the taste. Again Grampians all the way. Just falls a little flat and watery in the end however. No complaints though given the price.

sejanus wrote:I've probably forgotten more than I've drunk recently.

We went on a holiday so really got stuck into it, and had bubbly stuff each night as well

02 Dom Perignon Rose - very very nice, but ultimately I expected more out of it. I honestly preferred the Gosset Rose (at a fraction of the price) or the Veuve Rose. Don't get me wrong it was very good, but I love the normal Dom, so prob had my bar a bit high for this one.

02 Veuve vintage - spectacular, beautiful honey taste, long lasting. incredible.

01 House of Arras Blanc de Blanc - very nice, but wouldn't buy another. we preferred the normal 04 Arras stuff.

99 Taylors St Andrew Shiraz - absolutely amazing, if anyone wants a great red call the taylors cellar door they have a few left. 99/100. incredible. If I had the cash spare I'd buy every bottle they had.

2010 Penfolds RWT - very nice, but a bit of a letdown. Prob needs a few years. We still have 3 bottles left, I think we won't touch them for ages.

2008 Penfolds Grange - biggest shiraz I've ever had. Really incredible. Will be mind boggling good in the future.

2008 Hill of Grace - Just as good as grange but in a different way. A lot more delicate - hard to describe. Definitely a good one for the wine fridge.

2008 Hill of Roses - definitely one of the top few reds I've had. Like a slightly lighter version of hill of grace. Well worth it.

1913 Seppeltsfield port - just so good it defies belief. indescribable.

1998 Penfolds Bin 28 - very nice, but thought it'd be a bit stronger than it was. Still an excellent red that aged well.

Primo Estate Joseph Sparkling red - a beautiful easy drinking red summer drink. awesome.

Primo Estate Fronti fortified - this is a blend, and is outstanding. ridiculously smooth.

2010 Penfolds magill estate shiraz - surprisingly light & fruity. excellent. we bought a bottle.

2010 Kellermeister wild witch shiraz sparkling - the great reliable wild witch shiraz with bubbles. will be a great xmas drink.

We had a stack of whites as well but I'm struggling to remember the details. However the rieslings from Pikes were fantastic, and pretty much every white by Henschke as well was great.

The reds I didn't like I don't remember that well The above are the standouts. We did try the Pendolds bin 707 but were a bit underwhelmed by it, but it might have been palette exhaustion.

I feel like a alcoholic thinking of all the stuff we drank.

cheers

Some great wines in that lot .... and quite an eclectic bunch..... thanks for posting. Seajanus, do you always drink your iconic reds this young?

25th Anniversary Dinner last night.
1996 Bin 95 Penfolds Grange
This was my 2nd and last '96. Cork and ullage sound.
Bright colour for a 17 yo wine.
Aged dark fruit and tarry nose. Palate certainly didn't blow me away.
Medium bodied with some nicer secondary elements.
The length really was disappointing. Had this with a gorgeous medium rare eye fillet so gave it every opportunity.
91pts

Perhaps I was expecting too much from this iconic wine.

ross

Congrats Ross and eye fillet...yum

Without getting the purists chucking rocks on my roof...I actually think your avatar is a better wine than Grange.

Have had 61, 65, 66, 68, 71 and probably most from 76 on wards...but for a bottle of Grange give me 6 Lloyd reserve any day of the week.

Cheers
Craig.

phillisc wrote:Congrats Ross and eye fillet...yum

Without getting the purists chucking rocks on my roof...I actually think your avatar is a better wine than Grange.

Have had 61, 65, 66, 68, 71 and probably most from 76 on wards...but for a bottle of Grange give me 6 Lloyd reserve any day of the week.

Cheers
Craig.

Thanks Craig

Had an awesome '96 Lloyd for my 40th that blew last nights Grange out of the water.
You are much more Grange educated than me. Only 78, 96 & 97 for me.

Ps. Received a '10 Teusner Righteous from my wife yesterday.... Happy days.

ross