The Auswine Forum

Hi all

One of the tips that was suggested recently when I asked about tips for starting a cellar was to try and use some of the budget to buy some already aged wines to work out what I have a taste for and so on. I have been reading up a bit and thinking about it and it makes a great deal of sense. I mean, I know I like many varietals when they are young or relatively so, but I have not tried many real medium to long term cellared wines. Most older wines I have tried have been Rieslings with 5-10 years on them, semillions similar and the odd red of 5-10 years age. Many of these wines have been stored in dubious conditions.

I am interested to spend a little money on buying some aged wines across a few varietals and of slightly differing ages over the next few months to start working out which styles of wine I prefer on the young side, and which I like with some age on them

At the moment I have 2 bottles of 2006 Mt Pleasant Anne Semillion here, a 2006 Pepperjack Cab and an '02 Lawsons Padthaway Shiraz. The last two I have no idea where they came from, I suspect they were gifts I have shoved away. A quick read around suggests they are probably past best. If the Anne has coped with the cellaring conditions it should still be plenty good to go.

I also picked up an '07 Yarra Yering Underhill Shiraz the other day to try.

I know I like semillion with quite a bit of age on it, and I like my Rieslings either very young or about mid way through their life because I like them to still have quite a bit of 'zip'. However, any suggestions for other varietals such as shiraz, cabernet, chardonnay, pinot or slightly more exotic (tempranillo, Grenache, malbec...?) which may be available either in retailers or via auction would be greatly appreciated.

Between selecting good producers of particular varietals, decent vintages and varying/good ages and varying price points (no point just buying 4 different vintages of Grange and deciding I like age Shiraz really is there?) it is a bit of a daunting task.

Budget is a little flexible, ultimately I am thinking of drinking one aged wine a week on top of some other stuff over the next few months. I don't want it to completely erode my cellaring budget, so am hoping to average out at about $50-$70 a bottle.

Thoughts?

If you have a Dan Murphy's near to you, then see if they have any 2005 Seppelt Chalambar. Last I recall, a few months ago, it was readily available in most DM's stores I went into for only $30 odd. Now 2005 is not super aged of course, but worth a look.

Generally speaking, you'll find it hard to get value for money when buying aged wines retail. Hate to plug DM's again, but check out their cellar release section. For a credentialed wine, your $50 to $70 won't get you far, and I think they are currently doing 2008 as part of that program.

Auction would be a better bet.

The problem is that most retailers carry hardly any older wines, and those they do carry are either super premium (many hundred dollars) or way over priced (over $100 for a Wynns BL, no thanks).

Thanks Andrew I'll go check that out. I guess if I need to spend more to make the experience work then so be it, I may find myself drinking a bottle every fortnight instead.

Thanks for the tip on the chalamber it is one I've seen mentioned as a good affordable cellar option

Also not adverse to trying auction. Any tips both as to particular wines or general cautions would be welcome

Also consider the strategy of drinking young & drink now wines to hold you over until your own wines are a bit older. I'd be selective on what older wines you up buy retail. Capacity to spend is a fantastically liberating feeling but it won't always be rewarded properly.

See what you can find here http://www.auswine.com.au (the provider of this forum incidentally).

First thing Maybs is to find a supplier with a good reputation and policy on sub-par wines. The supplier should replace / refund oxidised bottles in their care, as well as handle returns to wineries for TCA (or you can do that yourself).

I see you are in Sydney, so there are a number of independent bottle shops available depending on your location.

There is one I go to frequently in Canberra that ships relatively cheaply - I will PM you the website, as I don't wish to advertise another site here. The forum owner provides a wonderful service, and his site is worth exploring too.