The Auswine Forum

First try of this Bellarine Peninsula (Scotchman's Hill) shiraz since cellar door tasting a few years ago. Colour rich brick red, everything in order except the most off-putting stink - the closest I could get was rotting seaweed. Am I being misled by the closeness to Swan Bay? Flavour, balance, sof...

Mark - I don't know this one. Where is it from, what is the price range, what does it compare with? Would appreciate some info please.

David - terrific notes, but they make me green with envy! For those of us without bottomless wallets, what does it cost to get hold of this level of top-flight burgogne? ED.

2002 Orlanda St. Helga Riesling (Eden Valley) - commercial and well-priced, but excellent, fragrant, refreshing riesling with good depth of flavour and length. Shows up some more pricey rieslings! 2002 Yarra Burn bubbly - Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and a touch of Pinot Meunier. Fresh fruit, very smooth,...

Hi, Jamie. In October 2001 we stayed in Orange for a week (at Cigaloun Hotel - reasonable and very central). Orange is an excellent base for car trips to central / lower regions (Mont Ventoux, Segurat, Nyons, Vaison la Romaine), and also close to southern regions such as Chateauneuf-du-Pape (Beaucas...

Phil - thanks for the notes on Spanish sherries. It's great stuff, and the manzanillas are ideal summer aperatifs. You've prompted me to visit the store again to see what's about in my area!

David, while I agree with people's comments about balance (which is the key), I think your numbers are pretty close. Maybe it's age (mine, not the wine's!), but lower alcohol means I can drink a bit more of the marvellous stuff with paying the penalty next day!

Very drinkable budget blend ($14.95 Melbourne) of Tempranillo, Garnarcha and Cab. Sauv. from Julian Chivite in Navarra, Spain. Surprised by depth in all areas - colour deep ruby, quite dense. Nose showed plenty of sweet fruit and maturing, melding aromas. Plenty of body, warm flavours (but not hot o...

Blend of King Valley and Avoca Sangiovese @ 13% alcohol - opened good solid mid brick red. Plenty of fruit and a touch of smokiness (?) on the nose. Very approachable in the mouth right from the start. Good depth of fruit flavour, slightly furry but pleasant soft tannin, just enough acid, mid weight...

DaveB - thanks for the tip - I'll look out for it.

1992 Seppelts Botrytis Gerwurtztraminer (375 ml) - only 11.5% alcohol, but had depth and intensity suggesting much more. Opened with superb "cumquat liqueur" nose - deep citrus peel aromas, deep gold colour. Smooth and intense on palate, great depth of flavour, plenty of acid holding things together...