The Auswine Forum

2013 Hawkes Bay reds are outstanding, many people are saying best ever. The top wines are yet to be released but from what I have seen from barrel and pre release samples etc, they are keepers. I have a preference for the Syrahs from what I have tried, but have no doubt there wiil be some great Bdx ...

Hi Craig, great idea ... count me in + 1 ( Gabor ) Cheers

Hi Allan, Im also a fan but only have a few in the cellar - all Domaine Chevalier currently. They are usually a blend of Semillion & Sauv, ( & sometimes Muscadelle I think ) % varies considerably from one to the next. When young they are pale lemon, generally vinous, elegant and citrusey... ...

2011 Highlights.... Best Sparkling 2006 No. 1 Family Estate Virginie - the best NZ bubbles I have tried and better than any Champagne tried this year Best Old White 1988 Ch. Suduiraut - perfect 1988 Kientzler Vendage Tardive Gwtz - amazingly fresh Best Younger Red 2010 Obsidian - great potential &am...

two more confirmed : Mark & Cath

Hi, 2 more friends now confirmed.... Jo & Elle who some of you met at La Bucca at our 1st off-line and Al & Evelyn. Cheers

Hi Craig, 2 friends are definite... have not mentioned it to another 2 (who would be definite) because I thought you wanted to keep the numbers down ???

22nd is free at this stage - the other 2 w/ends are probably not but I can always visit myself another time easily enough

Hi Craig, the 22nd gets my vote ... can I invite friends ? Cheers, Curt

Wow indeed, special thanks to Craig & Mel ( it was nice to meet your girls ) No tasting notes from me, I think the notes posted are all good. But I have to say that the Pope just blew me away - certainly one of the best wines I have tried from NZ - it was so lush and exotic but powerfull too. On...

Friday the 3rd is still the best for me unless we make it mid to late afternoon on the 12th. I am central city so can give Peter a lift as it does not look like there will be too many wines at this stage !

Friday 3rd is best for me, could also do Sunday the 12th but the 5th is not possible. Like the idea of it being at your place Craig. Cheers

Curt.....91 Coleraine?? ??
Can do !

I am in for the tasting but not the meal ... OK ?

Hi. I understand Sue is out of town with the MG club ... she had indicated to me she is not sure if she has the wine and that she is not so keen on attending now .
I am still in with a 94.

Any update ???

Hi Peter, have heard good things about the Serisen single vineyard wines .. checked out their site and while the Sun & Moon is obviously "their best",
its out of my price range ... did you have any notes / thoughts on the others ? Cheers, Curt

11th is also OK with me

24th works for me

Hi Craig, I am watching ... have a "green" 94 that I could contribute

I had a bottle of the Trinity Hill 98 ( Black label ) in the cellar and going on comments above, did not delay in pulling the cork ... The colour was classic 10 year old Bdx ( with some sediment ), nothing special on the nose but Wow was it ever youthful & primary to taste. Still has some years ...

Hi Sue, I have not been to FG on a Wednesday for ages ... yes, unfortunately I am not available for the meal on the 25th. Cheers, Curt

Hi, I am not concerned if you change dates - in fact can't see how we can go ahead now, i.e. I agree that more people / wines is better ... but working out a date between now & Christmas will not be easy

Hi, At this stage I am still in and bringing the Unison but only for the tasting not the meal.

Visited Puriri Hills and Vin Alto on Sunday - both for the 1st time. Can certainly see why Craig rates the Puriri Hills wines - all class , even the Rose'. Vin Alto was also in the more restrained classy style, loved the 2005 Ritorno.. which is made in the ripasso style ( Masi Campoforin ) gorgeous ...

Yes, Jaffa thats right ....

Jafa, I recently drank the last of my 90 Gerwtz VT ( in 750 , wax dipped) and it was a touch tired - seemed immortal when young and still strong appx a year ago so latest may have just been bottle variation ... but I would not wait too long before trying another of your 94s. Cheers, Curt

Craig / Bick - there is a Auckland tasting, this Sunday 2 - 5 at Old Govenment House. Kris, I have been on the mailing list since 87/88 and was a huge fan of their wines but feel that in recent years they are not as special as they once were and also they have got very expensive ... stylistically th...

Craig I have some Unison Selection if you want to see it included ?
Also in the cellar, Babich Paitriach, Old Olive Block, Cornerstone, Stonecroft Ruanui, Terraces, Brookfields Gold Label, Trinity Hill, Coleraine

Hi ! ... I am lurking ... & if you can work out a date, I am still keen.