The Auswine Forum

Thanks all that have contributed to date - good stuff. Of course have started and will continue to do own research online as well. The info on what's open / closed and what's gone uphill / downhill are particularly appreciated as this sort of information is not always available online and (from past...

I went along to the Perth dinner several months ago where they showed off the latest premium wines. While a fan night and a good way to try the wines, I got a little bit annoyed with all the marketing hype. How there was such strong demand and we shouldn't wait to buy. Also how there was no allocat...

I have 6 x smaller single zone delonghi's - all bought with minor imperfections to the black steel casing at around $400 per. The reasonable looking stainless fronts etc also passed muster with "she who must be obeyed". One arrived with a damaged control panel from transit damage. Warranty...

Writing as I drink and contemplate is a good thing and far more trustworthy an undertaking than recall from my failing memory bank ; Seven Hill St Ignatius Clare CS Blend - 52% CS / 28% Merlot / 10% Malbec / 10% Cab Franc - nose hits with a embracement of berry with a somewhat odd under-odour of liq...

I'm looking forward to trying some of the higher calibre Chinese stuff....just the name 'Tannat' sounds tannic, might need to sit in the cellar for 50 or so to be approachable! I was informed by the lovely lady at pepper tree at the Hunter CD that the tannat simply won't get better with age - still...

The lads and I are currently researching trip for May 2014 per title. Appreciate any pointers / suggestions for 1. Accom (3 of us) 2. Dining, 3. Winery recommendations, and 4. Any "must trys" Sadly it appears the 2011 release from Wrattonbully is going to be pretty average however the 2012...

http://www.etslabs.com/display.aspx?cat ... &pageid=68

Looks like cork quality is a big player in the whole affair ....

We can start the debate on Australian cork quality anytime about now as you all please ....
Screwcap advocates are also free to throw darts

Blesso wrote:...and the Tannat sounds very interesting I'll have to suss it out.

Pepper Tree make a Tannat from Wrattonbully - usually only used in a blend it is highly, highly, highly tannic - and not much else. That said, I've got some in the fridge

The Chinese have spent a lot of time and money studying climatic conditions, soil chemistry and cultivation and winemaking techniques in France as well as Australia over the last 8 odd years. They are now producing world class wine and have won recent international recognition - the one you are refe...

Felipe Rutini Malbec 2007 ... mmmmmmmm
I see the 2009 is out and selling for around $35

Had a 375 of Isabella Tokay (excuse me - topaque) from Dan's like that - we (in stunned disbelief) kept tasting, thinking something was off with our palates - finally, when all gone we agreed it must have been heat affected ... somewhat too late to seek a refund. Pity someone can't develop a simple,...

Reported as an exceptional vintage. Haven't tried it as yet and am pondering purchase.

Te Mata Chardonnay - couple of glasses with lunch on Sunday - scallops done in garlic, tomato and bacon, followed by barramundi with mussels and saffron leeks. Light on the front palate but develops nicely with a mild hint of fruit before relaxing into a delicate dray mid and lingering after palate....

From our annual lads trip last year, I can tell you that you missed nothing special at Artisans (other than perhaps the lunchtime antipasto platter - we elected to have WATER rather than wine - and that's saying something, especially as we were walking !) .... best left alone imo, and could have bee...

I usually just refill and continue drinking.
A. The refill covers the stain
B. By the time you finish you really don't care about the stain until the morning (then go to A. and repeat).

When you see the Wynns new black label pricing you may not want to remain a member in any case ... Minimum case buy to remain a member - I don't think I'd usually join something like that in any case. They would want to give a significant discount over what you buy it locally for and to cover freigh...

Cooler weather is upon us. In this transition period the weather always drives confusion in my preference for Shiraz over Cab Sav or blends.

Is there a logical reason for this ?

Sorry folks - your suggestions were "Nothing but a little whine (sic)" ..... (PS - Dan : The glassless drinking photo reminds me of the lads annual wine trip which (sadly) is now more than a week ago ... :S ) I had the fortunate experience to receive traditional Hungarian hospitality in Bu...

A very good question posed by my better half - why don't the better glass manufacturers produce matching stylish water glasses to go with my set of fine champaneing, wining, fortified(ing ?) and brandying glasses ???? She would MAKE me buy the matching glasses if for no other reason than so that the...

It is now "officially" winter time. Apertif of a Petit Muscat or similar. Prawn and roast capsicum timbale with a 2002 Moet. Rabbit or venison slow cooked stew with a 2009 Seven Hill St Ignatius. Alternative slow cooked Portugese lamb leg with white beans, chick peas and passata served on ...

To allay the concern of all, I have now reverted to a routine of a single glass on every other night (much to the delight of she who must be obeyed). The DT's haven't stopped yet but no drama in flicking to the new routine - other than the issue (despite a vacuum job on the opened bottle) of oxidati...

Have 3 each of 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 cork closure Mistletoe aged Sems. Yet to try (more interested in revisiting the reds purchases). One of the other lads cracked a 2000 since return and reckons FAB. These were being literally given away on a 1 for 1 basis with any 6 pack or more purchase (if you ...

Sounds like not much interest in this area/region ? Most winemakers don't pay fees for marketing and most not available in bottle shops so cellar door sales predominate. Grossly overlooked in my opinion. Climate change scientists suggest Hunter dead in 10-20 years and Mudgee will take over as premie...

Easy to go without (and do on the odd occassion) - just generally choose not to ...

Gotta say that Burnbrae at Mudgee impressed me way more than anything from Hunter in the reds category .... (see separate post).

Mistletoe Reserve Shiraz @ $65 at cellar door before 10% 6 pack or 15% dozen automatic "for anyone" discount. Agree overpriced - no Hunter Shiraz worth that money other than a couple of Audrey Wilkinson's I have had ....

Wrt comments re: Meerea Park : We tried the following reds ; 2010 XYZ Shiraz ($25 per) 2010 The Aunts Shiraz ($30 per) 2010 Hell Hole Shiraz ($60 per) Dan's does a way better deal on price. The XYZ was very light, wierd bacon on the nose, fading mid to late palate. The Aunts was much more spicey, wh...

I should also add at Mistletoe there is a current special deal - buy minimum of a 6 pack and if you pay the freight get 6 assorted aged Semillon. I bought a mixed dozen of the Shiraz mentioned above plus 3 each of Noble Viogner and Petit Muscat - got 3 each of 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2003 aged Semillon...

From my notes I believe there were two - Two Of A Kind Shiraz ($25/bottle) and DJV Shiraz ($35/bottle). Premium wines are NOT available for tasting at the SWC.

OK - inadequate info in the original post. Mistletoe for RED. The Mistletoe 2010 "Home Vineyard" was $22 per bottle ex cellar door. Far from overpriced for Hunter peers in this class. Yes, we all tried the Thomas red that was available for tasting at SWC - didn't stand out for us, as was m...