The Auswine Forum

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Gary W wrote:There's an American one available here - Ariel - the whites better than the red but basically it's all shit. Much better off having a lime and soda with a splash of bitters.
GW

The Edenvale shiraz is a BIG step up from Ariels IMHO. Chalk and cheese.

The best one I've found so far is Edenvale Shiraz. Available from both major supermarkets. On special it sells for around $7 a bottle (last week in Coles at $14 for 2). You'll find it near the ginger beer, sparkling cider, etc section. Quite drinkable IMHO - it is recognizably shiraz. All the others...

I bought a 2 x 24 bottle Cara from bigshop.com.au and have been very happy with it (2 separate compartments with separate temp controls, thermoelectric, etc). They are out of stock at the moment though. Other cost effective thermoelectric options would be: m or m Fans are a touch noisy, so keep them...

One of very few greats in an industry awash with johnny-come-lately's and prima donnas. He always had time to talk to his customers and his annual newletter was never dull nor boring, forever prodding the status quo of his industry, politics or whatever got up his nose. Since the late 70's he has be...

Kaesler Barossa Valley W.O.M.S. Shiraz Cabernet 2002

I suggest you use TN's from people that don't have online databases, like White, White, Hooke, etc.

Giaconda is probably the most compelling wine producer in the country. The chardonnay is stunning; the shiraz dazzling; the cabernet very under rated and the pinot, well to be fair, variable (and maybe best forgotten). All things being considered this is a great marque. An Australian Grand Cru. I d...

2003 Giaconda Mcleay Road Shiraz Beautiful coluor- deep claret and pure. Smells of burnt gum nuts and one of the weirdest palates I've encountered. Not really any varietal definition, if I'd been told this wine was pinot, cabernet, merlot or shiraz, I could have believed any of those options. Not r...

I tried the Cape Mentelle 2002 wooded SBS a few months ago. One of the worst whites of 2005 for me. Out of balance, arms and legs everywhere - american oak whites are not exactly my style. Yuk. The Giaconda shiraz 2002 is excellent but not in the outstanding category. Maybe HH just doesn't taste as ...

8) Brian We like every one we know replace corked wines. (or work something out...) I've always believed that was good practice and customer relations.. Never believed we had a legal obligation to do so, and for the life of me can't see the logic that says you have. Any legal eagles out there to ex...

Gentlemen, The Penfolds was actually sent to me as a sample on release by Penfolds. Since I had already tasted it, I kept it to watch. It wouldn't be honest to ask for a replacement. The Pichon was bought on indent by John Wade - no recourse there unless you guys know something I don't. I certainly...

I have tried bottles of both 02 & 03 Chalambar over the past week. The 03 is a step up on the 02. The latter is a bit hot, jammy and herbal for me (i.e. somewhat disjointed just now) although it will appeal to some and could improve over next few years. The 03 is balanced and seamless even at th...

Shiraz and riesling do best in general up here. 2004 vintage was a cracker (same in Vic also, I think), so any reds from reputable act wineries in 2004 are well worth trying. Clonakilla and Mount Majura would be good starting points (all french oak at places like these!). The latter also makes a ver...

Can't google a website does anyone know of one or a contact number? Thanks in advance, No website is correct. Just call Stephen George directly on 08 8390 1243 and give him your details for the mailing list. He could also fax you the current newsletter as well, I guess (ask him what he still has le...

Thanks for the TN Adair, I must open one of these when the weather gets colder. Stephen told me that he likes these to take away on camping trips to drink around the campfire when 10 years old (i.e. 2009 for this one). Excellent value for $. I don't think it will be long before all his reds start to...

96 Pol rose + 96 Pol (or 96 Lanson) white with seafood 94 Sepplet Show Sparkling Shiraz (crown seal) + 01 Epis chard with duck/chook An old muscat or tokay from a dusty box of allsorts (probably Baileys) Plus some nice beer if it's hot (cold Peroni Grand Reserva, etc) Then recover enough to drive fo...

707 wrote:Well done, I was sweating on you making the cut.

You doing the Jacobs Creek in Adelaide? I'm sure we can find you a feed with good wine again!

Hey, you know the rules. No turps, just meditation and Tony Bushby books for professional sports people !

Dr Middleton thinks Robert Parker wouldn't know a good wine if it kicked him up the coit... I think the good doctor would be highly amused by that.... regards Chris Chris, Nahh, the good doctor's mailing list customers are always amused by the good doctor's annual rant. Good stuff. When he finally ...

CR, Thanks for your "experimental" notes. Will keep themm in mind when tasting those wines in future. sanjay Sanjay, Yes, I agree with your implication that it is far too young to try these wines. However, it must be done in the name of science and my hip pocket $. The wine I enjoyed most was the V...

Rory wrote:Are you sure of the mid $60 fro the Curlewis Reserve. I can only get it wholesale, ex GST, for that much. I thought it would retail for more like mid $70's.

RORY

Rory,

It currently sells for $65 ex-winery. It was on pre-release sale for $57 up until August (that's what I paid).

Added part 2, 3 & conclusion.

Added day 2 notes.

Rattie, you have lost me already. Blind Freddie should be able to tell those two Burgs from the Curlewis!! I don't think I have a great palate, but I'll stop drinking if I couldn't tell the difference!! Secondly, your lowest score is 93, which already is about 7 points for the Oz effort. Thirdly, i...

Finally got the ball rolling on this. The goal is to discover, via a series of head-2-head tastings, whether oz or burg is where my $ should be invested. I'm endeavouring to match up like with like price point wines. First up it's: Curlewis Reserve 2002 - mid $60's Robert Chevillon NSG VV 2002 - mid...

Aussie Johns wrote:Rattie,
I'd love to see your tasting notes.
AJ

AJ et al,

I'll make a start on this over the coming weekend. Hopefully, my nose and throat will be back in working condition by then.

My Dear Australian Mates, I purchased Mr. Oliver's annual on two different visits to Australia (the 1998 and 2001) editions. Is he taken seriously by you folks? Neither edition even mentions the existence of Wendouree, much less provides a tasting note of any Wendouree wines. Perhaps it's just my Y...

What about Bannockburn - although cheaper should stand up well. Also Coldstream Hills Reserve and Diamond Valley White Label. Will be interested in your notes Ratty. regards Chris Chris, I've got older vintages of lots of pinots, but I'd like to compare 02's with 02's at the same price point (appro...

AJ, I'll be doing a comparative tasting of some village and bourg 02's next week. I'll report back whether I agree or disagree with you via TNs. To be fair, what are reasonable oz pinots to compare with the village 02s (i.e. $60-70 price point) ? On hand, I have Curlewis reserve 02 and Giaconda pino...

Bob, I didnt take notes at the time, but heres what I wrote the next day for the tasting note database: "Intense dark berries, fishermans friend menthol, nuance of white pepper, good length, heaps of fine tannin, really good length. Super impressive, probably 96 points." Loved it. I also remember i...

03 Castagna Allegro Rose - oh dear this is ordinary. 13.9% Alcohol makes this syrupy, and its hard to get past it and find character in the wine. No wonder Julian marked the price down this year, but even $22 is way too much. Hope the 04 gets back to the form of the 02. Retaste of the Castagna Alle...