Has anyone opened these?

[catchnrelease]

Hey guys, over the years as many do you occasionally buy mixed half/dozens of wines. Usually I buy my wines in at least pairs, but sometimes I get the odd single bottle to even out the numbers and make things cost effective. However, only having one bottle of each I've been reluctant to open any. It's been a few years now and some may be coming of age, others may have a ways to go, but I'm wondering whether any members have specifically tried any of these select few, or earlier/later vintages before and can give some direction before I open them.

Note: Funnily enough, I have not tried any previous/later vintages of these wines either, however I've tried other wines from most of these vineyards. Also, I do tend to prefer my wines younger (looking at that Islander and maybe Amelia Park), however I have no problem locking bottles up for long term investment.

1. 2006 Meerea Park 'Alexander Munro' Semillon (Screwcap)
2. 2010 De Bortoli Roirret 'The Abbey' Pinot Noir (Cork)
3. 2009 Islander Shiraz (Screwcap)
4. 2010 Belgravia Merlot (Screwcap)
5. 2009 Amelia Park Cabernet Merlot (Screwcap)
6. 2010 Head 'The Blonde' Shiraz Viogner (Screwcap)

Anyway, any recommendations or advice on these would be appreciated!

[TravisW]

I haven't opened/had any of these myself, but if I have a bottle I'm wondering about, I do one of two things.

Check cellar-tracker, or email the winery.

Cheers, Travis.

[catchnrelease]

Thanks Travis, I've checked out cellar tracker but was wondering what this communities opinions would be.

I've emailed wineries in the past and gotten rubbish/pre-made responses that you'd find on the back of the bottle, so I prefer to ask the consumer more than the producer about the quality of the product.

[ticklenow1]

Leave the Head Blonde for at least 3-5 years. It's a stunning wine that will only get better, even though it drinks well now. Mine are stashed away for a good 5 years minimum.

Cheers
Ian

[dan_smee]

2006 Alexander Munro - depends how you like your semillons... It still has 5 years or so to full maturity, but it is drinking well.

[catchnrelease]

I'm not a massive semillon drinker, and the ones I've had have always been young. I'm interested to drink a mature semillon for once so good to know it still has a few years to go.

[Fortune 3rd reg. attempt]

I've had a few Islanders with some bottle variation, the good ones very nice. I'd have no hesitation opening now but you could leave it for two or three years.