Weekly Drinking Thread 16/02/14

[Phil H]

I have never kicked this off, however we are a couple of days overdue, here goes in order of preference:
Rusden Driftsand 2010 A GSM blend that is more like the Barossa's version of a Pinot. Light Bodied, spices that evolve as you work through the bottle.Interesting and at around $20 we'll worth the money. Not a keeper, however drink in the next year or two.
2004 Leo Buring Clare Valley Riesling. Decided to grab one of my Rieslings that I have had on hold with promises of age. The bottle had plenty of gold medals, however good but not great. As expected gold in color with a smooth honeysuckle taste. Don't wait any longer.
2002 St Hugo Cab Sav Needs a good decant for an hour or two. Drinking at its peak, however no hurry, still has a few years left in it, plenty of acid, however the grippy tannins characteristic of St Hugo have Softened. Once again good but not great.

[Luke W]

2001 Knappstein Hand Picked Riesling - still drinkable but starting to lose its mojo. Golden with a little fruit left but losing its bite.
2004 Tucker's Ridge Pinot Noir - hitting way above its weight - great pinot, quite acidic, strong fruit and good balance. Quite amazing pinot at a zero price point - anyone try the Buckle from the same year?
2002 Epilock Ridge Shiraz - a bit piecemeal and all over the place for the first hour or so and then settled and integrated. Quite lovely to finish - suggest at least an hour of decant time.
Griffith Park Rose Sparking NV - bought this with no expectations and pleasantly surprised. No pretentions but quite flavoursome little number with a shirazy aftertaste.

[dlo]

I have never kicked this off, however we are a couple of days overdue, here goes in order of preference

Phil, howdy, historically, this thread is started every Sunday ... so you were right on the money.

Could you do us a favour and edit the title to 16/2/14?

This is what I have consumed over the last several weeks .... all cork closure unless noted

Trimbach 1996 Cuvee Frederic Emile Riesling Magnum - not the greatest year for Alsace Riesling but this wine was just so good with massive complexity, that distinctive Trimbach minerality and very good balance (the acids have retreated somewhat) and in this format, about 15 years development left. How long it lasts after that, I just dunno.

Wynns 1988 John Riddoch - same old same old (outstanding)

Petaluma Hanlin Hill Riesling 2002 (Screwcap) - sensational ... best bottle I have ever had ..... 97 points

St Hubert's Barrel Select Cabernet Sauvignon 1995 - very mature earthy/vegetable/barnyard/mushroomy characters over old curranty fruit with tobacco leaf/cigar box in the background. About excellent.

Mumm N/V - outstanding FWII - 91 points

Lindemans St George Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 (Screwcap) - very freakin' good indeed - incredibly good fruit and terrific oak integration, still very young, very good underlying structure. One of the best younger St. George's I've tried.

Domaine William Fèvre Chablis 1er Cru Fourchaume Vignoble de Vaulorent 2007 (Diam) - magnificent for the 35 bucks I paid for it! - light pale green gold colour - so stony and flinty on the nose with sea breeze, sea shell and lemond rind, just a touch of freshly cut crisp green apple - wonderful invigorating palate, the acids are now better integrated to the crunchy fruit (aka nose) with a little iodine in the wings. Medium long finish. 93 points. Wow. And not a hint of the pox.

Barossa Valley Estates Eden Valley Riesling 2002 (Screwcap)- developing colour, mature nose of kero, toast and honey but still with lime and honeysuckle sitting in the mix - quite an ethereal mix. Palate is fresher with some nice acids complimenting the limey citrus fruit. Nice finish. I think I paid 7 or 8 bucks for this? Very good wine ready to go.

Domaine Jean Grivot Nuits-St.-George 1er Cru "Les Pruliers" 1999 - this is very ready with mostly mushroom, sous bois and wet earth on the nose and quite pretty red cherry and a little green plum added on the palate. Soft and open with only marginal grip in the finish, this wine has seen better days but still drinks very well for my taste. About very good - around 85 points at a guess.

There were a few others (a 2004? Leonay and a 1998 Coonawarra - think it was the Alexander's Block) but I don't remember enough about them to write much so I'll leave it there.

[phillisc]

As I go through the cellar sort, I "found" a few 1998 Knappstein Enterprise Clare Valley Shiraz and a box of 2002 Majella Cabernet...some days are diamonds!

Kanappstein Enterprise, think this was the last one made by Andrew Hardy before he went to Petaluma.
A really nice old red reaching the end of its life, wisps of primary fruit soft delicate gentle tannins...will knock the rest off soon.

Majella Cabernet....absolutely black in colour, cork stained 1mm, classic Coonawarra nose really dense and rich palate...very good and has years to go

2007 Leasingham Bin 7...Nice example of a riesling in mid life...whiffs of kero which blows off quickly. Honey and fruit salad in a glass, very good.

David, I was up at BVE in late 2002 and in a big shed out the back was pallet after pallet of a 2002 riesling ( Moculta I think) but not yet labelled. There was also a 2002 shiraz...both at $50 a dozen...both brilliant value for money. The winery informed me that the local Barossa member brought a pallet of each for staff chistmas parties etc. I did not go quite that far but from memory think it was 10 cases of each. Vey handy for the wifes 40th and my 45th at the time.


Cheers Craig.

[sjw_11]

Not much wine last week as I flew back to Singapore with the start of a cold and work has kept me fairly busy...

Teusner Adelaide Hills Sav Blanc 2013... I grabbed half a dozen of these on a good offer to have a fresh white in the fridge. Its not unpleasant but perhaps a little bland and flabby. The aromatics are not over the top, quite subdued with a bit of round passionfruit more than asparagus. I only got these on the weekend, not sure how/when they were shipped (may need a little time to settle back down again).

Kilikanoon Covenant Shiraz 2004... I think I posted a note on one of these before. This bottle was looking fractionally more developed. Still lovely plummy fruit, some earthy complexity, and a fair hit of vanillin oak. Just really pleasant drinking, though my hybrid spicy coconut milk salmon noodles kind of killed it.

I also had a glass of a Wine Connections Californian Zinfandel (no idea the winery, but all of their wines are pretty much "made up" or unknown wineries) ... really nice, I forgot how much I enjoy the hedonism of a nice Zin.

[rooman]

Petaluma Hanlin Hill Riesling 2002 (Screwcap) - sensational ... best bottle I have ever had ..... 97 points

I love this wine. I went through two cases from Langtons over the past couple of years before the price started to climb.

I have been using Vivino app recently to track my wines which is proving really help. Below is the summary of the highlights from the period running up to Christmas and through the holidays

Schalfer Frohlich Bockenauer Felseneck 2007 Developing a golden yellow hue with red apples on the nose but the fruit is sadly starting to shut down. See you again 5-7 years. 3.5

Mollard Savigny-les-Beaune 2005 Starting to flesh out and take on additional depth through the middle. 3.5

Marquis d"Alesme 2005 One from my sons birth year on Christmas day. Still quite young. Tannins softening but still some way to go. Medium bodied, red fruit, cider and pencil shavings with some sign of secondary flavours coming through. 4

Lakes Folly Chardonnay 2007 From my daughters birth year also on Christmas day (the basis of a nice tradition starting here. 2005 French reds and 2007 German/Aussie whites on Christmas Day) Vanilla on the nose. Grapefruit and white nectarines. Still a strong acid structure. 4

Schafer-Frohlich Bockenuer Kabinett 2007 Lovely wine. Again developing a golden hue, orange blossom fruit with wonderful length and finish 4.5

David Clark Bourgogne 2008 Good entry level village wine. Perhaps still a little too early. 3

Wynns John Riddoch Cab Sav 1999 Wow still way too early. I have a few of the 98 an 99 and have been dying to try the first one. Can't really see me trying another for at least five years. Some bricking in the colour and only marginal for a wine that is now 15 years old. Still a massive tannin structure. No problem going another 20. 4.5

Bass Phillip Premium 2009 An absolutely superb pinot. Sadly I don't have a lot of experience with Bass Phillip but I do remember being at one tasting and preferring the Premium over the Reserve. Violet on the nose with a light touch that is deceptive of the long palate and wonderful depth. Earthy forest and mushroom flavours. 5

Leo Buring Eden Valley 2007 I brought this as museum stock from Dan Murphys late last year. Judging by the colour development it was probably stored up around 18-20 degs: quite developed golden/green colour tones.Dry finish with limes. 4

Bouchard Pere & Fils Clos de la Mousse Beuane 2005 Ok, I simply dont have enough burgundy in my cellar. I know it and one day when I win lotto I am going to buy a pallet in France and have it shipped out him and not care about the absurd taxes we have to buy to drink good wine. Beautiful wine. 4.5

Castel Giocondo Brunello di Montalcino 98 & 99 I decided to try these two side by side to see how much vintage variation there was. The 98 vintage was good but sadly sandwiched between 2 great vintages in the 97 and 99 and the difference showed. The 99 was significantly better with a more robust tannin structure. Tar and mushroom on the nose. Wonderful velvet tannin structure with red berries and a long finish. The 98 on the other hand whilst having many of the attributes of the 99 finished much shorter and without the lingering after taste 4.5 & 3.5 respectively

Ch Beychevelle 1996 Super silky St Julien. Beautiful medium bodied with a clean fine length. This was a complete steal at Langtons during the GFC.

Seppelts St Peters 1998 shiraz I adore this wine. Get it out of the cellar the day before and stand it up. Pull the cork in the morning and I will happily put it up against any Hermitage. 5

Boasso Franco Azienda Agricola Gabutti Serralunga 1997 Disappointed with this Barlo. I bought it years ago in the year at a good price but really should have drink it about 3 years ago. It pleasant but fell away quickly at the finish. 3

Grosset Springvale 2005 Beautiful wine but opened far too early. It developed superbly in the glass over the course of a few hours but really needs another 5 years at least. 4.5

Montrose La Dame (St Estephe) 2009 Lovely second label from a top chateau in a great vintage.I was really surprised, it is drinking beautifully now, full mid palate. I have read about how the critics call 2009 a lush and robust vintage and now arguments based on this wine. 4.5

Arlewood Cab Sav Margaret River 2001 Sadly I made the mistake of drinking most of these too early and did not enough them. Sadly because the wine clearly went through a deep hole. On the upside a few survived and I am bloody glad they did. Excellent MR red, cedar and tobacco box flavours. Fully through the middle with an excellent finish. 4

[maybs]

1997 Dalwhinnie Moonambel Shiraz

Popped, decanted and poured. Deep colour fading to garnet. Delicious earthy, Spicey nose. Very moreish. Still nice dark berry fruit but overlaid strongly by pepper/spice, slightly mossy oak and a nice chocolates finish. Stayed fairly consistent over the evening, probably peaking after about half an hour in the air and then holding that line.

I can't envisage it improving from here but I am looking forward to enjoying the other bottles I have (and seeing if the glass and a half left holds up at all tonight)

[phillisc]

Bests Bin 1 2012 shiraz, had this with lunch the other day.
Very nice wine and reinforces great western as a consistent top area for mine.
Plenty of fruit, mouthfilling and moreish? Will get a few to put away.

Cheers Craig

ps. Rooman, thanks for the note on the 99 JR, always thought that this vintage was vastly underated.
Incidently last release with the proper label.

[dlo]

Last night a great bottle of Seppelt St. Peter's Shiraz 2001. Loved the molten licorice on the nose. Still developing. Superb structure. An under the radar wine. Outstanding now ... better in time, methinks. Alcohol well in check.

[conformistpete]

Last night Sanguine Estate Heathcote Chardonnay 2012. Lovely nose with white peach, cashews, hint of melon. More of the same with citrus a little bit of oak also on the palate. Dry with some nice acid to drive home the flavours and good length. More integrated than when tasted at the winery 6 or so months ago.

Will be having another chardonnay from MR tonight.

[rooman]

ps. Rooman, thanks for the note on the 99 JR, always thought that this vintage was vastly underated.
Incidently last release with the proper label.

I agree with your observation that 99 seems an underrated vintage. A few years back I went to a comparative tasting of 98 & 99 vintages at the RMVA in Sydney. It included the JRs among 40 other top tier wines from both vintages. What was interesting is that overall the room rated the 99 wines overall ahead of the 98 vintage.

In terms of the 99 JR, I was amazed at just how robust it still is even after 15 years. I really can see it easily lasting another 20 years or more. If you have the volume in your cellar, I would just simply bury it deep and come back next decade just as one would a first or second growth out of Bordeaux.

Cheers
Mark

[catchnrelease]

2009 Stella Bella Cabernet Merlot

Didn't bother decanting, dark red/crimson in the glass. Opened up on the nose and palate after 30-45 minutes, a little young but drinking well enough now. Tannins are fine and smooth, fruit definitely in the foreground. Nothing exceptional but a solid example of Margaret River Cab Merlot. May have a bit of a future in the cellar, I'd say another 2-3 years easily. Good for every day drinking.

[sjw_11]

Turkey Flat "Butchers Block" GSM 2008... S/cap. Medium red. Spicy, Grenache dominated nose, with some juicy jube-like plummy fruit coming up as well. Relatively "serious" in flavour profile, there is a hint of red lollies, but mostly the palate carries on the theme of gentle spice and juicy red fruit. Drinking nicely, it didn't really budge over two days. I think this could be interesting with another year or two on it as the savoury elements begin to develop further.

[maybs]

Well, we opened a few tonight at work that were well worth drinking. Short notes because I was mostly watching the rugby.

By Farr Farrside 2011 Pinot Noir

Good. Needs a little time, seemed a little green to me but nice structure and nose.

Foxes Island 2008 Pinot Noir

Very good. Really coming into its own. Nose, palate and mouthfeel really on song. Very enjoyable drink.

RockFord Basket Press Shiraz 2004

Excellent. Obviously has more time in it but drinking very well now indeed. An auction buy an dim great condition, though noting the cork was wet to hallway. Could have used some more air but delightful as it was.

Crawford River Can Sauv 2006

Lovely nose, smooth, ripe, moreish. Actually just got home and wish I had some of this to open!

Sorry for the short notes, was distracted.

[maybs]

Had some friends over for dinner last night.

Started off with a NV Billecart-Salmon, good as you would expect.

Dinner was slow cooked bbq style sauce marinated pork ribs, so out came

2004 d'Arenberg Dead Arm Shiraz

Decanted to remove some sediment but pretty much poured straight away. Deep, deep purple. Earth, soft leather and liquorice on the nose with plenty of fruit. That fruit really hits the palate too, rich ripe dark berries. A hint of mocha and oak. Very well integrated tannins, smooth and long finish. This was my second Dead Arm, behind one tried at the recent Sydney offline, and I really enjoyed it. I can understand why this one has been written about as a slightly more refined style. Whilst it is still an unapologetic and upfront wine it was delightful and easy to drink. Still very fresh and lively, the other couple bottles are (almost regretfully) going away for a sleep. I think I may actually dig around and see if I can find some more of these come up for sale because I really enjoyed it but only have 2 more.

2010 Tellurian Tranter Shiraz

Needed something respectable but not crazy to open as only 3 of us were drinking wine. I had forgotten to chill a sweet wine so reached for another red. I bought one of these recently to try. More light/opaque purple colour. Very ripe berries on the nose, more blackberry than anything else. Fruit forward, spicy and quite fine tannins made for enjoyable drinking but it is still coiled quite tightly and closed. Clearly needed some air (the benefit of being the 3rd bottle drunk was that it lasted a bit longer and got some air, opening up as it went) or, really, time. Will benefit from medium term cellaring (another 5-10?) I saw enough potential and enjoyed it enough young that I think I will go pick up 3 or 4 to pop away, if my recalled price of $40 was correct.

[Duncan Disorderly]

After a reasonable hit out at the Canberra Offline last Thursday, more about which is posted elsewhere, I had a few bottles with some work colleagues at a farewell on Friday evening. Among these were:

2007 Craggy Range Block 14 Syrah Drinking very nicely after being decanted for an hour, it is a beautiful medium bodied shiraz displaying black plums, brambly fruit and a little pepper.

2002 Cape Mentelle Shiraz The nose is redolent of a muscat and there are distinct secondary characteristics of raisins in the flavour profile as well as a bit of tobacco and leather, but there is still some primary dark, savoury fruit as well and a good finish. Marvellous wine and while this was bought at auction, I have stocked up since 2007 and feel I'll be richly rewarded.

[sjw_11]

Dinner was slow cooked bbq style sauce marinated pork ribs

That sounds cracking!

OK two of note for me (and I know I should start a new thread for this week but I am just too lazy right now):

Grosset Springvale 2013... Another bottle of this. As compared to the Polish Hill its slightly less intense and pure, though its still a very youthful and focussed wine. Initial impressions are of great purity, but with a little air or swirling in the mouth, it does reveal a more floral, broader appeal which is quite seductive right now. Delicious.

Penfolds Bin 128 Conawarra Shiraz 2003... Cork. Cellared from release. Oh dear. I am a bit worried about this wine. I have another 4 bottles or so and it just wasn't doing anything for me. Dilute, slightly green nose with some light red berries and not much else happening. The palate is also quite dilute, unfortunately I havent had the chance to look at it on day 2 and see if it managed to gather some weight.

[catchnrelease]

So I went out today and bought a bottle of 2010 Penfolds Bin 150 to chuck in the cellar, given that its gotten great reviews, but guess who dropped it on his way inside the house?!?!?!?! Fell right on the cap and cracked the seal with wine fizzing out the top like a can of shaken coke - so I've closed it with a rubber vacuum seal and will drink it tonight. Poured a tiny bit out before resealing it, absolutely stunning colour and fantastic on the nose, tasted very very young and was pretty closed up but gee there's promising signs. Will do a proper decant/let it breathe before trying tonight (any tips on how long to breathe for such a young wine?).

[maybs]

Dinner was slow cooked bbq style sauce marinated pork ribs

That sounds cracking!

Sure was Sam. My wife is an excellent cook thankfully. You know they are great ribs when you don't need a knife to pull them apart!

[Michael R]

09 Collector Reserve Shiraz
Was quite lightweight, only got an hour in the decanter but better for it. Would certainly suggest leaving alone for a few more years.

[Scotty vino]

2012 Domaine Lucci Noir de Florette.
A medium bodied, fruity all day drinker that transcended the 6 course Degusto I had with it perfectly.
Slightly opaque/cloudy in the glass but the aromas leapt out the moment it hit the glass. Lovely.
12.5 % Alc which was a refreshing change too.

[dlo]

Yesterday with old friends over a long lunch ...... in perfect late summer weather.

Petaluma 2002 Riesling
Tyrrell's Belford Semillon 2005
Peter Lehmann Mentor Cabernet Shiraz Malbec 1998
Orlando St Hugo Cabernet Sauvignon 1998
Ch. Reynella Vintage Port 1981

All outstanding to exceptional wines = 91 to 95 points!

Petaluma and St Hugo both 95 .... both exquisite ..... both with ages to go .... Petaluma under screwcap.

[catchnrelease]

So I went out today and bought a bottle of 2010 Penfolds Bin 150 to chuck in the cellar, given that its gotten great reviews, but guess who dropped it on his way inside the house?!?!?!?! Fell right on the cap and cracked the seal with wine fizzing out the top like a can of shaken coke - so I've closed it with a rubber vacuum seal and will drink it tonight. Poured a tiny bit out before resealing it, absolutely stunning colour and fantastic on the nose, tasted very very young and was pretty closed up but gee there's promising signs. Will do a proper decant/let it breathe before trying tonight (any tips on how long to breathe for such a young wine?).

Okay so despite having the beginnings of a cold and a stuffed nose I gave it my best.

2010 Penfolds Bin 150 Marananga Shiraz

Nose and colour (deep red-purple) the same at the end of the night, even with a blocked nose I could tell this was a damn fine wine. Had an extended nap in the arvo so didn't have time to decant properly. The palate opened up as time went on in the glass, lots of fruit with medium body and a nice long finish after its youthful heat dissipated. This is a fantastic wine that's just too young, with it still being a bit too hot (although not overly tannic). So much potential, I would say this will be a stunner in 4-6 years time although I think it'll be able to go on much longer than that.

[conformistpete]

Wickhams Road Gippsland Pinot Noir 2013
Seemed a bit disjointed so it was decanted for 45 mins which left me nothing to drink while I prepped dinner. Darker than last years incarnation, not so much in colour but in flavour. On the nose ripe black cherries and mushrooms. Hints of spice that shows more on the palate. Soft tannin grip, though less acid than last years and good length. Need to try the Mornington at some point.

Last Horizon Pinot Noir 2012 Tamar Valley
Fruity cherries, strawberries all the red ones... and that's where it kinda all stopped. The nose was pleasant and all but the palate short and lacking complexity. Nothing wrong here just wanted more I guess.

[Teisto]

A few over the last couple of weeks

2011 Torbreck Cuvee Juveniles - Not a bad effort. Definitely more white pepper and rhone in style than the ripe joosy GSM this normally is. Having said that it absolutely canes Kaesler's Stonehorse 2011 GSM which is nearly see through, thin and insipid
2009 Teusner Independent - Starting to hit its straps. The 50/50 blend is great. A pleasure to drink
2004 Peppertree Reserve Shiraz - Wrattonbully - Still drinking well but I can't keep but help noticing the mint / eucalypt note that runs through Wrattonbully wines.
2000 Penfolds 389 - Beautiful nose on opening and first few mouthfuls. Seemed to fall away very quickly. I sat on my second glass for a while and it didn't improve. A friend bought it along so not sure of how well it has been stored. RoP only gives it to 2015 anyhow.

[Redback]

Some notables over the past couple of weeks:

2002 Saltram No 1 Shiraz
Cork broke on opening and was heavily stained. Decanted for 30 min. Good, but with all the bling on the back label, I expected more.

2002 Tahbilk Shiraz
No decant but tasted over a few hours. Medium bodied with berry and spice flavours. Drinking well now and I expect over the next few years. I enjoyed this more than the Saltram.

2002 Wynns Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon
Medium bodied cabernet with classic Coonawarra characteristics inc eucalyptus and berry flavours coming through. An enjoyable drop from a cooler vintage.

Rockford Black Shiraz disg 2012
Full of fruit and oak well balanced. I prefer my sparking shiraz slightly warmer, as I find that it shows more complexity compared to when served straight out of the fridge. Will certainly go the distance should the cork hold up (as was heavily stained).

2010 Hoddles Creek Pinot Noir
Forest floor aromas and great cherry fruit flavours . Great value Pinot and based on this bottle should improve with another a couple of years. Unfortunately my last bottle. Have to stock up on the 2012 vintage!

2011 Oakvale Reserve Shiraz
Well balanced Hunter shiraz at 13.4% alc. Drinking well now with a long life ahead. Look forward to revisiting in another 5 years,

[conformistpete]

Some notables over the past couple of weeks:



2010 Hoddles Creek Pinot Noir
Forest floor aromas and great cherry fruit flavours . Great value Pinot and based on this bottle should improve with another a couple of years. Unfortunately my last bottle. Have to stock up on the 2012 vintage!

Glad to see this is developing well. I put all of mine out of reach and just drank the Wickhams Road wines of which the latest '13 vintage is just out. Might need to buy some more 12's of the Hoddles, both the Pinot and Chardonnay.

[Michael R]

2012 Felton Rd Block 2 Chardonnay

Showed its obvious youthfulness through its light body and slightly tart finish. Had a herbaceous edge to it too. Actually showed some Saavy B traits. Rounded out with more air. Decant if drinking young. I think this is the last Block 2 I'll buy.
Ive only had the last 6 vintages but It's never once wowed me, and frankly neither does a lot of Kiwi chardy I've tried.
Kumeu and a couple of Pyramid Valleys the definite exception.

[rooman]

Orlando St Hugo Cabernet Sauvignon 1998

Petaluma and St Hugo both 95 .... both exquisite ..... both with ages to go .... Petaluma under screwcap.

David

This is a little frustrating. I think I drank my entire case of the 98 way too early and definitely never had any I rated anywhere need 95pts. I really think a lot of the good 98 cab savs need at least 12 years before coming into their own.

Mark