Right, what are we/you drinking now .. tonight

[JamieBahrain]

Finally, a style with some constraint. Very good for it too and hopefully rewards those who cellar with an interesting wine in the future. Thanks to Ian for sending this one to HKG I hope to return the favor in November.

Hi Jamie,

Is this in the Mt Ed style ? It's not a wine I've seen before.

Cheers

Mike

G'day Mike

No. Mt Ed is still a very distinct house style with the seasoned oak and old vine fruit usage.

You'd like this wine though. Worth a cellar punt too.

[JamieBahrain]

up in Hangzhou at the moment, nights are now quite cool(ish) making it possible to enjoy fine wine without the a/c going full blast.
lovely dinner, accompanied by some drab Moet champagne, and a bottle of
1997 Gaja Barbaresco
barbaresco?? really?? this is full-throttle, full-bodied and more reminiscent of an old Bailey's shiraz. Plenty of tar and plum, reasonable length and depth, but seriously, this has ZERO complexity. I waded thru a case of 1992 Bailey's director's reserve shiraz last year, which was eerily similar to this. Great quaffers, they were, and worth every last cent to the $20 I paid for them. But at $300 a bottle, Angelo is having a lend of us. Seriously.
88pts drink: now-2020.

Gaja doesn't make Barbaresco.

The complexity will come, 97 is a stellar vintage and crack the next one in 20+.

[felixp]

wow, you had me going there for a minute!!!!!
I thought I had just drunk my first fake bottle of expensive wine from a reliable vendor (Hilton Hotel)
but no, I just checked on cellar tracker..... if Gaja does not make a Barbaresco, then there are approximately 7,600 bottles of fakes sitting in people's cellars all over the world
from my experience of the single bottle we had at the dinner, in 20 years time this would likely be rather expensive vinegar Of course, provenance would be an issue, but it did not appear to be flawed to me (caveat: my experience in Italian wine is limited, and most taste flawed to me )
I personally don't have any, but wouldn't be seeking it out any time soon.

[felixp]

of course, it still could have been fake, but it seems he does make a Barbaresco. So, judgement reserved until I can compare to a bottle that is known to be genuine.
Everything up here can be fake!! Wish I could work out how to put pictures on this site, then I will show you to what extents they go to make things look "real"

[mjs]

Finally, a style with some constraint. Very good for it too and hopefully rewards those who cellar with an interesting wine in the future. Thanks to Ian for sending this one to HKG I hope to return the favor in November.

Hi Jamie,

Is this in the Mt Ed style ? It's not a wine I've seen before.

Cheers

Mike

G'day Mike

No. Mt Ed is still a very distinct house style with the seasoned oak and old vine fruit usage.

You'd like this wine though. Worth a cellar punt too.

I mentioned that we will be visiting Brett Grocke at Eperosa next month. We also visited Brett in his "Garage" back in 2012. Here are some notes from that time. He was making some really interesting stuff. Really looking forward to seeing what he is currently doing.

Eperosa

Well, if ever there was a definition of “garagiste”, Eperosa was it. Brett Grocke has a viticulture business, but on the side sources grapes from various vineyards and puts them all together in the garage out the back of his parent’s place in Tanunda. Well made wines, perhaps on the lighter more elegant side, extremely well priced. Brett was very passionate about what he was doing and that was a theme which appeared repeatedly over the weekend.

http://www.eperosa.com.au/enu/index.asp



Synthesis Mataro Grenache 2010 $22
65 M /35 G, Light med red purple, bit reductive, harsh, Grenache from 95yr vines!

Totality Mataro Shiraz 2010 $25 (14.9%, but doesn't taste that way) Mid red purple, confectionary nose, light mouthfeel, bit green, red fruits,

Elevation Moppa Springs Shiraz 2010
Mid red purple, beautiful cedar, fruit nose, elegant, nice fruit,

Elevation Eden Valley Shiraz2010
Dense red purple black, beautiful fruit nose, very cold though,

LRC Greenock Shiraz 2010
Single row wine, picked in three goes, med red purple colour,

All in all, some very enjoyable wines at the lighter end of the Barossa spectrum.

[Mike Hawkins]

Thanks for the info guys!

[Rory]

1996 Grosset Gaia.

Initially the aromas give away it's age, but considering the stellar vintage, I was expecting more. However over the next two hours, the nose became more complex and deep.
The palate was elegant and complex, not a big fruit bomb, but long.
This bottle was at its peak, not sure it would have held for much longer, but a joy to drink.

[catchnrelease]

Synthesis Mataro Grenache 2010 $22
65 M /35 G, Light med red purple, bit reductive, harsh, Grenache from 95yr vines!

I had a similarly disappointing experience with the 2010 Synthesis. Something was wrong, but the more I reflect the more I don't think it was the cork. My note from back then:

"2010 Eperosa Synthesis Mataro Grenache - Cork noticeably depressed but the wine hadn't travelled more than a few mm up. I was looking forward to trying this blend but the nose and palate were muted, with only the tiniest amount of fruit present. Still some tannin and acidity there, but very disappointing. I'm thinking this is a victim of the cork gods, but I'm not too sure as there wasn't any massive TCA taint. Only had a few mouthfuls and then decided I'd rather go to the gym tonight than drink this."

[michel]

Sorry wrong topic

[JamieBahrain]

Synthesis Mataro Grenache 2010 $22
65 M /35 G, Light med red purple, bit reductive, harsh, Grenache from 95yr vines!

I had a similarly disappointing experience with the 2010 Synthesis. Something was wrong, but the more I reflect the more I don't think it was the cork. My note from back then:

"2010 Eperosa Synthesis Mataro Grenache - Cork noticeably depressed but the wine hadn't travelled more than a few mm up. I was looking forward to trying this blend but the nose and palate were muted, with only the tiniest amount of fruit present. Still some tannin and acidity there, but very disappointing. I'm thinking this is a victim of the cork gods, but I'm not too sure as there wasn't any massive TCA taint. Only had a few mouthfuls and then decided I'd rather go to the gym tonight than drink this."

I just had a few bottles of 2012 Torzi Matthews Old Vine Grenache Mataro and they needed to be open for two days to blossom as quaffers- tough drinking on day one ! Seems to be a few serious and extracted styles emerging.

[JamieBahrain]

wow, you had me going there for a minute!!!!!
I thought I had just drunk my first fake bottle of expensive wine from a reliable vendor (Hilton Hotel)
but no, I just checked on cellar tracker..... if Gaja does not make a Barbaresco, then there are approximately 7,600 bottles of fakes sitting in people's cellars all over the world
from my experience of the single bottle we had at the dinner, in 20 years time this would likely be rather expensive vinegar Of course, provenance would be an issue, but it did not appear to be flawed to me (caveat: my experience in Italian wine is limited, and most taste flawed to me )
I personally don't have any, but wouldn't be seeking it out any time soon.

Hot vintage Gaja's are fine at 40 years + .

I still find many of them unapproachable in adolescence.

[Michael McNally]

2013 Spinifex La Maline Barossa Shiraz.
This is stunning. Complex bouquet of, well, everything. Vanilla, raspberry, flowers, herbs, milk chocolate, grilled nuts. Constantly evolving (been open for nearly 4 hours now). Not heavy but full-bodied. All sorts of black fruits and red and blue fruits. It is the balance and thrust and persistence, which combine to provide mouthfilling pleasure, that defines this wine. When I was buying this at a bottle shop in Melbourne the guy said "you know this scored 97 points from Haliday", which I took in my stride. But I think he is close to the mark on this one. Hard to stop sipping.

Cheers

Michael

[catchnrelease]

Synthesis Mataro Grenache 2010 $22
65 M /35 G, Light med red purple, bit reductive, harsh, Grenache from 95yr vines!

I had a similarly disappointing experience with the 2010 Synthesis. Something was wrong, but the more I reflect the more I don't think it was the cork. My note from back then:

"2010 Eperosa Synthesis Mataro Grenache - Cork noticeably depressed but the wine hadn't travelled more than a few mm up. I was looking forward to trying this blend but the nose and palate were muted, with only the tiniest amount of fruit present. Still some tannin and acidity there, but very disappointing. I'm thinking this is a victim of the cork gods, but I'm not too sure as there wasn't any massive TCA taint. Only had a few mouthfuls and then decided I'd rather go to the gym tonight than drink this."

I just had a few bottles of 2012 Torzi Matthews Old Vine Grenache Mataro and they needed to be open for two days to blossom as quaffers- tough drinking on day one ! Seems to be a few serious and extracted styles emerging.

From memory I tried that bottle the next day and the day after and it didn't improve, just became more oxidised. I remember tipping it down the sink, though!

[Mike Hawkins]

1996 Grosset Gaia.

Initially the aromas give away it's age, but considering the stellar vintage, I was expecting more. However over the next two hours, the nose became more complex and deep.
The palate was elegant and complex, not a big fruit bomb, but long.
This bottle was at its peak, not sure it would have held for much longer, but a joy to drink.

Thanks Rory. Matthew Jukes (UK Wine Writer) is a massive fan of this wine... I need to seek out a few bottles.

[WAwineguy]

2011 Ergo Sum Shiraz (JV between Chapoutier and Giaconda)

Produced in Australia, not far from Giaconda in Beechworth. They have successfully developed a Rhone Valley style Syrah, which is rich with berry flavours and has a very long finish. This was superb for such a young wine, I will be keeping the balance in my cellar for a good number of years!

PS: I think the Chapoutier/Giaconda JV has been terminated and Chapoutier either has withdrawn, or is considering withdrawing, from Australia due to economic conditions in Europe.

[JamieBahrain]

Magnums, glorious magnums ! And double magnums too.In Europe magnums are 2x 750ml price so there must be another weird Aussie tax at play that sees Basket Press x 3 or a Henschke x 5 750ml.

Amongst the vines in the Wachau and lucky to have friends from the UK cooking up a Cantonese storm as a foil to the local delicacies.

[Hunter]

Mmm, paul jaboulet "
How was it ??

[JamieBahrain]

Was an '88 from memory and good.

There's been a huge amount of La Chapelle on offer of late ex-Chateau- as low as 50 quid a bottle for the struggling 90's vintages. For mid-80's vintages ex-Chateau the price increases toward 100 quid and though tempted, I am in preference of backfilling better Hermitage wines from 2005 with this month's wine budget.

[alexc92]

2013 Spinifex La Maline Barossa Shiraz.
This is stunning. Complex bouquet of, well, everything. Vanilla, raspberry, flowers, herbs, milk chocolate, grilled nuts. Constantly evolving (been open for nearly 4 hours now). Not heavy but full-bodied. All sorts of black fruits and red and blue fruits. It is the balance and thrust and persistence, which combine to provide mouthfilling pleasure, that defines this wine. When I was buying this at a bottle shop in Melbourne the guy said "you know this scored 97 points from Haliday", which I took in my stride. But I think he is close to the mark on this one. Hard to stop sipping.

Cheers

Michael

Have to give a massive +1 Michael! Epic wine, tried it a couple of weeks ago and was throughly impressed. Would love to see it with a few more years under the belt..

[Thommo]

2012 Mike Press MP1 Shiraz 14.6% Screwcap. Light to medium bodied with a sour cherry, earth and pepper and a little vanillin that seemed to mostly blow off shortly after opening. Good, but not particularly rich or intense, and consequently the alcohol is more prominent. It has some nice mid-palate tannins, but they then get completely swamped by young Clare riesling levels of acid on the finish. Seriously mouth puckering stuff. It is not at all what I was expecting, and seems more like sangiovese than SA shiraz. I am a little nervous about the state of the bottles on delivery too. Whilst the one I opened tonight was not oxidised, it and the two others I pulled out of the case had pretty bad damage to the capsule. Not really sure what to make of this one...

[Chuck]

We are in central oz currently at Kings canyon. The rim walk is awesome but the wines on offer pretty ordinary. Working through the dozen brought with us but when they are gone we'll be back to what jh drinks on holidays.....beer. But not a craft beer in sight. Currently draining an o'learly walker 2010 Clare mclaren vale Shiraz. Nice but a little too sweet. Then a SMW watching "Better call Saul"on the laptop. This is a follow up to breaking bad.

Carl

[Hunter]

2008 voyager estate cabernet
Ruby red , suttle as always. Silky red fruits, vanilla and mocha. lots of tannin, balanced

[Rocky]

2008 Howard Park Great Southern Riesling
Surprisingly light colour for a 7 year wine. Moderate kero notes and balanced acid. So So wine. Can't see this improving so drink up.

[Matt@5453]

2014 Catlin Wines Adelaide Hills Shiraz (13.5% Alc), fruit sourced from Macclesfield.

I stumbled across Darryl Catlin's wines on social media. I knew he made wine for other people but not under his own label. I went to purchase a Montepulciano he makes but it was sold out, the 2014 Shiraz was available so I grabbed it.
Being a pretty young wine I decanted for about an hour. Using the 'restrained' term, the wine was very much this; medium bodied at best with a nice hue (more Pinot like), fragrant nose of spice and white pepper. The palate delivered a vibrant & 'bright' array of fresh berries backed by subtle oak. The palate was lovely with a touch of grippy tannin, it finished very well. The bottle just got better and better. It was refreshing to see a wine at 13.5% Alc also. This reminded me of a Clonakilla type wine. A fine example of Adelaide Hills Shiraz and would love to see this in 5 years time.

[calm]

2010 Spinifex Esprit - Probably the best rhone blend I have had for some time, very red fruited, medium weight and a surefooted elegance I normally associate with my preferred style of Pinot Noir. Wish I had bought more, two left. Bravo.

[Phil H]

2013 Tolpuddle Pinot Noir Deep Garnet color , medium bodied, ripe strawberries with a touch of spice. At 12.5% Alc, from Tasmania, This is not what I was expecting. This is more of a warmer climate Pinot, rather than cold climate. Priced at around $70, with plenty of accolades. I found it enjoyable but not worth the price or hype. From reviews it has a 10year drinking window, however it seemed to be at its best now, with no acid or vibrancy to carry it through. (I could be wrong, however these are my initial impressions).

[Chuck]

Last night at kings canyon. After a wonderful sunset viewing of the hills we enjoyed a pepperjack 2013 Barossa Shiraz with my steak and annes's kangaroo. Good solid Shiraz with plenty of primary sweet fruit with a splash of oak. Pleasantly enjoyable. Back to our room knocked the top off a cape mentelle 2007 mr Shiraz. Great mouthfeel and solid spicy cooler climate Shiraz with more spicy oak. Both different but entirely enjoyable. The cm is now developing as I write.

Carl

[Hunter]

2010 Jim barry shiraz cabernet
Four hour decant, progressive nose
Fine tight tannins than burst into a rounded full body. sweet, red fruits. Typical Clare characteristics. Tight and Needs time too unleash
I'm stocking up on more
Impressed

[Michael McNally]

Have to give a massive +1 Michael! Epic wine, tried it a couple of weeks ago and was throughly impressed. Would love to see it with a few more years under the belt..

Agree completely. Left about one quarter of the bottle and it was better on night two (no gas, no pour off). I went back to where I bought it and bought their last three bottles. Given how long I had this open I think it could be coming into its prime window in 10 years. Will be hard not to drink the three that I have before then.

Cheers

Michael

[Teisto]

2006 Chateau Tanunda Three Graces This is CS, CF and merlot. This was still very primary in fruit. It got a little porty for a while and then calmed down again. Nice balance with a perfumed nose. A good lick of vanilla and some capsicum in there as well. Unfortunately only the one bottle. Would have like to see this with a few more years under its belt