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

[Broughy]

2009 Bay of Fires Pinot Noir
Crystal garnet colour
Deep musk aromas funky and complex .
Good length
Deep cherry balanced oak and acidity on the palate, great drinking

[Mike Hawkins]

Don't be dissin' chardonnay.

I had a bottle of 1994 Leeuwin Art Series Chardonnay on Saturday that I didn't have high hopes for (one of those wines that had been lost in the cellar). To say it was superb was an understatement. Amazing nose that changed by the minute, long, balanced complex palate... everything I could hope for in an Aussie chardy. Definitely on my short list for WOTY, and on this showing, my penchant for Riesling and Semillon may be in jeopardy.

Also had..

1991 Wynns John Riddoch. Varietally correct, decent wine, but it lacked a wow factor. Previous bottles have been much better.

2004 Pierre Moncuit BdB - made the mistake of drinking this too cold and not giving it enough air. The last half glass was great.

2009 Cullen Kevin John Chardonnay - pretty decent wine in the making. Needs 5+ years

[Sipper]

2008 Pagodes de Cos d'Estournel very nice second wine. Ready to go. 93p

2009 Chateau Cos d'Estournel really, really closed, very surprising. Leave it alone, cannot even rate it at the moment.

2008 Giaconda Chardonnay good, not excellent. 90p

2012 Giaconda Chardonnay excellent, a surprise to see it out-perform the 08. 92p

2002 Chateau de Chorey Beaune Tante Berthe wonderful "super cuvee", really a big, big wine for a Beaune. 93p

2001 Chateau La Conseillante just absolutely superb. Pomerol at it's best. 97p

1970 Chateau Pape Clement DOA. Not rated.

1996 Penfolds Grange beautiful, but still too young. Puts the 90 into the shade. 96p

1990 Penfolds Grange monolithic, floor polish, raspy tannins. Utter disappointment, consistent with many prior tastings. 89p

1995 Penfolds St Henri a cab-shiraz this vintage, good effort in a mediocre year. 90p

[ticklenow1]

2004 Burge Family Garnacha. Barossa Valley. Very good aged Grenache. Dusty tannins and starting to show aged characteristics. Excellent wine that should hold for 3 or 4 years at least. Not sure it will get any better but will evolve more. Just a touch of alcohol heat but not too distracting at all. 4/5

2002 Charles Melton Cabernet Sauvignon. Barossa Valley. Cork broke in the bottle as I was too lazy to find my Ah-So. No problems though and wine was perfect. Still has enough fruit to make it interesting, but also starting to show some aged characteristics. Just a very small amount of alcohol heat at first but it actually blows of very quickly. Drinking absolutely perfectly now and should hold. Wish I had more. 4/5

2007 Rockford Eden Valley Riesling. The best thing I can say about this wine is that the bottle was empty and I couldn't believe it went so quick. 3.5/5

Cheers
Ian

[gpk]

[b]2002 Charles Melton Cabernet Sauvignon. Barossa Valley. Cork broke in the bottle as I was too lazy to find my Ah-So. No problems though and wine was perfect. Still has enough fruit to make it interesting, but also starting to show some aged characteristics. Just a very small amount of alcohol heat at first but it actually blows of very quickly. Drinking absolutely perfectly now and should hold. Wish I had more. 4/5
Cheers
Ian

couldnt agree more Ian, have been enjoying this over the last few years and sadly I am also down to my last 1. It was much better than the 02 Charles Melton Shiraz.
cheers Gerry

[Redwine&Rum]

2013 Bowen Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

Had this at one of my favourite restaurants in town. Never had one before but was keen to try it.
Was instantly amazed. Yes it has high alc's at 15.5%, however I have said it before. If the wine is balanced and you don't notice the alcohol, then there is absolutely no issue. If I had this blind I would not have thought that the alcohol was this high. Tannins were very fine and smooth. An absolute pleasure to drink. Medium to long length as well. I was very impressed. For under $30 a bottle retail, I'll be picking a few up and putting them in my cellar.

[Mike Hawkins]

Yes it has high alc's at 15.5%, however I have said it before. If the wine is balanced and you don't notice the alcohol.

I recognise we're all entitled to our own opinions, but I personally find this line of reasoning hard to understand. I hear it a lot, and when I try these high alcohol wines (generally 15+%) I would rarely describe them as balanced. The alcohol always sticks out and there is generally quite a bit of heat on the finish.

That said, I fully expect many will disagree with my sentiments including those with much better palates than mine.

Cheers

Mike

[Scotty vino]

2008 Bodegas Valdemar Rioja Conde de Valdemar Reserva.

had one of these at movida in melb. Very pleasant so tracked it down and grabbed a few bottles.
lovely cherry, fruity nose. Fairly gentle tannins on the palate.
big dark cherry flavours with some nice oak and a really long fruity finish.
In a nice spot now but I'll space then next couple out and see if it progresses a little.

[Bobthebuilder]

2001 Torbreck The Steading GSM
I picked up 3 of these at auction ($23 + BP) after being really impressed by the 2002
This is a really nice wine
I tasted straight after pulling the cork and decided no need to decant
nice ripe strawberries but not too sweet, some leathery notes and a touch of spice
very subtle but long finish that comes back like a long distant echo after you thought it was fading away to nothing
very happy with this

[JamieBahrain]

Graillot Australia 2011 Heathcote Syrah- I enjoyed the pace of this wine as a contrast to his Crozes Hermitage wines. Svelte yet layered, filling out the wine to near completeness. Probably needs a few more years to bring some complexity to play. It's only 13% which I wish more Heathcote folks would experiment with!

[phillisc]

A couple from Wolfie:
2010 Black Label...it has been at while since I have had a wine that tells me its the Rolls Royce...rich smooth powerful, a magnificent cab shiraz blend...with 20 years in the tank...reminds me of the 70s JWT winners...95+
2013 Langhorne Creek Grey Label shiraz cab...again really plush, beautiful lingering tannins and I think at around $30ish a bargain...will be getting some more methinks

Was fortunate to try a couple of newbies from Yalumba at a trade tasting last week.
2012 and 2013 The Caley...I believe Barossa based vineyards
Kevin Glastonbury and team are doing some stunning things with the cab shiraz blend...signature, FDR and now this.
Believe it will be priced at the top end like Octavius and The Reserve ...and the 2012 to be released next week...whilst the Blass BL was good, these two wines are amazing.

Cheers
Craig.

[Mike Hawkins]

Hi Craig,

Thanks for the heads up. Your email intrigues me.... if the new wine is a cab shiraz and is priced at the same level as The Reserve, how is it different to that wine ?

Cheers

Mike

[phillisc]

Mike, its hard to make a call here, only going on what I heard at the time.
Meant for release soon, but others in the trade have suggested 2016.

Agree, perhaps for once in my short wine life I am being too negative...believe that the wine will be priced between the signature and the reserve...who knows.
Either way will be going up to the Barossa in a couple of weeks so will swing by Yalumba to try and get the low down.

For what it's worth, I will be getting a 6 pack to tuck away, Yalumba hardly make a bad wine.

Cheers
Craig

[Redwine&Rum]

Yes it has high alc's at 15.5%, however I have said it before. If the wine is balanced and you don't notice the alcohol.

I recognise we're all entitled to our own opinions, but I personally find this line of reasoning hard to understand. I hear it a lot, and when I try these high alcohol wines (generally 15+%) I would rarely describe them as balanced. The alcohol always sticks out and there is generally quite a bit of heat on the finish.

That said, I fully expect many will disagree with my sentiments including those with much better palates than mine.

Cheers

Mike

No worries mate. As you said, everyone is entitled to their opinion. I was however generally surprised that the wine was so balanced. The finish was long and smooth. I didn't get any heat on the finish and I would not have picked it for such a high alc wine. If I didn't read the label, I wouldn't have known. It was that good. I've had a Warrabilla Parola's Limited Release Durif at 18.5% I think it was, and yeah...you need to drink that with food, likewise with the Greenock Creek otherwise you'll paralyse yourself with a bottle. haha. What are the Bowen Estate Cabernet's normally alcohol wise? Or do they just always make reasonably high alc wines.

[ticklenow1]

Yes it has high alc's at 15.5%, however I have said it before. If the wine is balanced and you don't notice the alcohol.

I recognise we're all entitled to our own opinions, but I personally find this line of reasoning hard to understand. I hear it a lot, and when I try these high alcohol wines (generally 15+%) I would rarely describe them as balanced. The alcohol always sticks out and there is generally quite a bit of heat on the finish.

That said, I fully expect many will disagree with my sentiments including those with much better palates than mine.

Cheers

Mike

Mike,

Some wineries seem to do it better than others. I've had plenty at 15% + that were great with no heat at all. I've also had plenty at 14.5% that the alcohol really poked out. I love Greenock Creek Wines but even I have stopped buying them once they are over 15%. The 2006 vintage were 17% + and they (in my opinion) will never come around. I don't know enough about winemaking so I don't know exactly why some wineries persist with the high alcohols. I've heard winemakers say they pick on flavour rather than baume etc but I've also had wines at 13-14% in hot vintages that are exceptional and full of flavour.

Cheers
Ian

[Mike Hawkins]

Yes it has high alc's at 15.5%, however I have said it before. If the wine is balanced and you don't notice the alcohol.

I recognise we're all entitled to our own opinions, but I personally find this line of reasoning hard to understand. I hear it a lot, and when I try these high alcohol wines (generally 15+%) I would rarely describe them as balanced. The alcohol always sticks out and there is generally quite a bit of heat on the finish.

That said, I fully expect many will disagree with my sentiments including those with much better palates than mine.

Cheers

Mike

Mike,

Some wineries seem to do it better than others. I've had plenty at 15% + that were great with no heat at all. I've also had plenty at 14.5% that the alcohol really poked out. I love Greenock Creek Wines but even I have stopped buying them once they are over 15%. The 2006 vintage were 17% + and they (in my opinion) will never come around. I don't know enough about winemaking so I don't know exactly why some wineries persist with the high alcohols. I've heard winemakers say they pick on flavour rather than baume etc but I've also had wines at 13-14% in hot vintages that are exceptional and full of flavour.

Cheers
Ian

Thanks Ian... I come back to the fact that many of the best Aussie wine experiences I've had are 1991 and older, and in the main, these are sub 14% cabs and shirazes. I realise in the past couple of decades, vines have been trained to be 'photosynthesis machines' and this has an impact on alcohol levels, but I wish we'd go back to the 'good old days' (I'm sounding more and more like my old man by the day...). 13.5% would be right in my sweet-spot, and I daresay, most of Europe and North America's.

Cheers

Mike

[Matt@5453]

2015 Catlin Wines “The Molly Mae” Riesling, Clare Valley

A vibrant zesty/lime number with lip smacking goodness that a Clare Valley Riesling can deliver; a really nice drop. Needs about 6 months to settle down a bit, great value at $15.

2012 Taylors Wines “The Visionary” Cabernet Sauvignon, Auburn, Clare Valley

An intoxicating nose of rich dark fruits, cassis and fine grained French Oak. The wine is youthful but very approachable now. The palate is to die for. The quality of the wine is outstanding; there is a deep core of rich dark fruits, classic Clare Cabernet cassis, the fine grain french oak nuances are noticeable but are extremely complimentary to the plush fruit. The texture is amazing, akin to velvet in your mouth. The finish is impeccable, very long and lingering, really something to saviour. This is a very very classy wine and arguably the best 2012 Cabernet I have tried to date. This is a very balanced wine and one that will age graciously over decades. Simply stunning!

[phillisc]

A couple from Wolfie:
2010 Black Label...it has been at while since I have had a wine that tells me its the Rolls Royce...rich smooth powerful, a magnificent cab shiraz blend...with 20 years in the tank...reminds me of the 70s JWT winners...95+
2013 Langhorne Creek Grey Label shiraz cab...again really plush, beautiful lingering tannins and I think at around $30ish a bargain...will be getting some more methinks

Was fortunate to try a couple of newbies from Yalumba at a trade tasting last week.
2012 and 2013 The Caley...I believe Barossa based vineyards
Kevin Glastonbury and team are doing some stunning things with the cab shiraz blend...signature, FDR and now this.
Believe it will be priced at the top end like Octavius and The Reserve ...and the 2012 to be released next week...whilst the Blass BL was good, these two wines are amazing.

Cheers
Craig.

For one who proclaims to have the palate of a horse's arse, we can all have our little moment in the sun
Winner of the Dr Ray Beckwith OAM Memorial Trophy for best traditional Australian Red Blend this morning at the Adelaide Wine Show...drum roll please

2010 Wolfie Black...I may have been conservative with my 95 points...clearly the judges were not, 98+?

Hope he got to drive away in a RR, I believe he owns one.

Cheers
Craig

[ticklenow1]

I recognise we're all entitled to our own opinions, but I personally find this line of reasoning hard to understand. I hear it a lot, and when I try these high alcohol wines (generally 15+%) I would rarely describe them as balanced. The alcohol always sticks out and there is generally quite a bit of heat on the finish.

That said, I fully expect many will disagree with my sentiments including those with much better palates than mine.

Cheers

Mike

Mike,

Some wineries seem to do it better than others. I've had plenty at 15% + that were great with no heat at all. I've also had plenty at 14.5% that the alcohol really poked out. I love Greenock Creek Wines but even I have stopped buying them once they are over 15%. The 2006 vintage were 17% + and they (in my opinion) will never come around. I don't know enough about winemaking so I don't know exactly why some wineries persist with the high alcohols. I've heard winemakers say they pick on flavour rather than baume etc but I've also had wines at 13-14% in hot vintages that are exceptional and full of flavour.

Cheers
Ian

Thanks Ian... I come back to the fact that many of the best Aussie wine experiences I've had are 1991 and older, and in the main, these are sub 14% cabs and shirazes. I realise in the past couple of decades, vines have been trained to be 'photosynthesis machines' and this has an impact on alcohol levels, but I wish we'd go back to the 'good old days' (I'm sounding more and more like my old man by the day...). 13.5% would be right in my sweet-spot, and I daresay, most of Europe and North America's.

Cheers

Mike

Mike,

You should try some Eperosa Wines (Barossa, Eden Valley) made by Brett Grocke. All the 2013 wines bar the straight Grenache (15%+) are under 13.5% and I have to say they are very impressive.

Cheers
Ian

[Mike Hawkins]

Thanks Ian

[maybs]

2007 Philip Shaw No.11 Chardonnay

Nice wine. Not as much drive as I would like. Good flavours. An enjoyable little auction score at a bargain price though.

[qwertt]

Orlando Jacaranda Ridge 1998

Lovely. Tons of acid and very well aged. Beautifully balanced.

[TravisW]

Primo Estate, La Biondina 2013.

My goodness this is fantastic value for money. Crisp, moreish and very well balanced. Bravo!

Cheers, Travis.

Edit: Oh. And it's only 12%!

[catchnrelease]

Good wine definitely does not seem to exist in Indonesia! Good thing I didn't pay for it.

2013 Wyndham Estate Bin 999 Merlot - Tasted heat affected, for its own sake I hope so otherwise I don't know how this would even be allowed to be bottled. Awful, harsh.

NV? Bonotto Delle Tezze Cabernet Sauvignon - Better than the Merlot, some blackcurrant, earth, tastes kind of Connawarran. Noticeable mid-palate hole and unbalanced short finish.

[JamieBahrain]

There's no death penalty for taking a six pack of good vino to Indonesia in excess of DF limits. "On the spot fine" works well if caught which is generally Bali but not Surabaya/Jakarta.

Malaysia- most of the time scanned.

Indonesia- more likely in Bali.

Thailand- sporadic though people if caught they take the lot.

[catchnrelease]

I'm coming back to Sydney for a bit in November and promised to bring some good wine back to Makassar when I return. Probably won't exceed DF limits, not worth it if they take the lot! The airport at Makassar also has a reputation for taking alcohol that exceeds limits and then it mysteriously 'disappearing' and showing up on the secondary market soon after! That's how I've managed to get a few bottles of Chivas and Jack Daniels anyway.

[daz]

Bests Great Western Riesling 2015

[Hacker]

2010 Pattes Loup 1er Beauregard - aarrggh horribly oxidised with a huge amount of sediment floating thru it. Down the sink. Next, Philippe Colin Chassagne- Montrachet 1er Les Chenevottes - weird acidic taste, put aside to see if it may improve.... Next, 2012 Pierro 2012 Chardonnay. Screw capped, thank goodness.....beautiful Margaret River magic. Bad strike rate ended with Aussie success.

[mjs]

A couple from Wolfie:
2010 Black Label...it has been at while since I have had a wine that tells me its the Rolls Royce...rich smooth powerful, a magnificent cab shiraz blend...with 20 years in the tank...reminds me of the 70s JWT winners...95+
2013 Langhorne Creek Grey Label shiraz cab...again really plush, beautiful lingering tannins and I think at around $30ish a bargain...will be getting some more methinks

Was fortunate to try a couple of newbies from Yalumba at a trade tasting last week.
2012 and 2013 The Caley...I believe Barossa based vineyards
Kevin Glastonbury and team are doing some stunning things with the cab shiraz blend...signature, FDR and now this.
Believe it will be priced at the top end like Octavius and The Reserve ...and the 2012 to be released next week...whilst the Blass BL was good, these two wines are amazing.

Cheers
Craig.

For one who proclaims to have the palate of a horse's arse, we can all have our little moment in the sun
Winner of the Dr Ray Beckwith OAM Memorial Trophy for best traditional Australian Red Blend this morning at the Adelaide Wine Show...drum roll please

2010 Wolfie Black...I may have been conservative with my 95 points...clearly the judges were not, 98+?

Hope he got to drive away in a RR, I believe he owns one.

Cheers
Craig

Craig,
Haha .. well done to the horse's arse!!
Cheers, Malcolm

[mjs]

I recognise we're all entitled to our own opinions, but I personally find this line of reasoning hard to understand. I hear it a lot, and when I try these high alcohol wines (generally 15+%) I would rarely describe them as balanced. The alcohol always sticks out and there is generally quite a bit of heat on the finish.

That said, I fully expect many will disagree with my sentiments including those with much better palates than mine.

Cheers

Mike

Mike,

Some wineries seem to do it better than others. I've had plenty at 15% + that were great with no heat at all. I've also had plenty at 14.5% that the alcohol really poked out. I love Greenock Creek Wines but even I have stopped buying them once they are over 15%. The 2006 vintage were 17% + and they (in my opinion) will never come around. I don't know enough about winemaking so I don't know exactly why some wineries persist with the high alcohols. I've heard winemakers say they pick on flavour rather than baume etc but I've also had wines at 13-14% in hot vintages that are exceptional and full of flavour.

Cheers
Ian

Thanks Ian... I come back to the fact that many of the best Aussie wine experiences I've had are 1991 and older, and in the main, these are sub 14% cabs and shirazes. I realise in the past couple of decades, vines have been trained to be 'photosynthesis machines' and this has an impact on alcohol levels, but I wish we'd go back to the 'good old days' (I'm sounding more and more like my old man by the day...). 13.5% would be right in my sweet-spot, and I daresay, most of Europe and North America's.

Cheers

Mike

This is an interesting discussion.

Couple of points, firstly I love older Coonawarra wines that are < 13%.
Secondly, I am also a big fan of Doug Bowen and his wines over the 40 years he has been making wine. I ask the question, have we all tried this 2013 Cabernet? I have and I agree with RedWine&Rum, it is in very good balance and you wouldn't pick it as a 15% alc wine. I know how Doug cultivates his vines, he and now Emma certainly target quality, including ripeness, so I am probably not surprised at the alc content. Having said that, it will be interesting to taste this wine in ten years. I am happy to admit I am a big fan.

cheers, Malcolm