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

[Chuck]

After going very very hard last night it's just one Storm low alcohol beer sold by Aldi. Not bad at all. Better than the mainstream low alcohol beers. Is full flavoured.

Liver and kidneys are getting a well earned break and boy do they need it.

Carl

[mse]

Happy new year everyone!

Wolf Blass Platinum Label 2002

Colour: impenetrable red.

Nose: Licorice, Blackberry, Prune, Mocha, Vanilla, Cedar.

Palate: Rasberry, Dark Chocolate, Blueberry and lingering finish.

Decent wine to drink from NYE2015 to 2016.

Still have potential to develop for another 7-8 years, I am not sure if the heavy handed oak treatment will mask the fruit in 10+ years time.

[Andrew Jordan]

A for more days of drinking with our overseas visitors ...

2005 Rockford Black Shiraz - Beautiful berry fruit nuances on the nose, extra time in the bottle has allowed this wine to develop wonderful savoury secondary characteristics. Long, long finish.

2014 Balnaves of Coonawarra Sparkling Cabernet - not the depth of flavour or the finish of the Rockford but still a very good release.

2007 McWilliam's Mount Pleasant Wines Elizabeth Hunter Valley Sémillon - Probably the best age-worthy bargain Semillon out of the Hunter year on year. Quite closed on the nose, but the palate is very rich in flavour ... honey, green apple, lemon and once it warms up a bit ... pineapple. Like the Richmond football club, does lack a little on the finish, but for the price delivers what you would expect. At nearly 9 years old still going strong and should see out the next 5 years with ease, but cannot see this improving.

1997 Beringer Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Knights Valley - As per previous note last year, very savoury with little or no fruit left. A lovely old bottle of aged Napa cabernet which in all honesty probably has seen better days but enjoyable none the less. Medium to long finish of ultra-fine tannins. Based on this bottle it is time to drink up.

2003 Majella Cabernet Sauvignon Coonawarra - Popped and poured. Typical Coonawarra nose of mint and eucalypt. It took a while for the wine to open up and show itself. Still plenty of blackcurrant, dark chocolate, and vanilla on the palate that finishes long and flavoursome. Good balance of fruit, acid and tannin. Has come together quite well. Very enjoyable now with a long decant but will last at least another 10 years in good cellaring conditions. No rush on this one.

1995 Houghton Cabernet Sauvignon Jack Mann Frankland River - Cellartracker says this is the 35th bottle of this wine we have consumed and I think it is finally on the slow downhill slide. Although this bottle still showed well, it was showing it's age a bit more than previous bottles. Black fruit is firmly in the background with the vanilla American oak now coming to the fore. A beautiful long finish of fine, soft, sandy tannins. I will be drinking my remaining bottles within the next year of so.

[Michael McNally]

Could have opened a Tally as well, but magnums are too big for 2-3 people.

Depends on the people........

Cheers

Michael

[phillisc]

A few over the break...back to the salt mines today
1992 Wendouree Shiraz, perfect cork...have not had this for a while 3 hour decant black to red in colour, still quite primary, solid without being spectacular
1998 Virgin Hills, a return to an old friend, despite the decade of disaster with this winery this bottle was magnificent..in its prime.
1998 Bowen Shiraz, silky smooth, beautiful tannin, almost like the blue ink nib of school days past, no need to hurry here
1998 Passing Clouds Graeme's Blend, quite light in colour but really lovely nose, berries, violets and spice, great on the palate, will hold a bit longer yet. Really enjoy PC, great VFM wines.
2002 Pewsey Vale Contours, very much like the 02 Petaluma still has green hues and nice twinge of acid great expression of this variety, will have another in a year or so.
2005 Rorlach Barossa Shiraz, a bit one dimensional, but a nice drop
2008 Riddoch Coonawarra Cabernet, similar to the Rorlach, nice but a bit simple.
1991 Rockford BP, no ullage and cork stain <1 mm. Opened with a bit of heat (14%) but then settled down, wonderful nose that i just came back to over and over, still some primary fruit and really good mouth feel. Tannin structure excellent. A good bottle yes, but feel that this vintage has reached the top of the mountain.
3 bottles of 2008 Wynn's Shiraz, in a great spot now, soooo drinkable
2001 Bin 28, this wine is in a great place now, and will hold for another 5-10...really enjoyed this...25 bottles of this or 1 Grange of the same vintage...go figure!
2015 Crabtree Hilltops, beautiful Riesling
2000 Wynns Riesling, found a case of these when last in the cellar, 1 cm ullage, docket in the carton showed $3:50 a bottle, golden yellow, a little acid and some lovely residual sweetness, will knock the other 11 off soon.

Probably others that I have forgotten
Cheers
Craig.

[tonym]

2008 Wynns black label Cabernet Sauvignon, a lovely well balanced cabernet and although only 7 years old very easy to drink with bbq lamb loin chops.

[Rossco]

2005 Balnaves The Tally Cab Sav - So closed and tight. Even after 2 hrs decant, didnt move. Give it another 15+ years
1998 Peter Lehmann Stonewell Shiraz. Not the greatest showing of this. Slight metallic and confected. Cork was perfect and no staining at all.
2002 Magnum Trevor Jones Wild Witch Dry Grown Reserve Shiraz - Simply amazing. Will try and hunt down more.
2005 Gibson Aust Old Vine Collection - One of my favourites for the 05 vintage.
2013 Sepplet Jaluka Chardonnay - Quite simply stunning. Probably my favourite VFM chardonnay at the moment
1996 Magnum Lindemans Pyrus Cab Blend - Probably my wine of 2015. Simply stunning. Everything in perfect balance, juicy fruit, oak perfectly integrated and secondary earth, mint and leather coming through. Perfect bottle and cork, will try and find more of the 96 'trio' in magnums from now on.
2013 Vinteloper Odeon Riesling - Quite developed already and golden in colour. Beautiful mix of citrus, florals and talc. Acid still quite pronounced, but not sure if was added or its natural. Seems slightly out of place...especially considering how developed the colour was.
2012 Majella Cab - Such a cracking wine. I have a special love for this wine and have loaded up on 2012. Will last forever. Will be great to crack a bottle a year for the next 24 years.

[swirler]

Recently bottled, ice cold Manzanilla. Surely the best summertime drink apart from good champagne? Wish I were in Spain now. Actually, no. It's Winter there. Right drink, right place!

[Andrew Jordan]

A few more with our friends from the UK ...

1997 Tahbilk Marsanne Nagambie Lakes - Beautiful bright golden in colour, I was a little worried this wine may have been past it. But given the nose of stewed honey and peach, this wine was still alive! In the mouth the wine has a heaviness about it, with subtle hints of honey and peach. Wonderful depth of flavour finishing long and tangy. For $14 a bottle this truly is one of the bargain's of the wine world. Pity it was my last bottle.

2002 Kalleske Grenache Old Vines Barossa Valley - Don't drink too many straight Grenache based wines these days, but after this bottle maybe I should revisit the varietal? Doesn't give too much away on the nose, maybe hints of blackberry and muted spice. The palate though is a different matter, plenty of savoury concentrated black fruit supported by spice and oak culminating with a lovely balanced peppery finish. Plenty to like here. Good balance and structure. Very enjoyable. Probably has peaked but not rush to drink this. Open with those that appreciate a quality drop and enjoy something a little outside the box.

2004 Saltram Cabernet Sauvignon Mamre Brook Barossa - Still quite tight on the nose. Compared to the 2002 which we had last week, this vintage still has many years to go before it shows it's best. Still wound really tight, with very subtle black fruit, chocolate and vanilla flavours. Plenty of fine, elegant tannin throughout. Lovely mouth feel and balance. Long finish of dry, dusty mouth-coating grippy tannins. Will last another 10 years with ease. Great QPR.

2011 Rockford Cabernet Sauvignon Rifle Range Barossa Valley - A wine that reflects the wet vintage in the Barossa. Light to Medium bodied, this is quite different in style to previous vintages of RR and to Barossa cabernet in general. Plenty of elegant red fruit on the front palate finishing short with savoury herb and oak undertones. Might improve a little with some bottle age but one feels this is definitely a wine to be enjoyed sooner rather than later.

[Andrew Jordan]

And a few more mid week bottles ...

2012 Te Mania Riesling Nelson - First NZ Riesling for me. Quite minerally on the nose with hints of green apple and citrus. Quite a heavy wine in the mouth with plenty of citrus, lime and honey. Medium length finish but nothing too exciting to pontificate about. A wine to take to a BBQ/party to share with people you don't know or rarely see.

1999 Justin Vineyards & Winery Isosceles Paso Robles Red Bordeaux Blend - Bright ruby in colour, nose is of meaty, smoky notes of Italian charcuterie and dark cherries. Soft and smooth on the palate, coats the tongue, very savoury, leather and sour cherries. Very masculine but like the cover of GQ ... very sophisticated. Medium lingering finish of soft, meaty tannins. Well balanced and quite flavoursome. Matched well with a good T-Bone steak. Definitely has peaked but well cellared bottles will hold for sometime.

1989 Château Lafon-Rochet St. Estèphe Red Bordeaux Blend - Deep garnet to crimson brown in colour. Meaty notes of tobacco, cigar box and leather on the nose. Soft and smooth with faint hints of fruit way in the background but plenty of savoury, earthy notes on the front palate. Quite mature with fine, silky tannins finishing long and flavoursome. Went well with Roast beef. Lovely old left bank Bordeaux which has definitely peaked and needs to be drunk in the next few years. A pleasure to drink!

1999 Katnook Estate Cabernet Sauvignon - As per previous notes last year deep ruby in colour, still looks quite young. Very earthy nose, barnyard. Blackcurrant, spice, vegetal undertones and quite savoury on the palate with an acidic backbone. Finishes long and savoury with silky smooth tannins. In a good place right now but has a long life in front of it.

[conformistpete]

Cos Frappato Scicilia 2014 mineral raspberry and cherry. Quite high acid for a red but rioe on the palate.

Tollana pinot noir 2010 big ripe Mornington pinot. Mostly ripe black cherry and cinnamon on the nose. Bit more earthy on the palate.

Both very easy going down in completely different ways.

[rens]

2004 Muga Reserva Especial: Tried for cork taint straight after decanting, not tainted, but thought there was something wrong with it. What was wrong was it needed time in the decanter. With a few tastes along the way, it took an hour and a half to come round. First the cherry fruit appeared followed by cigar box, mixed spice and dill. The back end was the last to correct itself. Nice backbone, slightly drying tannins and a smooth finish completed the wine. A good example of old style Rioja and went well with the sweet chilli pork, beer battered chips and salad.

[Luke W]

2002 Wynns Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon - despite the lousy provenance (sat in a pub driveway for 6 years with temps between 10 and 40 degrees!), this wine was quite stunning. Smooth, plenty of wonderful Coonawarra fruit and a great nose. I wouldn't have bought it 5 years ago but it was only $12. Will drink the 2001 with the same provenance soon. Remember a vertical with these wines and many were in their 20s and 30s and most were still incredibly fresh - must have some natural preservative from the soil.

[Andrew Jordan]

A few with friends while boating around Sydney Harbour ...

2015 Noon Grenache High Noon Langhorne Creek - Buy a six-pack each year from Drew. Pity the allocation wasn't a tad more as we tend to get through these before summer is over. Deep pink salmon in colour it has a lovely nose of strawberry and spice. Quite full-bodied, savoury and dry this is serious rose for serious rose drinkers. Long, refreshing, acidic finish. As the bottle says ... "serve cold, drink young". Good advice and a quality release.

2010 Philipponnat Champagne Royale Réserve Brut Champagne Blend - Nose of brioche, palate is quite full with plenty of fruit depth, supported by spice and oak. Lovely acidity and balance which finishes long and fresh. A very well put together Pinot dominated blend which should slightly improve over the short term but drinking very good now. Paired well with prawns and soft shell crab.

NV Bollinger Champagne Special Cuvée - Plenty of citrus and acidity but not as full bodied as the Philipponnat. Ok.

2004 Woodlands Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Margaret River "Rachael" - Will admit I am a big fan of what the Watson boys are doing at Woodlands in Margaret River. Bright, deep crimson in colour, exudes notes of black fruit, mint and a hint of orange blossom. Very elegant but quite concentrated in the mouth, with ninja-like power that hits you in the nether-regions. Plenty of savoury black fruit and smooth napa leather with a long finish of finely grained, sandy tannins. Very upper echelon left bank Bordeaux in style. A pleasure to drink and will only get better with bottle age.

1999 Wolf Blass Black Label South Australia Cabernet-Shiraz Blend, Red Blend - Deep, deep blood red in colour, exudes black fruit and some oak on the nose. Palate is full, concentrated and opposite to the nose, dominated by oak with fruit playing a supporting role. A very mature wine with a medium finish of soft, sandy tannins. Quite a different wine to my previous note 9 years ago where the oak was more in the background and the fruit was the main show. Based on this bottle I must admit it was probably showing better a few years ago where the fruit and oak were more in balance but now it seems the oak is stealing the show. Probably would go well with a rare steak but otherwise it is hard work.

1998 Wynns Coonawarra Estate Cabernet Sauvignon - Corked!

[Phil H]

As previously mentioned at the interest in the Burgundy threads, decided to purchase a "Burgundy Discovery Dozen" (6 Red, 6 White), from a reputable retailer in Melbourne. At around $580 (reduced from $750), I thought it would be a good introduction to see what it's all about.
So far 2 wines tried:
Domain Doudet Savigny-Les-Beaune 1er Cru(Chardonnay) : Showing a bit of age - golden yellow in colour, more on the mineral austere side of the Chardonnay scale, not much oak present. Slightly disappointing - fairly short finish. Comparing it to an Aussie wine similar to a Scarborough Blue Label Chardonnay. ( no disrespect to Scarborough wines - one of my favourite Hunter Chardys) Enjoyable but nothing special.

2010 Oliver Guyot Marsannay, La Montagne (Pinot Noir) : Light bodied, showing some good length, and interest. Dark Cherry, however lacking some spice. Once again enjoyable, however I am yet to be converted.
The journey continues - will keep updating with the next 9 wines (dropped one when storing the delivery)

[Gavin Trott]

Well, what an incredibly pleasant surprise this was. I'm a lover of fine Riesling, and even more so, a lover of fine aged Riesling. So relatively recently, I have begun collecting a case/dozen of my favourite Rieslings of each vintage, a special mixed dozen, I suppose you'd call it.

Started properly in 2010, and every vintage since, with hopefully many years to come.

Decided to try one, and wow, did I pick it well, and what a great reference for ageing fine Australian Riesling. 2011, hardly a great SA Vintage, and so I cellared a couple without really great expectations, and so tried my first with a little uncertainty.

Well, that lasted one sniff only ... And wow, the nose was outstanding, Riesling fruit of course, tropical fruits, mango, passion fruit, flowers , lime sherbet and musk ... gorgeous.

The colour was still light bright and showing hardly any age.

As good as the nose was, it was the palate that really sang. All that exotic tropical stuff again, and the most delightful texture and mouthfeel, the wine has lost that crisp Eden Valley cold year acid, it hasn't yet become toasty and honeyed, but is in between, delightfully. It's as though the acid has been slightly rounded, so all spikes and shards gone, soft rounded river stones is the best I can come up with. Delicious, long, elegant and exotic, and just beginning its journey.

For an ' everyday' wine, this was simply a great Riesling experience, and the rest can sleep further. So if you have some

No rush
You are lucky
Try one now.

2011 Yalumba Pewsey Vale Eden Valley Riesling.

.

[swirler]

As previously mentioned at the interest in the Burgundy threads, decided to purchase a "Burgundy Discovery Dozen" (6 Red, 6 White), from a reputable retailer in Melbourne. At around $580 (reduced from $750), I thought it would be a good introduction to see what it's all about.
So far 2 wines tried:
Domain Doudet Savigny-Les-Beaune 1er Cru(Chardonnay) : Showing a bit of age - golden yellow in colour, more on the mineral austere side of the Chardonnay scale, not much oak present. Slightly disappointing - fairly short finish. Comparing it to an Aussie wine similar to a Scarborough Blue Label Chardonnay. ( no disrespect to Scarborough wines - one of my favourite Hunter Chardys) Enjoyable but nothing special.

2010 Oliver Guyot Marsannay, La Montagne (Pinot Noir) : Light bodied, showing some good length, and interest. Dark Cherry, however lacking some spice. Once again enjoyable, however I am yet to be converted.
The journey continues - will keep updating with the next 9 wines (dropped one when storing the delivery)

Phil, welcome to the road to Burgundy!

Hmmm. Savigny-les-Beaune. A value for money red village, not generally noted for whites. 1er cru is certainly a good level, but the climat is not given, so it may be the leftovers from the named vineyard 1er cru labels. Marsannay. The lowest regarded village in the Cote de Nuits. Some reasonable wines are made there (priced accordingly), but lots of very mediocre stuff, too.

Burgundy is a minefield. Letting a business choose your wine for you, generally, is asking for trouble. With burgundy, it's almost suicidal. Prepare yourself for more disappointment and maybe some mild pleasure. Even with careful selection, it can be tricky. It's probably how they clear lines that are selling slowly in any case. The prices look reasonable, but if the wine isn't good, that's another issue!

In any case, (pun not intended) you can't expect to acquire new tastes overnight, especially with serious Old World wine. Much better to attend tastings and buy the ones you like. At least you'll be opening wine that you like and you can try to workout why you like them and go from there.

(Not directed at Phil) Sometimes I think being able to appreciate lots of new things is partly about the individual's mentality. Some people are eager to acquire new tastes and others (deep down) want to 'prove' to themselves that they don't really like something. 'I've tried it and didn't like it.' It really takes a lot of time and effort. But the rewards are worth it!

Enjoy the journey, Phil.

[Phil H]

Thanks Swirler
I was thinking that by buying this Discovery Dozen" it could be a way of the store clearing unwanted stock (most of the vintages are 2010, 2011), however decided to take the risk. As I am on the email list I get the weekly specials and new releases - very few bottles are under $100, and sit around $200. This is a lot more than I am prepared to pay on an unknown wine. This makes Australia's top Chardonnay look cheap - considering Giaconda was around $110, and Penfolds Yattarna $160. I know Burgundy is another dimension, but a dimension it looks like I can't afford to enter.
I will be interested to see how the Melbourne Burgundy Social Club and the March Sydney Burgundy offline goes and eagerly wait for notes.

[Benchmark]

Phil H,

It is certainly a minefield.

I find myself in a similar position.

My approach is to immerse myself in research and information.

After that it is tasting as often as possible. An expensive exercise but all part of the journey.

Best of luck!

[Chris H]

The seller is probably the one I recommended on another thread, but Swirler is correct I think. Those wines are not well regarded and consequently not sought after, so they get put into a mixed case. Most mixed dozens from retailers fall into the same boat. Rarely do you find anything really good in them.

The problem with getting into Burgundy at a low price level is that new world Pinots are generally better than Burgundies under $100, particularly if you are used to plenty of fruit. Bordeaux is not dissimilar I think - Australian Bordeaux blends more than hold their own under $100.

I'm sure we will run across that issue in the Burgundy group, and hopefully we can discover some cheaper gems in the minefield

[Ozzie W]

The problem with getting into Burgundy at a low price level is that new world Pinots are generally better than Burgundies under $100, particularly if you are used to plenty of fruit.

If you've been drinking Aussie wines almost exclusively for many years with no or little exposure to Old World wines, you may find that your palate is calibrated to that style. I know mine was/is. It's taking time, but my palate is slow learning to adjust and enjoy Old World wines, including Pinots from Burgundy. Australian and Burgundy Pinots are such different expressions of Pinot Noir.

The Burgundy style is earthy and complex, spicy and but not fruit-forward. Oak is very subtle, if present. There's usually a lot of acid and tannins so it needs a few years in the bottle to soften and mellow, otherwise it can be unenjoyable to drink.

Aussie Pinots usually have a big emphasis on ripe fruit. Sometimes they are so dark and extracted, they are almost Shiraz-like. They usually drink very well on their own, whereas Burgundy Pinots seems to need food to bring out it's best.

Once your palate adjusts and you taste that first 'wow' wine from Burgundy, there's no turning back.

[swirler]

Phil, I may have been a bit harsh. I'm just a bit cynical. For the prices you paid, if you get something good you've done really well!

Great point about Giaconda and Yattarna. They are very cheap if you compare them with top white Burgundy. Aussie and NZ chardonnay is a great alternative.

But Red Burgundy is another matter. I had Dry River and Bass Phillip recently and they both tasted completely different to RB. Both very New World. DR and the latest vintage of BP are both fruit bombs. Maybe with lots (decades) of ageing they may become interesting, but I'm not sure.

You don't need to drink DRC to have a memorable RB experience.

Unless you like boasting about rare labels on internet MBs

[swirler]

Great posts guys. Seems like we're all on the same path!

[swirler]

One more point. It's probably best to not expect to like these wines. More a case of giving your palate experience of another style of wine. If you like something you've been lucky. You may even look back and reassesse your views on wines you thought were merely interesting at the time and later realise that you actually like it.

Isn't wine interesting?

(edit: I think OzzieW said the same thing above better than me.)

[Mike Hawkins]

2002 Petaluma Riesling - drinking really well right now. No kero notes, just floral and citrus characteristics. There's no rush to drink remaining bottles. Great wine, great price.

MV Clouet 1911 Champagne - this is a pinot dominant blend from 1995 (25%), 1996 (50%) and 1997 (25%). I've had this wine at least 20 times and I tend to get significant bottle variation. When on song, this is a magnificent champagne, but this bottle was a middle of the road version.

1971 Wynns Coonawarra 'Hermitage' - cork was in great nick for a 45 year old wine but initially there was no nose whatsoever. An hour after a double decant it was absolutely singing, and another hour later it was even better. Lovely mint, leather and chocolate nose that was to die for. Palate was medium to full bodied with fantastic length, though as expected the tannins had softened to such an extent they were barely noticeable. Truly fabulous wine that still has life in front of it, albeit I only have a couple of bottles left.

1998 Rockford Basket Press Shiraz - the best bottle yet out of the 15 I've had. It is starting to take on the velvety mouthfeel that the best bottle of the 1991 vintage have. A mix of primary and secondary characteristics that make we want to open another bottle soon. I've read that some believe this wine is over the hill... no chance. This is at least 10 years from its peak for my tastes. A fabulous balanced Aussie shiraz.

2002 Taittinger Comtes de Champagne (BdB) - ants pants, bees knees, whatever you want. This is really going to give the otherworldly 96 a run for its money in the future. It is still really young but oh so good. Will continue to improve for 20 years.

2004 Taittinger Comtes de Champagne (BdB) - just a notch below the 2002. This is a magnificent young BdB. Perhaps not as powerful as its older brother, it presents greater minerality and lemony characters. Will continue to improve for 15 years.

1991 Penfolds St Henri - a bit shy at first and so I feared this wasn't a good bottle. Left to breathe for 3 hrs and it erupted into another magnificent specimen. Right at its peak and will hold for 10 years.

2002 Camille Saves Millesime - one of my 3 favourites in terms of value for money. Its just a shame the 2008 never made it to Oz. Pinot dominant, lots of length and finishes with the maison's telltale granny smith acidity. Lots of fun to drink.

1996 Wynns John Riddoch - I've dissed this wine many times, but this was a reasonable bottle. Perhaps its coming around.

2009 (dis) Rockford Black Shiraz - like previous bottles from this case, this one was a bit one dimensional. Nevertheless it was a crowd pleaser.

2004 Seppelts Show Reserve Sparkling Shiraz - my first time with this release and I wasn't disappointed. Earthy, mushroomy nose, with balanced sweetness on the palate. Really enjoyed it.

1990 Trimach Clos St Hune - what can I say... This wine deserves its place as one of the world's great dry white wines. I loved the length and minerality, as well as the beautiful interplay between fruit and acidity.

1999 Houghton Jack Mann - I loved this at release, but wasn't a fan last night. No wow factor at all. I hope this was merely an aberration.

1996 Tyrrells Vat 1 - in great form and right at its peak. Waxy, lemony notes with great mouthfeel and length.

1998 Tyrrells Vat 1 - not as good as the 96, and definitely finished too short..

1996 McWilliams Lovedale - a whisker behind the Vat 1 with lots of fresh hay notes. Friends loved it.

2005 Grosset Polish Hill Riesling - really good wine in the making... I opened it too early.

2004 Dom Perignon - the best bottle of this wine so far. Its just starting to get more of the DP nuttiness on the nose and the creamy finish. This champagne will be fantastic down the track.

1990 Penfolds Bin 389 - Peter Gago is a real fan of this release and I can see why.... Alongside the 71 and (some bottles of) 86 and 96, this is my favourite 389. The cabernet characters seem to be coming to the fore, albeit there is great balance from the fleshy shiraz. Fun wine to drink.

2009 Chateau Malescot St Exupery - don't know why I opened this so young... I guess visitors and late nights make me do dumb things. Pretty ripe, and a bit difficult to know where this wine is headed.

[Polymer]

2002 Taittinger Comtes de Champagne (BdB) - ants pants, bees knees, whatever you want. This is really going to give the otherworldly 96 a run for its money in the future. It is still really young but oh so good. Will continue to improve for 20 years.

2004 Taittinger Comtes de Champagne (BdB) - just a notch below the 2002. This is a magnificent young BdB. Perhaps not as powerful as its older brother, it presents greater minerality and lemony characters. Will continue to improve for 15 years.

How are you finding the 2006 of this wine?

[Sean]

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[Mike Hawkins]

2002 Taittinger Comtes de Champagne (BdB) - ants pants, bees knees, whatever you want. This is really going to give the otherworldly 96 a run for its money in the future. It is still really young but oh so good. Will continue to improve for 20 years.

2004 Taittinger Comtes de Champagne (BdB) - just a notch below the 2002. This is a magnificent young BdB. Perhaps not as powerful as its older brother, it presents greater minerality and lemony characters. Will continue to improve for 15 years.

How are you finding the 2006 of this wine?

I had it a couple of years ago at a tasting hosted by Pierre Emmanuel Taittinger. I thought it was really good (albeit it was more than a year away from commercial release), but was overshadowed by the 96, 02, 04 and 08 (which I thought had the most potential of all of them). I recall one tasting note described the 06 as a combination of the 02 and the 04, and there is some merit in that statement. It was from a warmer year and so has some fruit forward characters, but has the acidity / structure to last for a long time.

For the record, I bought 12 bottles and might buy some more.

[Mike Hawkins]

Mike,

I have just one btl of the 2004 Dom that I will be drinking next year (anniversary). But I am thinking of picking up a few vintage champers to age a bit. You like Taittinger, is that your fav? Just interested in what you would recommend out of recent vintages.

Re the Bin 389 I notice that brilliant shiraz freshness comes through in the best older vintages.

Taittinger CdC is probably my favourite Champagne. While it is horrifically expensive in Australia, it is possibly the cheapest tete du cuvee in the UK and US.

As for recent vintages, I would recommend 2002 then 2004. The latter is the best value as the former has doubled in price in most global markets. Their 2000 is definitely my favourite Champagne from that vintage. I would steer clear of the 2005 - it was a tough year for most producers. The 2007 comes out later this year... I had it on pre-release and was underwhelmed, though that is to be expected. Most producers wont release a 2007 vintage.

If you buy the 2004 and cellar it well, it will last for decades. Failing that, perhaps wait till late 2017 and load up on the 2008 CdC. It is mind blowingly good.

[Sean]

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