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

[JamieBahrain]

At the Mt Macedon pub and s few bottles of an old favorite - Granite Hills Shiraz which is generally a little awkward , peppery cool climate Shiraz expression . This 2009 vintage was reductive and berry driven; had to google a bit to ensure it was typical and it was so must be a hot year ?

[rooman]

At the Mt Macedon pub and s few bottles of an old favorite - Granite Hills Shiraz which is generally a little awkward , peppery cool climate Shiraz expression . This 2009 vintage was reductive and berry driven; had to google a bit to ensure it was typical and it was so must be a hot year ?

I have visited the Granite Hills cellar door a few times now. I really enjoy their riesling and suggested to the winemaker on the last visit he should regraft most of red vines with riesling. Sadly he didnt take well to the idea. It does seem however as though the vineyard just tries to do too much. It is high up and well suited to riesling, less so to some of the red varieties they want to produce.

[phillisc]

I'm amazed at some forumites wondering why their 2010/2012 Coonawarra reds are muted or still taste a bit sour. I still find that my 2004 Wynns reds taste like that until they've had considerable air time. Leave the bloody wine alone until its had at least 10 years and then give it some decant time on top........

+1 Luke...very sage advice...if that was the case and no surprises that 4-6 year old Coonawarra's have closed up shop and gone on a long holiday, more than half my cellar would be tipped down the sink.

I though I might try a 98 BL soon...still might be too early?

Stupidly, crazily, foolishly doing or at least attempting dry July
Only 20 days to go...but a pre-release Wynnsday tasting, plus a Wild Duck Creek tasting in the last week of the month will make this bloody hard.
Will have to go into a couple of August days to make up.

Cheers
Craig

Craig

I agree with Luke. Many of the decent Cab Savs from both Coonawarra and MR need at least 10-12 years before they are ready to emerge from their slumber. Of course having a cellar with enough wines to allow one to wait that long is separate issue. I've been drinking the 98 BL for a while now and there are no problems opening it now. I have sadly started giving the 03 BL case the occasional nudge.

Mark

Agreed Mark, I "blame" my late Dad for taking me to Wynns in the early 80s and the bug bit hard. In relation to the thread whats in your cellar, for me its Wynns then the next universe (beyond daylight I believe)...so yes a fair bit of stock to get through. Hopefully most of them turnout well.

Cheers
Craig

[Ian S]

Bremerton Selkirk Shiraz 2003

Wasn't expecting too much from this $20 bottle at 13 years of age. I was wrong. Although the back label suggests drinking this young or cellaring it for up to 4+ years it is in fact still drinking superbly right now. Its youthful colour is a preview of what follows - big and juicy Langhorne Creek Shiraz with plenty of fruit left in the tank. The only slight distractor is some minor warmth from the alcohol. Forgivable though. This could easily go for another 5+ years in the right storage conditions.

Langhorne creek is IMO very underrated for decent cellaring reds offering at times very good value

[JamieBahrain]

97 Craiglee Shiraz looking more like the 1990 vintage every year. A 2000 Sally's Paddock was corked but a 2002 quite nice.

[phillisc]

97 Craiglee Shiraz looking more like the 1990 vintage every year. A 2000 Sally's Paddock was corked but a 2002 quite nice.

Thanks Jamie, encouraging as I have these three.

Cheers
Craig

[Rory]

2004 Matrojanni Rosso di Montalcino

Drinking superbly now, such a gluggable wine. Soft, rich Sangiovese flavours, tannins resolved, a soft line of acid keeps things just right. Good length.

Can't see it getting any better than this, may hold for another 5-8 years in good cellar.

Perfect with Beef cheeks in balsamic reduction with creamy polenta made for dinner.

[Bobthebuilder]

2012 St Huberts Cabernet Melot

pepper, dried herbs and freshly ground coffee beans nose
ripe berry fruit, dark chocolate and bitter coffee palate
reasonably long finish
the tannins on day 2 had settled down considerably and the wine benefitted from this
really nice, a pleasure to drink
I would imagine this wine will go another 10 years or more easily and benefit from that time

[WAwineguy]

Came home tonight and my wife had opened up one of my favourites. I didn't mind, except she used some for the cooking!

2005 McWilliams 1877 Cabernet Shiraz

Beautiful, dark red, still a fruit bomb with tannins mellowing silky smooth.

[Opaline]

I enjoyed their Chardonnay last week so I thought I'd try the 2014 Byron & Harold 'Wandering Lane' Great Southern Riesling tonight with dinner. It's better than the Chardonnay & offers great value for $14.99 a bottle. It tastes much more developed than it should at just two years of age with citrus & floral elements standing out on the bouquet while some lovely lemon & mineral notes are the highlights of a pretty flavoursome palate. The finish is reasonably long & there's none of that bitey character that some young Aussie Rieslings offer which suits me just fine. I'll be putting this one on my mid-week quaffer list.

[Dragzworthy]

Baron Le Rey 2009 Rioja
Missus only let me drink half the bottle. Dark fruits, lots of oak and then ends with leather and tobacco. Great stuff.

[Sean]

deleted

[mjs]

2012 Wynns V&A Lane Shiraz, Coonawarra

Medium bodied, a touch of (sour) dark cherries, hints of blueberry and black berry fruits, all quite muted and not really jumping out. A dusty/toastiness from the oak, all quite seem-less within the wine. The finish was not really anything to rate really. It was an okay wine, but well below my expectations. 15/20

I was invited to the Wynnsday Collection dinner last night at the Bentley and I would agree with your assessment and score of the V&A Shiraz, though the vintage we had was the 2014. Overall i was disappointed with the V&A Shiraz. The V&A Cab Shriaz on the other hand was a completely different beast, a far more complete wine with a full mouth feel and great richness.

Other highlights included the 2009 Wynns Glengyle which I enjoyed immensely. it is obviously difficult to put a 2009 up against the majority of the other wines from the 2013 and 2014 vintages but the Glengyle is definitely worth tracking down and trying. it was bracketed with the 2013 Wynns Harold Single Vineyard which I found thinner and greener but which the diner next to me put ahead of the Glengyle.

The 2013 John Riddoch was excellent in a richer style similar to Bordeaux growth wine from a good vintage such as the 2009 - lush fruit and will go for decades. By comparison the 2013 Michael Shiraz, whilst initially interested, faded next to the JR.

Finally the 2014 Black Label is just amazing value for money, rich, velvety tannins. Complete length all the way to the finish. I will tuck away a case for the future.

Wynnsday Dinner with Sue Hodder was in Melbourne last night at Taxi Riverside. My comments are pretty much the same as rooman. Am in Sydney now and left my notes at home, so these are just some recollections.

The 14 V&A shiraz was a lighter style, it is a different style though, its not intended to be a bigger wine, will be interesting to see how it develops. Easy to drink atm, but just a pass mark for me. The 14 V&A Cab Shiraz was excellent, the 09 Glengyle was very good, definitely worth chasing down. The Harold was different but also pretty good. 13 JR was the pick of the flagships, very full richer wine, beautiful in the mouth, was absolutely gorgeous to sample the bouquet after about 15 mins or so. And yes, 14 BL was also very good. Will provide some better notes tomorrow.

I was fortunate enough to snag pole position at what was a long table set for 40ppl ....



Food at Taxi Riverside was a bit disappointing for me, just ok. Natural oysters with a soy based sauce served with the 15 Riesling were delicious (as was the riesling), crayfish ravioli with a tomato sambal was dominated by the sambal, hard to pick the crayfish (served with both V&A Lanes), crusted pork was ok (BL), porterhouse (13 Harold and 09 Glengyle) was overcooked and tough. Cheese was ok (Michael and JR)
Craig - btw, I think Sarah Pigeon is doing the function at the Ed next week, not Sue.

[Ozzie W]

2012 Wynns V&A Lane Shiraz, Coonawarra

Medium bodied, a touch of (sour) dark cherries, hints of blueberry and black berry fruits, all quite muted and not really jumping out. A dusty/toastiness from the oak, all quite seem-less within the wine. The finish was not really anything to rate really. It was an okay wine, but well below my expectations. 15/20

I was invited to the Wynnsday Collection dinner last night at the Bentley and I would agree with your assessment and score of the V&A Shiraz, though the vintage we had was the 2014. Overall i was disappointed with the V&A Shiraz. The V&A Cab Shriaz on the other hand was a completely different beast, a far more complete wine with a full mouth feel and great richness.

Other highlights included the 2009 Wynns Glengyle which I enjoyed immensely. it is obviously difficult to put a 2009 up against the majority of the other wines from the 2013 and 2014 vintages but the Glengyle is definitely worth tracking down and trying. it was bracketed with the 2013 Wynns Harold Single Vineyard which I found thinner and greener but which the diner next to me put ahead of the Glengyle.

The 2013 John Riddoch was excellent in a richer style similar to Bordeaux growth wine from a good vintage such as the 2009 - lush fruit and will go for decades. By comparison the 2013 Michael Shiraz, whilst initially interested, faded next to the JR.

Finally the 2014 Black Label is just amazing value for money, rich, velvety tannins. Complete length all the way to the finish. I will tuck away a case for the future.

Wynnsday Dinner with Sue Hodder was in Melbourne last night at Taxi Riverside. My comments are pretty much the same as rooman. Am in Sydney now and left my notes at home, so these are just some recollections.

The 14 V&A shiraz was a lighter style, it is a different style though, its not intended to be a bigger wine, will be interesting to see how it develops. Easy to drink atm, but just a pass mark for me. The 14 V&A Cab Shiraz was excellent, the 09 Glengyle was very good, definitely worth chasing down. The Harold was different but also pretty good. 13 JR was the pick of the flagships, very full richer wine, beautiful in the mouth, was absolutely gorgeous to sample the bouquet after about 15 mins or so. And yes, 14 BL was also very good. Will provide some better notes tomorrow.

I was fortunate enough to snag pole position at what was a long table set for 40ppl ....



Food at Taxi Riverside was a bit disappointing for me, just ok. Natural oysters with a soy based sauce served with the 15 Riesling were delicious (as was the riesling), crayfish ravioli with a tomato sambal was dominated by the sambal, hard to pick the crayfish (served with both V&A Lanes), crusted pork was ok (BL), porterhouse (13 Harold and 09 Glengyle) was overcooked and tough. Cheese was ok (Michael and JR)
Craig - btw, I think Sarah Pigeon is doing the function at the Ed next week, not Sue.

Looks like quite a few of these will make it into my cellar. Do you know if prices are going up compared to last year?

I don't think the seating arrangement had anything to do with fortune. The King and Queen are supposed to sit next to each other.

[mjs]

Looks like quite a few of these will make it into my cellar. Do you know if prices are going up compared to last year?

I don't think the seating arrangement had anything to do with fortune. The King and Queen are supposed to sit next to each other.

^^

Ozzie, deals on the night seemed the same as for other recent vintages (e.g. TWE tasting the fortnight before with previous vintages), so I suspect little or no movement in pricing. I think official release is on Wynnsday 3 Aug, there will no doubt be some deals around then.

By the way, next year will be big, 60th release of Black Label/Cabernet (they have missed a year or two since the '54 was released, so not quite continuous). Wynns are planning something, just not sure what at this stage.

[Bobthebuilder]

damn Malcom, if I knew you were in town I could have organised to meet up with you for a couple of schooners of sauternes

[Benchmark]

You must be a charmer Malcolm.

You always seem to be seated next to the ladies....

[JamieBahrain]

A beautiful magnum of 1999 Jasper Hill Georgia's Paddock . Great length and good complexity ; still that lovely, layered, rich chicory/ black fruits of youth in evidence .

Thanks to Ron Laughton for replacing the original corked magnum with his cellar stock.

[mjs]

damn Malcom, if I knew you were in town I could have organised to meet up with you for a couple of schooners of sauternes

I'm here next week, Tues/Wed nights! Happy to bring something appropriate (in the sauternes department ) or even have a quiet mini-offline!!

[mjs]

You must be a charmer Malcolm.

You always seem to be seated next to the ladies....

^^

(not last Friday of course)

[Cloth Ears]

2010 Angove GSM - Very dark and smooth straight after opening, with the tannins rearing up by the end of the first glass. Purple/red and very full flavoured. Plum, blackberry, cherry and lots of tannin - but all still young and ready to go back to sleep for a while. Not quite what I was expecting. Went extremely well with the beef ribs we were slurping our way through. I suspect the other bottles will benefit from a few more years in the dark.

[Redback]

2014 The Pinot Project - a cheap and cheery Pinot from California, nowhere specific. Served slightly chilled, in a hot and muggy NYC, very quaffable.

[Rossco]

2011 Tahbilk Cab Sav.

This is a great wine in a very poor vintage. Its not going to win awards, but for the price it still bats well above its weight like most
of their estate reds.
Great fruit depth no doubt aided by the declassified reserve grapes that (apparently) went into it. Cassis, earth, leather and liquorice.
Some faint herbs in there, make this a perfect winter pizza wine. Love it.
Only criticism is that its slightly thin, however this could either be due to the wet vintage, the fact its young...or both!

Bought a dozen... only have a few left.

[Dang]

Met Sue Hodder when she was in Calgary recently.
Our friends took us out for dinner and I provided the wines. We start with a 2003 Yattarna. Despite what Penfolds tells you Yattarna was absolutely fresh, crisp and has year to go yet. The red was Grant Burge 2002 Abdenego. The cork broke and the wine received a 2 1/2 hour decanting. Lovely nose, only opened up later with a palate full of red and black fruits especially cassis with lots of spice at the finish. Wonfderful wine with rare beef.

[Rory]

2005 Domaine Fontaine Gagnard 1er Cru La Boudriotte
Amongst all the problems of Premox, probably a good bottle..

Some reduction which I find a tad distracting. Overall, acceptable ageing, complexity and length. Some lemon and lanolin.
Whilst it is interesting, a recent 2005 & 2006 Kooyong Faultline & Ferrago both killed it. And half the price.

[dave vino]

I was fortunate enough to snag pole position at what was a long table set for 40ppl ....

So I guess the conversation all along the table was 'Who's that woman sitting next to our Malcolm?'

LOL

The Pope goes to New York. He is picked up at the airport by a limousine. He looks at the beautiful car and says to the driver, ''You know, I hardly ever get to drive. Would you please let me?''
The driver is understandably hesistant and says, ''I'm sorry, but I don't think I'm supposed to do that.''
But the pope persists, ''Please?''
The driver finally lets up. ''Oh, all right, I can't really say no to the pope.''
So the pope takes the wheel, and boy, is he a speed demon! He hits the gas and goes around 100 mph in a 45 zone. A policeman notices and pulls him over. The cop walks up and asks the pope to roll down the window. Startled and surprised, the young officer asks the pope to wait a minute. He goes back to his patrol car and radios the chief.
Cop: ''Chief, I have a problem.''
Chief: ''What sort of problem?''
Cop: ''Well, you see, I pulled over this guy for driving way over the speed limit but it's someone really important.''
Chief: ''Important like the mayor?''
Cop: ''No, no, much more important than that.''
Chief: ''Important like the governor?''
Cop: ''Wayyyyyy more important than that.''
Chief: ''Like the president?''
Cop: ''More.''
Chief: ''Who's more important than the president?''
Cop: ''I don't know, but he's got the pope DRIVING for him!''

[dave vino]

2002 Yarra Ridge Pinot Noir
Was interested in trying this. A 2002 Yarra Valley Pinot under screwcap. On the label they say enjoy up to 2006. I’m not sure if they do a really conservative date in case the wine falls over before they really think it will last to or they don’t want people hanging onto to it for too long and not buying more. It shows classic cool climate pinot, spices, black peppers, smoky red fruits with a touch of lift. There is still lots of tannins and nice acid (for the village level style of wine it is). So in other words still fresh as a daisy, remarkable really. There is a softness to it which probably comes with age. Blind I would have said 2010 or thereabouts. Great length and palate progression. I am amazed this is only a $20 wine. The screwcap as a closure is flawless, no leakage or dried up seepage.

[michel]

2002 Yarra Ridge Pinot Noir
Was interested in trying this. A 2002 Yarra Valley Pinot under screwcap. On the label they say enjoy up to 2006. I’m not sure if they do a really conservative date in case the wine falls over before they really think it will last to or they don’t want people hanging onto to it for too long and not buying more. It shows classic cool climate pinot, spices, black peppers, smoky red fruits with a touch of lift. There is still lots of tannins and nice acid (for the village level style of wine it is). So in other words still fresh as a daisy, remarkable really. There is a softness to it which probably comes with age. Blind I would have said 2010 or thereabouts. Great length and palate progression. I am amazed this is only a $20 wine. The screwcap as a closure is flawless, no leakage or dried up seepage.

I used to love Yarra Ridge
Where do the grapes go now?

[dave vino]

Not sure, after the 2013 vintage of it was panned, probably into a fruit bowl. I think Fosters owned them, so it would be anyones guess.

[maybs]

A few from the last week

2007 Mauro Veglio barolo vigneto arborino

Decent juice this. 2 hours in the decanter let it open up and soften a little. Nose is rich tar, darkest cherry and a bit of brambliness, plus some leather. Palate is rich tar, underscored by hints of roses, that cherry, some faint minerality. Lovely mid weight with heaps of fine tannins all over my upper gum and the roof of my mouth, exactly where I get good Nebbiolo tannins. Length is strong. Super good drinking and will go a treat with some osso bucco to clean up those tannins.

2008 Apsley Gorge Pinot Noir

Good stuff. These guys only do Chardonnay and Pinot and they do both damn well. Barnyard nose with some meatiness in there as well, hiding some faded red fruit. Palate is silky, more funky barnyard floor, some smokey charcuterie, a hint of the cherry that obviously used to be there. Finish remains medium plus. I'd say this wine has peaked and gone over the hill a bit but still a pleasure to drink, interesting and obvious quality.

2013 Yering Station Village Pinot Noir

Pork for dinner tonight, and pork loves Pinot. An hour in the decanter did this a power of good, settled it down and fleshed it out a bit. Earthy but not funky, dark cherry, silky but with just a bit of grip. Smashable but more complicated than that. Really wonderful value in the $25 a bottle ballpark.

2013 Delamere Chardonnay

Liked this as soon as I opened it. Citrus on the nose, mostly lemon, almost underlying hint of lemon sherbet, plus some white stone fruit. Also mineral elements. All follows through to the palate where the fruit becomes white nectarine dominated and the minerality adds a nice clean feeling. Some judicious oak and a slightly creamy aftertaste are also present and pleasant. Beautifully weighted wine which is a great combination of elegance and power. Very enjoyable and will get better with bottle age I think.

And one from a few weeks ago

1985 Marc Bredif Vouvray

Lots of warm honey on the nose with still hints of cut grass and mineral underlying it. Lovely rich palate of honeyed fruit, a touch of spice, citrus keeping it all in check so it wasn't flabby or out of balance. Medium to long finish crisply pulled into line by some residual acid. Amazingly fresh still and boy I wish I had a few more.