Old tasting notes

Post by **sjw_11** » Sat Jun 27, 2020 11:47 pm

I suddenly had the thought to copy my old tasting notes book into Cellar Tracker... All of these go back quite a few years so the usefulness might be limited but I thought for amusement I would post here as well...

2002 House of Arras E J Carr Late Disgorged - Australia, Tasmania (2/13/2016)
Flagship wine of Arras. Quite a developed gold colour, but still very fresh. Intense and biscuity nose but linear, with good drive. The palate brings a complex array of flavours. Well balanced. Good. Worth $140? Maybe. (94 pts.)
2013 Katie Jones La Gare Old Vines - France, Languedoc Roussillon (2/9/2016)
Great wine- real, serious, new-worldesque, intense. Deep colour but not at all over extracted. Very nice wine. (90 pts.)
2012 Charles Melton Nine Popes - Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Barossa Valley (2/8/2016)
Lighter in colour than expected given the vintage. Clearly Grenache driven. A sweet and fragrant nose with candied plums, lifted yeasty alcohol but all elements in balance. The entry is sweet and lush. Very fresh, clean and fruit driven still. Will make old bones. (89 pts.)
2014 Domaine de Pajot Côtes de Gascogne Les Quatre Cépages - France, Southwest France, Gascony, Côtes de Gascogne (8/28/2015)
Very pale/clear - like water. Simple but clean fruit salad nose. Refreshing if a smidge broad on the palate. Reasonable acid balance. (85 pts.)
2010 Ocaso Single Vineyard Blend - Argentina, Mendoza (8/28/2015)
Mid red, on the nose this is serious- slightly pongy, vegetal but also pure fruit characters as well- like Bordeaux almost. There is an earthiness too. On the palate- tannin. Mouth drying tannin. Serious wine. Would surprise in a blind.
2012 Josetta Saffirio Langhe Alna Rosso - Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Langhe DOC (8/27/2015)
Ripe purple red. Youthful nose full of vibrant plums and blackberry notes. A touch of lifted VA- almost seems slightly higher alcohol than it is. The palate is smooth and fleshy with a strong lick of juicy fruit. Slightly simple but very drinkable. (87 pts.)
2011 Poderi Aldo Conterno Barbera d'Alba Conca Tre Pile - Italy, Piedmont, Alba, Barbera d'Alba (11/7/2014)
Pleasant mid-red. The nose gives an immediate impression of rose petals, dusty red fruit but seems a little reticent. With more air- some liqueur, tar, stock cubes. Juicy and linear. Very well made wine. The palate starts juicy but the tannin sucks out the back end. Maybe give it a couple of years. (90 pts.)
2005 Château Haut-Pauillac - France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac (4/25/2014)
Mid-red, some age. The nose is a little bit damp at first but with a bit of air there is some red berries, underbrush, bright fruit. The palate is juicy, smooth and even. Tannins take a back seat. Quite fresh for a 10yr old. Smooth and harmonious. (92 pts.)
2012 Clonakilla Riesling - Australia, New South Wales, Southern New South Wales, Canberra District (4/27/2013)
Glowing green/yellow. Leaps out with notes of green apple, freshly squeezed lime and lemon pith. The label says "mandarin"- I will pay that. The palate enters with quite a lot of apparent sweetness, but good cleansing acidity. Lemon/lime juice, pith. Such lovely pristine sweet fruit. Label says 15yrs, who am I to argue? (95 pts.)
2011 E. Guigal Condrieu - France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Condrieu (4/23/2013)
Pale yellow/green. The nose is restrained, elegant. There is some cool apricot, more with breathing but also a clean minerality. The palate is subtle and clean, without any hot phenolics- although still quite rich. Delicious. (94 pts.)
2002 d'Arenberg Grenache The Custodian "Loam" - Australia, South Australia, Fleurieu, McLaren Vale (4/21/2013)
Mid brick red. Dense, red fruits, some aged spice/savour mix. The palate is just corked a hint. Still surprisingly tannic. Will it open up? NR (flawed)
2004 Marquis Philips Shiraz 9 - Australia, South Australia, Fleurieu, McLaren Vale (4/20/2013)
Wow. RPJ style wine. Purple still. Liqueur plums. Dense. Alcoholic style.
2012 O'Leary Walker Riesling Polish Hill River - Australia, South Australia, Mount Lofty Ranges, Polish Hill River (3/1/2013)
Clean and crisp. Honey blossom. Maybe that is the slight difference on the nose versus the Watervale. The palate is seamless. (95 pts.)
2008 De Bortoli Shiraz - Viognier - Australia, Victoria, Port Phillip, Yarra Valley (1/20/2013)
Mid-red. Bright red berries. Abundant pepper and very upfront. Lively acidity. (90 pts.)
1999 Grosset Riesling Watervale - Australia, South Australia, Mount Lofty Ranges, Watervale (1/10/2013)
The best of 6 bad bottles. Burnished yellow colour. Slightly candied lime nose. Most of the 6 were badly oxidised. Auction buy so could be a storage issue. NR (flawed)
2006 Mount Horrocks Shiraz Mount Horrocks - Australia, South Australia, Mount Lofty Ranges, Clare Valley (1/10/2013)
Medium bodied. More red fruits than purple. Good.
2002 Annie's Lane Cabernet Merlot - Australia, South Australia, Mount Lofty Ranges, Clare Valley (1/2/2013)
Still quite dense mid-brick red. Thick crust. Sweetly fruited mulberry, mint, and still quite primary. The palate enters sweet and primary. The palate enters sweet and primary with brambly fruit plums and mint. A fair honour to the old Quelltaler. (94 pts.)
2009 Allandale Sémillon - Australia, New South Wales, Hunter Valley (1/2/2013)
Glowing green still. Very pure, enticing nose. Citrus blossom, freshly squeezed lime, slight cordial note. Crisp, fresh palate- long and linear. Terrific wine, will age very nicely for 10+ years. (94 pts.)
2012 Grosset Riesling Alea - Australia, South Australia, Mount Lofty Ranges, Clare Valley (11/28/2012)
Very pale lemon/green. Intriguing musky aroma. Lemon sherbet. Zesty. A little sweetness on the front of the tongue, then a lashing of searing acidity on the back palate. Lovely lemon/lime blossom characters. Tremendous intensity and purity. Sublime. (94 pts.)
2008 Peter Lehmann Shiraz Barossa - Australia, South Australia, Barossa (11/27/2012)
Deep magenta. Intense chocolatey nose. Some may find the saturated liqueur plums a bit much but I love it. Drinking seductively well. Now, but will hold for 5+ years. (93 pts.)
2008 Alpha Box & Dice Grenache Tarot - Australia, South Australia, Fleurieu, Langhorne Creek (11/27/2012)
Deep magenta. Ripe, intense Grenache on steroids, but only a whiff of unbalanced alcohol. Kirsch, liqueur cherries and great length. Lovely. (92 pts.)
2004 Tahbilk Marsanne - Australia, Victoria, Central Victoria, Nagambie Lakes (11/25/2012)
Glowing yellow. The nose is showing delicious typical honeysuckle, dominating any other fruit character. The palate enters with a round of honey, melon, and stone fruit. Quite fresh still. Not at all cloying. Will live another 5. (90 pts.)
2010 Briar Ridge Vineyards Chardonnay Signature Release Karl Stockhausen - Australia, New South Wales, Hunter Valley (11/25/2012)
Quite pale yellow, flecks of green. Serious nose of cashews, peach, and French oak. The palate is quite fresh, with a good, long finish and creamy melon character. Delicious. Best now or by 2015. (90 pts.)
2006 Yering Station Shiraz Viognier Reserve - Australia, Victoria, Port Phillip, Yarra Valley (10/12/2012)
Saturated purple. Very dense on opening, fragrant but closed underneath. Day 2, this is opening up- still dense, chewy. The nose tempts but remains sultry. You have to go in for a taste. The palate is much more expressive, with near endless layers of flavour. Quality but question the QPR. (94 pts.)
1999 Grosset Gaia - Australia, South Australia, Mount Lofty Ranges, Clare Valley (10/11/2012)
Brick red. Belies 13-yrs old though certainly mature. Bordeaux like. Cedar. Old chest of drawers. Some moth balls. Cab Franc clearly present, good supple tannins. Long finish. Very very fine. Drink now? But will hold.

ED: 96pts is probably generous but I will leave it in place, had another bottle of this later on and it was very good- started my love of the Gaia as a really under-rated wine. (96 pts.)
2011 Pepper Tree Sémillon Alluvius - Australia, New South Wales, Hunter Valley (10/11/2012)
Purchased at OddB auctions for $11, vs $30 RRP. Yellow/green. Zesty/pithy nose. Fresh squeezed lime, and lemon essence. Bone dry acidity. Linear with lovely line and length. Would definitely age well. (94 pts.)
2001 Taylors Cabernet Sauvignon Clare Valley - Australia, South Australia, Mount Lofty Ranges, Clare Valley (10/5/2012)
Brick red, some browning befitting an 11 yr old Australian wine. Delicate, unmistakable nose- cool red berries, cedar, eucalypt. Smells "fine grained". The entry is cool and slipper before furry tannins emerge. Mouth lickingly good. This is what its all about.

ED: Even at the time I wrote that the 95 score was in context, this was cellared from release so at the time it was probably one of the wines I had kept the longest before drinking. No idea what "mouth lickingly good" means but there you go. (95 pts.)
2010 St Hallett Shiraz Western Front - Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Barossa Valley (9/20/2012)
Ruby red. Spicy, mid bodied red berries, balanced, good depth, finished a little sharp. (91 pts.)
2010 Rockford Riesling Hand Picked Eden Valley - Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Eden Valley (9/19/2012)
Yellow/green. Clean, crisp nose- citrus, lemon pith/curd. Slightly round, crunchy fruit palate- lemon curd, zesty lime peel. Nice. (90 pts.)
1999 Orlando Riesling St. Helga - Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Eden Valley (9/19/2012)
Candied limes, still hanging in.

ED: I guess it should probably add the word "just" since I didn't feel the need to say anything more. Auction purchase for very little.
2008 Rockford Moppa Springs - Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Barossa Valley (9/16/2012)
Mid/light red, spicy, Grenache driven nose, confected red berries, and liqueur lollies. Mid weight, plush palate. Good length. Opens up nicely over several days. Now to 2015. (92 pts.)
1994 Wolf Blass Shiraz Brown Label - Australia, South Australia (9/15/2012)
Light/pale red. Developed nose but still some vanillin and red fruit (American Oak). Hanging in just. NR (flawed)
1991 Wynns Coonawarra Estate Hermitage - Australia, South Australia, Limestone Coast, Coonawarra (9/4/2012)
Mid/garnet red. Intense crushed red berries, lifted floral notes. Very fresh/clean nose. The palate enters with lashings of sweet fruit, plums, compote and some gamey back notes. Stunning. Will hold, cork permitting (this one was excellent).

ED: $20 from OddB auctions.
2008 De Bortoli Shiraz - Viognier - Australia, Victoria, Port Phillip, Yarra Valley (8/28/2012)
Only mid-red, the nose is a bit quiet/reticent at first- some bright raspberry, mulberry notes, just a hint of apricot from the Viognier. Slipper, medium bodied palate, some fuzzy (Viognier?) grape tannins. Good balance. Long finish. (93 pts.)
1993 Wendouree Cabernet Malbec - Australia, South Australia, Mount Lofty Ranges, Clare Valley (8/28/2012)
Mid-garnet, brown tinged. Sweet mulberry, earth, slight cork mustiness on the nose. Rich concentrated palate. Firm tannin. Lovely balance.
2011 Tulloch Sémillon - Australia, New South Wales, Hunter Valley (8/25/2012)
Very pale green/clear. Crisp, clean, fresh. Chalky/slatey acid balance. Citrus notes. Lemon curd. Crisp finish. Refreshing. Will age. (91 pts.)
1990 Wynns Coonawarra Estate Hermitage - Australia, South Australia, Limestone Coast, Coonawarra (12/2/2011)
Cork pulls clean but 50% stained. Colour is youthful. Blood/plum red, with just a hint of brown and some separation. On the nose it has clean red fruits primary, spice and just a whiff of vegetation. The palate has a green tinge over plums, earth and woody notes. Finishes high strung but clean. Nice wine.

ED: At this price certainly, no great old wines maybe only great old bottles? Especially with unknown provenance. Auction purchase for $25. (92 pts.)
2011 Hugh Hamilton Pinot Grigio The Trickster - Australia, South Australia, Fleurieu, McLaren Vale (11/24/2011)
Very pale green/white (grey). Not at all typical on the nose, Grigio style- all ripe tropical fruit and aromatics. No phenolics/oiliness. Crisp and refreshing through the palate. Slurpability rating 4.5/5.

ED: from memory this was the first Trickster to be PG instead of Verdelho.. and this was absolutely smashable if of course somewhat simple! (90 pts.)
1998 Leasingham Cabernet Malbec Bin 56 - Australia, South Australia, Mount Lofty Ranges, Clare Valley (11/22/2011)
Mid red, slightly brown with bricking. On the nose, quite savoury, with damp earth, but underpinned by ripe/rich berries still. Tobacco leaf, cigar box and dark red fruit. Tannins still there but not over the top. Nice. Now to 2 yrs. (94 pts.)
2010 Hugh Hamilton Viognier The Loose Cannon - Australia, South Australia, Fleurieu, McLaren Vale (11/21/2011)
Pale straw yellow. Reticent nose at first, and clumsy palate of dusty tinned apricots. With breathing a little oil emerges, but the grippy phenolic texture remains. Unappealing right now. (83 pts.)
2005 Wynns Coonawarra Estate Shiraz - Australia, South Australia, Limestone Coast, Coonawarra (9/4/2011)
Dense red, flecked with purple. This is still primary on the nose, all purple fruit, pepper, spice, plum and alcohol. The palate is fruit drenched, with a little heat on the finish. Developing slowly. Plenty of time. Now to 2020. (94 pts.)
2004 Tahbilk Marsanne - Australia, Victoria, Central Victoria, Nagambie Lakes (9/4/2011)
Glowing yellow straw. Developing layers of richness: honey, honey suckle, apricot, and more. Needs food. Good acid still. 5+ years more. (89 pts.)
2002 d'Arenberg Grenache The Custodian "Sand on Clay" - Australia, South Australia, Fleurieu, McLaren Vale (9/3/2011)
Funk and confection, slightly herbal/savoury. Grippy/structured tannins- atypically so for McV Grenache. Now to 1 or 2 years, better than you might think. (90 pts.)
NV Primo Estate Joseph Sparkling Red - Australia, South Australia, Mount Lofty Ranges, Adelaide Plains (9/1/2011)
Approx 2008 disgorgement. Rich, ripe, liquery, over the top but delicious. (92 pts.)
2001 Wendouree Cabernet Malbec - Australia, South Australia, Mount Lofty Ranges, Clare Valley (8/20/2011)
Dense garnet. Dense nose- maybe giving some violets and red fruits. Wow- tannin! Very firm, with just a hint of the lovely fruit depth underneath- Even on day 2! Needs more time. (94 pts.)
2010 Cirillo Grenache The Vincent - Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Barossa Valley (8/20/2011)
Light blood red. Red skin lollies, light cinnamon/spice/all spice. Clean, slightly furry palate, with grippy lingering cherry scented flavours. A bit light but a lot to like. (Note on day 2, the flavours developed a bit deeper, cherry liqueur notes). (91 pts.)
2004 Starvedog Lane Chardonnay Pinot Noir - Australia, South Australia, Mount Lofty Ranges, Adelaide Hills (8/1/2011)
Clear colour, young looking and tasting. Yeasty overtones, apples, complex but crisp. Very nice. (92 pts.)
2008 Luciano Sandrone Barbera d'Alba - Italy, Piedmont, Alba, Barbera d'Alba (8/1/2011)
Mid-red. Quite fresh, with berries, sweet fruit, soft and supple. Food friendly. Good acid. Nice.

ED: Probably the first Barbera d'Alba I had? Or close to it! Bless. (91 pts.)
2001 Coriole Cabernet-Merlot Mary Kathleen Reserve - Australia, South Australia, Fleurieu, McLaren Vale (7/20/2011)
Magenta. Moderate hue. Intense and vibrant nose. Kirsch, vanilla, berries, earth and spice. Rich and ripe but well balanced palate. Now to 2016. (94 pts.)
2004 Rutherglen Estates Marsanne - Australia, Victoria, North East, Rutherglen (7/20/2011)
Pale straw, flecked with green hints. Fresh nose that gives not much away at first- a hint of honey, grass, melon. The palate is rounded, some grip but finishing fresh and clean. Give it another 5 yrs and wait for the magic. Warming up, a little richer and more luscious. Nice. Drink to 2020. (94 pts.)
1996 Yalumba D Black Cuvee - Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Barossa Valley (7/17/2011)
Dense red, the nose has mushrooms, vanilla, stewed red fruits and xmas spice. The mousse is fine, and persistent, and the palate is rich, balanced and sweet. Drinking nicely for a 15-yr old. (90 pts.)
2008 By Farr Pinot Noir Sangreal - Australia, Victoria, Port Phillip, Geelong (7/16/2011)
Ethereal Pinot nose, little hot when warm, more austere and mineral when cooled down a little.

ED: drunk at Bloodwood in Newtown, $110.
2003 Jacob's Creek Shiraz Reserve Barossa - Australia, South Australia, Barossa (7/15/2011)
Thrown a huge crust. Hazy in the glass. Porty, sweet nose and unbalanced "cooked" palate. Awful.

ED: auction buy, probably affected by storage. NR (flawed)
NV Charles Melton Brut Peche - Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Barossa Valley (7/1/2011)
Mainly 2010 Grenache (the version I had). Deep vibrant purple with fighting bubbles. Rich, ripe and confected Grenache fruit. Nice. (86 pts.)
2003 Richmond Grove Riesling Watervale - Australia, South Australia, Mount Lofty Ranges, Watervale (6/19/2011)
Pale yellow, flecked with green hints. The nose is all zesty lime, hints of kero and some citrus. The palate is clean and limey with good cleansing acid. Well balanced. Will age gracefully still. Very fine.

ED: screw cap, from auction but after 6 yrs further cellaring. (94 pts.)
1993 Barossa Valley Estate Shiraz E & E Sparkling - Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Barossa Valley (6/19/2011)
Brick red, hints of mahogany. The nose is rich and ripe, with xmas pudding, plums, spice and some earthy notes. The mousse is fine and lingering. Drinking well. (92 pts.)
2010 Philip Shaw Pink Billy Saignée - Australia, New South Wales, Central Ranges, Orange (6/18/2011)
Pale onion skin. Dry nose of red berry/strawberry. Spice, rose water. Dry and balanced palate. Very fine.

ED: Clearly back then I ran a different scoring system for Rose versus other Rose and this was the best I tried at the time! (94 pts.)
2010 Torbreck Grenache Natural Wine Project - Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Barossa Valley (6/18/2011)
Hazy light red. The nose is sweet red Grenache fruit, spice, red lollies and some funk. The palate is more of the same, gently grippy, slightly sappy. Interesting but I am not a fan. (87 pts.)
1998 Brian Barry Merlot Handpicked juds hill - Australia, South Australia, Mount Lofty Ranges, Clare Valley (6/12/2011)
Still blood red, with some brown tinges/separation. On the nose there is plums, mulberry, with air some violets, purple fruit, earth. The palate is more developed, some wet hessian (cork!) but still gobs of fruit and savoury development with fine, dusty tannin. Astounding and better than the last bottle.

ED: $12 from OddB auctions, 3 yrs previously. (93 pts.)
2010 Mount Ashby Estate Pinot Gris - Australia, New South Wales, South Coast, Southern Highlands (6/12/2011)
Straw coloured. The nose has ripe nashi pear, some Viognier like apricot notes and some oiliness. The palate is quite rich and ripe but not too heavy or grippy. Decent enough. (87 pts.)
2006 Lengs & Cooter Riesling Watervale - Australia, South Australia, Mount Lofty Ranges, Watervale (6/4/2011)
Glowing green/gold, fresh and clean as a daisy. The nose is clean and clear, with lemon, citrus, hardly aged at all. The palate adds good acidity and the slightest hint of kero. Well on the way to powering to 10yrs+. (94 pts.)
2000 Charles Melton Shiraz Southern Flinders Range Old Vines Laura - Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Barossa Valley (6/3/2011)
Dark brick red, some separation. Cooler climate red berry, cherry, pepper and some earthy notes. Nice. Purchase from auction. (91 pts.)
2010 Hugh Hamilton Chardonnay The Scallywag Unwooded - Australia, South Australia, Fleurieu, McLaren Vale (6/2/2011)
Clear and bright, luminous green gold. Hard nose to pick! Crisp, melon, citrus, slightly saline and nutty. The palate is well balanced, crisp, with melon, peach and good acid balance. Slurpy. Nice. (91 pts.)
2006 Bodega & Viñedos San Polo Malbec Auka - Argentina, Mendoza, Valle de Uco, La Consulta (6/1/2011)
Deep purple red, reveals plums, violets, cherries and vanilla. Hints of tar and ripe, stewed fruit. Balanced palate with more of the same. Will last now to 2016.

ED: Despite the disappointing first bottle I hit a good run of these. I have a comment of the same note on 2x other bottles. (93 pts.)
2009 Clos Clare Riesling Watervale - Australia, South Australia, Mount Lofty Ranges, Watervale (5/28/2011)
Yellow/green. Lime zest, citrus, and cut grass (?), olive oil, fresh and clean. The palate is clean but a little fat. Citrus. Not "aged". No kero. Little closed right now. Give it 2 more years and then drink for the next 3-5. (90 pts.)
2009 Hungerford Hill Chardonnay Tumbarumba - Australia, New South Wales, Southern New South Wales, Tumbarumba (5/28/2011)
Cool climate. Melons, stone fruit. Hint of malo? Smooth and not over-ripe, with well balanced acid. Little tight right now?

ED: I appear to have scored this 097, which is not a score. So I am going to guess I meant 90. (90 pts.)
2000 Chain of Ponds Pinot Noir Jerusalem Section - Australia, South Australia, Mount Lofty Ranges, Adelaide Hills (5/24/2011)
Mid (Pinot) red with amazing sediment. On opening: manure! Barnyard, rustic, rough. A little air and oh my word, it is better than 3 years ago! There is some slippery red fruit, spice, cherry, dust and earth on the nose. The palate is still supple, with cherry/berry red fruit, spice and just a hint of funk. Astonishing.

ED: I had a 6 of these clean skin for a very cheap price. I have double noted "just astonishing" and scribbled "bright red fruit!!" as an amendment to the above, plus originally scored it 94-95 but I am going to chalk that to the surprise bonus! (90 pts.)
2003 De Bortoli Noble One Botrytis Sémillon - Australia, New South Wales, Big Rivers, Riverina (5/24/2011)
Amber. Luscious nose. Kumquats, orange peel, marmalade, apricot. Rich palate. OK balance.

ED: one of the last of these to be bottled under cork? (90 pts.)
2005 Hugh Hamilton The Scoundrel - Australia, South Australia, Fleurieu, McLaren Vale (5/24/2011)
Still mid red, not much age. Cherry/red fruits. Porty? OK, not great. (87 pts.)
1997 Wendouree Shiraz Malbec - Australia, South Australia, Mount Lofty Ranges, Clare Valley (5/21/2011)
Still densely coloured, just some bricking to brown. The nose is plush and perfumed- red berries, cherry, violet. The mouthfeel is supply but still firm with tannin. Four years old? Nope, 14. Glorious drinking. Now to at least 10-yrs.

From auction, but cellared a further 7 yrs. (95 pts.)
2008 Rockford Riesling Hand Picked Eden Valley - Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Eden Valley (5/18/2011)
Glowing yellow/green in the glass. The nose is dominated by lime juice, lemon blossom and a slight hint of oil. Fresh cut lime as well. On the palate there is puckering acid, chalky minerality, and lifted freshly squeezed lime. Now to 10yrs, if the cork allows. Very fine. (93 pts.)
2002 Kilikanoon Shiraz Prophecy - Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Barossa Valley (5/12/2011)
Still intense deep red, this is still surprisingly primary on the nose. Rich, ripe Barossa fruit, plummy essence, toasty oak and more. Drinking very well. Now to 5-yrs, but will hold for 10.

ED: From a dozen sold by the winery as a back vintage special. I doubt I have the 5 left in CT, but I definitely have at least a couple. Must dig them out! (93 pts.)

Post by **sjw_11** » Sat Jun 27, 2020 11:48 pm

1990 Wynns Coonawarra Estate Hermitage - Australia, South Australia, Limestone Coast, Coonawarra (5/12/2011)
Brick/mahogany. Some fruit still clear on the nose/plummy flesh, with secondary development clear. Still "clean" and very interesting, but not holding as well as the '86. (90 pts.)
2010 Turkey Flat Butchers Block White - Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Barossa Valley (5/12/2011)
Lush, rich apricot, melon, round white fruit flavours. Balanced palate- right acid versus body. Will develop.

ED: I have a note "(CHM)" which implies this was provided by my friend, but I also seem to show one of these still in my cellar... hmmm. (90 pts.)
2010 Wynns Coonawarra Estate Riesling - Australia, South Australia, Limestone Coast, Coonawarra (5/8/2011)
Yellow/straw. Floral, green apple/slightly fat/broad. Not as linear/acidic as Clare/EV. May still age OK? (87 pts.)
2008 Best's Great Western Shiraz Bin No 1 - Australia, Victoria, Western Victoria, Great Western (5/6/2011)
Deep purple red. On the first night it seemed disjointed, with the acid poking through (despite decanting). On the second night it was better, ripe, spicy fruit (still cool climate), plus pepper, plums and oak notes. Nice wine. Now to 2020.

ED: while I am sure I have less than the 7 bottles recorded, I certainly have at least 5 left, so I hope my note was conservative! (91 pts.)
2006 Bodega & Viñedos San Polo Malbec Auka - Argentina, Mendoza, Valle de Uco, La Consulta (5/1/2011)
This is well packaged- tall bottle, deep punt, foil and nice label. All of $9 at Leichhardt. The first nose is all plums and sour cherries, little tart, savoury. Carrying through. OK.
2010 Moppity Vineyards Riesling Lock & Key Single Vineyard - Australia, New South Wales, Southern New South Wales, Hilltops (4/18/2011)
Green/yellow. Intense lime juice. Chalky palate. Fresh over 2-3 days. OK. Now to 3-yrs. (90 pts.)
2008 Dowie Doole Second Nature Cabernet Shiraz Merlot - Australia, South Australia, Fleurieu, McLaren Vale (4/17/2011)
Brick red, this has dusty red fruit on the nose. There is spice and some French oak? The palate is medium bodied with a panoply of gentle red fruits. Medium length. (87 pts.)
1994 Charles Melton Nine Popes - Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Barossa Valley (4/16/2011)
Mid-red, the nose is sweet and perfumed, the Grenache and Shiraz melding. The palate is still hanging together, quite sweet red fruit and attractive length.

ED: Auction purchase, all of $25. I had a couple I think, bad labels but the wine was good. (92 pts.)
2009 Taylors Shiraz - Australia, South Australia, Mount Lofty Ranges, Clare Valley (4/13/2011)
Deeply magenta/purple hued- young still. On the nose there is vanilla, deep red fruits, cherries, and a hint of spice. The palate is a little sweet, but the 14% abv is under control, and the finish is long and lingering, dry and fine. Excellent value. (92 pts.)
2007 Greg Norman Australia Estates Shiraz - Australia, South Australia, Limestone Coast (4/7/2011)
A melange of deep fruits, in balance, gentle tannin. Now to 2013. Profound VFM. (90 pts.)
1994 Hardys Cabernet Sauvignon Padthaway - Australia, South Australia, Limestone Coast, Padthaway (4/6/2011)
The label says French and US oak, drink 6-8 years. Well 17yrs on, there is a mature looking wine in the glass- brick red, tinged with brown. On the nose there is sweat, leather, cigar box, and pencil shavings, with deep red fruit poking through. The palate is still loaded with fruit at the front, finishing dry and with monster tannins (probably won't ever soften!). Astounding! (94 pts.)
2001 Jacob's Creek Cabernet Sauvignon - Australia, South Eastern (3/30/2011)
Dense red, brick at the edges but still purple-tinted. On the nose, vanillin dominates- clearly US oak. There is some dense blackberry, briar patch and spice. The palate is juicy, lush and supple, with gentle tannin and good structure. A surprise package. Now to 2020.

ED: clearly I awarded bonus points for surprise! $8 from Oddbins auctions. (92 pts.)
2009 Jim Barry Riesling Watervale - Australia, South Australia, Mount Lofty Ranges, Watervale (3/23/2011)
Pale green/yellow. Juicy limes on the nose, some lemon sherbet, with just a hint of kero. Intense, juicy lime palate, well defined and linear. Ageing nicely. (93 pts.)
1992 Noon Vintage Port - Australia, South Australia, Fleurieu, McLaren Vale (3/18/2011)
Mid-red, intense lifted nose, still intense, vibrant and spirity.

ED: I do not remember this at all... GHMs cellar? (93 pts.)
2006 Herdade do Esporão Esporão Reserva Branco - Portugal, Alentejano, Alentejo, Reguengos (2/28/2011)
The fermentation in Amewrican oak is clear in the spun straw colour but the age is not. On the nose this smells like Chardonnay, all buttery with the oak smelling finely grained. There is honeyed peach too. The palate is rich but quite lean with good weight - the oak perhaps drinking the finish a little. Good.

ED: what did "rich but quite lean" mean? Who knows. (89 pts.)
2004 Rockford Moppa Springs - Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Barossa Valley (2/27/2011)
Deep brick red, intense red currant and briar nose, sweet juicy palate. Long and defined.

ED: I chopped a point off the historical score, I suspect his might have been a great night colouring the enthusiasm! (93 pts.)
2004 McGuigan Riesling Earth's Portrait - Australia, South Australia, Limestone Coast (2/27/2011)
Purchased from auction. Olive oil green/yellow. On the nose there is lime juice, just a hint of kero and lime zest. Still fresh. The palate is clean but trending to fat. Drink now, but holding well. (89 pts.)
2005 Hugh Hamilton Petit Verdot The Nutter - Australia, South Australia, Fleurieu, McLaren Vale (2/5/2011)
Ruby, flecked with purple- amazing colour still. The nose is rich, hedonistic, new world- all glycerol and purple haze fruit (but only 15% abv). Plums, blackcurrant, and the same on the palate with oak and spice. Still young. Deep and profound.

ED: originally scored 95, moderated down slightly to fit my scoring curve a bit better. (94 pts.)
2010 Taylors Riesling - Australia, South Australia, Mount Lofty Ranges, Clare Valley (2/4/2011)
Pristine aromas of lemon peel, lemon sherbet, and lime. Pure as anything. The palate is the same- linear with chalky acidity. (93 pts.)
1998 Tatachilla Cabernet Sauvignon Padthaway - Australia, South Australia, Limestone Coast, Padthaway (1/31/2011)
Unlikely hero this- magenta still, all blackcurrant and vanilla spice on the nose. Deeply fruited and satisfying. (90 pts.)
1997 d'Arenberg Grenache The Custodian - Australia, South Australia, Fleurieu, McLaren Vale (1/30/2011)
Cellar release purchase from c2004. Mid-red, soft and spicy on the nose, but none of the confectionery you might expect - a very good wine and a surprise. (87 pts.)
1999 Penfolds Shiraz Bin 28 Kalimna - Australia, South Australia (1/26/2011)
Deep magenta. There is an unmistakably "green" character. With more air, more fruit emerges.

ED: From GHMs cellar, explaining the limited notes. (88 pts.)
2006 Browns of Padthaway Riesling - Australia, South Australia, Limestone Coast, Padthaway (1/24/2011)
Purchased at auction for all of $8. Luminous yellow/green- enticing colour. On the nose there is honey, lime, blossom and overall it is very aromatic and pleasant. The palte is fresh and clean with soft acid and only a hint of the age, with a pleasant mouthfeel. Astounding. (94 pts.)
2007 Domaine Chandon (Australia) Brut - Australia, South Eastern (1/20/2011)
Brioche, toast, some cool climate apple like notes. Linear and precise. Very fine. (92 pts.)
2004 Hugh Hamilton Merlot The Ratbag - Australia, South Australia, Fleurieu, McLaren Vale (1/20/2011)
Tasted twice in quick succession. Dense, fleshy black/sweet fruits, plums, xmas pudding. Still good weight and length. Pleasant, drink now. (88 pts.)
2007 Te Mata Estate Chardonnay Woodthorpe - New Zealand, North Island, Hawke's Bay (1/19/2011)
Good colour, green, just deepening to yellow. There is a creamyness to the wine- evidence of malo and perhaps some solid treatment. I would say a little fine-grained French oak and plenty of primary fruit (melons) on the well balanced palate. (90 pts.)
1980 Chateau Reynella Vintage Port - Australia, South Australia, Fleurieu, McLaren Vale (1/15/2011)
Dense red- no hint of 30yrs age. Nose astounding with yeasty notes and intense red fruits. In the mouth sublime and balanced. Now until the end of time. Original score- 97.

ED: from GHM's cellar, I suspect a very pleasant and successful evening drove the original points, so I have moderated slightly to match my modern curve! (94 pts.)
2008 Hewitson Riesling Gun Metal - Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Eden Valley (1/15/2011)
Very clean and pure- lime juice and blossom. Well structured palate. (91 pts.)
2002 Hugo Shiraz Reserve - Australia, South Australia, Fleurieu, McLaren Vale (1/5/2011)
Purchased from cellar door, 5 years before. Mid magenta, the colour giving an indication of the age. Still intense on the nose- plums, spice, earthy notes. Dense palate, soft tannins. At or just past the peak. (89 pts.)
2008 d'Arenberg Shiraz The Footbolt - Australia, South Australia, Fleurieu, McLaren Vale (1/2/2011)
Deep purple tinged magenta, this has a profoundly intense nose of bright plum, spice, vanillin and some glycerol. The palate is warm and full flavoured but generous and the alcohol is still under control. Will live a long time (2020). (93 pts.)
2009 Jacob's Creek Riesling Reserve - Australia, South Australia, Barossa (1/2/2011)
Clean, clear in the glass, crisp fruit, lime, cordial, linear, defined palate. Shows the quality of their fruit. (92 pts.)
1992 Bowen Estate Riesling - Australia, South Australia, Limestone Coast, Coonawarra (12/27/2010)
Still yellow in colour this has citrus notes, not overly aged and the palate remains harmonious. A surprise! (88 pts.)
1981 Wolf Blass Black Label - Australia, South Australia (12/26/2010)
80% Langhorne Creek. Deep magenta, better colour than expected. Still deeply fruited on the nose, opening up with air. Harmonious and red fruited palate. (94 pts.)
2006 Cullen Wines Sauvignon Blanc Sémillon Mangan Vineyard - Australia, Western Australia, South West Australia, Margaret River (12/26/2010)
Second taste. Still green/yellow, some sea salt/maritime notes against fresh citrus. Clean/crisp palate. Good acid. With the screw cap this could live for a decade. (93 pts.)
1997 Tyrrell's Sémillon Vat 1 - Australia, New South Wales, Hunter Valley (12/25/2010)
Even "younger" looking than a 2001 Steingarten riesling had on the same day, this is glowing green/yellow. Aromas of citrus, lanolin and more. Clean and pure. (95 pts.)
1997 Château Pibran - France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac (12/25/2010)
Brick red, cedar, cigar box, black currant aromas, dusty tannins. Very good. (94 pts.)
2001 Jacob's Creek Riesling Steingarten - Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Eden Valley (12/25/2010)
Still yellow/green, no hint of age in the colour. On the nose there is pristine lime/citrus, just a hint of kero. The palate has good acid and citrus, just a touch fat. (93 pts.)
2010 Orlando Riesling St. Helga - Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Eden Valley (12/24/2010)
Very pretty, floral, lime driven aromas and a pristine palate. Line and length all good. (93 pts.)
2001 Glaetzer Shiraz Bishop - Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Barossa Valley (12/24/2010)
Brick red, some dusty red fruits and hints of vanilla. Gentle tannins. Drying out a bit. (88 pts.)
2003 Penfolds Shiraz Bin 28 Kalimna - Australia, South Australia (12/17/2010)
Mid brick red colour, looking a little advanced but there is still some purple flecks. The nose shows spicy red fruit with vanilla and plum. The palate grows more expressive with air, there is plenty of weight and tannin still. Plum, christmas pudding, oak. Pretty good, a little dumb right now? (88 pts.)
2010 Briar Ridge Vineyards Cellar Release Semillon Sauvignon Blanc - Australia, New South Wales, Hunter Valley (12/17/2010)
Clean yellow/green in the glass. This is quite grassy/herbaceous with a clean, crisp lemon/lemongrass and citrus palate and good acid balance. (88 pts.)
2009 Rymill Shiraz The Yearling - Australia, South Australia, Limestone Coast, Coonawarra (12/14/2010)
Deep red in the glass, this has spicy red fruit and vanillin oak on the nose. The palate is juicy and fleshy with supple, grippy tannins and a lingering spicy finish. Good value. (88 pts.)
1998 Mitchell Riesling Watervale - Australia, South Australia, Mount Lofty Ranges, Watervale (12/10/2010)
Clear yellow/gold, still definitely an attractive colour. The nose has candied apricot, honey, a hint of kero and some lingering citrus. On the palate there is apparent sweetness, but good acid too. Very nice. (92 pts.)
2010 Briar Ridge Vineyards Verdelho Cellar Reserve - Australia, New South Wales, Hunter Valley (12/2/2010)
Vibrant yellow green in the glass. The nose is a riot of fruit salad with waxy citrus. The palate is classically broad but a bit bland/fat. Crisp and refreshing with a little hint of honey. Nice. (86 pts.)
2006 Waimea Estate Riesling Classic - New Zealand, South Island, Nelson, Waimea Plains (11/21/2010)
Clear pale green/yellow, no hint of the 4-yrs of age in the colour. The nose has lots of tart citrus, lime cordial and just a passing whiff of zero. The palate drives the citrus notes through with a good acid balance. Now to 5+ years. (93 pts.)
2008 Seifried Zweigelt Sylvia - New Zealand, South Island, Nelson (11/18/2010)
Soft plum red in the glass, this has unusual, slightly savoury aromas mixed with red fruits and ginger bread spice. Soft and supple tannins complete a red bodied and food friendly style. Drink now. (87 pts.)
2010 Greenhough Sauvignon Blanc - New Zealand, South Island, Nelson (11/14/2010)
Incredibly clean but out of this world intense, and I don't normally enthuse over sauvignon blanc. Gooseberry, cats pea, and abundant ripe fruit. The works. Best in Nelson. (94 pts.)
2010 Fromm La Strada Rosé - New Zealand, South Island, Marlborough (11/12/2010)
Very pale (pinot!) onion skin pink. On the nose there is savoury notes, pink blush, the palate has a hint of sweetness but balanced. (89 pts.)
2004 Marquis Philips Shiraz - Australia, South Eastern (11/10/2010)
Purple now browning- looks deep but fading. The nose is more expressive with air but has a definite porty edge. There is soft violet fruit and yeasty/alcohol notes fading away. The palate has softened with age and has dark fruits, vanillin, and just slightly porty. Finally carrying its eye popping 15.5% abv.

ED: Wow what a different note to a year before, how curious. (86 pts.)
2010 Knappstein Riesling - Australia, South Australia, Mount Lofty Ranges, Clare Valley (11/8/2010)
Fresh and clean as a daisy with lively acid and very pure lime zest. (94 pts.)
2009 Head Wines Sémillon Old Vine - Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Barossa Valley (11/8/2010)
100 dozen made. Grassy green/yellow, this has a tangy nose of lemon and citrus, with lemon sherbet dominant on the palate. Clean if a little fat. (89 pts.)
1994 Henschke Keyneton Estate - Australia, South Australia, Barossa (11/1/2010)
Dull brick red, sweetly fruited plums on the nose. The palate is more of the same. Clearly concentrated when made. I liked it. (94 pts.)
2002 d'Arenberg The Galvo Garage - Australia, South Australia, Fleurieu, McLaren Vale (11/1/2010)
Brick red, some separation. Deep Cabernet fruit, blackberry, spice, earth and some chocolate notes. Fine dusty tannins. (93 pts.)
2008 Hugh Hamilton The Scoundrel - Australia, South Australia, Fleurieu, McLaren Vale (11/1/2010)
Impenetrable purple/garnet in the glass. The nose is closed- bottle shock, youth or a bit of both? There is a savoury note, dried leaves, plums, spice. A complex mix. On the palate it sits a bit like a heavy weight on the tongue- the cab adding body, but still supple. (90 pts.)
2009 Peter Lehmann Sémillon Barossa - Australia, South Australia, Barossa (10/29/2010)
Pale yellow/green in the glass. On the nose unmistakably Semillon- there is chalk, cut grass, citrus and lanolin. The palate is clean and not too grassy, with a good acidity and minerality. A cracker for the price. This will age! (92 pts.)
2008 Peter Lehmann Shiraz Barossa - Australia, South Australia, Barossa (10/26/2010)
Garnet red, typically PL not purple. The nose is very lifted with clear oak characters overlaying spiced plum, vanilla (French or US oak?). Deeply fruited but not over the top despite 14.5% (!) alcohol. The palate is a bit simple with sweet fruit, alcohol body, and smooth supple tannins. May age to 5 years (2013) and not longer?

ED: Wow, do I really still have 5 of these in 2020?? Probably not but I am sure at least 3 are still lying around... I hope my drinking window was a bit off! (90 pts.)
2006 Cullen Wines Sauvignon Blanc Sémillon Mangan Vineyard - Australia, Western Australia, South West Australia, Margaret River (10/23/2010)
This has 21% lees contact and 15% new oak. The label says now to 10-yrs and the colour- all clean, clear pale green/yellow seems to confirm. On the nose there is cut grass, citrus, yeast/leesy notes. Savoury. The palate is balanced, savoury and nuanced. Most interesting wine. (92 pts.)
2009 Briar Ridge Vineyards Cellar Release Semillon Sauvignon Blanc - Australia, New South Wales, Hunter Valley (10/20/2010)
Despite the new vintage being out already you could mistake this for it. The colour is very pale yellow/green and on the nose there is citrus, cut grass, some gooseberry and more- aromatic, fruity and complex fruit. The palate is completely fresh and clean, with loads of lime/passion fruit/gooseberry. The semillon and Sav B merge wonderfully. Sweet as.

ED: I must have been smoking the good stuff, I think that is the highest score I ever gave SSB but I am sure it was decent! (94 pts.)
1999 Wolf Blass Riesling Gold Label - Australia, South Australia (10/16/2010)
Yellow in the glass, still flecked with notes of green. The bottle bearing more gold than Ice-T. On the nose there is lime, smoke, oil/lanolin, and just a hint of honey and kero. The palate enters with juicy lime and then a hit of acid, closing with lingering honeyed characters. At the peak of its development. Very fine. (94 pts.)
2004 Peter Lehmann Shiraz Barossa - Australia, South Australia, Barossa (10/14/2010)
Brick red- little separation still. On the nose this is lovely with soft spicy red fruits, a hint of cherry and vanillin, and deeply scented- still young. The palate is true with soft velvety tannins, red berries, gentle vanilla oak, and the tannins just softening to perfection. Soft, supple and rewarding. (93 pts.)
2008 Hungerford Hill Boytrytis Sémillon Riverina - Australia, New South Wales, Big Rivers, Riverina (10/9/2010)
Green flecked gold in the glass, notes of cumquat, lime, honey, orange peel/marmalade leap out of the glass. On the palate its rich and luscious but with a fine racy acidity to lighten the palate. There is orange blossom, sweetness and a lingering honey note. Very, very fine. (95 pts.)
2002 d'Arenberg The Laughing Magpie Shiraz-Viognier - Australia, South Australia, Fleurieu, McLaren Vale (10/9/2010)
Magenta, hints of brown. On the nose there is lashings of stewed plum with a hint of violets and perfume lingering from the Viognier (co-fermented). With eight years the sweet fruit has loosened into a supple smooth-tannined elegance. Soft, still juicy, divine. Top wine. Now to 2-3 yrs.

ED: Posting this in 2020 it is amazing to see such positive recent comments- my window was surely conservative! (94 pts.)
2005 Brian Barry Riesling Juds Hill - Australia, South Australia, Mount Lofty Ranges, Clare Valley (10/8/2010)
Glowing yellow green, the colour of this screams "still young" an assertion only partly held up by the rest of the wine. On the nose there is kero but also lychees (the wine was late picked) and some honey. The palate hits with lime and fruit but the back end is already a bit faded and a little dried out. Re-tasted on day 2 I thought this was maybe a bit negative.

ED: Probably irrelevant now- if it was doubtful in 2010 it is surely gone in 2020! (89 pts.)
2010 Skillogalee Riesling - Australia, South Australia, Mount Lofty Ranges, Clare Valley (9/26/2010)
First bottle of the 2010 Rieslings. Very clear, pale green/yellow. On the nose there is citric acid, lime juice and a floral note. The palate is wonderfully crisp, fresh and linear, with a purity of fruit and great poise. One to lay away. (93 pts.)
2009 Head Wines Grenache Old Vine Greenock - Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Barossa Valley (9/25/2010)
Very perfumed nose- confection, berry flavours, gentle spice. The palate has pleasant grip, fine tannins, sweet juicy fruit- cherries, perfume, violets and good balance. 100 dozen made. Very fine. (95 pts.)
2008 Briar Ridge Vineyards Pinot Noir Chardonnay - Australia, New South Wales, Hunter Valley (9/25/2010)
Fresh, clean nose. Attractive fruit driven palate with nice bead and mousse. Very fresh and pleasant. Will develop. (90 pts.)
2008 Hungerford Hill Chardonnay Tumbarumba - Australia, New South Wales, Southern New South Wales, Tumbarumba (9/17/2010)
Green/yellow in the glass- looks youthful. On the nose there is lashings of peach, toasted oak, cashew richness- yum. The palate is fresh, well balanced- with sweet melon/peach. Very fine. (94 pts.)
2009 Briar Ridge Vineyards Gewürztraminer Cellar Reserve - Australia, New South Wales, Hunter Valley (9/12/2010)
Yellow green in the glass, this leaps out with notes of lychees, rose water and Turkish delight. The palate is a little thin, with rose/lychee and pear and quite good balance (phenolics under control). Not too much sweetness and alcohol is controlled. Fresh and appealing but lacking the depth to be very good. (86 pts.)
1991 Mitchelton Riesling Blackwood Park - Australia, Victoria (9/3/2010)
Golden honey coloured, the nose bears it through- some honey, orange blossom (botrytis?). The palate is a bit lean but not without all richness. No kero but some ripe fruit. A truly heroic wine- but drink up still! NR (flawed)
2009 Briar Ridge Vineyards Shiraz Old Vines - Australia, New South Wales, Hunter Valley (9/2/2010)
Deep purple red, this is dense- it smells "chewy". There is leather, plums, earth. The palate is smooth but deeply fruited. There is a hint of perfume. Will it unwind? Where is the savoury?

ED: I wonder if I really do still have another bottle of this left in 2020? If so it will be fascinating to compare the notes! (88 pts.)
2007 Tintara Shiraz Mills End - Australia, South Australia, Fleurieu, McLaren Vale (8/23/2010)
Dense purple/red/black, this has a jammy McLaren Vale nose of plum, spice, chocolate and vanillin. The palate is smooth (better now than younger?) and is well balanced. Excellent value. (91 pts.)
2007 Dalwhinnie Chardonnay Moonambel Pyrenees - Australia, Victoria, Western Victoria, Pyrenees (8/21/2010)
Complex and structured with lashings of rich buttery melon and toasty French oak. Fine and very long. Excellent.

ED: Had at Cumulus Inc in Melbourne, AU$80. (94 pts.)
2008 Majella Cabernet Sauvignon - Australia, South Australia, Limestone Coast, Coonawarra (8/20/2010)
Deeply purple and chockablock with blackcurrant/cassis, chocolate, and purple cherries/black cherry. Quite velvety and soft tannins. Delicious. Early drinking vintage?

ED: From a restaurant in Chapel St, $52 AU. (94 pts.)
2008 Coop Jesus del Perdon La Mancha Mundo Yuntero - Spain, Castilla-La Mancha, La Mancha (8/15/2010)
Deep ruby red. Dusty oak (?), bright cherry nose- clear, simple and attractive. The palate enters soft, sweetly fruited and with a supple mouthfeel (but not overly glyceric or velvet). There is some confection, a little one dimensional but very pleasant. Now to 2014. (91 pts.)
1994 Coriole Cabernet-Merlot Mary Kathleen Reserve - Australia, South Australia, Fleurieu, McLaren Vale (8/14/2010)
Deep red, this is profound on t he nose. Dusty red currant, mint, oak, all integrated and hedonistic. The palate has softened with just some aged funk, you would never guess the age. Just superb. Smooth as silk and worth the RRP. Cedar and cigar box as well. (95 pts.)
2007 Domaine André Brunel Côtes du Rhône Cuvée Sommelongue - France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Côtes du Rhône (8/9/2010)
Purple-tinged red, the nose sappy, performed- violets- and some alcohol lift. There is red (sour) cherry and this carries through into the mouth. The feel is soft, delicate, with very fresh red berry (carbonic maceration?) and gentle tannins. For early drinking? Nice.

ED: Clearly this bottle showed better than the one 3 months earlier and equally clearly I forgot completely I had already made a note on this wine when I wrote this! (89 pts.)
2006 Château de Fontenille - France, Bordeaux (8/9/2010)
Deep magenta. Firm on the nose- blackcurrant cassis laid over cedar. Some red fruit and spice too. Unwinds a bit in the glass. Firm palate structure- little lean maybe but not at all green. Bloody good value, well structured wine.

ED: $14.95 at UWC at a time when that was probably the cheapest thing they sold. (87 pts.)
2009 Jim Barry Riesling Watervale - Australia, South Australia, Mount Lofty Ranges, Watervale (8/2/2010)
Very pale, yellow/green still. The nose is of lime and citrus oil- fresh, lifted aromatics. The palate is intense and lean. Racy and moreish. (94 pts.)
2006 Wynns Coonawarra Estate Cabernet Sauvignon - Australia, South Australia, Limestone Coast, Coonawarra (7/26/2010)
Mid-red, good clarity. The nose is soft and spicy, with dusty fruit and blackcurrant. The palate is well balanced with dusty tannins and spicy red fruit. Darker on day 1 than day 2- slipping? Maybe only mid-term cellaring. Nice. (91 pts.)
2008 Bremerton Tamblyn Cabernet Shiraz Malbec Merlot - Australia, South Australia, Fleurieu, Langhorne Creek (7/25/2010)
Deep red/claret coloured. Aromas of cherry, vanilla and spice. US oak? The palate is smooth and luxuriant. Very good now or may improve for 3-10 yrs. (92 pts.)
2008 Seppelt Shiraz Chalambar - Australia, Victoria (7/22/2010)
Youthful purple rimmed red, bursting with purple spicy fruit, pepper, plum, and rich fruit. The palate is cool, a little lean? There is flavours of briar patch, water plums, and greenness. The mouthfeel is elegant. Good value. Now to 2016. 89-90 pts.

ED: I have no idea what water plums are either, but that is what I wrote! (89 pts.)
2008 Vinhos Sogrape Alvarinho Vinho Verde Morgadio da Torre - Portugal, Minho, Vinho Verde (7/21/2010)
Pale yellow in the glass, this shows stone fruits, and apple/pears. The palate is texturally divine, golden with ripe fruits (melon/cashew). Chardonnay like but refined. Good depth and length of flavour.

ED: To be fair, this was tasted on my birthday and it was probably my first purchase from the Portuguese bottle shop in Petersham before I had wines from Portugal before! (94 pts.)
2008 Von Roland Velich Blaufränkisch - Austria, Burgenland (7/1/2010)
Mid dull red. Funk, light fruit on the nose. Pale cherry- pinot fruit but not dense. The palate has red fruit and spice and is light and fresh. Interesting but a bit disappointing (AU$44.95 from UWC). (88 pts.)
2007 Staete Landt Sauvignon Blanc - New Zealand, South Island, Marlborough (6/5/2010)
Very good, very textural and complex. Extremely nice. Drink up though.

ED: what was I going on about? Apparently the first wine I made a note of after I moved to Stanmore. Perhaps I was tired and emotional. (93 pts.)
1999 Brian Barry Riesling Juds Hill - Australia, South Australia, Mount Lofty Ranges, Clare Valley (6/4/2010)
Less than 2000 doz produced, this was once "outstanding" according to the label. Now its dark gold and past its best. The nose is off-sweet and slightly oxidised. The palate is lean- the flavours gone. Interesting and just drinkable but this is an ex-wine. NR (flawed)
2002 Chapel Hill Shiraz - Australia, South Australia, Fleurieu, McLaren Vale (5/15/2010)
Restrained vanillin nose, dusty red berries, still fresh. The palate is good. (92 pts.)
2009 Yalumba Vermentino - Australia, South Australia (5/14/2010)
Very pale- green water. Fresh and inviting nose- has a slight, green or herbaceous note? Green pea? Gooseberry? The palate is clean but linear. Fresh and well balanced acidity. Good food wine. Vine age - future impact? (87 pts.)
2007 Domaine André Brunel Côtes du Rhône Cuvée Sommelongue - France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Côtes du Rhône (5/7/2010)
Mid-red, light, French. Nose is light with cherries, confected (reminds me even of carbonic maceration?). Teasing it out its sweet and pleasing but simple. The palate is more of the same. Lacking depth or am I spoiled by Australian ripe wines? Pleasant.

ED: Original note still gave 91 but I can't imagine why. (87 pts.)
2007 Bremerton Tamblyn Cabernet Shiraz Malbec Merlot - Australia, South Australia, Fleurieu, Langhorne Creek (5/5/2010)
Dense ruby-red, this displays distinct vanilla and crushed berries on the nose, with a clear cassis note and some dusty eucalyptus. The palate is juicy and clean with good length and balance. Will develop up to 10 years. Nice. (92 pts.)
2008 Lindeman's Sémillon Bin 0855 - Australia, New South Wales, Hunter Valley (5/2/2010)
Youthful pale green/yellow appearance. On the nose there is cut grass with lime and herbaceous notes. Just a hint of oiliness. The palate is lean and pure with an almost mineral quality- fresh and clean. Needs 5+ years and it will achieve greatness.

ED: adding this in 2020, I hope some of the people still holding this in Cellar Tracker actually still have the wine and can open one and give an update! (93 pts.)
2005 Shelmerdine Red Hat Shiraz Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon - Australia, Victoria, Central Victoria, Heathcote (2/25/2010)
Mid red, some brown. Nose is savoury, with dusty red fruit, earth and powder box characters. The palate has some spicy flesh still. Quite drinkable. (86 pts.)
2009 Pizzini Sangiovese Rosetta - Australia, Victoria, North East, King Valley (2/24/2010)
Very pale red- lolly water in the glass, this has a pure and restrained nose of fresh strawberry, musk, and rose ice cream. The palate is nicely dry with more fresh strawberry and excellent acid balance. Very cleansing, not at all over sweet. Nice wine. (90 pts.)
1998 Brian Barry Merlot Handpicked juds hill - Australia, South Australia, Mount Lofty Ranges, Clare Valley (2/20/2010)
This small production (560 doz) single vineyard red is holding up amazingly well. It shows mid brick red tones, with a nose that is slightly vegetal (a little corked?) with green herbaceous hints over mixed berry. The palate is supply and sweet. Genuinely delicious.

ED: had BYO in Balmain or was it actually Lilyfield? Cannot remember the place though- I think middle eastern. (87 pts.)
2007 Brokenwood Chardonnay Umpires - Australia, New South Wales (1/30/2010)
Classically Chardonnay- oaked- gold in the glass, this has an upright and mature nose making much of fine-grained French oak and rich, furry peach. The palate is full bodied and rich with stone fruits and gentle oak characters. Will age- now to 2012. (92pts for Aus ranking). (89 pts.)
2005 Skillogalee Basket Pressed The Cabernets - Australia, South Australia, Mount Lofty Ranges, Clare Valley (1/25/2010)
Deep brick red, this has classic Clare cab notes of red fruit, mint and spice characters. The palate is bright and fresh, with abundant fruit. Well balanced and persistent. Very good. Now to 2018. Deeply fruited.

ED: Hoping that the 2018 drinking window isn't right since I still have at least a couple of these in 2020! (94 pts.)
2001 Penfolds Bin 138 Shiraz Grenache Mourvèdre - Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Barossa Valley (1/16/2010)
Light brick red in the glass, this has gentle, spicy red berries on the nose. The smell is wonderfully inviting- soft, spicy and rich. On the palate the wine is light bodied with fresh strawberry, spice and gentle tannins. A lovely drink. Now to 2012. (91 pts.)
2006 Peter Lehmann Riesling Barossa - Australia, South Australia, Barossa (1/16/2010)
This presents bright lime and some kero on the nose. The colour's still perfect straw yellow. The palate is a bit simple with round fruit and moderate length. Drink now. Good value. (85 pts.)
2004 Jim Barry Shiraz The Lodge Hill - Australia, South Australia, Mount Lofty Ranges, Clare Valley (1/8/2010)
Attractively dense red for the five years of bottle age, the nose of this is quite resplendent and unrestrained fruit- plum, dark fruits, spice and a hint of vanillin. The palate is a joy- lush, firm but yielding, with loads of plush, plumy fruit and good weight and length.

ED: adding this note to the database in 2020 (to preserve my notes) this probably needs a rider that this was one of the first 6 packs I cellared and I only drank Australian wine at the time! (93 pts.)
2007 Wynns Coonawarra Estate Shiraz - Australia, South Australia, Limestone Coast, Coonawarra (1/7/2010)
Deep red/purple, this has intensely scented red berries, vanillin US oak, and violet characters on the nose. The palate is ripe but quite smooth and balanced. Nice now but could be ace with time. Now to 2020. (88 pts.)
2009 Skillogalee Riesling - Australia, South Australia, Mount Lofty Ranges, Clare Valley (12/26/2009)
Clear green-yellow in the glass and redolent of lime cordial with some soft floral characters too. The palate has lashings of cleansing acidity and fresh, clean lime/citrus flavours. Great purity and length. Now to 2019+. (93 pts.)
2003 Hollick Merlot Sparkling - Australia, South Australia, Limestone Coast, Coonawarra (12/26/2009)
Brick red in colour, the nose of this is gently fading and it displays rich aromas of plums, fruit cake and spice. Delicious gentle fruit fills the long, complex palate. Drink now. (92 pts.)
2007 Pertaringa Sémillon Bonfire Block - Australia, South Australia, Fleurieu, McLaren Vale (12/26/2009)
Still pale yellow with flecks of green, this shows the benefits of wonderfully handled French oak. The nose is complex and toasty, the palate fresh but with a complex mix of flavours and good length. (91 pts.)
2001 McWilliam's Mount Pleasant Wines Sémillon Single Vineyard Lovedale - Australia, New South Wales, Hunter Valley (12/25/2009)
Very young looking yellow in the glass. It smells wonderful- youthful and zesty with just a little toasty/oiliness from bottle age. On the palate its fresh, slightly oily, and with good acidity and persistence. Will easily go another 10+ years. (95 pts.)
2003 Castello della Paneretta Vin Santo del Chianti Classico - Italy, Tuscany, Chianti, Vin Santo del Chianti Classico (12/25/2009)
Purchased at cellar door. Coloured like off-rose or pink grape fruit juice, the nose is ripe with rancio, orange peel and cold tea. The palate is sweet without being cloying, and has lashings of cumquat, orange and blossom. Bloody good. (95 pts.)
NV Jacquart Champagne Brut - France, Champagne (12/25/2009)
Green/yellow coloured, this has a nose of citrus, cheesy/leesy notes and on the palate it is fresh and clean with a nice mousse. Very drinkable aperitif. (88 pts.)
2005 Dupont-Tisserandot Ladoix - France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Ladoix (12/25/2009)
Mid-red, this shows bright red cherry, gentle spice and richness with a gentle supple palate and good length. Light and fresh, and very clean.
2000 Hardys Sir James Pinot Noir Chardonnay - Australia, New South Wales, Southern New South Wales, Tumbarumba (12/24/2009)
Apparently now Australia's most awarded sparkling this is definitely a cracking Ed Carr wine. Still pale, vibrant yellow/green, this has a clean fresh nose of citrus, as well as brioche and buttered toast. The palate is clean, with leesy complexity and wonderful, vibrant acidity. Will age well, or perfect now, especially with food. (96 pts.)
2001 Bremerton Tamblyn Cabernet Shiraz Malbec Merlot - Australia, South Australia, Fleurieu, Langhorne Creek (12/24/2009)
This is 53% Cab Sav, 34% Shiraz, 7% Malbec and 6% Merlot. Entering maturity. Deeply scented blackcurrant and plums. Soft and rewarding. Very good. (88 pts.)
2008 Babich Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough - New Zealand, South Island, Marlborough (12/24/2009)
Still young looking pale green in the glass, this has a curious nose of herbaceous tropical fruit, almost verdelho like. Little fat on the palate. (86 pts.)
2009 Pikes Riesling Traditionale - Australia, South Australia, Mount Lofty Ranges, Clare Valley (12/18/2009)
Pale green/yellow in colour, this has abundant lime cordial, zest, lemon sherbet and some floral notes on the nose. The palate has good acidity, balance, some mineral characters and a clean, crisp finish. Excellent wine. Now to 2019. (94 pts.)
2004 Marquis Philips Shiraz - Australia, South Eastern (12/18/2009)
Dark, impenetrable and brooding in t he glass, the nose unveils dense aromas of ethanol, deeply fruited plums, and crashed dark berries. Perhaps a little overdone. There is some strong vanillin oak notes too. The palate is rich and full but definitely unwinding from the monster of three years ago. Classic McLaren Vale Shiraz and overall fulfilling. (92 pts.)
2009 Heggies Vineyard Riesling - Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Eden Valley (12/17/2009)
Straw coloured in the glass this has a fresh, citrusy nose inclusive of prominent lime and chalky/mineral notes as well as floral/blossom hints. In the mouth this is classically linear with racy acidity and fresh, clean citrus/lime fruit characters. One for now or the cellar- now to 2019. (93 pts.)
2007 Domaine Charvin Côtes du Rhône (Le Poutet) - France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Côtes du Rhône (12/17/2009)
Bright, cherry-red, this wine is redolent with the aromas of dusky cherries, musk and spice. The palate is soft and supple with gently grippy tannins and bright red fruit flavours. May improve with time. (87 pts.)
2004 Parri Estate Shiraz - Viognier - Australia, South Australia, Fleurieu, McLaren Vale (12/16/2009)
Medium ruby red in the glass, with little separation. The nose is exceptionally pretty with violets, red cherry, some confectionery and floral notes. The palate is well balanced with soft fruit and gentle tannins. Drink now. (92 pts.)
2008 Coolangatta Estate Sémillon - Australia, New South Wales, South Coast, Shoalhaven Coast (12/16/2009)
Pale straw in the glass, this shows aromas of lime zest, mineral, and light toast. The palate has just a hint of toast and is dominated by chalky, zesty acidity, with key notes of lime and citrus. Quite drinkable now but will age nicely for 3-5+ years. (89 pts.)

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Ian S · Post by **Ian S** » Sat Jun 27, 2020 11:55 pm

Thanks for posting them Sam - always of interest

phillisc · Post by **phillisc** » Mon Jun 29, 2020 9:18 am

Sam, thanks for all the notes, Heggies and Juds Hill, thought I was the only person that drank these
The Richmond Grove, Wynns, Leasingham all sound encouraging too.

Cheers craig

GraemeG · Post by **GraemeG** » Mon Jun 29, 2020 1:42 pm

I wish I had every note I'd ever taken on CT - it's a terrific resource for storing them. Especially when your name's not Michael Broadbent and you can't just talk a publisher into making them into a book! Interesting that old TNs don't seem to show up on the CT feed "notes on my wines". I still have a 97 Vat 1 but your note didn't show, I guess because of the dating.
Probably just as well - late last year I posted a bunch of notes I took at an MW event in Sydney in 2002!
I only started using it properly around 2009 or so, so it was a bit hit-and-miss finding notes prior to that.

Mahmoud Ali · Post by **Mahmoud Ali** » Mon Jun 29, 2020 5:05 pm

Ian S wrote:Thanks for posting them Sam - always of interest

Agree completely, though I kept having to remind myself that most of the notes are about 10 years old.

phillisc wrote:Sam, thanks for all the notes, Heggies and Juds Hill, thought I was the only person that drank these.

I don't seem to drink them either, just waiting for them to get old enough to drink. The Jud Hill, a 1998 Cabernet, I bought at East End Cellars in Adelaide and the Heggies was bought here in Canada, a Chardonnay, though I cannot remember the vintage.

Cheers ................. Mahmoud.

Post by **sjw_11** » Tue Jun 30, 2020 7:05 pm

GraemeG wrote:I wish I had every note I'd ever taken on CT - it's a terrific resource for storing them. Especially when your name's not Michael Broadbent and you can't just talk a publisher into making them into a book! Interesting that old TNs don't seem to show up on the CT feed "notes on my wines". I still have a 97 Vat 1 but your note didn't show, I guess because of the dating.
Probably just as well - late last year I posted a bunch of notes I took at an MW event in Sydney in 2002!
I only started using it properly around 2009 or so, so it was a bit hit-and-miss finding notes prior to that.

I don't know why I never thought of adding the old notes before, although it did take a bit of time.

I did notice how many of the wines I tasted also had a note from you GraemeG! (often at a very different point in time, which was interesting to compare)

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