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

[mychurch]

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Years of auction buying and tasting in Europe told me that reputations (vintage and producer) are heavily exaggerated. I’ve had plenty of good wine from bad years ans bad producers and the old adige ‘there are no great wines, just great bottles’ holds true. In that spirit I have started buying old bottles here at auction. None of the big names, just modest wines from a selection of producers. This is the latest example. It came blind in a mixed lots as the level was just above low shoulder. Very risky, but it didn’t cost much so it’s worth a punt.

Colour is quite brown, but there was no of putting smell from the bottle after the cork was pulled. It’s an old wine, but there is a surprising amount of sweet red fruit on the mid palate. Yes, there is a lot of bitter on the finish and a touch of nail varnish, but with food that disappears and the wine is fine. Some autumn on the nose, but after half an hour the fruit starts to sore from the glass. I don’t get any blackcurrent and I wonder if there is some Shiraz in the blend. Fine for a Friday night pizza and the sort of ild wine I like to taste.

Update: after a glass and a half I thought it could do with some more air and a double decant opened it up. The acidity poked its way through, the bitter finish filled out and the wine was a lot better. Still needed food to show its best side, but it was far from dead. Imagine a base of neck or top shoulder fill would be pretty pleasant.

[phillisc]

2000 Metala Black Label Shiraz LC
Lovely old wine, solid fruit characters for a 20 year old. Lingered nicely on the palate with fine tannins...sadly last bottle.
2017 Kay Bros Cabernet, very nice wine, so balanced, no noticeable oak, really plush fruit, great texture. Must hunt a few of these down, a real surprise.

Cheers Craig

[Rory]

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Yarra Yering Dry Red No.2, 2015

Have been slowly purchasing Yarra Yering over the past year, as I think Sarah Crowe has lifted the brand back to where it should be.

Thus wine is an interesting mix of Co-fermented Marsanne, Viognier, Shiraz and Mataro.. It is very pretty, and as you would expect, layered with complexity. I think it needs another 5 years to really hit it's straps, but what the hack.. its drinking really well right now.
The only question on it, is it's price tag.

[Chuck]

Last night we enjoyed which may be our last bottle of Hardys 2007 HRB McLaren Vale Cabernet Sauvignon. HRB I believe stands for Hardys Red Blend, Previous bottles since original purchase on release started out quite chewy tannins and very tight with the fruit locked in suspended animation. Quite common from a warm year in SA. Gradually over time the wine has developed albeit slowly. Finally this bottle strutted its stuff sensationally. Lovely black fruits with some quality oak (some new I think) with the regional dark chocolate there is spades. A real pleasure to drink and one of the best for 2021 where its been more about quantity during lockdown. With 50% of our wines still in storage in Adelaide after our move to Sydney I hope there are more bottles to come. Still plenty of time to enjoy these little gems.

Been into bourbons of late and like the Woodford Reserve and Double Oak.

[qwertt]

Last night we enjoyed which may be our last bottle of Hardys 2007 HRB McLaren Vale Cabernet Sauvignon. HRB I believe stands for Hardys Red Blend.

I think it's regional blend, rather than red blend (there are HRB rieslings and chardonnays too).

[DJ1980]

2019 Wendouree Cab/Malbec - Far out this isn't as approachable as it has been for the last few vintages. Tannin sticks out a little and needs to settle. Super good mind you. Blackcurrent, saltbush, wet herb and blackberry. More serious than the colour would suggest. I suspect this will be quite something in 15+ years.

[Matt@5453]

2019 Wendouree Cab/Malbec - Far out this isn't as approachable as it has been for the last few vintages. Tannin sticks out a little and needs to settle. Super good mind you. Blackcurrent, saltbush, wet herb and blackberry. More serious than the colour would suggest. I suspect this will be quite something in 15+ years.

Agreed. Your comments are very similar to mine. The tannins definitely stick out, even after 2 days sitting a large decanter.

[mychurch]

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After the good review from the WineFront a few months ago I finally got around to buying and then trying a bottle. It’s very challanging upon opening. Lots of Autolysis flavours as well a hardness. That hardness lasts a couple of glasses, but it does open up and a vinous sparkler emerges. Brioche, lemon, ginger, baked apple. Rather nice and the more I drink the better it is becoming. It’s not a 97pt wine, but it’s a very good sparkler and at the right price I would buy and drink a lot more.

[Rossco]

After the good review from the WineFront a few months ago I finally got around to buying and then trying a bottle. It’s very challanging upon opening. Lots of Autolysis flavours as well a hardness. That hardness lasts a couple of glasses, but it does open up and a vinous sparkler emerges. Brioche, lemon, ginger, baked apple. Rather nice and the more I drink the better it is becoming. It’s not a 97pt wine, but it’s a very good sparkler and at the right price I would buy and drink a lot more.

Had the 08 & 09 over two nights

08 will live forever. Still so unbelievably young. I preferred it slightly over the 09. More complexity, biscuit, chalky and Lemon acidity. Clear oyster shell notes, seaspray and green apple fruit. Fine and persistent bead, Feminine even.

09 was a bit fuller and rounder. Maybe has more pinot in it? This was more yellow peach, creme brulee spectrum. Not as noticeable acid but was still nice and complementary. Feels like more oak or a warmer/riper year. Nice bready/yeasty notes as well as some brine/salinity.

So both really good and would come down to what your style preferences are.

In a strange twist, I prefer the 09 style more BUT in this instance, the 08 was the winner for me.

Agree with mychurch 09 not a 97pt, but its very good and for me the best VFM in the whole Arras range.

[Rory]

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Weekends drinking.

Craiglee Shiraz 2017,. Current release. Very typical cool climate Craiglee. On first opening and drinking half the bottle on first night, tight, balanced and good length. Kept half in fridge for second night, and it has opened up and evolved into a thing of beauty, Shows way more lentgh and complexity. A top tier Craiglee.

Stilvi Pinot Gris 2020. A new venture from Tim Elphick , ex from Portsea Estate. A nod to his Greek heritage, Stilvi meaning "the glowing and twinkling of the stars".
Peninsula fruit, held on skins for 3 weeks, aged in concrete egg, unfined and unfiltered. Minimal sulphur added.
Normally I am not into this modern style of wine, I've tried too many that were overdone, oxidised and flabby. But this has texture, energy and lift. Great drink!

Curtis Family Martins Vineyard Shiraz, McLaren Vale, 2016.
Purchased this online from one of those "mystery wine" offers. The price on the Curtis Family website states $150 per bottle. Needless to say, i got it for a lot less..... a lot less! For what i paid, its pretty damn good, delivers as a very good McLaren Vale should. But worth $150? Nah.

[Sean]

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[Michael McNally]

Last night we enjoyed which may be our last bottle of Hardys 2007 HRB McLaren Vale Cabernet Sauvignon. HRB I believe stands for Hardys Red Blend.

I think it's regional blend, rather than red blend (there are HRB rieslings and chardonnays too).

Look at the label further down this thread (after you posted of course!) and it appears to stand for "Heritage Reserve Bin".

Cheers

Michael

[Sean]

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[Sean]

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[Scotty vino]

rockos night. 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017.
stand out for me 2012 and 2016. others really liked 2010 and 2013.
all these wines has been purchased from rockfords and stored properly.
amazing consistency throughout this vertical. I would say 2014 was indicative of the style if i was to present to a fresh palate.
2011 has some amazing tobacca leafy coffee notes as well. but overall just all the standard hallmarks of BP here.
All in all a great night. charcoaled steaks , sprouts and spuds. mega cheeseboard and home made app pie for dessert.
wine of the night 1964 Bleasdale palomino. juciy succulent vibrant marmaladey completely defying its age. fresh even. nuts!!. loved it.
stole the show if im honest.

[A_Steady]

rockos night. 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017.
stand out for me 2012 and 2016. others really liked 2010 and 2013.
all these wines has been purchased from rockfords and stored properly.
amazing consistency throughout this vertical. I would say 2014 was indicative of the style if i was to present to a fresh palate.
2011 has some amazing tobacca leafy coffee notes as well. but overall just all the standard hallmarks of BP here.
All in all a great night. charcoaled steaks , sprouts and spuds. mega cheeseboard and home made app pie for dessert.
wine of the night 1964 Bleasdale palomino. juciy succulent vibrant marmaladey completely defying its age. fresh even. nuts!!. loved it.
stole the show if im honest.

That looks like my kind of night, great to hear how they are coming along.

[Matt@5453]

rockos night. 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017.
stand out for me 2012 and 2016. others really liked 2010 and 2013.
all these wines has been purchased from rockfords and stored properly.
amazing consistency throughout this vertical. I would say 2014 was indicative of the style if i was to present to a fresh palate.
2011 has some amazing tobacca leafy coffee notes as well. but overall just all the standard hallmarks of BP here.
All in all a great night. charcoaled steaks , sprouts and spuds. mega cheeseboard and home made app pie for dessert.
wine of the night 1964 Bleasdale palomino. juciy succulent vibrant marmaladey completely defying its age. fresh even. nuts!!. loved it.
stole the show if im honest.

nice one!

I've really enjoyed the 2011 on the last couple of tastings

[Matt@5453]

A few Lunch wines at the Watervale Hotel yesterday (Kingfish ceviche was awesome):

2021 Naked Run 'The First' Riesling – lovely fruit here, a bit more ‘taut’ and slightly more acidic than the 2020. Steve does a great job with this wine year in and out. Matched really with the Kingfish starter.

2020 Gem Tree Small Batch Marsanne (McLaren Vale) – slightly honeyed nose. Palate felt a bit fat, again some honeyed notes, hay, some lemon. Nice to try but a pass for me.

2018 Artwine ‘The Grace’ Graciano (Clare Valley) – on the nose I thought it was a GSM blend, the palate sweeter with plush fruit. Quite a nice drop initially, but the longer it was open, felt confected / cloying. Lacked any real structure.

[phillisc]

ScottyV
Just out of interest a conventional corkscrew (maybe even the Rockford supplied deluxe edition??). They look in good nick. Glad the maligned '11 vintage seems to show well in some quarters. Went long (for me anyway on '10 and '12), so again encouraging to hear.
Some commentary on a green streak in the '14?

Will get round to doing one of these...one day!

Cheers Craig

[Scotty vino]

ScottyV
Just out of interest a conventional corkscrew (maybe even the Rockford supplied deluxe edition??). They look in good nick. Glad the maligned '11 vintage seems to show well in some quarters. Went long (for me anyway on '10 and '12), so again encouraging to hear.
Some commentary on a green streak in the '14?

Will get round to doing one of these...one day!

Cheers Craig

conventional corkscrew . not a rockfords SW opener in sight. i thought about it but the amount of times i've left behind. SO left it at home.
We had an Ah-So on hand but not required. One of the chaps on hand is a master remover and i watched him get out 70's wendouree corks in one piece with ease whereas I reckon I would've made a meal of it.

Doing tight verticals like this really highlight quality of the wine making so any little nuaces really poke out. Didn't notice any green streaks on the 14. To me it was a really tight example of BP in its prime. All of us thought the 2009 was probably starting to drop out ever so slightly but that's being picky and up against the 2012 it really held it's own, but there were some subtle differences. What came thru also was the freshness due to good provenance and cellaring. Not a baked/stewy plum in sight. Just those lovely tobacco/coffee notes and those big dusty tannins all throughout.
I will say the 2011 also held its own in between two pretty heralded vintages. Dont believe the anti hype.!

It was remiss of me to take the notebook and really get the laser pointer on these but this was a pretty casual/ bugger it lets get together on a satdee night and drink some reds!

[Sean]

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[JDSJDS]

• [url=https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=1084382]2010 Mitchell Riesling Watervale[/url] - Australia, South Australia, Mount Lofty Ranges, Watervale (2021-08-08)
  This was as fresh as a daisy (thanks screwcap). Drinking very well now, this was, as per usual, a very dry Clare riesling with primarily citrus flavours, but there was a nice richness to the medium bodied, intense palate as well. Really enjoyed this, if you still have some it should last quite a while. (A-)

[phillisc]

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Majella The Musician 18 - Often we want harmony or balance, which is what different notes in a piece of music can achieve. Or a note holds your attention, which can be interesting too. It begins, develops, or there is a momentary stillness of time perhaps, it finishes and sometimes lingers with you a while. Oh the wine is a 72% cabernet and 28% shiraz blend. Feels/tastes like a Coonawarra wine. Purpley with dark fruits, ripe plum, mint, aniseed, spice and little oak. It is fresh and vibrant, smooth and even on the palate with soft, dry tannins.

Sean, picked up some of these and some of the 2018 Cabernet last week in the sale. Had a musician and admit I have always overlooked it, but just as you described it...lovely plush wine, went superbly with a super supreme

Cheers Craig

[Sean]

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[Rory]

Last nights drinking with Family:


With meats and pates to start:

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Forget Brimont GC Blanc de Blanc NV.
House staple, really love the intensity and drive. Fresh Chardonnay flavours
Yarra Yerring Dry White No2 2018.
Considering the make up of Typical Rhone varieties of Marsanne, Roussanne and Viognier, I expected a little more plushness. However it was wound up pretty tight. Looked very young, but shows a modicum of complexity. It began to open up in time, but definitely one for cellaring.
Tahbilk Marsanne 2012.
A host of medals, not surprisingly. Drinking superbly right now. Love it.

With MS9+ Wagyu Rib Eye as main (cooked Sous Vide then seared):

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Yarra Yerring Dry Red No3 2017.
Made from a host of Portuguese varieties, planted 20 odd years ago. Interesting slightly lighter style red with supporting structure and complexity. I get the feeling this will fill out in flavour with some more bottles age. Certainly a fascinating wine, with good length.
Marques de Riscal Rioja 2015.
Dark fruits, plush and long. A big wine, but not brutish by any means. Great length.

[Sean]

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[Chuck]

Last night with yummy comfort food - corned beef, mustard white sauce and all the mandatory accompaniments we enjoyed a Houghton 2007 CW Ferguson Great Southern Cabernet Malbec. Fruit is still primary and has a lot of potential but is still tightly wound despite 2 hours in the decanter. Well balanced with some nice oak. Great potential. Try again in 3-5 years and anything out to 10-15 years.

[Cactus]

Lakes Folly 2014 Chardy. Just a wonderful wine to enjoy my parole for good behaviour from the lockdown crazy leaders.

[Sean]

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[mjs]

In the Barossa for three days over the last weekend, some great tastings, nearly 90 wines. Flight of The Caley (12, 13, 14, 15, 16) at Yalumba was a highlight. '12 The Caley was my WOTW

Other CDs ... Penfolds, Eperosa, Tscharke (fabulous tasting), Laughing jack, Poonawatta, Peter Lehmann and Turkey Flat