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

[Chuck]

Wynns Black Label 2008 Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon.

Having waited patiently for this it really hasn't budged in 10 years. More balanced though with tannins and acids reduced. Still a nice wine but patience required.

[I Love Shiraz]

Wynns Black Label 2008 Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon.

Having waited patiently for this it really hasn't budged in 10 years. More balanced though with tannins and acids reduced. Still a nice wine but patience required.

I find with Black Label Cab Sav's they really come into their own at closer to 20 years old.

[VinoEd]

Something old and something new.

The Petaluma was holding up really well. A low neck fill. Cork was a bit tricky. Very tertiary but still had structure and a hint of dusty fruit and it held together well. I enjoyed it.

The WDC is a great wine for the price. It’s got a lot going on and the components need a few years to come together, but it’s plush and rich, tannic, bold, fruit, mouth coating. Yeah. It’s a good one.

Cheers Ed

[phillisc]

Thanks for a note on the Hammer Hill, have purchased 6 or 12 over the last 4-5 vintages. Dave Anderson says the wine is a nod to Tony Brady.
Its a cracker of a wine for $20
Cheers Craig

[VinoEd]

Agree Craig, very good drinking for the price. I got a few 2017’s with my order this year so looking forward to seeing the comparison when I try one of those maybe next week.

Tonight having a sample of a 2020 Rockford Rod & Spur. I’m expecting it to be quite intense based on the vintage (and in need of a few good years in the cellar) but thought worth a try.

[Con J]

Something old and something new.

The Petaluma was holding up really well. A low neck fill. Cork was a bit tricky. Very tertiary but still had structure and a hint of dusty fruit and it held together well. I enjoyed it.

The WDC is a great wine for the price. It’s got a lot going on and the components need a few years to come together, but it’s plush and rich, tannic, bold, fruit, mouth coating. Yeah. It’s a good one.

Cheers Ed

Hi Ed.

I love old Petaluma, not so much after the early 00’s. The first 100% merlot was the 1990 vintage. Great value at auction and worth a punt.

Cheers Con.

[Matt@5453]

Something old and something new.

The Petaluma was holding up really well. A low neck fill. Cork was a bit tricky. Very tertiary but still had structure and a hint of dusty fruit and it held together well. I enjoyed it.

The WDC is a great wine for the price. It’s got a lot going on and the components need a few years to come together, but it’s plush and rich, tannic, bold, fruit, mouth coating. Yeah. It’s a good one.

Cheers Ed

I had one of the 21 WDC the other night too, agreed, its definitely a good one.

[phillisc]

First of the AI bots
Cheers Craig

[phillisc]

Agree Craig, very good drinking for the price. I got a few 2017’s with my order this year so looking forward to seeing the comparison when I try one of those maybe next week.

Tonight having a sample of a 2020 Rockford Rod & Spur. I’m expecting it to be quite intense based on the vintage (and in need of a few good years in the cellar) but thought worth a try.

Ed, opened a 21 Hammer Hill, very good but a fraction of a tiny bitter astringent note that sort of mashed in with the tannin profile. That said I still enjoyed it very much. Think it needs five years to settle.
Cheers Craig

[VinoEd]

Spending some time away this week and enjoying a few different reds. More to come over the next few days too.

Had this 2004 Wendouree which is just getting into a great area I think. It’s still packing a good amount of fruit, powerful but has some subtlety too. Dark fruits. Plenty of length. Great structure, tannins holding. Some savoury notes coming through.

Also enjoyed a 2003 Mount Langi Ghiran Shiraz (lovely) and a 2018 Ministry of Clouds Kintsugi Grenache blend which I thought was very interesting and worth a look (not one of mine, not sure I’d pay the $85 price tag attached personally but enjoyed trying it nonetheless).

Cheers, Ed

[Mike Hawkins]

2021 Leeuwin Prelude Chardonnay… for a ‘second’ wine this was impressive. Peach and nectarine nose. Quite tight and acidic … good wine. Makes me look forward to trying the big brother.

2005 Grosset Polish Hill…. I’ve probably had this wine 15 times and this was the first ‘blah’ bottle. A bit one dimensional, whereas the rest have been fabulous.

1998 Rockford BP… in a Great place. Outstanding drinking. A bit maltier than previous iterations

[mychurch]

C89E24F5-34EC-41B2-AE07-44F7F9B8ACA1.jpeg

Little Wine 11. Yes, it really is worth the hype. Every now and again I feel the need to try a young wine, and it does not get better than this. Great balance and outstanding wine making. Supple, almost weightless. Lots of creamy fruit. Just superb and despite it being a school night I drank most of the bottle.

I have been buying Sami-Odi since little wine 4 and this the best wine I have tried so far.

[phillisc]

Another wonderful winter house red. Working my way through the first of a few bottles of 2013 Metala. Wonderful wine black/purple colour, savoury core with fabulous integration of blue fruits lovely tannins and a twinge of sweetness. They certainly got this one right... receipt in the box $9 a bottle. Great with Putanesca by the fire.
Cheers Craig

[ticklenow1]

C89E24F5-34EC-41B2-AE07-44F7F9B8ACA1.jpeg

Little Wine 11. Yes, it really is worth the hype. Every now and again I feel the need to try a young wine, and it does not get better than this. Great balance and outstanding wine making. Supple, almost weightless. Lots of creamy fruit. Just superb and despite it being a school night I drank most of the bottle.

I have been buying Sami-Odi since little wine 4 and this the best wine I have tried so far.

Had the LIttle Wine #IV a couple of months back and it was sooo good. Still full of life and needed time in the glass to show its true colours. Just love Fraser’s wines and he’s a great guy as well.

Going to be having a 2013 Dallwitz in the next couple of weeks. It will be interesting to see how it compares to the Little Wine IV.

Cheers
Ian

[Sean]

deleted

[phillisc]

Sean thanks for the Coonawarra notes, I will get to look at the 2020 Leconfield in a couple of weeks. The '19 is a lovely wine, will see about the '20 but don't think I will be getting any.
I have the '21 Bin 1 and the Chalambar, but not yet tried. Think these will be equally very good wines with plenty in the tank.
Cheers Craig

[felixp21]

2018 Parigot Bourgogne Hautes Cotes de Beaune " Clos de la Perriere" rouge

worth mentioning because this is an absolutely fabulous little wine, packs a punch way way way above it's station. Better than many producer's PC's from down South, and it's a wine you can chug guilt free. At $40 on release, an absolute steal. Has that glorious round mouth-feel that good Volnays display, plenty of complexity and decent length. Would embarrass any $40 Antipodean pinot.

[ticklenow1]

2013 St Hallett Blackwell Shiraz. Great mid week quaffer. For me, it's not quite as good as the '12, which was a cracking wine. But it's not far behind. Still very bright, lots of black fruit and creamy oak on the nose. The tannins are still plodding on and fruit and oak are well balanced, though oak is not hiding. I'm not usually a fan of American Oak, but this (and the '12) are excellent wines in the true Barossa style. Still has years in front of it. 3.5/5

2022 Hoddle's Creek Estate Chardonnay. This wine is getting excellent reviews and I can see why. I usually prefer Chardonnay with a few years in the cellar, but this really doesn't need it. It would no doubt be better with a few years in the dark, but I may struggle to hold off. It's racy, flinty and very elegant. I get this pretty much every year and it would have to be the best $25 Chardy getting around. 4/5

Cheers
Ian

[Michael McNally]

2013 St Hallett Blackwell Shiraz. Great mid week quaffer. For me, it's not quite as good as the '12, which was a cracking wine. But it's not far behind. Still very bright, lots of black fruit and creamy oak on the nose. The tannins are still plodding on and fruit and oak are well balanced, though oak is not hiding. I'm not usually a fan of American Oak, but this (and the '12) are excellent wines in the true Barossa style. Still has years in front of it. 3.5/5

2022 Hoddle's Creek Estate Chardonnay. This wine is getting excellent reviews and I can see why. I usually prefer Chardonnay with a few years in the cellar, but this really doesn't need it. It would no doubt be better with a few years in the dark, but I may struggle to hold off. It's racy, flinty and very elegant. I get this pretty much every year and it would have to be the best $25 Chardy getting around. 4/5

Cheers
Ian

Have plenty of halves of both 2012 and 2013 Blackwells. Great wines for the price.

Agree about the Hoddles Creek. I have 4 but hope to hold on to at least a couple for a few years.\

Cheers

Michael

[VinoEd]

Trying one of these tonight. It needs time, but I’m loving the savoury notes to this - lots of mineral, slate, a few layers involved. On the nose I thought it was going to be jammy, fruit bomb but that’s not the case at all. The balance of them will be going down and sample another at the 9 to 10 year mark I think.

Cheers Ed

[Rossco]

Another wine dinner held back in May.

The nights theme was 'French Open' as its French Open Tennis Time
Basically any region, any style and any wine from France

As always, all wines tasted blind:


Wine # 1 - 2006 Piper-Heidsieck 'Rare' Millesime (Brut)
Yellow gold in colour, looks a bit older in the glass. Nose is very interesting, brown sugar and molasses sweetness going on. Lovely nuttiness here, yellow peach ,stone fruits and some fairy floss.
Complex nose! In the mouth there is a richness and roundness to the wine, something usually pinot gives, oak feels like it could be here, there is a great mouthfeel and texture here. Acid is wonderful, runs from front to back; lemony acid, it’s a very dry wine…. Low dosage possibly? More stone fruits and some red fruits as well sneaking in – Im still in for a blend, cant pick if its majority pinot or chardonnay though. Length is just fantastic – feel like a well-made vintage from a big house…. Either 2008 or 2006 due to that colour. I choose 06. What a great wine.


Wine # 2 – 2012 Pol Roger Blanc de Blanc
Another darker / yellow coloured wine, similar to the last one. Rich red fruits on the nose again, has some talc/chalkiness on the nose too. We may have another champagne here.
Immediate hit in the mouth of olive oil type texture, this is different. Could it be from Malo or possibly oak? Great length again, just keep going, but this feels more pinot like. Richness is palpable and feels like majority pinot. Oh how wrong I was. Acid is just there, less than the first wine, again feels like a vintage big house wine. I choose 2008 – wrong. More minerals and chalk, brine texture again. Astonishing its BdB….. dumbfounded! Regardless this is another great wine


Wine # 3 – 2014 Domaine R Rostaing Condrieu La Bonnette Viognier
Blurry gold in colour, yellow straw – but its not a clear wine, little blurry. Nose has some tropical notes, banana and mango. There is a very interesting almond type bitterness in the mouth, really it makes you take notice, so complex. Glycerol characters, has a very silky texture and I’m immediately in the Rhone with that texture. Lots of winemaker influence here, some apricot characters, and more peach tropical fruits. Nice length without being great. Almond and texture are the stars here.


Wine # 4 – 2009 Bouchard Pere & Fils Vigne de L’Enfant Jesus 1er Cru
Nice colour in the glass, dark cherry red. Some really nice florals and lifted red fruits.
Very structural wine here, soft dry tannins, strawberry fruits with some lovely spices. There is a finesse and elegance about this wine, its very well made. Length is fantastic, just cant pin a commune. Its burgundy for sure….
Fruit is starting to show more red cherry and dark earth. Mushrooms and seaweed complexity with some stone minerals…then those amazing tannins again. Big yes for baby jesus! Drinking really well now.


Wine # 5 – 2018 Jeff Carrell Morillon Blanc
Bright and dark purple in the glass, blurry and looks to be unfiltered. This looks and smells young.
Lots of liquorice, blackberry and dark chocolate on the nose. Lots of young black fruits.
There is a rustic aspect to the wine, but still silky. I feel it’s a Rhone, has some real fruit bunch, more earth but a kind of red earth – not quite clay. Acid is prominent but just due to the age, I wonder if that rustic element is going to get worse with age? Its really nice now and adds some different and interesting elements to the wine. Good length, nice wine – just young.


Wine # 6 – 2002 Chateau Malescot St Exupery Margaux
Deep, dark red in colour, almost purple. Lovely colour, still has a brightness to it, interesting to see how old this is. Plunging my nose in the glass there is a Bordeaux nose and characters. Blackberries, cassis, leafy notes and pencil shavings. Lots of woody/oak notes in there too.
The palate has quite noticeable tannins initially. Commanding but dry and dusty...... astringent comes to mind as well. Tannins are so prominent at this point, and are dominating the wine. Fruit takes a back step, but its still there. Again more blackberries and a touch of black minerals…. Graphite in particular. More woody pencil shavings but that mouthfeel! Silky yet dense, very dense wine. Im in left bank territory due to those blackberries, but the tannins are deceiving. Stick to your guns rossco.
I can never get the age of a Bordeaux correct. Sometimes when it feels old, it’s an 8 year old wine (ie just a baby) then other times when I think its young (ie 8 years old), its bloody 28!

This is one of those wines; im thinking 10-ish years… and its double that! Its just so young and timeless, didn’t pick Margaux as the region, haven’t had many from here, so it’s a great learning curve and experience for me. Will live another 20 cork gods permitting.


Wine # 7 – 2010 Domaine Tour Saint-Michel Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee du Lion
You can just smell a Chateauneuf du Pape, that unmistakable nose of smoked bacon, cured meats, black pudding….and brett.
For some reason CnDp and Brett are synonymous… seems the majority of CnDp wines i try have it, and it has to be a winemaker style they are trying to impart? Is it a regional thing?
Blackberries, more dark blue fruits, some blueberries and spice………… then brett. LOTS of it, ruins the party and I cant finish.


Wine # 8 – 2013 Domaine Dujac Morey-Saint-Denis
This was another cherry popper for me. Never had a Dujac before and thought it would be a good time to crack it, given the theme. Didn’t know what to expect but I did not pick this as having so much whole bunch. It was quite prominent and there was a real whole bunch character. Some tomato leaf, stalky wood things, forest floor and dark damp earth. This was quite different to the other wines presented so far, not in a bad way, just a surprise. Nice fruits, tannins in balance, acid again in balance, length ok, but it was just missing something. Fruit power maybe… definitely too much whole bunch, but was only ok, yes I know its not the best wine Dujac make but I still expected more.... a LOT more.


Wine # 9 - 2010 Comte Armand Clos Des Epeneaux Pommard
Don’t have any notes on this so I can only assume it was faulty. I am happy to be corrected, and will update if needed in the future.


Wine # 10 - 1971 Chateau Reynella Vintage Port
One thing I love about old Australian Vintage Ports, is you can usually (90%+ of the time) tell exactly what it is just by looking at it. Has a red hue, sometimes the red colour is darker, but its never light. The proper Portuguese ports to me seem lighter in colour, sometimes almost rose` like. Australia VP’s are a red wine first and foremost in colour, loaded with fruit and spirit added in.

This is dark red in the glass, white rim which is interesting, the spirit seemingly clinging to the rim of the glass. Nose has wonderful lifted black and blue fruits, touch of spice as well. Feels like a shiraz or possibly grenache based wine. For that im in South Australia as im not getting any Portuguese type fruits in there. Its got some good age on it, im in the 70’s as that spirit is quite pronounced. I don’t think its VA, but it’s not an integrated spirit. Sits on top of the wine. Again based on the fruit its either McLaren Vale or Langhorne Creek… cant decide, flips a coin and go McLaren Vale!

Wonderful length, silky and voluptuous mouthfeel. Ready to drink now and a piece of Australian history that should never be forgotten. We make some top shelf VP’s here.
Great end to the night.

[Rossco]

A wine evening held in June

A new theme tonight: Pinot from Tasmania - which I thought quite exciting as there are a lot of quality producers here.

As always all wines served blind


Wine # 1- (Extra) Sparkling starter – 2018 Meadowbank Blanc de Noirs
Peachy Blush in colour with a copper tinge, we have a sparkling rose here! Lovely as this style of bubbles is right up my alley (buy more Rose` bubbles people!)
Nose has some mineral/talc notes, nice green apple as well which is strange. I would have thought red apples, but no; definitely green on the nose. Adds a freshness to the wine. Touch of strawberries in there as well.
In the mouth, the most noticeable thing that hits you hard is that acid. Its harsh and unbalanced, almost like they added acid... spiky. The mousse is a bit rough, those bubbles have sharp edges and combined with that acid, just hits you in the face. Length is short as well, just drops off the edge, I wonder if its slightly clipped. Not sure but those bubbles disappear very quickly. Not quite a still wine after a while, but definitely flatter as time goes on…. Better drink it quickly!
Palate has red apples, strawberries and a really interesting biscuit note, reminds me of a shortbread.
Missing some complexity and im in Tasmania. This is not champagne. Not sure the $$ they are asking for, and I wonder what time will do (if it will add some complexity), but for now it’s a no.


Wine # 2 – 2014 Dawson & James Pinot Noir
It’s a bit darker in the glass than I was initially expecting, not quite a black cherry colour, but more dark red cherry. Huge nose, very pungent (in a good way), lots of forest floor and I think some slight whole bunch… well im getting whole bunch notes on the nose. Mushrooms and more earthy tones. What a nose!
In the mouth the immediate think I notice is how fine boned this is. It’s light to medium in texture and mouthfeel, even given how dark in colour it is. Such finesse here, those tannins are the star! Ultra fine tannin, like line boned China. Wow.
Acid is a touch tangy, but it’s a quibble when those beautiful red fruits come gushing though. Red ripe cherries, strawberries and yes more whole bunch notes, slightest hint of natural cola or raw coca powder, some umami/dried seaweed in there too just rounds off what is a great wine. Oak playing a supporting role to those tannins, fantastic length.


Wine # 3 – 2016 Two Tonne Tasmania The Dog & Wolf Tamar Valley
Nice dark cherry red in the glass, has a slight blurriness to it, im wondering if its unfined/unfiltered?
Nose has some nice new seasons cherries, strawberry compote, some rhubarb notes too, more rhubarb acidity I think. Tart Cranberries are in there, but its balanced out by the sweetness of the fruit. Needs more fruit power though, its missing that X factor to make it truly great. Tannins are hidden right at the back, you really have to look hard to see them.
I made a mistake of double decanting this in the morning, didn’t need it and a simple decant at the table would have sufficed. Not a bad wine, but don’t think it showed its best due possibly to my decanting methods.


Wine # 4 – 2014 Chatto ‘Isle’ – Huon Valley
Lighter red, but a tinge of plum/purple in there too. Very interesting colour.
Well will you smell the perfume leaping out of the glass! First thing that hits you is that huge burgundy nose. This is ethereal and one of those rare wines you can sit and smell all night and not even taste its so good. Ethereal and complex nose, sous bois, earth, wet pine and forest floor, mushrooms as well, smell just goes on and on… absolute pleasure here. Surely this isn’t a Tasmanian? Thankfully the palate backs up what the nose promises. So much fruit here, perfectly ripe and perfectly Burgundian, its like a French winemaker was flown over to Tassie. Similar to the nose, this has red cherry fruits, red rope liquorice and more mushroom. Wet dark earth and pine forest notes as well, lots of herbs – feels like some tarragon and thyme. Love this wine, only quibble is I want more tannins. Just imagine if it had those Dawson & James Tannins…. Oh my goodness…. Still in the lead for wine of the night. Big yes – lots of life left as well.


Wine # 5 – 2017 Devils Corner ‘Mt Amos’
Similar to the last wine, this is a proper pinot lighter red. Clear and translucent in the glass, shines bright red. Smells young, you can really smell the acid and young fruits coming up. Strawberry, red cherry and some nice stone minerals. Its length is a bit short at this stage of its life, and after the previous wine, its missing some complexity. Simple, safe winemaking and a nice drink. This is a great wine to pop and pour with friends who are starting off on their pinot journey.


Wine # 6 – 2018 Craigie Knowe Estate Freycinet Coast
Darker in colour than the previous few wines, dark cherry/purple which is interesting.
Nose is funky – Smells like decaying flowers in a compost bin. Not a pleasant nose for me.
Others don’t get it, so it’s a me problem. I am two weeks from getting over the flu, so im sure
Im now suffering a bit of palate fatigue. I cant get over that rotten compost note, just too distracting and pungent for me and don’t drink any more. Bloody senses playing up. Others thought it was ok.


Wine # 7.1 – Left Glass – 2017 Bay of Fires
Dark red in colour with some black cherry mixed in for giggles. This has a softer fruit profile than the right glass. Feels a bit older and more comfortable in its surroundings. More red fruits, a lot more florals as well. Ripe strawberries, red cherries and redcurrants. Those rose florals are a delight, heady perfume fills the senses. Some forest floor and wet mushroom notes, bit of regional herbs with some damp black earth. It needs more tannin / structure to make it truly great; my only disappointment in what was a lovely wine.


Wine # 7.2 – Right Glass – 2020 Bay of Fires
Similar in colour to the right glass, but a bit brighter and clearer rim. Clearly younger wine, this has a huge spice hit the other one didn’t. Star anise, white pepper, and some other herbal notes. Much higher acid than the left glass, very young fruit. I cant put my finger on it, but the fruit doesn’t have the power of the left glass. Missing that red fruit intensity, I wonder if they are from younger vines now? Nice oak however and good tannin structure, albeit just needs time. Not convinced on the fruit complexity here for long term storage. Revisit in 5 years and see if that acid has softened.


Wine # 8 – 2018 Domaine Simha ‘Rama’ – Derwent Valley
Very blurry, but a nice red hue. Clearly this is not fined or filtered in any way. This has a huge fruit profile, lots of strawberry type notes; perfectly ripe. Not jammy or sweet, there are some nice savoury Mushrooms in here. Touch of umami, but its all red fruits, raspberry and redcurrants.
Missing tannin, infact I cant find them anywhere, acid is lovely and adds to the savoury notes.
I just want some more structure here. Not one for the cellar I don’t think. Drinking nicely now though


Wine # 9- 2021 Pooley ‘Cooinda Vale Vineyard’
Young and very bright red; youthful in fact, and it does look very young.
Lots of red fruited notes, sweet Strawberry jam, red rope licorice and cool climate herbs fill the senses. This is one of the most fruit forward wines of the night.
That theme runs into the palate as well. Strawberry compote, red cherry, raspberry; clearly new world, fruit but of a very high quality. There is a purity of fruit here that is a delight, some woody spice hints at the end. Ultra fine tannin, dusty and dry playing the supporting role. Intriguing length, what a super wine. Blown away at how well its drinking for such a young wine. Not sure if it will shut down for a sleep, but it will last a while in the cellar. Yes please!


Wine # 10 (Fortified) – 1927 Keo Commandaria St John (Cyprus)
Well will you take a look at the colour here! Almost indescribable but will give it a go.
Green olives, mixed with fresh motor oil and a tinge of khaki in colour.
Nose has some Kola nut, loads of nutmeg and raisin / dried sultana fruits. On the palate is a kaleidoscope of complexity – Olives, mint, toasted almonds, red clay/terracotta earth and very interestingly some minty herb characters. That cola note comes in with some bitterness, quite an oily texture as well, with a silky mouthfeel that coats the cheeks. I really liked the balance of this wine, never seen or heard of it, comes in screwcap as well. Great length, never seen one of these ever before, wonderful end to the night.

[felixp21]

2022 Giant Steps Apple Jack Pinot Noir
I'm not a huge Aussie pinot fan, but like our chardonnays, they have come on in leaps and bounds over the past 15 years.
Believe the hype about this wine (for me, believing the hype is a real rarity!!) this is a fabulous new-World version of the variety.
Incredibly delicate and pure fruit, good complexity and length to burn, this is unashamedly Australian and all the better for it. I think this will drink very young, i.e. from now, but 5-7 years in the cellar should see it at it's peak.
Drink: now-2030 93pts.

[phillisc]

1998 Wendouree Shiraz. Most perfect cork, stained 1mm. Faint brick red, but quite translucent. Most of the fruit has dropped out but a fine and mellow wine, with a rather sweet note on the finish, not dissimilar to a light fortified. A nice wine, not as robust as the 96 I had last year.
Will work my way back to 1990, these wines at 25 years need drinking
Cheers Craig

[VinoEd]

Trying a 2022 Agricola Kalimna Sands tonight. I just wanted to try one from the mixed dozen and landed on this one…


Gave it a couple of hours of air. I’m a bit crook so nose not doing much, first few sips dark fruits and earthy notes, crunchy, tannic, big and bold textures, but also very refined. Not quite as “purple” as I found the Agricola wines last vintage.

This is great drinking. Try another one from the dozen in another 5 years…

Cheers Ed

[JamieAdelaide]

1998 Wendouree Shiraz. Most perfect cork, stained 1mm. Faint brick red, but quite translucent. Most of the fruit has dropped out but a fine and mellow wine, with a rather sweet note on the finish, not dissimilar to a light fortified. A nice wine, not as robust as the 96 I had last year.
Will work my way back to 1990, these wines at 25 years need drinking
Cheers Craig

98 Shiraz based Wendouree are holding beautifully for mine. Cabernet based wines will be better in 5.

Never a hurry to drink these idiosyncratic wines.

[mjs]

A few very nice wines last night at the concluding event in the Malcolm Festival of Birthday. Pulled some reds from the cellar accompanied by 3kg of Kerwee Red Wagyu Tomahawks

Been trying to post an image but that doesn't seem to work for me as it has in the past, anyway, wines as follows

2009 Albert Bichot 1er Cru Lavaux Saints-Jacques
2010 Clos du Marquis St Julien
2004 Katnook Odyssey
2004 Balnaves The Tally
2004 Majella The Malleea
1998 Penfolds Bin389
1998 Wynns John Riddoch
1998 Penfolds Bin707

All were great with the exception of the 389 which had the slightest TCA taint and was dried out. Neck and neck for WOTN between the JR, still with beautiful fruit, and the 707, older more resolved wine, both beautiful drinking. the Clos du Marquis was excellent and will get better. Honourable mention to a pre-dinner 2011 Romney Park Blanc de Blancs which had seen 12 years on lees.

[Rossco]

A few very nice wines last night at the concluding event in the Malcolm Festival of Birthday. Pulled some reds from the cellar accompanied by 3kg of Kerwee Red Wagyu Tomahawks

Been trying to post an image but that doesn't seem to work for me as it has in the past, anyway, wines as follows

2009 Albert Bichot 1er Cru Lavaux Saints-Jacques
2010 Clos du Marquis St Julien
2004 Katnook Odyssey
2004 Balnaves The Tally
2004 Majella The Malleea
1998 Penfolds Bin389
1998 Wynns John Riddoch
1998 Penfolds Bin707

All were great with the exception of the 389 which had the slightest TCA taint and was dried out. Neck and neck for WOTN between the JR, still with beautiful fruit, and the 707, older more resolved wine, both beautiful drinking. the Clos du Marquis was excellent and will get better. Honourable mention to a pre-dinner 2011 Romney Park Blanc de Blancs which had seen 12 years on lees.

Happy Birthday Malcolm!
Some bloody good drinking there.

[mjs]

Thanks Rossco,
Yes some very enjoyable drinking had by all
cheers, Malcolm

[phillisc]

Wondered why you were not at the wine centre... will post notes.
Must look up the waygu...not heard of that one.
Happy birthday Malcolm
Cheers Craig