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

[Sean]

Merricks Estate Shiraz 16 - A distinctive style of Shiraz coming from a long established Mornington Peninsula winery. French oak, but this is not heavy handed. Getting into its groove with a bit of age on it. Plum, cherry, spice and obvious earthy character. Soft tannins with a Pinot feel to it, which is pretty typical of their Shiraz. - 20/11/24

Katnook Estate Merlot 21 - A bigger style of Merlot. Usually gets 14 to 16 months in new and used barrels. Lovely purple colour. Blueberry, dark fruits, plum, cedar and spice. Lush fruit is very inviting, but there is also lots of oak influence and tannin. Feels full-bodied and structured rather than seamless. Needs a bit more time to get the best of it. - 21/11/24

Pfeiffer Winemakers Selection Riesling 23 - They have a few wines from other places like this, making up for the low yielding harvests over the last few vintages. This Riesling is sourced from Clare Valley, and has typical regional character. Straw colour. Limes, citrus blossom and florals. Really fresh with clean acidity. - 23/11/24

Pfeiffer Durif 22 - A wet, cooler vintage. Two separate parcels handled differently. Got a mix of French and American oak, with about 15 months maturation. Deep purple colour. Violets, plums, dark cherry and spice. The oak influence is showing of course. Draws you in and much too easy to pour another glass. Rich, robust flavours with typical big tannins. - 24/11/24

Chalmers Fiano 22 - Heathcote. Wild ferment and 10 months in a large Chestnut botte (which is also done with wines in southern Italy) and old French oak barrels. Yellow straw colour. Citrus, pear, almond, wood spice and some waxy texture. A little richer and savoury on the palate as it warms up in the glass and a dry finish. - 25/11/24

Chalmers Nero d’Avola 22 - Heathcote. I chilled this in the fridge for 5 mins. Whole berry, wild ferment, no added acid and unfined. Just 12.4% a/v. A lighter, tank fermented style of red. Ruby colour and perfumed. Loads of fruit character. Forest berries, cherry and herbs. Fresh and vibrant in the glass with some savoury tannin. - 26/11/24

Pfeiffer Cabernet Sauvignon 22 - This turned up in the latest club pack order. A wet, low yield vintage, so it was probably a challenge with the Cab. Rutherglen, King Valley and Great Western fruit. Got a mix of new and older French oak, with batches handled differently. Nice red-purple colour and good fruit intensity. Cassis, dark berries, mint, dried herbs and some dry tannin. - 28/11/24

Pfeiffer Cabernet Sauvignon 21 - I much prefer this to the 22, and ordered more with the changeover of vintages. It is also one to keep. Mostly the Rutherglen blocks and a small amount of King Valley fruit. Got about 15 months in new and older French oak. Lovely purple colour and jumping out of the glass with plush fruit. Sweet dark berries, cassis, cherry, mint and neatly handled oak. Feels robust and full-bodied with smooth tannins. - 29/11/24

[Rossco]

My notes from what may be some of the last wine dinners I attend. Scheduling conflicts and relocation means
next year is not looking good.

Anyway this was a Christmas Themed Italian Special - Basically anything special from Italy

Wine # 1 (Waiting wine) – 2007 Brokenwood ILR Reserve
Looks young, still bright white yellow, touches of green and leading to a clear rim.
Nose is very intriguing. Touch of hay, grassy notes and lanolin. Im thinking possibly Rhone Variety or a semillon based the nose.
Soft wine on the palate, as a gentle and nature about it, acid is very nicely integrated. This tastes older then it looks. I choose Marsanne (was a toss up between semillon). Slight waxy honeycomb notes, beautiful fruits, some tropical fruits as well, green pineapple, papaya and mango. In a really nice place at the moment, wonderful length and a silky soft texture that makes this a very easy wine to enjoy. Probably drink sooner as that acid has really softened.


Wine # 2 (Bubble Starter)– 2008 Arras Grand Vintage
Very young colour – similar to the ILR, slightly yellow/white and with green tinge although the same colour flows all the way to the rim. Vibrant happy, small bubbles – going to be a good one.
Huge nose – just so intense. Lots of buttery, cheesy & leesy notes – one attendee mentioned Camembert – which is a perfect descriptor.
In the mouth the mousse softness is mesmerising, caresses and seduces you, although the Camembert is actually distracting initially – a little too much & overpowering – thankfully it blows off after 5 minutes – this wine needs a lot of air.
Great fruit profile here, Peaches and cream type fruits. Nice acid backbone but its not french – you can tell just based on the acid, its different. No champagne chalk or talcum powder minerals. Some still choose champagne but im firmly in Aus.
Length is what dreams are made of, mouthfeel is complete and intense – defies its age and up there for quality – some of the best sparkling outside of champagne


Wine # 3 – 2007 Le Pergole Torte (Tuscany)
Ruby red colour, no browning or blurring at all not transparent either though as it’s a slightly darker red. Looks to have some age on it but that nose! Red flowers, tar and red fruits just leap out of the glass, this smells special. Cant put my finger on region yet…. I find it difficult at times to distinguish a neb from a sangiovese when tasted blind.
Dry and dusty tannin, beautiful acid profile – really holding everything together – but that fruit… Bright, vibrant and juicy cherry, touch of young strawberry and raspberry but with a sour side as well, adds complexity. Dried herbs,; Oak is old and unobtrusive, perfect balance here and great length. Spectacular wine.


Wine # 4 – 2008 Cappellano Pie Franco – Michet
Deep dark red, dark purple core almost black in colour. The colour is quite something, almost shiraz like, although considering the theme of the group, its worrying as dark/black could indicate lots of oak.
Interesting nose, lots of Italian herbs, black stone minerals and balsamic. It’s a bit hot on the nose too, like there is a fair bit of alcohol here – yes its alcohol heat.
This is a super ripe wine, not sure what 2008 vintage was meant to be, but this may have been left on the vine a bit too long. Age has not wearied this wine, its slathered in very high quality, but also very new oak. There is a woody rawness to the wine.
Fruit is soft and round, plump and juicy – cant decide on tannin – its grainy but I feel its oak tannin. Makes blind tasting difficult – I choose an oaky Brunello - *sigh*
Lots of vanilla, mocha and wood toast. Just over the top and spoils the fruit hiding underneath – will this every come around? Well it hasn’t in 16 years yet – lets give it another 16. Not my cup of tea at this stage.


Wine # 5 – 2013 Cappellano Pie Rupestris
Now this is a colour I can get behind! Another darker ruby red, no blurring or bricking – this one is translucent although does look a little older. Some very slight browning starting to creep in on the sides. Smells acidic though, its not alcohol or burning but acidic. Fruit is trying to punch its way through – some red lifted notes, strawberry and raspberry, red florals, not a lot of oak on the nose which is a good sign.
Rose petal floral in the mouth, this is a very elegant wine, that acid has blown off and just sits in the background. Same goes for the oak, it’s a supporter rather than an influencer. Elegant wine, great length, beautiful & soft fruits, yet just missing that X factor to make it spectacular. Cant put my finger on what’s missing – fruit power maybe? I just keep thinking to myself it want more in it: Maybe i had a little palate fatigue from the previous wine?


Wine # 6 – 2005 Bruno Giacosa ‘Rabaja’ Barbaresco
Another wine that looks the goods. Bit darker in colour than the previous wine, however a very bright wine. It shines in the glass, it look young and vibrant – Red/Purple. This could be nose of the night (so far). Super complex earth, mushroom, pine needles liquorice and tar. Lots of red rose fruits on the nose too. A touch of oak but its not overpowering or distracting.
This has huge tannin – most tannic of the night and a textural masterpiece. The tannin is dominating, yet somehow it fells right. Those powerful red and slightly blue fruits need taming, its like a cowboy at a rodeo – bucking bronco needs a lasso. Oak still present and announces itself as such – would have been too much oak early on, but its calming down with age – its at an acceptable level for me, still more than I want, but I would love to see this in another 5 -> 10 years. Punch in the face fruit power and tannin. Love it, needs food. Buy and hold - dare i say drunk too young


Wine # 7 – 2012 Giacomo Conterno Barolo Francia
Darker red in the glass, still shines bright and proud, almost leading to a clear rim. Looks very young, under 10 years old based in that colour. Nose of herbs, wild fennel, raspberry and some purple flowers.
Red rope liquorice, and some aniseed root. More herbs and big, big tannin. Juicy dark fruits, hint of tar, more dried roses, but wow that tannin hits you hard. Grippy and mouth coating tannin, grainy – but just so intense.
The fruit power in this wine is extraordinary, this vineyard has to be in the top 5 of Barolo. Super high quality maker on top of their game. Raspberry fruit, dark cherry, and black tea. Stunning wine, masterful wine that will live forever, cork gods permitting. Hold for another 10 -> 20
Easy buy recommendation – if you can find it – and if you can afford it (I cannot), Proper wine experience and feel very fortunate
to have experienced this.


Wine # 8 – 2004 Poggio Antico Riserva Brunello di Montalcino
Corked


Wine # 9 - 2008 Elio Grasso ‘Ginestra Casa Mate’ Barolo
Dark red , deep colour and cant see the bottom of the glass its that dense. Looks young and still has a slight shine to it. Very oaky nose that is dominating. Cant push through that oak and cant see (smell) whats behind it. Still has a ‘new oak’ profile on the nose.
On the palate the fruit is there thankfully, and its very good fruit too. Powerful wine, with those dark styled red/black fruits really soaking up that oak. There is a balsamic note as well as tar, black cherry, menthol and a black mineral of some type; graphite. Oak is still distracting and a bit over the top at this stage. Great length, nice acid balance but still needs time to integrate that oak.


Wine # 10 (Backup) – 2012 Biondi Santi ‘Tenuta Greppo’ Brunello Di Montalcino
Oh jeebus will you look at this colour. As it’s a backup this was a ‘pop n pour’ and not decanted.
Clear, translucent and very bright red. This is a few notches above a rose and I can already
Tell its right up my alley in terms of style.
On the nose is just a cornucopia of fruit. Cherry, cranberry, red currants; so intense, so powerful.
Lots of herbs on the nose as well, pine needle & forest notes - Not earthy but more umami / mushroom.
Lovely depth of fruit in the mouth, a purity of fruit that just cant be beaten; commanding wine, with all the stuffing. This is a top tier wine, from a top tier producer. Those red fruits are just mesmerising, lengthy and savoury.
Acid is perfect, no oak – will last a lifetime. Buy more – what a bloody sensational backup - may have been even better than the original?


Wine # 11– Cockburn’s 1975 Vintage Port (Portugal)
Wowee will you look at that colour. If the last wine was ‘almost’ a rose, then this IS a rose in colour.
Clear as a bell, watery in colour, with a darker pink hue, turning a slight tea brown in the core. This looks very old. Never seen a fortified this colour and im immediately in Portugal. On the nose there is a prominent spirity nose that is a little hot.

The spirit is a little unbalanced, its sitting on top of the fruit, disjointed. As on the nose it’s a little hot and spiky in the mouth, but all that is just a small distraction from what is a wonderful wine. Light strawberry, lots of almond paste, some ground coffee notes, figs, touch of leather/old leather, backing spices and ending with in a mineral note… white quartz. There are black tea tannins as well that’s holding those sweet fruits in check. Great old port that is drinking very well now. Drink now, it wont get any better, but will probably still hold.
Wonderful old world history and fitting end to the year & final event for this group.

What a night

[JamieAdelaide]

I’ve got all those Italians in the cellar Roscoe. Some magnum. Caught on nice and early. Prices sill now .

2008 is a classical and underrated Barolo vintage. Was planing to open a Cappellano soon. I loved the completeness of Elio Grasso on release .

[WineRick]

Three reds enjoyed over the last few days;

2012 Yalumba 'Menzies' Cabernet Sauvignon - balanced, fragrant and complex, and a good example of a variety growing in right spot.

2004 Castagna 'Genesis' Shiraz - an early Beechworth bottling which has aged gracefully. Long-flavoured - perfumed even - in a medium-bodied weight.

1989 Brown Brothers Shiraz-Mondeuse-Cabernet - this 'SMC' has aged beautifully, no doubt the Mondeuse providing the 'legs' to get to 35 years.

All three were stood for a week and decanted an hour before serving. (All corks holding up well.)

[Ian S]

I always wanted to try that Brown Brothers bottling. Compared to their normal early drinking varietal range, that one always intrigued me with its elongated aging potential. Never seen it in the UK though.

[Rossco]

I’ve got all those Italians in the cellar Roscoe. Some magnum. Caught on nice and early. Prices sill now .

2008 is a classical and underrated Barolo vintage. Was planing to open a Cappellano soon. I loved the completeness of Elio Grasso on release .

Cheers Jamie, hope one of those magnums isn't for the Bruno Giacosa..... That would be ready in about 50 years

Agree prices are just absurd lately..... Still compared to burg prices I guess....

[Mike Hawkins]

1990 Taittinger Comtes…. Probably would have been a bit better a few years ago. Overt nose of caramel and very honeyed on the palate. Good but not great.

1990 Dom Perignon Oenotheque…. In a really good space. Seemed more Pinot dominant than the original release (even though that’s not the case). Strawberries and cream were the key takeaways. Not going to get any better.

1996 Pichon Baron… lots of the Paulliac lead pencil as well as violets on the nose. A bit earthier on the palate than the last time. Good finish, with complete tannin integration.

2005 Pichon Lalande…. This had the most lifted, perfumed nose I can ever recall. The smell drifted a good few metres….. kinda like walking through the ground floor of DJ’s. For lovers of the style and house (includes me), this was a cracking wine- so long and elegant. Some of the new world guys wanted some more, and I quote, “oomph”.

[JamieAdelaide]

I’ve a case of the 2005 Pichon. Wasn’t going to touch for a decade. In a window now?

[Mike Hawkins]

I’ve a case of the 2005 Pichon. Wasn’t going to touch for a decade. In a window now?

Just starting… I won’t revisit for a few years. Probably need to start on the 03s being a bit riper

[Sean]

Dal Zotto Pinot Grigio 23 - King Valley has its own feel to it (if you have been there you know what I mean), which shows in the wines. Pale straw colour and wildflowers. Pear, citrus, fennel and honeysuckle. Clean and fresh, also some depth to this. Subtle chalky texture and a dry finish. - 30/11/24

Kooyong Estate Chardonnay 21 - The fruit comes from their Faultline and Farrago blocks. Whole bunch, wild yeast and 11 months in French oak. Light gold colour and showing some development. Citrus, pears, stonefruit and oak spice. Still has fresh acidity, but it seems broader and softer with a little ageing. - 1/12/24

Balnaves The Blend 19 - 49% Cab Sav, 38% Merlot, 7.5% Cab Franc and 5.5% PV. No Cab Merlot released this vintage, so it picked up some of the good stuff. Deep red colour. Dark fruits, cherry, aniseed and dried herbs. Starting to show nice secondary character. Feels full-bodied with lingering soft tannins. - 2/12/24

Stanton & Killeen The Prince Iberian Blend 19 - 58% Tinta Roriz, 19% Touriga Nacional, 18% Tinto Cao, 5% Souzao. A dense red-purple colour. Violets, dried flowers, red berries, plums and aniseed. Lush, warm flavours, although surprisingly just 13% a/v with moderate oak influence and tannin. - 3/12/24

Campbells The Barkly Durif 18 - Usually gets around two years in French oak these days. Deep red-purple colour. Loads of flavour and fruit intensity. Rich and robust. This powers on through each glass. A bit warm perhaps if I’m being picky. Violets, cherry, plums, vanilla pod and cupboard spices. Drank most of the bottle on night one. Really good on night two showing some earth and tobacco. Surprisingly smooth, even with the tannin. - 6/12/24

Chalmers Appassimento 17 - 375ml bottle. Really interesting dessert wine. I drank it over a couple of nights. Got 10 mins in the fridge to chill it. This is made from Lambrusco Maestri grapes that have been rack dried to get the intensity. Wild ferment and barrel aged. Just 14.5% a/v. Plum coloured with deeper hue. Legs in the glass. Lush and viscous mouthfeel. Sweet prunes, raisins, figs, dried fruits, cherry and Jamaican chocolate. Long finish. - 7/12/24

Xanadu Stevens Rd Chardonnay 22 - Not just single vineyard, also single block Gin Gin clone Chardonnay. Whole bunch, wild yeast and barrel-fermented. Got 9 months in French oak (20% new) and no malo. You can tell. Pale straw colour and wound up tight with energy and fruit intensity. Flinty, citrus, stonefruit, oyster shell and wood spice. Showing some leesy influences as it warms up in the glass. This is impressive and will definitely fill out with a few years on it. - 8/12/24

Sidewood Shiraz 21 - Drunk this vintage a few times. I think it has been pretty much the same each time. Wild yeast, 100% French oak and 15 months in the barrels. Dark fruits, plums and spice. Some earth when you get into it. Feels a bit warm with all that mid-palate fruit, it is 14.5% a/v. Rich and robust with some brambly tannins. - 9/12/24

Bowen Estate Shiraz 22 - The vintage hit all the right markers for this Shiraz. Dense red-purple colour. Jumping out of the glass. Spice, plums, red and dark berries, aniseed and vanilla oak. Feels shiny new. It is also 15% a/v, which is pretty typical of their wines. Big and full on, but smooth and balanced. Lots of fruit to like and slow building tannins with each pour. - 12/12/24

Sidewood Pinot Gris 24 - Adelaide Hills. Handpicked, wild yeast and large format French oak. A pale straw colour and clean. Citrus, pears and spice. Some leesy influence and minerally acidity with a dry finish. - 13/12/24

[Matt@5453]

No real notes, but some good drinking wines:

2024 Riesling Freak No. 34, beautiful balance. Very good value

2020 St Hugo Cabernet Sauvignon, heavily discounted price. Great drinking at this price, good fruit, distinctly Coonawarra, perhaps a touch short on the finish. Better than Wynns BL in my view.

Spectacular lunch at Skillogalee, Dan Moss leading the way with an amazing menu. Under the Olive tree on a perfect day does not get any better. Sparkling Riesling for a starter was perfect. The 2021 Trevarick Cabernet was a standard out. Medium bodied, a fantastic wine.

2021 Jim Barry The Farm Cab Malbec, stunning

2024 Keny Wine Polish Hill Riesling, one of the best 24s there is in my view.

[kenzo]

@Matt cheers for the recommendation - just picked up a sixer. 20% off until tomorrow as well!

I'd seen a recommendation for one of their Shiraz wines somewhere too, but can't for the life of me seem to find it.

[phillisc]

Lindemans Pryus 1994
Simply a lovely wine, good cork, faint browning on the edges. Great palate weight savoury core mixed spice, running through to very fine tannins.
These old Coonawarra's are a delight.
Cheers Craig

[phillisc]

2021 Leconfield Cabernet
Bright blue black fruits a whiff of cigar box, mixed spice. Long plush palate a charry note with a solid core. A little warmth from the 14.5%, lovely long firm finish. Beautiful wine, will certainly cellar magnificently. Certainly doing good things at Leconfield.
Cheers Craig

[Sean]

Sidewood Pinot Noir 23 - Some whole bunch and whole berry, wild yeast and 10 months in larger French oak barrels. I chilled this in the fridge for 10 mins. Ruby colour and nice aromatics. Cherry, red fruits and a hint of forest floor. Lots of punchy fruit driven character with fresh acidity and soft tannins. - 15/12/24

Taylors Reserve Parcel Riesling 23 - Clare Valley. Light straw colour. Clean with citrus blossom, lime, lemon sherbet and talcum. Bang on for varietal character and vibrant, fresh natural acidity. Lots of mid-palate flavour and a moderately dry finish. - 17/12/24

Xanadu Cabernet Sauvignon 21 - Made up of small batches of fruit handled differently and got 14 months in French oak (40% new). A lovely deep purple colour. For all that new oak, the fruit is romping through this. Cassis, dark plums, mulberry, aniseed and spice. Loads of mid-palate flavour and freshness with slightly grippy tannins when you get well into the bottle. - 18/12/24

Henschke Peggy’s Hill Riesling 23 - Sourced from a number of Eden Valley growers. Rain and botrytis issues around this vintage, so grape selection was important. Green straw colour and florals. Limes, green apple, bath salts and herbs. Lots of natural acidity. Feels a little minerally with a chalky dry finish. - 19/12/24

Chalmers Falanghina 22 - This comes from their Heathcote vineyard. Whole bunch, wild yeast and 5 months in the tank. Yellow straw colour with citrus blossom and tropical fruit aromas. Much more apple/pear and minerals on the palate, which feels full-bodied. The back label says 14% a/v. Lots of fresh acidity and a dry finish. - 20/12/24

Wynns BL Cabernet Sauvignon 22 - The 67th vintage, so it has history and a long track record. Got 14 months in new and used French oak barrels and vats. Deeply coloured. Just 13.4% a/v, and expecting this to be medium-bodied. But it actually feels bigger than that. Must be the fruit intensity. Cassis, cherry, bay leaf, cedar and some tannic grip on the palate. - 22/12/24

[mjs]

Terrific wines from both end of the spectrum for Xmas drinks with neighbours last night

2010 Penfolds St Henri
Just a great wine, dark, brooding, but still approachable, dense fruits, nice tannins, still youthful, gives the impression it will go for 20 years or more, will be a great wine imo

2010 Balnaves The Tally Cabernet
Beautiful cabernet, dark fruits, blackberries, cassis, cedar, another beautiful drink, tannins are fine and slightly drying

Now for the surprise wine ..

2014 Wynns The Gables Cabernet, pretty much a $15 wine, can be got for $12.5 on cellar door.co
What fantastic wine, beautiful mouth feel, good fruit, some nice tannins, nicely resolved wine
Just shows what these commercial wines from Wynns which cost bugger all can do with 5-10 years age. You could have told me that was a $50 wine

[Rossco]

A wine dinner held in October

Theme was 'European Pinot' - Basically any Pinot from Europe


Wine # 1 (Starter) – 2007 Pichler Riesling Smaragagf Durnsteiner Kellerberg
Deep, dark gold colour – this looks very old. Nose of wild honey, marmalade, dried orange rind,
Cumquat &; mandarin. There is a phenolic character as well as some tropical fruit notes. Quite a
complex nose. Some very bright fruits on the palate, powerful fruit, great vineyard, super high
quality. There is an underlying sweetness to the wine, possibly some slight botrytis influence,
however it finishes dry. This has a haunting viscosity too, olive oil type texture, silky. Lime leaf, mango
and banana round out a wonderful length. Acid is fading, so drink now – I guess 20 years.
Fantastic starter.


Wine # 2 – 2010 Domaine Tollot-Beaut Corton-Bressandes Grand Cru
Dark red cherry in colour, no bricking which is a good sign. Red cherry nose, quite sweet
Red fruits, some aniseed / liquorice root, strawberry and redcurrants. Nice start.
The structure on this is pure burgundy. You can taste the love in this wine, that balance of tannin
and acid that helps those bug red fruits Not overripe, very well picked in their prime. Stunning dusty
tannin is really quite special, I love this wine. This is quite elegant, gets better with each swirl and
sip…. Extreme length – Pure red fruits on the palate, some rosewater and red petals. Drinking well
now, will keep living for ages. Easy buy.


Wine # 3 – 2002 Jean-Michel Guillon Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru
Blurry & cloudy, dense purple in colour, cannot see the bottom of the glass…..
Nose is meaty, there is a hint of lemon, metal filings, bbq meats, charcuterie & smoked meats. This
isn’t fined or filtered. That lemon nose was the acidity – lemon acid. Dark cherry fruit, plums and a
purple note. Wonderful dry and sandy tannin, acid slightly dominating. Fruit is fading with air, so
drink now. Good wine


Wine # 4 – 2013 Bernhard Huber Schlossberg Spatburgunder GG
Looks young, its bright and vibrant red, leading to a slight yellowing rim. Struck match, sulfide notes,
raw oak though….. there is a reductive character as well. Fruit is soft, plushie, rounded; not powerful
though. Its slightly lacking and missing something. Lots of acid, some rubber notes and more
reduction. Not sure if this is quite right.


Wine # 5 – 2018 Alphonse Mellot Generation XIX Dix-Neuf (Scancerre)
Horrible. Not faulty but just bad given the previous wines. Shallow depth of fruit, cant really define
this as a pinot either, it’s a simple red table wine. Too much oak, acid all out of whack – terrible
balance, no discernable pinosity, place or region. Could come from anywhere and be anything. Poured out.
There was a comment made when tipping this wine out that the French can only make Pinot in burgundy….
While i dont have enough experience to confirm that thought, this wine certainly adds credence to it.
Of course it was my wine. I thought i would try something a bit different and not from Burgundy.... and got burnt.


Wine # 6 – 2010 Albert Bichot Geverey-Chambertin 1er Cru
Burgundy red, darker in colour – kind of dark purple with a red hue. Very clear though, no blurring or
bricking. The perfume leaping out of the glass is mesmerising; potpourri, rose petals, pure red fruits,
raspberries, strawberries and red currents. This is so fresh & vibrant, perfect oak and some added
complexity of wet earth and wet pine forest. Good length , powerful fruit…. Commanding easy buy


Wine # 7 - 2005 Andre Ziltener Vosne-Romande 1er Cru Les Suchots
No Notes on this (not even who presented it) so i can only assume this was faulty


Wine # 8 - 2017 Domaine Hudelot - Baillet Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru Les Charmes
This is young and dark red in colour. Nose is pure burgundy, I love this nose, one that you can just
smell all day Enthralling nose. Umami, mushroom, forest floor. Some florals on the nose, , New season cherry, strawberry and
some slight purple woody character… Like a Lavender bush.
Plums, hint of exocit spice, but its that forest floor/mushroom characters thats the star.
Very complex wine, nice weight and depth of fruit, wonderful length. Hold for 10+ easily


Wine # 9 – (Finisher) Morris Old Premium Rare Muscat (NV)
Black, dense, impenetrable colour. It's so dark its almost black.
It’s a sensory overload – Treacle, molasses and burnt toffee… the weight of this wine is quite
something; astounding actually.
This is a huge wine, it’s a meal in liquid form. Burnt Creme Brule Top, Fresh roasted coffee beans,
raisins, sultanas, its chewy and has a motor oil viscosity…. Stupidly long length. You don’t need much to have the full experience
Intense – astonishing – perfect end to the evening.

[JamieAdelaide]

I’ve got a fair bit of Rudi Pichler in the cellar. Glad you enjoyed the wine as I struggle to find folks in Australia who enjoy Austrian Riesling.

[phillisc]

2002 Rockford BP, very bright colour, lovely savoury spicy nose, bright core of dark fruits, leading to a strong firm finish. Very good bottle with a good cork. Another 5-10 years methinks.
2016 Yalumba Menzies deep black colour, nose of blue black fruits great mouth feel with a delicate finish. Classic Coonawarra, classy wine just entering the drinking window
Cheers Craig

[Ian S]

2012 Marisa Cuomo Ravello (Rosso) riserva.
Very well made, and pretty decent value (albeit not the easiest to find). Perhaps in this instance and little too well-made, as blind I doubt I'd pick is as Italy, let alone Campania. Despite that, very enjoyable.

[Rossco]

2002 Rockford BP, very bright colour, lovely savoury spicy nose, bright core of dark fruits, leading to a strong firm finish. Very good bottle with a good cork. Another 5-10 years methinks.
2016 Yalumba Menzies deep black colour, nose of blue black fruits great mouth feel with a delicate finish. Classic Coonawarra, classy wine just entering the drinking window
Cheers Craig

Thanks for the 02 BP note, I have a few and was wondering how they are travelling. Good to hear they have a few years left

[Rossco]

I’ve got a fair bit of Rudi Pichler in the cellar. Glad you enjoyed the wine as I struggle to find folks in Australia who enjoy Austrian Riesling.

The age is what confused me a bit. At first I thought it was from Alsace, but the weight and texture wasn't right. I think my first Austrian - would have to check my historical notes.

[Sean]

Chandon Brut NV - Methode traditionnelle with two years on lees. A clean, aperitif style and this bottle was pretty good. Light straw colour and a steady fine bead. Apple, stonefruit, a little brioche and a dry finish. - 24/12/24

Balnaves Sparkling Cabernet NV - A blend of ten vintages using the solera system, so it has some older material in it. Dark coloured and fresh with a steady bead. A Cabernet wine feel to it, not just fizzy. Blackberry, licorice, earth and coffee. The flavours just keep coming. Long and a dry finish. - 25/12/24

Rieslingfreak No.34 Riesling 24 - This is a blend of Clare and Eden Valley. Light straw colour and very aromatic. Fresh limes, citrus blossom, pear, bath salts and a long thread of acidity running through it. This is gluggable stuff, the bottle goes pretty quick. Refreshing with a moderately dry finish. - 26/12/24

Cirillo The Vincent Grenache 23 - The vintage is on the back label, so you have to look for it there if you want this one. Usually comes off 1901 and 1906 blocks, this vintage also has declassified 1850 fruit. Tank fermented and some older oak maturation. Ruby coloured and 14% a/v. Real varietal character and nice intensity, with red and dark fruits. Red cherry, plums, cola and spice. Lovely soft tannins and lingering earthy aftertaste. - 28/12/24

Penfolds Reserve Bin 16A Chardonnay 16 - Adelaide Hills. Whole bunch, wild yeast, solids, barrel-fermented and malo. Got 9 months in French oak barriques, 40% new. Straw coloured. A heady mix of citrus, nectarine, oak spice, a little cashew and leesy/barrel influences. Some phenolics on the palate as well as refreshing fruit character and acidity. Length to burn. Feels like this is in its prime, but no hurry with it. - 29/12/24

Chalmers Aglianico 19 - Heathcote. Originally a varietal from southern Italy. They imported vines in 2001. Late ripening and picked in the autumn. Whole berry, basket pressed, wild yeast and matured in Chestnut botte. Just 13% a/v. Ruby coloured. Cherry, sweet dark plums, spice, dried herbs and cocoa. Feels medium to full-bodied with savoury, dry tannin on the finish. - 30/12/24

[ticklenow1]

Sami Odi Little Wine #4 My last bottle on NYE. Just stunning but obviously not in that great fresh fruited way they drink when young. Starting to mature. Nose was amazing. Glad I hung onto one for a while to try with some age. Drink up!

Happy New Year Forumites.

[Sean]

Phaedrus Sparkling Pinot Noir Chardonnay NV - Methode Traditionnelle. Handpicked, wild yeast and 3 years en tirage. Developing the style a bit more now, and likely depends on the vintage/s it will be based on. Lightly coloured and steady, strong bead. Peach, citrus, apple and a little brioche with a dry finish. - 1/1/25

Phaedrus Reserve Pinot Noir 17 - This comes off their oldest one acre block. Foot treading, wild yeast and best oak barrels. Just getting into its groove, these Reserves come up best with age on them. (I still have the 10, 14 and 16.) Ruby colour. Dark cherry, rhubarb, some earth and spice. Loads of banging acidity on the palate and sufficient tannin if you want to hang onto it longer. - 2/1/25

Sidewood Mappinga Chardonnay 22 - Burgundy Dijon clones. All of this handpicked, some whole bunch, wild yeast and ten months in French oak barrels. Just 12% a/v. Straw coloured. Citrus, stonefruit, oak spice and ginger. Really nice mid-palate feel to it. Starting to fill out now with loads of fresh fruit character and perfectly weighted oak influence. - 3/1/25

Bird in Hand Pinot Rose 24 - The trick with this Rose is not to over chill it. Got brief skin contact, so this has a pale pink colour. Tank fermented fresh aromatics. Musky and floral. Red fruits, cherry, grapefruit and a dry finish. - 4/1/25

Pizzini Pietra Rossa Sangiovese 22 - Sourced from 3 estate blocks and matured for 14 months in used French oak. Deep red colour. Feels a little extracted (colour and tannin). Struggling a bit to see the varietal character in this. Dark berries, cherry, dried herbs and warm spices. Just 13.8% a/v. Weirdly medium-bodied with grippy tannins, although it has come up better on the second night. - 7/1/25

Pizzini IL Barone 22 - An unusual blend of Cab Sav, Shiraz, Sangiovese and Nebbiolo. Sourced from King Valley and Beechworth. Got 12 months in French oak. Red-purple colour. Initial impression is that it is soft and balanced. A nice harmony of flavours and texture. Dark fruits, cherry, plum and cedar. By the 2nd or 3rd glass feels brambly with dried herbs and lingering, soft tannins. - 8/1/25

Quartier Pinot Noir 23 - Second label Pinot from Port Phillip Estate. Sourced from other Mornington Peninsula vineyards. Ruby coloured. Red fruits, rhubarb and spice with fresh acidity. Subtle forest floor and soft tannins. Much too easy to drink, the bottle went pretty quick. - 9/1/25

Scorpo Noirien Pinot Noir 23 - The fruit comes from a neighbouring property at Merricks North they manage. Picked over a couple of weeks (later than average vintages). Low yields, around one tonne per acre. Some whole bunch and 7 months in mostly older French oak. Ruby colour and lifted, fragrant fruit character. Dark cherry, red fruits and dried herbs. A little earthy when it opens up more. Feels medium-bodied with soft, savoury tannins. - 10/1/25

Hesketh Watervale Riesling 23 - Tank fermented with limited skin contact. A little colour. Bang! Jumping out of the glass with florals and fresh fruit character. Limes, lemon sherbet and apple. Really like the way this washes through your mouth with all that flavour. Refreshing, vibrant acidity and moderately dry. - 11/1/25

Seppelt Drumborg Vineyard Riesling 18 - The fruit comes off 4 blocks, incl the 1964 original planting. Really simple winemaking, which is all about the pristine fruit quality. The screwcap had been dented, but the wine is fine. Some colour in this now and lovely florals. Lemon sherbet, Tahitian lime and herbs. A little kero/toast? Also strong citrusy feel to it and pure acidity indicating this still has potential for ageing. - 12/1/25

[phillisc]

1993 Wynns Black Label Cabernet
Cork in great nick, brooding inky black, no browning at all. Fabulous core with a lot going on,with bright blue fruits and savoury tone, almost too much actually.
Very primary on the palate and would not suggest that this is a 30 year old red. Huge lick of firm tannin. Great bottle, and think it will go another 10 easily. Have three left I think.
Cheers Craig

[Sean]

Rieslingfreak No.34 Riesling 24 - 2nd bottle of this wine in a couple of weeks. Guessing there will be a few repeats of these Rieslings this summer. It went pretty quick. I need it on tap out of a tank. Not much different from the previous one. Loads of lime and citrus with lush mid-palate fruit and a dry finish. A little more tangy acid this time perhaps. - 13/1/25

Ten Minutes By Tractor 10X Pinot Noir 23 - Their entry level Pinot, which is $40 a bottle. Sourced from various vineyards incl their own. Shows typical quality and finesse that features in all of their wines. Ruby colour and fragrant. Red fruits, sour cherry, earth and spice. Oak and tannin are secondary and nicely integrated. Still feels fresh and intense, so a few extra years on it will be the go if you have it. - 14/1/25

Heggies Vineyard Riesling 23 - The 40 yo vineyard is 500m above sea level in Eden Valley. Pale straw colour. Green apple, citrus blossom, limes and sherbet. Lots of punchy natural acidity as well as typical generous fruit flavours and intensity. - 16/1/25

Pewsey Vale Estate Riesling 24 - An old vineyard 500m above sea level in Eden Valley. Pale straw with green hues. Florals, fresh limes, subtle dried herbs and bath salts. Bell clear varietal character and natural acidity. Feels a bit leaner than the Heggies with typical wet stones, slate and chalky texture. - 17/1/25

Henschke Peggy’s Hill Riesling 24 - Sourced from a handful of Eden Valley growers. Some frost lowered the yields, but otherwise an excellent vintage. Green straw colour and musky. Limes, apple, talcum and flowers. Clean, minerally acidity with a chalky dry finish. - 18/1/25

Best’s Great Western Riesling 23 - I had a choice of the 23 or 24 when I got this. Really like a Riesling with a year on it, because there’s often something a bit extra. A slow ripening, cool vintage, so loads of fruit intensity and acidity. Pale straw colour and florals. Limes, stonefruit and lemon pith. Fills out the mid-palate with a medley of flavours. Clean mouthwatering acidity and a dry finish. - 19/1/25

[phillisc]

2022 Wynns BL Cabernet
Bottle went in a flash, toasty oak, cigar box black blue fruits. Lovely long finish with a sweet savoury core, drying tannins. Nothing overdone, just a great wine.
2 dozen may not be enough!!
Cheers Craig

[Sean]

Pikes Traditionale Riesling 24 - Sourced from estate fruit as well as other growers around Clare Valley. Got 3 months on lees in the tank until bottling. Nothing tricked up, what you see is what you get. Light straw colour. Lemon, lime and minerals. Fruit forward with fresh tangy acidity and a moderately dry finish. - 21/1/25

Kooyong Estate Pinot Noir 22 - Est in 1996 at Tuerong. Some whole bunch and wild ferment in a mix of large oak fourdre, concrete and stainless steel tank. Got 12 months maturation in French oak. Ruby colour and florals. Really smooth on the palate with sour cherry, red fruits, rhubarb, earth and spice. Supple mouthfeel showing loads of fresh acidity and velvety soft tannins. - 23/1/25

Leeuwin Estate Art Series Riesling 24 - They have had a Riesling since est in the 1970s. I have found it hard and very intense sometimes, less so lately. Green straw colour and musky aromatics. Limes, lemongrass, green apple and herbs. A bit tight. Give this a swirl and take your time. Comes up nice on the mid-palate as it warms up in the glass. A little texture with a chalky dry finish. - 24/1/25

Pfeiffer Cabernet Sauvignon 21 - I have had a few bottles of this. Much too tempting obviously. Rutherglen and King Valley fruit. Lustrous red-purple colour. Blackberry, plums, dried herbs and mint. Lush and rich on the palate. Really enjoy getting into the bottle and exploring this. Got about 15 months in French oak, but not a big factor. It is 14.8% a/v, so I would pick it medium to full-bodied. Loads of flavour and powdery tannin. - 25/1/25

[Wine2day]

The 2019 Montrose

What a powerful well balanced wine with an alcohol level sitting at 14.5%..It’s a big bold full body wine!
And the finish, oooo, that 60+ finish.. is one for the ages…