saturn5519 wrote: ↑Mon Apr 28, 2025 4:02 pm
Having a red to celebrate the reds win over Tottenham to secure the premier league.Takes us to 20 wins equal with Man united.
A great day. I had a 2021 Claymore YNWA Boot Room Shiraz to celebrate. YNWA and up the mighty Reds!!
Cheers
Ian
If you had to choose between drinking great wine or winning Lotto, which would you choose - Red or White?
Hello Ian
I've tried a bottle of the Dark side of the moon shiraz.
Looking at their site i noticed they had a GSM
called You'll never walk alone.Have you tried this wine as i
would like to order some?
saturn5519 wrote: ↑Mon Apr 28, 2025 4:02 pm
Having a red to celebrate the reds win over Tottenham to secure the premier league.Takes us to 20 wins equal with Man united.
A great day. I had a 2021 Claymore YNWA Boot Room Shiraz to celebrate. YNWA and up the mighty Reds!!
Cheers
Ian
I’m kicking myself…. Had a choice between going to the Arsenal or Spurs game and chose poorly
saturn5519 wrote: ↑Mon Apr 28, 2025 4:02 pm
Having a red to celebrate the reds win over Tottenham to secure the premier league.Takes us to 20 wins equal with Man united.
A great day. I had a 2021 Claymore YNWA Boot Room Shiraz to celebrate. YNWA and up the mighty Reds!!
Cheers
Ian
I’m kicking myself…. Had a choice between going to the Arsenal or Spurs game and chose poorly
Looked like Anfield was absolutely buzzing for that Spurs game. I wouldn't be too disappointed though, the Arsenal game will be a great atmosphere too. YNWA
If you had to choose between drinking great wine or winning Lotto, which would you choose - Red or White?
2022 Setiono Flaxman Shiraz,
Third vintage of these wines that I have purchased and will be the last. Perhaps i simply don't enjoy them, or that the wines just don't do it for me.
Opened with a barnyard stink, which eventually blew off. Acid seems to dominate the profile, with fruit pushing through, but in this vintage and this region, should be much plusher and richer. Left till next day and a bit of an improvement. Rated 96 points on TWF...WTF, no where near.
On the other hand, 2021 Wynns Messenger, stunningly good Cabernet. Inky black, blue berry, cassis and a wonderful seamless palate. Drink over 30 years, will need to get more I think.
Cheers Craig
Penfolds Max’s Cabernet Sauvignon 21 - This came in a presentation gift box designed by Japanese artist Nigo. Just a marketing gimmick really. The wine is OK however. Got used French and American oak. Nice dense purple colour. Dark berries, mulberry, cherry, herbs and sweet charry oak. Rich and full-bodied, helped along with the lush effect of ripe flavours and the 14.5% a/v in this. Some obvious tannin. - 29/4/25
Yalumba The Signature Cabernet Shiraz 16 - Cork. Got 21 months in French, Hungarian and American oak. Not showing too much now. Lots of rich purple colour. But aged, earthy character is pretty obvious already. Blackberry, dark plums, red fruits and spice. Real mix of fruit the longer you give it. Tannin feels integrated and in there for the long haul. You could keep this another 10 years easy. - 2/5/25
Bird in Hand Sparkling Pinot Noir 24 - Adelaide Hills. I think the fruit is also sourced from further afield in SA. A salmon pink blush and florals. Cherry, strawberry, pomegranate and musky. This is a clean aperitif style with robust freshness and moderately dry on the finish. - 4/5/25
Taylors Reserve Parcel Riesling 24 - Clare Valley. Light straw colour. Lemon/lime and florals. The fruit intensity is pretty good, but this feels simple or one dimensional (even for a dry Riesling). Fresh acidity and a slatey, dry finish. The last couple of vintages before this have been better I think. - 8/5/24
Peter Lehmann The Bond Grenache 21 - Aged in French and American oak for 14 months. A bright red-purple colour and florals. This has typical Barossa flavours of raspberry, cherry and spice. Not confectionery however. Also the 14.5% a/v and soft, lush feel to the palate. Some tannin of course, but you could accurately describe it as very fruit driven. - 9/5/25
Flinders Bay Margaret River Rose 24 - Picked up a couple for $12 pb from the bottlo next door. Goes quick on these slow, balmy afternoons we are still having. A vibrant coral pink colour and very aromatic. Strawberry, raspberry, musk stick and vanilla pod. Clean and fresh with a slightly sweet feel to it. - 10/5/25
Having a 21 yalumba signature tonight. Quite impressed. Nice deep colour with red edges, not opaque. Probably a bit young, but a nice nose and vibrant fruit on the palate, nice and smooth drink with nothing jumping out of order. Seems pretty good !
Yeah I was going to say, I actually got the tip from yourself in the torbreck thread that yalumba signature was good value, and got the tip about wynns from you too, so cheers for steering me in the right direction !
Yalumba 1991 Signature - enjoyed with char-grilled, marinated lamb loin chops.
Great colour for age, as too the complex bouquet and a stunning palate. Perfectly mature and a pleasure to drink.
WineRick wrote: ↑Mon May 12, 2025 8:13 am
Yalumba 1991 Signature - enjoyed with char-grilled, marinated lamb loin chops.
Great colour for age, as too the complex bouquet and a stunning palate. Perfectly mature and a pleasure to drink.
Thanks for this one. It’s a wine I’ve had a number of times and really rate. No’Reserve’ made in 1991 from memory, so it got the best fruit.
2023 Redman Limestone Coast Sangiovese, yep, that's right Sangiovese!
A travesty I hear you say!
nice red fruits bouquet, a little savoury, nice tannins and red dark fruits on the mouth, medium bodied, really quite enjoyed it
mjs wrote: ↑Thu May 15, 2025 10:28 pm
2023 Redman Limestone Coast Sangiovese, yep, that's right Sangiovese!
A travesty I hear you say!
nice red fruits bouquet, a little savoury, nice tannins and red dark fruits on the mouth, medium bodied, really quite enjoyed it
mjs wrote: ↑Thu May 15, 2025 10:28 pm
2023 Redman Limestone Coast Sangiovese, yep, that's right Sangiovese!
A travesty I hear you say!
nice red fruits bouquet, a little savoury, nice tannins and red dark fruits on the mouth, medium bodied, really quite enjoyed it
Coonawarra Chianti?
Wow that is quite something
Indeed, hope this is not a trend, seem to recall a pet nat cabernet shocker made by a second generation winemaker...won't name and shame out of sheer embarrassment, for what was the worst wine I tried that year.
Line and length is the form for Coonawarra...not some modernist, half baked jobbie on the road to nowhere
Another wine dinner held back in February....yes I'm behind on my notes.
This theme was Whites & Sparkling’s
Wine #1 (Waiting Wine) - 2021 Cor Ribbe Mornington Peninsula Riesling
Green & bright yellow in colour, looks very young – leading to white/clear rim. Nose has lots of quite intense citrus, pith & sherbet. Palate is similar, lots of lemony fruit, grapefruit acid and more fizzy sherbert. That acid is very prominent, feels like a cool climate Riesling with younger vines. Lacking the fruit depth a touch for me, so im thinking Tasmania. Fruit is a little thin and watery at this stage with that acid dominating. Needs some bottle time to calm down and build that fruit power.
Wine #2 - 2008 Dom Perignon
This is the handover vintage from Richard Geoffroy to Vincent Chaperon, with Vincent having big shoes to fill to take over from arguably one of the best chief de carve in living memory.
Lots of fizz and foam when poured in to the glass, settled down quickly enough. Huge milky, cheesy (Brie rind) nose, some say stinky but it blows off quickly enough. Reminds me of an aged Grand Vintage Arras, and just on the nose that’s where im heading instantly.
Incredible fruit, so powerful and commanding. Concentrated yet laser like in its precision. There is a richness to the fruit with some strawberry floral notes, indicating to me a pinot component, but not majority. Orchard fruits in the white peach spectrum as well, more white flowers, particularly orange blossom. Mouthwatering and perfectly balanced lemon acid, spine runs the entire length of the wine – front to bank. Missing the chalky minerals im used to champagne, so it’s a hard one to guess. Oak is beautifully handled and there has to be some barrel aging here, its not intrusive or overpowering; its perfect. Feels like a majority blend of chardonnay and pinot. I cant put into words how wonderful this is – best bottle of 08 I have ever had. Buy as much as you can (afford).
Wine #3 - 2020 Domaine Latour Girand Meursault-Charmes 1er Cru
Slightly green in colour, leading to white edges. Another very young wine, smells like burgundy! Has that oak spice note of nutmeg and vanilla. Some green herby characters (wild fennel leaves maybe)
Lots of winemaker influence on the nose.
In the mouth this is rich and rounded, silky texture. It’s a textural wonder but nicely balanced out with the acid. It’s a young wine and has young acid. Hard to describe but its needed to handle that fruit and oak, but its just a little too much right now. Will be perfect with a bit more age and let it come together.
Fruit is long and powerful, easily GC level/quality. Wonderful yellow peach, some tropical fruits in there as well, maybe a bit of papaya and green mango. Good length just give it some time.
Wine # 4 - 2006 Dom Perignon Rose
Wowee wilk you look at that colour! Mesmerising and definitely colour of the night so far. It’s a copper, strawberry bronze colour that I haven’t seen before. Im thinking it’s an aged Rose`. Has lost its bright pink colour and now in secondary phase. Nose has strawberry, oak and a touch of steely minerals.
On the palate, it’s a little disappointing. Mousse is still fine and beading nicely, but its lacking fruit. Doesn’t feel corked/TCA but I am expecting more. I want more power, more fruit; it’s a good wine but no where near the quality of the 08 Dom. Not sure if its over the hill, plateaued or on the way down. There is some strawberry and a preserved cherry note, oak richness gives body and texture but that’s about it. Not sure this is a representative bottle.
Wine # 5 - 2017 Tolpuddle Chardonnay
Light yellow in colour, tough of green in the core and a white rim, Has the trifecta. Lots of struck match, phenols and spicy oak. Reminds me of an Oakridge 864 on the nose, very winemaker influenced. In the mouth the cooler climate fruit is very obvious, not on the nose but definitely on the palate. Different fruit profile than burgundy, citrus lime/lemon fruit, but has a shortbread biscuity richness and crunch. Almond paste and crushed nuts, perfect acid, length that doesn’t stop…. New World greatness – top tier chardonnay that will live forever. Easy buy recommendation
Wine # 6 - NV Champagne Ulysse Collin Les Enfers Blanc De Blancs
Deep gold in colour, yellow edge/rim, looks older/aged as its lost its brightness.
Jebus that nose, rich, powerful and commanding nose. Loaded with super premium fruit. Red Apples, apricots, apple cider and apple scrumpy richness.
Great mouthfeel, with fine bead, soft feather pillow, cloud like bubbles. Fruit very similar to the nose, lots of apple and apple cider, cinnamon spice, quality oak that sits perfectly, confidently and comfortably with itself. Very, very well made. Hard to get in Australia and for good reason.
That fruit power here is astonishing – GC level
Wine # 7 - 2016 The Sadie Family ‘Palladius’ (Chenin Blanc Blend) South Africa
Deep gold, very dark looks super old – 15+ years. Wild Wax Honey on the nose, but lots of oxidative notes. Its gone, corked – Tipped out
Wine # 8 - 2015 Champagne Voirin Jumel ‘Millesime’ Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs
Bright light yellow straw/hay colour. Vivacious mousse, bright bubbles, happy bubbles. Glorious looking wine in the glass, it just lifts your mood. Disgorged May 2024.
Almond paste, white peach fruit, more crushed raw nuts, cashew with a macadamia twist.
Laser like precision, the sharpness and focus of this wine is the standout. Not a hair out of place, confident winemaking that is truly letting the vineyard and fruit do the talking. Green apples, lots of chalky minerals, bit of talc and perfect lemon acid with balance. Length and balance perfect – my only very small quibble is its too young. I would love to see this with a few more years. Buy and cellar. Very, Very good.
Wine #9 - 2008 Champagne Drappier Grande Sendree
Another bright & light colour, straw and hay again exactly the same as the previous wine; but that’s where the similarities end. This is all baked bread, biscuits and yeasty notes on the nose. Nice fruit but with a touch of tropical notes. White & yellow peach, young mango, banana leaf and maybe some dragonfruit. Good length drinks very young and I thought this was a much younger vintage.
Wine # 10 (Backup) – 2007 Domaine Louis Michel ‘Vaudesir’ Chablis Grand Cru
Horribly oxidised – White Burg fail -
Wine #11.1 - 2011 Trimbach ‘Geisberg’ Alsace Grand Cru (Left Glass)
Just not quite right. Feels like VA but could be cork issues. One or two members believed it to be ‘ok’ but I (and others) disagreed and opened the back up and tipped this out.
Wine # 11.2 (Backup) 2016 Clemens Busch Marienburg GG Fahrlay, Mosel-Saar-Ruwer (Left Glass)
Super deep dark yellow gold. Looks way older than it should, when I poured it I thought it was gone as well, but it smelt fine and tasted ok. Definitely prematurely aged, but not oxidised or faulty. It’s a weird one….Maybe bad storage? Regardless this presented and drank ok despite being advanced in age. Has a sweet floral aroma, some candied lime and glycerol characters. Smells old, you would think its 20+ years old, but its not. Texture is quite something, its soft and silky has an oily like texture. A little rich without losing that vinous character. I start to winder if this was a vintage trait? Was 2016 a warm one? On the palate has a wild honey character, some saline notes with a hint of marmalade, hard to describe. Still lots of preserved lime, even a slight tinge of botrytis as well..hmmmmm. Length is only ok, the wine is ok… I expected a lot more and came away disappointed for what it is.
Wine # 11.3 - 2017 Grosset Polish Hill Riesling (Right Glass)
Much better colour here, correct colour for a screw cap and Australian Riesling that is 8 years old. White in colour, with some hints of yellow and green. From the side by side look in the glass, you would think there is a 15+ year age gap between the two.
This one was the tricky one to pick for the whole group. Everyone thought it to be an old world Riesling. While some thought it Alsace, some thought it to be German, yet no one picked it as Australian, and this is the reason I wanted a side by side comparison. You can see the old world acid and dryness in this wine, doesn’t show its alcohol at all, so I get the confusion but that lemony fruit, and lime leaf and citrus notes are surely Australian. Kaffir lime as well as some wonderful white orchard blossom florals. Jasmine perfume lifts out of the glass, it’s a wonderful nose; one of those you can smell all night and never get bored. No Kero or petrol notes, it hasn’t developed that far yet,
Length sublime, acid needs a bit more time to calm down, but its fine and drinkable now. Will be better in another 5+. 2017 considered a very good vintage and this shows. Great fruit
Top tier Riesling from one top tier producer.
Wine # 12 - 2012 Seppelt Show Reserve Sparkling Shiraz
I love me a good sparkling red. I cant tell you why, its so unique, so different to all other offerings
and quintessentially Australian. Its deep dark red in colour, it has those younger purple edges, with a core of almost black red in colour. The bubbles race to the top of the glass trying to beat one another. Those sweet red & blue fruits leap out of the glass, along with some woody and liquorice notes. On the palate its quite an experience. Those tiny bubbles are like little bursts of happiness. Lots of dark plum and some blueberry fruits, good texture, great balance of acid that supports the wine. It has rich fruits without being overly sweet; it dances that fine line of dry, sweet, oak, fruit, and acid better than the majority of other sparkling reds. Length is very impressive, crown seal means this will probably outlive me. Very good.
Wine # 13 - 1978 Morris Vintage Port
Immediately the colour jumps out at you, its so dark its almost black. Impenetrable colour. Motor oil type thing, with the slightest hint of red on the rim.
Plunging the nose in the glass is an experience in itself. Blackberry compote, blueberries, aniseed, mocha, liquorice, blackcurrants as well. This overwhelms the senses, there is just so much going on.
On the palate there is an almond paste note, kind of like marzipan, for those that know Touriga, there has to be some in here its just so floral as well. That unmissable earthy note with those dry, dark fruits gives that added complexity, perfectly integrated spirit, which is very clean and precise. Loaded with fruit, it cant be from anywhere else, so Im guessing Australian (and from Rutherglen due to the Portuguese varieties).
I incorrectly thought it was an S & K though…. My goodness it’s a 78! Belies its age, drinking beautifully, cork permitting will live another 10+ easily. Acid, spirit and the balance is just perfect here, a pleasure to drink, quite an experience actually…. length doesn’t stop.
Great night
Last edited by Rossco on Fri May 16, 2025 4:12 pm, edited 2 times in total.
I used to grow for Chandon in the Yarra Valley and in their early days Richard would come out annually to assist with the assemblage. I was fortunate to have a few lunches with him - a very warm and knowledgeable man.
My notes for the last wine dinner I have attended back in March
Yes im getting withdrawal symptoms, but work travel is not aligning to these event dates which is a shame
Theme was Burgundy Varieties
Wine # 1(waiting wine) 2024 Rieslingfreak No. 2
Pale as water in the glass, almost white, clear rim, very young in colour.
Lots of lemon pith on the nose, good citrus as well, lime very prominent.
Huge hit of (almost raw) acid, its very prominent and follows on from my initial thoughts of a very young wine. Tastes like a new world Riesling with all those limey notes, some talc and wet stone, but its very dry. It’s a tight, lean wine at this young stage, not revealing much and needs some bottle age to fill out. Length is nice. Good without being great.
Wine # 2 – 2007 Leeuwin Estate Art Series Chardonnay
Beautiful colour in the glass, nice yellow with a lighter hint of straw/hay toward the rim. Lots of Crème Brule, vanilla bean and creamy curd on the nose.
Everyone picked this as a white burg, its easy to see why; It has this richness about it, silky texture and grand cru level fruit. Powerful, commanding and intense.
Belies its age, this is just a pup and some thought it a 2015 it was that fresh…. Ahhh the wonders of screwcap. White & Yellow peach, toasty spicy oak – cinnamon and the slightest hint of white pepper.
Some white florals, impeccable balance… length for days. Will probably outlive me. Amazing Chardonnay, even better an Australian can keep up with the best of them. Buy all you can, its astonishing and has to be in the top 2 or 3 best Australian Chardonnay if not the best.
Wine # 3 - 2020 Vincent Dauvissat Chablis
Much lighter in colour than the previous wine – Light straw yellow. Completely different nose too, both fresh & dried apricots with a very interesting dry/sultana addition. Cant put my finger on why I get a sultana nose, not something I normally pick up.
Lemon acid, some very slightly crushed oyster shell, with a hint of saline minerals.
The texture is another highlight, not as silky as the previous wine but very enjoyable, nonetheless. There are ripe fruits in there, without being overripe – Pine Needles, peach and some slight tropical fruit notes.
Has a whiff of a medicine cabinet for some reason (or perhaps im having an off night) Doesn’t have the fruit power or intensity, but it’s a very nice wine. Acid is very well judged, does leave you wanting more from the wine. Missing that X factor.
Wine # 4 – 2008 Domaine Henri Gouges Nuits St Georges Les Saint George 1er Cru
Nice ruby red colour, no browning or bricking, but you can tell it has a little age on it. Looks 10-ish years old, as its missing that shine of a new wine. Smells like burgundy – Spice, forest floor, umami and pine. Some wonderful earthy notes on the palate, red cherry, ripe strawberry and mushroom. Those spices are something special, really adds complexity to the wine with those earthy notes. Nice length, drinking beautifully, I cant see this getting any better. Not GC level of fruit or power, but it’s a wonderful wine.
Wine # 5 – 2011 Olivier Bernstein Mazis-Chambertin Grand Cru
Darker cherry red in colour than the last wine. Nose has some whole bunches in there, with Rice Crackers, burnt rubber and medicinal cherry. The whole bunch and rubber is putting me off a little.
Still a very young wine, feels 5 years old. Palate has some iron filings, black tea, tar and a capsicum/tomato leaf. Very good fruit, black cherry but still in that medicinal / cough syrup style fruit rounded off with a hint of light plum. There is a greenness in there that im not loving, and for me I cannot get over that whole bunch rubber nose. Hopefully it will improve with more age as its drinking very young at the moment.
Wine # 6 – 2016 ByFarr Tout Pres
Older colour here, some slight blurriness and just the slightest hint of brown starting to creep in too. Still holding its black cherry colour which is darker than the previous wine. Now this is the type of whole bunch nose I like. Its earthy, mushroomy with those wet pine influences. Forest floor type thing and that fruit is on the dark strawberry / compote spectrum.
Feel like I have had this before in a past event, there is a familiarity about this wine that niggles at me. Its trying its hardest to be French, but I feel its new world; acid seems wrong.
Great spice in here, touch of clove, sage and white pepper. Fruit sits somewhere between 1er and GC levels… top notch stuff. Powerful and poised, precise yet perfectly ripe. Dark cherry, plum and dark strawberry still, whole bunch not as prominent on the palate as the nose, yet those wet black earth notes are there. Length is fantastic, structure first class. Tannin and oak absolutely spot on.
Great wine, I think its Australian and a ByFarr. I chose Sangreal through and 2010 vintage…. Oh well, cant get them all right.
Wine # 7 – 2005 Domaine de Courcel Grand Clos des Epenots
Corked (Horribly oxidised)
Wine # 8 – 2020 ByFarr Tout Pres
Bright dark red, clear colour here. No browning but there is a little blurriness. I think this is intended by the winemaker and the style they are going for.
Lots of red fruits in here, new strawberry, young cherry, raspberry, cranberry and a redcurrants. Autumn leaves and yes there is whole bunch in here as well. I think its another ByFarr as, although the fruit is a little different from the 2016, it has the same feel about it. Trying to be French, and trying to be sneaky. Beautiful oak playing a supporting role, again perfect acid and tannin…. Much younger (or maybe the previous bottle was more advanced than it should have been?) – so I think its somewhere in the 2019 – 2021 vintage. Only question as to which vineyard…. I choose Tout Pres (yay) but end up choosing 2021.. oh well. Great wine, bargain in the context of quality and can easily beat burgs 2 – 3 times the price.
Wine # 9 – 2015 Domaine Reyane &Pascal Volnay 1er Cru Ronceret
I didn’t rate this wine or write notes as I believe it oxidised. Others thought differently.
I Tipped out and didn’t rate it. Others commented and kept going however i ended my notes there.
Wine # 10 (Back up) – 2005 Bouchard Volnay Caillerets Ancienne Cuvee Carnot 1er
Nice dark ruby red colour, clear as a bell too – now this is a wine! Screams French so that’s what I choose, red fruit and red florals leap out of the glass, fills the senses with happiness; this is what wine is all about. Amazing rose florals, some orange zest as well, great spice…baking spices. Doesn’t look old or feel old, so Im thinking its about 10+ years (lol…. Way off)
Red berried fruit on the palate, missing the power of a GC, so I choose 1er cru. Palate doesn’t live up to the nose, as its good without being great. I do love the balance here, for a 20 year old wine there is still lots of life left. Good primary fruit, tannin, oak and acid has integrated nicely. This is a really nice wine to drink. Missing that X factor for big points, but enjoyable regardless. Drink now, will hold but not sure for how much longer....that nose though!
Wine # 11 – 2014 ByFarr Tout Pres
Another dark and blurry wine. No browning or bricking. Lots of whole bunch in there… and interestingly rhubarb this time. I think we have another ByFarr…. This one again feels older…. Fruit is in the Black cherry, rhubarb and plum spectrum. Lively acid this time that I didn’t get in the previous wines…. Not distracting, just different (vintage variation maybe? Added Acid?).
Twiggy/Woody on the palate, lots of mulch / crushed wet leaves… whole bunch, tomato leaf, yet the texture is different. Cant put my finger on it… feels thicker/silkier for some reason… maybe the age?
Nice wine, but too much whole bunch influence for me. Based on this bottle it’s a drink now proposition as I just feel this bottle has peaked and starting its slow decline.
Very surprised to see it’s a 2014, as I have presented this exact wine and my notes (from my bottle) were its not even nearly ready and put away for another 5 years at least. Bottle variation maybe? Storage variation…. Not sure, but I didn’t pick it as a 2014 as I guessed 2010 – 2012 Tout Pres.
Wine # 12 – NV Benedicte & Stephane Tissot Macvin du Jura Rouge
This was served chilled… it’s a chilled red which is so interesting and uncommon these days…. I slightly chill my Beaujolais, but not to this extent.
Ruby Red colour, rouge / strawberry red. Not Rose colour as its darker than that… think a light pinot red.
The nose has some great herbs in it medicinal and tonic like herbs. Basil, thyme, oregano, lavender. baking spices, cloves, Chinese five spice, aniseed / liquorice at the end.
Texture is unlike anything I have had before….. its like sucking on a hard boiled lolly…. But its not as sweet as that. Its jubey, its medicinal, its candy like… its so intriguing.
Balance is very good, length is ok…. Probably dulled slightly with the temperature. Excellent acid that balances that sweetness perfectly.
My very first Tissot and my absolutely my very first experience with this type of wine.
Loved it, because it was different and interesting and enjoyable to drink.
Cape Mentelle Cabernet Sauvignon 18 - This is the blue label flagship Cabernet. Some PV and Merlot in it adding nuances. Post-ferment got 8 weeks on skins and 18 months maturation in French oak barrels. Drank it over a couple of nights and opened up nicely. Deeply coloured and full-bodied, but elegant. Plush fruit and perfumed with perfectly weighted oak influence. Blackberry, mulberry, leafy, cedar, char and wood forest. Loads of fine tannin that rolls in like a slow wave. Still thinking about the balance and texture in this. Must get another bottle now. - 16/5/25
Rossco wrote: ↑Fri May 16, 2025 1:46 pm Wine # 12 - 2012 Seppelt Show Reserve Sparkling Shiraz
I love me a good sparkling red. I cant tell you why, its so unique, so different to all other offerings
It does give a good jolt to our expectations - serious reds, but with the 'fun' of fizz. I've also enjoyed some sparkling Loire (Cab Franc) reds recently - without the richness of sparkling shiraz, but a hell of a good picnic wine.
Ian S wrote: ↑Sat May 17, 2025 6:50 am
It does give a good jolt to our expectations - serious reds, but with the 'fun' of fizz. I've also enjoyed some sparkling Loire (Cab Franc) reds recently - without the richness of sparkling shiraz, but a hell of a good picnic wine.
That sounds right up my alley. If you have any favourite producers/examples (that are available in Aus) please let me know Ian
mjs wrote: ↑Thu May 15, 2025 10:28 pm
2023 Redman Limestone Coast Sangiovese, yep, that's right Sangiovese!
A travesty I hear you say!
nice red fruits bouquet, a little savoury, nice tannins and red dark fruits on the mouth, medium bodied, really quite enjoyed it
Coonawarra Chianti?
Wow that is quite something
Indeed, hope this is not a trend, seem to recall a pet nat cabernet shocker made by a second generation winemaker...won't name and shame out of sheer embarrassment, for what was the worst wine I tried that year.
Line and length is the form for Coonawarra...not some modernist, half baked jobbie on the road to nowhere
Cheers Craig
Craig,
Understand your point of view and we may both view it as a travesty of what we traditionally know as Coonawarra, but it was actually a pretty good wine! To be slightly fair, it's actually marketed as Limestone Coast
cheers, Malcolm
Malcolm, I am perfectly OK with it, have actually had a bottle...nice pizza pasta red.
Much better than a pet Nat.
The 2021 Redman Cabernet Merlot is a very good value for money wine...matter of fact having one right now.
Ian S wrote: ↑Sat May 17, 2025 6:50 am
It does give a good jolt to our expectations - serious reds, but with the 'fun' of fizz. I've also enjoyed some sparkling Loire (Cab Franc) reds recently - without the richness of sparkling shiraz, but a hell of a good picnic wine.
That sounds right up my alley. If you have any favourite producers/examples (that are available in Aus) please let me know Ian
Not sure if Ch. de Miniere wines make it to Aus, but if they do I've enjoyed their still reds and their sparkler. They're based around Bourgueil, but in general I've had decent luck with random wines from here and St Nicholas de Bourgueil, and also in general with Loire cab franc.
2023 Bowen Cabernet
Nice plush palate plenty of blue fruits. Medium weight carrying through to gentle tannins. No harsh acid that others are critical of. Needs time to fill out. Good example from a tricky vintage, first of many that I will look at no doubt.
Cheers Craig
phillisc wrote: ↑Sat May 17, 2025 7:21 pm
Malcolm, I am perfectly OK with it, have actually had a bottle...nice pizza pasta red.
Much better than a pet Nat.
The 2021 Redman Cabernet Merlot is a very good value for money wine...matter of fact having one right now.
Cheers Craig
OK with that too - Limestone Coast would be good for the 'Sanga'.
Less so for Grenache, or heaven forbid, Pinot Noir
- 16/5/25
