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

[Chuck]

Haselgrove 2018 The Lear McLaren Vale Shiraz. From an etailer at silly prices a few years ago (compared to ambitious RRP) this is starting to develop nicely. Lovely sweet black fruits and oak treatment. All McLaren Vale. Old school shiraz that I do like but well balanced. It has a long life ahead of it and is good drinking now. Great with a boned roast leg of lamb and all the trimmings.

[WineRick]

Wynns Cabernet Shiraz Merlot 16 - Picked up this back vintage at Dan Murphy’s for $20. Good colour and intensity. Dark berries, plums, spice and dried herbs. Ridiculously fresh for a 10yo wine. Nice fruit weight and tannin, just starting to show some earthy maturity. - 1/2/26

Eden Hall Springton Riesling 25 - Sourced from blocks 7 and 10 in their Eden Valley vineyard. Winemaker is Phil Lehmann. Green straw colour and very aromatic. Citrus, kaffir limes, lemon sherbet and some tropical fruit. Feels ultra clean with minerally acidity and a dry finish. - 3/2/26

Wild Duck Creek Estate Yellow Hammer Hill 22 - Heathcote. A big blend of Shiraz, Malbec and Cabernet. Got 20 months in a mix of small French and American oak barrels, foudres and concrete vats. Might be over 15% a/v, but I could drink it all night long. Deep purple colour. Loads of rich, warm fruit and intensity. Lush and smooth. This doesn’t miss a beat. Blackberry, cherry, plums, herbs, spice with velvety tannin and long. - 5/2/26

Flametree Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 22 - Margaret River. Maturation in French oak barrels for 12 months. A strong red-purple colour and lifted aromatics coming out of the glass. Cassis, blackberry, plums, mint and green herbs. Feels medium-bodied and elegant with some grainy, chocolatey tannin. Really nice Cab blend you could drink now or cellar. - 7/2/26

Pewsey Vale Estate Riesling 25 - Single vineyard high up in Eden Valley. Green straw colour and florals. Citrus blossom, white flowers, limes and herbs. Fresh fruit driven acidity just quietly doing its thing. Feels clean and pristine with grapey texture and a minerally dry finish. - 10/2/26

Vasse Felix Filius Cabernet Sauvignon 23 - Some Malbec in this too. Wild ferment and 12 months in French oak. A dark, almost impenetrable purple colour. Coats the tongue. Bigger than usual. Rich and dense. Cassis, mulberry, cherry, bay leaf, earth and spice. Feels full-bodied with savoury oak and obvious tannin. - 12/2/26

Best’s Great Western Riesling 25 - Just gotta buy this every year. Seriously good, often a little more sweet fruited than the typical Riesling style. Tank fermented and all about the fruit. A pale straw colour. Florals, fresh limes, apple and spice. Feels clean with punchy driving acidity and a moderately dry finish. - 13/2/26

I think the 2025 Bests Riesling is one of their best yet - a complete wine.

[mjs]

2010 Lindemans St George Cabernet Sauvignon
Medium red purple, bit of garnet at the rim, but no bricking, medium density colour, leather but still some fruit on the bouquet. Nice soft aged character on the mouthfeel, some mocha and still some tannins though at the end, very enjoyable drop

[WineRick]

To celebrate my wife's birthday dinner last night, at a smart restaurant in Halifax St., I thought it opportune to open something special. So.....

2014 Ponsot 'Clos de L Roche' VV

In a word ... stunning! Double decanted 7 hours earlier, it was still opening up during the slow roasted lamb shoulder! It was a powerful yet supple Pinot, showing tremendous complexity but with a special 'perfume'. Also, having thought I'd seen every closure known to mankind, I had my first exposure to ARDEA SEAL - please google it, its too hard to explain here, suffice to say that its a high-tech closure that lets an ingress of approx 10 ppm p.a.
( Its only the 2nd Ponsot CdeLR I've had the pleasure to experience - the first was in 2006, in Toronto, at Mitsuri restaurant, late after a big promotion. When it was presented and opened, I can remember Etiene Hugel nudging my elbow, quietly saying this will change your perception of Burgundy. He was so right - it was an epiphany. It was only about 75ml., but certainly enough - 1985 Ponsot CdeLR VV now sells for $12K per bottle. RIP Etiene.)
The good news is I have another 2014.

[felixp21]

2001 Chateau l'Eglise Clinet

wow, looks and tastes like a 5yo wine, still black as night with no fading at the rim. Huge wine, massive length and superb complexity. When Bordeaux is great, it really is without peer. Massive doses of dark chocolate, plums, blackberries, smoke, leather, h=touch of mint. It goes on forever and ever.
yes, absurdly expensive (now, anyway) but I'd say worth the price of admission.
98 points drink 2030-2060

[WineRick]

This thread could go on for 100 or more pages! The equivalent thread on Wine Berserkers is up to page 139! Drink on!

Well its up to 237 pages as of 23/2/26!

[kaos]

Bay of Fires 2018 Chardonnay. Really enjoyed this one.

[Matt@5453]

Recently tasted a 2025 Henschke 'Julius' Eden Valley Riesling ex Magnum. Gorgeous Eden Valley fruit more on the lime spectrum of fruit, crisp acidity, beautiful palate weight and mouth feel with a long lingering finish. Highly rated by our group and me, loved it.

[mjs]

Some more Trio spoils from relocating stored wine ...

2013 Lindemans Pyrus
I can only describe as absolutely and utterly gluggable!
Great bouquet, some soft oak, medium fine tannins, good fruit

[Ian S]

I gave up on Lindemans when the brand was being used and abused for cheap overseas wines, assuming they'd given up on any quality aspirations. I've since seen plenty of tasting notes like this, quashing that assumption... at least for the trio of this, St George and Limestone ridge. Not sure if they dropped the 4 digit bin numbered Hunter semillons / shiraz, the other fine wines in their portfolio.

[Ian S]

A fun little tasting last night with friends, so no formal notes, but the theme was classic wines... made elsewhere. The theme inspired by a recollection of Penfolds St Henri 'claret', and as I have some in the cellar, I was up for it.

We had a new style restrained Grenache from South Africa, and also a Shiraz / Viognier from there. Slightly off theme, a Bastardo from the Douro Valley in Portugal, and a Nero d'Avola made in an Amarone style from Puglia (Vallone's Gratticciaia). The (2004) St Henri impressed, still bold and dark fruited, but with balance and without overt oak. My favourite was the one I was most concerned about: 'Without fear' in Yalumba's racehorse series.1976 vintage, so 50 years old. Would it still be alive? Better than that, it was in rude health with still a touch of red in the colour. Lovely balance and no sign at all of the fortifying spirit. Odd that they used to be hyped as collector's items, then that fad ended, but it turns out to be lovely after all.

[Sean]

De Bortoli One Line Tempranillo 24 - Not seen this label before, so I picked up a couple. This one and the Sangiovese. The fruit comes from Rutherglen. Aged in older French and American oak. A vibrant purple colour and very aromatic, changes in the glass. Red/dark fruits, cherry, dried herbs, spice and tobacco. Feels medium-bodied and fruit driven with soft tannins. - 14/2/26

De Bortoli One Line Sangiovese 24 - OK this is the inaugural vintage and there are 2 whites, 2 reds. The fruit comes from two vineyards in Rutherglen. Fermented on skins for 7 days and aged in older French and American oak for 10 months. A vibrant cherry colour and lovely aromatics. Cherry, red fruits, spice and dried herbs. Nice freshness and oak influence with soft, savoury tannins. - 17/2/26

De Bortoli Rutherglen Estate Durif 23 - Maturation for one year in French and American oak. Deep purple colour. Blackberry, blue fruits, chocolate and aniseed. Nice balance of fruit and oak. This is a moderate 14% a/v, but typical assertive, grainy tannin on the palate. Adds contrast and some potential for medium-term cellaring. - 20/2/26

Balnaves The Blend 21 - A blend of 50% Merlot, 40% Cabernet and 10% PV. Maturation for 11 months in French oak. A bit of age on this, obviously go a lot longer. Deeply coloured and fragrant (the PV). This is 14% a/v, but showing legs in the glass. Glycerols? Dark berries, plums, mint and spice. Good fruit intensity. Smooth and sweet fruited with typical big tannins. - 21/2/26

Tyrrell’s Brookdale Semillon 25 - Hunter Valley. They have various entry level labels and this is one of them. An early drinking style. Tank fermented and some time on lees to add a bit of texture. Citrus, green apple, cut grass and florals. Clean and fresh on the palate. The acidity dialed down a little and good fruit intensity. Nothing complicated with this. - 23/2/26

Wynns Black Label Shiraz 16 - Picked up this back vintage at Dan Murphy’s for $30. Using old vine fruit from blocks planted in the 1890s and 1920s. Matured in French oak. A deep red colour. Dark berries, plums, florals and spice. Guessing this is in its prime. Showing some earthy aged character and softer tannins. - 25/2/26

Pfeiffer Shiraz 21 - This is coming up nice now. A deep red-purple colour. Got 12 months in French and American oak, but the fruit is definitely taking control. Give it air time or drink over a couple of nights. Really enjoying the aromatics. Lots of intensity with some subtlety too. Blackberry, plums, red fruits and spice. Rich, sweet fruit and smooth tannins. - 27/2/26

Brokenwood Semillon 24 - A Hunter Valley stalwart. Simple, but very good. Tank fermented. Green straw colour and florals. Citrus, green apple, lemongrass and fresh, zippy acidity. Subtle texture and a dry finish. Really enjoying this, just wondering why I don’t have a second bottle. - 28/2/26

[Rossco]

My final 2025 wine event held in back in December.

Theme was Italian Christmas Special Wines

All wines served blind

Wine # 1 (Waiting Wine - not on theme) – 2013 Hoddles Creek ‘Syberia’ Chardonnay Yarra Valley
Looks super young, light yellow turning green in the glass and a clear rim. So youthful and shining bright.
Nose has an immediate hit of grapefruit, green apple and some white florals.
On the palate, the fruit has a honeydew kind of note in there and some green papaya. Although its not a sweet tropical note. Some more of that grapefruit acid that runs the length of the wine, great acid. Has very good length but I want more fruit and fruit power. It kind of feels like a wet/cooler vintage and I know syberia is a high altitude vineyard, it still leaves me wanting more. Maybe extra time in the bottle will be kind, but at 12 years old it defies its age. Screwcap doing a magnificent job. Good balance and finish.


Wine # 2 (Starting/Bubbles - not on theme) – NV Veurve Fourney Vertus ‘Cuvee R’ 1er Cru Extra Brut
Deep yellow almost golden in colour from the core all the way to the rim, the wine looks older. Big honey hit on the nose, grilled nuts, woody/oak, and a leesy/cheesy note as well. Mature sparkling that has seen some barrel time.
Some red apple on the palate, chalky and talc minerals, some more honey and roasted nuts, toasty oak, vanilla … but you also get the feeling its slightly past its prime and on the downhill slope. 100% Chardonnay
Balance is spot on, acid holding, drink now (bottle doesn’t say vintage only that’s its a 50/50 split of 2 vintages)


Wine # 3– 2011 Bartolo Mascarello Barolo
Corked / Oxidised – sad. Tipped out


Wine # 4 – 2003 Giuseppe Mascarello Monprivato ‘ CA d Morissio’ Riserva
Dark Strawberry in colour, clear as a bell, no bricking or blurring at all.
An earthy dusty road nose with old leather. Some Iron filing and a metallic ferrous note, coal and graphite. Super interesting nose.
In the mouth has very pretty red fruits, late season strawberry, red cherry and a rose petal feel. Acid and tannin are carrying the fruit at the moment, its an old wine. Im thinking 20+ years, but its astonishing.
More cherry and dark strawberry, its really great fruit here, so well judged. This has power, elegance and grace. More of those black minerals to finish, mouthfeel is astounding. Length and balance. Magnificent however I would look at drinking sooner rather than later. Never seen this label before, didn’t know it existed. A true unicorn


Wine # 5 – 2010 Giuseppe Mascarello Monprivato
Cherry Red in colour, much brighter than the previous wine, clear – almost translucent, Looks younger than the previous wine.
Nose has quite a hit of oak, but not over the top. New leather with lots of violet florals. Terracotta dust, crushed red rock. Very red stone mineral nose.
There are very pretty and delicate red fruits on the palate. Red Cherry, pomegranate, red rose petals. I do like the finesse of this wine, its delicate and feminine. Powerful fruit, perfectly balanced. I don’t see the tar or tannin of a Nebbiolo…. It feels like an elegant brunello… oh how wrong I was.


Wine # 6 – 2011 Giacomo Conterno ‘Francia’ Barolo
Similar colour to the previous wine, but has a slightly deeper, darker red to it. Not as bright either, so possibly older?
Dried orange peel, glace` orange and pouch tobacco. This looks and feels young but I have been tricked before this evening. Again I think it could be a Brunello, but the orange peel is more of a nebb thing, so im confused. Feels middle aged, 15ish years, but the length of this wine is something altogether. Definitely the longest length tonight, just remarkable. Tannin profile is very grainy and gravelly, beautiful acid absolute perfection, supporting the fruit and tannin in absolute harmony. The balance impeccable, fruit has power few can possess. Black strawberry fruit, more tobacco and a chesterfield couch feel. Old leather, old polished wood.
Wine moment – extraordinary


Wine # 7 (Back up from wine #3) - 2008 Biondi-Santi Tenuta Greppo Brunello Di Montalcino
Looks like a younger wine. Some red cherry brightness to it, but not super young…. Middle aged.
Nose has tar, roses, potpourri, dried violets and fresh rose petals. Dusty, earthy nose, hint of leather and lavender.
Like the Conterno, this length is what hits the hardest. Just goes on and on.
Dry and dusty tannin in the mouth, saturates and envelops the palate, the tannin structure is a star, then the fruit comes in. Cherry, strawberry, a touch of wild herb. Powerful fruit which it needs to be to tame those tannins, but still has a refined elegance to it. Stunning wine, long life ahead and no rush to drink.


Wine # 8 – 2007 Fuligini Riserva Brunello Di Montalcino
Severely Oxidised – Tipped out


Wine # 9– 2011 Giacomo Conterno ‘Cerretta’ Barolo
Deep, dark red in colour, especially in the core of the wine, some very slight blurring (cloudy). Looks like it has some age on it, not browning but losing its youthful brightness.
Nose has intense sweet red cherry, strawberry and other red fruits. Dried leather, regional herbs, some Rose petal as well. Some very slight dried orange rind and a touch of tar and red liquorice.
The tannin smacks you in the mouth in the best way and in a way that only a high quality neb can; huge tannin, Gravelly and dense. Similar to the nose, there is that leather character there, some pouch tobacco and a very tiny hint of aniseed. Those rich dark fruits come rushing in soon after, very high quality, perfectly ripe. Some black cherry and a kind of plum/blueberry darker fruit. This is a super powerful wine, GC equivalent power. Amazing vineyard showing the power and skill of Conterno.
Length is astonishing, silky texture with that tannin keeping those fruits in check, despite the intensity of the wine and all the facets it’s a very well-balanced wine. Drinking beautifully but will hold on (and improve) for many more years. Spectacular wine and an easy buy recommendation if you have the coin.
What are the chances of having both Cerretta & Francia from the same vintage on the same night - when its an open Italian theme! Wowee


Wine # 10 (Backup from wine #8)– 2012 Conti Constanti ‘Riserva’ Brunello Di Montalcino
Colour is much darker than the last wine, looks denser as well if that makes sense. It doesn’t have any browning or blurring and looks youngish. 10-ish years. On the nose you can smell that oak and tannin, tannin is not something I usually pick up on the nose. There is some dark cherry fruit too, but it is drowned out by that oak.
On the palate there is a very large tannin profile as well. Different to the previous wine, its much furrier and dryer. Its prominent but delicious tannins and coats the teeth. There is some cocoa powder / dust more dark cherry and darker fruit, maybe even a little boysenberry. This feels young too, there is some nice supporting acid that tames the oak and fruit however, at this stage there is simply too much oak and its not integrated properly. The length is ok, but the wine is unbalanced at this stage. Its good without being great.


Wine # 10 – 1971 Morris Vintage Port
Wowee what a colour straight out of the glass. Instantly recognisable as new world. Super dark in colour, impenetrable colour – light is just absorbed into it, like a black hole, it looks amazing. Has a shine and brightness to it that looks like a younger wine. Nose is similar to the colour, exciting and Mocha/coffee, blueberries, almond paste, rum balls, spearmint.. it’s a very complex and intriguing nose. One of those wines you can smell all day, and it reveals something different.
Palate is just as complex, but it has this coldness to it. Not a temperature cold, but an icy cold flavour. Like when you suck on a cool mint. It’s a fascinating flavour and so different, it’s a piercing coldness. Spearmint, a chalky mineral note, milk chocolate, black liquorice, length doesn’t stop. This is a thick wine too, viscosity of light oil, intensity is off the chart. Feels super young, like a VP of 10 years or so, LOL its 50 years old …. This could be the current release. Will live another 50 years. And Australian treasure and more people need to buy these wines. What an experience, what a wine, what a way to finish the year.

[JamieAdelaide]

Lovely notes Rossco. I’ve a bit of experience with those wines and vintages and you’ve captured them perfectly.

G Mascarello is my favourite producer. Conterno next. Ca' d'Morissio is brilliant but I never felt it justified the price difference between Monprivato. They produced th best wines of 03- a bad Piedmont vintage

I have a lot of Bartolo Mascarello. Premature advancement is an issue in Piedmont. Was the wine corked as well?

[Ian S]

Monprivato apparently bizarrely good in 2002 as well, those seasons providing tough and very contrasting challenges for winemakers

[JamieAdelaide]

Just checked the only 02 Piedmont I have is a six pack of Conterno Monfortino. This was a freakish wine when I had it on release.

03 I have five bottles of Monprivato and some Sandrone single vineyard which were good I recall.

Got to get cracking and drink up.

[Ian S]

I think I may have got the 2002 Monprivato confused with the 2002 Monfortino

[JamieAdelaide]

Yes the 02 Monfortino was well regarded. The 04 100 points and the last vintage I bought. It was three to one in price versus Grange and HofG at the time and a no brainer. Then the investors and collectors moved in! I had two years free reign on Francia and Ceretta before they too moved way up in price.

I just look at the prices of these wines now and think wow. It’s hard to find occasion. I had a 99 Soldera last night solo. And an 01 for the footy this weekend. No point sharing with those who don’t appreciate wine. Social engagements for the week the “I know what I like” crowd who I will woo with BdM less cerebral.

[BHCC1]

Cerretta was certainly a great bargain when, after buying the vineyard in 2008, Conterno simply labelled the 2008 and 2009 as Langhe Nebbiolo. I think prices for it probably took off after 2010 when it became Barolo Cerretta.

[Rossco]

Lovely notes Rossco. I’ve a bit of experience with those wines and vintages and you’ve captured them perfectly.

G Mascarello is my favourite producer. Conterno next. Ca' d'Morissio is brilliant but I never felt it justified the price difference between Monprivato. They produced th best wines of 03- a bad Piedmont vintage

I have a lot of Bartolo Mascarello. Premature advancement is an issue in Piedmont. Was the wine corked as well?

Thanks for the kind thoughts Jamie.
Best part about tasting blind is you have no idea what the wine is, no preconceived ideas and you can only report on what's in the glass.

I'm with you on my favourite producers being G Masc and Conterno, AR PEPE too. Although I'm finding most Italian prices harder to justify the price lately. Yes I know they are still well priced compared to Burgs, but they are now a special event wine as opposed to good wine with friends. I mean PdB over $100 now ...... please

Yes the Bartolo was both corked and oxidised, but more ox (if that makes sense)

Cheers

[Ian S]

Produttori del Barbaresco used to be super value, and I recall buying their single vineyard wines for €20 in Alba at some point between 2000 and 2010. Now I reckon it's fair to average value, possibly boosted by the cachet they enjoy in US wine forums, which tends to promote interest without understanding that often the praise was a balance of quality and value (which used to be where PdB shone).

Luckily there are still plenty of under the radar wineries, with plenty of new ones to find on each visit (it's been a while since we've been, so plenty to explore if/when we return). Without internet chatter or someone like Galloni pumping the hype, there's still fine value, and one of my strongest recommendations for visits (after the wonderful walking through the vineyards), is to mix in the unknown / barely known with any existing favourites / established names. Often it's these lesser known wineries that shine, and it's a giggle when the critics eventually stumble into them years later (e.g. Galloni and La Ca Nova in Barbaresco).

[JamieAdelaide]

In Hong Kong PdB was my quaffer when released. $30 a bottle. Never worthwhile brining it to Australia but I have ended up with a few cases courtesy of wine mules. The Riservas were worth bringing down however most Cru’s had better individual producers that more heavily reflected the terroir IMO. So wholeheartedly agree with Ian’s views.

Pepe Valtellina an interesting favourite Rossco. Always a fan but guilty of target fixation on Barolo & Barbaresco.

[Mike Hawkins]

1990 Dom Perignon… consumed this while watching the Swannies dish out the mother of all hidings to the pretenders from Carlton (bring on the responses Craig and Andrew!!!). That third quarter was one for the ages, and the DP was almost as good. Like many champagnes from this vintage, they probably dont have the longevity of their older siblings from 88, but they are really good nonetheless. This one was really nutty - reminiscent of macadamias moreso than the typical almond notes. I also got lots of buttered, burnt toast notes, with a hint of strawberries and cream. The citrus notes that once dominated this wine seem to have dissipated. Lovely length, with a hint of sherried notes that may get more pronounced with age. Wont get any better and should hold for a few more years. Drink up and enjoy.

[Rossco]

In Hong Kong PdB was my quaffer when released. $30 a bottle. Never worthwhile brining it to Australia but I have ended up with a few cases courtesy of wine mules. The Riservas were worth bringing down however most Cru’s had better individual producers that more heavily reflected the terroir IMO. So wholeheartedly agree with Ian’s views.

Pepe Valtellina an interesting favourite Rossco. Always a fan but guilty of target fixation on Barolo & Barbaresco.

Mainly the Riserva's...so mineral driven, low oak, loaded with pretty red fruits. In the top 10 of my 2025 wines was the
2016 AR PEPE Grumello Buon Consiglio Riserva Valtellina Superiore.

Having a 2020 Rosso right now and it's a wonderful drink. Quite amazing value but moreso the complexity and intrigue it offers. Nothing comes close for the $$

[Andrew Jordan]

1990 Dom Perignon… consumed this while watching the Swannies dish out the mother of all hidings to the pretenders from Carlton (bring on the responses Craig and Andrew!!!). That third quarter was one for the ages, and the DP was almost as good. Like many champagnes from this vintage, they probably dont have the longevity of their older siblings from 88, but they are really good nonetheless. This one was really nutty - reminiscent of macadamias moreso than the typical almond notes. I also got lots of buttered, burnt toast notes, with a hint of strawberries and cream. The citrus notes that once dominated this wine seem to have dissipated. Lovely length, with a hint of sherried notes that may get more pronounced with age. Wont get any better and should hold for a few more years. Drink up and enjoy.

Life must be good in London if you can drink 1990 DP Thursday morning watching the footy!

Different game ... same result at the SCG for the Blues unfortunately. I think the last time we won there was in 2011 when we were both living in London.

[TravisW]

Carlton supporter here.
The saving grace is that we're also a house of Arsenal supporters. Hoping for the most glorious of seasons: Arsenal to be the premiers and to see Spurs relegated.
I've no DP in the cellar but will have to run out and buy some if that comes to fruition.

[ticklenow1]

Travis, I don’t understand why as an Arsenal supporter you would want Spurs relegated. Then there would be no north London derby. It’s like a few seasons back Everton were in trouble and so many Liverpool supporters wanted them relegated. I didn’t as then there wouldn’t have been two Merseyside derbies a season. I love the passion of those games and the north London derby would be just as passionate for Spuds and Gunners as it is for us.

On the drinking front, a nice morning of golf then a long lunch with a few mates:

2002 Penfolds Yattarna Chardonnay Under cork and the cork wasn’t in pristine condition, but the wine was. Still alive though very well developed. I wouldn’t leave it any longer if you have some. Definitely on the downward slope but such an interesting wine to drink. Beautiful honey colour and the flavour goes on for ever. Thoroughly enjoyed it. 4.5/5
2009 Paul Jaboulet Aine Thalabert Crozes Hermitage Sadly this was not a great bottle. I’ve had quite a few of this vintage and just love it. I’m pretty sure this has been cooked at some stage of its life (auction buy). You can see the underlying quality of the wine, but even with a few hours of air, it just never really came good. 2/5
2016 Yangarra Old Vine Grenache I love Yangarra’s Grenache’s and Peter Fraser’s passing is a huge loss to both his family and also the wine world. Probably at its peak now and should hold under screwcap. Tannins are resolved and the fruit is fading but just so drinkable. Being picky, you could say it finishes a tad short. If you like them fresh and full of fruit, drink these within 3 or 4 years max from release. I prefer them like this. 3.5/5
2021 Yangarra Old Vine Grenache Complete opposite of the 2016. Still young and full of life, it’s the tannins that are the star of the show, closely followed by the red fruits and some spice. Is it good enough for a WOTY (Halliday)? I don’t think so, but it’s an excellent wine that with a few more years in bottle, could be very special. 4.5/5

A few at BYO’s in Melbourne last week.

2007 Louis Latour Chassagne Montrachet Premier Cru I don’t know much about Burgundy but I can see the attraction. On the downward slope but like the Yattarna above, just so interesting to drink and watch it develop over a couple of hours. Perfect cork, honeyed colour, it started a bit pongy but very quickly blew off. Lovely drink and wish I had more. 4/5
2011 Manzone Bricat Barolo Lovely tannins and fruit. Has years in front of it on this showing. 4/5
2016 McHenry Hohnen Burnside Vineyard Chardonnay Wow, this was what I like in a Chardonnay. Lovely fruit, nougat, nuts and acid not poking out too much. Oak in moderation and everything in perfect balance. Should hold for a bit yet. As much as I love Yarra Chardonnay, Margaret River Chardonnay is still the benchmark for flavour hounds.

Cheers
Ian

[Mike Hawkins]

Carlton supporter here.
The saving grace is that we're also a house of Arsenal supporters. Hoping for the most glorious of seasons: Arsenal to be the premiers and to see Spurs relegated.
I've no DP in the cellar but will have to run out and buy some if that comes to fruition.

Can’t believe I’m saying this… I’d rather Carlton wins than Arsenal!!!

[phillisc]

I turned off at 3/4 time....worst quarter of football in 20 years giving up 12 goals...WTF!!
Apart from Sam Walsh, were is the outside run??
I'm resigned to another very long season,, have a 6 game interstate membership and intend to go to a few games, but bloody hard to keep the faith.
Cheers Craig

And yes life must be tough drinking DP on a Thursday Mike

[mjs]

I turned off at 3/4 time....worst quarter of football in 20 years giving up 12 goals...WTF!!
Apart from Sam Walsh, were is the outside run??
I'm resigned to another very long season,, have a 6 game interstate membership and intend to go to a few games, but bloody hard to keep the faith.
Cheers Craig

And yes life must be tough drinking DP on a Thursday Mike

I checked the App in the first half and the Blues were up. Didn't want to jinx them, so I didn't turn the telly on. Next thing I know its early fourth quarter, what a shambles, not sure how you can give up twelve goals in a quarter, that's one every 2 1/2 mins ffs

A long season indeed