New cellar after 20 years kids/mortgage - Help needed!

[bigkid]

Hi all,

This is my first post. I hope you can assist.

The last time we had a decent collection of red wine was about 20 years ago - the kids and a Sydney mortgage put paid to that - we drank it all when times were lean. The mortgage and kids are still with us, but we are going to start on a new cellar regardless.

Back then we used to like Moss Wood (you could pick these up in the early '80s for $11-13 at the Oak Barrel in Sydney), Lakes Folly, Wolf Blass Black and Grey Labels, Bin 707 etc. We used to quaff a lot of Taylors Cab Sav (my first red wine) - not sure what it is like now.

We have some Bin 389, Redesdale Shiraz, Wirra Wirra McLaren Vale Shiraz, but are looking to branch out in that $20-35 price range. Fox Creek Short Row Shiraz, Stanley Brothers Thoroughbred Cab Sav and the Willows Vineyard Shiraz have been recommended

I'll be trying these suggestions (as I have just slipped out an bought some) but would appreciate views and perhaps other recommendations to try.

As you can probably tell, we like the bigger reds, good balance of fruit and wood, and smoooooth - with cellaring potential 5-10 years and beyond.

Appreciate your advice.

Regards,

Allan

PS. Probably should have mentioned that we prefer the tannin to be pretty well restrained. Did I mention smooth?

[Wizz]

Hi Allan and welcome. You're certainly in the right place to ask about bigger reds with cellaring potential!

I'll start, with some picks from my own experience:

below $20, look at:

Tahbilk Cabernet
Tahbilk Shiraz
Leasingham Bin 56 Cabernet Malbec
Leasingham Bin 61 Shiraz
Penfolds Bin 28 (avoid 99 to 01, current vintage 02 is way better)
Penfolds Bin 128 (these are both nudging $20 now)

$20 to $35:
McLaren Vale
Kays Shiraz
Kays Cabernet
Coriole Shiraz
Barossa
Turkey Flat Shiraz
Turkey Flat Cabernet
Rockford Rifle Range Cabernet
Langmeil Valley Floor Shiraz
St Hallet Blackwell Shiraz
Veritas Heinrich GSM
Coonawarra
Balnaves Cabernet
Majella Cabernet
Majella Shiraz
Parker Cabernet
Orlando St Hugo Cabernet
WA
Howard Park Scotsdale and Leston, Shiraz and Cabernet (4 different wines)
Vasse Felix Cabernet
Vasse Felix Shiraz
Voyager Estate Cabernet Merlot
Victoria
Seppelt Chalambar Shiraz
Dalwhinnie Cabernet (not sure if this is still under $35?)

Others will have more experience in NSW and Victoria and will be more help to you there.
I notice the winemaker from Warrabilla (in Rutherglen) posts here, I havent had the fortune to try his wares yet, but they seem to fit your description too!

best luck Allan, be sure to tell us what you try and your impressions,

cheers

Andrew

[bigkid]

Hi Andrew and thanks for replying.

I now recall we also used to drink a bit of the Vasse Felix (can't recall whether the Shiraz or Cab Sav), Coriole and St Hugo. It is nice to know that they are still performing. I shall keep an eye out for a good deal and look into some of your other suggestions. We like the Voyager whites - perhaps we'll enjoy the reds also.

How long would you look at cellaring the latest vintages of the Vasse, Coriole and St Hugo - in not ideal, but not bad, circumstances (under a bed in a relatively cool room)?

Thanks again.

Regards,

Allan

[Wizz]

Allan,

Hard to know exactly what your conditions are like, but under ideal conditions (14 degrees, 70%) I'd suggest:

02 Coriole Shiraz: 5 years
01 Orlando St Hugo: 5-10 years but no more. This is my least favourite St Hugo since 97
02 Vasse Felix Cab and Shiraz: TBH I dont know, I havent tried these yet, but the 99 and 01 Cab will go for a long time, 10 years easily. I think the Shiraz is a shorter term proposition, generally 5 to 10.

If you are looking at cellaring for 5 years or more, you might consider some type of climate controlled storage. I have a lot of wine that has aged prematurely as I relied too much on a passive cellar for an extended period, although this is in Brisbane! I've just recently put in some simple cellar cooling to help solve this. Perhaps have a look at Tyson Stelzer's website, http://www.cellaringwine.com.

Hope this helps,

Andrew

[bigkid]

Thanks Andrew. Looks like I have bit more research, and maybe a little reconstruction, to do as I would like age the wines a little slower. I'll have a look at the site you mention.

Regards,

Allan

[Daryl Douglas]

I'll back Wizz on those of his recommendations that I've tried. Especially Leasingham Bin 61 (1999 the only one I've tried but it lives up to it's awards), Turkey Flat Shiraz, Penfolds Bin 128, Orlando St Hugo.

The Tahbilks are virtually guaranteed 15 years cellaring in adequate conditions. The current release Shiraz 2001 to me seems to be a change in style, but better for it. If you join their wineclub you get access to the regular museum releases, the current one being Shiraz/Malbec 1990 (<$30) and an interesting, enjoyable aged wine ready to drink now or over the next 3+ years, the malbec adding a touch of savouriness.

I'll throw Plantagenet Mt Barker into the mix as well, the 2001 vintage in particular. Had a shiraz and a cabernet on the weekend. The cabernet seems to be nowhere really at the moment but have gone through almost a case over the last year or so because I've just enjoyed it very much. The shiraz was the first I've had and it was very nice, medium/fullbodied, the palate runs a gamut of flavours from red berries to plums, with spice, and a touch of aniseed over the course of a few hours, with good oak treatment in support - 18 months in french oak according to the back label. Very highly recommend the shiraz, the cabernet close behind.

For immediate quaffing with another 2 years cellaring capacity, maybe more, grab a case of Lehmann Clancy's 2002 for $10 or less. I must've drunk a couple of gallons of the stuff by now. There has to've been a sh##load of the stuff made. Finishes short but explodes on the palate. Batch variation adds some interest, some with prominent chocolate, some with more licorice, but a very good QPR quaffer.

I'm sure you'll have fun growing a cellar list.

Luck,

daz

[bigkid]

Thanks Daz, I'll add those to my list, which seems to be getting long. How extensive a range would you suggest? If the plan is to have a 'special occasions' cellar (and just buy quaffers as necessary) would you recommend a wide variety in your cellar or find a few that you really like/can rely on over the long haul?? I was originally thinking of focusing on half a dozen or so, but not sure now, variety is, afterall, the spice of life.

Regards,

Allan

[Daryl Douglas]

Thanks Daz, I'll add those to my list, which seems to be getting long. How extensive a range would you suggest? If the plan is to have a 'special occasions' cellar (and just buy quaffers as necessary) would you recommend a wide variety in your cellar or find a few that you really like/can rely on over the long haul?? I was originally thinking of focusing on half a dozen or so, but not sure now, variety is, afterall, the spice of life.

Regards,

Allan

Do you mean a 1/2 doz wines, Allan? If so, how many of each?

I've seen quite a few posters on wine forums say that they once were avid buyers of every vintage of their favourite wines but've become much more selective and mostly only buy particular wines from better vintages. I can't argue with that. Some do still try to maintain complete vintage collections of some wines. Can't argue with that either. I've a few bottles left of each of Cullen cab/merlot from 99 & 01 but did buy a single bottle of the 02 as a curiosity. Also have a bottle each of Tahbilk 1860's vines from 95 (a magnum - had the 750 ml at Christmas) to 99 with the exception of the 97, a gap I hope to fill to complete a regulation mini-vertical (5 consecutive vintages). These two combined stretch the budget at $80-$100/btl so have decided to concentrate on the Tahbilk 1860s as my premium wine to collect. Also have Turkey Flat Shiraz from 98 to 02 which is the only other wine I can afford to consider maintaining as a vertical collection at around $35/btl. At least the TF quality, for me, seems fairly consistent though it does of course vary according to vintage outcomes but perhaps less than other wines.

I buy no more than six of any individual wine in the price range you've set though more often only one or two to try, which can be a problem. If you really like the wine and want more it can be sold out when you go to order. Then there's - tried that, nice wine but I want to try that other one too. Oh well, as you say, variety is the spice of life.

Now, I wonder where I can find another bottle of that Chalambar 2000 I enjoyed so much. Annhh, I dunno the second and last bottle of Tahbilk Shiraz 01 I'm drinking now is just as nice as it was last week, maybe should get at least another six to hold for a few more years. Wish I had a couple more bottles of that St Hugo 98 left, I could fair hook into some of that just now.

Damn! Doesn't it just get all too difficult sometimes?

Watch your budget closely Allan!

Cheers

daz

[bigkid]

Hi Daz, thanks for replying.

I was thinking the cellar won't get much over 10-15 cases, to be purchased over the next year or two, and maintained at this level - that is, if we drink a case we replace it. I had thought that I would get a couple of cases of each wine when I could afford it - as you say I gotta watch the budget (blew $1500 in the last fortnight on wine and still only 5 dozen under the bed - better make that 4 dozen now - have to take things slower now as the mastercard is copping a beating).

I don't have a real interest in putting down a chronological sequence of wines (I now know what a 'vertical' tasting is - thanks) and I have plenty of time. I think I'll now just try a few single bottles and get 1/2 dozens of those that appeal and have cellaring potential. If I miss one because it is no longer in stock, well, another wine, just as good will be along shortly. Based on my list at the moment, single bottles will keep me busy for the next 6 months.

Regards and thanks,

Allan

[Chuck]

There is a simple solution to your problem. Think laterally. Just cash in your chips and mortgage in Sydney and move to Adelaide or somewhere similar. Weather's great, great 100 year old cellars under the house, wineries just down the road, cheap booze al la 2 majors, Gain Trott (site's host) just down the road for those special wines and good connections to quality cleanskins. No mortgage no road rage and wife can work if she wants to. Anne and I are refugees from Sydney and whilst it was tough for a few years I'm only going back if they pay me $1m pa or in a pine box.

Simple!!

Chuck

[bigkid]

Chuck, big house, cellar, no mortgage, fresh air, a bloke could go right off you!! ....mumble..mumble..

PS: Stay on thread! What are your wine recommendations for a destitute (well relatively) former neighbour?

Regards,

Allan

[Chuck]

Bigkid,

Like your budget (private schools etc) I have been forced into buying $10 - $20 wines for everyday drinking and up market stuff from my ever dwindling cellar for special occasions. '02 wines are genearlly good quality even at the cheap end. Simply can't beat good fruit. Have shied away from the high alcohol wines that are unbalanced (low acid and tannins) so to help my list is:

Leasingham '02 Bastion Cabernet. Boxing above its weight.
Pepperjack '02 Cabernet. '02 Barossa cabernet is the best I have ever seen. Very cool year. Trackie pants in February!!!
Stepping Stone'02 Cabernet. Cheap but good fruit and winemaking. High cropped young vines but great BBQ
Saltrams '02 Mamre Brook Cabernet.
Auswine '03 Cleanskin Barossa Shiraz. Not sure if Gavin has any left. A steal @ $15.
Rockbare McClaren Vale Shiraz. Very interesting style.
Thorn-Clarke '02 Sandpipers Barossa Shiraz. A real bargain.
Jamiesons Run '02 Cabernet.
Last but not least my bargain of the last year. Gramps '02 Barossa Shiraz. High alcohol at 15% but well balanced. Needs time. Lightweight up against Mike Tyson. At $15 - $20 2 cases in the cellar.

Just be quick as they are running out with '03 starting to apppear. Generally a poor year and in my price range if the fruit is ordinary there's not much to excite. '04 is shaping up well and '05 could be a rare good odd year in SA.

Chuck
[/b]

[bigkid]

Hi Chuck,

Private school budget? Ha! Don't I wish.

For our regular drinking we try to keep it around the $20 mark or less. We will go up to a maximum of $35 on a couple of wines (Bin 389, Paul Osicka, Turkey Flats, some others from the lists provided) for our "special occasions cellar under the bed" - but mostly up to $25 (things like Fox Creek, Warrabilla, The Willows etc). Spending in this range means it will take a while to complete. Picked up 10 styrofoam boxes from Ric this arvo (thanks again Ric) each of which will take 24 bottles. I have filled two. I'll have to check my allowance, but if I don't drink any as we go (ha!), I should be able to fill them by 2009-2010, just in time to open the Warrabilla!

I am familiar with the Mamre Brook and the Jamiesons Run but not the others. We have drunk mostly whites over recent years as I get some serious gout if I drink too much red (is there such a thing as too much red?). Haven't had much Chardonnay as they mostly seemed to be getting too heavy handed with the oak there for a while. So I am more familiar with good Sauvignon Blancs (yeah, I know, cat's piss on a mulberry bush!), Pinot Gris/Grigios at the moment.

Thanks for your advice. I am compiling a list of those recommended by Daz, Andrew and you, and will go out an get a mixed case from time to time, try an narrow down the range, pick up some bargains as I go.

Thanks again.

Regards,

Allan

[Chuck]

Hi Bigkid,

Keep the thread going and let us have your impressions. Sounds like a lot of fun reacqainting your tastebuds with good wines from some good vintages.

Chuck

[Staybaker]

Well, I'm only a relative beginner at this wine stuff, but you seem to be aiming at a similar style and price range to me, so here are some wines that my wife and I have ejoyed recently (based on a whole six months of semi-serious wine experience!):

• Saltram Mamre Brook Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 (already mentioned above)
• Saltram Mamre Brook Shiraz 2002 (not mentioned, but a very enjoyable wine and great value)
• Serafino McLaren Vale Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 (Winestate cab. of the year 2004)
• Eden Hall Shiraz Viognier 2002 (available from auswine)
• Marius Shiraz 2002 (sold out? but 2003 should be available soon)
• Wolf Blass "Heritage Release" Cabernet Sauvignon 2001 (not seen any reviews or tasting notes of this anywhere, but I found it very enjoyable, $20)
• Hollick Cabernet Sauvignon 2002
• Yering Station Shiraz Viognier 2002

Looking forward to hearing your opinions and suggestions, too.

Cheers, Staybaker.

[TORB]

Now I know why he calls himself bigkid

Allan is about five foot 20 inches tall!

Not often I get a neck ache looking up at someone.

[bigkid]

Good guess Ric, I'm EXACTLY 5 foot 20 inches tall! I blame the Moss Wood at an early age.

Hi Staybaker, thanks for the post and the recommendations. Of those in the list I am only familiar with the Mamre Brook. Up until recently I haven't been much of a fan of Viognier - the first one I tried was poorly blended and all you could taste was dried apricots - nothing else. I have since had the Henschke Henry Seven which I think is a blend of Shiraz, Grenache and Viognier. The blending seems a lot more deft, better balance and the Shiraz livens with a bit of spice.

Yes Chuck, I'll see if I can keep it going. Tried my hand at some very informal 'tasting notes', or perhaps 'impressions' on Ric's traditional Sunday thread. I'll post them in here when I get out of this message as the Sunday thread get's a little lengthy. The big stand out for me was a "special occasion - under the bed" selection, a Paul Osicka Cabernet Sauvignon. It was magnificent, particularly after a reltively dissappointing wine the night before. I can't afford too many duds at this end of my range.

All the best.

Allan

[bigkid]

Here are my impressions from the first week which includes a couple of days off - we wouldn't normally drink this many bottles in a week:

Hill of Tara (WineBizz own brand) 2002 – Overemphasised tannin, not a lot of fruit, bit sharp for our tastes, however, we didn’t give it a lot of time to breathe, nor was it decanted. Might need some more time in the bottle.

Fire Block Old Vine Shiraz 2002 – Initial emphasis on tannin which eased and allowed fruit and wood to come through. Tannin eased after an hour. No need to decant (but we were eating spicy Thai).

The Willows Vineyard Shiraz 2001 – Lighter textured but full flavoured red. Got a lot going for it - wood, fruit, spice, cinnamon/cardamom, mocha, creamy but light. Definitely will be buying more of this one.

Fox Creek Short Row Shiraz 2003 – Bit of everything, chocolate, black fruit, balanced oak. Thoroughly enjoyed with a Turkish meal at a new restaurant just down the road.

Blown Away Bare Bottom Hills 2002 Shiraz – Velvet texture but sharpish tannin after an hour breathing, easing to chocolaty then, dissappointingly, to strong glycerol flavour after an hour and a half. Bit bland and unexciting. Fruit wasn’t detectable. There were no layers to the taste, some vanilla perhaps, or maybe I was starting to search a bit hard by now. I was surprised and expecting more given that the person who recommended this also recommended the Paul Osicka which follows. Ric advised that maybe this wine was a touch corked – may be as it definitely seemed a dud. May try another bottle. May not. There are too many others to try.

Paul Osicka Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 – Freaking stunning! This wine fairly sparkled. It had everything, balanced tannin that tingled on the tongue, black cherrys in abundance and chocolate. Will be getting a case or two when the mastercard is up to it. Thoroughly enjoyed this wine. What a way to end the weekend.

Regards,

Allan

[Staybaker]

Marius Shiraz 2002 (sold out? but 2003 should be available soon)

Maybe it's not sold out - the auswine website indicates that it is still available (and it's flagged as a "Gavin's Pick" as well). Sorry for the mis-information ...

Cheers, Staybaker.

[bigkid]

All,

Thanks for all the helpful replies, and the discussions since which have helped me flesh out the 'cellar under the bed'...oh, and the locker at Kennards.

I have been given strict instructions to pull my head in until I have paid off the mastercard. Should be about September according to my reckoning.

Current 'cellar' stands at 140+ bottles, as follows:

6 x Cullen Diana Madeline 2000 Cabernet Merlot $75 (the 2001 is freaking impossible to get a hold of - I know where another 1/2 doz of the 2000 lies)

6 x Elderton Shiraz (due to arrive shortly) 2002 $15

6 x Fox Creek Short Row Shiraz 2003 $24

1 x HardyÂ’s Eileen Hardy 1999 Shiraz $canÂ’t remember

2 x Heathcote Estate Shiraz 2002 $50 (freebie – Vintage Cellars Cellarshares)

1 x Katnook Estate 2000 Cabernet Sauvignon

12 x Moss Wood 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon $75

12 x 2004 Parola's (Warrabilla) 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon $30

12 x 2004 Parola's (Warrabilla) Durif $30

18 x Paul Osicka 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon $26

12 x Paul Osicka 2002 Shiraz $26

8 x Penfolds Bin 389 2002 Cabernet Shiraz $35

7 x Penny Hill McLaren Vale 2002 Shiraz $17 (due shortly)

6 x Redesdale Estate 2002 Shiraz $36

11 x Stanley Brothers Thoroughbred Cabernet Sauvignon $20

6 x The Willows Vineyard 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon $20

10 x The Willows Vineyard 2001 Shiraz $20

2 x Wirra Wirra McLaren Vale 2002 Shiraz $34ish

2 x Wirra Wirra RSW 2000 Shiraz $58 (Freebie – present from Kids – know I could have got it cheaper)

2 x Yalumba The Menzies 2000 Cabernet Sauvignon $48???

1 x Pol Roger Champers 1996 $99

1 x Domaine Zind Humbrecht Tokay Pinot Gris Clos Windsbuhl Pinot Gris 1995 $185

Plus a couple of bottles of Tamar Ridge Reisling, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir and Henshke Henry 7, none of which I have been able to touch since rediscovering shiraz and cabernet.

Got enough put away for the time being, focus is now on trying many of the quaffers recommended (although I am still looking at Kays Amery, Turkey Flats, Majella and Houghton's Gladstone...but don't tell Ann!)

Regards,

Allan

[Maximus]

Allan,

I'm a huge fan of the 2000 Menzies - a fantastic wine now, with plenty of signs for a good time in old age. The '99 I thought was a dud, the '98 is great but I actually prefer the 2000. The '02 Elderton Shiraz is also amazing QPR - resist a couple of these if you can and hide them, I think they'll be surprising treats in a decade.

Cheers,

[TORB]

All,

I have been given strict instructions to pull my head in until I have paid off the mastercard. Should be about September according to my reckoning.

If its like mine; september of what year?

A suggestion if I may be so bold. I noticed that have have purchased some wines in dozen lots (and more.) In a relatively small cellar, you may be better off going for more variety and purchasing six packs. Things like the DM and MW's I only buy in sixes, there are so many of these great wines that by buying in sixes rather than twelves, I can get a lot more drinking variety.

[bigkid]

Thanks Max, yes I will put a couple of the Eldertons away. Had choice of two more Menzies on my Vintage Cellars cellarshares but decided to go for the Heathcote Estate, partly based on Jeremy Oliver's less than encouraging comments on the Menzies and some very favourable reviews on the Heathcote, which is, I think the first vintage from this vineyard (not to be confused with 'Heathcote Winery' - which I think is a different vineyard - different address in any case).

Ric, this year hopefully. I agree, I should have bought more 3's, 4's and 6's, just got caught up in the passion of it all. That passion is going to have to be reigned in. Can't be buying in any more case lots - there is another vintage coming out soon! Thanks for your input.

Regards,

Allan

[Staybaker]

Hi BigKid,

Is it really possible to get the Elderton Shiraz at $15? I've not seen it below $20 ...

Cheers, Staybaker.

[bigkid]

Hi Staybaker, I don't expect you can get it for that price retail, I am getting it on the 'secondary' market from a source not particularly keen on the style.

Regards

Allan

[Chuck]

Allan,

As I keep telling Anne - there's no such thing as too much wine.

Chuck

[bigkid]

Hello Chuck. Hope all is well with you. My Ann will agree but it usually takes a sip or two of red. What do you think of my burgeoning cellar? Should be one or two in there 'green' enough for you, perhaps.

All the best.

Allan

[bigkid]

Hi all,

For those interested in the current state of play with the new cellar, here is the current list:

Cape Mentelle 2000 Cabernet Sauvignon
Cullen Diana Madeline 2000 Cabernet Merlot
Eileen Hardy 1999 Shiraz
Elderton 2002 Shiraz
Fox Creek Short Row 2003 Shiraz
Grant Burge Meshach 2000 Shiraz
Heathcote Estate 2002 Shiraz
Moss Wood 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon
Parola's (Warrabilla) 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon
Parola's (Warrabilla) 2004 Durif
Paul Osicka 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon
Paul Osicka 2002 Shiraz
Penfolds Bin 389 2002 Cabernet Shiraz
Penny's Hill 2003 Specialised Cab Sav Merlot
Penny's Hill Malpas Road 2004 Merlot
Penny's Hill McLaren Vale 2002 Shiraz
Pol Roger Champers 1996
Redesdale Estate 2002 Shiraz
Stanley Brothers Thoroughbred 2000 Cabernet Sauvignon
The Willows Vineyard 2001 Shiraz
The Willows Vineyard 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon
Wild Duck Creek Springflat 2002 Shiraz
Wirra Wirra McLaren Vale 2002 Shiraz
Wirra Wirra RSW 2000 Shiraz
Wolfblass 2003 Grey Label Shiraz
Yalumba The Menzies 2000 Cabernet Sauvignon
Zind Humbrecht Tokay Pinot Gris Clos Windsbuhl Pinot Gris 1995

Couple of things in the pipeline with a case on order made up of Meshach 1992, St Henri (1994 or 1996??), Lindeman's Limestone 1999, Lindeman's St George 1999 and a six pack of Cape Mentelle Cab Sav 1999, and 1 bottle of Bin 920. Got my sights on a six pack of 1998 Bin 389 and some Turkey Flats also. Oh.. and some Petaluma Cab Sav Merlot and the Merlot from around 1994....and some Voyager...maybe some Houghtons Gladstones.....

Long term objective is to secure 3 bottles of Bin 90A and 3 x Bin 920. Then my work will be done and I can concentrate on work and study - which I have been putting off...and off...and off - and paying off my massive debt!

The plan is then to just buy to replace (yeah, right).

Again, thanks all for the advice.

Regards,

Allan

[bigkid]

Hi all,

For those interested in the current state of play with the new cellar, here is the current list:

Cape Mentelle 2000 Cabernet Sauvignon
Cullen Diana Madeline 2000 Cabernet Merlot
Eileen Hardy 1999 Shiraz
Elderton 2002 Shiraz
Fox Creek Short Row 2003 Shiraz
Grant Burge Meshach 2000 Shiraz
Heathcote Estate 2002 Shiraz
Moss Wood 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon
Parola's (Warrabilla) 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon
Parola's (Warrabilla) 2004 Durif
Paul Osicka 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon
Paul Osicka 2002 Shiraz
Penfolds Bin 389 2002 Cabernet Shiraz
Penny's Hill 2003 Specialised Cab Sav Merlot
Penny's Hill Malpas Road 2004 Merlot
Penny's Hill McLaren Vale 2002 Shiraz
Pol Roger Champers 1996
Redesdale Estate 2002 Shiraz
Stanley Brothers Thoroughbred 2000 Cabernet Sauvignon
The Willows Vineyard 2001 Shiraz
The Willows Vineyard 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon
Wild Duck Creek Springflat 2002 Shiraz
Wirra Wirra McLaren Vale 2002 Shiraz
Wirra Wirra RSW 2000 Shiraz
Wolfblass 2003 Grey Label Shiraz
Yalumba The Menzies 2000 Cabernet Sauvignon
Zind Humbrecht Tokay Pinot Gris Clos Windsbuhl Pinot Gris 1995

Couple of things in the pipeline with a case on order made up of Meshach 1992, St Henri (1994 or 1996??), Lindeman's Limestone 1999, Lindeman's St George 1999 and a six pack of Cape Mentelle Cab Sav 1999, and 1 bottle of Bin 920. Got my sights on a six pack of 1998 Bin 389 and some Turkey Flats also. Oh.. and some Petaluma Cab Sav Merlot and the Merlot from around 1994....and some Voyager...maybe some Houghtons Gladstones.....

Long term objective is to secure 3 bottles of Bin 90A and 3 x Bin 920. Then my work will be done and I can concentrate on work and study - which I have been putting off...and off...and off - and paying off my massive debt!

The plan is then to just buy to replace (yeah, right).

Again, thanks all for the advice.

Regards,

Allan

My latest order arrived consisting of:

Grant Burge 1993 Meshach $75
Penfolds Bin 920 $225 (managed to find 2 bottles at this price)
Cape Mentelle 1999 Cab Sav $49
Penfolds 1994 St Henri Shiraz $65
Lindeman's 1996 St George $34
Lindeman's 1999 Limestone Ridge $34
Bests Bin 0 1998 Shiraz $35
D' Arenberg 1995 Shiraz $freebie

1998 Bin 389 still in the pipeline. Missed out on the Turkey Flats at Langtons - which is probably just as well, Ann doesn't know about this lot yet!

Regards,

Allan

[Chow Chow]

Cape Mentelle 2000 Cabernet Sauvignon*
Cullen Diana Madeline 2000 Cabernet Merlot*
Eileen Hardy 1999 Shiraz*
Elderton 2002 Shiraz
Fox Creek Short Row 2003 Shiraz
Grant Burge Meshach 2000 Shiraz
Heathcote Estate 2002 Shiraz
Moss Wood 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon
Parola's (Warrabilla) 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon
Parola's (Warrabilla) 2004 Durif
Paul Osicka 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon
Paul Osicka 2002 Shiraz
Penfolds Bin 389 2002 Cabernet Shiraz
Penny's Hill 2003 Specialised Cab Sav Merlot
Penny's Hill Malpas Road 2004 Merlot
Penny's Hill McLaren Vale 2002 Shiraz
Pol Roger Champers 1996
Redesdale Estate 2002 Shiraz
Stanley Brothers Thoroughbred 2000 Cabernet Sauvignon
The Willows Vineyard 2001 Shiraz
The Willows Vineyard 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon
Wild Duck Creek Springflat 2002 Shiraz
Wirra Wirra McLaren Vale 2002 Shiraz
Wirra Wirra RSW 2000 Shiraz
Wolfblass 2003 Grey Label Shiraz
Yalumba The Menzies 2000 Cabernet Sauvignon*
Grant Burge 1993 Meshach $75*
Penfolds Bin 920 $225 (managed to find 2 bottles at this price)
Cape Mentelle 1999 Cab Sav $49
Penfolds 1994 St Henri Shiraz $65
Lindeman's 1996 St George $34
Lindeman's 1999 Limestone Ridge $34*
Bests Bin 0 1998 Shiraz $35
D' Arenberg 1995 Shiraz $freebie


*Most probrably disapointment. I learn the hardway. Only buy wines on excellent vintages except in rare case the Fisell 2000 outperform.