At a friends house for the big game on saturday night. The first half went nicely with a Wynns Coonawarra Cab Sav 1997. Had a bit of this recently and this was the best bottle so far.
Things were looking good for the ABs leading into the second half and even better for us as our host proceeded to open a recently aquired auction bottle of Coleraine 1983.
I had my doubts about how this would be, 20 year old kiwi wine? I had never had an old Coleraine before but had assumed that it would be going over after 10 -15 years. Especially with a bottle of uncertain provenance. The ullage was very good though and when we decanted I was very surprised at the dark colour, almost no hint of brown and not much lightening at the rim.
Very nice earthy nose (kiwi style) but the proof is in the drinking....
Wow! Simply wonderful. Full and powerful, very smooth with excellent balance and great complexity. Good finish and a lovely smokey aftertaste. Reminded me of the peat taste of Islay whiskey. I was impressed! Didn't seem to be on the way out as it gained in complexity over the evening (in the decanter) and was still going strong for the end of game celebrations. At full maturity but would hold a bit longer.
Looked up some reviews this morning and it looks like the 83 was always a good wine but we obviously had a good bottle as well.
Definately altered my perception of this wine. Perhaps I should hunt down some of the 98 for the long term....