Its that time of the week again, please let us know what you have been drinking. In my case, I have not been concentrating on what I have been drinking as it was more a case of killing back pain than enjoyment.
Oouch - its Sunday again .... drinking reports now due
Oouch - its Sunday again .... drinking reports now due
Hi Good Peoples,
Its that time of the week again, please let us know what you have been drinking. In my case, I have not been concentrating on what I have been drinking as it was more a case of killing back pain than enjoyment.
Its that time of the week again, please let us know what you have been drinking. In my case, I have not been concentrating on what I have been drinking as it was more a case of killing back pain than enjoyment.
Given the frequent reports of extreme Brettyness (if that is even a word) I opened with some trepidation a bottle of the 1993 Seppelts Show Reserve Sparkling Shiraz which I have been avoiding. I only picked it up because it was comparatively cheap and I was willing to take a gamble. At the start I think it was served a bit cold and that probably accounted for the rather subdued nose and shortish palate. On the palate it shifted through varying degrees of raspberry, cassis, liquorice as it warmed up. Only at the very end of the bottle, did I get any of the barnyardiness that hinted trouble with Brett. Luckily no band-aids for me. All in all it performed much better than I expected... however my expectations were pretty low.
Also opened was a 1991 Red Hill Estate Pinot Noir. Sweet mid palate fruit - cherries, spice and strawberries predominate with a hint of plum. Personally I prefer my Pinots a fair bit older than this, but it slid down pretty well.
Also opened was a 1991 Red Hill Estate Pinot Noir. Sweet mid palate fruit - cherries, spice and strawberries predominate with a hint of plum. Personally I prefer my Pinots a fair bit older than this, but it slid down pretty well.
David G
"I'm going to die with a twinkle in my eye cause I sung songs, spun stories, loved, laughed and drank wine"
"I'm going to die with a twinkle in my eye cause I sung songs, spun stories, loved, laughed and drank wine"
Hi all,
LAST NIGHT
Impressions only I am afraid, it was a long night.
Stanton & Killeen 1996 Durif
Big flavoured red with spicy plums and raisins, violets with mint and eucalyptus. An enjoyable durif.
Campbells 1995 Limited Release Cabernets
Dark fruit, mint and menthol. Matched very well with wagyu beef eye fillet, soft polenta, a red wine sauce that I managed to cook to perfection – even if I do say so myself (then again, it is hard to stuff up such good steak).
Warrabilla 2004 Parolas Durif
Done this one to death in my TNs - huge and full of fruit. Showed its youth compared with the Stanton, as you would expect.
Coriole 2003 Racked Chenin Blanc
Unusual choice for us but I do like some Coriole whites so thought weÂ’d give it a go with desert last night - mixed berries bread and butter pudding. The citrus flavours of the wine were fine but it was just a little too sweet and syrupy to be a good match with the desert. Probably should have taken my own advice to Adair and gone with a moscato. This wine would probably do better with a sticky date pudding.
EARLIER IN THE WEEK
DÂ’Arenberg 1995 Old Vine Shiraz
Wine was a bit ordinary - some red fruit on the nose which didn't carry solidly through to the palate, tannins over the top and very powdery, a thin textured wine. Not our cup of tea.
Paul Osicka 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon
This is our third bottle from a case purchase of this wine. Clear, deep purple red colour, nose fresh with green olives, green leaves, aniseed and compost. Soft generous mouthfeel, green flavours follow through to the palate, subdued raisins, tannins a little prominent early but settle after lengthy decanting then cherries, chilli chocolate and leather dominate. We are going to enjoy this wine over the next decade.
Warrabilla 2004 Parolas Cabernet Sauvignon
Our third bottle: Open for four hours, 2 in a decanter. Clear red purple. Cherries and dark fruit on the nose which follows through to the palate. Balanced oak and tannins. Very drinkable now, rich mouthfeel. Almost a shiraz like spiciness, meaty (think chorizo sausage), chocolate. Long sweet finish full of raisins.
Regards,
Allan
LAST NIGHT
Impressions only I am afraid, it was a long night.
Stanton & Killeen 1996 Durif
Big flavoured red with spicy plums and raisins, violets with mint and eucalyptus. An enjoyable durif.
Campbells 1995 Limited Release Cabernets
Dark fruit, mint and menthol. Matched very well with wagyu beef eye fillet, soft polenta, a red wine sauce that I managed to cook to perfection – even if I do say so myself (then again, it is hard to stuff up such good steak).
Warrabilla 2004 Parolas Durif
Done this one to death in my TNs - huge and full of fruit. Showed its youth compared with the Stanton, as you would expect.
Coriole 2003 Racked Chenin Blanc
Unusual choice for us but I do like some Coriole whites so thought weÂ’d give it a go with desert last night - mixed berries bread and butter pudding. The citrus flavours of the wine were fine but it was just a little too sweet and syrupy to be a good match with the desert. Probably should have taken my own advice to Adair and gone with a moscato. This wine would probably do better with a sticky date pudding.
EARLIER IN THE WEEK
DÂ’Arenberg 1995 Old Vine Shiraz
Wine was a bit ordinary - some red fruit on the nose which didn't carry solidly through to the palate, tannins over the top and very powdery, a thin textured wine. Not our cup of tea.
Paul Osicka 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon
This is our third bottle from a case purchase of this wine. Clear, deep purple red colour, nose fresh with green olives, green leaves, aniseed and compost. Soft generous mouthfeel, green flavours follow through to the palate, subdued raisins, tannins a little prominent early but settle after lengthy decanting then cherries, chilli chocolate and leather dominate. We are going to enjoy this wine over the next decade.
Warrabilla 2004 Parolas Cabernet Sauvignon
Our third bottle: Open for four hours, 2 in a decanter. Clear red purple. Cherries and dark fruit on the nose which follows through to the palate. Balanced oak and tannins. Very drinkable now, rich mouthfeel. Almost a shiraz like spiciness, meaty (think chorizo sausage), chocolate. Long sweet finish full of raisins.
Regards,
Allan
Hi all,
On my budget I have to be careful what I buy. Had a Brands of Coonwarra 2002 Cabernet last night and it was a wonderful example of this region's produce. Priced at sub $15 on special it should be walking out the door but everyone is in love with blockbuster Shiraz.
Also had another of the rediculously priced Gramps 2002 Barossa Shiraz. Awsome fruit with well balanced tannins and acid keeping the 15% alcohol under control and built to last another 5 years or so. Again sub $15.
Chuck
On my budget I have to be careful what I buy. Had a Brands of Coonwarra 2002 Cabernet last night and it was a wonderful example of this region's produce. Priced at sub $15 on special it should be walking out the door but everyone is in love with blockbuster Shiraz.
Also had another of the rediculously priced Gramps 2002 Barossa Shiraz. Awsome fruit with well balanced tannins and acid keeping the 15% alcohol under control and built to last another 5 years or so. Again sub $15.
Chuck
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JamieBahrain
- Posts: 3754
- Joined: Sat Aug 16, 2003 7:40 am
- Location: Fragrant Harbour.
Greetings. Scibbles from a week in Oz and not including a few offlines. All wines full bottles and not tastings. The latter for which I would need a secretary for!
Craiglee Shiraz 02- Wihte pepper, spice on red-blackfruits. Medium to full bodied, with a Penfolds Bin like texture and solid weight, spice & pepper come through in a tantalizing manner on a good core of fruit. Lingering spice & pepper flavour persistance and grainy tannin. 91 points. An excellent Craiglee vintage.
Orlando St Hugo 2001- Tight, variatal and regional focus. Blacfruits, black olives & savoury oak. Tight palate with some pleasant fruit sweetness in time; berries and jam, ripe coating tannins with excellent persistance and length. 90pts
2003 Burke & Wills Heathcote shiraz- Plenty of hot investor money going into this region. Forward Heathcote shiraz, soft palate flavours and flabby. 80pts
Seppelt Dorrien 1999 C/S- Perfumed, lifted plums, violets & some licorice. French Oak is forceful at the moment. Builds muscle over the night, smooth mouthfeel with fine berries and licorice-earth flavours, long tannins with lingering oak spice. 90pts
1998 Rockford Moppa Springs GSM- Varnish, earth, soy-licorice with faint grenache confectionary. Lovely, soft Barossa flavours, long acids, a whisp of resolved tannins & warmth. 85 pts. I don't think this style has come close to eclipsing better vintages of Dry Country Grenache- and after drinking a 96 Dry Country Grenache at the Stonewaller's Table, which was world class, I have to say Moppa a mistake. Drink up the 98 Moppas.
1996 St Hallet Old Block Shiraz- Over the top, sweet oak with some pineapple notes. Thankfully, the decanter opened the wine up and it was more meat tray-vanilla bean aromas, with deep , spicey blackberry notes.Long meaty-blackberry-plum flavours, with long fine and grippy tannins. Very good Ol Block. 91pts.
Craiglee 1996 Shiraz- White pepper dances with light black cherry, savoury earthy undertones. Light to medium bodied, pepper runs through some lightweighted fruit flavours. Mature wine, some raspiness and pepper persistance, faint tannins. 84 pts.
1996 Elderton Shiraz- Malty-mollasses Oak nuances, redcurrants, raspberry and Barossa blackberry come through pleasantly over time. The palate a good layer of meshed shiraz fruit flavours, with good complexity and weight,. Quickfire acids build a big, generous finish-mushroom & leather aftertaste lingers for some time. 90pts and a real surprise.
1996 Henschke Noble Rot Riesling- Coming up to a decade old and showing some development in the colour. Figs & quince, developed honey-marmalade. Rich sweet, developed golden fruits on the palate, long length and cut off nicely by some clean acids. Outstanding quality for an Aussie sticky. 91 pts.
Henschke 97 Keyneton Estat 375ml- Feral, barnyardy with lifted ripe plums, and berries. Seamlessly crafted wine, medium bodied, complete in the mouth and balanced by mature, fine tannins. 88pts
Henschke 1995 Mt Edelstone- Sublime & mature, meshed Eden Valley shiraz fruit with clever, complex seasoned American/French Oak in support. Blended blackfruits, of good weight and suppleness, the wine builds slowly toward a crescendo of mature, grainy-fine tannins and generous warmth. 91pts.
1999 Rockfords Vine Vale Riesling- Time Warp stuff. This is how they must have made riesling in the olden days! Light straw-green,musky-citrus notes, faint kero & developed honey completes the nose. Broad, old fashioned palate flavours, with citrus-kero fruit and a good degree of phenolic grip, creating a finish of some tang and citrus-honey persistance. 88pts.
Craiglee Shiraz 02- Wihte pepper, spice on red-blackfruits. Medium to full bodied, with a Penfolds Bin like texture and solid weight, spice & pepper come through in a tantalizing manner on a good core of fruit. Lingering spice & pepper flavour persistance and grainy tannin. 91 points. An excellent Craiglee vintage.
Orlando St Hugo 2001- Tight, variatal and regional focus. Blacfruits, black olives & savoury oak. Tight palate with some pleasant fruit sweetness in time; berries and jam, ripe coating tannins with excellent persistance and length. 90pts
2003 Burke & Wills Heathcote shiraz- Plenty of hot investor money going into this region. Forward Heathcote shiraz, soft palate flavours and flabby. 80pts
Seppelt Dorrien 1999 C/S- Perfumed, lifted plums, violets & some licorice. French Oak is forceful at the moment. Builds muscle over the night, smooth mouthfeel with fine berries and licorice-earth flavours, long tannins with lingering oak spice. 90pts
1998 Rockford Moppa Springs GSM- Varnish, earth, soy-licorice with faint grenache confectionary. Lovely, soft Barossa flavours, long acids, a whisp of resolved tannins & warmth. 85 pts. I don't think this style has come close to eclipsing better vintages of Dry Country Grenache- and after drinking a 96 Dry Country Grenache at the Stonewaller's Table, which was world class, I have to say Moppa a mistake. Drink up the 98 Moppas.
1996 St Hallet Old Block Shiraz- Over the top, sweet oak with some pineapple notes. Thankfully, the decanter opened the wine up and it was more meat tray-vanilla bean aromas, with deep , spicey blackberry notes.Long meaty-blackberry-plum flavours, with long fine and grippy tannins. Very good Ol Block. 91pts.
Craiglee 1996 Shiraz- White pepper dances with light black cherry, savoury earthy undertones. Light to medium bodied, pepper runs through some lightweighted fruit flavours. Mature wine, some raspiness and pepper persistance, faint tannins. 84 pts.
1996 Elderton Shiraz- Malty-mollasses Oak nuances, redcurrants, raspberry and Barossa blackberry come through pleasantly over time. The palate a good layer of meshed shiraz fruit flavours, with good complexity and weight,. Quickfire acids build a big, generous finish-mushroom & leather aftertaste lingers for some time. 90pts and a real surprise.
1996 Henschke Noble Rot Riesling- Coming up to a decade old and showing some development in the colour. Figs & quince, developed honey-marmalade. Rich sweet, developed golden fruits on the palate, long length and cut off nicely by some clean acids. Outstanding quality for an Aussie sticky. 91 pts.
Henschke 97 Keyneton Estat 375ml- Feral, barnyardy with lifted ripe plums, and berries. Seamlessly crafted wine, medium bodied, complete in the mouth and balanced by mature, fine tannins. 88pts
Henschke 1995 Mt Edelstone- Sublime & mature, meshed Eden Valley shiraz fruit with clever, complex seasoned American/French Oak in support. Blended blackfruits, of good weight and suppleness, the wine builds slowly toward a crescendo of mature, grainy-fine tannins and generous warmth. 91pts.
1999 Rockfords Vine Vale Riesling- Time Warp stuff. This is how they must have made riesling in the olden days! Light straw-green,musky-citrus notes, faint kero & developed honey completes the nose. Broad, old fashioned palate flavours, with citrus-kero fruit and a good degree of phenolic grip, creating a finish of some tang and citrus-honey persistance. 88pts.
Last edited by JamieBahrain on Sun Jun 05, 2005 2:53 pm, edited 2 times in total.
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Muscat Mike
- Posts: 425
- Joined: Fri Aug 15, 2003 10:05 pm
- Location: Sydney - North West.
Some TVs.
Classic Clare 1996 C/S.
Lovely wine, drinking well. Took a while to come good in the glass but was worth the wait. Went very well with a M/R hunk of beef.
A touch better the second night. Still plenty of fruit, tannin and acid for now and a couple more years.
Tyrrells Vat 47 Chard. 1999.
When poured it looked like an aged Noble One, deep, deep gold. Was a bit worried, but no need. This is a delightful wine with a smooth combination of fruit, acid and oak. None of these overwhelm another. Just a sheer delight to drink with grilled chicken, and on the second night went equally well with prawns.
No need to hurry if you have some of these. Several years left to enjoy.
Riverina Estate 1164 Shiraz 2001.
The blurb said this had beaten a lot of top Shiraz in the "Great Oz SHiraz Challenge".
It started out quite tame and took several hours to come good. It was very pleasant at the end without blowing my mind.
Will taste second half tonight to see if it has improved. It is meant to be a "keeper" at 10 years plus.
MM.
Lovely wine, drinking well. Took a while to come good in the glass but was worth the wait. Went very well with a M/R hunk of beef.
A touch better the second night. Still plenty of fruit, tannin and acid for now and a couple more years.
Tyrrells Vat 47 Chard. 1999.
When poured it looked like an aged Noble One, deep, deep gold. Was a bit worried, but no need. This is a delightful wine with a smooth combination of fruit, acid and oak. None of these overwhelm another. Just a sheer delight to drink with grilled chicken, and on the second night went equally well with prawns.
No need to hurry if you have some of these. Several years left to enjoy.
Riverina Estate 1164 Shiraz 2001.
The blurb said this had beaten a lot of top Shiraz in the "Great Oz SHiraz Challenge".
It started out quite tame and took several hours to come good. It was very pleasant at the end without blowing my mind.
Will taste second half tonight to see if it has improved. It is meant to be a "keeper" at 10 years plus.
MM.
2001 Bin 28 Penfolds Kalimna....Half the bottle Friday night {non decanted} it is berry,berry and Jam on the nose. Overipe sweet and jammy with an acceptable amount of length.
Next half 24 hours later {non decanted}...Whilst still Jam and berry it actually became sweeter and the finish became slightly longer indicating it will peak in about 2 years time. The sweetness indicates the overripe fruit and would be a lovely wine for a non-seasoned winedrinker. 88 Points and maybe another point potential wise
2001 Bin 389 Penfolds....Half the bottle Friday night {non decanted} It showed simmilar quilities to Bin 28 although a bit more Cinnamon/Sweet spice probably due to the Cabernet. On the Palate Jammy and sweet berry spice and better length than bin 28 albeit smoother indicating the blend is the correct amount even if the fruit was a bit ripe.
Next Half 24 hours later {non decanted} It showed better with the same nose although more balance and length though still too overipe from the start of the palate which is the main problem. I estimate it to hit its peak within 5 years. 91 points now with maybe 2 more potential wise. Another wine for someone new to wine.
Next half 24 hours later {non decanted}...Whilst still Jam and berry it actually became sweeter and the finish became slightly longer indicating it will peak in about 2 years time. The sweetness indicates the overripe fruit and would be a lovely wine for a non-seasoned winedrinker. 88 Points and maybe another point potential wise
2001 Bin 389 Penfolds....Half the bottle Friday night {non decanted} It showed simmilar quilities to Bin 28 although a bit more Cinnamon/Sweet spice probably due to the Cabernet. On the Palate Jammy and sweet berry spice and better length than bin 28 albeit smoother indicating the blend is the correct amount even if the fruit was a bit ripe.
Next Half 24 hours later {non decanted} It showed better with the same nose although more balance and length though still too overipe from the start of the palate which is the main problem. I estimate it to hit its peak within 5 years. 91 points now with maybe 2 more potential wise. Another wine for someone new to wine.
Cattier 1996 Champagne: top French bubbly and not expensive. The lauded '96 vintage did not fail to impress; more forward than some of its peers but delicious none the less. One to hunt out....I think Theos carry the brand.
Petaluma 1990 Coonawarra: at its peak but no hurry to drink up, still beautiful fruit coming through but the softness of the palate balancing the experience...close to my WOTY....superb with the m/rare fillet I ordered at 'Food & Plonk' at Lindfield.
Joseph 1998 Moda Amarone: gluggable and quite dense, but not quite the experience I was expecting...too simple and sweet. I prefer the '96.
cheers,
David M.
Petaluma 1990 Coonawarra: at its peak but no hurry to drink up, still beautiful fruit coming through but the softness of the palate balancing the experience...close to my WOTY....superb with the m/rare fillet I ordered at 'Food & Plonk' at Lindfield.
Joseph 1998 Moda Amarone: gluggable and quite dense, but not quite the experience I was expecting...too simple and sweet. I prefer the '96.
cheers,
David M.
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Daryl Douglas
- Posts: 1361
- Joined: Fri Sep 05, 2003 7:23 pm
- Location: Nth Qld
General impressions only.
Wynns Coonawarra Cab 01 - nice wine, regional mint and pretty much what anyone expects of this label. Oak in the background but classy. More medium than full bodied, it has a touch of elegance. The other 3 of 6 are quarantined for now (kept wondering if it was quite that good). Exceptional value @ $18/btl. Should develop over the next 6 or so yrs and hold for some time after that.
Also in quarantine are the other 2 btls of Bullers Calliope Shiraz 02 - this one needs some time to sort itself out, bit like a brawny youth at this stage. 12 hrs or so in glass on bench and it was more approachable but still big. Dunno, give it to 2010 and try again. Can't say I liked it now but it ain't no Georgia's Paddock. Questionable value @ $35/btl but time will tell.
Gramps Late Harvest Botrytis 2002 - a good example of the genre.Went well with vanilla panacotta, fresh strawberries, frozen(I presume) rasberries and a vividly red jus of indeterminate composition.
daz
daz
Wynns Coonawarra Cab 01 - nice wine, regional mint and pretty much what anyone expects of this label. Oak in the background but classy. More medium than full bodied, it has a touch of elegance. The other 3 of 6 are quarantined for now (kept wondering if it was quite that good). Exceptional value @ $18/btl. Should develop over the next 6 or so yrs and hold for some time after that.
Also in quarantine are the other 2 btls of Bullers Calliope Shiraz 02 - this one needs some time to sort itself out, bit like a brawny youth at this stage. 12 hrs or so in glass on bench and it was more approachable but still big. Dunno, give it to 2010 and try again. Can't say I liked it now but it ain't no Georgia's Paddock. Questionable value @ $35/btl but time will tell.
Gramps Late Harvest Botrytis 2002 - a good example of the genre.Went well with vanilla panacotta, fresh strawberries, frozen(I presume) rasberries and a vividly red jus of indeterminate composition.
daz
daz
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Baby Chickpea
- Posts: 582
- Joined: Mon Feb 02, 2004 12:17 pm
2004 Mt Riley Sauv Blanc
This was served at room temperature here in Christchurch (which would have been too cold if the heaters weren't on!). The first glass was poured and then the bottle was placed in the freezer to chill down. Nose is overwhelmingly passionfruit with tropical flavours, something I much prefer to the asparagus/mowed grass typical from Marlborough. Palate continues with the lively fruit which shows no signs of losing freshness, unlike many other '04 Sauvs that are becoming dull already. A lively finish with a moderate acid kick. This was enjoyed with a hot vegetable rice salad and proved complimentary. Good wine and fantastic value (NZ$11).
2002 Torbreck "The Struie" Shiraz
Purple/black colour. Nose was a little restrained initially, but within half an hour had blossomed and continued to do so over the next four hours. I love the Eden Valley cooler climate composition, the white pepper and spices adding an attractiveness and complexity to the wine that I think would be missing if it was 100% Barossan. A rich, small berry concentrated nose that is equally enjoyable on the palate, blackcurrant particularly in abundance. The mouthfeel is great and in a way the wine reminds me of a 'weak' Amon Ra. The Struie has less/no tar/prune notes and richness, less viscosity and a shorter finish, but if you'd told me the Struie was a sibling of the Amon Ra I would certainly understand from a winemaking viewpoint. The finish with the Struie is excellent, almost creamy tannins that linger subtly. Although I'm sure it will age well, very gluggable right now and if it was $10 cheaper I'd buy a case. This was my first Struie and I'll be very interested to compare this '02 with a weaker vintage like the '01 or '03.
2001 Nautilus Pinot Noir
Crimson colour. Getting a little old for a Marlborough Pinot now, but I'm fond of the Nautilus texture found in their Sauv so I gave this wine a go. Nose revealed a loss of primary fruit, albeit traces of cherry where present. Vanillin aromas are also evident with a hint of earth and spice. The palate is strong red cherry, almost a little sour with aggressive acidity and tannins - I get the impression there was initially fruit there to support this but has since faded. There was no creaminess that I was hoping for and to me it's disjointed, perhaps a stunner on release (and big?) but past its best now.
1998 Rockford "Moppa Springs" GSM
Awesomely dark red, opaque colour for a seven year old wine. Remember, the M here is Mataro, not Mourvedre.
The wine was opened and left to breathe for two hours, the Grenache coming to the fore in an unobtrusive way on the nose. Secondary notes are beginning to develop, the Mataro component assisting complexation and providing a very subtle wild/'country' element. Generous and mouth filling fruit, carried well by soft, velvety tannins and a morish finish. This bottle was gone in no time and contrary to Jamie B's tasting note, I think the '98 Moppas still have some life left in them yet. Excellent value at NZ$25 and a perfect match for the Thai we shovelled down.
Cheers,
This was served at room temperature here in Christchurch (which would have been too cold if the heaters weren't on!). The first glass was poured and then the bottle was placed in the freezer to chill down. Nose is overwhelmingly passionfruit with tropical flavours, something I much prefer to the asparagus/mowed grass typical from Marlborough. Palate continues with the lively fruit which shows no signs of losing freshness, unlike many other '04 Sauvs that are becoming dull already. A lively finish with a moderate acid kick. This was enjoyed with a hot vegetable rice salad and proved complimentary. Good wine and fantastic value (NZ$11).
2002 Torbreck "The Struie" Shiraz
Purple/black colour. Nose was a little restrained initially, but within half an hour had blossomed and continued to do so over the next four hours. I love the Eden Valley cooler climate composition, the white pepper and spices adding an attractiveness and complexity to the wine that I think would be missing if it was 100% Barossan. A rich, small berry concentrated nose that is equally enjoyable on the palate, blackcurrant particularly in abundance. The mouthfeel is great and in a way the wine reminds me of a 'weak' Amon Ra. The Struie has less/no tar/prune notes and richness, less viscosity and a shorter finish, but if you'd told me the Struie was a sibling of the Amon Ra I would certainly understand from a winemaking viewpoint. The finish with the Struie is excellent, almost creamy tannins that linger subtly. Although I'm sure it will age well, very gluggable right now and if it was $10 cheaper I'd buy a case. This was my first Struie and I'll be very interested to compare this '02 with a weaker vintage like the '01 or '03.
2001 Nautilus Pinot Noir
Crimson colour. Getting a little old for a Marlborough Pinot now, but I'm fond of the Nautilus texture found in their Sauv so I gave this wine a go. Nose revealed a loss of primary fruit, albeit traces of cherry where present. Vanillin aromas are also evident with a hint of earth and spice. The palate is strong red cherry, almost a little sour with aggressive acidity and tannins - I get the impression there was initially fruit there to support this but has since faded. There was no creaminess that I was hoping for and to me it's disjointed, perhaps a stunner on release (and big?) but past its best now.
1998 Rockford "Moppa Springs" GSM
Awesomely dark red, opaque colour for a seven year old wine. Remember, the M here is Mataro, not Mourvedre.
The wine was opened and left to breathe for two hours, the Grenache coming to the fore in an unobtrusive way on the nose. Secondary notes are beginning to develop, the Mataro component assisting complexation and providing a very subtle wild/'country' element. Generous and mouth filling fruit, carried well by soft, velvety tannins and a morish finish. This bottle was gone in no time and contrary to Jamie B's tasting note, I think the '98 Moppas still have some life left in them yet. Excellent value at NZ$25 and a perfect match for the Thai we shovelled down.
Cheers,
Max
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Avant d’être bon, un vin doit être vrai
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Avant d’être bon, un vin doit être vrai
1965 CHateau Latour not a great vintage apparently, very dry leathery earthy nuances, minimal fruit, but still a wonderful experience, etheral.
1975 Penfolds Bin 128surprisingly very good, some nice fruit still present, well intergrated with some tannin structure remaining. Wonderful drinking.
2000 Grosset Polish Hill colour still relatively pale, definate secondary characteristic developing, lost a lot of the steel and flint more rounded fruit. Pleasnay drinking now but should continue to develop but I would keep an eye on this and possibly some of the other 2000 clare's as they seem to be developing at a fast rate.
1975 Penfolds Bin 128surprisingly very good, some nice fruit still present, well intergrated with some tannin structure remaining. Wonderful drinking.
2000 Grosset Polish Hill colour still relatively pale, definate secondary characteristic developing, lost a lot of the steel and flint more rounded fruit. Pleasnay drinking now but should continue to develop but I would keep an eye on this and possibly some of the other 2000 clare's as they seem to be developing at a fast rate.
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Guest
Maximus wrote:2002 Torbreck "The Struie" Shiraz
Purple/black colour. Nose was a little restrained initially, but within half an hour had blossomed and continued to do so over the next four hours. I love the Eden Valley cooler climate composition, the white pepper and spices adding an attractiveness and complexity to the wine that I think would be missing if it was 100% Barossan. A rich, small berry concentrated nose that is equally enjoyable on the palate, blackcurrant particularly in abundance. The mouthfeel is great and in a way the wine reminds me of a 'weak' Amon Ra. The Struie has less/no tar/prune notes and richness, less viscosity and a shorter finish, but if you'd told me the Struie was a sibling of the Amon Ra I would certainly understand from a winemaking viewpoint. The finish with the Struie is excellent, almost creamy tannins that linger subtly. Although I'm sure it will age well, very gluggable right now and if it was $10 cheaper I'd buy a case. This was my first Struie and I'll be very interested to compare this '02 with a weaker vintage like the '01 or '03.
Not sure of Eden Valle/Barossa composition, but for my palate the 2001 is certainly more spicy (think cloves, cinnamon) and a medium-bodied, more elegant structure than the richer full-bodied 2002. The 2003 follows in a similar vein as the 2002. A tad lighter in a weight but I think it has more Barossa fruit giving it a rich chocolate streak running through it.
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Aussie Jonny
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Guest
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Baby Chickpea
- Posts: 582
- Joined: Mon Feb 02, 2004 12:17 pm
Aussie Jonny wrote:[b]1990 Yalumba "The Reserve"
Dark, tannic, a little woody still, but plenty of fruit hiding in this massive, deep wine. Try again in 7-10 years. Will be outstanding, and make a good comparison to the 90 Grange in a decade.
Drink: 2015+..............................94pts
Nice to hear this is still strong - I have 8 bottles but at bottom of pile so a killer to get out. Glad no rush to do so. Had the Octavius from 1990 recently?
Danny
The voyage of discovery lies not in finding new landscapes but in having new eyes. We must never be afraid to go too far, for success lies just beyond - Marcel Proust
The voyage of discovery lies not in finding new landscapes but in having new eyes. We must never be afraid to go too far, for success lies just beyond - Marcel Proust
Hello Maximus,
Mourvèdre, Mataro and Monastrell are the same grape.
Adair
I have not had the 2001, but I thought the 2002 to be a fair way ahead of the 2003. I too loved the cooler complexities of the 2002.Maximus wrote:2002 Torbreck "The Struie" Shiraz
Purple/black colour. Nose was a little restrained initially, but within half an hour had blossomed and continued to do so over the next four hours. I love the Eden Valley cooler climate composition, the white pepper and spices adding an attractiveness and complexity to the wine that I think would be missing if it was 100% Barossan. A rich, small berry concentrated nose that is equally enjoyable on the palate, blackcurrant particularly in abundance. The mouthfeel is great and in a way the wine reminds me of a 'weak' Amon Ra. The Struie has less/no tar/prune notes and richness, less viscosity and a shorter finish, but if you'd told me the Struie was a sibling of the Amon Ra I would certainly understand from a winemaking viewpoint. The finish with the Struie is excellent, almost creamy tannins that linger subtly. Although I'm sure it will age well, very gluggable right now and if it was $10 cheaper I'd buy a case. This was my first Struie and I'll be very interested to compare this '02 with a weaker vintage like the '01 or '03.
Maximus wrote:1998 Rockford "Moppa Springs" GSM
Awesomely dark red, opaque colour for a seven year old wine. Remember, the M here is Mataro, not Mourvedre.
Mourvèdre, Mataro and Monastrell are the same grape.
Adair
Adair wrote:Mourvèdre, Mataro and Monastrell are the same grape.
Adair
Adair,
My winking emoticon was used as ironic humour.
I think Rockford would have to be one of the few that use the Spanish name for the grape, instead of the typical Italian (?) Mourvedre notation.
Max
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Avant d’être bon, un vin doit être vrai
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Avant d’être bon, un vin doit être vrai
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guest
Riverina Estate 1164 Shiraz 2001
Riverina Estate 1164 Shiraz 2001 Has anyone else tried this one? TN please 
Maximus wrote:Adair wrote:Mourvèdre, Mataro and Monastrell are the same grape.
Adair
Adair,
My winking emoticon was used as ironic humour.
I think Rockford would have to be one of the few that use the Spanish name for the grape, instead of the typical Italian (?) Mourvedre notation.
I think Mourvèdre is the French notation, Monastrell the Spanish, and Mataro was made up by Aussie's too lazy to pronounce the other two!
Forget about goodness and mercy, they're gone.
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Muscat Mike
- Posts: 425
- Joined: Fri Aug 15, 2003 10:05 pm
- Location: Sydney - North West.
Re: Riverina Estate 1164 Shiraz 2001
guest wrote:Riverina Estate 1164 Shiraz 2001 Has anyone else tried this one? TN please
See further up the page under "Muscat Mike". It's not too bad but better wines available for the price.
MM.
Fox Creek 98 Reserve Shiraz
Good wine, approachable now, but will go a while. All seems in balance.
98 Bethany GR Shiraz.
A very good wine, drinking well now, but will improve over 5+ years, great oak, and beautiful fruit.
96 Wirra Wirra RSW
Drinking wonderfully now.
98 Charles Cimicky Shiraz.
First night was fine, typical for Cimicky, but the second night developed a strange taste, which I have ever only had before in 96 Cape Jaffa McLaren vale Shiraz. Wish I knew more about faluts!
02 Shotfire Ridge Shiraz.
First night it was showing too much oak, second night the same, but the third night it was quite enjoyable, and not oxidesed.
98 Kaesler Stonehorse Shiraz
One of my favourites, great fruit, oak in balance, a joy to drink.
93 John Riddoch Cabernet
Very good wine, typical Coonawarra Cab, but had structure, and everything in balance. Will go a few more years.
98 Tatachilla Cabernet.
Not very varietal, but I still like McLaren Vale Cab, and this is holding well, but needs to be drunk in the next 3 years
98 E&C McLaren Vale Cabernet.
This is drinking fabulous now. The is a good wallop of oak, but the fruit is currently holding it together. Drink soon
98 Fox Creek JSM
Great wine to pull out when there is a few people around. Great drinking now, bit simple.
97 Penfolds 389.
A pretty fair effort for the year.
96 Grant Burge Shiraz
Drunk 2 weeks ago, and trying to remember! Enjoyable!
98 Maxwell Lime Cave cabernet.
Great wine, not very varietal, but a really good drink. ready now.
88 Grant Burge Meshach
Didnt expect much, as I thought it was past it, but no, it was excellent. Fruit still holding up, everything in balance, great stuff.
Good wine, approachable now, but will go a while. All seems in balance.
98 Bethany GR Shiraz.
A very good wine, drinking well now, but will improve over 5+ years, great oak, and beautiful fruit.
96 Wirra Wirra RSW
Drinking wonderfully now.
98 Charles Cimicky Shiraz.
First night was fine, typical for Cimicky, but the second night developed a strange taste, which I have ever only had before in 96 Cape Jaffa McLaren vale Shiraz. Wish I knew more about faluts!
02 Shotfire Ridge Shiraz.
First night it was showing too much oak, second night the same, but the third night it was quite enjoyable, and not oxidesed.
98 Kaesler Stonehorse Shiraz
One of my favourites, great fruit, oak in balance, a joy to drink.
93 John Riddoch Cabernet
Very good wine, typical Coonawarra Cab, but had structure, and everything in balance. Will go a few more years.
98 Tatachilla Cabernet.
Not very varietal, but I still like McLaren Vale Cab, and this is holding well, but needs to be drunk in the next 3 years
98 E&C McLaren Vale Cabernet.
This is drinking fabulous now. The is a good wallop of oak, but the fruit is currently holding it together. Drink soon
98 Fox Creek JSM
Great wine to pull out when there is a few people around. Great drinking now, bit simple.
97 Penfolds 389.
A pretty fair effort for the year.
96 Grant Burge Shiraz
Drunk 2 weeks ago, and trying to remember! Enjoyable!
98 Maxwell Lime Cave cabernet.
Great wine, not very varietal, but a really good drink. ready now.
88 Grant Burge Meshach
Didnt expect much, as I thought it was past it, but no, it was excellent. Fruit still holding up, everything in balance, great stuff.
Re: Riverina Estate 1164 Shiraz 2001
guest wrote:Riverina Estate 1164 Shiraz 2001 Has anyone else tried this one? TN please
Yep here is what I wrote.
Riverina Estate 2001 1164 Shiraz May 05
The wine is available from xxxxx for $16.95 instead of the reported list price of $35. The bouquet is dominated by coffee oak, spice and plum. The wine is a medium in weight and has good intensity of flavour; it also lingers nicely and has a pleasant mouth feel. After a couple of mouthfuls, the smooth oak-derived tannins (which have a minor green edge) build on the palate and become chewie, slightly overshadowing the fruit. The flavour spectrum is totally black and savoury; very ripe stewed blackberry, black pepper and black coffee. I doubt it will get much better. Rated as Recommended, it's ready to drink now.
The bottle proudly boasts a gold medal at the China wine show and another at the Visy Board Great Australian Shiraz Challenge 2002. I can understand how it won the former medal, but not the latter. For the record, according to the website, it actually won the Gold Medal in 2004, but how it did that is beyond my understanding. At $16.95 it gets *** for value. At $35 it would be *. It was interesting to note the cork had very little staining on it which could mean one of a number of things so I did some checking. The wine was matured in new oak for 24 months; assuming it was made in February of 2001, it should have been ready to go into bottle in February 2003. If I'm reading the date code on the bottle correctly, it was bottled in December 2004. I wonder how many batches of the wine of have been made and bottled.
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JamieBahrain
- Posts: 3754
- Joined: Sat Aug 16, 2003 7:40 am
- Location: Fragrant Harbour.
Maximus wrote:2004 Mt Riley Sauv Blanc
This was served at room temperature here in Christchurch (which would have been too cold if the heaters weren't on!). The first glass was poured and then the bottle was placed in the freezer to chill down. Nose is overwhelmingly passionfruit with tropical flavours, something I much prefer to the asparagus/mowed grass typical from Marlborough. Palate continues with the lively fruit which shows no signs of losing freshness, unlike many other '04 Sauvs that are becoming dull already. A lively finish with a moderate acid kick. This was enjoyed with a hot vegetable rice salad and proved complimentary. Good wine and fantastic value (NZ$11).
2002 Torbreck "The Struie" Shiraz
Purple/black colour. Nose was a little restrained initially, but within half an hour had blossomed and continued to do so over the next four hours. I love the Eden Valley cooler climate composition, the white pepper and spices adding an attractiveness and complexity to the wine that I think would be missing if it was 100% Barossan. A rich, small berry concentrated nose that is equally enjoyable on the palate, blackcurrant particularly in abundance. The mouthfeel is great and in a way the wine reminds me of a 'weak' Amon Ra. The Struie has less/no tar/prune notes and richness, less viscosity and a shorter finish, but if you'd told me the Struie was a sibling of the Amon Ra I would certainly understand from a winemaking viewpoint. The finish with the Struie is excellent, almost creamy tannins that linger subtly. Although I'm sure it will age well, very gluggable right now and if it was $10 cheaper I'd buy a case. This was my first Struie and I'll be very interested to compare this '02 with a weaker vintage like the '01 or '03.
2001 Nautilus Pinot Noir
Crimson colour. Getting a little old for a Marlborough Pinot now, but I'm fond of the Nautilus texture found in their Sauv so I gave this wine a go. Nose revealed a loss of primary fruit, albeit traces of cherry where present. Vanillin aromas are also evident with a hint of earth and spice. The palate is strong red cherry, almost a little sour with aggressive acidity and tannins - I get the impression there was initially fruit there to support this but has since faded. There was no creaminess that I was hoping for and to me it's disjointed, perhaps a stunner on release (and big?) but past its best now.
1998 Rockford "Moppa Springs" GSM
Awesomely dark red, opaque colour for a seven year old wine. Remember, the M here is Mataro, not Mourvedre.
Cheers,
Hope your right about the 98 Moppa Max!
If not I have 11 bottles to sell!
If it's right don't change it. Dry Country grenache the best value red wine in the country until it's untimely demise- and it ages better than Aussie grenache 5X it's price.
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JamieBahrain
- Posts: 3754
- Joined: Sat Aug 16, 2003 7:40 am
- Location: Fragrant Harbour.
Maximus wrote:2004 Mt Riley Sauv Blanc
This was served at room temperature here in Christchurch (which would have been too cold if the heaters weren't on!). The first glass was poured and then the bottle was placed in the freezer to chill down. Nose is overwhelmingly passionfruit with tropical flavours, something I much prefer to the asparagus/mowed grass typical from Marlborough. Palate continues with the lively fruit which shows no signs of losing freshness, unlike many other '04 Sauvs that are becoming dull already. A lively finish with a moderate acid kick. This was enjoyed with a hot vegetable rice salad and proved complimentary. Good wine and fantastic value (NZ$11).
2002 Torbreck "The Struie" Shiraz
Purple/black colour. Nose was a little restrained initially, but within half an hour had blossomed and continued to do so over the next four hours. I love the Eden Valley cooler climate composition, the white pepper and spices adding an attractiveness and complexity to the wine that I think would be missing if it was 100% Barossan. A rich, small berry concentrated nose that is equally enjoyable on the palate, blackcurrant particularly in abundance. The mouthfeel is great and in a way the wine reminds me of a 'weak' Amon Ra. The Struie has less/no tar/prune notes and richness, less viscosity and a shorter finish, but if you'd told me the Struie was a sibling of the Amon Ra I would certainly understand from a winemaking viewpoint. The finish with the Struie is excellent, almost creamy tannins that linger subtly. Although I'm sure it will age well, very gluggable right now and if it was $10 cheaper I'd buy a case. This was my first Struie and I'll be very interested to compare this '02 with a weaker vintage like the '01 or '03.
2001 Nautilus Pinot Noir
Crimson colour. Getting a little old for a Marlborough Pinot now, but I'm fond of the Nautilus texture found in their Sauv so I gave this wine a go. Nose revealed a loss of primary fruit, albeit traces of cherry where present. Vanillin aromas are also evident with a hint of earth and spice. The palate is strong red cherry, almost a little sour with aggressive acidity and tannins - I get the impression there was initially fruit there to support this but has since faded. There was no creaminess that I was hoping for and to me it's disjointed, perhaps a stunner on release (and big?) but past its best now.
1998 Rockford "Moppa Springs" GSM
Awesomely dark red, opaque colour for a seven year old wine. Remember, the M here is Mataro, not Mourvedre.
Cheers,
Hope your right about the 98 Moppa Max!
If not I have 11 bottles to sell!
If it's right don't change it. Dry Country grenache the best value red wine in the country until it's untimely demise- and it ages better than Aussie grenache 5X it's price.
Sorry about that. I thought so but was not sure so I thought I would clarify it anyway as others might not have "got it"... although that might just be a group of one (me).Maximus wrote:Adair wrote:Mourvèdre, Mataro and Monastrell are the same grape.
Adair
Adair,
My winking emoticon was used as ironic humour.
I think Rockford would have to be one of the few that use the Spanish name for the grape, instead of the typical Italian (?) Mourvedre notation.
Adair
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Guest
Riverina Estate 1164 Shiraz 2001
Thanks Muscat Mike and Torb for the TN on Riverina Estate 1164 Shiraz 2001
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prester john
I have quite a penchant for fortifieds and therefore a weekend tasting of same (all NV) at a well-known retailer prompted me to attend, and to collate my thoughts on the following (all prices are retail in AUD):
BULLER VICTORIA TOKAY: Slightly astrinsic on the nose and rather light with slight body. This is essentially an entry level tokay and rather pedestrian. Not really my style, but bearable QPR at $11.
BULLER FINE OLD TOKAY: A marked step up from the above wine. This tokay was richer and palpably more viscous in the glass and on the palate. There was a veritable cornucopia of flavours here, as the wine exuded a caramel taste and memory of dried figs and dates. This wine makes the standard Bullers, above, look positively tepid. ($21)
SEPPELT TOKAY DP37: A world of difference in taste when compared to the 2 above wines. Intriguingly, my peremptory (but not negative) feeling is that this is very raisin-like both on the nose and matched on the palate. This was full and rich and with a reasonably long finish. The $18 price tag provides the best QPR, IMHO.
BROWN BROTHERS VERY OLD TOKAY: Well, this wine provided stark proof that old isn't necessarily good. It displayed some burnt flavours and seemed rather watery and devoid of fruit flavours present in the above 3 wines. Rather acrid. Lovely deep brown colour, though. I guess the colour was the justification for bumping the price up to $28. Poor QPR. Avoid at all costs.
BULLER VICTORIA MUSCAT: This was spirity and watery both in the glass and on the palate. Largely lacking flavour and concentration except for a slight raisin-like quality and a pronounced, rather unpalatable (pun intended) grape-like taste. $11.
BULLER FINE OLD MUSCAT: Thicker in the glass and markedly richer than the above muscat, but still with a slight grape-like flavour coming through, which I found distracting. Generally satisfactory, but lacking any intensity and those rancio, raisiny characteristics I treasure so much in a good muscat. $21.
SEPPELT MUSCAT DP33: Fine with a long finish. Sweet (but not overly so) and a light colour. A lovely raisiny taste with concentrated flavours. At $18, it provides the best QPR.
BROWN BROTHERS LIQUEUR MUSCAT: Once again, this displayed an inviting warm dark mahogany colour. It had a rich raisiny flavour but was lacking in any discernible acidity to counter the sweetness. Lacking the body of the Seppelts Muscat. At $28 this was again a poor QPR. Avoid at all costs.
Now that I'm in the mood for writing TNs, I have also recently had the following wines:
1994 PENFOLDS BIN 407: I have had this on 3 separate occasions over the last 2 months, and I'll go out on a limb and state that I think this wine was never something special. Accordingly, it has failed to achieve 'special' status after 11 years in the bottle and having been stored in ideal conditions with me. It is an 'easy drinking' style which I might find in a $10 wine. It lacks any sort of character or body. There is some fruit still extant but I had to dig for it. I have 3 bottles left which I shall bring out at a BBQ planned for this long weekend just to get rid of them. Overall, rather disappointing.
1993 STANTON & KILLEEN PORT: Quite woody and with the spirit being a little too forward. This, too, was a disappointment. As with the Penfolds I'll venture an opinion that this never quite made the grade, and is quite poor at 12 of age. There was no backbone to this wine to speak of. I have another bottle with I will again produce at the BBQ just to get if off my hands before it deteriorates further.
1999 WINSTEAD "ENSNARED" BOTRYTIS RIESLING: Now this is something about which I wish to wax lyrical. I purchased 6 bottles 'on spec' on release from this small Tasmanian winery (which I've been advised makes great pinot noir too, although I'm not enamoured of that variety) and really haven't been disappointed from the first bottle I had around 2000 to the current one.
This wine is holding up supremely well, with plenty of fruit and acidity to carry it for another 5 years. The botrytis qualities are present and the wine is replete with those wonderful cumquat and mandarine flavours that I love and look for in any botrytis-affected riesling. I deliberately extended the drinking period of this bottle over 3 days to see how it would fare. The first day was a delight in all aspects and the wine radiated the body and character that I had so hoped for, and all with an alcoholic content of 11.5%. I refrigerated the remainder overnight. The second day was equally as impressive, with the wine holding up better than expected. The fruit was there in abundance but the acidity had subsided a little. By the third day, the wine was losing it's grip and I drank the small remaining amount. I'll be re-visiting this winery soon.
PJ.
BULLER VICTORIA TOKAY: Slightly astrinsic on the nose and rather light with slight body. This is essentially an entry level tokay and rather pedestrian. Not really my style, but bearable QPR at $11.
BULLER FINE OLD TOKAY: A marked step up from the above wine. This tokay was richer and palpably more viscous in the glass and on the palate. There was a veritable cornucopia of flavours here, as the wine exuded a caramel taste and memory of dried figs and dates. This wine makes the standard Bullers, above, look positively tepid. ($21)
SEPPELT TOKAY DP37: A world of difference in taste when compared to the 2 above wines. Intriguingly, my peremptory (but not negative) feeling is that this is very raisin-like both on the nose and matched on the palate. This was full and rich and with a reasonably long finish. The $18 price tag provides the best QPR, IMHO.
BROWN BROTHERS VERY OLD TOKAY: Well, this wine provided stark proof that old isn't necessarily good. It displayed some burnt flavours and seemed rather watery and devoid of fruit flavours present in the above 3 wines. Rather acrid. Lovely deep brown colour, though. I guess the colour was the justification for bumping the price up to $28. Poor QPR. Avoid at all costs.
BULLER VICTORIA MUSCAT: This was spirity and watery both in the glass and on the palate. Largely lacking flavour and concentration except for a slight raisin-like quality and a pronounced, rather unpalatable (pun intended) grape-like taste. $11.
BULLER FINE OLD MUSCAT: Thicker in the glass and markedly richer than the above muscat, but still with a slight grape-like flavour coming through, which I found distracting. Generally satisfactory, but lacking any intensity and those rancio, raisiny characteristics I treasure so much in a good muscat. $21.
SEPPELT MUSCAT DP33: Fine with a long finish. Sweet (but not overly so) and a light colour. A lovely raisiny taste with concentrated flavours. At $18, it provides the best QPR.
BROWN BROTHERS LIQUEUR MUSCAT: Once again, this displayed an inviting warm dark mahogany colour. It had a rich raisiny flavour but was lacking in any discernible acidity to counter the sweetness. Lacking the body of the Seppelts Muscat. At $28 this was again a poor QPR. Avoid at all costs.
Now that I'm in the mood for writing TNs, I have also recently had the following wines:
1994 PENFOLDS BIN 407: I have had this on 3 separate occasions over the last 2 months, and I'll go out on a limb and state that I think this wine was never something special. Accordingly, it has failed to achieve 'special' status after 11 years in the bottle and having been stored in ideal conditions with me. It is an 'easy drinking' style which I might find in a $10 wine. It lacks any sort of character or body. There is some fruit still extant but I had to dig for it. I have 3 bottles left which I shall bring out at a BBQ planned for this long weekend just to get rid of them. Overall, rather disappointing.
1993 STANTON & KILLEEN PORT: Quite woody and with the spirit being a little too forward. This, too, was a disappointment. As with the Penfolds I'll venture an opinion that this never quite made the grade, and is quite poor at 12 of age. There was no backbone to this wine to speak of. I have another bottle with I will again produce at the BBQ just to get if off my hands before it deteriorates further.
1999 WINSTEAD "ENSNARED" BOTRYTIS RIESLING: Now this is something about which I wish to wax lyrical. I purchased 6 bottles 'on spec' on release from this small Tasmanian winery (which I've been advised makes great pinot noir too, although I'm not enamoured of that variety) and really haven't been disappointed from the first bottle I had around 2000 to the current one.
This wine is holding up supremely well, with plenty of fruit and acidity to carry it for another 5 years. The botrytis qualities are present and the wine is replete with those wonderful cumquat and mandarine flavours that I love and look for in any botrytis-affected riesling. I deliberately extended the drinking period of this bottle over 3 days to see how it would fare. The first day was a delight in all aspects and the wine radiated the body and character that I had so hoped for, and all with an alcoholic content of 11.5%. I refrigerated the remainder overnight. The second day was equally as impressive, with the wine holding up better than expected. The fruit was there in abundance but the acidity had subsided a little. By the third day, the wine was losing it's grip and I drank the small remaining amount. I'll be re-visiting this winery soon.
PJ.
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Muscat Mike
- Posts: 425
- Joined: Fri Aug 15, 2003 10:05 pm
- Location: Sydney - North West.