A good shiraz or cab sauv to drink now (up to $60-70)?

Jimmy · Post by **Jimmy** » Sat Nov 26, 2005 8:44 pm

It is my brother-in-law's birthday in a couple of months time and I want to buy a good bottle of shiraz or cab sauv to share with him when we go out for dinner to celebrate.

I am still very much a novice when it comes to regularly buying and drinking wine and normally limit my purchases to under $20 a bottle. However, I am prepared to spend up to $60-70 for a one-off occasion such as this. I managed to pick up a bottle of Saltram 1999 No 1 for his last birthday which we both enjoyed.

I would be grateful if anyone could give me some ideas, and include advice about whether or not the wines should be decanted.

Thanks,

Jimmy

Red Bigot · Post by **Red Bigot** » Sun Nov 27, 2005 11:05 am

Jimmy,
If you liked the 99 Saltram #1 then the current release 2002 will also hit the spot, even though it's still quite young. Around $50 single bottle price.

Are you looking to shop locally or order and have it shipped? If you are restricted to local buys then it may be better to post a list of what is available in this price range.

Chow Chow · Post by **Chow Chow** » Sun Nov 27, 2005 12:13 pm

my 2 fav. current release are Elderton Command 2001($70) & Maxwell Reserve Cabernet 2001($60+)

Wizz · Post by **Wizz** » Sun Nov 27, 2005 12:33 pm

Quite a few you could try in this price range, depending on where you are shopping. I'll confine this list to current vintages that I've tried recently:

Shiraz:
Saltram No 1
Rockford Basket Press (tried the 02, 03 is out now to members)
Dutschke Oscar Semmler
Kaesler Bogan
Clonakilla Shiraz Viognier might just sneak in under $70 in some places
Penfolds St Henri

Cabernet:
02 Yarra Yarra "the Yarra Yarra" (maybe over $70)
02 Yarra Yarra Cabernets $50ish?
02 Cape Mentelle
Havent tried it but I'm sure Howard Park would fit the bill, as would Cullen and Moss wood for just a litte bit more money.

Blends:
02 Majella Malleea

my 2c,

Andrew

Andrew Jordan · Post by **Andrew Jordan** » Sun Nov 27, 2005 2:08 pm

Jimmy,

Some recent releases we have had lately that are drinking very nice right now:

2004 Groom Shiraz (needs a good decant)
2001 Howard Park Cabernet
2002 Wirra Wirra RSW Shiraz (becoming hard to find)
2004 Kalleske Greenock Shiraz
2004 Glaetzer Godolphin Cabernet/Shiraz (also becoming hard to find)

Hope this helps.

platinum · Post by **platinum** » Sun Nov 27, 2005 11:47 pm

Wirra Wirra Chook Block 2002 Bottle 1273 of 250 dozen...Opened up with as little as half an hours breathing and already seemed quite integrated. Was a little worried with this wines smell of spring onion on the nose but on the palate totally the opposite with ample fruit sweetness. Luckily theres a lingering finish that takes away some of the after sweetness. Not a hint of hot spirit at all. All in all its a great wine, much better than a 2004 Clonakilla SV I had not long ago. I hope the tannins last as long as the fruit which sounds strange given It would normally be the other way around. A touch more mint would be nice. I have never had any Wirra Wirra other than Church block so I cannot compare to 98 Chook block,98/02 RSW etc.. Rated Oustanding {just}

platinum · Post by **platinum** » Sun Nov 27, 2005 11:48 pm

Oops in the wrong thread some how?

Von Ridler · Post by **Von Ridler** » Mon Nov 28, 2005 5:06 pm

I would go for the 02 Majella Mallela blend or the 04 Kalleske Greenock shiraz.

Regards,
Ron.